Mebu Academy

[CelestialBlack]

Take this location the same as Mebu Manor. However in this thread we shall work on training and getting the characters there in ready for the main story and up to par. This is not just for anyone that as a writer needs to be brought up to speed but for anyone that the character itself just needs some development and fleshing out before being put in high risk scenarios. Posts here will continue as if they were being held from the Mebu Manor thread however with minimal direct acknowledgement from main story characters.


There was a lot to take in here. So much had been spoken of in so little time and the ramifications of what were to take place...well they could be dire. Or could they? Takewa stepped off the elevator shaking his head with an irritated look on his face as he contemplated this. He was worried for Chowa. Greatly, but he was not the boy's father...was he being a helicopter mentor? Was he perhaps doing him more harm by being so protective, maybe stunting his growth. There were other Sozo, all out and about there somewhere but he was mainly concerned with Chowa...was he being selfish? Or maybe because Chowa was so early on in his life he thought that he had the best chance at changing Chowa's ways then he did the others. Getting him to adopt a manner of thinking that would more so protect him...steer him from an entirely selfless life repayed only in the tears of those that truly cared about you and only in words and remarks by the countless selfish human lives you sacrificed yourself for. He could see all of their faces...he spent so much time among them in disguise - listening to them, there was some genuine remorse among them but there were also nearly as many that simply spoke as if they were in grief...just to fit in with the masses. Heiwa...he'd given his all for them and what did he get in return? Not even a bit of help in his time of need? Not even an attempt? Weakness, foolishness. He didnt want that for any of the rest of his kin and in honesty he thought most times that the Sozo were far too good for these selfish, self-destructive humans. He took deep breath, knowing that these thoughts were...not nice - to say the least as he cast his gaze around the front courtyard waiting for Chowa to catch up. He would observe the monks and other students that were training with them and giving him funny looks...they'd not seen him outside of the armor...they'd not seen Takewa, only The Jackal. He couldnt help but scoff and scratch the bridge of his nose...what the hell was he thinking?​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Following the lead of his sensei Chowa, the young Sozo who had been forcibly dragged to this place they call Naraka made his way across the courtyard. Like his mentor he himself was conflicted, his mind was awash with all manner of questions and concerns, but what else would be expected of 16 years old boy who had recently lost the only family he had known before being dragged from his home by a mysterious being who wants to use him as a snack. Now though the boy stood in an unknown land with the only familiar face being the man who saved his life and took him in, but what was to come was far from anything Chowa could imagine as his only real experience in training came from an attempt on his life. What was he to expect? What was this training going to involve? He had only managed to grasp the basics of Ninjutsu and Iryojutsu from his mentor and brother before being swept away.

"Hey sensei, I don't want to sound like a coward, but I'm a little scared by what may be ahead of me. As you know the last time I accepted training I almost died. if it wasn't for you I'd be dead. So before we arrive I wanted to ask if you had any advice for me?" asked the young orange-haired boy as he spoke, his voice much clearer and steady than when he first arrived though there was still a hint of worry and hesitation due to his past experiences. As they made their way through Chowa would look around as he waited for his reply, as he scanned the area he noticed the rather ordinary scene that took place in the courtyard each day. It was a beautiful and tranquil courtyard filled with many people including the monks whose insights he liked to sit and listen to and the young children who were either playing or training. It was a sight that made the young man happy, as he always liked to see the happy and healthy faces of others.

 

[CelestialBlack]

He had almost been lost in thought from the moment that he had steped out here, but soon he pulled himself from his subconcious as Chowa started to speak with him. As he looked over at him one may have suspected that there may be some form of impatience or otherwise chastisement. After all, Chowa did make this choice that he had already expressed how he was against him taking part in - so to display the fact that he was a bit afraid, some would think Takewa would be irritated. However what he would have displayed was quite the opposite. When he looked at Chowa he saw a young man that had made a decision that he would not only have to see through but would mold and make the future of who he decided to be for a long time....especially knowing their life span. And here he was at his infancy of all of it, facing down dire consequence and weight that would come with. He understood entirely that the young man would feel some fear, doubt, frustration. It was all natural. With a huff - he readied himself to do not what he wanted, what he would have liked but what he knew that he would have needed to do, while he listened to him. The thought made him flash back to that day, sickening as it was what had happened to him - he had to push it out of the back of his head. All those lives that he was made to end while under the influence of-. . . no, while replaced by that other version of himself that now...still resides in him to this day. Then he panned back out of his memory of the matter and thought about what it was that was witnessed there that day and the level of disgust at the sheer irresponsibility caused Takewa to say a'loud what he had been thinking in regard to the moment in which Chowa spoke:

"I can't believe that useless charlatan of a Hokage really called that, training. I'm honestly not sure what I am more surprised with from that day. What happened to me, what happened to Sayu, or the fact that I witnessed the accidental death of the Hokage at the hands of his own hap hazard technique. Don't think I've ever known any but one other kage to die by complete accident. Ugh...these humans I swear. Regardless. That was much different, and not at all a reflection of what it looks like to receive proper training with anyone. What we will do will be much more at pace for you and will have much less a chance at your own demise at the hands of some...irresponsible abuse of ability."

It was important to note here that Takewa had said, much less chance...not no chance. Little that was known about Takewa was the fact that he was actually very well versed in training other pupils. While he had studied and conditioned under his mastery with the seven virtues schools he had trained many of the acolytes there. But Takewa was a very rough teacher, willing to push someone as far as they needed to truly grasp their potential, he took as much care and obsession into it as he did any of his medical projects or otherwise...a perfectionist. However - that didnt mean that he was manic in the way that he went about this and knew that in order for Chowa to really get a handle on things he would need to see where he stood, so that he knew what pace, experience, and state he was working with through the process. Adjusting his tie a bit he cleared his throat and adjusted his suit, mainly his breast pocket making sure that his false glasses were safely tucked in a position in which they would not get broken if anything was to get rough at all. The man walked out onto the combat arena slab that was before them all and then turned to Chowa


"You are of Sozo blood and lineage. No matter what may happen, there is a greatness that lives in you. Only part of it is because of your Sozo blood - the other part is because you, are Chowa. There is potential in you that you have yet to grasp but you have the greatest here to help you achieve that and under some of the best, if not stressful conditions and mentors. Those you knew from our world before. That hokage. Your kin, Mowa, the rest of the village. They had made it far and with far less then what you have at your grasp now. So I know that you will make great work of what you have at your fingertips. Just remember, this first part is not only to gauge where you stand as it is now so we know what we need to work on. But its also to teach you the first and maybe most important lesson of them all. There is no trying, only achieving and failing. You fail? People die. Simple as that. All of those people you want to save, to help? Without power, without the ability to create change - you will be able to help nor save anyone...least of all yourself. Failure starts in hesitation. As long as you do not hesitate, you do not stop. You will achieve. With that being said Chowa - attack me as if you wanted to kill me. For all intents and purposes - actually try to. I will be fine. But remember, do not hesitate."​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Chowa had been following Takewa as they made their way to one of the training areas that resided within the grounds of Mebu Castle. He made sure to remain beside him as to not get left behind as this was going to be their first real training session as master and disciple, though before they arrived at their destination Chowa would first have to hear the reply of his master about the appalling excuse for a Hokage and the shameless excuse for what he had called training. The boy would listen carefully as the much older Sozo spoke while making his opinion of the pitiful excuse for a Hokage clear to all. As he spoke the words filled Chowa's ears and his fears and worries began to fade little by little as it became clear to the inexperienced boy that what he experienced wasn't training but a sham. It was great to hear that Takewa was planning to teach him properly even if that meant he'd be going through some rather dangerously intensive training. In the end, though Chowa was ready for it as no matter how he felt about it, this was a necessary requirement to gain the strength he'd need to survive what was to come in the near future.

"Thanks, sensei. I know it was kind of a silly question, but I'm glad to know you're going to train me properly unlike that Hokage. So I want you to know I'm ready for what's to come, even if I don't exactly know what's to come," said Chowa as they finally arrive at their destination. The destination in question was a large slab that was a combat arena and Takewa would make his way across so that he was standing opposite the boy. Now as he stood across from Takewa, the young Sozo would again hear the older Sozo speak as he made his intentions clear and specified exactly what he was expecting. All this coupled with the opening statement within which he made his opinion and desire for Chowa clear would swirl around in his head alongside the order to attack with the intention to take the older man's life. In most cases, Chowa would have refused such a command, but in this case, specifically, he knew somewhat of what his battle-hardened mentor was capable of and that meant that even if somehow Chowa managed to hit the man he'd be able to survive.

"Alright, Takewa sensei! I'm ready here I come," said Choiwa as the boy would take off towards the much more skilled fighter as quickly as he could. For the average person, he was clearly quite fast, but for a shinobi, he would have been considered rather slow. As he charged forward Chowa remembered what Takewa had just said. It was that he needed to not show any hesitation and attack him like he wanted to kill him. Knowing this and finally having a chance Chowa decided it was time to show Takewa the fruits of his personal training after having received Mowa's lesson in chakra control and Takewa's lesson in the many uses and applications of Igaku Chakra. The fruit he was speaking of was his new application of Igaku Chakra and his Taijutsu training which had culminated in the technique he called Five Phases Acupuncture; Arterial Embolism.

Once he was within range of Takewa close enough to strike him with a poke from his right index finger then the right hand of Chowa would burst out forward as his eyes would shift as he had activated his Naibugan all the while focusing Igaku Chakra into the tip of his finger planning to strike Takewa in the heart an action that would shut down the flow of blood to the heart and in turn cause his heart to cease beating.

 

[CelestialBlack]

At the moment Takewa was focused upon the young man that he had come to see as a pupil. To the untrained eye most would believe that his focused gaze was a sign of being overly stern - as if he was already in combat form and studying his body so seriously right from the jump. However this would be an inaccurate read of why his expression had become so rough. Takewa was the kind of man that was very particular about tradition, manners, and respect. The way that he looked at Chowa was one that showed he was paying him his absolute attention in every word and manner that he spoke it - the same as he would a business man come to the negotiation table. This was to show Chowa that he was to be taken as an equal - not only in form and function but their interactions socially as well - especially if he had a concern of any kind: "No worries. You are new to this - the only silly question is the one you fail to ask." and with that he would set his arms down at his side and ready himself. As Chowa announced that he was ready Takewa would nod in confirmation and widen his stance slightly. For a moment a jet of teal static pulsed through his body; one of his signature techniques - Bio-electric Synaptic Flow. This would allow Takewa to enter a state that his body would not only feel - but read his opponents synatic flow through the body during combat - giving him a predictive edge when it came to reaction. He did not need it in the moment, his pupil was much slower then him as it was - but hubris was the foundation of defeat and he would not model such a thing when intending to teach someone better, not to mention this would also be an education for Takewa himself - in understanding Chowa and what knowledge he may have to work with. The man knew many Sozo techniques and had made his own, however this - was something new to him. Enough time to read, acknowledge, and physical telegraph interest in his brow-line his body retreated as Chowa's advanced. Dipping further back and away from his hand he would roll his shoulder out of the way while dodging the hand and examining the fingers for analysis. With one quick movement Takewa seemed to float backwards - just a bit out of reach and then with one more quicker movement he would curve around and be in path to zip past Chowa only to stand about seven feet behind him had he not been otherwise impeded:

"I will tell you this as your kin that has wrestled against my hereditary propensity for good. You will always have to give your all. You do not wish to kill people I know. Perhaps you wont have to. But true power is not being able to instantly defeat your opponent with no casualties in tow. True power will be being able to defeat yourself. Fight with every intention to kill not out of spite - but as a weighed possibility that it may save countless others in exchange. You have to abandon any form of hesitation you may experience. But once you have mastered yourself - you will find that not only will you not kill your enemy, but you will have harnessed such ability that you never even will need to come close. Come at me again, this time not just with your hands. Flow with your entire body. Your feet, your stance - they will launch your core into battle. Your core will direct the density and energy from your feet and your arms will strike true with the fruit of your core. Your chakra - will give energy to all of those. It is important to learn to use chakra, but not expend chakra. Keep it flowing through your body but never leaving and you will achieve speeds and strengths that will set you on par with other shinobi." ​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

This was the first actual fight that the boy known as Chowa had ever participated in as all previous instances had been more or less him standing by while others fought. Now though this time he was alone against his greatest challenge yet, the man guiding him. As this battle unfolded Chowa was the first to take action as the boy darted forward towards the veteran shinobi ready to strike with his new technique, only to find that the man effortlessly stepped away and circled around him before he could come close to hitting the target. As the thrust of the index finger missed hitting nothing but air, the boy found himself a little let down as even though he was still new to the shinobi world he thought he could at least show something worthy of his mentor, but in the end only managed to stab the air with a finger.

Following the missed attack Chowa stumbled a bit before catching himself and remained standing, upon stabilising himself he would quickly shoot around fixing his bright emerald green gaze upon the older Sozo. As he turned to face Takewa he was ready to be chewed out for his sloppiness, but instead, he was not greeted with negativity but with guidance and positivity as the older clansmen spoke of how could take his desire and become someone who could achieve it even if his sensei would choose the path he'd prefer to ignore. Alongside the guidance was the first bit of advice to help grow and that was a lesson on chakra control and infusing it into one's body and maintaining it to enhance you instead of simply expending it.

"Ok, so I just need to focus on my chakra control. Alright, Chowa let's do this, focus on controlling the flow and circulation and not on expending or expelling it," said Chowa speaking to himself after having taken the advice to heart acknowledging the advice that his sensei had given to him. This was a new experience for Chowa as he hadn't had much time to learn and only knew the very basics of chakra control, but he was also a quick learner. As he focused he closed his eyes, something you wouldn't normally do in a fight, but it was clear Takewa was trying to guide him and not kill him like a failure of a Hokage. With his eyes closed the boy focused on the chakra within his body, feeling the way it flowed and moved naturally before taking the moment to try and take control of the flow as he focused on the flow trying to control the amount of chakra and where the flow was going he began to focus the flow of chakra through his body infusing it throughout his body making sure not to let and escape.

This was a process that would take a moment or two but once the young Sozo had finally grasped the concept and gotten a hang of the fundamentals of the task at hand his eyes would open again. His body while still physically the same felt both lighter and stronger. This feeling was great it was like nothing he had felt before, and now he believed he was ready and with renewed vigour, Chowa would make his move as he would take off towards Takewa his emerald eyes of his Naibugan fixated on the man before him. His body feeling much lighter seemed to move faster than the boy had been used to it was like the speed of his movement had doubled which for him was a great change but still compared to the man before him he was still slow. He would quickly close the distance but unlike the previous time Chowa wouldn't seem to prepare an attack at all he simply seemed to be charging straight ahead, but at the last moment the boys would rise as he would form the Tiger seal as he would to the naked eye disappear in a blur of highspeed movement and while others may be caught off guard he knew Takewa would be harder to fool, but even though he was still learning and he had to try whatever he could to prove his worth. Due to the previous advice, Chowa was able to facilitate the body flicker using the least amount of chakra needed, though it would seem as though he had become more experienced than he should have as if another force outside of Takewa had taken the time to assist his growth. To most, this would seem unusual but to takewa it would be quite obvious that the boy had unknowingly tapped into the primal force that governs the power of the Sozo the Living Source. This force had granted the boy basic knowledge on how to use a simple jutsu that ancestors of his had known and the best ways to maximise the potential of said techniques,m and with this Chowa had attempted to dart behind Takewa and strike him in the back with the Full-body Barrier Technique. A basic Taijutsu technique designed to both attack and defend by throwing your full body weight behind a slam into the target, the intention is to knock them of balance with the powerful shoving force to allow for the set up of greater techniques.

 

[CelestialBlack]

Chowa seemed much more resolute in what he had to do and the instructions that he was given in this instance. At this moment Takewa was breaking down everything that he needed to know about what he was working with when it came to Chowa - and in that he could also tell that he was doing the same in his own respect. He was well aware of Takewa's expertise in the matter, or at least firmly so to meet the level of context that has been ascertainable to him; and Takewa could tell that he was reading into everything that happened as well, not only acting but reading his reactions so he could adjust of his own accord instead of Takewa having to tell him. A sign of a good student and shinobi. The first attack Takewa had caught glimpse of the way that he had stumbled forward - his momentum throwing him off balance he was leading with his attack from the upper body, his foundation not supporting and supplying the energy to his core. The way that his eye darted to what could be an exploitable opening in combat he knew that Chowa observed as well. He'd wait to see if he would make the same mistake again before correcting him and indeed, he was not disappointed. Observing the way that the chakra flow through the boy he could tell that this was a much better improvement, the clan pride in him wanted to chalk this up to their Sozo heritage, excellence exemplifying excellence - but it was much more cut and dry then that. Sozo - yes, but this was the talent of a keen study and natural talent, he couldnt help but to nod his head to himself in appreciation with an inaudible "Good" mouthed from his lips.
As he watched along he kept himself at the ready - following every motion that would lead up to the attack that would come of it all the way until the moment that Chowa lunged forward. He mirrored reflexively - the advance of the boy projecting f0rward the retreat of Takewa as he seemed to simply glide back along the floor by the way he let his legs launch himself backwards. He watched the boy's body-language, evident that the same attack from before was not about to repeat itself again - his brow raised when he saw the handseal formed. A body flicker - and a well executed one at that. Takewa admired the form and cast as Chowa disappeared from view of normal bystanders. Takewa however had not only kept his cool and maintained enough detail to deduce where he was coming from - but as well a rear approach was something he was used to when dealing with combat displacement. However the value in foundation showed in his eyes, quickly scanning in an arch in front of him and dart upwards he confirmed that there was no attack via flanking or an aerial assault in his frontal hemisphere. Turning with a quick pivot of his hips to bring his upper body around quickly - so that he could visually confirm what his body needed to react to he crossed his left arm over his chest with the back of his hand turned inwards towards himself, palm open towards Chowa's incoming back. Meanwhile his stance widened to give structure to his foundation and his right hand barred lower - towards the hip. This was to cease any more incoming momentum from Chowa as Takewa initiated a form of chudan block. This would stop his pupil from applying anymore force - while also protecting his body from what force was already in play. As Chowa's impact came forward it would strike Takewa's palm and cause the two of them to slide back. This was mainly due to the fact that once Takewa had blocked and the impact transferred he would grab Chowa's clothes and hold them as he moved.

"This is good. Excellent improvement to your chakra control, and you may have something with that body flicker. Be wary with this form of Taijutsu. When looking to subdue or incapacitate it works well. Especially if you know your opponent is unarmed. But what you are preparing for is no chunin exam. Its full scale war - lethal combat. If you give someone your back for a moment, you're displaying a wall by which any weapon or jutsu at your enemy's disposal can puncture and cause serious wounds. Always be thinking on your feet."

The moment that Takewa said this he would grasp the boy by the clothes he would have secured during the block (back of shirt, waistband/pocket area of pants). Arching his body in a spiral he would twist, pulling his lower body by the pants and snatching his upper body by the shirt to follow that momentum. This was a kind of Aiki-Jiujitsu counter throw that focused on using the opponents limbs or clothes to snatch and pull their momentum and roll them into a throw. Had Chowa been taken off guard by this then he would find himself flipped upside down and flipping through the air. Usually a user of the technique would use this to flip the opponent up off their feet and brutally slam them back down into the ground, at most times on their head or neck - but Takewa merely would toss the boy into the air. He was looking to see if he could overcome the sensation of panic in combat - would his reflexes come to his aid or the cerebral realization of his position invoke a panic response? Either way Takewa was timing the reaction - looking for infirmities that he would need to improve; he had a feeling that Chowa was of a natural talent and if not? A grand potential. So he needed to poke and prod a bit to see where it was and how much he would need to work to bring it out of him. ​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Following the instructions of his sensei on how to better control his chakra the young boy Chowa Sozo made his move and in this moment the boy had attempted to strike the veteran shinobi Takewa with all his strength with a powerful full-body barrier. Well for him it was powerful but to the likes of Takewa, it wasn't really a problem to deal with in the slightest as he quickly and swiftly blocked the boy even taking the time to teach him a lesson and give him more instruction all the while preparing and then executing a beautiful counter throw. The throw was so perfect and precise that Chowa quickly found himself hurtling through the air before he had finished completely comprehending the words of his mentor.

The counter throw had caught the boy off guard and in most cases prior to his meeting and tutelage under Takewa would have caused the boy to freak out and freeze up entirely as he had when Ketsugo had attacked him, but that was then and this was now. The Chowa of back then wasn't the Chowa who stood before Takewa, well, in this case, was hurtling away from Takewa. In this instant as his body flew across the room, he found himself not freaking out, but instead remembering the words of Takewa both just now and before. What stuck with him inside in mind the strongest was the words they spoke about his choice to stay here and fight and with this came the resolve to stay calm and work out a plan to save himself. With his mind focused it would become quickly apparent that the ground was approaching fast and he had to come up with a plan to save himself. As he fell his body was rotating which gave him an idea that if he could shift his weight as he flipped threw the air he might be able to alter his angle of descent and land on his feet.

With this plan in mind, Chowa did just that with some difficulty the boy shifted his body in the air allowing for a rough landing on his feet which he only just managed to stay standing from. "That was close. I almost crashed head first," said Chowa as he stood up turning to face Takewa waiting for the man's next set of instructions.

 

[CelestialBlack]

Takewa was watching his young pupil hurtle through the air and noticed as he did such that he was not panicking and as well, he was starting to adjust himself - the trajectory and pattern of his fall altering manually, he muttered under his breath: "Good reflex" before he was already moving in. Like a vollyball player trying to catch a stray spike - he pursued, and by the moment that Chowa started to land he was upon him, left hand up and the right hand hurled in an uppercut turned not to a position on the boy's body exposed currently but in motion to intercept a part of the body soon to be exposed - his chin. As he would land and begin to turn to face Takewa the punch would have been in motion - ready to meet him the moment that he did such. However in doing so Takewa would stop - pulling his punch just short of the boy's chin so that when he finally turned and was able to see him he would notice the force from the punch projecting a gust towards his face that would send his hair in motion. Takewa would stand there looking upon him as he noted (unless otherwise adverted prior to this occurence): "You've good reflex. What you just did was key. Do not panic. Just like I told you before with making decisions on someones life, and the severity of combat. Efficiency in war doesnt come from a desire to do good. You cant think through the fight with the intention to save your opponent. You have to be able to turn that desire on and off at the drop of a dime. Much the same - you have to handle your emotions in similar manner. Never lose control, never panic. You must almost become a sociopath in how cold and steely your nerves are during a fight. Being able to do that, being able to pocket your desire to save lives and fight to the death - till that last moment to save them finally arises? Those make the difference in life or death." His eyes narrowed a bit, but not so much at Chowa but very evidently at something processing through his thoughts. When he soke further there was very obviously a semblance of personal experience in relation to what he was saying: "I know that having to do such may put a bad taste in your mouth on the matter. But if you face your fights with your heart in your palm, your enemy will use it to their advantage. You must be infallible until you have secured the absolute advantage in the scenario. We will train your medical ability as well so that no matter how dire the fight gets - you will always be able to pull your opponent or anyone for that matter, back from the brink. Now - " He withdrew his fist back at his side and brought his left hand down before his chest. It was between him and Chowa with his hand flat and fingers pointing upwards. His stance implied that he was in position to beckon Kake-kumite - a martial artist tradition that called both the opponents back to neutral stance before engaging in combat again, almost like a quick draw between cowboys. He would await Chowa's reaction, whether he knew about this tradition or had not and he would need react quickly before informing and teaching him​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Upon his feet meeting the ground beneath him Chowa would speak about how he had almost crashed head first into the ground, but as he was in the middle of this self reflection on what he had managed to do by remaining calm and not overthinking the situation he unfortunately left himself wide open to the actions of Takewa who had used the throw to capitalize on the momentary lapse of focus on Chowa's part. As this all unfolded Chowa would quickly turn around to face Takewa only to be met with a scene that shook him, because as he turned to face his mentor he was met with a powerful gust that sent his hair flying back as he noticed Takewa's fist which had been halted mere centimeters from the boys chin. This scene was quite shocking for the boy, but thanks to the training from Takewa and his own personal growth Chowa didn't collapse even though the sight made it obvious that if Takewa had not pulled the punch Chowa's life may have ended then and there.

Following​

this though Chowa still reeling a little from the shock was speechless as the words of Takewa began to flow into his ears as his wise mentor spoke about how he did and what he needed to do to survive. As Chowa listened to Takewa speak his mind became clearer and his eyes were opened to a truth he had never thought of. The reason why Takewa could fight with such brutality and ferocity was because he knew that with his skills he could fight to the death without needing to worry about killing due to the mastery he had over Iryojutsu. This was exactly what a boy like Chowa would desired to save other and heal those in need was in search of even if it didn't feel exactly right to him, but he knew this way he could do what he needed to while also keeping steadfast in his beliefs.

Not long after he came to his sense after the incident and his own thoughts calmed down as he watched Takewa take a new stance this time one he was familiar with due to his love of martial arts, because while Chowa hadn't studied Ninjutsu until recently he had always had a passion for the martial arts. Following his mentors instructions he would follow suit and take the same stance to mirror Takewa say not a word only smiling and nodding to acknowledge he understood his mentors words and was read to learn more.

 

[CelestialBlack]

Recognition.

It was there in the way that Chowa's expression remained in control. Not in shock at the punch that had followed his descent but well at attention, learning, absorbing. It was when Chowa responded in kind to the kumite that Takewa internally a'lit. *He knows of this.* he thought to himself. Understanding that Chowa was indeed just a fledgling shinobi. And that would pose disadvantages learning in such a harsh environment like Naraka. However. Chowa was not as much of a stranger to martial arts as he was to the ways of the shinobi; and with that being the case - perhaps the best way to arm him in what was to come, was to address and train his yield as a martial artist, not a shinobi - and let his aptitude in that follow and carry him into development as a shinobi. The Seven Dignitaries spoke often of acupuncture specialists, monks who knew the human body in terms of both medical applications as well as martial aptitude that could heal just as miraculously as they could kill. Yes, this in the hands of a Sozo - this would aid him greatly. Coming out of the stance Takewa would focus not on the strike itself but on making sure that his strike gave as little telegraph as possible. Lurching forward with a Taan Sau he would let his jesting hand push to open up Chowa's guard. If allowed to do so he would strike with his opposite hand with his elbow low and the punch aimed coming upwards under the chin. He was not striking in his fullness - so his speed was not fully applied to the punch, instead - he was focusing on form and creating an attack that Chowa could not only clearly keep up to and structure his counter against, but that he could learn from. A form in such perfection in both its formulation and application for him to example after and adapt. Had he countered to this then Takewa would simply Taan Sau to his next attack and follow with a fan of punches - slowly increasing speed ore and more as Chowa would keep with him. He was not looking to defeat him, but to condition him. Each punch growing in power and speed- letting the boy slowly adapt and keep up before he would begin throwing in sweeping kicks to keep him from going flat footed in his stance before after long - they would be locked in a close, tight, whirlwind of exchanged blows - slowly letting Chowa acclimate and adapt new speed and reflex as his new norm while his body absorbed the subconscious info it was being fed through physical combat. His words - would urge him through in case he would start to feel overwhelmed, or the fatigue of the flesh burdening his mind:

"Breath. Do not let the strain of the body inhibit you. Oxygenate the blood - focus on the living source. Your body is but flesh, a vessel for it. Fatigue is an illusion. Breath. Flow."​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Following his recent fall after being thrown across the room by Takewa and him standing his ground when presented with the threat of instant death if the pulled strike of Takewa's had landed. Chowa was now face to face with his mentor ready to engage in a contest of martial arts which in reality would be be a heavily one sided beat down if it wasn't for Takewa holding back so as to help train the boy instead of killing him. Now as the two stood before each other ready to strike it would be Takewa who would make the first move, by pushing in towards Chowa using his hand to push aside the boys guard he would seem to launch a rising strike with his fist aimed up under the boys chin. The strike wasn't to fast for Chowa to see, but it also lacked any unnecessary movements that would make it easy to telegraph. Seeing this strike Chowa would move his free hand out towards the incoming strike to parry and deflect it off course and across Takewa's other arm in an attempt to lock it down.

Following the deflection of the strike Chowa would have prepared to strike back in defense but that would not come to pass as Takewa would follow up himself with a quick and brilliant Taan Sau that would be followed by a flurry of punches. As the flurry started Chowa would easily counter and deflect them at first but as the speed and power increased in small increments it soon became harder or so it should have, but for some reason no matter how many strikes Chowa blocked the impact that should have sent some shock or jolt through his arms wasn't there. He felt no forces of power behind them and on Takewa's end he would soon begin to feel small stinging jolts of pain up his arms that would unmistakably be equivalent to the force and power exerted through his own strikes. Unbeknownst to Chowa he was instinctively utilizing the Reflection Technique he had picked up from a former martial arts instructor that on the surface was a normal technique for defending against ordinary strikes, but with the addition of chakra it becomes a move that reflects all power, force and chakra in a strike back upon the user. This defense of his wouldn't hold up for long though as Takewa would throw in some sweeping kicks and would cause him to think on his feet and keep moving which cause the effectiveness of his Reflection Technique seemed to decrease by half as the hits began to hurt somewhat.

As this continued to play out their exchange simply evolved further into a whirlwind of blows and as time went on thew boy would feel his body growing weaker and beginning to tire, but upon hearing the words of Takewa something sparked in him as he began to experience a sensation that he had felt before as it seemed the necessary knowledge on how to reinvigorate oneself would swirl within his mind allowing Chowa to begin to shrug off some of the fatigue, but do to his inexperience it would only be a stop gate measure to slow his tiring. With his growth in the future he would grow to be capable of using this skill to a much greater degree.

 

[CelestialBlack]

In order for the building of muscle. The building of the mind, and of the body.
You must develop calluses on both.
To build sometimes things need be destroyed. So that they can return better than before.
Take yourself to the brink.



The moment that the exchange begun, it did not take long for Takewa to notice something about the dynamic of what was transpiring. His brow jolted up, though sudden and mixed in with the rapid continuation of his current onslaught he did catch something - but simply would not allow himself to be deterred. How did he make him feel pain, but he saw no attack come out? He focused, keeping his assault pristine and on point - it was a trivial pain to him, he'd already been through much and he had already trained his body to maintain a near (if you could use such a term with his clan) involuntary health maintenance on itself. However this was an anomaly, and as such it should be noted, cataloged, and studied. It seemed to only happen when he landed contact - and Takewa was anything if not frail, they didnt nickname him ' Zombie Takewa ' for no reason. Some sort of technique, causing him to exert pain onto himself when it should be upon his opponent. That was interesting, though he did not understand it in fullness - it was a concept that he was keen to play with, and as Chowa started to fall into the reflexive flow of combat and keep up he too started to pick up the pace; unconcerned as to the level of pain that he may experience from this technique.
"Yes - this is good. And that technique of yours - crafty. But imagine if you used it, on top of a physical prowess that gave you no real reason to. Imagine if the threshold of your own pain exceeded by far that of any your opponent could handle. But first, to achieve that. You will have to not must embrace pain. You will have to master it, learn it, become intimately known of it. And that is only going to happen if you allow yourself to feel it raw. Sheer determination. Pain is simply your body indicating to you that a change is happening, you must push yourself closer and closer to that change."
As he said this his taijutsu technique started to change, and began to involve not only stronger strikes, but rapid - invasive footwork that would place his feet within the stance of Chowa, threatening to trip him up if he retreat as well as put him in maximum range of his strikes, while also adding the shifting his his strikes from close fist to open hand palm strikes to the mid section and sides of the head. This was to focus on the infliction of pain through raw impact - but minimize the possible damage through lack of bludgeoning force. Soon, a technique of Takewa's started to slowly transpire as well, finding that his blows would come in much faster, foot movement staying in par if not directly shadowing Chowa's to almost perfect degree and an alexandrite lightning sparking around his being here and there. This was known as Takewa's "Hyper-Synaptic Flow." a technique that used the combination of the artificial lightning technique and cerebral augmentation therapy exacted by Takewa. This allowed his body to almost reflexively keep awareness and track of an opponents physical movements the closer that they are to him, and increase his reaction speed to match. The result would be the extreme increase of the tempo of combat - pushing Chowa's skill of perception, reflexes, endurance, and perseverance in the nature of "bend or break" ideology. Though Takewa had a few things that he could easily rely on in this. The first of which, was he had a firm idea that Chowa could handle it. Whether that be in the form of taking the (potentially) resulting beating in stride and getting right back up, or keeping up wonderfully with the change, and the other being that he knew he would not cause Chowa significant bodily harm. He had enough memory and history of causing harm to others beyond his control then he could ever count - and as a result, being fully and firmly in control of himself and situations as a whole - was something he was quite confident in. ​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

As the exchange between mentor and student heated up Chowa began to fall into a flow reflexively defending against Takewa's assault, but this positive situation would not remain so positive for much longer as it would all to soon fall apart as the secret behind this unique and crafty technique of Chowa's was about to be exposed. Even with the impending fall of his technique Chowa couldn't help but begin to feel a sense of accomplishment as even though Takewa was clearly holding back, the young Sozo was still able to manage to deal with the current assault well enough. As with this sense of accomplishment also came a sense of dread as Takewa's movements began to change as he stopped just striking at Chowa and was now moving and adding footwork to the attacks which would cause the younger Sozo to move as well.

With this sudden change it would quickly become apparent that the damage Takewa was taking would seemingly be cut in half, while the look on Chowa's face would shift from a calm and focused visage to a pained one as the strike that were seemingly ineffective before where no having an effect even if Chowa still managing to block and deflect them as he had just moments before. Without his feet planted before accepting the strike Chowa is unable to reflect all the damage and instead is only capable of deflecting half causing both he and his attacker to feel half the damage inflicted each. For Takewa this would be nothing as the reflection of his own onslaught had already proven to be of no concern for him, but the same couldn't be said for Chowa as the pain caused him to lose focus as strikes would manage to breach his defense as palm strikes began rattled his skull and bruise his body.

"Thanks Sensei but I was hoping that it'd at least have some effect on you," said Chowa through slightly pained breaths as he worked to defend the ever quickening onslaught of stirkes.

As the fight continued the worsening situation did seem to be getting any better as tempo increased thanks to the activation of one of Takewa's jutsu which made it even harder for Chowa to keep up as now he knew defense wasn't going to work as there was no way Takewa would let his stand there and reflect his attacks. Do to this Chowa would find himself receiving a beating from Takewa, one of which that was far from something he couldn't handle but would still challenge him as Chowa would shift his own fighting style beginning to try and throw in his own punches and kicks aimed at the head and body of Takewa. Right now he was the prey and Takewa was the predator.

 

[CelestialBlack]

-The onslaught was blistering, burning through Chowa's defenses and implemented attacks in between the short gaps that he could manage. The boy's words were hopeful. They were idealistic. They were optimistic.
They were euthanasia.
Usually were this on the outside in the world of the waking, the normal world as he knew it - he would have no problem with that. Hell, he wouldnt even be going this unrelenting with the boy and would dull down the pace. But this place, and what was transpiring within it were unlike anything that he had seen or possibly would see for quite some time, even the wars waged in that world werent withstanding from even a common clash of clans here in this place. Takewa's hand grabbed the boy's collar and held him firm - blows in process of traveling be damned, they'd strike their mark upon Takewa with little reaction or response otherwise as the man looked at Chowa with blazing concern in his eyes; flames fanned into wildfire by the seriousness and protective nature that he held: "A man whom step into war - wishing not to die. Will surely perish. You fight well, especially considering your tenure among shinobi. With grace, technique, and structure. However, the most important thing I can teach you in this moment. Is that combat does not always happen like that. Especially in this place. Sometimes structure and grace - are foregone to favor deep unhinged savagery. In moments that your technique and strategy fail you. And you find yourself against a wall, where it is only a matter of time before you fall to an assault. You need to reach deep, find that savagery within yourself. And unleash it - damage to your body be damned, you'll deal with that later. But sometimes - you'll need to take a hit to deliver an even harder hit. Especially if its to cut your opponents advance short and buy you time to find your footing for a different strategy. In the exchange between us just now, I learned, adapted to, and broke down your technique. It has structure, thought, strategy - something that can be understood and thus comprehended. Rage however. Pure animalistic reckless abandon? That can not be understood. At least not until it is felt in the soul in truth.
A man whom step into war - wishing to land a blow or not feel one's own, will surely be overtaken by a rain of blows and land none. "

-Foot steps began to approach from not too far away-
"Guess you weren't joking, they dont call you The Zombie for nothin. Sorry to interrupt but can I pick your brain for a second. Your a medicine type of guy and thats what I need right now."
Takewa turned around - facing the voice only to see no other than Kiyoshi Uzumaki approaching him from the side of the courtyard arena. He had a cigarette in his mouth and was about his usual easy going energy and composure...emphasis on usual - seeing as Takewa had identified before that something seemed off about him back when the team of young shinobi were last here...and the fact that Izanagi had asked him about that as well....well honestly there was always something clandestine going on between this group but that in particular seemed to have a more so odious air about it. "Sure. One second. Chowa give me one moment. Im sure this will be just a short question or two. But for the time being reflect on what I told you and think inwards - try to imagine a time where you have felt something like that and try to draw upon it. Repurpose it."And with that he stepped over to Kiyoshi and the two turned around - beginning to speak lower in a more discrete to one another. Takewa's back was turned but only half way - making sure that he kept a periphery on his student and kin - to which he couldnt help but be protective over as he would any other of his blood.

​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

As the blistering onslaught continued tearing through any and all form of defense the boy had, Chowa had no choice but to just go with it and continue to throw his own onslaught. His hits still didn't pack as much of a punch as Takewa's but against a shinobi of his own caliber they'd have done some decent damage. It the end though any form of comeback the the young Sozo thought he could muster would all be for naught as any optimism would be cut short as mid swing of huge right haymaker aimed square on the jaw of Takewa would land to no effect in the slightest as a powerful hand reached out and locked onto his collar and held him in place. It was clear to Chowa following the punch that it was over and he had lost it was clear that Takewa while holding back was still going harder than he would if the situation he was in wasn't so serious.

This was all further drilled into him when he heard the word come from Takewa's mouth, it was a deep and meaningful speech that hit home for Chowa and just like the rest of the advice he had received in this time training under Takewa it was only beneficial to his progress. As Takewa spoke the word swirled around and made their way deep into the reassesses of the young boys mind and permiated as he began to think upon what he had just heard. The words of Takewa hit home harder especially when he thought about the time he met Takewa and the anger he felt as the Hokage who was supposed to protect him and offered to help nurture him unintentionally tried to end his life. This began to spark something inside him, but before he let it get to wild he knew he had to reply to his sensei.

"Thanks again Takewa sensei. Oh and no need to rush I have a trick I wanna try myself and I think it will be perfect for trying to do what you said," said Chowa with a happy grin his bruised up face slowly healing due to his natural healing ability. Having just responded to Takewa and left him to speak with this unknown individual, Chowa saw it as the perfect opportunity to try out a technique he found in an old book in on of the castles libraries. The technique in question was a rather simple one but required a lot of chakra and great patience to achieve. To preform the technique Chowa would first take a few steps away before turning away from his sensei and his guest. Once he was facing the other way the young Sozo would carefully drop himself down into a seated cross legged position placing his hand into a Dhyani Mudra pose. Upon taking the position Chowa would close his eyes and focus on calming his breathing before utilizing the trick Takewa had emphasized earlier which involved the sensation of flowing ones own chakra throughout their entire body. Once he had his flow steady and precise Chowa would follow the techniques instructions and focus on forming a mental plane within his mind, a action that took him a moment but in the end he managed to form a black space in his mental plane where only his seated body remained. With the plane formed the next step called for the user in this case Chowa to imagine his spirit being separate from his body and upon doing so his body both within his mental plane and in reality would begin to glow a pale green as within his mental plane a astral figure of Chowa would step forth separate from his body but under his control.

For Chowa this was an unprecedented moment as he turned his astral form to face his real body that sat there motionless. Follow this realisation that this was happening and the technique was actually working Chowa's excitement and shock quickly faded as he realised this was happening so that must mean that the actually reason the technique was created for must be real and like clockwork Chowa would turn away from his body while thinking back to small number of individuals he had faced in his life and there they stood. There was his own older brother Mowa Sozo, his mentor Takewa Sozo, the Hokage fopr the Leaf Village at the time Ketsugo Uzumaki and a few others. It was a serial experience and after taking a moment to think about it Chowa dismissed the ghosts of the the great shinobi and focused on the random martial artist and bandits he had unfortunately run into in his life as while he never pursued the path of a shinobi he was fare from weak by the standards of non-shinobi.

"Alright lets try this out first with the guys I know can beat," said Chowa as he took his stance and charged towards the ghosts strike with calm, precise and methodical strikes reminiscent of Takewa as Chowa attempted to replicate the moves he had experienced. While not mentioned in the book itself the technique had a secret function that only worked due to the nature in which it replicates those he's faced and that it to allow him to replicate the moves of others he's face ingraining them within himself allowing for Chowa to master them with enough time as if the ghost of his past opponents were training him.

With his current level of skill he easily sent the weaker opponents flying as if it was nothing, but that truly meant nothing as he knew he was already far past them and right now the only way to improve was to face those of greater skill, and with that fought came an armored figure on who was much fiercer and more violent then the man he had been training with. This was the true unwavering form of the Zombie, Takewa Sozo armored in his green suit adorned with his oni mask. "Now it's time to see how i stack up to a sensei when he isn't holding back," said Chowa as he initiated the fight but, before he could even move he found himself being sent flying with a powerful strike. Due to this all being in his mind while he did feel the pain he in fact suffer no damage allowing him to feel and understand the depth and lethality of his former opponents without the debilitating aftermath. With this new understanding of his mentors true strength Chowa did as his mentor urged and he thought back to the moments where he'd let his emotions run wild like when his adopted father died in his arms from cancer and when he almost lost his life to a man who said he'd help him. With this newfound strength the boy would charge forward not holding back as he could feel that his body was in perfect condition and unless his true bodies chakra reserves ran empty he could keep going forever.