A battle of Mind and Flame

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    The Forest of Death - dark and dreary even on a bright, cloudless day. The trees, impossibly thick and tall, block out most of the sun's light, and hide beasts that grow to scales of which would seem out of nightmares than of reality. So it was that in this place, Kuroda Uchiha had come to hone his skills. His meetings with Arata Namikaze and Kozakura Senju, and his spar with Yōsuru Shin, had show the Uchiha Clan Head that he had been idle too long.

    Where his skills in war had kept him alive, these brief few years of peace had taken a toll. Were war to break out right now, could he lead the Uchiha and keep them alive, as his Grandfather had during that war? The fact that Kuroda was not sure was the issue.

    Kuroda leapt through the air, hurling a long spear through the treeline - and a loud, screeching hiss sang through the trees! Kuroda sticks to the side of a tree and waits - but the wait was short. A brown and green snake, its head half the size of a house, barrels through into the clearing beneath the tree Kuroda stood upon. Without his Sharingan, this would likely be a battle of life and death - but there was no other way to truly test himself than in such a manner.

    Kuroda pulls a pair of smoke bombs, and a paper bomb ball, from his hip pouch - and pounces! He throws the first smoke bomb at the snake's head from above, causing the creature to rear back in surprise. It coils and thrashes, smashing smaller trees with ease - but Kuroda manages to land on the nape of the snake's neck. It reacts instantly, turning its head and bearing its long fangs - perfectly aligning its left eye to look at Kuroda, who tosses the paper bomb ball at its eye! The ball explodes in a brilliant flash of flame, and the snake's eye is destroyed, causing the beast to screech and thrash even harder!

    Kuroda leaps from its neck, throwing the last smoke bomb to hide his trajectory, and he lands at the center of the clearing. The snake recovers quickly, spotting Kuroda, its tongue flicking madly, and it coils into a striking pose! Kuroda slaps his hands together, weaving hand signs quickly as the beast gathers itself for the attack - the snake lashes forth, gaping maw lined with fangs the length of a human arm - and suddenly stops! The snake shivers, seemingly frozen in place!

    "Got it..." Kuroda says, huffing from exertion. His Paralysis Jutsu was as effective as it had ever been, fortunately. Kuroda weaves new hand signs, and leans back, sucking in air as he does. He leans forth, blasting flames from his mouth that form into a large ball of fire! The fire ball hurtles through the air, entering the snake's mouth! The result was another blast, and the snake fell, dead before its head hit the ground.

    Kuroda wipes sweat from his brow, and heaves a heavy breath. This much snake meat would feed the Village for at least a week! ...He just needed to actually tell his fellows where he was now, is all.

---

Item: Shinobi Armor, Elite Shinobi Armor, Chakra Meteorite, Forehead Protector

HP: 440/440
CP: 17
Nin: 5
Tai: 1
Gen: 2
Tec: 2
Tgh: 2
Spd: 2
Sta: 2
WC: 534

Abilities: Sharingan (LOCKED), [Base] Fierce Fire

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16 Chakra Meteorite Forehead Protector Shinobi Armor

    What was usually a rather quiet place to go that no one else dared to tread lightly was suddenly a noisy distraction that caught Masshiro off guard. With a name such as the Forest of Death, it tended to strike fear in lesser men and woman, usually for good reason, but if you didn't go looking for trouble it tended to avoid you without good reason.

    It didn't take long to scale the closest tree and go searching for the origin, seeing someone he hadn't come in contact with fighting with a snake. If this was in the middle of a field maybe this might be funnier, but given where they were he was surprised there weren't more snakes, bigger even. It wasn't all that entertaining to be honest, maybe because he had seen more than a few large animals fight more than a few shinobi in this place, but it was the first time he had seen someone paralyze one in such a way.

    It was hard to tell what exactly he had done, but it certainly seemed like some sort of genjutsu, and given the fire that followed it just made him more curious. Thankfully all the loud fire sounds and the very crispy snake, he was able to use that moment to get a bit closer with his jump masked, unfortunately the tree wasn't quite willing to cooperate. As he landed the branch bent, shook, and more than a few leaves fell right onto Kuroda's head.

    Instead of sneaking around, running, or trying to hide he sighed and cleared his throat intentionally loud enough to be heard.

"Did you just use genjutsu on a snake?"

OWL

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    The instant Kuroda heard the sound of something hitting a branch, Kuroda was in motion. Hand slapping to the short sword at his hip, Kuroda whirls on the spot and kicks back, skidding several feet on his heels and shooting his gaze upwards. The falling leaves drew his attention straight to the offending branch, and up to a stranger who then intentionally let their presence be known.

    The person calls down to Kuroda with a question.

    "Not a Genjutsu, no. A Ninjutsu that attacks the nervous system in the body." Kuroda answers. "It is not wise to try and sneak up on an Uchiha, stranger."

    Kuroda settles into a combat ready stance - just in case this was a distraction.

    "Name yourself - and what business do you have with me?" Kuroda asks, keeping the person locked in his line of sight.

---

WC: 140

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

"Oh..."

    There was a clear disappointment in his voice as he was hoping to see someone else in the wild using genjutsu, as not a single soul he had run across in this country used it, let alone to the extent he did outside of his aunt. Then again he was fully prepared to crack jokes at the strangers expense for doing so, and maybe that in part fed into the disappointment as well.

    His eyes narrowed and his head tilted at the comment of sneaking up on an Uchiha, as if that name carried with it the weight of importance and fear. Perhaps to some it did, but every clan thought theirs stronger than others, and at least in this case he had heard the name so maybe that counted for something.

"Hey, I was enjoying the silence and you started a fist fight with an animal that doesn't have fists, loudly I might add. Was just curious what all the excitement was about."

    This one was jumpy, but he had good reason to be at least. He was just in a scuffle and then someone shows up out of no where above you, here of all place. He threw a pointed thumb behind him as if there was something behind him, leaning into a squatting position still in the tree.

"Like I said, heard what was going and came to see. I can't remember the last time I saw someone else here. As far as the name, let's just go with Kurama since you shared that you are an Uchiha so we are at least even."

    Standing up and stepping out as if there would be more ground there, he walked off the branch casually and fell down to the ground, bending his knees as he landed and immediately began dusting off his clothes.

"So, what's so special about you Uchiha that I shouldn't try and sneak up on? Are you particularly strong against sneaking, or should I be more aware of your clan than I am?"

    In a sudden burst he looked to clear the distance between the two of them but only moved maybe a foot before stopping, staring straight into Kuroda's eyes.

OWL

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    This was a cocky person, to say the least. Kuroda's eyes never left the Kurama's form once, relying on his intuition to warn him if he was going to be flanked. The person fell to the ground, and landed deftly - so they certainly aren't just some amateur, at least. Kuroda remained in a defensive posture when the Kurama began leaning forward - and instantly, Kuroda had begun to weave hand signs.

    "Big mistake!" Kuroda barks at Kurama, as they feint a forward dash. Whether they were being facetious or not, or had ill intent, Kuroda had no intentions of being idle and allowing them to lure him into a false sense of security - he knew who the Kurama were, if this was indeed one of them. Genjutsu masters, and a name that mattered - which meant he could not afford to test the waters and find out the hard way.

    Kuroda weaves the complicated hand signs fast, and his eyes widen.

    [[Fire Release: Paralysis!!]] the air around Kuroda suddenly waivers like heat coming off a large stone in the hot summer's day, expanding outwards in a dome at incredible speed! The wave rushes towards Kurama, threatening to wash over them, and catch them in its paralyzing grip!

---

Item: Shinobi Armor, Elite Shinobi Armor, Chakra Meteorite, Forehead Protector

HP: 440/440
CP: 7/17 -15 Jutsu used/ +5 Chakra regen
Nin: 5
Tai: 1
Gen: 2
Tec: 2
Tgh: 2
Spd: 2
Sta: 2
WC: 205

Abilities: Sharingan (LOCKED), [Base] Fierce Fire

Kuroda boosts his Jutsu with Chakra Meteorite! +5x to Jutsu power this turn!

Kuroda attacks Masshiro with:
Mahi no Jutsu [Paralysis Technique]
Rank: B
Type: Attack Ninjutsu [Fuinjutsu (Attack) - Instead of dealing damage, the jutsu’s power stays on its target. Whenever they use a jutsu, its power is reduced by what would have been the damage, no more than halving its power. The fuinjutsu decreases by the same amount, and fades when it reaches 0. While affected, targets cannot benefit from their Speed stat.
Affinity: Katon|Fire
Action: Long Action
Chakra Cost: 15
Power: 15x + 5x (Chakra Meteorite) = 20x Power
Effects: Slowing, Splitting
Description: Kuroda casts this jutsu after weaving five complicated signs, and locks his gaze upon the target. If successful, a numbing sensation washes over the intended target, making evasion (short actions) impossible for a short time!
[Requires Fuinjutsu (Attack) and costs 15 Chakra points.

Slowing - While affected, targets lose their posts’ short actions.

Splitting (Attack). The attack is divided into multiple smaller attacks. Choose up to five targets. Each target may only be targeted by one attack. Divide the damage by however many targets you choose, rounding down to a minimum of 1. Each target is attacked for that much damage..]

Mahi no Jutsu [Paralysis Technique] will deal 100 damage, though it will not deal damage to Masshiro's HP.

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

    It seemed his action had a consequence, though one he found more amusing than he had anticipated. Part of him expected a flinch, maybe this Uchiha to step back, even prepare to defend himself, but not immediately start casting ninjutsu. Problem was, he wasn't nearly as deft as he dropped implied, and he certainly wasn't as quick as his small fake out might have insinuated.

    It was by nothing but luck that the ninjutsu cast was what it was, even as unpleasant as it was. What he knew about the Uchiha was less than this man knew about his own clan, but he knew well enough how they liked fire and liked using their eyes to their advantage. If this had immediately been a fireball at this range there was unlikely any chance he'd be dodging it.

    What he felt however wasn't exactly pleasant, as the air grew thick, hot even, and it was as if there was a physical property to it. His entire body felt heavier, and his attempt to move back and re-access ended up with his legs flexing but it felt like he was stuck in mud. Not ideal would be an understatement, as the pleasantries were gone, but he wasn't going to stand here and wait for what was coming next.

"Big mistake, I believe is what you yelled at me?"

    For a brief moment Masshiro looked as if he was becoming fuzzy, but it it no more than that and he was clear again, however the thing Kuroda seemed worried about earlier seemingly came to pass, as there was a noise coming from his left side. It at least seemed as if there was another person there, not walking but running full speed at the Uchiha. Depending on how observant they were, they would have noticed it was another Uchiha, but not just any, it was Kuroda himself.

"Katon! Tyuoi Hinotama!"

    Waving five hand signs in quick succession, he leaned back as he slid to a stop. His chest had puffed up with the harsh intake of air, before he leaned forward and a stream of flame began to trail out aimed at the original Kuroda.

OWL

Also using Chakra Meteorite

Using Kurama ability:
Once per thread, increase the power of a Genjutsu that has the Collective Fear effect by +1x per intended target before dividing the damage among them.




Name: Genjutsu Bunshin [Illusionary Technique Clone]
Rank: B
XP: Starter 6xp [4xp on B rank, 1xp Collective Fear, 1xp Draining]
Type: Attack Genjutsu
Affinity: - Lightning
Action: Long
Chakra Cost: 15
Power/Damage: 15 x Genjutsu
Description: Each person affected by this genjutsu will have the experience of anyone else affected by this genjutsu attacking them. If only one person is affected then they will see a copy of themselves trying to attack them.
[This technique uses 15 Chakra Points. Collective Fear - Draining against Toughness. 15 x Genjutsu Power]

15+5 (Chakra Metorite) +1 (Kurama ability)
21 x Genjutsu = 189 damage
Cut in half by Kuroda's Jutsu is 94.5
Half with rounded is 95 damage leaving the paralysis with 5 dmg left

Half of the Genjutsu damage is done to Kuroda (Kurama ability) = 47.5, rounded up is 48 incoming HP damage


Due to draining, 4 toughness is removed temporarily from Kuroda(1 per 20 "damage" dealt, 95 genjutsu damage total, so 4) (until the Genjutsu ends after 3 turns), which drops it to 0 and lowers Kuroda's hp temporarily as well



The fire cast jutsu in the post is simply how Kuroda is perceiving the incoming damage that the genjutsu is doing, and not actually casting his own jutsu at him.16 Chakra total



15 used
+4 at end of turn

5 Chakra

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    Kuroda's jutsu washed over the Kurama as planned - but the enemy still seemed to waiver longer than his jutsu was visually active... Kuroda narrows his eye at the person as they bark back at Kuroda, and his intuition suddenly screams at him!

    Kuroda turns, and sees someone... no... himself sprinting from the tree line!

    "Tch... Genjutsu..." Kuroda grunts, turning back to the Kurama as the other Kuroda launches a fireball! "I won't fall for tri- GAHH!!"

    The fire ball connects, blasting Kuroda completely off guard! Kuroda hits the ground, stinging from the blast of flames and looking back at the other Kuroda with a bewildered expression. Immediately, Kuroda hurls a kunai at the imposter - only for the blade to fly straight through them!

    "Dammit...!" Kuroda grunts, hurrying back to his feet. If what he was feeling is real, then the rumors about the Kurama were painfully true; their Genjutsu was capable of actually harming their victims physically! Which meant one thing, "...I have to take down the Genjutsu wielder first..."

    Bearing that in mind, Kuroda turns back to the Kurama, weaving new hand signs. Just as the fake Kuroda had, Kuroda sucks in air, mixing his chakra with the air. Of course, if he was wrong, and he was targeting the fake image of his opponent... Well, retreat was always an option.

    [[Fire Release: Fireball!]] Kuroda's cheeks puff out and he leans forth, blasting a somewhat small fire ball towards the Kurama!

---

Item: Shinobi Armor, Elite Shinobi Armor, Chakra Meteorite, Forehead Protector

HP: 48/400
CP: 12/17 +5 Regen
Nin: 5
Tai: 1
Gen: 2
Tec: 2
Tgh: 2 - 0 currently due to Genjutsu affect (1/3)
Spd: 2
Sta: 2
WC: 242

Abilities: Sharingan (LOCKED), [Base] Fierce Fire

Fierce Flame used! One D-Rank Fire element Jutsu may be used for free!

Kuroda attacks Masshiro with:
Katon: Hinotama [Fire Release: Fireball]
Rank: D
Type: Attack Ninjutsu
Affinity: Katon|Fire
Action: Long Action
Chakra Cost: 5
Damage: 5x
Description: The user performs some quick hand-seals and kneads elemental chakra in his mouth, before spitting a short-range projectile of flame from their mouth. This small ball of flaming chakra is hot enough that it can cause first-degree burns to human skin if it touches it directly. After impacting it dissipates in a few seconds.
[This technique uses 5 Chakra Points. Inflicts 5x[Ninjutsu] fire damage.

Stubborn: This jutsu’s power cannot be reduced by the natural bleedthrough reduction of a defense.]

Katon: Hinotama [Fire Release: Fireball] will potentially deal 25 Damage, and bleedthrough cannot be reduced by Defensive Techs!

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

    Once more he was adjusting his coat, but not to put it back in place, but making it easier to remove. While his sudden opponent was fighting an imaginary version of himself he was calmly taking off his coat and walking over to the nearest tree and gently laying it down at the base. Making his way back to where he was standing he tried to stand just like he was previously, clearing his throat and getting back into the mindset to fight.

"Won't fall for what now?"

    Turning to the side he cupped his ear and leaned forward some, feigning an attempt to hear better as Kuroda screamed out from the fictitious flamed. Nodding at the loud annoyed "Dammit", he stood back up straight with a smirk.

"I hope you weren't about to insinuate my jutsu are simple tricks."

    The look he got was hard to tell if it was in response to his comment or a realization of what had just happened. Given the genjutsu he cast, it wouldn't take a genius to realize what it was, unless this guy had a twin he didn't know about that really enjoyed attacking him in the middle of forests.

"Ah shit..."

    It didn't take a genius to realize this was about to be painful either, and quite bluntly there was only so much he could do about it in the position he had put himself in. Good thing he dropped his coat, that thing was expensive after all. He wasn't going to run fast enough to avoid this, and he frankly had no defense against it, so all he could do was try and use his brains to some extent. Dropping onto his back as he saw the hand-signs he grabbed and armful of leaves and tossed them into the air as he started scooting back before rolling over and attempting to speed crawl away.

    He hoped that at the very least this might cause a small distraction, cover him up for just a moment so the target was off. As he felt the heat on his back as he was getting back to his feet all he could do was fall back down and go into the fetal position, covering up his head and face. What a ridiculous sight it no doubt was, but he liked his hair and his eyebrows far too much to take a blast of fire to the face to keep up appearances.

    Sitting there for a moment he let out a sigh and got up, dusting the dirt and leaves off his clothes with a grin.

"Fair, I deserved that."

    The genjutsu was still active and the clone was still very visible, moving in between Kuroda and Masshiro, blocking his view as Masshiro walked fairly slowly towards his opponent. As he got closer he sprinted and stood in between both Kuroda, staring straight into the Uchiha's face wide eyed before he seemingly disappeared entirely, replaced by a pair of unblinking red eyes glaring back at him and a jolt of pain the equivalent of the worst case of eye-strain imaginable.

    Slowly Masshiro backed away, regrouping and taking the chance to make sure he wasn't either badly burned or on fire for that matter.

OWL

Using Kurama's once per thread free D-Rank

Name: Kyōretsuna Shisen [Intense Gaze]
Rank: D
XP: Starter 3 xp [2 xp on D rank - 1 xp on Draining]
Type: Attack Genjutsu
Affinity: - Non-Elemental
Action: Long
Chakra Cost: 5
Power/Damage: 5 x Genutsu
Description: A pair of large red eyes seem to open directly in the line of the site of affected, causing the inflicted to stare back unblinking, as the eyes stay in their view regardless of where they try and look. The distance from the affected that the eyes appear isn't always the same, but close enough to be perfectly visible and distracting.
[This technique uses 5 Chakra Points. Draining, impacting Ninjutsu. 5 x Genjutsu Power]

5 x 9 genjutsu damage. 45, lowering Ninjutsu by 2 for 3 turns

Dmg by half, rounded equals 23 dmg incoming

Gaining 3 Chakra

Taking 25 dmg


8 Chakra
395/420 HP

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    Kuroda's fire ball hit home, and it seemed to have left the Genjutsu user sprawling to the ground. But given how strong this person's illusions were, Kuroda treats the act as just that - an act. The fake Kuroda moved wordlessly to position itself between Kuroda and the Kurama - but that was fine.

    "I'll just have to blast right through that fake..!" Kuroda muttered to himself, bringing his hands together. But before he can even begin to weave the next signs, the Kurama suddenly comes through the fake Kuroda! They lock eyes with Kuroda, a sudden crimson glow filling the Uchiha's vision - and a pang of pain in his head makes Kuroda stumble back away from the Kurama. "...NGH!!"

    Kuroda leaps back, now weaving the signs he had been intending to do - but whatever the Kurama did, it had left Kuroda reeling. He finishes the last hand sign, and takes a deep breath...

    [[Fire Release: Strong Fireball]] Kuroda releases his Jutsu in a powerful blast of air from his lips - and a much larger fire ball than the last came roiling forth, bathing the clearing it its light as it races towards the Kurama!

---

Item: Shinobi Armor, Elite Shinobi Armor, Chakra Meteorite, Forehead Protector

HP: 71/400
CP: 7 -10 Jutsu used/ +5 Regen
Nin: 5 - 3 Due to Genjutsu Effect (1/3)
Tai: 1
Gen: 2
Tec: 2
Tgh: 2 - 0 Due to Genjutsu Effect (2/3)
Spd: 2
Sta: 2
WC: 193

Abilities: Sharingan (LOCKED), [Base] Fierce Fire

Kuroda attacks Masshiro with:
Katon: Tsuyoi Hinotama [Fire Release: Strong Fireball]

Rank: C
Type: Attack Ninjutsu
Affinity: Katon|Fire
Action: Long Action
Chakra Cost: 10
Damage: 10x
Description: A strong signature technique of the Uchiha Clan. Kuroda weaves the five hand signs while taking a deep breath in. He then blows out a jet stream of flame that curls into a ball of flames. Kuroda's Fireball, well practiced, will pursue his target and burn against their defenses, and can cause severe burns to exposed skin.
[This technique uses 10 Chakra Points. Inflicts 10x[Ninjutsu] fire damage.
Stubborn: This jutsu’s power cannot be reduced by the natural bleedthrough reduction of a defense.

Merging: This attack is able to combine its strength with one other jutsu that also has Merging and become one technique, plus one more jutsu with Merging for every jutsu rank above D. When merging jutsu with multiple natures, the damage of these jutsu is resolved separately, though they are considered one total for the purpose of evasion. The merged jutsu inherits the effects of its sources..]

Katon: Tsuyoi Hinotama [Fire Release: Strong Fireball] will potentially deal 30 damage to Masshiro!

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

    This wasn't quite how he expected things to go when he had approached the Uchiha, but clearly the way he acted had posed a threat. It was his own fault for trying to act like he normally did in such a place with someone already on edge, but it wasn't going to cause him to suddenly start apologizing and back down. He didn't exactly want to hurt whoever this guy was, but they were in the thick of it so he wanted to see just how far this would go.

    Once more his genjutsu had taken hold as the first was starting to slip, having done what it needed to do all the same. Once again however the Uchiha was creating hand signs, causing his body to deflate. Taking off running to circle around to Kuroda's right side, he couldn't do much all the same as last time to defend himself, ending up turning away just as the fire reached him, lifting his arms again to protect his hair and face.

    The shirt he had worn under his coat was now completely burned off save for a few pieces that fell the moment he turned back. All that was left on his upper body was the armor his uncle was adamant about him wearing, covering most of his torso and his arms. Though the fire hadn't directly burned his skin, the heat was doing him no favors, causing him to already sweat from head to tow, feeling like he might be cooked in the middle of the fight if this kept happening.

    Before the first genjutsu completely faded, the copy of Kuroda charged at him, as Masshiro kept moving, stopping and planting his feet. Starting to create hand seals, they weren't quite as quick as Kuroda could do them, but they were also quite different. In moments the sky began to darken as thick storm clouds manifested above the trees, making the bit of light sneaking through seem to disappear. Clear sounds of thunder echoed, and near instantly a huge bolt of lightning broke completely through the trees and right down on top of Kuroda's head. Even as the lightning struck there seemed to be more hitting around them consistently.

OWL

Name: Raigeki [Lightning Strike]
Rank: D
XP: Starter 4xp [2xp on D rank +1 on Powerful, 1xp Seeping]
Type: Attack Genjutsu
Affinity: - Lightning
Action: Long
Chakra Cost: 6
Power/Damage: 6 x Genjutsu
Description: Dark clouds form over head near instantly regardless of what the weather actually is outside of the genjutsu. Bolts of lightning begin striking the target over and over again with no discernible pattern, until the genjutsu is dispelled or ends.
[This technique uses 6 Chakra Points. +1 Powerful, Impacting Ninjutsu + Seeping to Taijutsu. 6 x Genjutsu Power]

Extends the ninjutsu effect with the same amount as the previous genjutsu

54 Genjutsu damage

27 dmg headed for Kuroda


Taking 30 hp dmg
Using 6 Chakra
+4 for the turn

365/420 HP
6 Chakra

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    Kuroda's fire ball hit its mark - but the battle was still clearly far from being over. At this point, much of the grass had caught ablaze, and so too had some of the trees. Too many more attacks like that, and Kuroda may end up setting the  Forest of Death on fire - though the dank and wet undergrowth would likely snuff the flames out. But even as he moved, he could feel his strength beginning to return - that Genjutsu from before was beginning to wear off!

    The false Kuroda weaved their own hand signs as the Kurama moved to try and flank Kuroda - a storm above began to form, darkening the already dim light in the forest.

    "Is this still a Genjutsu?" Kuroda wonders aloud, glancing skywards only long enough to take note of the change. His eyes snap back to the two - now one, as the false Kuroda, having finished their work, hazes out of existence. Kuroda turns his attention to the Kurama - and is struck by one of the bolts of lightning!

    The attack caught Kuroda by surprise, knocking the Uchiha leader to the ground. Grunting, Kuroda scrambles back to his feet, and turns to the Kurama.

    "Your Genjutsu has some bite to it - but I'm not going to be taken down so easily!" Kuroda begins weaving signs once again in preparation for his stronger attack. Damn - if only he had awakened the Sharingan..!

---

Kuroda takes full damage from Raigeki! (27 Damage)

Item: Shinobi Armor, Elite Shinobi Armor, Chakra Meteorite, Forehead Protector

HP: 98/400
CP: 12 +5 Regen
Nin: 5 - 3 Due to Genjutsu Effect (2/6)
Tai: 1
Gen: 2
Tec: 2
Tgh: 2 - 0 Due to Genjutsu Effect (3/3) - Genjutsu Ends and Toughness returns on my next turn!
Spd: 2
Sta: 2
WC: 236

Abilities: Sharingan (LOCKED), [Base] Fierce Fire

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

    In such a short amount of time his shirt had been burned off, and now part of the forest was on fire. For such an advantageous setting given his skill set, he was still far out of his element, figuratively and literally. If he had intended for this fight to happen he could have stayed hidden and simply cast his Genjutsu without fear of being found. For all of his shortcomings in combat as far as hand-to-hand combat, the speed most other shinobi had, the weapon proficiency even, he was top tier in terms of stealth and sneak attacks.

    This head on fire ball fest was a pain in the ass. All that said he didn't want to be the reason the entire forest caught on fire, because frankly he actually enjoyed this place.The only saving grace was the humidity, but he couldn't do anything to control this fire, and he assumed someone using said fire couldn't either. He wasn't sure how his opponent felt about this whole thing, and clearly neither of them had thought this through.

"Woah woah, hey time out for a second."

    Seeing the hand signs quickly moving he already assumed more fire was coming and wanted to at least try and play this smart for a second.

"Look, calm down, alright."

    Putting his hands up over his head, the lightning bolts seemed to stop as the sky cleared, with the genjutsu fading away. Perhaps this could buy him some time to catch his breath if nothing else, get a moment to figure out why this guy was so jumpy, or even fighting that snake when he showed up. Best case scenario, no more burn marks on top of it all.

"I get it, I spooked you, but you attacked me first, so put down the hands and let's talk for a sec. Also the forest is on fire, which as much as that's a cool back drop for a fight, might warrant some attention. So, take a breath and I'll do the same."

OWL

Trying some talk no jutsu

+4 chakra
10 chakra

365/420 HP remaining

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    The sudden change in behavior on part of the Kurama took Kuroda by surprise, and he leers at the person mistrustfully. It was entirely possible that this was just a ploy to recover his stamina, or prepare for that powerful Genjutsu he had hit Kuroda with earlier. Not yet lowering his hands, Kuroda glanced around at the small fires as they gained small increases of strength whenever they found a dry patch, and then looks back at the Kurama.

    But it was equally possible that they were serious; as Kuroda could use the time just as easily to recover his own stamina, and launch his Paralysis Jutsu again.

    Well, at least he'd have that in his back pocket. Kuroda straightens his posture, eyes locked on the Kurama, and slowly lowers his hands - but the left hand reaches back, and rests on the pommel of Kuroda's short blade. The shinobi was rather audacious - lulling Kuroda first with idle conversation, and then feinting towards him. Kuroda felt justified in acting as he had in his own defense, whether the threat was real or not.

    "...That was not a smart thing to do; feinting at me." Kuroda replies after a few moments. "Older Uchiha would not stop until you were dead, or they were. The flames aside, I do have that restraint."

    Kuroda doesn't relax, but he settles out of his combat stance, glancing at the sky to see that the Genjutsu there had ended, likely by this person's choice.

    "Now, I ask again - what business do you have?" Kuroda asks guardedly. "I was hunting this creature when you arrived. Were you told I would be here?"

---

WC: 274

[Masshiro Kurama]

Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi Ninjutsu: 1 Taijutsu: 1 Genjutsu: 9 Technique: 1 Toughness:1 Speed: 1 Stamina: 1 HP: 420 Chakra: 16

    It didn't take much in the way of perception to see the clear look of distrust painted all over the Uchiha's face, but at least for the moment he had stopped moving his hands and hadn't thrown another fireball. Dropping his hands completely just as Kuroda did, he let out a sigh, taking a chance to check to see how burned his pants were, giving a bit of a groan at all of the burn marks and holes burned into them.

"Smart or not, it told me what I wanted to know all the same."

    It was likely most older shinobi in general would have attacked without the introduction, which he was well aware of, but that likely wouldn't have made him act much differently. He was what he was for better or worse, and usually for worse.

"Hey, if I really wanted to hurt you, you never would have known I was even there, which I'm sure you are fully aware of."

    Regardless of how his semi-opponent acted, he had dropped his shoulders, looking to be near completely relaxed now, aside from glancing at the fire now and then to make sure it wasn't moving back towards them.

"I have no business, at least not with you specifically. I come here often, mostly because no one else does. I heard whatever it was you were doing with that snake, came to check, and that's about it. This is where I come to avoid things. Things here don't bother me, and if they do they don't for long. No need for fire."

    Moving towards the Uchiha, he was making a point to do so slowly, and in about as much as he could manage to show he was unthreatening. Squinting as he stared at Kuroda, he just kept staring him in the eyes curiously.

"You are an Uchiha, but where's the uh..."

    Gesture at his own face, specifically towards his eyes, then pointing to Kuroda, then back to his own eyes, and at Kuroda again.

"Don't you guys have, I don't know what it's called, the eye thing you do? Never seen it in person."

OWL

[Kuroda Uchiha]

    Kuroda watches and listens warily as the other person adopts a more conversational tone.

    "The Forest of Death seems an odd choice to go to get away and relax." Kuroda replies at first, watching the Kurama. He frowns as the shinobi gestures between himself and Kuroda, trying to ask why something wasn't there...? Oh, yes... the Sharingan.

    "I have already expended a large amount of Chakra in order to take down that snake. Using the Sharingan now would only have depleted my Chakra faster." Kuroda lies - they didn't need to know that he hadn't actually achieved his Sharingan yet. If they knew that, it could invite them to attack, thinking Kuroda vulnerable. "Your Genjutsu is strong - but didn't warrant me expending that energy so soon."

    It was a bluff, really. But the other person had no way to know that about Kuroda.

    "And before you ask, no - I won't just show it to you." Kuroda adds in quickly, just in case. "I may need the energy later, and wasting it to fulfill the curiosity of someone I do not know is not particularly smart for me to do."

    Kuroda regards Masshiro.

    "You said you are Kurama." he says, a statement. He pauses. "I am Kuroda Uchiha, leader of the Uchiha Clan. I ask your name again."

---

WC: 216