Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Jul 30, 2023 10:10:36 GMT 10
HP: 387 | Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata takes 23 points of damage
Ninjutsu is decreased to 0 for the next post Taijutsu is decreased to 2 for the next 2 posts Resting to regain chakra. Arata smirked a bit, finally seeing a sign of emotion out of Masshiro. The Kurama shinobi seemed more than a little miffed that his previous jutsu had affected him so little. Good, he thought. Having an opponent on their back foot was a good place to be.
It was also a dangerous place to be.
Arata had assumed that Masshiro was running out of steam. After all, the man had seemingly summoned an entire thunderstorm, and his jutsu felt like nails driving into Arata’s skull. The headache the Namikaze was going to have after their fight was no laughing matter. Those sorts of large-scale techniques tended to burn through chakra at an alarming rate.
Masshiro, though, showed no signs of slowing down. Slamming his bracers together, Arata’s opponent summoned up yet another piercing sound. Arata could swear that it was his own voice—screaming louder than he ever had. He could feel the pain in his throat, and it dug deep into his ears.
With a sharp hiss, he flinched back. He was sure of it now—Masshiro was only using genjutsu, but somehow the pain was real. His body was reacting violently against the illusions. “That’s…some neat trick,” he growled, his head splitting with pain. He would need to train up his genjutsu releases after this match. And drink some tea.
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Jul 30, 2023 11:18:42 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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At this point it was clear something had flicked in Masshiro's head, and it wasn't as if he was being ruthless or had some psychopathic tendencies suddenly, but he was different. It would seem if anything like he was taking things far more seriously, not simply standing relaxed and trying to poke and prod his way into his opponents head, at least metaphorically speaking. Prior to the fight starting he had no intentions of using his new bracers in this manner, as he was still learning to fight with them, but if there was any time to test things out, perhaps it was in fact in this moment. Thus far he had managed to manipulate his lightning based nature to shock and jolt his opponents with his Genjutsu, and even to a degree he was using the sense of hearing to try and cause damage and distractions. This was taking it just a bit further, and it was certainly more obvious than doing little more than staring into someone's eyes or doing a specific small movement, but it was effective.
Arata was certainly pushing him, which to any other opponent perhaps this would have seemed like a normal even fight, two fighters coming to blows, but this wasn't how Masshiro normally fought. This was anything but normal now, at least in his mind. His head slightly turned to the side as Arata spoke, still standing fairly close, and Masshiro made a point to step closer and lean in just to make sure he was in the Namikaze's personal space. "I can assure you it's no trick. This is what real Genjutsu is, not that silly illusion nonsense. I'm sure you've more than noticed that by now, however. Ringing hears, no doubt a painful headache. Tricks and illusions don't do that."
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Jul 30, 2023 12:13:40 GMT 10
HP: 387 | Chakra: 7 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata uses [Staff Technique: Hawk's Breath] Type: Offensive Taijutsu Affinity: Wind Action: Long Action Chakra Cost: 15 Power/Damage: 15x Effects: Nintaijutsu; Quick Attack Description: Infusing chakra in their lungs, the user of this technique exhales on their staff and coats it with a thin layer of wind. Though this wind quickly dispels, it temporarily turns the staff into a far more lethal weapon. The wind chakra enables the normally-dull item to take on a sharp edge, slicing through the air with greater ease and cutting deeper into the user's foes. [Instead of using the taijutsu score for its damage or power, the user of this technique can add their taijutsu and ninjutsu scores together (to a maximum of 20) and use that total instead. The user adds their speed to their taijutsu (or nintaijutsu), to a maximum of 25, for this attack. The user cannot use a short action this post.]targeting Masshiro, but reduced by 23 points from Masshiro's [Negative Electricity] a few posts back. Adjusted damage is 67 points.Arata's ninjutsu score returns to normal.Arata's taijutsu score is lowered to 2 for one more post. Arata was starting to get more than a little annoyed with the shinobi standing in front of him. He liked to think that, overall, he was a fairly level-headed individual—patient and understanding, even with some of the more difficult personalities he encountered. He liked to think, even, that civility and a general aura of respectfulness were the keys to most interactions. But he was feeling none of those things in the current moment. His head hurt even worse than that time he had tried to outdrink some pirates in the Land of Waves. His ears were screaming at him. His throat was hoarse. Enough was enough.
“Yeah, yeah,” he muttered as Masshiro leaned in, every word he spoke making Arata’s headache worse. “I’m sure you’re a real expert with this genjutsu stuff.”
“But there’s easier ways to give someone a headache.”
Feeling his arms flood with chakra, and wrapping some residual wind chakra around his staff, the Namikaze drove the weapon toward Masshiro’s chin—a wicked uppercut which would remind the Kurama that he wasn’t the only one who could do some damage.
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Jul 31, 2023 8:48:02 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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The cracking of thunder earlier in Arata's head was likely similar to the crack of the staff into his chin. Dangerously close to falling back and losing his footing, he simply stumbled and grabbed at his chin, narrowing his eyes and thankfully only biting his tongue in anything but the literal sense, as he knew full well he deserved that just a bit. The pain was still annoying, they were still fighting, and for all he deserved the reply he knew he'd have to give one back in kind. Sliding his right foot back he brought his hands forward and started to quickly weave hand signs for the first time, and as he was forming the last he charged towards Arata as fast as he could manage.
This was little more than a bluff, as he had done nothing but cast Genjutsu at a distance until a singular attack, and his jaw was still stinging but that staff thrust. He needed just a few more seconds to make this fight potentially more interesting, at least for himself anyways. As he got closer he snapped his arms up and slammed his bracers together again mimicking the action he took to cast the Genjutsu, but there was only a ringing, albeit a very loud ringing right in Arata's face, but there wasn't anything obvious that happened from it, even as Masshiro tried acting as if something would.
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Jul 31, 2023 11:11:52 GMT 10
HP: 387 | Chakra: 7 | Regen: 7/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata uses Bōjutsu: Sutoraiku [Staff Technique: Strike] Type: Offensive Taijutsu Affinity: - Action: Long Action Chakra Cost: 5 Power/Damage: 5x Description: The user lashes out with a strike against his or her opponent, swinging or stabbing with a staff. Sending 10 damage toward Masshiro. Arata's taijutsu score returns to normal. “You want more?” Arata asked in a flat voice. “Fine.”
Masshiro was rushing at him, hands forming signs for what would no doubt be some overly-complicated, head-cracking genjutsu. Annoying. Still, if the fool was going to come to him, turning it into a close quarters battle, he wouldn’t complain.
As Arata’s opponent charged toward him, he raises his bracers yet again. A telegraphed attack. The clanging noise of the two metal gauntlets crashing into each other struck him instantly, and he waited for some bizarre effect to take place…but it never seemed to arrive. No flashing lights or static cloud appeared. No booming thunder tried to make its home in his head. Strange. His eyes showed a bit of hesitation—and then confusion—as he wondered what Masshiro was up to.
Still, there was no time for asking questions. He brought his staff up into a fighting stance once more, swinging it at the Kurama’s midsection.
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Jul 31, 2023 11:39:13 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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He could see the confusion in Arata's eyes up close, in real time, trying to figure out just what or more so what wasn't happening. That slight delay gave him the time he needed to dig his heels into the ground, slide one foot back, and stand his ground. Clearly Masshiro wasn't moving, but he wasn't attacking, so what exactly was he doing? Unlike the first strike at his shins, this swing at hid gut wasn't nearly impossible to defend against, able to drop his guard lower and once more let the strike clang off of the bracers. The staff slid off at just the wrong angle, cracking him in the elbow, causing him to wince and move back some, but that same familiar ringing was going off louder than ever. Instead of fading after a time however, it hung on that one note in what seemed like an infinite loop, but it slowly began to distort, and the more it did the more Masshiro completely faded out from Arata's vision. He was completely gone, it wasn't as if he had run away, he just ceased to be standing there, but the ringing continued, sound more unnatural as it continued, and eventually it actually seemed to level out and start to fade. Right before the sound stopped it seemed as if Masshiro might be reforming, except it was quickly obvious what was there wasn't Masshiro, but Arata, staring at himself, holding the staff. Taking a few steps back this new Arata takes in a deep breath and exhales, covering his staff with wind chakra, visually dissipating after a moment. Taking a quick step back forward he swing his staff horizontally trying to crack Arata in the ribs.
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Jul 31, 2023 12:36:30 GMT 10
HP: 279 | Chakra: 12 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata takes 68 points of damage.
Arata's toughness is lowered to 0 for 2 more posts. His health is lowered by 40 points for 2 more posts. Arata’s eyes shifted around the arena, trying to search for Masshiro while also paying attention to his doppelganger a few steps away. Whatever this new technique was, Arata half suspected the white-haired shinobi to use the distraction as a way of stabbing him in the back. At least, that was what Arata would have used such a jutsu for. Who knew what was going on in the Kurama’s mind? The man had been consistently strange—only behaving predictably after Arata had battered him around a bit.
Whatever. What would come would come. He turned his complete focus to the image of himself. “Disturbing,” he spat. “My hair doesn’t look like that at all…”
The illusory Arata charged forward, swinging his staff at the real one. The young Namikaze tried to dodge, twisting himself away from the blow, but his chakra had fallen too low. There was nothing that could be done but absorb the blow as it came. Wooden staff cracking into his ribs, his whole body shook. Whatever part of the pain was real was significant—enough to knock him on his back.
Laying there, he took a deep gasp of air. “Damn. Good one.”
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Aug 1, 2023 2:10:11 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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Masshiro was now a good distance away from Arata and his genjutsu formed doppelganger, out of the way and behind where he was likely to be unseen without looking for him a second time now. He was content to watch with amusement as the Namikaze found himself struck with the same technique he had attacked Masshiro with earlier, holding back a laugh at the idea.
In truth, he had expected Arata to dodge the swinging staff much like he had avoided the earlier damage, but he saw, and more so he heard the crack against Arata's side, knocking him to the ground. There was something between a cringe and a wince at the sound alone. The clone stared down as if it was contemplating how to react, and for the briefest of moments outstretched an arm as if it thought to help Arata up. Pulling the arm back it gripped the staff tight once more and let out a loud strained grunt as he swung the staff overhead at the still grounded Arata. Behind the fight Masshiro was dusting himself off and looking himself over for any obvious damage, more so to his clothes than himself. These bracers had really been an amazing bit of craftsmanship he'd have to thank his uncle for later. Giving a wide stretch he reached into his pocket as if he was on a break, pulling out a now half squished packet and opened it, chewing on a bar of something as he watched more as if he was an onlooker than a combatant. His demeanor had clearly calmed, and quickly, despite looking as if he had lost his cool completely. It was one of the few good traits he had picked up from his father in being able to relax himself even in the worst of times.
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Aug 1, 2023 11:08:37 GMT 10
HP: 279 | Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata's toughness is lowered to 0 for one more post. Arata's health is lowered by 40 for one more post. Arata’s eyes snapped open as a staff swung down at his head. Instinctively, he rolled away and leapt to his feet. There was some speed left in his limbs after all, it seemed. The illusory Arata rushed after him, taking yet another swing, this time aiming for his ankles. With a quick leap, the Namikaze avoided the blow. As he landed, he kicked out his right leg and spun, sweeping the illusion off its feet.
This time, the real Arata swung his staff down at the illusion’s head, but it turned out that the fake was a decent imitation. It pulled a remarkably similar move to Arata’s own dodge, sliding back up onto its feet a few paces away from where it had fallen. “Well, that’s just dumb,” Arata muttered.
Looking around, he shouted, “Going to hide behind your illusions the whole time, Kurama?” He wouldn’t call the man a coward directly. In fact, had Arata been skilled in genjutsu, he would likely fight in Masshiro’s style. He’d be less flashy with it, of course. And less arrogant. But there was no shame in fighting from the shadows. Still, it was frustrating to defend against. If Arata could taunt his opponent back into the open, the fight would become a lot easier for him.
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Aug 1, 2023 14:07:07 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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Masshiro munched away on his have squished snack as he watched enthralled, gives a few claps as he cheered on the doppelganger like it was a child at a sports event. Given he had no control over what this illusion did, since it was a manifestation of Arata's mind, it was curious to watch how the two fought. His opponent seemed to want someone his equal in this instance, and both fought to a stalemate, making it all the more interesting.
After a few more moments he was wiping crumbs off his face and tossing the wrapper over his shoulder and stretching as he stood up fully.
"I'm literally right over here. Not hiding at all, you just have no spatial awareness."
Shouting back he waved an arm over here head, still standing a bit behind Arata. Both hands raised over his head, clasped together, as he further stretched, starting to walk back over to Arata. He had originally hid his retreat, but since then he had done little to try and hide, and more trying to stay out of the way of the swinging staff for a bit. "If it's bothering you that much, we could switch. You hand me the staff and I'll give it a few swings at your head, and you try casting some Genjutsu on me. " He was still a good few feet out of range, just to make sure he didn't catch it in the chin. Extending his arm he made what looked like a grabbing motion as if he was actually asking for the staff to be tossed at him.
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Aug 1, 2023 22:27:11 GMT 10
HP: 319 | Chakra: 17 | Regen: 5/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES:
Arata's health and toughness return to normal. Had Masshiro been snacking this whole time? Arata huffed in exasperation and grumbled out, “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a difficult person to like?” It was a comment he meant only halfway—inspired partially by Masshiro’s demeanor and partially by the splitting headache which was making it difficult to have a charitable outlook on the whole situation. Still, there was some truth to it. The whole way that the other shinobi carried himself made Arata want to punch him. Perhaps it was deliberate on his part.
Watching his opponent approach, he shouldered his staff, making it clear that no attack was imminent. A sparring match was not meant to beat both parties senseless, and the two of them were probably at their limit. Any more fighting would leave them bruised for weeks, diminishing the value of the training.
With an amused snort, he shook his head at Masshiro’s suggestion. “No,” he chuckled, “I don’t think that’s a very good idea. My guess is that I’m about as good at genjutsu as you would be with this staff.” Illusions were not Arata’s strong suit. And while he was confident he could dodge out of the way of anything Masshiro threw at him, he was equally confident that he had no genjutsu strong enough to damage his opponent either.
“So, Kurama—” he started, “are you satisfied with that spar? Or, at the very least, are you a little less bored?”
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Aug 3, 2023 5:31:29 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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By this point he had already pulled out a far less destroyed snack bar from his pants pocket, peeled away the wrapper, and stuff the entire thing in his mouth. He had only gotten through maybe two attempts at biting into it before looking back at Arata was the most innocent look he could muster. With his mouth full, he sputtered out a mostly incoherent response. "No. I'm a delight to be around. Obviously." Smiling wide he had bits of what looked like chocolate in his teeth before going back to chewing. He knew full well he could be a bit eccentric, but he was also incredibly full of himself so his answer sat somewhere between sarcasm and his true feelings, and even he wasn't too sure which way he leaned more.
Narrowing his eyes at Arata's casual stance, he was a bit surprised, which was perhaps the most oblivious way to feel given how casual he had been up to this point. Even now he had a mouth full of food and was not bothering to protect or guard himself even if there was a strike headed for his face as he thought.
"No? What do you mean no? I thought it was a great idea, personally. Who knows, maybe you are a Genjutsu prodigy and you just don't know it. Have you tried?" He kept walking closer, stopping in front and looking Arata over as if he could smell the Genjutsu on him, or at least that's how he was acting. Bending a bit one from side to the other he looked him up and down and turns around, spinning on one fight and let out a disappointed sigh. "You can't use Genjutsu at all, can you? Pity." Making a sound the equivalent of hmph, he crossed his arms and stared back, then gave a heavy shrug. "Satisfied? Never. Bit less bored, yeah for now. Why, are you already conceding to my superior fighting capabilities? Can't say I blame you."
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Aug 9, 2023 11:49:49 GMT 10
HP: 460 (560 w/ C.A.) | Chakra: 24 | Regen: 7/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES: Notes here With a sniff, Arata slung his staff back onto his shoulder, putting it away. “Who knows? Maybe I could learn—but genjutsu’s never been my strong suit. We Namikaze value agility too much to spend much time learning how to cast illusions. Still, there’s been a few who have managed to make it work. Some of our best spies, in fact, are quite skilled at manipulating the minds of those they’re monitoring.”
He sat down on a nearby rock, glancing at Masshiro. “And no: no concession here. It’s just that a smart fighter knows when training is advantageous and when it’s not. It would be a shame if I had to give you a concussion after you were so nice to ‘construct’ this arena for us.” He gestured to the illusion surrounding them.
He observed the white-haired, awkward man standing before him. He was frustrating, to be sure, and more than a little full of himself. Still, he wasn’t so bad. “What’s your story, then, Kurama? How does someone like you find yourself in a place like this?”
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Masshiro Kurama
Member
Ninja Rank: D Rank
XP: 37
Ninjutsu: 1
Taijutsu: 1
Genjutsu: 9
Technique: 1
Toughness: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Tag: @sprinkles
Posts: 81
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Post by Masshiro Kurama on Aug 10, 2023 14:43:41 GMT 10
| Masshiro Kurama Rank D Shinobi
Shinobi Armor Elite Shinobi armor
Forehead Protector Chakra Meteorite
Demonic Flute
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"I don't know what a Namikaze is, but I can guess some kind of clan. Us Kurama are born with and train in the use of Genjutsu. Why swing a stick when I can do my damage without ever being seen." Tapping his temple he stares at Arata for a moment, seeing that he was done fighting. This Namikaze he spoke of made him curious however, as did every other clan he was running into as of late. So few were spoken of where he was born, and even where he grew up there weren't a lot that were more than an open secret. He wasn't even sure what this Namikaze did despite just fighting one. "See, we can make Genjutsu real. I don't mean seem real or feel real, but actually real. Temporarily at least. Helpful little bit of illusion as you call it. Most Genjutsu just mess with people's heads, make them see things, but as you might have noticed, I can make the pain very real." Waving his hand away, the entire arena around them disappeared, and in its place a bit of a clearing, though not nearly as large as the size of the genjutsu would have lead one to believe.
"I could always trap you in an infinite loop of sounds so loud you'd go crazy before you went deaf. I'd take a blow to the head over that."
Looking around, he went to grab his coat he had removed earlier, returning with it slung over his shoulder, still having a long look. "You mean as in literally here? Heard about it, thought it looked interesting. Also I don't live all that far from here, relatively speaking. Assume you came to see the big fancy waterfall?"
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Arata Namikaze
Member
Ninja Rank: C
XP: 55
Ninjutsu: 2
Taijutsu: 6
Genjutsu: 1
Technique: 1
Toughness: 2
Speed: 6
Stamina: 3
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Post by Arata Namikaze on Sept 3, 2023 11:57:13 GMT 10
HP: 460 (560 w/ C.A.) | Chakra: 24 | Regen: 7/post TAGS: Masshiro Kurama NOTES: EXIT -- thanks for a great thread! Arata shrugged. “I suppose it depends how big of a blow over the head we’re talking about, but sure. I can see how your style of genjutsu has its uses. It’s an impressive technique, if nothing else—worthy of some study by those who understand chakra manipulation better than I do. I can think of quite a few ways a good strategist could employ your sort of genjutsu on the battlefield.”
He picked his pack up off the ground, slinging it over his shoulder with his staff once more. It was time to get moving—to head back to the village before the sun got too low in the sky. His people would be wondering where he was. “Still,” he continued, “no technique is so good that it’s invincible. Genjutsu or not, your nose still bleeds when you get hit.”
Glancing out at the water with Masshiro, he listened to his reply and chuckled a bit. “No—I guess that’s not exactly what I meant when I asked how you got to be here. Perhaps that’s a conversation for a different day. I’m sure our paths will cross again. I’m glad you enjoy the waterfall, too, though. It’s worth a trip out here every now and again.”
He smiled, taking in the statues which stood guard on both sides of the waterfall. Memorials to an ancient battle, the stories claimed. It seemed that as long as there were shinobi, those sorts of things tended to happen.
He exhaled softly, and then seemingly disappeared, launching into the nearby forest at a speed that would be difficult for most people to track. As he jumped from tree to tree, he committed Masshiro Kurama’s name and face to memory. He had been a worthy opponent—one that he wasn’t eager to face again any time soon.
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