[CJ] For Old Time's Sake

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj lays leisurely under the shade of a nearby tree, patiently awaiting the arrival of an old friend. He sword was laid down beside him, as thoughts of the old days filled his mind.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

The weather was remarkably pleasant, uncharacteristic for this time of year. This didnt stop the swordsman from enjoying the gentle breeze as it blew, impregnated with the scent of apples, the scent stolen from an orchard not far to the south.

The sky was mostly clear, with a few clouds drifting by lazily, adorning the bright blue canvas.

Keotsu had once again returned to a land he had thought he had abandoned, again at a request of a friend for knowledge.

But, the swordsman smiled, as his legendary blade sat peacefully in its scabbard at his right hip. This friend was one of Keotsu's oldest and fastest. They did not keep in correspondence perhaps like they should, but, Keotsu thought, the meeting they were about to have was long over due. His friend was their at the genesis of the Command Arts, and Keotsu felt it was only right his friend shared the fruits of Keotsu's labors.

Continuing his hike, he could see his friend in the distance, leaning against a tree. Oddly, besides a passion of the sword, Keotsu and his friend shared a love of a good nap. Simple pleasures, perhaps.

"'A.j.'Its been far to long, my friend."

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj rose slowly from the ground and proceeded to lean against the tree. He inspected keotsu from top to bottom, taking note of the weapon on his hip. He had a sudden urge, the same feeling that rose whenever they had faced each other in battle, but now was not the time for such thoughts. One particular thought had remain, gnawing in the back of his mind. The same one which had followed him every time he drew his weapon. It was the record. Their record of long draw between them throughout the years. A sad sigh escaped him when he realized that they may never get the chance to determine a victor.

He finally smiled at his best friend and number one rival. The man who's back he had spent years chasing after.

"Indeed it has. A failure on my part really. The Ninja World is a big place, and I'm usually here and there about it."

He looked down sadly. After waiting so long for this meeting, he was at a loss for words as Keotsu stood before him.

"Well. I guess it's time?"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Keotsu couldn't help but smile at his friends dejected attitude. So much, so, so much had changed, and yet his friend remained the same - true to himself, and to Keotsu. He could see the fire in his eyes, how he wished to duel him again. And Keotsu could not say that he didn't feel the same. But, he was here for other reasons.

"Large indeed, but yet still small. I've left this "Ninja World" for lands beyond the horizon. I've seen things you would not believe. I have been to lands where not only is chakra not taught or known of, but to places where it doesn't seem to even exist. The ninja world may be large, but...there is so much more beyond the horizon.

And yes, it is time, and it is long over due. You are one of my oldest friends, and my first true rival. The knowledge I have should be yours, my friend. My Command Arts should be known to you. I know that you know Mirage Blade...but did I really never teach you any other of my Arts? If so, I have failed you as a friend..."

Keotsu's voice trailed off. There was much he wished to say. But, it could wait. His friend would no doubt indulge him when all was over.

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

A mischievous grin spread across Aj's face as he listened to Keotsu's story about the lands beyond the horizon. Lands where chakra was neither taught or known; places where it didn't even seem to exist. He found it hard to believe that such places could be found in their world, but it must have been true.

Keotsu then went on to answer his question, but the part about how he had failed him as a friend didn't sit right with him. His friend had done so much for him, supported him, and never given up on his strenght. For him to say such a thing was just....

"Keotsu. You have never failed me. If it was anything it was my pride that got in the way. But since your absence, I have learned to curb my pride in my quest for strength. Strength to protect what's important to me, and to defend the legacy you left behind "

As he said this, he pointed towards the Kumogakure headband that was worn proudly on his forehead.

"I'm ready when you are"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Keotsu smiled as his friend pointed to the headband he was wearing. Keotsu didn't have a home in such places, but his friend obviously had found a place he belonged. All the better for him.

"I think, then, we should start from the beginning. Mirage Blade was the first of the Command Arts to come into existence, and so now I shall teach you the second. This Command Art is known was Suiretsusen, and is a formidable Water-Based Kenjutsu technique. It works by holding your blade sideways, emulating the flat plane of the sky, and focusing your water chakras into the blade, summoning a rainstorm. Your chakra, laced into the rain, allows you to create was essentially a ring of tentacles around you for your manipulation. It's a powerful technique that can be manipulated for your advantage, and also weakens all fire techniques on the field by a quantified 30 points of damage (one rank, and then again by 10 damage). To have a fire technique match the power of this technique alone, would require it to have a quantified damage of 110. Any thoughts on it?"

(Kamei Gigei: Suiretsusen) Command Art: Water Fury Flash

Spoiler

Rank: S
Type: Supplementary/Attack
Range: Long(for rain) - Short- Medium (for attack)
Chakra Cost: 40
Damage Cost: 80
Description: Holding their blade sideways, the user will run Suiton chakra through their blade, activating the technique. A great downpour will come over the terrain, providing water for this technique, as well as dropping all Fire Justu down one rank, and reducing their damage by 10. A ring of water will form around the user with a radius equal to that of the complete wingspan of the user (meaning it would be roughly 10-11 feet [roughly 3.2 meters] in diameter). This ring has a single tentacle for each of the eight points of the Compass Rose: North, South, West, East, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. The tentacles will strike at anything within range as the user commands them, but they do not attack on their own; they are approximately 5 feet [1.5 meters] long, and the user must know the general vicinity of the opponent(s) to strike them if they are behind him/her.

Spoiler

*As long as the rain continues to fall, or if there is an ample water source nearby, this technique remains in effect. The maximum, however, is four turns.
*Only once per battle.

"Why don't you give it a try?"

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj nodded as Keotsu explained the technique he would have to perform, carefully listening to the advantage it gave when up against fire based attacks. That would especially be useful.

"I'll do just that"

He carefully placed one of his blades before him, turning it sideways to match the flat plane of the sky as he focused his water chakra into it. This act summoned a rainstorm laced with his chakra that covered the field around them, rain that he was able to manipulate. Using this rain he created a ring of eight tentacles in his vicinity that could be controlled at will, one each of the eight points of the Compass: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest.

"Hmm.. Strange. This seems familiar. It's like a more agile encampment pillar, one which can be manipulated. This..No. Let's continue"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

Keotsu held his hand out, and felt the first few drops of water splash against his palm, before it became a deluge and covered the area in a storm. He noticed the hesitation in his friend's voice, and noted it for later, but did not bring it up.

"This technique is incredibly simple, and seems rather basic. And in a way, it is. However, it's simplicity lends it an ease of use that makes it versatile. It is the companion technique to Suiretsusen, and meant to be used alongside it. It functions by focusing your Raiton energies into your blade, and thrusting it skywards, releasing a bolt of electricity to the heavens. The energy will continue to stream from your blade, and will saturate the atmosphere, weakening Doton techniques incredibly. You can fire the lightning bolt as a projectile, and you can place the electrified blade you now posses into Suiretsusen to electrify it, and create a devastating combination. With Raikōsen alone, a Doton technique would need more than 100 damage points to match it.

Why don't you try it? And if you have any questions about these two techniques, ask me. Or even suggestions. They are currently the only two Elemental Command Arts that I have created. I had attempted to create a Wind Command Art to complete the trio, but the synergy between these two techniques is so good, I cannot figure out how to incorporate a third."

(Kamei Gigei: Raikōsen) Command Art: Lightning Ray Flash

Spoiler

Rank: S
Type: Offensive/Supplementary
Range: Short – Mid
Chakra Cost: 40
Damage: 80
Description: The user will run Raiton chakra through their blade while holding it skyward, to activate this technique. This technique fills the air with energy – so much so, that Doton jutsu fall one rank (due to the charges in the air disrupting the formation as the energy disperses into the earth), and that a lightning bolt continuously streaks from the user’s sword, enveloping it in electricity, to the sky. Though meant as a Support technique, using the lightning to augment physical and water element attacks or by creative means, this technique is not without its own offensive measure. Once per turn, the user can swing their blade, and send a bolt of lightning flying in the direction of their swing – the energy is discharged from the constantly streaking bolt that originates from the blade, though this can only be done twice, and not on consecutive turns, due for the need for the electricity to replenish.

Spoiler

*The lightning can only be fired once per turn, every other turn.
*This jutsu last for four turns before the electricity dissipates, and all modifiers are returned to normal.
*Only once per battle.
*Raiton cannot be used for two turns after this jutsu ends, due to the air being unable to hold a charge after being supersaturated with energy.

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

The rain continued to fall around them, sustaining the eight tentacles that swirled around Aj's immediate vicinity. He noticed Keotsu's outstretched hand as the rain splashed against his palm, and he moved on to explain the next technique of the Command Arts. Raikōsen. Aj focused his Raiton chakra into his blade and thrusted it skywards, releasing a bolt of electricity that pierced the heavens themselves. The energy continued to stream from his blade, saturating the atmosphere in order to weaken Doton techniques. He moved the electrified blade downward, placing it into Suiretsusen in order to electrify it. Aj thought that these two techniques combined would be difficult to overcome, even for himself. It was simply too powerful, as expected of Keotsu.

As the now electrified tentacles crackled as they moved about, he gave thought to Keotsu's suggestion about adding the wind element to these two techniques. It would be challenging, seeing as how lightning was weak to wind, but it could work. It was then that the idea came to him.

"It is possible, but this may not be what you had in mind. We've seen that water and wind can be combined, so why not do the same here? We could we could mix Suiretsusen with a spinning vortex of wind, creating a wind/water combination. Then we simply add Raikōsen last, and create an electrified vortex of water"

He waited for Keotsu to think over his suggestion.

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

The rain continued to fall around them, sustaining the eight tentacles that swirled around Aj's immediate vicinity. He noticed Keotsu's outstretched hand as the rain splashed against his palm, and he moved on to explain the next technique of the Command Arts. Raikōsen. Aj focused his Raiton chakra into his blade and thrusted it skywards, releasing a bolt of electricity that pierced the heavens themselves. The energy continued to stream from his blade, saturating the atmosphere in order to weaken Doton techniques. He moved the electrified blade downward, placing it into Suiretsusen in order to electrify it. Aj thought that these two techniques combined would be difficult to overcome, even for himself. It was simply too powerful, as expected of Keotsu.

As the now electrified tentacles crackled as they moved about, he gave thought to Keotsu's suggestion about adding the wind element to these two techniques. It would be challenging, seeing as how lightning was weak to wind, but it could work. It was then that the idea came to him.

"It is possible, but this may not be what you had in mind. We've seen that water and wind can be combined, so why not do the same here? We could we could mix Suiretsusen with a spinning vortex of wind, creating a wind/water combination. Then we simply add Raikōsen last, and create an electrified vortex of water"

He waited for Keotsu to think over his suggestion.

Keotsu watches as lightning boomed from AJ's blade, accompanied with a thunderous crash and the crackle of electricity. In the darkened atmosphere, the illumination of the lightning bolt made the user look like a true Susano'o, a God of Storms.

"...Admittedly, that could be done, and I've had a similar idea myself. The problem rises that Suitetsusen and Raikōsen are able to stand on their own and be used on their own. I would like the Wind Command Art to do the same, and don't feel like a simple vortex could accomplish it. Perhaps I've over thought it? I will but some deep consideration into your suggestion. Only fitting that you would help create a command art, my friend."

Keotsu looked at his friend with a smile, and then skyward, and spoke loudly.

"I have one more Command Art to show you before we get to the subseries of 'Prayers' that made me so feared. But, to me, this one ranks upon the most useful of techniques in my arsenal, especially when paired with Mythos. Are you ready?"

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj chuckled lightly as Keotsu spoke. A thought had come to him about just how the Wind Command Art could stand on it's own. What if he enveloped his blade in wind and manipulated it to sprout eight "ribbons" of wavy wind that could be used to attack opponents. The ribbons would transmit a slash attack that traveled along the surface of objects (including walls, floors, and ceilings) and emerge to strike anywhere that the user can see. Once all eight are used, it would have to "recharged" before they could be used again.

He kept the thought to himself, saving it for the end. Keotsu had reached the final of the Command Arts, a technique that ranked among the most powerful techniques in his arsenal. He looked to Aj and asked if he was ready. He was.

"Lets do it"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

"This next technique is an oddity. It functions by focusing your chakra into your blade, and then twirling it, while you release it. This causes an interesting affect, and releases a "field" of chakra that has been "magnetized".

Chakra will be drawn to your blade, as if it was a lightning rod for it. While this technique will do nothing to stop that chakra, it could condense a larger technique into a more manageable area, allowing you to more easily counter it; for me, with Mythos, who completely stops foreign energies of all kinds, its an incredibly useful technique.

Its not fancy or overly flashy, but the ability to condense large scale techniques - especially lightning ones - as they come towards you, is incredibly useful. This technique should also have a strong enough pull that even the chakra for Genjutsu will have to travel "through" your sword before it can enter your body to affect you. Remember, though, it does nothing to stop it, so you will have to find a way to block the chakra before it can enter your body.

Raijinsho or no, if, say, a lightning technique hit your blade, you would certainly feel the effects."

*Keotsu then performed the technique, after drawing Mythos, the legendary blade boosting the power of the technique considerably. As if to describe what Keotsu had been saying, the lightning streaking from AJ's own blade arced over, and streamed to Mythos; the ring of water was being pulled that way as well. Luckily, due to Mythos's composition, Keotsu remained unharmed.*

"Why don't you give it a shot?"

(Kamei Gigei: Raijinshō) Command Art: Raijin Rising

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A
Description: The Kenjutsu technique allows Swordsmen to more easily fight against Shinboi attacks of all sorts; the user will activate this technique by quickly focusing chakra into their weapon and spinning it in a complete circle in front of them. After this simple ritual is completed, a “magnetic” burst of chakra is released all around the user that causes all foreign chakra to be condensed as it approaches the user. Ultimately, the “magnetized” chakra will be drawn into the user’s weapon, effectively concentrating even large scale jutsu into simple, yet still equally powerful, streams or orbs, depending on the incoming techniques composition. This technique can easily be described as turning the user's weapon into a "Chakra Lightning-rod", thus the name.

Spoiler

*The strength of drawn in techniques does not diminish at all, and if the user doesn’t counter the techniques, the chakra will flow into the user’s body via the weapon and do full damage or preform its intended purpose
*Once activated, this remains active for four turns, but it’s effect is only valid while the user is holding a weapon.
*Only useable 4 times per battle.
*This jutsu only effects "non-solid" techniques like Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, or objects like mud. Techniques with a sturdy molecular composition won't be affected by this technique, such as Earth or Ice, but does nothing to change their effects if they are not dealt with.

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj certainly hadn't expected to be able to perform such a feat. The creation of this technique meant that jutsu that expanded over a wide range were practically useless. As expected of the one he used to refer to as the "Tactician". Keotsu first performed Raijinshō himself in order to describe what he'd just explained. The lightning from Aj's own sword arched over onto his, and the water was pulled towards it as well. The two techniques would condense into a stream of lightning and water, leaving Keotsu unharmed due to Mythos's composition.

Aj channelled chakra into his sword and spun it in a full circle before him, releasing a burst of 'magnetic' chakra all around him that caused all foreign chakra to condense as if moved toward him. This made Raikōsen and Suiretsusen flow back to his own blade in an even smaller stream than before, but Aj knew his blade couldn't withstand the energy from Raikōsen, and created a giant hurricane to his left from a blade of wind that drew in the stream. In order to stop them from being sucked into the hurricane, He focused his chakra into the ground and cause shackles to rise up around their feet that held them in place.

"That was...erm...Interesting wouldn't you say? Just like the old days"

(Kamei Gigei: Raijinshō) Command Art: Raijin Rising

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A
Description: The Kenjutsu technique allows Swordsmen to more easily fight against Shinboi attacks of all sorts; the user will activate this technique by quickly focusing chakra into their weapon and spinning it in a complete circle in front of them. After this simple ritual is completed, a “magnetic” burst of chakra is released all around the user that causes all foreign chakra to be condensed as it approaches the user. Ultimately, the “magnetized” chakra will be drawn into the user’s weapon, effectively concentrating even large scale jutsu into simple, yet still equally powerful, streams or orbs, depending on the incoming techniques composition. This technique can easily be described as turning the user's weapon into a "Chakra Lightning-rod", thus the name.

Spoiler

*The strength of drawn in techniques does not diminish at all, and if the user doesn’t counter the techniques, the chakra will flow into the user’s body via the weapon and do full damage or preform its intended purpose
*Once activated, this remains active for four turns, but it’s effect is only valid while the user is holding a weapon.
*Only useable 4 times per battle.
*This jutsu only effects "non-solid" techniques like Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, or objects like mud. Techniques with a sturdy molecular composition won't be affected by this technique, such as Earth or Ice, but does nothing to change their effects if they are not dealt with.

(Fūton: Joushou Ryuu) – Wind Release: Rising Dragon

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Attack
Range: Mid
Chakra cost: 30
Damage points: 60
Description: The user makes a giant hurricane using the blade of wind that then draws in the enemies into the hurricane, violently slashing them.

(Kōton: Kase ) Steel Release: Shackles

Spoiler

Rank: C
Type: Offensive/Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: The user does 2 handseals (Bird+Ram) focusing chakra beneath the opponent, shaping the ground into several (up to 5) shackles that shoot up to grab the enemy. The shackles are linked to chains that remain connected to the ground. Once they grab the opponent, the user can clap his hands, forcefully pulling the shackles and chains to the ground, effectively pinning the opponent to the ground, restrained by the steel chains.

 

[Yashiro]

May I join?

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

May I join?

Sorry friend, I must decline that request.

Aj certainly hadn't expected to be able to perform such a feat. The creation of this technique meant that jutsu that expanded over a wide range were practically useless. As expected of the one he used to refer to as the "Tactician". Keotsu first performed Raijinshō himself in order to describe what he'd just explained. The lightning from Aj's own sword arched over onto his, and the water was pulled towards it as well. The two techniques would condense into a stream of lightning and water, leaving Keotsu unharmed due to Mythos's composition.

Aj channelled chakra into his sword and spun it in a full circle before him, releasing a burst of 'magnetic' chakra all around him that caused all foreign chakra to condense as if moved toward him. This made Raikōsen and Suiretsusen flow back to his own blade in an even smaller stream than before, but Aj knew his blade couldn't withstand the energy from Raikōsen, and created a giant hurricane to his left from a blade of wind that drew in the stream. In order to stop them from being sucked into the hurricane, He focused his chakra into the ground and cause shackles to rise up around their feet that held them in place.

"That was...erm...Interesting wouldn't you say? Just like the old days"

(Kamei Gigei: Raijinshō) Command Art: Raijin Rising

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Long
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A
Description: The Kenjutsu technique allows Swordsmen to more easily fight against Shinboi attacks of all sorts; the user will activate this technique by quickly focusing chakra into their weapon and spinning it in a complete circle in front of them. After this simple ritual is completed, a “magnetic” burst of chakra is released all around the user that causes all foreign chakra to be condensed as it approaches the user. Ultimately, the “magnetized” chakra will be drawn into the user’s weapon, effectively concentrating even large scale jutsu into simple, yet still equally powerful, streams or orbs, depending on the incoming techniques composition. This technique can easily be described as turning the user's weapon into a "Chakra Lightning-rod", thus the name.

Spoiler

*The strength of drawn in techniques does not diminish at all, and if the user doesn’t counter the techniques, the chakra will flow into the user’s body via the weapon and do full damage or preform its intended purpose
*Once activated, this remains active for four turns, but it’s effect is only valid while the user is holding a weapon.
*Only useable 4 times per battle.
*This jutsu only effects "non-solid" techniques like Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, or objects like mud. Techniques with a sturdy molecular composition won't be affected by this technique, such as Earth or Ice, but does nothing to change their effects if they are not dealt with.

(Fūton: Joushou Ryuu) – Wind Release: Rising Dragon

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Attack
Range: Mid
Chakra cost: 30
Damage points: 60
Description: The user makes a giant hurricane using the blade of wind that then draws in the enemies into the hurricane, violently slashing them.

(Kōton: Kase ) Steel Release: Shackles

Spoiler

Rank: C
Type: Offensive/Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: 30
Description: The user does 2 handseals (Bird+Ram) focusing chakra beneath the opponent, shaping the ground into several (up to 5) shackles that shoot up to grab the enemy. The shackles are linked to chains that remain connected to the ground. Once they grab the opponent, the user can clap his hands, forcefully pulling the shackles and chains to the ground, effectively pinning the opponent to the ground, restrained by the steel chains.

Keotsu smiled, watching as his friend took care of the technique.

"Ha! Indeed. Somethings to note about Raijinsho that make it useful is that it does not affect your own techniques, as it only affects foreign chakra. So, while active, your own techniques will perform as intended...though, you must have a sword in hand for Raijinsho to remain active."

Suddenly, though, Keotsu took a stance that resembled the Waki-kendo stance, and with several swings of his blade, something amazing happened: the storm caused by Aj's Suiretsusen and Raikosen completely dispersed, and the steel chains were cut with no resistance, as they seemed to break apart.

"Aj, next, I teach you the most feared and well known Command Arts. The "Prayers". They started as a way, originally, to counter the ever-prevalent Chidori Nagashi in close combat, but eventually evolved into hard counters to virtually everything but Genjutsu, provided its strong enough to stop the technique in question....

These techniques are fearsome, and mean a great deal to me. While, they may be slightly inspired by my own religious beliefs from old stories of heroes, the prayers are not said to a deity, they are said to yourself. They are promises to yourself to protect that which is important to you, to not falter in the face of adversity....to fight for what you believe in.

My friend...will you partake in my prayers with me? Open your mind to your beliefs, and feel this power that I have created."

(Kamei Gigei: Saisho no Inori: Hikaru Aki Hasira) Command Art: First Prayer: Shining Autumn Pillar

Spoiler

Rank: A
Type: Offense/Supplementary/Defense
Range: Self
Chakra: 30
Damage: N/A
Description: The first of the “Prayer” series of the Command Arts, Hikaru Aki Hashira, often called “Aki-gamae (autumn stance)” by its users, is a Kenjutsu stance instead of an actual attack. It is a variation of the Waki-gamae in that the user holds their blade at waist level, parallel to the ground, whether in its scabbard or not, a position best suited for quick-draw strikes. The user focuses their chakra throughout their entire body in a steady stream while in this stance, increasing their speed and strength by 25%. This increase in ability comes about from the chakra augmenting the muscles naturally, instead of forcefully, essentially putting the body in a natural “peak” condition. This chakra also coats the user’s blade and allows the counter-offensive nature of Aki come through. Whether sheathed or not, the user can swing their blade and dispel an incoming attack by disrupting it, allowing the user to protect themselves and then counter-attack. The method of blocking attacks is based upon the concept of an immovable pillar.

Spoiler

*The First Prayer can only shield the user from attacks of an equal or lower rank.
*Blocking an attack counts against one of the three allotted moves in a turn.

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

"They are promises to yourself to protect that which is important to you, to not falter in the face of adversity....to fight for what you believe in"

Aj's body shuddered briefly as Keotsu finished speaking. It wasn't due to fear, or anxiety, but because of understanding. The two friends had always been of like mind, and these Prayers aligned completely with his core beliefs. He repeated the three phrases that he believed in.

"To protect that which was important to him. To not falter in the face of adversity. To fight for what he believed in"

He took a shaky breath and opened his mind, welcoming the power that Keotsu had bestowed upon him. He brought his already drawn sword to his waist, holding it parallel to the ground.It was a position he had taken before when training with Kurogane. He focused his chakra in a steady stream throughout his entire body, increasing his speed and strength quarterfold. The increase in physical ability came from the chakra augmenting his muscles naturally, putting his body 'peak condition. The same chakra also coated Izanagi's blade and allowed the counter offensive nature of the Autumn Stance to show itself.

Aj swung his blade, dispelling any would be incoming attack by disrupting it. As he swung his blade he was momentarily whisked away, not physically, but within the realm of his own mind. It was as if everything had become clear. He saw where he had been coming from, where he was going. Who is was, and the person he could become. The visions faded, revealing only Keotsu standing before him. He laughed softly, and brought his blade to his side.

"That was beyond anything I had in mind"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

"They are promises to yourself to protect that which is important to you, to not falter in the face of adversity....to fight for what you believe in"

Aj's body shuddered briefly as Keotsu finished speaking. It wasn't due to fear, or anxiety, but because of understanding. The two friends had always been of like mind, and these Prayers aligned completely with his core beliefs. He repeated the three phrases that he believed in.

"To protect that which was important to him. To not falter in the face of adversity. To fight for what he believed in"

He took a shaky breath and opened his mind, welcoming the power that Keotsu had bestowed upon him. He brought his already drawn sword to his waist, holding it parallel to the ground.It was a position he had taken before when training with Kurogane. He focused his chakra in a steady stream throughout his entire body, increasing his speed and strength quarterfold. The increase in physical ability came from the chakra augmenting his muscles naturally, putting his body 'peak condition. The same chakra also coated Izanagi's blade and allowed the counter offensive nature of the Autumn Stance to show itself.

Aj swung his blade, dispelling any would be incoming attack by disrupting it. As he swung his blade he was momentarily whisked away, not physically, but within the realm of his own mind. It was as if everything had become clear. He saw where he had been coming from, where he was going. Who is was, and the person he could become. The visions faded, revealing only Keotsu standing before him. He laughed softly, and brought his blade to his side.

"That was beyond anything I had in mind"

Watching someone experience the Prayers for the first time was always a joyous experience for Keotsu. To share such an important aspect of himself with them, and to see their reaction. When AJ spoke, Keotsu couldn't help but smile. He understood why the Prayers seemed to have failed him, long ago.

They had not failed them; he had forsaken their core concepts. He had abuse their power, and so they had not functioned. He had strayed from his path.

Seeing his friend and front of him, Keotsu was thankful. He was retuning to the Path that those with the Prayers were intended to walk.

"It's always an enlightening experience. So long as you remain true, and use the Prayers for the purposes I told you, I think you'll find they serve you well. But as I mentioned, this is simply the FIRST prayer; there are many more, including a refinement of the first prayerC which eliminates the weakness of having to constantly retain the same stance constantly...

Any questions or comments before we move on?"

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj was both excited and awestruck at the same time. Excited to know that there were more prayers to come, and awestruck to think that Keotsu had created such things. He also took heed to Keotsu's warning. The promises needed for the prayers to work were all things he himself stood for, but fate had a way of......corrupting people. Especially those who walked the righteous path.

He took a deep breath once more and faced Keotsu.

"No. I'm ready"

 

[KeotsuEclipse]

"Then we shall move on. The next technique is a refinement on the first prayer, to both add new powers to, and to rid it of its weaknesses. Where as before, the abilities of the First Prayer were bound mainly to your sword, you say a new prayer unto yourself: one of conviction, of your fortitude. Of how you will not falter.Of how you will stand resolute against any enemy, and like the blade of fire that guards the gates to hell, you will protect and endure, with all your might.

This technique offers a not insignificant power: while you can now use the First Prayer's ability to dispel danger from any point of your body, by lashing out with your blade, you have another option available to you. You can turn the enemy's power against them, and return their attacks at them. Drive the enemy to exhaust their own sources of power, while leaving you strong enough to continue the fight...

This is the Prayer of Fortitude, 'The Prison Gate Sword'."

(Kamei Gigei: Fukutsu no Inori: Gokumonken) Command Art: Prayer of Fortitude: Prison Gate Sword

Spoiler

Rank:B
Type: Supplementary/Defense
Range: Self
Chakra: 20
Damage: N/A
Description: A refinement of the First Prayer: Hikaru Aki Hasira, this technique expands the ability of the First Prayer. Where as Shinning Autumn Pillar is locked only to the user’s weapon, and forces them to stand in a specific stance, this technique turns it into a full on “Mode”, covering the entirety of the user’s body and thoroughly saturating it with the same effect; This allows the user to fight unhindered by having to remain in one stance, while also allowing the effects of the First Prayer to extend to their entire body. Besides this saturation, Gokumonken provides one extra effect: techniques that would be destroyed by the First Prayer’s effect can instead be reflected back at the opponent, taking the place of the First Prayer’s defensive ability, but still counting as an additional move per turn.

Spoiler

*Cannot be used unless the First Prayer is active.
*Remains active until the First Prayer wears off.
*Can only be used twice in a battle.
*Reflecting attacks back counts as a move per turn, and is bound by the limitations of the First Prayer's abilities of defense.

 

[Ańbu Juniør]

Aj mouthed the words Keotsu had spoken and gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. 'Prayer of Fortitude'. A prayer of conviction to himself. A prayer would allow him to never falter, no matter the circumstances. It was a technique that allowed him to turn the opponent's power against them by reflecting their own attacks. The Prison gate sword took the effects of the first prayer from his sword, and covered entirety of his body. While it took the First Prayer’s defensive ability, he would be able to return an opponent's attack with the swing of his blade. "Prayer of Fortitude: Prison Gate Sword", would allow him to endure so that he could protect what he held dear to his heart.

After all this, Aj had only one question. It was something he should have asked when he performed the shining autumn pillar earlier, but it had slipped him. Since the prayer of fortitude could only be used when the first prayer was active, he needed to clarification on the duration of the first prayer itself.

"How long does the first prayer last?"