Learning Puppetry with Sharingdork

[Souji]

(again, apologies for the delay )

"Thank you for understanding, sensei."

Yu gave a small smile. He was to fully embrace his heritage. He decided to put away his own puppet for now, reverse summoning it into a scroll. In a poof of smoke, it was gone, leaving the three Sand Puppets in front of him.

Time to learn the Sand's secrets. Finally!

Yu extended his left arm, allowing chakra strings to form in his left hand. They reached out towards the Crow Puppet. Halfway through, they split at their ends, allowing very thin chakra strings to attach to the joints of Crow. Yu twitched his fingers a little, allowing the puppet to move. Initially, it wasn't as responsive, as the chakra strings had a weaker hold on the joints of the puppet. Yu began practicing, starting off with basic movements such as arm movements and rotation of joints.

Spoiler

(Karasu) Crow
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: N/A
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Crow is the very first puppet we see in the series. It was created by Sasori, but is later used by Kankurou. Crow is a three eyed, four armed humanoid. Crow is one of the more basic puppets, but he is able to detach any of its body parts for deadly attacks, almost every joint having a blade at the end, allowing Crow to shoot his arms towards the opponent, and then have them return back to it. Even his head has a blade that can be extended out from the bottom of its neck when detached. This ability made it and Black Ant a very deadly combination. It also has the ability, like most puppets do, to release poison-tipped darts and smokescreens, which sometimes have poisonous gas mixed with them.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

His right hand reached for Black Ant, repeating the same process.

Spoiler

(Kuroari) Black Ant
Rank: C
Type: Supplementary
Range: N/A
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Black Ant, created by Sasori, is a puppet that is often used in conjunction with Crow and, later on, Salamander. It has a bucket-shaped face with two red horns and a total of six arms. It, like Crow, has three eyes. Its body resembles a very large barrel, and it is hollow on the inside, making its main use to be that of trapping, while weapons enter the many slots on its body. At any time, Black Ant can literally open its stomach, and trap an opponent, able to extend the two halves of its stomach so that it stretches out and over the opponent from a very fair distance (approximately mid range) and then retracts the stomach back to its original form, closing it with the opponent inside. Its arm segments contain hidden saw-blades. Like Crow, Black Ant can detach its arms for attacks.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

Simultaneously controlling two puppets was incredibly alien to him; but Yu, fiercely determined, began putting in as much effort as he could into it. He began to move the two puppets separately, attempting to synchronize their motions as well. It was difficult, but Yu was starting to get the hang of it.

Once he managed to get the basics down, Yu looked at his sensei.

"Sensei... I'm doing it!" there was a child like gleam in his eyes, as if proud of his achievement.

 

[Sharingdork]

... I am very tempted to summon one hundred puppets to wipe that smirk off of your face, but I suppose it's only natural that younglings enjoy baby steps.
Pulling out a scroll, Sasori, within his Hiruko shell, summoned two humanoid puppets by his side, attaching chakra strings to their backs almost instantly.

Rank: B
Type: Supplementary
Range: N/A
Chakra Cost: 20
Damage Points: N/A
Description: After Sasori’s parents were killed by Sakumo Hatake, he created these two puppets to fill the void left by their deaths, though they were not human puppets. At first, they were simply meant for Sasori to fill the void left by the death of his parents, but later, after Sasori left Sunagakure and left these puppets behind, Chiyo enhanced both of them, adding weapons to them to make them usable for battle. Both have chakra shields installed in them, and they also have steel wires that link together with their fingers that are usable for cutting. The mother puppet has a katana while the father has a chain of kunai.
Note: Usable only by a Sasori or Chiyo character.
Note: Can be summoned separately.

Rank: D
Type: Attack/Defense/Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra Cost: 10(-4 each turn its used after wards)
Damage Points: N/A
Description: The user makes threads of chakra that are used to control puppets.

Now, we shall begin with dual-puppet techniques, as you are already controlling two. Aim them at either of my puppets, or both if you'd prefer. Utilizing the same mechanisms you did to release senbon and a smokescreen earlier, activate each of your puppet's explosive bomb containers and begin to fire them at my puppets. Be sure to utilize two puppets effectively, as if you don't we will go over this technique until you do. From there, I still expect you to be able to think of creative ways to use the technique, and inherent drawbacks.

 

[Souji]

"Understood, Sensei!"

The student and master were mid range from each other. I first began by manipulating Crow to take a large leap in the air, pushing my left hand up in a quick, snappy motion. This caused sensei's focus to shift at my first puppet. While Crow was ascending, I quickly began twitching my fingers to cause his limbs to detach at various segments, causing a widely spread puppet to separate into multiple joints and pieces. This conspicuous action was not without purpose, though. The separate limbs contained holes which held explosive bombs. These bombs were released from the arm, leg, body, and head appendages, at an angle from the air towards sensei and the two puppets he'd summoned. I fired these bombs in a linear pattern, from left to right (your right to left), in order to try and force sensei to defend from his right side or dodge to his left.

While all this was happening and sensei's focus was on Crow, I swept my right arm in a wide arc, across my body. This caused Black Ant to be "pulled", making a wide round towards sensei and his two puppets, essentially flanking them as his focus was on trying to counter the explosive bombs. This puppet came from my right (your left) With my right fingers, I opened up Black Ant's trademark trapping mechanism, and in there were a multitude of explosive bombs, already sitting there.

If I was successful in this combination attack, sensei would either have to defend or dodge against Crow's initial attack. But even then, if he were to do so, Black Ant would flank him from the blindside, trapping him within the puppet's mechanism. And to ensure the job was to be finished, I was going to make sure the appendages I separated from Crow would then fly towards sensei if he were to be trapped in Black Ant, blades at the ready to stab through the holes.

I wondered how sensei's mastery of puppetry would be able to counter this. It was a simple but effective combination, but I did exert effort in doing so; after all, I was still learning.

 

[Sharingdork]

With his right hand, Sasori caused his Father puppet to swing his kunai chain from Sasori's right to his left, the kunai cutting into the explosives and causing premature explosions before Sasori's body. But, watching his opponent's movements, Sasori could see him moving his right hand, and so Sasori glanced to his left side to see the Black Ant puppet moving in. Positioning Mother to his left, an equal distance between himself and the other puppet, Sasori caused Mother's arm to become a chakra shield and to hold it out before her in order to absorb the brunt of the explosions, twitching his fingers to cause her right arm to cut through any explosions getting by with her katana. Then, as Black Ant came towards him, Sasori adjusted his hands so that both of his puppets went towards Black Ant, grabbing the puppet's open stomach segments to hold it open and to hold the puppet at bay so that it could not swallow himself.

Rank: C
Type: Defensive
Range: N/A
Chakra Cost: 15
Damage Points: N/A
Description: The puppets arm will pop out in four different directions in almost an umbrella-like manner. The arm segments will surround the puppets hand, and from those segments, chakra will emit, each one making one fourth of an entire circle, making a shield of pure chakra.

That was an ideal way to utilize this jutsu; distraction and flanking. However, the bombs alone are simple enough to counter, as you can see, and as such you require a way to deploy them where your opponent is, ideally, not suspecting them. This may seem like a common theme among jutsu, use it where your opponent doesn't expect it, but with puppets this is much more easily accomplished. By the end of your training, you'll be able to suppress the color of your chakra threads, allowing you to have invisible threads attached to a puppet. By allowing your opponent to believe that they have destroyed Crow, and keeping a thread on his head, you can easily flank an opponent with a "destroyed" puppet. Even in death, a puppet grants the puppeteer the utmost variety in uses.

(Kugutsu: Samidare no Jutsu) - Puppet May Rain Technique
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 15
Damage points: 30
Description: The user will manipulate Crow and Ant to release a series of explosive bombs at the enemy target/s.
Note can only be used by a Suna puppet user.

Now, use this next technique on my Father puppet. Please, it is quite alright; he is nothing but a collection of wood. Using Black Ant, pin his arms and legs from behind so that he cannot move, and then use Crow to spit explosive bombs at him. As Crow spits the bombs, he can advance, ready to move for potential resistance. Once again, if you have any thoughts on how to use this creatively... Or, perhaps, explain how you would create the ideal circumstances to use this jutsu. Assume you have to do everything, nothing is in your favor, and it is required for you to use this jutsu. How do you do it? Explain to me how you would get Black Ant behind your opponent before bombing him with Crow; that is the important step. Once you understand a way, or even a variety of ways to initiate this technique, we can move on.

 

[Souji]

Apologies for my late reply. I've been busy with the RL. Thank you for understanding, I'll try my best to keep up.

---

"Incredible..." Yu mumbled to himself. Sensei had countered the move nearly flawlessly. Using his own puppets to protect his main body? Countering bombs with simple weapons? Simple, but effective. Done in such a way that it even looked good when he executed his attack.

"Here I come then, sensei. Prepare yourself!" he said, upon receiving further instruction.

Manipulating Black Ant to grapple onto the Father puppet with his right hand, Yu then proceeded to maneuver Crow in such a way that the Father Puppet was caught in between his two puppets. Black Ant, using a combination of its limbs and trapping mechanisms, the Father Puppet's appendages were immobilized and bent in such a way that they wouldn't be able to move unless they were detached.

Crow follows up by opening its mouth and releasing a series of explosive bombs that fly towards the Father Puppet, exploding on impact and causing significant damage.

"Was that alright, sensei?"

"... to create the ideal circumstances, I'd need to get my opponent within range. If I were to apply this in battle, I'd try and pressure the opponent to move closer to me by flanking them with my puppets, causing them to move forward in order to avoid attacks from behind. I could also apply the senbon/smoke bomb methods in order to create a specific 'frame of safety'; a zone in the battleground where my opponent has no choice but to stay at in order to avoid other attacks. I've realized that being a puppeteer means being able to take in many variables and analyze ahead of time, while controlling the battle with strength in numbers."

"What are your insights, sensei?"

 

[Sharingdork]

Personally, smoke bombs would be quite effective for this technique. After blinding the opponent, you could then use Crow to go straight in and attack the opponent, drawing his attention away from Black Ant as he circles around to pin the enemy's arms, and hold him in place as Crow backs off before blowing him up. But that's good.

(Itsui no Jutsu) – Dual Virgins technique
Rank: B
Type: Offensive
Range: short
Chakra cost: 20
Damage points: 40
Description: The user summons Kuroai to sneak up behind the enemy, pinning their arms. Kankurō then uses a mouth-bomb wielding Karasu that rushes towards the enemy, causing the bombs to explode.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

The last dual-puppet technique we'll do before I go back over techniques is quite simple to understand. Simply flank my puppet over here with Crow and Black Ant, and have one of your puppets release smoke bombs onto it. After that, have both of your puppets release a relentless barrage of needles into the mist, with a wide area of effect so as to hit the opponent even if he tries to run within the mist. As for explanations, you know what to do by now.

 

[Souji]

"Moving right alone, aren't we, sensei?"

Yu manipulates Black Ant with his right hand, causing Black Ant to move within mid range of one of Sensei's dummy puppets. Black Ant comes from the left side of the puppet, flanking him. It then releases a volley of smoke bombs from its chest cavity and compartments, surrounding the puppet in a billow of smoke.

Immediately afterwards, Yu then threw his left hand up, allowing Crow to rise up slightly, and fire a barrage of needles into the mist, surely hitting the poor puppet while it was immobilized and unable to see this second action.

"This jutsu is great for misdirection, sensei. It also pushes my enemy into the defensive with a multiple-pronged attack. They'll try and defend the flank but will not expect the smoke bombs, and while countering that, they'll be hit with the poison needles."

"I'm beginning to see how puppetry is very technical, and is very powerful in terms of making your opponent stagger and fight on your terms through overwhelming strategies..."

 

[Sharingdork]

Yes, it does do that quite a bit... One thing about quite a few of these techniques is that they are simply built upon old techniques, just combining more in one go (therefore allowing you to use two "techniques" in a single jutsu slot). But now to go back over single-puppet-use jutsu.

(Doku Kiri Jigoku - Baribari Hyaku Renpatsu) - Poison Mist Hell - 100 Countious Tears
Rank: A
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-MId
Chakra Cost: 30
Damage Points: 60(- 5 per turn for 3 turns if the target was caught in the mist)
Description: The user send out two puppets.One of the puppets will send out multiple poison bombs.Next both puppets will launch an array of needles that pierce the opponent.
NOTE:Must know puppet jutsu

So these first three techniques are just utilizing the Crow puppet. So this first one requires you to jump into the air, giving Crow a bit more of a height advantage before he shoots out smoke bombs towards your target. You've already shot smoke bombs from Crow before, so this should be basic.
Then, I would like you to manipulate cannons in Crow's wrists, which then shoot kunai out towards your target. This is very similar to explosive bombs, smoke bombs, needles, etc. that you've used before, only through the wrist instead of the generic mouth.
The third technique has two applications, both of which I want you to practice. The first one is where you have Crow spin around perpendicular to the ground, like a top, with his limbs flailing without control. You can move him towards my Father puppet to batter against him randomly. The second applications is with Crow being parallel to the ground, and spinning like a drill. Then, you can "push" Crow forwards to hit my Mother puppet with his spinning head and flailing arms straight-forward like a drill.

You know how to go through techniques, by now. I expect a good level of effort from you.

 

[Souji]

Yes, it does do that quite a bit... One thing about quite a few of these techniques is that they are simply built upon old techniques, just combining more in one go (therefore allowing you to use two "techniques" in a single jutsu slot). But now to go back over single-puppet-use jutsu.

"Hm, your first statement, sensei, brought up a few questions in mind about puppetry in actual battle. I hope you'll indulge me by answering them."

1. In a battle, when summoning multiple puppets such as Crow and Black Ant, do they take up multiple moves or simply a single jutsu slot? Or are they counted as freeform?

2. Can I have each puppet perform a separate technique (for example, Crow with senbon and Black Ant with smoke bombs), and have it count as a single move?

3. I can't believe I never asked this, but are there any restrictions to elemental ninjutsu/tai/nin/gen when using puppets?

---

So these first three techniques are just utilizing the Crow puppet. So this first one requires you to jump into the air, giving Crow a bit more of a height advantage before he shoots out smoke bombs towards your target. You've already shot smoke bombs from Crow before, so this should be basic.

Yu took an upward leap, his arms stretched upward. The chakra strings that were attached to Crow were pulled, causing it to elevate alongside Yu. They attained a good height; above average for a typical shinobi. Yu then twitched his fingers, opening up flaps and folds in Crow, exposing the smoke bomb compartments in the puppet, and subsequently firing them at a downward sweep at Sensei. He fired the smoke bombs at sensei's sides, the front and back, and directly as sensei's body himself. This created a large cloud of smoke that clouded most visibility. Yu landed with a simple grace. As much grace as a guy could handle, anyway.

"I agree that the height advantage is good, sensei, but I don't like the fact that I must be in midair to perform this technique. It leaves me quite vulnerable if my opponent anticipates this attack. I'd rather use this if I first performed an Earth technique that resulted me in getting higher ground, and I'd jump off that rock formation, towards my opponent, who's on lower ground. Otherwise, the smoke bombs have the standard advantages and disadvantages."

Then, I would like you to manipulate cannons in Crow's wrists, which then shoot kunai out towards your target. This is very similar to explosive bombs, smoke bombs, needles, etc. that you've used before, only through the wrist instead of the generic mouth.

Manipulating the strings attached to Crow's arms, Yu opened up his puppet's wrists, revealing holes that proceeded to fire kunai towards sensei, whilst the smoke cloud from his previous technique was still active.

"Sensei, can I perform this technique with Black Ant as well? Also, is it possible to lace the kunai with the poison available in pre-existing Puppetry weapons such as the blades and senbon?"

The third technique has two applications, both of which I want you to practice. The first one is where you have Crow spin around perpendicular to the ground, like a top, with his limbs flailing without control. You can move him towards my Father puppet to batter against him randomly. The second applications is with Crow being parallel to the ground, and spinning like a drill. Then, you can "push" Crow forwards to hit my Mother puppet with his spinning head and flailing arms straight-forward like a drill.

Moving on to the next set of techniques, Yu allows Crow to start spinning like a top on the ground, using one of its limbs as a pivot. He allows the puppet's limbs to relax, and as a result, they begin to flail wildly, exposing weapons, blades, and creating a "puppet vortex of pain". Yu's control over the puppet is maintained, although it's hard to do so with such a high speed technique. However, within a minute or two, he manages to get the hang of it, as he manipulates Crow to spin towards sensei's Father puppet, hitting the latter as if it were nothing but a simple punching bag.

After completing the first technique, Yu brings Crow back to his side, stopping the spinning. Then, using the chakra strings, Crow is hoisted slightly off the ground, none of its physical form touching it. To a bystander, it looks as if the puppet is floating. Twitching his fingers in an alternating pattern, Yu causes the Crow puppet to start spinning in a clockwise manner, the puppet's limbs and blades outstretched and in a streamline position, almost like a missile. The rapid spinning causes the puppet to eventually become a blur, and Yu thrusts his arm forward, causing Crow to hurtle at sensei's Mother puppet with a powerful impact, "drilling" into her.

"These techniques are great, sensei, because they keep Taijutsu or close range fighters away! It helps to mitigate one of Puppetry's primary weaknesses."

 

[Sharingdork]

1. Summoning each different puppet is a different technique, and then using the Puppetry Technique to be able to actually use the summoned puppets is also a separate technique. So, you can summon one puppet and use two techniques, or you can summon two puppets and use three techniques.
2. Unless you are using one jutsu that says "One puppet shoots senbon while another shoots smoke bombs", to have two puppets use two techniques counts as two moves. However, they can be performed at the same time.
3. Your hands are occupied, so handseals and punches aren't an option. Also, the chakra strings take so much concentration that other techniques can't be used at the same time (however, you can make elemental clones beforehand, and they can use elemental techniques for you). What you can do is cancel your chakra strings, use a technique or two, and then re-use the strings to take control of your puppets again. Puppetry is similar to Samurai in this regard; you get this whole new take on fighting, with it's own strengths and weaknesses compared to normal shinobi, but you can't really use normal fighting techniques (at least too efficiently). As for taijutsu, kicks and any other attack that doesn't use your hand (or uses an open palm strike) should theoretically be fine, and allow you to use Chakra Strings creatively from short-range (probably on your opponent directly).

---

With Sasori's Hiruko puppet protecting him from all attacks, he began to speak.
These techniques can all only be used by Crow; he is a very special, offense-based puppet. And yes, the kunai may be laced with poison.

(Kugutsu Kemuridama no Jutsu) - Puppet Smoke Bombs Technique
Rank: D
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short - Long
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: N/A
Description: The user jumps up in the air and then manipulates crow to release several smoke bombs towards the enemy target blinding them in the process.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user.

(Kugutsu Gorotama no Jutsu) - Puppet Scatter Shot Technique
Rank: D
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 20
Description: The user manipulates crow to release several kunai from his body at the enemy target.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

(Ranbu no Jutsu) - Wild Dance Technique
Rank: D
Type: Offensive
Range: Short
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 20
Description: The user manipulates Crow to bolt towards the enemy and begin spinning, striking them with a rotational force.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

The first of the next techniques involves you detaching Crow's head and having a spike protrude from Crow's mouth. The spike is still attached to the body, and this technique loses pretty much all viability out of close-range.
The next technique is essentially the same as the one you just used where you span Crow around, but this time you will release spikes from Crow's limbs, which is a built-in mechanism you should be fairly familiar with controlling this puppet to frequently lately, in order to cut up an opponent as he spins.
The third technique is also built upon one of the jutsu you recently learned; open up four of Crow's wrists in order to shoot out very special kunai; these kunai home in on chakra, and are drawn to the largest source, which would be your opponent. The kunai are also attached with explosive tags which causes them to explode on impact. These homing kunai are only usable through this technique, and trying to extract them will damage Crow beyond repair (in short, you can't use these without this technique).

 

[Souji]

1. Summoning each different puppet is a different technique, and then using the Puppetry Technique to be able to actually use the summoned puppets is also a separate technique. So, you can summon one puppet and use two techniques, or you can summon two puppets and use three techniques.
2. Unless you are using one jutsu that says "One puppet shoots senbon while another shoots smoke bombs", to have two puppets use two techniques counts as two moves. However, they can be performed at the same time.
3. Your hands are occupied, so handseals and punches aren't an option. Also, the chakra strings take so much concentration that other techniques can't be used at the same time (however, you can make elemental clones beforehand, and they can use elemental techniques for you). What you can do is cancel your chakra strings, use a technique or two, and then re-use the strings to take control of your puppets again. Puppetry is similar to Samurai in this regard; you get this whole new take on fighting, with it's own strengths and weaknesses compared to normal shinobi, but you can't really use normal fighting techniques (at least too efficiently). As for taijutsu, kicks and any other attack that doesn't use your hand (or uses an open palm strike) should theoretically be fine, and allow you to use Chakra Strings creatively from short-range (probably on your opponent directly).

---

With Sasori's Hiruko puppet protecting him from all attacks, he began to speak.
These techniques can all only be used by Crow; he is a very special, offense-based puppet. And yes, the kunai may be laced with poison.

"Thank you for answering my questions."

The first of the next techniques involves you detaching Crow's head and having a spike protrude from Crow's mouth. The spike is still attached to the body, and this technique loses pretty much all viability out of close-range.

Yu detaches Crow's head with a flick of his wrist, and its mouth opens to reveal a simple spike. He manipulates the puppet to hover around, making stabbing and slashing motions.

"Simple."

The next technique is essentially the same as the one you just used where you span Crow around, but this time you will release spikes from Crow's limbs, which is a built-in mechanism you should be fairly familiar with controlling this puppet to frequently lately, in order to cut up an opponent as he spins.

Repeating the same principles of the previous technique, Yu makes Crow spin around again. This time, however, he twitches one of his fingers to activate the mechanisms in the puppet, allowing spikes to protrude outward, forming a "spinning top of death", for lack of a better term.

"Interesting how these are separate techniques. You would imagine something as basic as this could be done without the need to occupy a jutsu slot." He mumbled, almost to himself.

The third technique is also built upon one of the jutsu you recently learned; open up four of Crow's wrists in order to shoot out very special kunai; these kunai home in on chakra, and are drawn to the largest source, which would be your opponent. The kunai are also attached with explosive tags which causes them to explode on impact. These homing kunai are only usable through this technique, and trying to extract them will damage Crow beyond repair (in short, you can't use these without this technique).

"Now this, sensei... this is useful. I like the sound of this technique already."

Opening Crow's wrists, I then release a set of four kunai with explosive tags that home in on a target with the largest chakra. In this case, it was sensei, as the kunai hit Hiruko, and easily explode. I wasn't worried for any possible damage, though, Sensei was a far more capable shinobi than that.

"So, for this technique, sensei, does it ALWAYS home in on the largest target with the most chakra? Or can I control where it goes? Can each kunai be controlled on an individual basis?"

 

[Sharingdork]

Brushing off the explosions in his defense-based puppet, Sasori addressed the questions at hand.
No, the kunai will always home in on your opponent, and should you have multiple opponents, the one closest to the trajectory of the individual kunai, meaning that a "meat shield", so to speak, would be a viable defense for this technique.

(Kyū Karasukuchibashi) - Sudden Crow Beak
Rank: C
Type: Attack
Range: short
Chakra cost: 15
Damage points 30
Description: The user detaches the head of his puppet, Crow, just as the opponent is approaching. The head then projects a spike from its mouth and stabs the opponent.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

(Karasu Shuuren) - Crow Drill
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short - Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage points: 30
Description: The user manipulates Crow to release spikes from its limbs. He then makes Crow fly toward the opponent while spinning rapidly, doing severe damage to them.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

(Kugutsu no Jutsu: Mugen Bakujin) - Puppet Technique: Infinite Explosive Blades
Rank: C
Type: Offensive
Range: Short - Mid
Chakra cost: 15
Damage points: 30
Description: Crow's four arms open and then they shoot four kunai, which then home in on the enemy target exploding on impact.
Note: Can only be used by a Suna puppet user

The next jutsu is rather simple; first, cause Crow to move up into the air and then open up his hollow chest. From there, you will activate a mechanism to release a poison mist upon your enemy; no bombs need to be used, the mist will spill directly from his chest.
Now we move into the B-ranks. Using Crow, I want you to send him forward quickly, protruding spikes from each of his six hands and direct him towards my Father puppet. Then, he will use his own puppet "taijutsu" upon my Father puppet, striking rapidly with this spikes on his hand to hit my puppet into the ground, where the barrage of spike strikes will continue.
Finally, another expansion upon the "spinning Crow" move, I want you to have Crow release spikes from his arms, his mouth, and even from his shoulder blades, allowing him to grow "blade wings". After these spikes have been released, you can have Crow spin around and move directly into my Mother puppet, hitting her into the air with his rotational force. Afterwards, you can have Crow release explosive tag-rigged kunai from canons on his body towards my puppet, causing mid-air explosions.

These are the last of the techniques which I can teach you, so perform them well.

 

[Souji]

Brushing off the explosions in his defense-based puppet, Sasori addressed the questions at hand.
No, the kunai will always home in on your opponent, and should you have multiple opponents, the one closest to the trajectory of the individual kunai, meaning that a "meat shield", so to speak, would be a viable defense for this technique.

"I see, thank you for your insights, sensei."

The next jutsu is rather simple; first, cause Crow to move up into the air and then open up his hollow chest. From there, you will activate a mechanism to release a poison mist upon your enemy; no bombs need to be used, the mist will spill directly from his chest.

Making Crow launch up in the air, I then allow it to open up its chest, releasing a poison mist downward on both of us. Of course, neither of us was going to be affected; I had already gained an immunity to the sensei's poisons; a simple amateurish attack from my own puppet wouldn't do diddly squat.

"Sensei, this technique is faster to execute, but I think it's less advantageous, since it's a mist and not a projectile bomb, so the spreading of the technique is slower. Furthermore, it's very conspicuous and can be anticipated and countered by a more skilled opponent, perhaps with wind or something."

Now we move into the B-ranks. Using Crow, I want you to send him forward quickly, protruding spikes from each of his six hands and direct him towards my Father puppet. Then, he will use his own puppet "taijutsu" upon my Father puppet, striking rapidly with this spikes on his hand to hit my puppet into the ground, where the barrage of spike strikes will continue.

Allowing Crow to then charge towards Sensei's Father puppet, I make Crow perform a series of wild strikes, as spikes protrude from his arms. These strikes ravage the already tattered and broken Father puppet. It was strangely symbolic; Sensei had no attachment whatsoever to these art forms; what made it scarier was that they were in the image of his parents. What inner demons did he hold within himself?

Finally, another expansion upon the "spinning Crow" move, I want you to have Crow release spikes from his arms, his mouth, and even from his shoulder blades, allowing him to grow "blade wings". After these spikes have been released, you can have Crow spin around and move directly into my Mother puppet, hitting her into the air with his rotational force. Afterwards, you can have Crow release explosive tag-rigged kunai from canons on his body towards my puppet, causing mid-air explosions.

After nearly destroying the Father Puppet, I make Crow release sharp weapons from his various body parts, growing "blade wings", for lack of a better term. As I make Crow charge towards the Mother puppet, I realize that sensei was making me destroy his Father and Mother puppets. The rotational force, combined with the already lethal properties of the blade wings, ravage Mother Puppet as well.

Following up, I then allow Crow to release explosive tags from his compartments and cannons, creating a trail of mid-air explosions in its flight path. The spectacle was one to behold.

Once this is done, Sensei and I stand face to face.

There is an eerie silence.

These are the last of the techniques which I can teach you, so perform them well.

"Sensei... I am grateful for the wisdom and power you have bestowed upon me. I hope that one day, my own art shall rival yours, as well."

(So am I technically "complete" with Puppetry, bar the rules of special characters?)

 

[Sharingdork]

Using his chakra strings to pull the pieces of the battered puppets back to him, Sasori pointed an index finger upwards, using the chakra thread to reach behind him and grab a scroll, which, when opened, reverse-summoned the two puppets away. Flicking his finger down, Sasori put the scroll back with his chakra thread, and looked at his student through the eyes of his Hiruko puppet.
Art is eternal... Do not listen to the suicide bomber; one cannot appreciate what was here today, and gone in an instant. It takes many years longer to appreciate what was made, than it took to make it. It was one thing that child could never understand...
The Akatsuki cloak flipping over Hiruko's head, Sasori opened the compartment on his puppet's back, rising out of the shell with the metal cable stuck into the bottom of his puppet, coiling beneath him to provide a foothold as he rose. Looking down upon his student through the false red bangs over his wooden eyes, Sasori's puppet body creaked quietly as he grinned.
Let your art speak for itself. Allow your friends to marvel at the beauty of your puppets, while providing your enemies to opportunity to marvel at their ferocity. Both the construction and utilization of puppets are arts, and they are both equally important. I dyed the sand red for war, for my village, not for myself. When fighting for myself, I poison my opponent and leave them to die; leave them to re-live the fight in their minds as a reminder... A reminder of the eternal beauty and art that ended their life. If you choose to let opponent's live, force them to marvel at your Art of Puppetry. And if you intend to kill... Do not let your art die in a "bang".
I have taught you all that can be taught to a student such as yourself. Go, be free, and show the world why Puppet Masters are to be feared.
Sinking back into his Hiruko puppet, the compartment on the back closed and the puppet arms soon came to life to flip the cloak back over it. Turning his back, without looking upon his student through the puppet shell, Sasori began to walk away, his cloak trailing behind him and leaving a wide, uniform wake as he walked through the desert sand.

 

[Souji]

As sensei leaves, I ponder his final words. As the sand whips through my clothes and face, I look on as his hunched, shadowed figure fades into the distance. Holding the puppets I had been bestowed with, they simply sit there, unmoving, yet somehow full of life.

I was only beginning to understand the true nature of the puppet arts. Completing my training was simply a means to an end. There would be many more things to come... many battles to be fought, many trials to face, many experiments to conduct.

Reverse summoning my puppets into a set of scrolls, I place them in my ninja pouches, looking back one last time as I then turn around, wordlessly making my way back to my own village.

(Thank you ^^)