thundering through the land with Akihiko

[Elementalist]

*sits and waits on the top of a hill and looks up*
seems like a storm is coming through......
*gets up and moonwalks all over the hill*

 

[Adachi]

Just another quiet day for me. I merely glanced down at the envelope, mumbling to myself about the location.

It appeared to be on top of a hill, far from my town. The ground was littered with small patches of soft grass that scratched gently at my feet as I approached a lone figure upon the hill.
He was no doubt the person I had been assigned to teach, and given the ideal location, I had but a deliberate hint of my responsibilities.
"Hello," I began quietly, offering an awkward smile to my student. "Call me Akihiko-sensei. I see that you wish to learn Lightning. It is also one of my favorite elements, but first, may I know why you want to learn Raiton and how you plan to use it in a battle?"

 

[Elementalist]

*stop moonwalking*
"Well hello there." I tell the man in front of me. "well for starters I never really had a sensei before this so part of this is for the sake of learning itself. But I also would like to learn Raiton because lightning has always fascinated me with its instant flashes that somehow, no matter how short the burst of its power seems to leave its own personal mark within the earth."
I lean against the lone tree atop the hill and embed a kunai knife within it...
"well my goals to use it in battle will be so that I wont just be able to use it as a tool or a weapon of offense but also to be able to use it in protecting myself and whomever would choose to fight alongside me.

 

[Adachi]

I offered him a suggestive smile, nodding to his response.
"I assure you I will do my best as a sensei," I responded. "After all, it is a teacher's responsibility to teach his student well, just like how Kakashi-sensei treated Naruto. Raiton is a violent, yet amazing element that requires good control. It is loud, bright, and extremely powerful. Do you remember what it is strong against and why you might suggest how powerful it is?"
I watched him stab a kunai into the tree, listening with full concentration to my words. Looking around for an area to relax, I sat down upon a rock, continuing my words:
"And what is Raiton weak to, and why?"

 

[Elementalist]

"Well sensei I assure you I feel your best will be more than enough to help this rookie learn the ropes. Well if memory serves me correctly lightning is weak against the wind element though for what reason I'm disappointed to admit I have no idea why that is, the memory of hearing why it is like that escapes me sensei I think it may be due to the reason that wind is a natural insulator for electricity but I'm not entirely sure.......but I also know that lightning is strong against earth......most like likely because lightning has the ability to easily travel as it pleases throughout earth and just as easily rip and tear it apart."
I take my seat on a small patch of glass that has gathered a group of leaves piled upon it, making it a perfect sitting spot. I recline myself out on the soft ground and gaze up at the clouded gray sky. I glace at sensei and give him a a tentative smile.

 

[Adachi]

I frowned, listening to his words as I ran a hand down an old kunai, pondering on a response.
"Lightning is weak against Wind because Wind is a wide range, sweeping element that can easily break up Lightning's unstable violence," I offered. "But you are also correct in saying that it is a natural insulator. Lightning is also a great way to break out of earth jutsus and since you can utilize them from within your own body, being trapped in earth allows for a great escape by using Lightning."
He lay down on the ground, gazing upon the sky, and I too, glanced up, noticing the darkening skies. With a few simple hand seals and release of chakra, the clouds began to churn, eventually showering light rain across the entire training field.
I pointed at a puddle forming on the rock that I had been on. "Take up some of that water on your palm please," I instructed.

 

[Elementalist]

I smile on the outside but inside I am disappointed in myself....the answer was common sense and yet it eluded me....I will try to do better. I feel a pang of amazement as I watch Akihiko-sensei, with mere hand seals and chakra that is well under his control, control the weather to his whim.
As the clouds release their burden of water I do as sensei asks, walking toward the rock and taking up as much water into my palm from the puddle.
"Well Akihiko-sensei, I am ready for the next step." I say with enthusiasm heavy in my voice.

 

[Adachi]

The puddle was apparent in his hand, slightly muddy due to the debris in his rock, and gently, I reached over, placing my hand within the water.
It was cold, yet refreshing, and with a practiced motion, sent a shock of Lightning chakra into the water, surprising Elementalist with the action.
"Tell me your experience and reaction," I stated. "How do you think Lightning chakra would feel?"

 

[Elementalist]

I stared at him in confusion as he reached out toward the puddle in my hand. Then a short, small spasm of pain tingled throughout my palm, but as quick as it had come, it left even faster.
"Well sensei that was something." I began. "For a brief moment I imagine I knew what it felt like to be fried from the inside and outside."
My face scrunches up as it usually does when I begin to ponder.
"I believe lightning chakra, in the perspective of the person who its being used on, feels like the death by electric chair sentence . But in the hands of the user....I imagine it feeling like your insides are vibrating.....which is technically not far from the truth since lightning release does require fast chakra vibrations......"

 

[Adachi]

I chuckled a bit, seeing the concentration on Elementalist's face. "Well said, an honest response," I said. "Indeed, the Lightning element is extremely violent and wild as it's basically pure energy."
I held my hand out, focusing upon it, eventually electrifying my chakra so that it burned warmly within the palm of my hand, almost like a small chidori.
"Observe," I coaxed gently. "Try to recreate this, but make the surges short and small, almost like bolts of electricity."

 

[Elementalist]

I stare at Akihiko-sensei in pure amazement.
"Yes sensei."
I close my eyes and hold out my hand. I focused closely on getting the chakra flow in my hand under control. Once I acomplished that simple task I concentrate even harder into making my own chakra vibrate.
Almost like a small chidori.... I tell myself.
Slowly my chakra begins to vibrate. It feels as though a small tremor is happening directly under my skin, it isn't painful, but it is not a welcome feeling as well. But instead of stopping, I will my chakra to move faster and faster, the tremor turning into a full blown earthquake, my hand is getting hot, so hot I muse to myself that the nearest doctor would demand something was wrong with me.....
Suddenly a small spark flickers into existence on my palm which is then followed by two more flashes of electricity before imy self control gives out. The sparks die out and I look up towards Akihiko-sensei.
"That was incredible." I said in between panting. "Absolutely incredible."

 

[Adachi]

Spoiler

By the way, I commend you for one of the most amazing descriptions of Lightning chakra usage I ever read. O_O

Mesmerized by the unique amount of control and concentration Elementalist had, I too, was caught up in sheer action. There was a distinct rush of chakra within his body, coupled by a brief, yet brutal spark upon his palm. They flickered brightly in the cold air, then gave out almost as quickly, however, the bright marks it had left my eyes did not die as quickly.
"That was incredible," Elementalist breathed. "Absolutely incredible."
I could only nod, once again awed by the delightful experience of seeing a new shinobi accustom themselves in their first steps into the world.
"Now, take a small break," I said, guiding him towards a dry rock under the tree. "Once you think you are ready, bring up that same feeling one more time, but this time concentrate on maintaining it and direct those bolts to attack the tree trunk before us."

 

[Elementalist]

Almost exhausted by my first attempt at lightning release I stumble my way towards the dry rock sensei indicated. I breath heavily in and out, surprised by how the once natural task now seemed labored. I stare at my hands for no more than a few minutes, simply awed by what I had done.
Slowly but surely, I lifted myself from the rock with more confidence than when I had first begun.
"I'm ready now sensei." I said.
I held out the palm of my hand toward the tree and focus again on the chakra flow in my hand. Easier than last time, the earthquake returns to my hand, only this time not as intense. Weather this is due to my body's expectancy of the feeling or the fact that I am not as shocked by the sparks that surge from my palm I am not sure.
I reach the obstacle I had faced before when I lost my self control, and instead of losing it again I force my chakra to vibrate faster with each passing second until bolts of lightning are erupting from my hand.
Aim for the tree I remind myself.
But it is no use. The bolts continue to fly in a random fashion all around me.
What am I doing wrong? I said inside my mind.
Suddenly my head ached, as if my brain was trying to tell me that I had missed a very important piece of information. Then it hit me like a freight train.
Even though the chakra is leaving my body, it is still MY chakra and MY energy . I still have control and influence over it, regardless of the fact that it is separated from me physically. I focus hard on the next bolt that shoots out of my hand. Instead of worrying about the next random bolt I concentrate on the chakra in that one bolt. I feel the miniscule connecting between me and the bolt and I focus my willpower and control into it........
The bolt strikes the tree with a loud boom and I stagger and almost fall. But intead of diving face first into the ground I steady myself and huff and puff until I feel I am in control of my exhaustion.
I smile and look at sensei.
"How's that Akihiko-sensei?" I asked impishly.

 

[Adachi]

I was silent, watching with undisguised fascination as Elementalist gave it his all in completing the first steps of his training. The chakra slowly, but surely surged into his hands, creating a momentary spark, yet it died almost as quickly as a slightly disappointed look passed across his face.
However, instead of interrupting his concentration, I continued to observe, now seeing a new determination and realization within his gaze. He raised his hand once more, trying once more to bring up the very feeling he had before. This time, to my somewhat expected surprise, the wild Lightning remained steady in his hand as he finally gathered enough control over the violent element, burning the tree before us.
I stared at the scorch marks it left on the trees as a wide smile began to spread across my face.
"How's that, Akihiko-sensei?" he inquired, a small hint of accomplishment in his voice.
"Amazing," I breathed, now grinning vicariously with my student at his first achievement. "Congratulations on learning your first jutsu! Take this energy drink, and take a short break. We're far from done today."
Digging in the pack I had brought with me to the training grounds, I came up with a blue-shaded Gatorade and offered it to Elementalist.
"When you are ready," I said, opening my own bottle, frowning at the purple color. "Concentrate the lightning within your hands this time, but release it into the ground towards my feet."

Spoiler

(Raiton no Jutsu) - Lightning Release Technique
Rank: D
Type: Offensive
Range: Short - Mid
Chakra cost: 10
Damage points: 20
Description: The user will manipulate their chakra to create small bolts of lightning to attack their target.

 

[Elementalist]

I gratefully accept the energy drink sensei offered as I only begin to feel the sense of accomplishment burn through me. This was a whole different experience. I had not only completed my first jutsu but I had found a newfound respect for shinobi's. I had always known that the extensive use of chakra drained the body, but I never knew just how tiring it could be. The fact that shinobi's like sensei does this everyday is astounding to me. As I finish off half of the drink I set it down. I get up and stand a few feet from my sensei.
Taking a deep breath to calm myself I close my eyes and focus, once again forcing the chakra vibrations to occur under my palm. Unlike the last few times I have tried to control the violent element I feel relaxed as a small spark dances across my hands.
"Its all about my state of mind." I assure myself. I opened my eyes and took a look around me.
Akihiko-sensei was a few feet away from my current location and I thought to myself, remember lightning is stronger than earth. It can move freely throughout it without being hindered.
I gently place my hand on the ground and expel the chakra outward of my body into the rough ground underneath me. Like before I feel the resistance my chakra has at being separated from me but this time it is not difficult to overcome.
As I release my lightning chakra into the earth beneath I am amazed when the ground beneath me shatters like fragile glass that has been dropped. The surge of lightning stops a few inches from where sensei lays. As soon as I think I have enough control over it I cut the flow of my chakra from the ground. As the sparks die down, I look in awe at the scorched ground beneath and around me.
Unlike the other times, I am not as drained nor as exhausted.
"Akihiko-sensei, I think my body is finally attuning to my release of chakra."

 

[Adachi]

Like a bright flash of light, I saw the his chakra pierce through the Earth, cutting through it, eating and tossing the dirt away as if it was not there. It stopped just a few inches before my feet, fading away quickly, yet leaving behind a burning brilliance upon my eyes.
Elementalist stood, a somewhat exhausted, yet accomplished smile spread across his features. "Akihiko-sensei," he called. "I think my body is finally attuning to my release of chakra!"
"Good!" I called, taking a few steps backwards. "Then we shall we go over a bit more basics. 0-5 meters is short range, 5-15 is mid range, and 15-25+ is long range. This current jutsu you are learning can only reach to short range, as that is all the energy required for you to expel right now."
Now close to the top of the hill, I peered down at Elementalist, a few meters away. "Try to recreate that move, but this time, put in enough effort so that it shocks my feet!"

 

[Elementalist]

I stared at the distance between Akihiko-sensei and I, astonishment the first thought in my mind.
How am I supposed to expand that jutsu that far...... I asked myself It doesnt seem possible.
I shook my head.
What am I saying? I've come to far to give up now. If there's one thing that will never happen, I'll never give in.
Then, with determination evident in my face, I resurrect the vibration of my chakra quicker than I had during my other tries. Surprisingly, my mind just barely registered the feeling, instead of an earthquake it was now more of a tremor, and even that wasn't altogether unpleasant.
Is this what it feels like to become a shinobi? I awed.
With an in-explainable confidence, I pressed my hand to the ground again, pushing my chakra outwards into the ground. As it did, I willed it to vibrate faster and faster until once again, the ground became my own personal demolition zone. Suddenly everything around me did not matter. It was only me and the jutsu. My mind registered a screaming sound in the distance, but weather it came from the distance or from myself, I did not know. It was most likely the latter.
I felt my control begin to fade slowly.
No, I have to reach sensei's feet. I reprimanded myself.
I put all of my effort and concentration into the simple task of moving the lightning forward.
This is it. I thought.
With one last shove of chakra I released everything I had into the final push. I don't know who was more surprised, me or sensei, when the lightning licked violently at his feet. All I remember was feeling triumphant and pleased with myself.
Don't get overconfident.I told myself.Most other shinobi can do that and much more without difficulty. I still have mountains to climb, and I'll make sure that by the end of this, I'll be able to tear down those mountains and reduce them to ruble.

 

[Adachi]

As the Lightning eventually reached my feet, it threw me off balance, and my arms flung wildly in the air as I landed face first into the grass. The sizzling aspect of the move still stung my legs, reminding me of the many times where blood had suddenly rushed into neglected veins, leaving a prickling, uncomfortable feeling.
Although the jutsu was not close to perfection, it was well executed - the amount of power and determination that I had felt within it was undeniable, and there were no more doubts about the clear potential within Elementalist.
I placed my a hand before me, pushing down upon the ground so I could get back on my feet, wincing as the pain eventually faded away. Stabilizing my footing, I let a grin spread across my face as I clapped loudly, commending his efforts.
"I was thrown off balance," I said. "And that is extremely important in battle, as the few seconds between falling to the ground can determine life or death. It makes you vulnerable during that time frame.
Also, Lightning is usually a shock that travels throughout the whole body, so targeting areas such as the feet or hands can be very beneficial."
I walked back down the hill, making a beeline towards Elementalist.
"Now, let's something less offensive," I instructed. "This time, instead of focusing your Raiton chakra into your hand, I want you to focus on letting it surround and blanket your body. Push it out from the pores of your skin and let it cover you like a shield."

 

[Elementalist]

As sensei falls, I struggle to restrain my laughter. The sight of his arms flinging wildly into the air was hysterical and I doubted I could hold it in much longer. As sensei stabled himself on his feet the laughter within me died down and I was able to recollect myself.
"I was thrown off balance," he said. "And that is extremely important in battle, as the few seconds between falling to the ground can determine life or death. It makes you vulnerable during that time frame.
Also, Lightning is usually a shock that travels throughout the whole body, so targeting areas such as the feet or hands can be very beneficial."
So if I were to target a strong nerve point in my opponent....I could possibly render him or her paralyzed and open. I decided that would be very useful information for the future and tucked it away safely in the back of my mind.
As sensei began to move toward me I became a bit wary.
What could we possibly learn next that would have him close to me? I thought.
"Now, let's something less offensive," he said. "This time, instead of focusing your Raiton chakra into your hand, I want you to focus on letting it surround and blanket your body. Push it out from the pores of your skin and let it cover you like a shield."
Projecting my chakra outwards to cover me like full body armor.
A useful skill indeed. I told myself.
I took a seat on the hill with my legs crossed so it appeared I as if I were in meditation. I closed my eyes and instead of just focusing upon my hand I looked inside myself to find the chakra flow that was beneath the surface of my entire body. I searched for what felt like minutes before I felt the chakra flowing through me like a stream of fresh water.
This is the basis for all jutsu. Every ninja has this. It is what bonds us shinobi and gives us something in common. I wondered in awe. But I would have to marvel later. Right now I had training to accomplish. I focused on controling the chakra flow and with more difficulty than I had anticipated I slowly felt my chakra leave my body and surround me like a sheet that has been custom made for me and myself only.
You are not looking for a sheet. I told myself. A sheet will do you no good in battle. You need armor.
With more power than I had ever expected of myself, my chakra came forth, surrounding me completely, filling the holes in my sheet and building it up until it was no longer a sheet, but a true force to be reckoned with.
I was stunned by my own control, but I was not finished. I forced the chakra molecules to vibrate faster and faster.
I had no idea when i heard the first spark but I somehow knew it was there. It was soon followed by another and another.
I have no clue as to what it looked like, for I had my eyes closed deep in concentration, but I heard the spectacle around me. I imagined lightning dancing around me in a steady, graceful, and deadly dance. Turning up any ground that was foolish enough to stand in its way.
Slowly I opened my eyes and saw every flash of electricity that passed over my eyes.
Keeping up the jutsu I looked at sensei.
"Is this what you meant?"

 

[Adachi]

With a new gaze in his eyes, Elementalist made his way back up the hill, sitting down upon the grass with his legs crossed. I was expectant, leaning my leg against a rock for a few moments.
At first, nothing happened, and for a moment, I thought he had fallen asleep, but then the area around him began to flicker, ever so slightly. Seconds later, Lightning began to brighten all around him, reminding me ever so slightly of a force shield. The molecules were interconnected - I could see each and every circuit and connection, vivid and active with youthful chakra.
His eyes snapped open, searching around for my presence, eventually finding me as he questioned his current progress.
I gave him a thumbs-up, grinning as I scanned his shield for any possible holes. Finding none, I nodded my approval, forming the Tiger seal and creating one Shadow Clone.
"My clone will now stand here like a dummy for you," I said. "Run at him with the jutsu. Also, explain to me what would happen if I attempted to punch you when you have that defense over you."