[Nin] Training with Adachi sensei.
- Thread starter Calpal
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Someone from his very own clan had contacted him for training, surprisingly enough - the said lad was currently seated upon a lone rock in the middle of the Nara forest, staring into distance in an almost stoic manner. As Adachi quietly made his way across the fields towards his prospective student, he found himself gazing upwards at the movement of the clouds and the current position of the sun.
Directly upwards. It must have been somewhere close to noon. The clouds would do good during the training session itself as well. "Agis Nara, I'll assume?" Adachi regarded his student with a similar impassive game. "I see you've been endowed with the secrets of our clan. However, before we dive directly into its techniques, I'd like to hear a bit on your thoughts on the Shadow Techniques and the strategies you might have an idea for during usage of battle."
Directly upwards. It must have been somewhere close to noon. The clouds would do good during the training session itself as well. "Agis Nara, I'll assume?" Adachi regarded his student with a similar impassive game. "I see you've been endowed with the secrets of our clan. However, before we dive directly into its techniques, I'd like to hear a bit on your thoughts on the Shadow Techniques and the strategies you might have an idea for during usage of battle."
Only a short period of time, where Agis had lost himself in thought, had passed since he sat himself. He was still watching the shadows silently crawl across the ground, when he noticed his new Senpai, kin to himself, already in his presence. Standing, watching, with what judgement? His own unwavering reflection staring back at him from Adachi senseis cool, calm eyes shining light unto the leagues of difference in strength. It made Agis excited.
He skipped the introductions, and got directly to it, asking what I knew about our clans techniques and abilities and how I would put them to good use. Considering me with the same blank expression, he watches as I clear my throat and think back on all I've learned about my clan and our abilities. I slid off the rock, confirmed my name, bowed, and proceeded.
"I know that our abilities are severely limited depending on what time of day its, how much light is around, and how dark it is. Also depending on how much chakra you have, and how powerful the opponent is, they might be able to resist it to an extent if not break free. It is most famously, and effectively used with the Akimichi clan secret techniques, and the Yamanaka clan secret jutsus. Using our surroundings is essential to fully utilize the Nara clan shadow techniques, because knowing our surroundings will ensure we know exactly how much shade is near and to which extent we can use it." Agis paused to look at his Senpai wondering if he forgot anything. "I also carry umbrellas as an extra measure should sufficient shade be scarce, or to enhance my range." Hoping that would give Adachi sensei a good understanding of what I knew, I concluded, "That's all I have Sensei." Now, starting to feel nervous, I lift my head to make eye contact and find Adachi senpai looking back at me, on his face a look of...
It was a sufficient amount of knowledge and Adachi nodded, his expression still failing to disclose his current thoughts. The explanation that Agis had given him was more than satisfactory and an accepting starting point. "You are correct when you say that the sun has a great impact on the abilities of our clan," Adachi responded. "Yet, even during the night, as long as the moon is shining brightly, and that a source of light exists, our jutsus are still capable. Unless you are in a completely enclosed space, there is bound to be light even in cloudy days or nights. Essentially, it is hard to capture opponents with our most basic technique, which is to connect our shadow to the opponent's in order to immobilize them, however, there are many other useful and versatile techniques to corner our enemies. Given that our jutsus can be countered easily with fire, I have chosen to place my specialty in Water Jutsus in order to better act against this counterplay due to the fact that I am able use Water jutsus with one handseal. I have also chosen to speed up the usage of my Earth jutsus to further the length of a shadow jutsu or act in defensive manners. I suggest you yourself to chose one or the other to specialize in, though it is still up to preference."
He paused briefly in his explanation to walk up to Agis, handing him two curious, sphere-shaped objects. "This is the smoke bomb and the flash bomb. Now, you mentioned that you also possess an umbrella. Given the purpose of your umbrella, how might you think these two particular objects could potentially benefit the usage of our tactics and jutsus?"
He paused briefly in his explanation to walk up to Agis, handing him two curious, sphere-shaped objects. "This is the smoke bomb and the flash bomb. Now, you mentioned that you also possess an umbrella. Given the purpose of your umbrella, how might you think these two particular objects could potentially benefit the usage of our tactics and jutsus?"
Agis looked at his Sensei curiously. “So you mean to say that on the night of a full moon, or any bright enough moon, we might even have the advantage?” That interested him. It was interesting enough to have to think outside of the box for your own clans’ jutsu. The question about the two tactical bombs was what piqued his curiosity though.
Agis replied wearily, seeing his sensei still looking unconcerned. “The smoke bomb could be used as a screen, while the flash bomb could be used to temporarily blind the target. Those are the fundamental purposes for them, but if one were to use them in a more indirect fashion they could be used for many different purposes.” Agis took a steadying breath, collected his thoughts, and remembered all his studying. He was comfortable, but couldn’t help feeling intimidated by the cool confidence of his Senpai. But that didn’t matter, what mattered was training, getting stronger. “If you threw the flash bomb behind the opponent, depending on the distance from you, it would temporarily cast a shadow long enough to reach you and you could then bind them with your own shadow. This tactic could work in the same situation but vice versa, whereas instead of throwing it behind your opponent, you throw it behind yourself and try to snag them with your own elongated shadow. If you threw the smoke bomb directly in front of the line of the sun or light source, you could form a sort of line that would cross the field; a make shift “shadow wall”, giving you a much longer reach or range. They could also be used simply for diversionary tactics while one sets up a more elaborate plan of attack. I could throw the flash bomb out in front of me and use the umbrella to block the flash, and because of the umbrella I would, for a brief moment, have a very condensed dark shadow from the brightness of the bomb that I could use more aptly than a regular shadow.”
“Depending on the layout of the battlefield, the placement of light sources, and how bright the light sources are, these two items could be used in a plethora of different tactical approaches. Their purposes are very conducive to our jutsu as they can intensify light and/or block it out.” He sighed a small sigh, feeling he may have disappointed his Sensei even further. “And under your tutelage I’m sure we can figure out more uses together” Agis bowed once more, straightened up and tried to imitate the look Adachi had been giving him. He probably looked a few full sights more pathetic, but still he held his head proud, waiting for his Sensei’s reply.
Agis replied wearily, seeing his sensei still looking unconcerned. “The smoke bomb could be used as a screen, while the flash bomb could be used to temporarily blind the target. Those are the fundamental purposes for them, but if one were to use them in a more indirect fashion they could be used for many different purposes.” Agis took a steadying breath, collected his thoughts, and remembered all his studying. He was comfortable, but couldn’t help feeling intimidated by the cool confidence of his Senpai. But that didn’t matter, what mattered was training, getting stronger. “If you threw the flash bomb behind the opponent, depending on the distance from you, it would temporarily cast a shadow long enough to reach you and you could then bind them with your own shadow. This tactic could work in the same situation but vice versa, whereas instead of throwing it behind your opponent, you throw it behind yourself and try to snag them with your own elongated shadow. If you threw the smoke bomb directly in front of the line of the sun or light source, you could form a sort of line that would cross the field; a make shift “shadow wall”, giving you a much longer reach or range. They could also be used simply for diversionary tactics while one sets up a more elaborate plan of attack. I could throw the flash bomb out in front of me and use the umbrella to block the flash, and because of the umbrella I would, for a brief moment, have a very condensed dark shadow from the brightness of the bomb that I could use more aptly than a regular shadow.”
“Depending on the layout of the battlefield, the placement of light sources, and how bright the light sources are, these two items could be used in a plethora of different tactical approaches. Their purposes are very conducive to our jutsu as they can intensify light and/or block it out.” He sighed a small sigh, feeling he may have disappointed his Sensei even further. “And under your tutelage I’m sure we can figure out more uses together” Agis bowed once more, straightened up and tried to imitate the look Adachi had been giving him. He probably looked a few full sights more pathetic, but still he held his head proud, waiting for his Sensei’s reply.
A sense of curiosity had seemed to overtake his student - Adachi noted with pleasure of the regard which Agis held for the ninja tools. It was suitable after all, a Nara always had to be prepared and if not ninja tools for tactical retreats and time to think, then what else? "The moon is a source of light after all," Adachi confirmed. "In fact, it reflects the light of the sun itself and we all are well aware that it is the ultimate light bringer."
He waited patiently for his student to finish his explanation. The lad was definitely sharp, he'd give him that, and to boot, Agis had left him much to continue off on. Of course, there were some vital pieces of information missing and he was more than glad to fill those in. "You are precisely correct about aiming the smoke or flash bomb towards the position behind your opponent," Adachi began. "Yet, there are more than just those usages for these two important tools. The flash bomb can also be a helpful diversion to allow you to retreat quickly - as Nara, it is best that we avoid direct short range combat, as we are not very suitable in that regard. Overall, it is best to summarize it: The flash bomb is mainly for an opening to attack, and the smoke bomb, as a cover. Furthermore, while you are also accurate in your assessment of the latter, there is another important jutsu that will come into play with the tool. As smoke has high density when compressed, if you aim the smoke bomb and cause it to be set off around your opponent's vicinity, you can potentially suffocate him by utilizing your Shadow Jutsu to wrap it around the area of the smoke and close it on him."
Adachi paused briefly to glance at the current distance between both of them. "Well, before we continue, are you aware of the weaknesses that the Shadow jutsu are prone to and how it could potentially backfire? If so, what are some possible counterplays that you could execute in order to avoid such circumstances?"
He waited patiently for his student to finish his explanation. The lad was definitely sharp, he'd give him that, and to boot, Agis had left him much to continue off on. Of course, there were some vital pieces of information missing and he was more than glad to fill those in. "You are precisely correct about aiming the smoke or flash bomb towards the position behind your opponent," Adachi began. "Yet, there are more than just those usages for these two important tools. The flash bomb can also be a helpful diversion to allow you to retreat quickly - as Nara, it is best that we avoid direct short range combat, as we are not very suitable in that regard. Overall, it is best to summarize it: The flash bomb is mainly for an opening to attack, and the smoke bomb, as a cover. Furthermore, while you are also accurate in your assessment of the latter, there is another important jutsu that will come into play with the tool. As smoke has high density when compressed, if you aim the smoke bomb and cause it to be set off around your opponent's vicinity, you can potentially suffocate him by utilizing your Shadow Jutsu to wrap it around the area of the smoke and close it on him."
Adachi paused briefly to glance at the current distance between both of them. "Well, before we continue, are you aware of the weaknesses that the Shadow jutsu are prone to and how it could potentially backfire? If so, what are some possible counterplays that you could execute in order to avoid such circumstances?"
Agis listened on as his elder conveyed his wisdom to him, more interested in the conversation, and less about how foolish he looked to Adachi senpai. He thought hard as his sensei asked him If he was aware of the disadvantages of the clans techniques, and furthermore what he would do to possibly nullify such weaknesses should they give way. Agis was pretty sure what most of the weaknesses were already. Hopefully. He decided to start off simple.
“For starters, we are completely vulnerable in darkness, unless we have some sort of light to cast shadows, our skills are moot. If our opponent is able to manipulate a light source such as fire, flash bombs, or the like, they can slow down the attack or completely dispell it.” Pausing to take a look at the flash bomb indifferently, calmly gathering his thoughts. “Since most of the jutsu we use are more short range, people who are long range fighters are a bad matchup for us.
For instance, it would be the easiest thing to catch me in the shadow neck bind or shadow summoning technique, and because of the short distance between us it would make the shadow that much more potent. But if I were to step out of range of your shadow, you would be vulnerable to simple long range attacks, even shuriken and kunai can be used as an advantage against us for the opponent to keep a long range distance, out of our reach. Also, when using the shadow manipulation jutsu, users tend to be stationary while casting the jutsu, as it takes focus and accuracy to use it. While its not said whether one must be stationary or not, It would be far too difficult for me to try just yet. That being said, in battle, movement is survival. Being stationary in a fight is a huge disadvantage and just trying to cast the technique at the wrong time could be all the backfire you need.”
He wasn’t sure if that had been a satisfactory, or inadequate summary. No matter, Agis was confident and knew his sensei would correct him if he was wrong. Now, wracking his brain a bit more than he probably should have needed to, he tried to imagine ways to attack with the shadows and not leave himself assailable as well. He should have gotten more rest the night before, he thought to himself with a small grin at how ironic it was to be contemplating the uses of shade for battle, and not sleep.
Agis was a bit more unsure on how to counter these problems, let alone attack all the while. “ I imagine clones would be of much benefit to one using the shadow manipulation, while the main body focuses on attack the clones could be used as aid for support or back-up. Using a clone to act in your stead would be ideal, as you could control the battle from a safe vantage point and set-up a plan.
If you could manage to keep one clone around to watch your back, you should be safe..” Pausing shortly, feeling off the mark, “Im sorry Adachi Senpai, Im not really sure about this one.” “If you carried these tools you could use them to your aid, but if you could use other jutsu in conjunction with the shadows, there are many more possibilities. If I were to pick an element to compliment my shadows I would pick Earth, because you can manipulate the landscape and solid rock, and by extension, manipulate shadows as well.” Heaving in a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Agis concludes, “Im really not sure if that was right or not, but I guess that’s how you learn, right Sensei?”
"You state a lot of disadvantages," Adachi responded. "But you are not wrong in doing so. We of the Nara clan are not known for brute strength, but our wits. You are correct in stating that long range fighters are definitely an issue for us, however, there are many ways to guide them into our traps. We do not only have our Ninja Tools and Ninjutsu at hand, but the five elements, of which I am sure you are able to come up with in time. While I will not address here everything you have told me at the moment, as we will learn them throughout the course of our lesson, I'd like to speak to you about the importance of elements in conjunction to using Kagemane jutsu. You are definitely spot on when you say Earth allows us to extend our shadows by covering certain areas of the landscape or simply trap the opponent to lead them into our jutsus, however, another important element to have mastery over would be the Water element. As you said, strong light is our weakness, and nine out of ten times, the enemy is likely to use a fire move to counter our Shadow jutsus, so by following up our moves by a Water jutsu, we could avoid such a factor happening. Not to mention, through Shape Manipulation of our chakra, we can also use the simple shadow of a focused Water jutsu and further extend our shadows."
With those words, he distanced himself from Calpal, counting about ten meters before he stopped. "Now, I'd like you focus your chakra into your shadow and extend it to trap me."
With those words, he distanced himself from Calpal, counting about ten meters before he stopped. "Now, I'd like you focus your chakra into your shadow and extend it to trap me."
Agis listened, and did as he was told. Or at least, tried to do as he was told. He was feeling far more nervous than he had so far, and for what? Now was the fun part.
He looked at the distance between them, Somewhere around thirty feet. It had been no later than noon when Agis had gotten there, and not much longer after that Adachi sensei had arrived as well. Facing west, his back warm from the morning sun, Agis widens his stance, forms the necessary handseal and focuses all his chakra through his body, and into his shadow. Closing his eyes to help him focus all the more, imagining it creeping closer and closer to his sensei. Agis didn’t want to rush, there was plenty of time and he didn’t want to look like a fool in front of his sensei either. Mind still focused on shadow, and body still focused on channeling chakra, he slowly opens his eyes to look his sensei in the face, too afraid to look down. "Hows that sensei?" Agis asked wearily
He looked at the distance between them, Somewhere around thirty feet. It had been no later than noon when Agis had gotten there, and not much longer after that Adachi sensei had arrived as well. Facing west, his back warm from the morning sun, Agis widens his stance, forms the necessary handseal and focuses all his chakra through his body, and into his shadow. Closing his eyes to help him focus all the more, imagining it creeping closer and closer to his sensei. Agis didn’t want to rush, there was plenty of time and he didn’t want to look like a fool in front of his sensei either. Mind still focused on shadow, and body still focused on channeling chakra, he slowly opens his eyes to look his sensei in the face, too afraid to look down. "Hows that sensei?" Agis asked wearily
There was a sense of nervousness as his student took carefully speculation of his surroundings. It was good that he was taking note of the current weather and the position of the sun - such detail was necessary for any Nara to function. Agis' hands came together to form the familiar "Rat" handseal that every Nara was taught from young, and within moments, his shadow stretched just slightly from where he was standing, only to extend rapidly to merge with his own.
It was a weak bond, of course, and Adachi had wished, could easily break through it with force. But he stood his position, letting the jutsu take control of his body as he spoke with just the slightest bit of difficulty. "Not bad for a first shot," he told his student. "However, as you are well aware, any opponent in normal circumstances will not let you trap them so easily, especially if they are aware you are a Nara user and of course, the blatant, prominent manner of which our shadows travel upon the ground. The strength and speed of such a jutsu can also be relevant, as you noted, to the position of the sun and the light around us. Now, I'm sure you are aware of the functions of this jutsu - essentially, the opponent's body is now under your control and it is up to your creativity on how to incapacitate them." A flare of fire was released from his mouth, overwhelming the connecting shadows as he freed himself from its bondage. "Now, I have two questions for you," Adachi told his student. "Firstly, how might a cloudy day affect our shadow? Could it be advantageous or disadvantageous? Secondly, what ninja tools do you happen to be carrying on you at the moment?"
It was a weak bond, of course, and Adachi had wished, could easily break through it with force. But he stood his position, letting the jutsu take control of his body as he spoke with just the slightest bit of difficulty. "Not bad for a first shot," he told his student. "However, as you are well aware, any opponent in normal circumstances will not let you trap them so easily, especially if they are aware you are a Nara user and of course, the blatant, prominent manner of which our shadows travel upon the ground. The strength and speed of such a jutsu can also be relevant, as you noted, to the position of the sun and the light around us. Now, I'm sure you are aware of the functions of this jutsu - essentially, the opponent's body is now under your control and it is up to your creativity on how to incapacitate them." A flare of fire was released from his mouth, overwhelming the connecting shadows as he freed himself from its bondage. "Now, I have two questions for you," Adachi told his student. "Firstly, how might a cloudy day affect our shadow? Could it be advantageous or disadvantageous? Secondly, what ninja tools do you happen to be carrying on you at the moment?"
(Kage Mane) - Shadow Imitation
Rank: D
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 10
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Traps the enemy by combining shadows.
Rank: D
Type: Supplementary
Range: Short-Mid
Chakra cost: 10
Damage Points: N/A
Description: Traps the enemy by combining shadows.
It had worked! And on his first try as well. That was it, that was enough to get pumped up. Sensei brushed it off as if it were an insect, but power comes with time.
A sense of excitement and drive came over Agis as he stood there listening to his Teacher. Reaching back for his bag, thinking about the first question, he begins “Well, It could be both an advantage and a hindrance. If the clouds were blocking out the sun entirely, you would be out of luck. But if there were breaks in the clouds, or they were moving fast enough, the enemy might not be able to avoid the clouds shadow, setting them up for a trap no one knew was there. They would have to keep an eye on the sky just to keep from being trapped, whereas we could focus on fighting and whenever there was blotted out light or shade from the clouds, simply catch them before they can react to you or the trap.”
He looked through his belongings and took a quick inventory. “I have about a dozen kunai and shuriken, a handful of tetsubishi, a couple scrolls, about ten smoke bombs, 4 or 5 flash bombs, and of course, my swords.” Wondering why he had been asked the question, Agis concludes and looks at his Sensei with eager anticipation.
A sense of excitement and drive came over Agis as he stood there listening to his Teacher. Reaching back for his bag, thinking about the first question, he begins “Well, It could be both an advantage and a hindrance. If the clouds were blocking out the sun entirely, you would be out of luck. But if there were breaks in the clouds, or they were moving fast enough, the enemy might not be able to avoid the clouds shadow, setting them up for a trap no one knew was there. They would have to keep an eye on the sky just to keep from being trapped, whereas we could focus on fighting and whenever there was blotted out light or shade from the clouds, simply catch them before they can react to you or the trap.”
He looked through his belongings and took a quick inventory. “I have about a dozen kunai and shuriken, a handful of tetsubishi, a couple scrolls, about ten smoke bombs, 4 or 5 flash bombs, and of course, my swords.” Wondering why he had been asked the question, Agis concludes and looks at his Sensei with eager anticipation.
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Adachi nodded in response to Agis' answers. "You are indeed correct. It would definitely be advantageous to have a cloudy day where clouds move across the sky in bits and pieces that would then force the enemy to keep an eye on the status of the sky. Given, once you learn more elements, you are able to control the weather to your liking a bit more, but for now, make sure that whenever you battle you pay careful attention to such detail."
Walking up to his student, he glanced over the tools Agis had on him. "That's good. As Naras, it is vital to have tons of ninja tools by our side at the ready any time." Shifting through the inventory, Adachi picked up a kunai as he handed the rest of the stuff back to his student. "All you need right now is this kunai," he informed him. "Just simply take it into your hand and charge it with the exact same chakra you use to extend your shadow. Now I'll proceed to distance myself from you and run directly under the afternoon sun. Keep a careful eye on my shadow and then toss the chakra-infused kunai to strike my shadow to pin down my movements."
Adachi walked about five meters back from Agis before dashing in a straight line before him, his shadow following him on his right side underneath the sun.
Walking up to his student, he glanced over the tools Agis had on him. "That's good. As Naras, it is vital to have tons of ninja tools by our side at the ready any time." Shifting through the inventory, Adachi picked up a kunai as he handed the rest of the stuff back to his student. "All you need right now is this kunai," he informed him. "Just simply take it into your hand and charge it with the exact same chakra you use to extend your shadow. Now I'll proceed to distance myself from you and run directly under the afternoon sun. Keep a careful eye on my shadow and then toss the chakra-infused kunai to strike my shadow to pin down my movements."
Adachi walked about five meters back from Agis before dashing in a straight line before him, his shadow following him on his right side underneath the sun.
Agis was ready, it couldn’t be too much harder than this, and he wanted to prove himself. Forming the same rat handseal and focusing on pouring his chakra into the kunai, He visualized how fast he thought he would come, imagined the kunai piercing the shadow and stopping him dead in his tracks. Before his eyes were opened His Sensei had already started on him, and quickly too. Shifting his front foot backward he aims low to his left compensating for Adachis quickness Agis throws it not directly at his shadow but just in front of it only about 6 feet from himself. Piercing it right throught the stomach area. Exhaling slowly Agis watches carefully to see if He was successful.