The following day's training saw Takao and the three Genins, including Takao himself, gathering at the training grounds. The session began with the customary physical training, swiftly transitioning into teamwork exercises that were completed in no time. With the initial tasks concluded, Takao turned to his students and inquired, "So, have you all made your decisions regarding which jutsu to pursue?"
Kosuke was the first to respond, his voice filled with determination, "Indeed, Sensei. I have chosen to master the Twitching Limb Technique, Lightning Overdrive, Lightning Web, and Rock Shelter."
Takao nodded thoughtfully, probing further, "And what motivated these choices?"
Kosuke explained, his reasoning clear, "Considering that I'm already proficient in Lightning Ball, I wanted to diversify my skills. Twitching Limb Technique supports close combat, Lightning Overdrive enhances my speed, which aligns with my fighting style. Lightning Web offers a strategic advantage by allowing me to set traps, and Rock Shelter provides a defensive option to shield myself from imminent threats."
Takao acknowledged Kosuke's response with an appreciative nod before shifting his gaze towards Yuto, inviting him to share his decisions.
Yuto confidently spoke up, revealing his chosen jutsu, "I've decided to master Lightning Ball, Cloud Shield Technique, Electric Fog Technique, Lightning Beam, and Electric Detonation Technique."
As Takao considered Yuto's choices, he mused to himself, 'Impressive strategy. Yuto's opted for two crowd control techniques, a defensive move, and two offensive options. He's managed to address his weaknesses comprehensively and chosen jutsu that won't hinder his kenjutsu skills in close combat.'
Curious to hear Yuto's rationale, Takao inquired further, "Could you elaborate on your decision?"
Yuto responded thoughtfully, explaining, "I selected Lightning Ball and Electric Fog to help me control the battlefield and keep adversaries at a distance. Cloud Shield seems reliable for tight situations or when a strong defense is necessary. As for Lightning Beam, its range and potency make it a formidable long-range attack. Lastly, Electric Detonation holds the potential to catch opponents off guard, adding an element of surprise to my tactics."
Takao's gaze turned to Yuki, his curiosity evident. With a hint of reluctance, Yuki grumbled softly before explaining, "I've settled on Body Flicker, Water Chain, and Mist Blower."
Takao observed Yuki's demeanor and thoughtfully reflected, 'I understand your preference for taijutsu over ninjutsu, and there's no need for hostility. I'm here to guide you, not oppose you.'
Curious to delve into Yuki's choices, Takao inquired, "Could you share the reasoning behind your selections?"
Yuki's response carried a mixture of practicality and determination, "Body Flicker offers a speed boost that can greatly benefit my style, especially since the Gentle Fist I practice has a restricted range. Water Chain serves as a tool for immobilizing opponents, enabling me to control the battle's pace. Additionally, the Mist Blower holds potential to obscure the enemy's vision; coupling it with my Byakugan could provide a strategic advantage."
"Takao addressed Yuki with understanding, "Yuki, I'm aware of your inclination towards taijutsu and your reluctance with ninjutsu. However, it's essential to have a balance that includes long-range capabilities for various scenarios. This exercise aimed to identify techniques that can complement any situation. Keep in mind that the selected C-rank jutsu will be your mainstay, as techniques beyond this rank consume more chakra and could leave you drained."
Yuki's voice carried a soft determination as he murmured, "Even without using ninjutsu, I can still become strong."
Witnessing Yuki's response, Takao let out a resigned sigh and decided, "Alright, let's settle this through a friendly spar between Yuki and Yuto. Yuki, please prepare yourself. Yuto, for this match, refrain from utilizing kenjutsu." Yuto nodded in agreement.
Upon hearing this, Yuki's brow furrowed, and he questioned with a hint of skepticism, "Why isn't Yuto allowed to use kenjutsu? I'm fairly certain I can overcome him quite easily."
Takao explained calmly, "Yuto's kenjutsu approach has some potential risks in a spar, particularly with strikes aimed at the head or chest. Yuto, you have the option to remove the seal if you wish to."
As Yuto chose not to remove the seal despite the option, Yuki's frustration became palpable. Positioned at a distance of 5 meters from each other, Yuki and Yuto awaited Takao's command with anticipation. Takao's voice broke the silence, "Feel free to utilize any combination of ninjutsu, genjutsu, taijutsu, or shurikens. However, remember not to inflict severe injuries on each other. GET READY AND BEGIN!"
Yuki's response was swift, charging toward Yuto with the intention of engaging in close combat. Yet, Yuto swiftly countered with the Body Flicker Technique, vanishing into the nearby forest. Yuto seized the moment to launch a barrage of shurikens, which Yuki countered with her kunai. Successfully deflecting the initial shurikens, Yuki's focus shifted to a third incoming projectile. However, much to her surprise, its trajectory suddenly shifted mid-air, grazing her shoulder and leaving behind an indelible scar.
In the midst of the spar, Yuki's thoughts raced as she grappled with the unexpected trajectory change of the shuriken. A recollection flitted through her mind – Yuto had employed this tactic during his sparring session with their Sensei. With a trace of frustration in her thoughts, she mused, 'Did that shuriken really change its path? Yes, I remember now, he used it when sparring with Sensei. Alright then, let's locate him first.' Focusing her chakra, Yuki's Byakugan activated, her eyes scanned her surroundings with precision, attempting to pinpoint Yuto's position. Yet, no trace of him could be found within her field of vision.
Yuto's own thoughts were laced with a strategic plan. He mused, 'This location seems perfect for testing those Lightning Come Paper Tags.' Drawing five tags from his pouch, he swiftly created a shadow clone, instructing it and its counterparts to approach Yuki. Their task: the shadow clone would initiate an attack while the others lay in wait, ready to capitalize on openings.
As one of the shadow clones surged forward, Yuki assessed the situation, her thoughts discerning Yuto's potential tactics. Analyzing the variations in chakra levels between the clones, she deduced that the one at the back was likely the true Yuto. Swiftly, the shadow clone initiated a water-based attack, sending a pellet of water hurtling toward Yuki. Her instincts and Byakugan-aided perception allowed her to nimbly evade the projectile. Taking decisive action, she closed the gap to one of the clones, her intent to strike.
Anticipating her move, the clone deftly executed the Flickering Light Technique, unleashing a blinding flash towards Yuki. With the keen perception granted by her Byakugan, she adeptly adjusted her positioning, overcoming the momentary distraction caused by the blinding light. Her strike landed on the clone, causing it to erupt into lightning, generating a minor flinch in Yuki as the electricity tingled through her.
Amidst the intensity of their exchange, a sudden twist emerged, catching Yuki off guard. A shadow clone released a bubble towards her, an unexpected move that initially seemed innocuous. Yuki's guard faltered, underestimating the threat posed by the seemingly harmless bubble. To her surprise, the bubble burst upon impact, releasing a spray of liquid that splattered across her body, leaving her drenched and slightly disoriented. While her movements were impeded by the wetness, Yuki remained determined to press on.
With resolve burning in her eyes, Yuki took out another clone, reassessing the situation with determination. The count of remaining opponents dwindled to two, and Yuki's anticipation only grew. Charging towards the clone with lower chakra, Yuki prepared for an intense face-off. The clone, recognizing the challenge, drew a kunai and assumed a defensive stance, a signal that Yuki met with exhilaration.
However, a sudden shift unfolded as the shadow clone executed a hand seal, conjuring a group of oil-based clones. Yuki's steps faltered as she observed the unexpected creation, her senses on high alert. Her Byakugan allowed her to perceive that these clones weren't mere illusion, and her doubts deepened. In a swift response, Yuki hurled shurikens at the oil clones, expecting them to dissipate, but they remained tangible, evading her assumptions.
Her thoughts raced, a growing sense of unease taking hold. She pondered, 'This isn't like a regular clone jutsu. Could it be a genjutsu?' Her mind raced as she considered her options. With a determined focus, Yuki performed the Kai hand seal and uttered, "Kai! Release!" Yet, the world around her remained unchanged, the unsettling sensation lingering.
Frustration and a touch of panic crept into her thoughts as she grappled with the situation. Her eyes remained fixed on the shadow clone, its movements indicating its intentions. Yuki's determination surged anew as she made a decision. With a clear voice, she stated, "I need to end this." As her resolve solidified, she took determined steps forward, ready to confront the remaining clone, even as it moved to reinforce its counterpart.
As Yuki neared her target, the idea of employing the 8 Trigrams technique began to take shape in her mind. However, before she could execute her plan, an unexpected bolt of lightning arced from behind her. Reacting with swift reflexes, she managed to evade the initial bolt, but the jolt of electricity still coursed through her, causing a momentary paralysis that left her confused and disoriented. Before she could fully process what had just transpired, the lightning bolt she had dodged circled back, striking her directly. The sensation of paralysis gripped her for a brief moment before giving way to a growing understanding of the situation.
In the midst of the disorienting experience, a sudden pressure against her neck signaled the presence of a kunai, and a sense of surrender settled over her as she realized the match had come to an end. Takao's voice resonated in the clearing, putting an end to the intense encounter. "Alright, that's enough. Stop the match, and Yuto, come back."
The shadow clones that had been in action disappeared, and Yuto emerged from the forest with a flicker of movement, standing before Yuki. His hand extended in a gesture of camaraderie, he spoke with a warm sincerity, "It was a good match."
Caught in a whirlwind of emotions and confusion, Yuki found herself at a loss for words, ready to question the peculiar turn of events. Before she could voice her inquiries, Takao's voice intervened, guiding her towards a moment of reprieve, "Yuki, take a moment to rest and have some ration bars. It'll help."
With a nod, Yuki followed the advice, munching on the ration bars to replenish her energy and allow her thoughts to settle. Takao, attentive to her state, finally addressed her once she seemed more composed, "Now, Yuki, you might be wondering about what just happened. Yuto will explain everything to you." The anticipation hung in the air as Yuki looked to Yuto, eager to unravel the mystery that had unfolded in the midst of their intense spar.
Yuto's voice held a mix of sincerity and understanding as he recounted his strategic approach, "I created a shadow clone and a series of lightning clones equipped with paper tags. While they engaged Yuki, I remained concealed within the forest. The shurikens I threw were aimed at assessing the range of her Byakugan, which I deduced to be approximately 25 meters. Using the shadow clone, I initiated a Water Pellet Jutsu, anticipating Yuki's evasion and leading her toward the other clones. One of the nearby clones employed the Water Puddle Technique, concealing itself underwater."
His explanation continued, "As Yuki approached the shadow clone, the distance between her and the hidden water puddle exceeded her Byakugan's range. This allowed the clone to resurface and employ the Guiding Bolt technique. Meanwhile, the other clone, in conjunction with the shadow clone, utilized the Mark of Jolts technique to deliver a shock. The bolt Yuki narrowly avoided circled back, striking her and inducing paralysis. That was my strategy, and it seems she fell for it entirely."
Observing Yuto's analysis, Takao's thoughts resonated with a mix of surprise and admiration, 'I hadn't anticipated the gap in their strategies would be so substantial. Yuto not only controlled the tempo of the battle but skillfully exploited Yuki's strengths and weaknesses, all the while preserving his Kenjutsu.'
Takao's words held a blend of praise and caution, "Impressive work, Yuto. Your planning and jutsu utilization were commendable. Just remember, don't let your confidence overshadow your growth. Keep crafting those paper tags in your spare moments; they could prove unexpectedly useful. Yuto primarily used D rank jutsus and one B rank shadow clone. And Yuki, you've now grasped the importance of ninjutsu, understand that it's crucial for defense and creating opportunities. Add the Rock Shelter jutsu to your arsenal for defensive purposes."
Yuki nodded earnestly, determination etching her features as she responded, "Yes, Sensei, I'll dedicate myself to broader training. I won't allow myself to be defeated again."
Takao's inner thoughts resonated with a sense of purpose, 'They're on the right track now, ready for the real challenges ahead.'
With decisive authority, he added, "Let's reconvene tomorrow as usual. Yuto and Kosuke, ensure Yuki receives proper medical treatment. Dismissed."
As Yuto and Kosuke accompanied Yuki to the hospital, Yuto's supportive presence was palpable. Witnessing Yuki's unsteady steps, Yuto offered a sincere apology, to which Yuki responded with understanding, "It's alright. I'm just experiencing a minor discomfort due to the lightning jutsu."
Upon arriving at the hospital, Yuki was directed to a ward. A doctor arrived, carefully tending to her bruises and cuts. Following this, a medic ninja arrived and employed medical ninjutsu to soothe her nerves and mend her injuries. The medic advised Yuki to rest for the remainder of the day.
After the treatments were complete, they exchanged farewells and departed their respective homes.
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