Something with Training [Ruka]

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

Now Both Rukasu and Mana were at the crater, standing, facing each other about forty feet away from each other. The training will most likely consist of a spar between the two shinobi. The Criminal was burning with sensation to train and he knew that this will be the fight to show his new power, but at first he will not show it to her at the very beginning of the battle. He knew how to battle since of the few battles he had in the past. Rukasu knew that this battle was not for the sword he was utilizing. He knew that it was time for that weapon he used once in a blue moon. The last time he used that weapon was against the snake.

Rukasu grabbed his giant sword in one hand and then he took out one of his scrolls. He opened the scroll, and then placed the opened scroll on the ground with the white paper facing upward. Rukasu placed the sword on top of the scroll, formed one hand seal and a cloud of smoke appeared covering the weapon. Rukasu grabbed his weapon, pressed the button on it as it unfolded. Rukasu did some spins with his weapon and he did this little maneuver so he can have it behind him. Holding the handle with his right hand as the long part of the blade faced his left side.

Rukasu had taken out his deadly scythe, he knew this weapon was way too deadly, but he also knew that his opponent was a very strong. Rukasu knew what he had to do and that was not to lose focus. This was to prove to her and to himself that he is worthy of being a shinobi. If someone was about appearance and how they represent themselves, they would be impressed by the way he handled that scythe of his.

Rukasu knew that he should start the battle since it was his idea to start training. However, he did not know how she felt about this at all. The criminal had taken a big inhale, then exhale as this was something big for him. He was not cocky that he will win, but he was sure of himself that this power was something to be proud of. The criminal learned about his past, family, and bloodline from that dark room where the old sage had pointed to. This was something that becomes nature of him. This evil felt so great that he knew it will guide him to greatness.

"This training will allow me to show you what exactly happened to me, and I will also get to try whatever I have for the first time against you. Hehe I want you to know now that this is a friendly match between two friends. If you see something wrong in the way I fight or anything of the sort then feels free to stop and teach me a better way. I know this is something you don't like to do, but there is something I always believed and that is you don't really know someone until you have battled them. I want to understand you more and I want you to understand me better. Yes, I am an evil criminal that kills people and enjoys it for a living but I am human. Most people don't see that, but you did. I will like to honor you with this battle and show you how much I appreciate you." Rukasu said as he did chuckle a little in the conversation but that was just nature to him. He really did want to show her how he felt about her kindness.

This battle was necessary and it was eventually going to happen anyways. Rukasu was maybe impatient for the battle, but who else is in this world. The criminal knew that a frontal attack will never work against her, so surprise attacks will most likely work against her, but her power will always work against him. That was all he really knew about her was that she could sense people somehow. This was going to be a tricky about indeed, but it was not going to stop the criminal. Using his scythe should be enough to fend against her but he knew if he was going to fight someone that created what happen in the same area he stood upon.

Now it was time to start what she called training. Rukasu knew what he had to do, but it was going to take some time. This was something he needed to do to conserve chakra in the very beginning. The criminal moved the bottom the scythe in front of him, then he grabbed it with both of his hands. Rukasu had to utilize his strength to carry this weapon as he charged at the young girl. Rukasu knew that using the scythe he would most likely be at a disadvantage. Once he got close he went to strike at her, but she dodged it, and then in the next moment she did some crazy moves where the scythe was now on the floor and Rukasu on his knees with a kunai to his throat.

Back to reality Rukasu still held the scythe in both of his hands as he thought the first time he actually went, but it was this excitement that painted a picture in his mind. Now knowing what not to do as he stood there looking at Mana for about five minutes now, he placed his scythe in front of him and used it as balanced as he formed that one deadly hand seal. Using the moisture in the air, it was all mist in a matter of seconds. Then Rukasu formed another set of hand seals as five clones surrounds Rukasu.

The criminal signaled two of them to spread out and the three that stayed with him formed a triangle formation. Rukasu knew the more of him, he would be able to confuse Mana and this would be a perfect opportunity to attack. This battle was now underway.

52/60 CP [-8 CP]
Jutsu Used: Kirigakure no Jutsu - Hidden Mist Technique [-4], Ninpou; Kiri Bunshin - Mist Clone [-4]
SC Have: [Tier I] Improved Strength, Advanced Stealth, [Tier I] Enhanced Speed
Weapon Used: Scythe

Jutsu Description:
Weapon Description:

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Sparring was a concept the point of which commonly eluded Mana. Fighting always lead to suffering, pain, injury and death. Why would someone expose themselves to it just for the fun of it? Even more so, why would friends do it to one another? For Mana to agree to do it was something out of ordinary, she has only previously agreed to spar once before and it ended with both opponents needing medical attention and the poor young woman feeling sad long after that day. Spars were just bad luck.

Then again this wasn’t even that much of a spar, more like a friendly training session, there was no need to lose restraint. Mana didn’t want to hurt Rukasu at all but that was the best way to get hurt herself. This youth wasn’t a weakling to be underestimated and the magician knew it fully well. She sensed his chakra well enough, the size and the darkness of the signature lead her to the conclusion that this wasn’t someone to look down on. Even more so, if he sees Mana falter he might get a bright idea to try and kill her in which case she’d have to hurt him even more than she has to. This needed to be treated as tough love…

The magician observed Rukasu take his sword off and unseal his weapon from a scroll. She did not try and counter that even if she had more than enough time to. Had this been an actual battle she’d have stuck him in a genjutsu already, he had no way of defending against noise with both of his hands being occupied so if he was a bad guy he’d already have been at her mercy. Since this was just a friendly training session the youth allowed Rukasu unseal his weapon and do all the set ups he needed.

Mana couldn’t help but rewind during her spar with the Hokage during her own youth. One day back when Kimiko was the Hokage the woman found Mana meditating in the training grounds and decided to spar with her. Or rather it was Mana who asked the woman for some training because she wanted to honor her, the magician saw how tired of all the paperwork the poor sensei was. After that day Kimiko accepted Mana into her squad and that was when Mana met her friends Meiko and Kiyomi. The youth didn’t consider that spar an actual spar because of how easy the Hokage went on Mana. She even let herself be hit by one of the magician’s genjutsu, she knew that the woman let herself get hit by purpose!

Rukasu then spoke of how he treated this as a spar between friends and how Mana had full freedom to teach him if she saw something wrong with his style. To be honest, the magician wasn’t sure if she had any right to try and teach Rukasu anything. The young man was just skilled in different specialties in which the magician had so little understanding that she didn’t consider herself capable enough to teach him. Then again, she fought plenty of people using weapons and fists, maybe she could draw experience from her past opponents?

“I wouldn’t see it any other way, Rukasu. I don't like fighting but I will do this because I promised I'd train you.” Mana spoke before biting her finger and flashing through handseals before slamming her palm into the ground again. She summoned Usushiko, the giant rabbit’s figure which was about 100 ft tall dwarfed the two friends inside the crater. “This is Usushiko. He is the most powerful of the rabbits but he is also a medical force of nature, if one of us gets hurt he will treat that person no matter how tough their injuries so do not worry and let loose.” Mana informed Rukasu.

The rogue ninja was still setting things up, he used his Hidden Mist jutsu and the young Sennin could feel him still building up chakra for another jutsu. It was all in vain, in the mist she could still sense him so the jutsu’s use was questionable, it only affected the vision of her rabbits which will not involve themselves in the training either way. “Usushiko-san, Bane-chan, please do not involve yourselves. Bane-chan I know you want to pummel Rukasu badly but he is a friend, look at him as your younger brother. He does not intend harm. Usushiko-san, I know Rukasu is a criminal but he loves the nature, he also means no harm upon me or the rabbits, I apologize for summoning you without a super important reason but we may need a medic, other than that I’d be most grateful if you didn’t involve yourself.”

Both rabbits nodded to Mana’s instructions. The magician didn’t know why she chose to not involve the rabbits, they would’ve proved to be invaluable and helped her greatly. Either way the magician could feel Rukasu’s chakra falter, he must’ve used another jutsu. The mist made it impossible to see what had happened but the sensory allowed her to tell that these were clones, not the Shadow Clone kind but more the illusionary kind. They had a barely detectable chakra sense to them which was so low that even the slightest tension would’ve dissolved them.

“It must be similar to the simple Bunshin from the Academy days. He’ll probably use them as a distraction and then charge in…” the magician thought as she quickly flashed through a couple of handseals and prepared her Petal Escape genjutsu in case the attack gets rough, the clones wouldn’t be able to set it off because they pack no punch but Rukasu’s own finishing blow would set it off allowing Mana to show off her next point very well.

“You seem hesitant, Rukasu. What is the matter? Do you wish to scope my abilities? That is actually quite smart, poke at your enemy with weak but pesky techniques and make them reveal their style, their specialties, their jutsu so that you could make a plan of how to win. You are quite an intelligent fellow, I can now see how you survived in the wild for so long…” Mana smiled raising her voice so that the original Rukasu could hear her. She didn’t lose the sight of him for a moment because of her sensory.

“Then again, by now you should’ve known that I am a peaceful person and would not make the first move. If I wanted I’d have hit you with genjutsu the moment you summoned your scythe, you’d have been comatose at this point. It may have been wiser to set up your weapons before the opponent knows of your presence.” Mana hoped that Rukasu just found her advice useful and wouldn’t just lash out and run at her wildly. That’d make her position way too easy.

Stuffs:

CP:199/235 (included stuff spent in the last topic because technically it takes place on the same day)

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

Now that everything was at place, it was time to battle In Rukasu's eyes, he noticed a giant figure in the mist. From that moment he knew that this was not going to be an ordinary battle. However that giant figure was not going to battle, but instead it was used to heal the shinobi that needed help. This was very exciting for Rukasu as he and his clones were ready. Rukasu knew that his clones can never go away, but she did not know that. He knew that she had already told who the real one was so this plan was a failure or was it really. Rukasu knew about this beforehand and he knew that she can’t see in the mist, but since she can sense the criminal it would mean that the criminal would have to use other tactics to attack.

Mana stated that she did not like to fight but she will in this case since she also had promised the criminal that they will train. The criminal knew that with his current power he could not do that much damage, but that was not the way he thought. He knew that everyone had a weakness and he will do anything to find it. His intention was not to kill, but to prove his strength to his new friend. She told Rukasu that he was a skilled shinobi being cautious but it was okay to attack the shinobi with no restraints since the Giant rabbit will heal them both if someone were to get hurt. From just that he knew she wasn't out to kill him either. This match will be fun for the both of them.

Now in the mist the criminal signaled his two clones to charge straight at the girl, they were going to use their fists to attack. Rukasu knew that the girl will most likely hit them and they will disperse into the mist, or will they? Plan one was in effect now that the clones charged at her, the criminal planned his next attack. Now the real Rukasu was ready as he charged straight forward to attack the girl. Since the rabbits were there to help then he hoped that they would not interfere only because he did not want to be blamed for their deaths.

There was chakra forming in the arms and hands of the criminal as he got closer and closer to the girl. The criminal utilized his stealth to see if it will distract her, but also just to make sure he had another clone run right in front of him. Once the first two clones either get attacked or they disperse into the mist by running into the girl. Then the third clone was getting really close and once the third clone was right about five feet away. Rukasu used his strength to slice the third clone in half and hopefully hits the girl. This attack might cut this girl in half, but since the rabbits were there Rukasu was not worried and he was sure that she will be safe.

Rukasu saw that his clone was cut in half and he also saw that once the blade sliced Mana, she did not move. The scythe had cut the shinobi in half, as his eyes widen to see that the shinobi was cut in half. Or was she? It was in that same moment right after the blade sliced through, the shinobi disperses into flower petals. Rukasu could not believe that he wasted all this chakra to let it go to waste. This was something that did not shock him as well, and little by little the clones formed back together. Rukasu had to figure out how to get closer and get a hit. This was something that he had to figure out and he had to make sure not to waste anymore chakra. Rukasu knew that now that she was gone, where she would attack next.

The criminal signaled all his clones to gather around him. Playing it safe was something that Rukasu usually did until he was able to get the attack he needed. The criminal knew that he should do something to protect himself and that fact that she could use genjutsu will put this criminal in some deep trouble. Now that the criminal was surrounded by his clones all around him, but they were about two feet away. Each clone will give up their bodies for their master any day. Now it was time to start another plan. The mist was still in play, but at the same time he wonders if there was anything he could do to make sure Mana approved of his skills and stuff.

Still holding the scythe he knew that he was being way too hesitant and he should of attack at first without using the Scythe. Rukasu's mistake and he still ignored it, as he wondered and how he should use his new power. He had yet to use it, but when he changed it was as if he knew how to use them since he was a kid. It was weird, but he did not question it. Rukasu had already made a few mistakes and one was what Mana noticed and the second was attacking head on with and losing his target. Now that he had lost his target the mist was useless, so he waited to see what was going to happen next.

He was not worried, but he knew that he was not doing so great in the beginning and he wondered if he should take the mist out so that he could see her and attack her head on once again or maybe that was something she wanted. Rukasu knew that she could not see, but it was as if she could by the way her senses. Rukasu now had to figure out how to fight someone that can see without their eyes.

44/60 CP
Jutsu Used: Ninpou; Kiri Suramu - Mist Slam [-6], [-1 for mist, - 1 for clones]

Spoiler:

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

The Sennin was a bit disappointed that she couldn’t see Rukasu in all of that mist. She was only able to tell of his location with sensory and while it was just as effective, if not more, it failed to capture the main point. Mana was unable to see the youth’s eyes, see how his face and emotions reacted to the changing battle conditions. She wouldn’t be able to know if her partner will become prone to rage and desperation or is he a more careful and calculating type. Those were important things to know. Not only for this fight, the magician just wanted to know her friend.

There it was – movement. Both the clones and Rukasu charged at her, the emotion that lead the charge was still a mystery. Was the nuke still hesitant to attack Mana? Why would he be so hesitant? Because she’s strong and has a high rank or was it because of fondness and friendship towards her? Did Rukasu play it so cool and calculated because he was calculating it to perfection or was it because he didn’t want to hurt her? Mana hoped deep inside that it was a little bit of both, maybe he can still be taught to feel respect and love for human lives if that was the case…

Either way the rogue had an impressive assault coordinated, one that may have ended up in a serious injury or death had Mana not taken up any measures. “So this is what you meant, Kimiko-sensei. Don’t hold back, let it go, fight like you mean it and only decide life or death after the battle is over…” the magician wondered after she saw Rukasu trigger the petal escape genjutsu.

Remembering and using were two different things, even after being taught by her sensei many times to not hold back at the last second the young woman didn’t follow up her petal genjutsu. Originally she had planned to use a more advanced jutsu to stun Rukasu and slap him for allowing himself to get caught like that. Of course if she was fighting the Leech or someone who was a threat to the ninja world the way it is known she wouldn’t have hesitated, she’d have used the stronger version of that jutsu and sent them comatose…

“I wonder if Usushika-san can cure genjutsu coma… It would literally make me the judge and jury to those people, I would have the power to decide over their lives but wouldn’t it just make it worse? Knowing I have the power to help them and not doing it because they are dangerous…” the magician still had time to think of philosophy after evading the attack and slipping into hiding in Rukasu’s own mist.

It was odd how the mist served much more use to Mana than it did to the rogue who used it. The way it was now Rukasu couldn’t see Mana but the young woman could most certainly sense him. The Sennin realized that the nukenin also knew about that and yet he still chose to continue the jutsu. It was quite in vain, Mana was somewhat of a savant in sensory and was quite capable of fighting lead by sensory alone. Spending most free time meditating expands one’s spiritual touch and teaches one a lot.

“Alright, alright, I’ll help you out a bit and wipe out this mist! Just remember that your own jutsu can sometimes screw you over quite well from today, OK?” the Sennin spoke from somewhere in the mist with a soft and friendly tone. It sounded much more like a worried tone than a ridiculing one as the magician didn’t want Rukasu to forget this and let himself be screwed over like this again. While still on the move so that he didn’t track her location by her voice alone Mana made a handseal.

After a moment a clone popped out of Mana, a clone comprised of Fuuton chakra. The clone then pulled out a kunai and lunged at Rukasu. This was not to be just a simple attack however, the clone used the other free arm to form a some handseals for yet another genjutsu – a much more annoying one. Even if the clone failed to get an eye contact from Rukasu, her death would still cause a wind blast strong enough to blow this fog away like nothing.

The clone would’ve rushed straight for Rukasu trying to get eye contact by clashing with his scythe, she would purposefully ignore the clones because she knew she couldn’t get damaged by them and would only try to get some personal glance from the young man. If at least for a moment the rogue’s eyes met the clone’s he’d fall for a genjutsu. The illusion was not something ground breaking, he’d just become completely oblivious to the real Mana and keep fighting an illusion which would keep evading his moves and fighting him until the nukenin fell down exhausted.

So far the magician hasn’t had the chance to try this genjutsu, just like many other moves that she invented and left behind. For a brief moment the Sennin noticed that she was a little bit excited about this genjutsu, she wanted for it to work. Mana could not pinpoint the reason for this excitement. Maybe it was because Rukasu valued power so much that the young woman wanted to know if she was what he considered powerful. She knew that her friend wanted to prove himself to her but what Rukasu didn’t know was that Mana also wanted to see if she was worth his admiration.

In a way this little scuffle was just a way for both of them to test their mettle and just scope not only each other out but also themselves. Being underestimated her entire childhood and living in the shadow of the likes of Katsumi Kimiko the Rokudaime and Kaguya Yoroi she was only considered a product of a lesser generation. A product of children who wanted to prove themselves to the greats but strained their necks in the process. Mana needed to know herself for sure that she was strong, that she could fight a criminal and protect her village from one.

The woman needed to know that her love was strong enough to clash with the hatred of those who wanted harm upon what she strived to protect!

Spoiler:

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

In the mist Rukasu carefully watched around as he knew he just messed up. If he was a sensor shinobi as well this battle would be a tied match up, however Mana had the upper hand and this was something that was little by little about to piss off the criminal. Rukasu knew he had to keep his cool no matter what was about to happen. Rukasu heard Mana's voice from afar as she told Rukasu that this mist was his downfall, and she was going to take it away. Rukasu knew that once she does that this battle would probably be over since she could use her Genjutsu and destroy the criminal. Rukasu was now trying to think of a strategy to work against the girl. This battle was affecting him emotionally, but he forced himself to hide it as much as he could. He felt some sort of blockage and this was odd because he had never felt this ever in his lifetime. He needs to kill, that thirst for blood, and the adrenaline that kept his blood boiled to keep going was not working at that moment.

The criminal felt frustrated and he wanted to have this feeling back, he wanted to show her his real strength but something was wrong. Did he not want to win? Was it really the face that he was facing a friend that he honestly never wants to lose? Was this fight meaningless now? Rukasu couldn't figure it out, but he kept a serious face on and he knew that no matter what happens he had to bring out his insanity. Then it hit him, what Mana had said earlier about it being okay and he could go all out. Rukasu remember what she said and knew that he was going to have to trust her no matter what she had said. Rukasu had his eyes closed for only a moment as he searched for the power that he just founded and the emotions that came with it. Little by little seeping out of his body was this black aura, his eyes started to widen little by little, and his smile grew. He was back now better than ever and he was not going to let this roadblock stop him from winning this battle.

In the next few moments he notices from the corner of his eye someone was charging towards him. Was it Mana, it had to be and Rukasu had no other choice to slash away. He slashed at the person charging at Rukasu, making eye contact and noticed that it was Mana. Rukasu thought for a moment that he had killed her but in that same moment, boom, the clone exploded as the criminal covered his face. The clone had let out a large gust of wind that blew away all the clones and the mist. Once the gust of wind was gone, Rukasu had opened his eyes and noticed that Mana was right in front of him about twenty feet away.

"YOU SHOULD HAVE HIDDEN YOURSELF!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Rukasu yelled at her insanely as he charged at her at full speed, slashing at her left and right but she kept on dodging. Rukasu was not going to let up on his attacks as he kept one attacking her but she kept on dodging. Rukasu kept on laughing insanely as he kept trying to strike at her. Rukasu did not think anything of it, he really thought at that moment she was very good at dodging and taunting the criminal. The criminal did not get frustrated; however he kept on laughing at the challenge. He really wanted to hit her badly and he wanted it done as quickly as possible. The criminal saw this as an opportunity to show her the skills of wielding the scythe and how it was done. It was a very long battle, but Rukasu did not want to give up. He has figured he saved his chakra since the girl did not seem she wanted to attack the criminal. Rukasu did not know why, but he knew if he stopped attacking then she will counter attack and that would most likely end horrible.

"HAHAHAHAHA I AM GOING TO HIT YOU IF IT IS THE LAST THING I DO, HAHAHAH!" Rukasu yelled some more as the black chakra aura kept on seeping out of his body rapidly due to the insane feeling Rukasu was going through. This aura was very scary looking at the criminal kept on going slashing at every angle and the criminal would not stop. Slowly but surely he started breathing more and more heavily. Rukasu was not going to give up no matter what and he really wanted to show Mana this without fail. Now enraged with insanity Rukasu had enough and stopped for a moment, "IM GOING TO SHOW YOU MY TRUE POWER, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" Rukasu yelled so loud that the black aura sky rocks it out of control. Yelling as if he was in pain, but he was not, as the criminal showed the girl the true extent of his insanity as he then formed a series of hand seals as a few snakes came out from his sleeves forming together to create a solid clone that looked exactly like Rukasu.

"YOU THINK THAT THIS IS ALL I CAN DO, JUST WAIT AND SEE WHAT ELSE I CAN DO... BUT FIRST I WILL SHOW YOU THE REAL ME!" Rukasu yelled more and more that the aura looked like he was in black fire and even though the aura was not doing anything, Rukasu enjoyed it very much. Then they both charged ahead as Rukasu used his scythe and the clone changes his right arm and hand into a snake and attack as well. However Mana kept on dodging each attack with perfection. Each dodge was done as if Mana had predicted every attack and it did not make sense to the criminal at all but all he kept on doing was attacking Mana, the girl who was nice to him. They both become friends and for some reason, if Mana knew it or not she did something smart. When Rukasu kept on attacking he is actually letting go of his feelings about that day when he killed his parents.

Anger rushed into the criminal's heart, as he kept on going faster and using his strength for more brutal attacks, however the more the criminal attacked the more each attack was slowing down. He was not going to give up no matter what; he wanted to unleash it all on her. He also noticed how strong his clone was and this power was amazing towards him. Rukasu could not believe it and it excited him even more on top of the insanity and anger. With each slash he just could not get a hit and it was getting him more and more angry, but he could not show it since his insanity kept on growing. His laughter puts chills down anyone's spine. It was cold, loud and not a care for the world type of laugh. This laugh, maybe scared Mana a bit or as she watched the criminal she could most likely see the pain that the criminal had gone through in his entire life.

It was getting worse since all the emotions went out of control, as each attack kept on missing. Rukasu had lost control of his emotions, and not he, was blinded by cold blooded fury. This rage was not to be messed with and if Rukasu was actually fighting Mana, she would most likely have died since the emotions were very distracting. The criminal kept on going and going at each and every breath he had taken was getting deeper and deeper. Rukasu felt as if he was getting tired, but he was never going to give up.

"IF YOU THINK I AM GOING TO GIVE UP, NEVER... HAHAHAHAHAHA MY FULL NAME IS RUKASU HEBI AND I WILL FOLLOW THE WAY OF THE SNAKE TIL THE DAY I DIE! NO ONE WILL STOP ME AND I AM GOING TO HIT YOU IF YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!" The rouge shinobi yelled as he kept on going to try to hit Mana but it was no use. Will Rukasu be able to land a hit against the magician or will he tired himself out? We were all about to see, and wonder what Mana was really doing in this situation and she thought about what she just saw.

30/60 CP
Jutsu Used: Hebi Bushin [Snake Clone] [-14]

Jutsu Description:

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Mana wasn’t sure about how her combination would work out. It was a certain hit situation – whatever counter her trainee would devise on the fly would result in something positive for her. If he slashed at the clone it’d dissolve causing a powerful wind blast and dispelling the mist. If he caught a glimpse of her eyes Rukasu would become trapped in a quite strong and annoying illusion. Even if the nukenin killed the clone but got caught in the genjutsu and the wind blast snapped him out he’d still take damage.

Right after sending the clone out the magician noticed some interesting development in the chakra signature of the original Rukasu. There was some sort of vile feeling oozing out of him, the endless void of darkness that the youth had within him, the one he took great pride in was now leaking out. What was it that caused this outburst of evil? Was the rogue annoyed and frustrated about how Mana was toying with him and just poking him to get a reaction?

The young woman did not close her sensory for a second, she needed to see the developments of the battle. She needed to see just how much of an effect did the darkness have on Rukasu. The rogue effortlessly disposed of Mana’s clone which scared the magician a bit, the clone wasn’t any less skilled than she was – was she that weak compared to Rukasu up close? Luckily enough the wind blast fazed the nukenin and would’ve given the magician another opening for a follow up attack or a genjutsu.

Still Mana’s hands remained weighed down, she didn’t follow it up with anything but just kept looking. Why did she pull her punches that much? Her training partner was a strong one and deserved better. The Sennin tried to find a reason inside of her of why was she keeping back so much, wouldn’t getting owned again and again harden the rogue, make him stronger? By just poking him in his nose with these harmless moves Mana was just annoying him at this point. She was acting as if this was a show, as if Rukasu was someone who needed to be humiliated which was not the case.

As a warrior Rukasu deserved the best Mana had, wasn’t that the way of ninja, to honor one’s enemy with all one’s might? Mana observed as the rogue’s chakra was seeping out, the darkness took control of his body and he was now just slashing blindly at the air. The youth knew it was pointless, the illusion will dodge any and every move one makes, it will only annoy the poor boy more and more making more and more darkness spill out of him.

Mana lifted her head and looked at Usushiko, her face was twisted with sadness and powerlessness and the rabbit looked back at her. The girl knew that Rukasu couldn’t see her as long as the illusion was active. He’d only see the clone until it is dispelled. The magician saw the rage in Usushiko’s expression, she told him that the young man didn’t mean harm, that he loved nature when now the nukenin was spitting out death threats and flailing wildly with a tool of murder and bloodshed.

Mana could feel the rabbit’s desire to just squish Rukasu, the woman’s head looked down at Usubane. The teen rabbit also didn’t look like she was any closer to accepting Rukasu as her younger brother when he was acting like this. The eyes of the rabbits had that strange condescending look pointed at Mana, as if this all was somehow her fault. As if she was to blame for Rukasu’s darkness and rage, the magician’s head weighed down as her hand slipped into her pouch.

The young woman pressed hard the handle of a kunai blade. It was her duty as Rukasu’s teacher and even de facto mentor to snap him out of this. Any other ninja would’ve killed the youth after seeing this mindless violence and darkness and that was of course what the rabbits wanted from her. She now could’ve done it quite easily, she could’ve done it any point. Seeing Rukasu was almost like a metaphor to any other criminal Mana encountered. Sometimes it looked like killing was the right choice but Mana always chose not to. The hand let go of the knife and moved out of the pouch.

Mana jumped onto Usushiko’s leg and stuck to it using chakra. She looked at Usubane and pointed up, the two made their way up the rabbit’s body all the way to his head. Maybe eventually Rukasu will tire and his exhaustion will help him let go of this anger and this violence. Mana’s eyes were still full of sadness seeing the young rogue struggle so hard and spending all of his effort to hurt her. This was why she hated fighting, seeing people she loved trying to kill her never stopped being painful…

“I’ve got a carrot, you know, Mana-sama.” Usubane said with a bland tone, some part of her was enjoying the fact of how easily Rukasu fell for the illusion and how Mana withdrew herself from the field of battle for the moment. The two females sat quietly on the head of the most epic rabbit this world has ever seen looking down on a young criminal having a life crisis and lashing out on the air.

“Mana-sama… Do you think this will help? I think you should’ve crushed him in the beginning just to show him where he belongs…” Usubane spoke still calm and bland as if the youthful energy was taken out of her.

“I know what I’ve done is pathetic, I shouldn’t have fought him if I didn’t intend to bring my A game to the table. But I think by letting all this darkness, all of this rage out he will actually see the world more clearly. I’d say let him go at it.” Mana replied, her eyes were almost starting to get teary as she felt a bit ashamed for doing this for her trainee.

“If you pull anything like this on me, if you will not fight with the best you’ve got since the first moment, Mana-sama…” Usubane started a sentence she didn’t want to finish.

“Don’t worry, I won’t. I love you just the same as I love Rukasu, just the same I love everyone but I will not hold back. I still owe Rukasu this battle so once he runs out of this anger I'll stop treating him like a child.” Mana replied keeping her eyes focused on the two little dots trying to hit her.

Spoiler:

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

Anger rushed through his body with no control, feeling as if he could not control himself. This rage just kept on going, but he could not stop. It was something that he could not control his rage anymore. It was just crazy how he had lost control of everything and he could not figure it out at all. This rage was also hurting him as well, but for something, Rukasu could not put it finger on it. As he just kept on slashing at the girl but she always kept on dodging. This was just getting to a point where Rukasu could not think clearly at all. This was not a fight with Mana at all, which ended when Mana put the genjutsu on Rukasu. He still was not aware of the situation and this was the main problem.

The criminal kept on slashing and for some strange reason he still could not hit her. The clone changed into the snakes that formed it in the beginning. The snakes went after her as well, but it was no luck. Mana was not talking, but teasing him as if he was nothing. This angered Rukasu but she told the criminal that she was never about fighting so maybe this was how she fought. Rukasu could not figure it out nor could he understand it. It was confusing him, but he kept on attacking as much as he can.

His attack kept on going and his pain, anger, frustration kept on growing, but in the end, it was mostly pain. He could not help it, but a tear fell down his eye. Full with rage, he could not stop as he just kept on attacking, but nothing. He started to doubt himself as he kept on going. He could not figure out if this was a game, nor was she that good at dodging. The criminal was so blind by insanity that he could not see the truth. The snakes’ poof away due to there was no use for them at that moment, as Rukasu thought about everything she said to see if there was a weakness. He knew something was wrong, but he could not figure it out.

A little by little he notice something was odd, he just could not stop, but something in his heart was in pain. He just hates being soft and this was a weakness, he was getting to know. He cared for the girl, even though they just met. His evil ways were no match for her love, and this was something he was able to figure out.

"PLEASE MANA, STOP THIS NOW! I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!! IT IS TOO MUCH FOR ME! AHHHHHHHHHHH......... I DON'T WANT TO KILL YOU!!! YOU’RE MY FRIEND AND I CARE ABOUT YOU A LOT." Rukasu said aloud and then it clicked in his brain. She told Rukasu that they were friends and this training was to train Rukasu to become a better person. However, the girl had other plans to change Rukasu. She knew it would not be easy, but she was not going to give up. This was something that Rukasu figured out and he remembers that she uses genjutsu. Rukasu finally stopped his attack, dropped his scythe and fell to the ground. He was so tired that his arms dragged to the ground. He felt so much pain that he could not bear. It was not just the fight about Mana, he remember his mother, he tried to protect long ago.

Right before his parents died, they told him that everything was okay and to remember whom he was. They also said that they would always love him. It was a memory he blocked for many years. Tears fell down his face, and he could not stop it. He started to lose it again, but not with insanity, but with the pain he had carried for so long. "I'm Sorry Mother and Father, for killing you many years ago. Please forgive me!" Rukasu pleaded, as he just could not stop crying. He knew that one day it would catch up to him. He had always hidden this pain behind the anger that was alongside the insanity in his heart.

Moments later he looked up at the clear blue sky, "I am sorry Mana, please forgive me. I can probably tell that you want to kill me. I know what you saw was not the best of things to watch. I hope you can forgive me my friend." Rukasu pleaded some more as he just stared at the sky. The criminal barely had any knowledge on genjutsu so he did not know how to get out of it. He felt this pain in his heart and at first, it was unbearable but after a few moments, he had gotten a hold of himself as he started to calm down. The criminal did not know what the world would have in store for him, but he did feel the weight lifted off his shoulders. Now he waited to see what Mana would do next.

30/60 CP

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Mana’s eyes kept following the feint images of Rukasu and his clone relentlessly swinging at the illusion. The magician wondered when would the two run out of wind as they’ve been going at it for quite some time. The scythe the nukenin was using was not an easy to wield weapon, not for prolonged periods of time. The fact that Rukasu’s rage kept him fighting for so long impressed Mana. Perhaps there really was nothing she could teach Rukasu in terms of fighting? Maybe emotional help and spiritual support was all that she was good for?

Mana placed her hand on her chest and looked down. The white fur of Usushiko’s head reminded her of grass that was rustled by the strong wind currents up there. Seeing herself unable to help her friend made Mana’s heart ache, it was just like that time Kiyomi became dark and closed in after that epic battle with the bloody figure. For all the speaking about saving everyone the magician has been doing she’s been sucking at saving her own friends. All this power inside of her and nothing to show from it, nothing useful for her friends.

The young woman looked into the eyes of the rabbits, she couldn’t really see Usushiko’s eyes from where she was but she could definitely feel the emotions of the epic summon. The gigantic rabbit was angry, he considered Rukasu just another scum, not unlike the Leech or others Mana has fought, Usubane was just enjoying his humiliation and looked forward to the moment he realized that Mana had long since withdrawn from the battle. Why did her friends always have to feel so much hate for each other? Why did Mana always have to be the bridge between two warring sides?

Just like Konoha and Kirigakure. First she was sent to make peace with the country and did her best to become the best emissary of peace the world has ever seen. So what if Kirigakure didn’t want her peace and commonly mocked her in her face for trying to establish a peaceful relationship between countries with a long history of bloodshed. After Mana returned she found out that the two countries ended up in almost a cold war situation with constant spy wars and embargoes being established… Was she the only one who still wanted peace and friendship between the countries?

The Sennin noted how Rukasu reunited with his clone and his chakra became whole again, it was now time to make her move. She would no longer hide from his rage and hatred, fighting him with her illusions was no testament of her love. If she wanted to know if her love was more powerful than Rukasu’s hatred she needed to truly change her way of approaching this. While Rukasu still was unable to see her Mana moved in and behind him. She saw the poor youth collapse on the ground and beg her to stop.

Her own heart trembled hearing these words, the tears that were just barely held back inside of her before now broke free. As Rukasu went back up and looked at the sky and asked for her forgiveness she couldn’t hold it back anymore. Hearing her friend ask her to stop torturing him with this and speak about killing his own parents and then ask for her forgiveness and tell her that the evil she had seen that day was not the real him was some of the most pain she went through in her life.

At the moments like this Mana would much more prefer being beaten down by an unstoppable chakra draining man or an army of zombified villagers. Moments like this were more painful than any amount of pain a genetically engineered monster taking down a building on you can muster up. “I’d much more rather fight all of Bachi prison, Moosehorn, Honda, Ayushi or the Leech all at the same time than see my friend like this.” the young woman thought as her hands slowly extended while letting Rukasu go of her genjutsu.

As Mana tried to hug her friend from behind, slowly and softly, so that he didn’t feel threatened, she closed her eyes as the tears became too hard to manage. “I’m sorry, Rukasu-niisan, I would never want to hurt you. If it is that important for you to hurt me I won’t fight back, if you want to prove something to me by hurting or killing me then so be it.” she whispered to the nukenin as she tried to actually confront his darkness with love instead of illusions and violence.

As Mana closed in and dispelled her own technique the illusion that Rukasu would’ve seen would’ve disappeared and he would’ve been free from any illusions. Mana intended to keep her word and not fight back, if it was so important for the rogue to hit her or take her out to prove his own existence then so be it. The magician has been surviving for way too long and the cost of survival was her friends getting hurt. If for once she could suffer to make her loved ones feel better then the young woman was ready for it.

Mana would’ve then let go of her hug and moved back a step or two to let Rukasu feel his personal space and to give him freedom to decide over what he wanted to do next. “What I’ve done is unforgivable, I promised you to fight you and yet I held back pretty much all of my strength. I hope you can find it inside of you to forgive me, I just truly don’t want to hurt you. I am unfit to train you, I am a pathetic teacher, I mean this probably taught you nothing…” the young woman took a short pause to get her thoughts together.

“I have another student in Konohagakure, his name is Heishi. He is just as powerful as you are and he fights in a similar manner to you. The thing I wanted to teach both of you wasn’t how to be strong, it was to love. Because I believe that when a person loves something they are strong, even if they clash with a force much greater than that of themselves they can stand up and keep going where sheer force would give up. Love is strong, Rukasu, don’t ignore it or you will never become as strong as you have the potential to be.” Mana spoke softly as she waited for the rogue’s decision about what he was about to do next.

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

In the next few moments, the criminal felt someone's arms wrapped around him. It was Mana; she told Rukasu in tears that she was very sorry for what she had done to Rukasu. The criminal embraced her hug as he closed his eyes. Her soft touch for some reason completely calmed the crazy criminal. He felt a safe feeling when she hugged him. She also told Rukasu that it was okay for him to hit her or kill her if that was what he needed to do. Rukasu just listened to her, as he could smell her pretty flower smell of her. Her body full of warmth, and love. Something like this, he had felt when he was young and his mother would hug him. This hug, the symbolization of a growing bond that will grow more in time, but as of right now this bond was unbreakable. The criminal noticed her, letting go of Rukasu, as she had taken a few steps backward.

She said that it was okay for him to attack her, and to finish her off if that was what the criminal needed to do. She also stated that she had another student back at home, and this student of her likes to fight the same way as Rukasu. How she wants to teach them love is strength and nothing more. Rukasu listened carefully before he made his decision still having his head down and his knees to the grown he waited patiently to hear everything she had to say.

Rukasu was still himself so there was no changing that, but there are a few things that can be added to the criminal than just having his evil ways. It was clear what she had to say and how she said it softly with her elegant voice in the air as the criminal felt at peace listening to her voice. Now it would seem that the woman was waiting for an answer from the criminal.

Rukasu chuckled a little, "Do not ever say that you did not teach me anything. You are strong, never forget that, and never forget who you are. You did teach me something and I am grateful, yes, it was a strange way on how you trained me but it was effective. Battling you unlocked hidden memories, fears, and emotions, I thought they tossed aside those feelings like trash. Honestly, you taught me something, I do not think I can say this or even feel this with everyone in the world but I came to my conclusion. I truly Love you Mana." Rukasu said as during what he was saying he opened his eyes, turned his head a little and looked at Mana with the corner of his right eye.

What Rukasu said was full of honesty and nothing less. The criminal did not figure this out until the last few minutes fighting the illusion. At a certain point of this fight he did not see another enemy, someone to kill, what he saw was a friend that he cared about so much and it pained him that he was attacking her. A feeling he had never felt in so long, and yet the criminal was still evil. Regardless of being evil, the criminal did not want to harm Mana or her rabbits.

Slowly getting up, turning around to face Mana, as he extended out both of his hands outward for a hug. “I would like another hug, but this time I am holding you. Let out all your pain, give it to me and let me deal with it. I want you to love with no restrictions, no hesitations, and nothing to hold you back. I would like to travel with you until we are both ready to achieve our destinies. I want to be there for you. You Rabbits! I want to also help you believe that a Snake like me can be worth putting your energy to trust me." Rukasu said as he looked at the rabbits in the last statement he had said then looked back at Mana hoping she would give him a full hug. Rukasu wanted her to let go of her chains, because for some strange reason he felt her pain during that first hug.

30/60 CP

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

Mana wasn’t really sure about how her friend would interpret the hug. Often enough rogue ninja like him were very defensive about their feelings and their bodies. A honest to heart hug was an assault directed at both of their values. The nukenin could’ve taken the chance to stab her in the back or attack her during she opened up predicting that she’d cancel her illusion after being asked to do so. Connecting her hug with Rukasu was one of the most satisfying feelings ever.

She didn’t know this youth for that long, she’d knew him for barely over twelve hours and yet somehow he felt to Mana as if he was a really good friend. Maybe it was because her family and most of her friends were already waiting for her in the afterlife, maybe because friendships had to be formed and enjoyed fast in this world because they could end at any moment. The magician wasn’t sure if she could handle having another close friend, she’s caused a lot of pain to the ones she had previously.

She constantly ran off to fight enemies most ninja had the common decency to avoid just because of her immortal passion to save people. Just recently she faked her own death and escaped the village just so that the enemy would follow her and hopefully they could resolve their fight in a much more deserted location. Her friends from the other villages were also baffled quite often by the madness of Mana. She only kept her promise to visit her friend in Kirigakure after his death, she also crushed the trust she had acquired from an overly truthful and obsessed with justice Kumogakure ninja by taking up the blame of another person.

Mana couldn’t help but wonder for how long will she be able to keep this young man as her friend. He was on a such a thin line between good and evil, what if she ends up hurting him and causing him to never trust love ever again? What if another threat, like the Leech or even greater, comes up and Mana has to leave the nukenin behind to pursue them. Would he ever forgive her? Just what is the extent of this rogue’s friendship?

Hearing from Rukasu about how she taught him something and about how she was strong made Mana’s eyes shoot up wide from surprise. The nukenin reminded Mana so much of Meiko, the only friend who was always standing beside her, even when the rest of the world lost fate in her, always helping her out and encouraging her. Could Rukasu be that kind of a friend? Mana looked at the ground so that her hair fell over her face, something she always did when she blushed after either complimenting other people or being complimented.

The nukenin asked for another hug, one where the young woman would be the one expressing her feelings and letting go, one where she would be free of pain. It would be a connection of friendly love between two people. “Heh…” Mana laughed out as she jumped forward to hug Rukasu letting go of the pain and doubt in her own methods. If the young man claimed that he loved her it meant that he knew how to love. It meant that he will now be able to use that love as a motivator to go on, to stand up and fight the battles where he was overpowered and beaten down to the ground.

“I have no family… My father slipped into coma from drugs given to him by a madman to cure his pain, my mother was killed by a killer I was pursuing throughout the whole Fire Country. I talk so much about protecting people but I couldn’t even protect my own family. The worst thing is that there was no hope, I couldn’t have been stronger or faster and saved them… That’s the thing that hurts the most, I can’t blame myself and just grow stronger, I can’t learn something from it and leave it behind.” Mana spoke still holding a tight grip of her rogue friend.

“So sometimes when Bane-chan smiles at me and laughs, when she shares food with me or we train together I think of her as my little sister. And Zoku-chan is like that crazy uncle in the family, the one who always harasses you but deep inside is proud of you… I know it’s kind of stupid when I talk like that but… Would you be my older brother, Rukasu? Sure, you can talk all you want about how strong I am and all that and I know it. It’s just that I guess I’m still how Zoku-chan says it a “Hatchling” and I don’t always know how to handle things, I keep thinking I’m doing them wrong and keep making them overly complicated. I need an older brother who would occasionally bully me but then be my best friend when it counts, when I’m really down.”

Mana jumped back, she knew she was asking a bit much of Rukasu. The youth had just rediscovered a whole new feeling and it was really a tough journey for him, had Mana not relied on her usual trickery this journey may just have ended up in her own injury or death. “I mean, I know I’m asking a lot of you. I won’t tie you down or force you to hang around me or anything, you’re free to go wherever you want… I know that it’s tough for you to imagine yourself in a family, even if it’s just a silly game of an immature brat but… Would you?” Mana asked looking Rukasu in the eyes.

The magician could feel the rabbits being shaken by the small speech she’s given. Usubane had already gotten down from Usushiko’s back and she was almost tensing up to jump in to stop Rukasu if he had decided to hurt Mana when she gave him the chance. Now the rabbits were just standing awkwardly and observing the situation saddened by the Sennin’s words. Usubane was really awestruck somewhere in that sadness since she was still happy that Mana acknowledged her somewhat as a part of her inner “family”.

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

It was a test to understand each other more than they would if they just talked. However, it changed into something greater than a mere fight. Rukasu, the insane snake criminal, who finally opened up to someone had never felt so much better. The criminal still hated everyone, but now he had a purpose, a reason to live in this world. That reason will guide him into the future to a better person who he will ever be. The criminal knew that it was not going to be good just being a mindless, non-emotional, selfish ninja, but instead he will be able to make smarter decisions in his life.

After he said what he had said to the girl, he noticed her looking down as her hair fell down to the face covering what it looked like she was blushing but it was hard to tell. After he finished what he had to say to her the girl, with his arms opened she jumped into his arms, holding him tightly as he held her tightly as well. This hug was very special for the both of them and even her big chest rubbed tightly against Rukasu's chest making him blush a little. His eyes lit up and he felt so much warmth to his cold body. Then she started spilling out everything in her life that had happened to her. She paused only once and held that tight grip that Rukasu enjoyed very much.

Right after she finished, she jumped back as she felt she had had Rukasu a bit much. She had asked him that she wanted a big brother to watch over her and care for her. She wanted someone to make sure she was doing everything right. She wanted someone to hold her when she is down, and scold her when she falters. This one question Rukasu had never expected in his life. He really feels that maybe it was a good thing for the criminal to travel with the young girl. She really did feel it was too much to ask and she did not want the boy to stop whatever he was going to do in his travels. However, Rukasu had no plans and this was something that he really did not know where he was going to go. He has thought about going back to the Grass Country to talk to the snakes again, but he knew they will always be there so it would not be a good idea to rush things.

Mana waited for a reply from the criminal and in the mind of the villain, he thought very hard about what he was going to say next. After a few minutes had past, he looked back into her eyes, as she looked into his. "I honestly love this idea of me being your older brother. I want to protect you, and I know you do not like battling and stuff like that, so I will do my best to keep my urges down. I still hate everyone in this world because of who, what they represent to everyone and even themselves. Honestly, you are different from the beginning you showed me love and compassion. Therefore, I will always follow you no matter what. That will be my second promise I make to you. I would love to get stronger, and if you know a way for me to get stronger without doing what we just did then I will be up for it. Therefore, as of today, I am Rukasu Hebi your older brother. My plans will never interfere with you, for now you are my priority number one." The criminal said as he smiled at her with a smile that was different from the insane grin he would usually do. It was his first real smile ever, that smile someone has when someone is truly happy.

Mana should be able to notice, and she might approve of helping Rukasu on the way. Their bond grew much stronger and even if they did not know at that moment that someone was going on. They both knew that fate that led them to each other. Who knows where they will go next in their journey and maybe it will be a wonderful adventure. The criminal walked a little further to be a bit closer to the girl. He placed his right hand on her right arm and looked into her eyes deeply.

"I want you to worry no more, I will always be there to support you and help you. No one will ever get in between you and me. I will guarantee it no matter what. So please do not worry, I want always be the one that walks behind you, in front of you, and side by side to make sure you're safe." The criminal said as he kept looking into her eyes and still held the side of her arm. He wanted her not to ever worry about anyone or anything anymore. He always wanted to watch over her.

The criminal still never knew how he got this very quickly, but he enjoyed it. The evil that used to control the villain was still there in full control, but this love was seeping out and now sharing some space with the evil within. Maybe the two were supposed to meet so that the rouge shinobi can grow stronger and smarter. This was a new step for Rukasu and maybe Mana as well. It was only midafternoon, but soon the sun will start to set slowly and this will soon be the end of another great day for the two. There was still enough time to do something before the sun had fully set. What was on the mind of the girl at that moment?

Oh crap, did she put me in the friend zone? Rukasu thought to himself as he just had realized that had happen and still held his facial expression still so she would not ask him what the matter was. Rukasu was starting to have feeling for her, but he was not going to admit it and since she told him to be her older brother, it was like telling him that he was going to her friend forever. However, Rukasu knew that things happen for a reason and maybe one day she will have feelings for the villain as well. These feelings were just the start and they will grow, but if she wanted him just to be an older brother than that is what he will do no matter what. He will protect her and help her go down her path so that she will be happy.

Would this mean that Rukasu would have to start helping people?

Would this also mean that one day he would have to give up killing?

Two big questions that went through his mind a few times, but at that moment he had chosen to ignore it.

30/60 CP

Age : 31 Posts : 1495

At the moment Mana wasn’t completely sure about how she felt of Rukasu. She used to question his every action and still feel a bit awkward about him and still have a speck of distrust around him. Now with just one short training session she somehow started trusting him a bit more and even had no problems opening up with him. Sure, she wasn’t a hard person to befriend seeing how everyone who wants to be her friend gets the position but Rukasu went one step beyond – he became a part of her inner family in just one day.

Had Mana been a bit less naïve and gullible she would’ve questioned allowing the young rogue to get so close to her inner world but with thing being as they were now she didn’t regret it for one bit. Her trust was strengthened even more when the nuke took no swings at her when she gave him the chance. Had he been just a cheap good for nothing scumbag he could’ve killed her and been halfway to the cashing in point with her body by now. Or he would’ve been crushed by the rabbits, either way he didn’t go that path. It’s surprising how much trust not killing someone when a chance occurs gathers up.

Rukasu gave her another promise, one made firmer by the honest smile that he gifted the young woman upon speaking it out loud. He agreed to act as her older brother on occasion and promised to protect her and to do her fighting for her so that she doesn’t have to do something she hates. Seeing how well Rukasu has kept his first promise up to now the magician had no doubts that he’d keep this one. From what she gathered about the youth he was at the very least trustworthy.

The nuke also expressed that he’d be interested in getting stronger, perhaps in a way that would not make things uncomfortable for Mana and would not force her to fight. “Well, I think we’re done for today. You’ve spent a lot of chakra, I can feel it, you’ve done your best trying to kill that illusion so I think you could use the day off. I’d suggest analyzing what you’ve seen and done today, I’ll train with you some more tomorrow, Niisan. I won’t hold back too so Usushika might actually have to put those miraculous healing skills to good use.”

Honestly both of them could use some rest seeing how they’ve barely slept through the night. After a brief nap Mana planned to go see what could be done about those caves and how could she help them, then Usubane also needs to be trained. “Maybe I could train with both of them at the same time, that’d save me a lot of time…” the magician wondered. Surely after witnessing Rukasu making this promise the rabbits would feel a little bit lighter about him and would at the very least train alongside him.

“It’s decided then, let’s head back to the caves and sleep tonight over, tomorrow morning I’ll help the rabbits with the caves and later I’ll train with you and Bane-chan. After that I have some business in Konoha I need to attend to so we’ll have to part ways temporarily. I’m sure you still wish to explore the rest of Fire Country so you’ll have your chance to do that.” Mana said rubbing her tired eyes. Usushiko popped loudly and disappeared in a puff of smoke to wherever he was before being summoned.

“I guess you’re OK… But I’ll be watching you!” Usubane glared with a look full of jealousy and rivalry at Rukasu and showed her tongue before leading the way back to the caves. Mana giggled and looked at Rukasu, “I think she likes you, that means I can train with both of you tomorrow and not worry about splitting myself in two.” she said with a smile. Usubane acknowledging Rukasu in a rival-like relationship was quite convenient, rabbits reacted to people a bit differently than people and rivalry was a positive change from wishing to stomp someone’s head to the ground and enjoying their suffering.

In general Mana was quite impressed by Rukasu’s ability to be somewhat tolerable by the rabbits. These guys weren’t really a species known for their tolerance and trust, the fact that Mana was held in such a high regard amongst them was only because of her tremendous feat salvaging the contract scroll and multiple other impressive feats. Rabbits respected strength most of all, physical strength over spiritual, it made sense for them to somewhat accept Rukasu as Mana’s friend so soon. If the youth decided to help them with the caves as well they might just end up in a tolerable relationship after all…

With a slow step Mana followed Usubane to the caves, Rukasu had the freedom of following them or he could’ve stayed in the crater to train. Honestly the young woman had no right to boss him around, as a rogue ninja he had the freedom to wander wherever he wanted and she didn’t want to impose on that freedom. If he chose to follow Mana back into the Rabbits caves and all the way into Usuzoku’s cave it would be by his choice alone. Sure he had a promise to keep, a tough one at that but it was up to him how he wanted to keep that promise.

“I think Zoku-chan left to hunt, he’s weird like that, the only rabbit who eats meat around. He doesn’t really like it too, he just says it’s what a warrior is supposed to eat… My point is that you won’t have to sleep at the old sage’s cave, you can sleep closer to me so that your promise is a bit easier to keep.” Mana would’ve said if the nukenin decided to follow them into the caves. Tomorrow was supposed to be a tough day for both of them, it would’ve been pretty great to finally get some rest…

[EXIT]

Age : 33 Posts : 510

"When there is a true desire in the heart and that desire is strong… that is when he finds real strength that even he did not know he had."
-Quoted by Orochimaru

Rukasu heard everything she had to say. In addition, the rabbit looked at Rukasu and told him that he will be watching him. The rabbit saw him as a rival and this was okay for the criminal, as it did not bother him at all. They both started walking to go back to the caves.

Did she just tell me I could sleep closer to her? Yeah it will be easier to protect her, but it would be weird. I guess she trusted me so its whatever. Rukasu thought to him as they both kept on walking. Rukasu knew that today something had changed in his heart a little, but it was not a massive change. More like he accepted her into his heart full of hate. He did not know if that was the best idea, but he really wanted to know how it would feel to accept someone into his heart.

The criminal was calm, focus for his training to come, and his mind was clear of any bad thoughts. Rukasu was very tired and it was difficult for him to catch his breath a little. The criminal really did the best he could to get stronger and he knew there was more to come. The rouge wanted to see if he could gain by traveling with the magician. He did not know what that could be but if he were to travel with the girl then he must at least do one thing to make sure that his identity kept safe.

"Mana, can I ask you something?" Rukasu asked as he waited a few minutes before asking his question. However, it was not an important question so he stayed quiet for a while before asking. About a few more minutes, the two reached the caves and went into their room. Two places already been assembled for the two to go to sleep. They both lay down to go to sleep. Right before the criminal shut his eyes, he looked over to Mana. "When I travel with you, I think it will be best for me to wear a disguise so that you can be safe. Are you okay with that? You don't have to answer me now, but if you like you can answer me later." Rukasu said as he had shut his eyes slowly and fell to sleep.

In the mind of Rukasu, the criminal was walking down a grassy plain where he saw snakes everywhere. These snakes were just being themselves freely, and they looked happy. Everything felt good, calm and wonderful. This was a very nice dream until the blue sky turned black instantly and it was not nighttime. Really more like dark clouds, and rain started to fall quickly as fire erupted near the criminal. Wind picked up faster and the earth started to shake. Then he saw a person that was older than Rukasu by a lot, looking at the criminal he just stared. The rouge noticed that the person had long red hair and the same eyes as Rukasu. This person still was different somehow, as there were many similarities, however the criminal notice this person was surely different.

"Who are you?" Rukasu asked as the storm kept on picking up faster and faster. Rukasu could not put his finger on it, but it would seem that this guy is the same as Rukasu. It was as if he saw into the future.

"You are still naive; you expect to get stronger when you fully don't understand yourself and your new power. Grow up! I am you, but I am the older you. Well to be exact I am your past self as well. Your past life was mine. If the snakes you collaborate with have not told, you then ask them. You will surpass me in the future, so do not die. Also make sure you follow the snake." The old guy said as he slowly vanished. The rouge did not have another question for the guy and he knew this was a dream and maybe it was not entirely true.

Rukasu knew that he would have to talk to the snake in some time in the future and this could be something that came out to be the truth but he did not want to jinx it at all. Rukasu was sound asleep, but he had kept his guard up to make sure that no one interrupts Mana beauty sleep.

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