Hit the Floor [Open/Training]

Screw paralysis; he definitely won that round. Maybe Hitomi's technique was actually a fluke and he just happened to be the guena pig for a test run, but it was okay: would he had have gone full-power on that high-velocity elbow strike to the ribs, not only would he have broken a bone or two, but would also succeed in interrupting the Chakra flow enough for even a chaining technique like this one to fail. Not to mention, how much his opponent would be squirming in the pain of such a heavy blow. Unfortunately, Shikai found himself in a pretty sticky situation, failing to move as much as a muscle in the Jutsu's effect. Was that how prey felt moments before being chided down or murdered? You'd have to wonder.

Besides that point... "Hnnnng, waaaai'--!!" ...Looks like round two was catching him up. Having already prepared Chakra and practically finished the handseal sequence, Shikai was ready to unleash a technique upon his teammate as she would attempt grab his hat while the boy is paralyzed. But, she ran away. Having still managing to hear, Shikai could track that Hitomi was not exiting the training fields, though her steps got gradually weaker in sound. Tactical retreat, maybe? Or did she think up something? When the boy could finally move again, he inspected the area behind him: there definitely was a small bunch of trees that could serve for camouflage. Was she trying to make this a long-range battle with less odds for a physical fighter like himself? In all honesty, it wasn't a bad idea at all. Shikai would be at a distinct disadvantage given his current skill when it comes to places like these with lots of hiding places.

But, every tactic you use, can be used against you. Smirking, the blond boy plunged into a bunch of trees on the opposite end, expecting that the girl would most likely try making her own move now. "(If I got this right... She's the sensor type. In that case, she should be able to track me down through normal means. Which means... It's time to bring back Academy lessons!" Making sure the opponent was nowhere in the vicinity that would spoil his plans, Shikai formed a single handseal. In a small smokescreen, he changed his form to an additional treebranch, conveniently 'growing' out of the one he stood upon. Now, not to underestimate Hitomi or anything, given how she could execute such a high-level Jutsu; but her skill was still Genin-level at best. She might manage to sense Shikai when he activates Chakra, but to pinpoint his location when dormant should be a problem.

And on that gamble, Shikai was placing his bets. Even if she did discover him, it should be a nice way to engage in combat: best games are played with a little handicap. Considering both were of more or less similar level, and both were users of Wind-style, naturally people would point to Hitomi being the victor, possessing a Kekkei Genkai and clan techniques as well. Though in real combat, it can't be properly measured. The outcome could go either way, and that's why it's so fun.

words: 000; tags: ppl; notes: asdfghjkl;

made by Wolf of GS

And so, Shikai waited for his opponent to come. He was practically chuckling to himself in anticipation, thinking how nice it would be if Hitomi really falls to his plan. As a conveniently attached treebranch, the boy disguised himself and remained in the lure, absolutely sure that by any moment near, he should have an offensive engagement with the girl. Yes, waiting was the key factor to ambush tactics: waiting for the right moment before recklessly rushing was a must, for the element of surprise was a crucial thing in all ambush tactics. Just catching the targets off-guard, using almost no power at all. Simply patience. It will breed results, it will pay off, and victory is very likely to be at the ambushing party's hand. They say that matches are decided depending on who strikes first, too, hence why waiting in ambushes was so damn important. No matter how long it took or how bored you were getting, this was a necessity to successfully win the battle. Even if it's just a spar, he should not hold himself back; always stay on guard, as the opponent could arrive at any given moment. Last thing he wanted was turning into the ambushed party himself. And thus, for all reasons stated, Shikai waited. Just, waited.

...Why isn't she coming!!?

Deactivating his technique, Shikai's expression could show clear irritation. Sure, he had no qualms keeping his Transformation Technique intact, but he got impatient very soon. This was just a spar dammit, why would it take anybody more than three minutes to cross approximately 80 meters!? And when there's a clearing through it too, meaning any average person could just run through it in around 12 seconds! So then why? What the heck was taking her so long!? "Hrrrmumumumu...! Enough!" Obviously, and thinking about it with his new personality, sitting still was definitely not one of Shikai's stronger points. He could plan out well, but executing anything that required sitting still was just difficult. An ironic fact considering he was more of a defense player, self-proclaimed anyway.

Impatience getting the better of him, Shikai figured he should probably take an offensive approach. Dealing with someone of similar rank to his own, it shouldn't be too hard making a first move, even if he ends up lured in the enemy trap. It was risky, but if he refused to do so, the battle would get stuck in that position. Remembering how to effectively scan the field, considering he was not a sensor by any means, the boy made 3 clones, each covering a distance of ten meters. The first sound to break the clones would sign spotting Hitomi. The real Shikai, among the three, was placed in the left-most corner, making an encounter with a false Shikai more likely than with the real one. As such, would still maintain the element of surprise even in an offensive formation. Just in case, the boy grabbed at his smoke bomb, acknowledging that its necessity in this battle, even if it's a mere spar, is undeniable. "Alright. Ready!"

Shikai made sure to run only through the trees, in which he was hidden, but also blinded. But the target was most likely hiding between treebranches herself, therefore, he had to sacrifice a bit of his hearing in that favor. Awaiting an encounter from any side, the blond-boy closed the gap very quickly. Did he meet Hitomi, however? Moreover, if he did; with which would she meet?

words: 000; tags: Hitomi Hane; notes: actually, only ANBU and above were seen using it, so... figured it would be pretty difficult to handle. Still D-rank, but should require really good Chakra Control and pool IMO.;

made by Wolf of GS

Begin scouting in line formation. The four Shikais moved rather quickly but warily, trying to lure Hitomi in to the trap effectively. It would be alright even if she ran to the original one, but less a wanted situation; after all, this was just a spar, they weren't going to go all-out on one another, right? With that nonchalant mindset, the blond allowed himself to somewhat drop his guard the moment the four clones entered the opposing woods' maze, attempting to lure her in. If he got that right, she was waiting to ambush the boy once he got in proper range, with probably another paralysis technique, to which he would have to react quicker. Which means, any rustling of the leaves, any suspicious creaking of a tree branch, any sound of the forest would be suspectibly a hint on Hitomi's location. Because he was trying to provoke, patience was in need, and he wouldn't initiate combat even if he found her hiding spot. Sticking to the plan.

And joyously enough, just when Shikai had to focus on his hearing sense.

"Ninpō: Tsuranukyou!! (Ninja Arts: Piercing Shriek)"

That, was just painful. Out of nowhere, a horribly ear-piercing sound cried out, signaling Hitomi's location but at the same time taking out the clones almost instantly. The real Shikai was now clear, in pain, trying to shut his ears to prevent further shaking of his eardrums. No more. It was just too much. Shikai's sense of hearing in particular, was a bit better than most people's, as he had checked, and having that suddenly delivered on him was too much. The Genin lost his focus and balance, falling off the branch he had stood upon and to the ground with a rather strong thud. In truth, the impact from the fall in this height wasn't too painful; the boy still managed to somehow block excessive damage by relaxing muscles in his body at the moment of impact; but he was still agonizing. Through her loud scream, Shikai's voice in pain could barely be heard.

Needless to say, this was definitely not going easy!

Trying to devise a proper reaction with that in the way was probably impossible. Besides 'make it stop', the boy couldn't think of anything. Right now, he could attempt ignore the shriek and proceed with a directly offensive approach to shut the sound up, but that would probably be a bit much. If anything, Shikai absolutely had to learn how to do that. That shriek thing, should come pretty handy in the right situations. In desperation to react, Shikai prepared himself for anything that the opponent would pull off now. It was unlikely that she'd maintain the shout that long: surely, it should damage her hearing as well, plus it's probably a killer in Chakra consumption, considering the mere decibel level. And when she gets close enough to snatch his hat, he would use his Taijutsu to deflect her. That's the only thing he could come up with right now. Simple, risky, but probably worth it.

words: 000; tags: Hitomi Hane; notes: I added a 'ninja arts' before, hope you don't mind. :3;

made by Wolf of GS

For the love of God, how long were his ears going to continue ringing? Shikai most definitely needed to find an efficient way to break that when he gets the chance. Maybe by using earplugs or something... No, something as simple as that won't work. It can't work. In other words, until further notice, the boy was more or less screwed when it came to this one Jutsu. Not to say he was losing, just that now... They were probably on equal standings. The boy moved his hands slowly from his ears, convinced that by now he should probably be alright. There was a moment of ear-piercing silence; though that must have been a result of the intense sound a moment ago. Still, it wasn't entirely barable.

And then, something flew at his legs. A Shuriken? Hitomi was close by. Quickly getting a grip over himself, the boy flipped himself up backwards by using his hands for balance, on his feet already when the female closed on. The main problem was, though, he was crouching, and she was reaching fast for his hat. Backup plan? He could always cheat. If Shikai deliberately took off his hat, Hitomi wouldn't be able to achieve her objective: that is, taking the hat off Shikai's head. But such a mean tactic just wouldn't be appropriate, plainly a prank. Instead, with one hand over his hat, the blond boy took a quick leap to his left, trying to avoid the teammate's reach, finishing the motion with a roll over his left shoulder. That should get some distance, if barely for a moment.

Still, a 'moment' in a fight, was enough time. Shikai grinned as he left his hat free, taking an offensive approach at the girl again. "Yaah!!" A battle cry; Shikai was going Taijutsu again. First, a hollow, powerless punch to the enemy's face, predicting she would easily react to the sloppy hit. While it wouldn't be characteristic of him to attempt an approach with so many chances for failure, namely delivering a punch with no intentions of having it do anything, there was the fact he was knocked off balance only a moment ago. And that little interference in his balance system was all it took for a swift move to be executed. Because regardless, he wasn't in his best state after a torturous move like that anyway. Thus, somewhat slipping off-course on the hit.

Just according to the rundown plan. Retaking a firm stand, the boy went with the motion of his slip by stomping one foot on the ground, turning his whole body innaddition. This should turn around their stands; literally.

"Konoha Reppuu!! (Leaf Whirlwind)"

words: 000; tags: ppl; notes: asdfghjkl;

made by Wolf of GS