Tiferet Training 1 / Konoha Training Grounds / Wednesday, January 29th, 485 A.M.

**Participants:** Kouyu Hatake, Okatsu(Tenshi)

## The Training Begins

**LightFang:** -The day would be quickly approaching its end. The sky would be turning a dim orange that gradients to a dark blue. This was the night after the Graduation Exam was held at Konoha's Ninja Academy. Kouyu would be enjoying a bit of free time after the exam, heading off to the local training field. His head was pretty clear because he was confident that he passed the exam. It wasn't anything tough. The only difficult question was something about the application of the Kai Release seal, and its effect on your chakra system. Putting all that behind him, Kouyu would take a rest laying by a tree. While laying there he would hold up his right hand and begin practicing his nature transformation. He would do this by letting small sparks of electricity dance between his fingers.-

**Methradi:** 67 miles of terrain had seen no threatening change aside from an overpopulation of deer which would be in the hands of the Nara. The trees were in good shape and enjoyed the weather as much as the many animals did. After having spent most of the past days in the wilds Okatsu finally returned to Konoha to report to the Hokage. His face hidden behind a ANBU mask which featured black tribal lines somewhat akin to the kind brandished by the Hokage and her people. Most of the rest of him remained hidden under a long grey travelling robe which swayed gently with his steps. As the village loomed in the near distance he found himself passing by the training field. It was rather quiet. But it was around that time of the exams. Many students were nervously awaiting their results. But not one of them. A white haired individual sat beneath the shade of a tall tree. Okatsu knew this genin to go by the name Kouyu but it wasn’t out of recognition that he stopped on the road and turned to stare. Kouyu was in the process of controlling his lightning release. A trait which they shared amongst the few which practised it in the Hidden Leaf. As such the ANBU decided to wander over for a closer look. “Practising even now, Kouya? Don’t tell me you are already preparing for the Chunin exams.” Okatsu chuckled but it sounded as monotone as his voice. He crouched down and stared intently at the sparks of electricity Kouya was manipulating. Studying the youth’s control while placing his 65 inch long weapon of unique design to rest on the ground.

**LightFang:** -The sparks on his hand would connect between two fingers and rise up from the knuckle to the tip. The arc would then break and sputter a bit before a new one was formed between two other fingers. Kouyu was trying to make them follow a certain order, a kind of game he played with himself, but was having difficulty doing so. He would go down the line starting from his index finger and making the arc jump between this and the middle, then the ring and finally the little finger. After that he would do the same originating from the middle finger by making it connect to the index, then ring, then little finger and so on. Until he could control it evenly from each finger he wouldn't be satisfied. Currently he is having trouble on the middle finger step, the arc seems to keep wanting to go to his index instead of where he wants. He would be getting more and more frustrated, to the point that when Okatsu called out to him he would lose concentration and the sparks would go wild before fizzling out. He would press his tongue to his teeth in frustration and let out a "TCH'' before speaking back. "Yea I guess, I just want to keep getting better till I'm the best ya'know.'' His curiosity would get the better of him as his gaze started to raise to the other person while saying, "How do you even know who I am, I don't recognize your voi...  Oh." Cut off by seeing the man in an Anbu mask he would know, "Nevermind, you Anbu type always know too much." With that Kouyu would place his hands behind his head and swing his knees up to his chest. Pushing off with his hands and kicking up with his legs he would then kip-up into a standing position and look at the Anbu who was kneeling at about his height. "Why stop to talk to me anyway, aren't you guys always too busy." There would be a beat of time before Kouyu would interject again, "Wait! Are you here to tell me that I'm being recruited into the Anbu due to my high exam scores? I knew that test was too easy. Had to be because I am so highly skilled." His head would instinctively nod as he complimented himself.-

**Methradi:** Okatsu’s head came to tilt in surprise at the brash replies given by the teenager. A good sense of pride, that much was clear. But whether it would last when tested by the bitter blade of reality would remain to be seen. If so. Kouyu could prove to become a great leader on the battlefield. In those moments of desparations such as found in war it was a blessing for many to have someone confident and outspoken to lead the fray and embolden the frontlines. And while one may not have seen much importance or potential in the dance of sparks between digits that the Genin had showcased. Okatsu saw the great  potential which is within the desire to accomplish a minute sense of control over an element with such potency. In truth, he could see a great potential for the Hidden Leaf. And even the ANBU, should they ever choose to bring him into their ranks. Although Okatsu wondered what would remain of that flamboyant outspokenness should this happen. “Too busy? No, not when the future's right in front of my eyes.” He smiled under his mask and would, if allowed to do so, place a hand on Kouya’s shoulder. At this, the Genin could feel a strange current of electricity run through his body for a few seconds before returning in Okatsu’s hand without having caused any harm. “There are many aspects of our element which are often overlooked. Currents of great potency. Control. Perhaps… I could teach you some of the things I know.” Okatsu arose and would, if having been allowed to place it there previously, lift his hand from Kouya’s shoulder.  A tall shadow now looming over the youth as the mask became a strangely ominous sight. “Or perhaps you would rather showcase your talents so that I may carry back word of your skill. Who knows… maybe the ANBU is seeking to recruit you after all.”

**LightFang:** -Kouyu would stare a bit in confusion as the man responded. When the man placed his hand on Kouyu's shoulder he instantly felt the surge and knew this man had control of lightning too. Judging by the slight feeling and the lack of fear to pass it through someone non-lethally, a quite impressive control of it too. For a second Kouyu thought, 'Maybe this guy could teach me something.' but then the man offered the opportunity to showcase his skill. When that was said Kouyu's mind filled with potential possibilities. 'Do I take a chance to learn something from a person with great skill in my nature, or is this a test. Do the Anbu want to test my physical ability  and see if i'll back away from a challenge or get power hungry and take a more powerful skill? Or do they want to see if i'll get blind sighted by trying to prove myself that i won't take a gifted opportunity to gain precious intel.' Kouyu was almost stunned by the weight of this decision. It could be his one chance at the Anbu after all. There was a noticeable silence as he thought over the decision. 'If I take the training I could show off my skills in the practice so it would kind of do both. If i showcase my skill I could do something inventive to show my intellect to again do both.' After mulling it over Kouyu had come to a decision and raised his eyes to meet the mask of the Anbu man again. "Alright, but first, what's your name?"-

**Methradi:** He stood motionless while gazing upon the young one lost in thought. It was interesting and fresh to see the weight of decisions made by those young enough to skill make so many. But the fact that the proposition was taken as serious as it was did make things all the more noteworthy and worthwhile. “Tenshi.” He introduced himself with his ANBU codename. For protocol was to be upheld at all times. However this was a name which Kouya may have heard of for several tales had spun around it ever since the great battle 10 years ago. The Angel of Peace who had single handedly held a gate, according to some with his eyes closed. With a headcount that seemed to become greater based on who was telling the story. Saying the name always left a sour taste in Okatsu’s mouth. They reminded him of times he ever sought to abandon within a void of repression. The wind began to pick up in pace as the sky grew darker with the sun all but having said its farewell.  A group of travelling salesmen could be seen on horseback, trotting along with carts in tow which were full of fresh wares from the fields. Something perked Okatsu’s interests. Wrapped in leaves. Large yellow corns. He would remind himself to buy some later but turned back to the Genin in anticipation of what answer was thought of.

**LightFang:** -He would nod hearing the response. There were certainly some tales of a Tenshi going around. Kouyu was unsure if this was the same guy or not. Tenshi was a common name after all. "Ok Tenshi. Then I believe I'll take you up on the training." He would then shrug his jacket off his shoulders and remove it before placing it beneath the tree he was laying under previously. Turning back to Tenshi he would place his fist in his palm and bow toward him. Upon raising back upright he would say. "Alright what's first Tenshi-Sensei."-

**Methradi:** Okatsu would bow in return. It was clear by the long grayish locks, which messily fell down the man’s shoulders that the man didn’t have a decent shower for a week. “The art of Chakra flow. Up to what extent have you studied it?” He plucked a strand of his own hair and let it dangle from his fingers in the wind. “For you have discovered your nature already. That much is clear. And the beginnings of this art are already present in that which your fingertips displayed.” As he said this, the hair stiffened and began to vibrate while a flicker of lightning danced around it, after which it disintegrated. “Yet there is much more to learn.” He took another strand of hair, this time it also stiffened while lightning coursed around it as if coating it; keeping the hair intact. “One of which is a technique revolving around the use of Chakra Flow. One I have devised myself.” He looked at the long arquebus which laid on the ground. A weapon unknown to any in this period, and then back at the genin. “Perhaps I could teach it to you. Better yet. You’ll develop a technique surpassing mine with ease.” Okatsu nodded. “First I’ll need to see what you are capable of. A display of your best Lightning Jutsu.” He knew that to attempt Tiferet without a pre attained level of skill and control could prove detrimental if not lethal. To change the current which one produced was not something to be trifled with easily. Okatsu walked over to stand by the edge of the training field and crossed his arms in observation. The sky now darkened above.

**LightFang:** -Kouyu would waste little time. He would turn to find one of the target pells that were dotted around this training area. His eyes shimmered slightly as he centered himself and lined up with the pell. Clasping his hands together, Kouyu wound bend his wrists so that his hands were pointed down with the palms together and fingers curled to form the seal Boar. Then he would change to place his hands together vertically with the index and middle pointed up and the left thumb on top of his right forming Ram. After which he pulled his hands together with fingers interlaced and the left thumb on the outside for Snake. Followed by pulling both elbows out and forming a triangle with the index fingers to symbolize Horse. Finally he would interlace fingers again, this time hands pointing away from the body with the little fingers extended down and the left thumb on top of the right one to end off with Dragon. While holding this last seal a current of lighting would form around his hands and start to extend outward quickly. Splitting off into a few arcs they each would make their way to a similar target. Conforming on the pell for a combined strike the electricity would char the wood and even splinter off some of the edges to the pell itself. Kouyu would turn back to Tenshi and say, "Right now that's all I can do with lightning."-

**Methradi:** The arcs of lightning came to reflect their light off the ANBU mask as they darted through the air and came to collide upon the target. There were clear signs of heat as well as concussive force carried through the chakra which showed the lightning was potent. Destructive. Yet steered quite magnificently. If a similar application were to be combined with larger amounts of chakra, summon more tendrils of lightning for a prolonged duration, or was restrained and used to empower one's physical strikes, it could prove most fatal to any opponent unlucky enough to face it. But first came the mastery of Chakra Flow. From what he had seen before all of the hand seals were performed with exquisite precision placing great detail in each minute motion. The control first seen under the tree was still present while using a greater amount of chakra and sending it airborne. That, combined with the confidence, made for more than an intriguing prospect. “I can see you have been practising hard.” Okatsu began to approach the charred wood to inspect it, after which he walked over to stand next to Kouyu. A tanto was swiftly unsheathed and flipped so that the end of the hilt would be extended to the Genin. “Take this. Don’t shoot out the lightning this time. Focus it around the weapon. You have the instinct.” He pointed over at the previously splintered target, as well as one far behind it. “The initial goal is to pierce the first and hit the second target. I see you have learned to understand energy. Now comes vibration. Wind can make any object sharp yet our lightning can pierce deeped once harnessed fully.” Having half-expected follow up questions to all these claims regarding lightning chakra. He added. “More on that later. Patience is key to success. Take your time. Concentrate and do what feels natural.” There was a deeper truth to these words as the archetype of one’s soul was revealed piece by piece in the manner with which they dealt with situations and rose to adapt. Innovate. Overcome. What would Kouyu display?

**LightFang:** -Kouyu would take the tanto from the anbu and look it over. He would take notice of the blunted tip, a signature of the anbu. "You want me to throw this through one pell to hit another.." Kouyu would say with disbelief. "It's not possible. This doesn't even have a thrusting tip. I couldn't possibly stab it through the pell, let alone throw it." Kouyu would still make an effort to try despite his objection. He just wanted to make his grievances known. Taking the tanto in his right hand he would hold it in front of him and use his left hand to perform a chakra enhancing seal. This seal would be one known to focus lightning release. It was one with the index and little finger extended and the middle and ring finger held down by the thumb. He then focused on the tanto the same way he would with his fingers when he played the arc game. At first it almost seemed to be doing something as if there was a slight glow in the center of the blade. However it quickly subsided. Getting frustrated, Kouyu would push even more chakra into his focus. Soon the blade started to glow again until the glow reached the edge of the blade. Once that happened it was almost like an explosion as tiny harmless but violently fast arcs of lightning spread from the blade and started discharging into the ground. Startled by this, Kouyu would instinctively toss the tanto away, throwing it straight at the pell. The tanto would stop discharging well before hitting the pell and once it did it would bounce off like Kouyu knew it would. Once Kouyu recovered from the shock of the experience he would turn to Tenshi and say, "See, told you, it can't be done."-

**Methradi:** Another monotone chuckle stemmed from underneath the mask. “You’re right, but your willingness to try something which seems and may in fact be impossible is what matters the most.” Walking over to the Tanto, Okatsu saw how the center of the weapon had melted from where the chakra was focussed. Spilling dribbles over the edges before having solidified. “Hmm….” He leaned down to try and pick it up only to meet with a shock upon first touching it which caused his hand to reel back before a few shakes overcame the stun and allowed him to pick it up. “I’m sure it can be reforged.” It took a bit of pushing but he managed to get the tanto inside of its sheath, mostly. The feat displayed earlier may have seemed harmless enough but the fact that Kouyu’s concentrated chakra could cause such effects, already proved testament. Surely, this one could learn the workings of Tiferet and develop the technique to the next level. But before that there was much to be done. “When you next practise letting lightning dance between your fingertips. I want you to focus on the sensation of the lightning chakra moving through each finger. And to reproduce that sensation in each finger simultaneously. To become aware of the process within you. The conversion. The flow of chakra through your pathway system. These are crucial steps to comprehend.” Following the rather long lecture there was a brief moment of silence. Two shinobi walked the nearby road on their way to Konoha. Most likely having returned from a mission. He turned back to Kouyu. “Once you are in tune with the manner in which lightning is created within you, we move on to generate and, importantly, stabilize more of it. This allows us to prepare our element. And then to weaponize it when we most need it. Finally, we will develop a way in which to weaponize it befitting your preferred method of fighting. This won’t be a short process, Kouya-san.”

**LightFang:** -As he listened to the Anbu's explanation Kouyu would stare at his hands. Holding them in front of him he would study them intently. Not wanting to back down now he started up the game he typically played and started to train the arc along his right hands fingers. He would lower his left hand and form the same seal for lightning release focus as he did with the tanto. He would identify and isolate the feeling he had with each finger as he ran the arc through them and then expand upon that idea bringing it forth on each finger. The electrical energy would instead form a glow around his hand as he started to push it outward. Sparks would gather around the tips of his fingers and chime with a sound of rough gravel being ground together. Kouyu would then take his left hand and raise it up as well trying to go a step beyond. His focus would start to try and bring the lightning chakra into his left hand as well. It wasn't long before he got a handle on it and the glow started in his left and. Soon both hands had a wave of electricity around them and would spark like coarse gravel. However just as they both had the glow about them an arc would jump between them. Upon connection more would do the same. Followed by an arc jumping to the ground beneath Kouyu's feet. The power would quickly get out of hand and the electricity would burst knocking Kouyu on his back and leaving his hands numb.”Alright, I think that’s enough for today,” Kouyu would say quietly to himself.”Let’s get home before I blow an arm off.”-

## Results

Kouyu: He has started to see that there are more applications to his lightning release. He also knows that while he doesn't have good control over it, he certainly can produce a lot of it.