The dummies were set and Mika glanced at them. Most were made of simple material. Nothing too thick, but unable to fully cut through with a sword. The thick wood would prove either its worth or get ravaged. The woman with the black hair, crossed her arms as she inpsected them from a little distance. Some had some markings, poiting out where the vital points were of an opponent. Though the dummies wouldn't be that detailed, Mika didn't want to start too advance with Haruhi. She to prove herself before Mika would through the effort of arranging more practice tools. Now she had to wait on the genin, expecting her to be late as the jounin sighed.
Sure enough, a small skirmish with her mother had Haruhi running through the streets of the Hidden Mist Villiage like a criminal running from the law. "Excuse me! ....Pardon me, ma'am! ...Get out of the way old man! Oh crap! Sorry ma'am but i'm kind of in a hurry here!" she yelled along the way to the place her sensei had told her to meet. She didn't know what her sensei would have in store for her if she was late again so she ran as fast as she could. As she entered the field and rounded the corner, she saw her teacher standing there waiting. She slowed and tried not to freak out.
Mika didn't even turn around. Her right hand shot to her kunai pouch. Within a second, the woman had the weapon in her hand before throwing it within the same movement towards Haruhi. Not even glancing or turning her head, the woman had aimed the kunai towards Haruhi's shoulder. The one that had been hit in their previous training. ''You were almost late.'' Mika said, in a cold voice, as if Haruhi was late.
As the kunai flew at her, she did a little spin and dodged it. Woah. That was a close one. she thought as she knelt to pick it up from the ground. "Sorry sensei. I have no excuse.'' She said as she approached her teacher. She held out the kunai to her and looked at the dummies, wondering what they had planned to do today.
''As expected from you.'' Mika responded, taking the kunai. It was unsure if it was because Haruhi had dodged the kunai or if it was a comment on Haruhi not having any excuse. Mika wouldn't let her ponder too long on it as she spoke again. ''Five warming up laps around the field.'' She ordered Haruhi, spinning the kunai, by pushing her index finger through the loop. While she kept the weapon spin, her attention was focused on the dummies.
Haruhi nodded and shrugged off her jacket before walking to the edge of the field. She didn't bother stretching because the run there was good enough. She started her laps, going at a nice jog rather than a sprint. The kunai kept spinning as Mika then made it stop, grabbing the hilt. She stored the weapon in the kunai holster on her right leg, ''Do I need to push you to go faster?'' Mika asked on a cold tone. Haru's eyes widened. "Um...no sensei." she said and sped up her pace. This woman never ceases to scare the hell out of me. she thought as she ran.
Now she was at a good pace. It didn't took long before Haruhi was finished. Mika didn't give her much time to prepare for the next. ''Fifteen push ups. You may however choose.'' The woman paused for a moment. ''My foot or using only one arm. Make your decision fast.'' Mika ordered, raising her right eyebrow as she waited for Haruhi's answer. Haru thought about it quickly. Considering she was rather light she picked one arm over her sensei's foot. "Uh...i think i'll try with just one arm.'' she said as she got down on the ground. Since her left arm was stronger, she picked that one and started her push ups. After only a few moments, she regretted it. Oh man...this is harder than I thought... she whined in her head.
Mika had expected the foot, but said nothing. As Haruhi started on her push ups, the woman silently took some steps towards Haruhi. She just stood there, saying nothing. Until she seemed to find it necessary to 'motivate' Haruhi more. ''If you don't start to do your best, you will get my foot.'' Mika said on her usual tone. Looking down at the girl, the jounin tapped with her right foot. A little warning.
"No, no....I can do this.'' she said trying not to sound like she was struggling. Her arm was already shaking lightly but she was already halfway done at 8 push ups. She made sure she was breathing instead of holding her breath like she usually did, but that wasn't really helping. Man, the foot sounds really good right about now.
Without a warning, Mika's right foot suddenly approached towards Haruhi. But just before it made contact, it stomped the ground. It would look an innocent joke, but Mika didn't make jokes. It was to see if Haruhi would get out of her focus or try to move away. Haru noticed her teacher's foot but didn't stop what she was doing. She took it as a hurry-the-hell-up-before-I-squash-you-like-a-bug gesture and pushed her body up again. 11 down, 4 to go. The thought made her happy.
Slowly Mika moved her foot backwards. In fact, she took a step further away from Haruhi to see if she would get it to the fifteen. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, Mika stayed silent, simply watching er student performing the push ups. The usual cold look was replaced by a more serious one as the jounin was pondering on something. Haruhi was really struggling by this time. She counted in her head along with her last few push ups. Twelve.... and thirteen......... oh this hurts.... fourteen..... Ew, theres a bug on my hand!!! She let out a small squeal and quickly did the last push up a hell of a lot faster than the previous ones. As soon as she was done she shook the bug off her hand. "Eww! Get off!!"
It became quiet. Mika didn't say anything for some time, simply looking with a serious look at her student. She had managed to do the push ups. Last time she had struggled with even ten. Now Haruhi had shown that she could do fifteen. With one hand. ''Your progress is... average.'' Mika said. ''Get some rest and when you're ready, I want you to show me some points where you need to stab a person. With a kunai.'' Mika said, already walking towards a dummy.
Haruhi sat there and stretched her arm. Her sensei had said she was making progress. ...Average progress, but still progress nonetheless. She looked down and watched that little bug slowly walk across the short blades of grass. Taking out her kunai she held it just in front of that long, creepy crawler and picked it up. "Ew your an ugly little thing." she said as she stood and walked over to the log dummies. "Here you can watch me do some training." she said as if it was her best friend.
Before the new found friend of Haruhi could react, a foot stomped on him. ''I told you to focus, didn't I?'' Mika sneered. She then lashed out, an open palm hand that was aimed at the left cheek of Haruhi. ''Well?'' Mika sneered. Haru glared at her sensei when she killed the little guy and swatted her hand away hard before it could reach her face. "I was just trying to have a little fun." she said, a little upset that the bug died because of her.
''Some fun...'' With a quick movement, Mika brought up her knee, aiming towards the chin of the little girl, as her hand shot towards her hand. ''Have some fun then.'' The woman hissed, clearly annoyed by Haruhi's words and action now. Enough that she didn't held back with her actions. Haruhi saw her teachers knee come up and tried to stop it with her hand. She wasn't strong enough with one hand however to keep her knee from hitting her though, so her hand got smashed between her chin and her sensei's knee. "Ow!" she yelled falling back on her butt. She sat there and shook out her hand, and rubbed her chin with the other. "Alright i get it! No more goofing off. I'm sorry." she said.
Planting her foot on Haruhi's stomach, firmly, Mika leaned forward. Narrowing her eyes, she spoke on a hushed tone. ''Sorry? I think you need to be really sorry. We made a deal. I would arrange the tools and such and you would focus and do your best. Do I need to remind you of it?'' Mika asked, putting more pressure on Haruhi's stomach.
Haruhi didn't try to move her sensei's foot, if she did, she knew it would just make her push down more. So instead she shook her head in answer of her teachers question. "N...no I remember. You don't need to remind me. I wont mess around anymore." Slowly the pressure was released, a bit. ''Then next time think of this before goofing around. If I ever catch you again on a mission or a training with such behavior, then you're mine. Got that?'' Mika asked lifting her feet before stomping down on Haruhi's stomach. Her teacher's threat scared her like hell and she nodded quickly. "Yeah...i got it." she said a bit breathless.
''Then get up and show me where you would stab a person.'' Mika sneered. Lifting off her feet from Haruhi, the woman walked towards the nearby dummy and crossed her arms. Her cold look would follow each movement of Haruhi, waiting for the girl to show where she would stab a human. As she stood, she dusted herself off and walked over to one of the dummies. She reached out and touched one where the chin would be and trailed her fingers directly down. This would be the sternum where the ribs connect. She thought then moved her fingers down about two inches and to the left side of the dummy. "The heart would be here." she said confidently.
Mika's eyes followed the fingers of Haruhi. When she pointed where the heart was, Mika nodded. ''The heart is a given one. But where else?'' Mika asked. She glanced at Haruhi's face to look if she was paying focus. Any lack of it would b payed with a whack or a smack. But soon she looked at the fingers of the girl again, waiting for her to point another location. She thought about it for a moment, trying to remember where another spot was. She remembered reading a book about this. ''I think it was...wait. There were two spots. Keeping her fingers on the heart of the dummy she took her other hand and trailed her fingers across the body and down about an inch. She kept her hand there and moved the one over the heart down about three or four inches. "The stomach and the liver. If you cut open the stomach, the acid inside could do some serious damage to the other organs. If you cut the liver, you could bleed internally and die in a few minutes." she said a little less sure but still confident about her answer.
Haruhi would feel something on her head. Mika's right hand was placed on it as she bended through her legs. ''Look at this spot.'' She said on a calm tone. The woman pointed at the ribs. ''Killing a person doesn't mean you need to kill them with one stab. Its the spot that counts. When you stab somebody in the lung, stabbing it like this.'' Using her index finger, Mika showed Haruhi how she should wring a kunai underneath a rib. ''If your enemy is in a lot of pain and can't move, its easier to kill them. Besides, there is the back.'' Releasing her hand from top of Haruhi's head, the woman patted the girl's shoulder to come to the back of the dummy. Haruhi stood and followed her. ''Where would you stab a person from behind?'' After looking at the dummy for a while she decided to just ask. "I dont know. My guess would be the leg?" she offered the answer to her teacher.
''That would mean you have to wield a weapon long enough to reach and slash or pierce it. With a kunai or tanto it would become difficult. Instead, you should aim for this spot.'' Mika answered. Placing her finger at a spot where the kidney would be, Mika turned her head to her student. ''In the ANBU we were taught to stab a person there. It doesn't matter how tough you are. The pain will be great enough to shut down a person's throat. They can try all they want, but in the end, they will just die. Saves you the time to slice their throats and try to keep them quiet. Not to mention if they are much larger then you, its easier to them here than going for the throat.'' Looking at the spot Mika had her finger, she became silent, staring at the spot.
Haruhi glanced at her teacher who had suddenly become quiet. She was expecting her to tell her to practice hitting that spot but she just stood there and looked at it. "Hayashi sensei?" she asked, hoping her teacher would snap out of it. This was the second time she had been telling her something and just suddenly stopped speaking. Haruhi wondered what was captivating her mind but decided to leave it alone.
Mika frowned as she removed her finger. ''So that is the theory for now.'' Mika mumbled. Taking a step back, she nodded towards Haruhi. ''First practice on the dummy. The first time is to get a sense of where you need to hit. Cause once you get the hang of it, you're going to do it with a blindfold. Eventually.'' Mika said, waiting while she would watch her student. That sounded rather exciting in Haruhi's mind so she nodded and pulled out one of her kunai. "Where would you like me to pracrice first?" she asked.
''Think first on the dummy. After that, we'll work on what is close to a real human.'' Mika said to Haruhi as answer.
She nodded and held her kunai tightly in both hands. She focused on the spot her teacher had put her finger and trusted forward, using her body as the primary force to push it in. The kunai implanted itself into the dummy all the way to the hilt. She then let go and stood back for her sensei to see. Mika simply nodded. ''I didn't say stop. Keep on stabbing.'' The woman said, and with a nod Haru pulled the kunai out and did it again. She wondered if she would really ever have the guts to do this to someone.
A poofing sound was heard. Followed by another. A young boy, with black short hair and a friendly smile stood next to Mika. Nodding at the boy, Mika spoke to Haruhi. ''Practice on him.'' The boy turned around and spread out his arms. Like he wanted to make it easier for Haruhi to stab him in the back. All the while, Mika would focus on Haruhi's body language. Her face and movements. All factors that were important now. ''Don't forget the deal, Haruhi.''
Haruhi looked at the boy a bit wide eyed. "H...him?'' she asked nervously. Frowning she shook her head. "I mean...um yes sensei." she hesitated. She knew this was another test. This guy looked innocent but she had to remember that all bad guys hide in the face of innocence. She gripped her kunai tightly in both her hands again and stepped forward, plunging her kunai into his back.
Blood flowed on the hands of the young girl. Mika frowned as the stab didn't plunged into the organ. The boy opened his mouth, wanting to scream out in pain. All the while, Mika's eyes were locked on Haruhi, simply watching observing. Haru's eyes widened as she watched the blood flow over her hands. He didn't scream...maybe he wasn't in pain. At least, that's what she told herself. She pushed again and twisted the kunai like her sensei had shown her earlier.
The boy grunted, still able to produce some sound as he tried to move. A hand wrapped itself around Haruhi's wrist. With a sudden movement, Mika shoved the kunai inside the back of the boy, causing more blood to flow on the weapon and on their hands. ''Speed and force. If you notice that you can't push it right into the spot the first time, be creative. Wrap your arm around him and lean back, using your weight. Everything to reach this.'' Mika shoved the kunai deeper. There came no sound from the throat of the boy. ''This place. Got that?'' Mika asked with a calm tone.
With a nod Haru did exactly that, ignoring the spilling blood that started to cover her hands and wrists. The grip of the boy weakened slowly before falling from her arm. "Did i get it?" she asked her sensei. Removing her bloodied hand, Mika slowly nodded. ''He is dead now.'' Mika looked at the boy who still moved, likely trying to do something about the wound in his back before he vanished in a poofing smoke cloud. ''That is how you stab a person behind.'' Mika frowned as she clenched her right hand into a fist. ''Four laps around the field.''
Haruhi let the kunai fall from her hands to the grass before frantically wiping her hands off on her clothes, not realizing the blood wasn't there anymore. After she noticed she looked at her sensei for a moment before running off and not saying a word. She didn't want her to see that she was about to nearly break down in tears. If once she was done with her laps she was asked about it, she would simply say it was the wind. I cant believe i really just did that. She was a little bit beyond shaken and all she could focus on was the blood.
Mika looked at her fist before glancing at Haruhi. She then released the fist as she would watch Haruhi run the laps. At least for one round. Then Mika went to a dummy. It had a little scroll on the ground near it. Bending through her legs, Maki rolled out the small scroll as it would explain something. Waiting until Haruhi would be done, Maki stayed silent. Thankfully by the time Haruhi was done with her last lap, she had calmed down quite a bit. She told herself over and over that it wasn't real. ...But she would probably have to do it eventually. And what was she going to do? Just run off and cry like a scared little child? She had frustrated herself a bit and tried not to let it show as she went to sit by her teacher.
''Come over here, time for the next step of the training.'' Mika called out to Haruhi as she would wait till Haruhi was near her. In front of her, Mika had a scroll rolled about a technique that she had promised to teach Haruhi. Though not having the Lightning release herself, she had experience seeing and fighting against it. Haruhi sat and moved some of her hair away from her face. She was curious as to what the scroll was but she waited patiently instead of asking. She knew she was about to be told what it was. She leaned forward, highly interested, and listened.
''This learns a person on how to perform a chakra flow technique. It requires some good chakra control as well a nature that can benefit an edged weapon. Such as lighnting.'' Mika explained, before glancing at Haruhi. ''I hope you're clever enough to understand that this means if you get a better grip of stabbing somebody, while enhancing your weapon, you don't need more strength.''
Haruhi looked a little relieved. She knew that strength was not one of her good assets. This could potentially give her at least a better chance of winning if she went up against someone heavier or stronger than her. Of course she still wanted to work on her strength but that would have to be a more gradual process. "What do i need to do? Just read the scroll and practice, right?" she asked. She found herself wanting to take the scroll and curl up in a corner until she memorized its contents.
''Study it for a bit. Then try to do it step by step.'' Mika told Haruhi. The scroll would explain on how to mould chakra in a fashion, that it would spread over a surface. However, Haruhi had to focus her lightning chakra over the surface of her weapon in order to give the desirable effect. Haruhi nodded her head, eager to read the scroll. She picked it up and moved to the shade of a tree to study its contents. As she started to read, all she saw was general knowledge about it. Apparently it has a unique relation with water and is stronger against earth. She looked up at her teacher. "Um...can i skip past this part at the beginning?"
''If you think you're good enough to skip it.'' Mika responded. The woman had her arms crossed as she simply paid watch over her student. But it was unsure if it was because Mika saw it as her duty or because she didn't trust Haruhi well enough. It was however that Mika was also in thoughts, simply thinking about something.
Haruhi thought about her teachers words. This stuff seems like general knowledge i can find in a book somewhere. ...I think i can skip past this part. Without saying anything, Haru moved her gaze to the technique part of the scroll. She started reading on about how to mold her chakra. THIS was the good part. As she noticed her sensei watching over her, she let her guard down and delved into reading the scroll. Taking in all the information that it held.
A bit over an hour had passed before she finished with a good understanding of how exactly to start training and really learning how to use this skill. She looked up and saw her teacher was still there watching her, but it seemed she was lost in thought. "Hayashi Sensei?" she called out.
''What?'' Mika reacted, returning her gaze to Haruhi with a rather annoyed glance. She apparently wasn't happy that Haruhi was calling out to her. Even less that the girl would likely ask a question she wouldn't like. For some reason, Mika fel a bit wary around the girl. After the last question, Mika had told herself to not lower her guard around the young girl. To grow sympathy for another shinobi that she barely knew that long was against the way she was trained and raised.
She was going to ask what she was thinking about but changed her mind knowing that she would just brush it off. She quickly came up with a question. "When should i start practicing?" she asked. "And no, I don't have any questions about it. I just want to start right away! she added excitedly.''
Mika frowned and then shrugged. ''When you're ready for it. I expect nothing than the average results from you.'' Was her answer. The gaze of Mika looked at the entrance of the field, before shifting back to Haruhi. ''Unless your even not capable of pulling a jutsu like that off. Even I know Academy students who can master that in no time. With more than an average score.'' Mika continued, on a cold tone as she scoffed in Haruhi's direction.
She stood up proudly. "Of course i can pull it off! I'm not just any Genin." she said with a determined look. ''No indeed. You're an average one.'' Was what Mika responded.
Haruhi rolled her eyes after she turned away. She was starting to hate the word "Average". Couldn't her sensei come up with a better...or different word. Shaking those thoughts away she thought about what she had read in the scroll. First thing first, was to take full control of your chakra.
Seems that Haruhi was getting serious. With her turned away, Mika looked more curious. She paid close watch of her student. Even without eyes or any kind of ability to spot, sense or feel chakra Mika was sure that Haruhi was more than likely preparing her chakra to mould it. It was the first step of the technique. The next one was to guide it. Something that interested the woman as it was harder than to mould one's chakra.
Haruhi stood up and took out a kunai for practice purposes. She focused on what she had read in the scroll. She had to mold and then guide her chakra to out her hand and extend it too the wepon. That was easier said than done but she tried anyway. Reaching inside her mind she was able to get there easier than before. She slowly proceeded to guide her chakra out from her core and to her hand. She felt a tingling sensation while she was doing it but didn't stop. She remembered this part was called "chakra flow" and she kept her focus on it, not wanting to messup. Her sensei's warning about feeling "true pain" was there in the back of her mind.
Mika was a bit surprised, pleasantly surprised, to see her student being that serious. It was trully interesting the woman to see her student like that. All focused and serious on her task of trying to grasp and master the basics of chakra flow. Surely, Haruhi would not fail that easily in this task. It was the basic of chakra flow techniques and Mika already had seen some work of Haruhi that made her a genin with potential. Only Mika wouldn't say that out loud.
Haruhi didnt know if it was working or not so she waited a few moments before slowing coming back to the real world. As she opened her eyes, her green orbs focused on her teacher first. Haru found she was staring at her again, but for the first time...ever, they weren't cold. "Um, Hayashi sensei are you alright?" she asked a little confused as to why her teacher's gaze was focused on her. This was at least the third time today she caught her sensei not in focus.
''I am alright. Just look at your kunai and keep your focus.'' Mika told Haruhi, looking the other way as she crossed her arms out front of her chest. She looked at the tree they had been using for accuracy training. The jounin had seen the blue faint chakra coating on the kunai. The average kunai didn't had the chakra conductive steel that would allow chakra to be easier coat a weapon or a tool. It still allowed it, but not as much as the special made steel.
Haruhi looked down at her kunai and didn't see anything out of the ordinary just yet. Shoot! I lost my focus didn't i? she mumbled to herself. She decided to just start over but this time she would keep her eyes open and focused on the kunai. Maybe if she was able to actually see the object she was trying to pour her chakra onto, it would be easier.
Looking back at her student, Mika saw the blue-ish colored chakra forming over the weapon. It still wasn't that great or perfect, but the basic was there. It was proof that Haruhi's chakra control wasn't that bad either. Meaning that she could try to get it better. ''Seeing you managed to do that... You should keep practicing it. The higher your control is over your chakra, the better you can manage the chakra coating.'' Mika told Haruhi on a serious tone.
Haru couldt help the goofy smile that formed on her face when she saw what she did. "That is so wicked..." she said happily. After a moment she went back to focusing and tried its again. And when she tried it again, Mika made sure to keep watch over her student. It wouldn't simply improve to the point the chakra would greatly enhance a weapon, but the start was there. From that Haruhi could try to give the chakra some kind of enhancements. Her lightning chakra would be great with it, but that was a next step. For now it was important she would get a good mastery over the basics.
As Haruhi tried again she started to see her blue tinted chakra start to coat the kunai. She thought about the scroll then and what it had said to do next. She had to allow her chakra to take on its natural lightning form in order for it to actually make her weapon stronger. After a moment she started to feel her hand tingling again. Then she saw a spark and squealed in fear, dropping the kunai to the ground. It made the grass it fell onto burn up and die. Haruhi looked at her hand and noticed it was a bright red color. "Awww, shoot! What did I do wrong?" she asked aloud, frustrated with herself. She started thinking back to what she had read in the scroll.
''You panicked. That is what you did wrong.'' Mika answered, sounding even amused for the very first time. She had her eyebrows furred as she shook her head. ''You need to keep focus. Your lightning nature requires focus or else you will find that it will hurt you in the process. Its the same as any other nature. Nature Elemental jutsu are often already C classified, because its harder to use a chakra element than a pure chakra jutsu. At least, in theory and most cases. There are always people or situations where its the opposite way.'' Mika told Haruhi in a serious voice.
Haruhi took in her teachers words as she looked down at her hand. She saw that it was not actually damaged from the outside and simply felt like it was on fire from the inside. I panicked huh...? Thats unacceptable. she told herself as she made a fist. "How does someone maintain focus on this as well as their enemy in battle?" she asked aloud. In her mind it seemed almost impossible.
''Practice.'' Was what Mika said at first. She sounded serious as she looked away. ''And experience can be of help.'' The woman then became quiet as she slowly looked back. She wondered what was going in Haruhi's mind and what she would do now. She was about to find out. With a determined look at her teacher Haruhi said "Will you spar with me as i do this Hayashi sensei? That way I could be practicing and gaining experience at the same time. That, and you could hit me and actually not have to explain why. I think its a win-win for the both of us." She smiled then and took her usual fighting stance. "What do you say?" Haru hoped her sensei would agree. She knew that she could learn so much more actually doing it than just reading and trying to remember from a scroll. And this way, she could show her teacher that the word "average" was soon not going to apply to her anymore.
The woman frowned again as her student suggested a spar. It stayed quiet as Mika then replied. ''You're decades too early to suggest a spar against me. But if you're willing.'' The woman responded as she thought about it. She hadn't accept the spar because her student was eager or because of the 'win-win' situation. There was a lesson to it, but Mika wouldn't just reveal it like that. If Haruhi wished to gain experience and trying to not panic, Mika knew just the way to get in a spar. Weaving several handseals without a warning or such, a thick mist would start to enroll into the area. Mika's voice would be heard before she would vanish into the mist bank.
''Don't panick now...''
Well, just because she said it doesn't make it easier not to panic. Haruhi thought to herself as she tried to look through the thick mist. "Hayashi-sensei thats not fair! Your not supposed to go super-awesome-deadly-ninja on me!" she whined, knowing she would be heard. After a moment she felt the urge to get to higher ground where the mist would perhaps be thinner. She did so, climbing up a tree quickly and perched on its branch. Damn its still just as thick... she frowned as she started to let her chakra mold over her weapon. Then she paused and listened.
Nothing but silence was to be heard. In truth, Mika was simply leaning against a tree nearby. With her eyes closed, her arms folded and just paying watch of where Haruhi was, the woman was waiting. So far she had noticed that her student sought up higher ground. Likely to see if she could spot something in the thick mist from higher ground. A mistake most made. Deciding to confuse her student, Mika silently picked out a shuriken. Still with her eyes closed, the woman threw it away. It caused some sound, to the right of Haruhi as the weapon hit the bark of a tree.
Haruhi heard the sound of something hitting the tree nearby and she frowned. Did her sensei really think she was that stupid, and Haru would think to go in the direction of the sound? As if. She turned in the direction she had heard it and threw her kunai where she predicted it was launched from. Hayashi-sensei was trying to play games, and that was a little surprising. And amusing. She heard the thud her kunai made in what she assumed to be another tree, considering she was high up, and took out a few shuriken. She doubted it landed anywhere near her sensei but at least she could show that trick was not going to work on her. Now i need to change positions. she thought as she moved over a few trees and then down to the ground, carefully trying to make little sound. She let her chakra mold over the shuriken in her hand and noticed this time it didn't burn, but she could feel an intense heat. I still dont know what im doing wrong....[b] she said to herself as she waited and listened once more.
Mika heard the sounds of her movements. Still leaning with her back to the tree, she could predict and pin point the location of Haruhi. Her scent was still something she could pick up. But it seemed that Haruhi didn't fall into the trap of Mika. That was an improvement. Opening her eyes, the woman decided to make it tougher for Haruhi. Creating a normal clone, a mere illussion to run, Haruhi would likely notice the shadow in the mist. But due it being a normal clone, everything phases right through it. It made no sound nor anything else. Waiting for what Haruhi would do, the woman pulled out a kunai. Sure enough a few moments later Haruhi noticed the shadow of who she assumed to be her teacher and charged at it, not aware of the fact it was a clone. She moved quickly too, hoping that she could maybe catch her from behind.
She was, however, not so lucky. As she approached her teacher, the black hair was what she noticed first. And second was that usual scowl her sensei wore when they were near each other. [b]I've got her now. she thought as she raised up her kunai and sliced at the chest of her taller opponent. Haru stumbled to her knees as she landed from her attack, wondering why she didn't feel the kunai come in contact with flesh or another weapon perhaps. Or better...why she didn't fall against her teacher at all.
Standing and turning around she noticed that her sensei stood still, her arms folded across her chest. Haruhi gripped the kunai tighter and sliced at the back of her teacher but her attack went right through it. With that she let out a gasp.
Shoot. Its a clone!
Something cold was pressed against the throat of Haruhi. ''Dead.'' The kunai was pressed tightly against Haruhi's throat, just one quick motion of Mika and it would be over. Instead, the kunai was slowly pulled away as Mika made the mist disperse as the clone did, fading away. ''Like I said, you're decades too early to spar against me. Like any other average genin.'' There was a slight of disappointment in the voice of the woman and she looked away, over the field as she stored the kunai away. The nose of the woman wrinkled as she thought about something.
Haruhi let out a long breath as her sensei stepped away from her. She rubbed her throat nervously and turned to look at her teacher, putting her weapon away as well. "That wasn't even a fair fight Hayashi sensei.'' Haru frowned at her teacher. She had already know she was going to lose, but at least not as fast as she did. As her sensei stayed quiet Haru looked more closely at her face. She apparently wasn't even listening to Haruhi and was instead, lost in thought as usual. So, she took a few steps forward and got up really close so she could be heard. "Hayashi sensei your doing it again. You know, that thing you do with your face when you think about something. I mean your so pretty, i dunno why you make such ugly faces." she said with a pout.
The woman frowned first, but then looked puzzled. At first she wanted to say that a ninja shouldn't play fair. They were supposed to trick and then finish their foes. Not to be a shinning knight or such. There was a reason why the samurai were less in numbers these days. Still the words caused Mika to be both surprised as confused. ''W-What do you mean?'' The woman asked, still confused.
Haru smiled at her sensei. "I mean that...wait, which part are you asking about? The not fighting fair part or the me calling you pretty and ugly part?'' she asked taking a step away. it was a little more than humorous seeing her sensei's reaction. Catching Hayashi sensei off guard was no easy task, but when she managed to do it, Haruhi thought the outcomes were always super funny.
However, Mika's reaction was less than funny. Her nose wrinkled as she formed the answer. ''Simpe. The last part. I think you refer to why I act like this and only with you around?'' It wasn't really an answer, but more of a question that need confirmation from Haruhi. Mika's stern expression came back as she waited for Haruhi's response.
Haruhi tilted her head to the side. "You know, I've actually wondered that for a while now. You treat me differently than Minori-chan and Rai-kun, first of all. Your are alot less...mean to them. And you always space out like, right after you teach me something. And you make that weird look with your face when you think. Why is that?" she asked, stopping herself from rambling.
"That is because you remind me of my brother. He was much like you.'' Mika said it with a calm voice as she glanced back at Haruhi. Then her cold tone came back. ''And he is dead.'' She paused again. ''Any more questions?'' She asked back with a rather sarcastic tone in her voice.
Haruhi rolled her eyes at her teacher. "Yeah, i doubt you were a jerk to him like you are to me. Just admit it. You don't like me, and don't actually have a real reason why." she challenged her teacher. That was such a stupid excuse to mistreat someone.
Mika stayed quiet for a moment before she sighed. ''You're really naive. In fact,'' She looked up with a worried gaze. ''I like you. You're full of courage and though you're nothing special, you stand out. That and I killed my own brother. Because it was needed.'' Mika explained in a calm tone. She wouldn't expect Haruhi to understand it. It was different back then, under the leadership of the Fourth Mizukage. Times were then a lot more grim. ''You don't have to worry though. The time that an ANBU has to show his or her commitment by killing some people that are close to the person is over. I think.'' In fact, she wasn't sure. Who said that the Fifth Mizukage wouldn't turn out like the Fourth?
Haruhi stood there a bit surprised...well, a little more than a bit, and took in all that her teacher said to her. For once, she kind of felt sorry for her sensei. It was true that she didn't understand what it must have felt like for Hayashi sensei to have to do such a thing, but she did understand then why it must be hard for her to treat Haruhi the same way as she did the others. She assumed her teacher would want some kind of response so she spoke. "Thank you for the compliments. And i'm sorry...." she said looking at her feet, not really sure what she was apologizing for. Only a moment passed before she looked back up. "I do have another question. ....Why did you need to prove your commitment by killing someone you loved? Is it not enough that you were risking your life as an ANBU anyway?"
''Don't be sorry. And it were just grim times. You see.'' Mika looked away. Thinking back to the times when you were needed to watch your back, your shoulder and even the way you spoke and breath always brought a dark cloud over Mika's mind. Likely one that would never fade away, but one she was starting to embrace. In a way she could live with the past. ''Back then, the politics were different. With the Great War done, Kirigakure was heavily damaged. We were more than just beaten. Konoha had managed to stand on our doorsteps and even killing one of our greatest Mizukages. The impact was enormous, as you might can imagine. For that, loyalty was needed. There are some that betrayed the Mist, so with demanding such things and harsh treatment, Kirigakure managed to stay alive. To this day.'' Mika tried to explain. It was kind of hard to explain the grim regime that had been present to a young girl, but Mika wasn't sure how else she could do it.
''The same reason why I treat you different is... Because I want to shield you from it. Both Rai and Chou are already cold. You need to learn that you need to protect yourself from becoming like them. From becoming like.. me.''
Haruhi could only picture in her head what her sensei was telling her. Of course she had learned about the tough times during history lessons at the academy, but hearing it from someone who live through it, was raised in it, and had been affected by it...there was a greater affect on Haru afterwards that did not happen when she had learned about it. She understood why her sensei didn't blame the past Mizukage. They all had helped make Kirigakure the place it was today...in their own ways. Haruhi wondered if their current one was the same way.
Even if she is...it wont matter. Times can change, but it takes a hell of a lot more people to do it than just one Mizukage.
As her sensei stopped speaking, Haru let her last few words sink in. "... I want to shield you from it...From becoming like.. me." It made Haruhi sad to think her teammates and her sensei had all gone through something that had made them cold. She was the lucky one of the group. She had not yet faced something she couldn't handle with a smile or a joke...but not all problems can be handled that way.
Haruhi clenched her hands into fists. "I dont usually like it when people try to protect me. It makes me feel weak...but since its you Hayashi-sensei, i think i can deal with that. I'm sure that if you help me, i can do nearly anything." She said confidently. "So dont worry about me becoming cold. I'm a Suzumori. And that means i dont give up no matter what. I wont let anyone else change my values or my ninja way...if that makes me unloyal then thats okay too. I'll be the best ninja i can be and prove my loyalty another way. As for you and Minori-chan and Rai-kun being cold, i can handle that too. If you all give me a chance, i can help you guys see the nicer side of things.'' Haru paused and crossed her arms. "Maybe one day i'll actually get you guys to smile.''
The eyes of Mika showed a different reflection for a moment. It was just a glimpse, but the woman nodded. The eyes of the jounin became cold and without any emotion again.The words of Haruhi were ones that gave some warmth, but Mika realized she was just a young child. Of course she would try it to help others, but she would learn the lessons that such thing was impossible. You can't help somebody without suffering the same. At least, that was how Mika viewed it. ''Don't count on it, Haruhi. You're an average genin. First try to stay alive and then we will see.'' Mika told Haruhi. But instead of the usual sarcastic or cold tone, it was just a calm one. Placing her left hand on her hip, Mika raised her left eyebrow. She wanted to change the subject. This bonding was something that caused something to rise up. Something that Mika had buried away.
''So, about that approach. How will you attack somebody next time you have little clue on their skills or abilities?'' Mika asked, referring clearly on how Haruhi had been easily tricked with a mere E ranked ninjutsu.
The subject change worked like a charm. Haruhi had redirected her thoughts back to the lesson at hand. "Well, i suppose next time i wont rush into it like i did. Should i wait for them to come at me first?" she redirected the question back with another, not really sure of the answer anyway.
''Depends. The best way is to have some things planned out. I always try to lure them to attack or at least prepare the area to my advantage. Its always good to set that up. Once you have an advantage, the battle is then easier for you. Meaning harder for them.'' Mika explained. She was a bit uneasy about how she was treating Haruhi now. It felt weird to talk down on her student, but to relax or attempt to do that around the young girl wasn't also something she could just do. It would need some time.
Haruhi didn't really pick up on her sensei's unease as she thought about what she was told. She couldn't do any mist making techniques so how was she supposed to set up the area to her advantage. Raising her finger to her lip, she stood there in thought.
Seeing her student think, Mika sighed as she shook her head lightly. ''Ever heard of smoke bombs? Traps? Preparations?'' Mika asked, a slight of the sarcastic tone returning. Thinking back, she spoke again. ''Like you managed to surprise me and Rai, during the introduction. That can also count as a preparation or setting the advantage to you. If you make the enemy waver what your plan is and what not, it can be an advantage as well.''
She thought back to when she had used a fake paper bomb to trick her teammate into thinking she was trying to kill him...that turned out more intense than she expected. She nodded in understanding at her teachers ideas. "I think i get it. I say we spar one more time!" she suggested.
The frown returned to Mika's face. ''You're not that great in chakra control, nor having an abundance of chakra. I am fine, but keep in mind that you need to keep your chakra levels on a close watch. If you'll drop exhausted, you're dead in a serious battle.'' Taking a few steps back, Mika nodded. ''Well? Go ahead.'' Was all she said, placing her hands on her hips as she kept watching her student.
[b]"Okay. Got it.'' she said to her teachers warning. Haruhi decided not to let her chakra mold over her weapon until she was ready to strike. She took a few steps away from her teacher and pulled out a few shuriken. "No mist this time Sensei." she added. She put her shuriken in her other hand then reached into her leg pouch and pulled out the last ones as well. she had an idea, a stupid one, but an idea. And after all this was just practice.
''I think that I will decide that. If you don't want me to use that technique, you need to stop me from using that.'' Mika retorted. Her hands slowly went towards each other, as if she was challenging Haruhi to stop her from using the few required handseals that were required for summoning the thick mist.
Shoot. I really dont like that mist. It'll only make this harder. with a frown she threw one hand of her shuriken at her teacher than ran forward, pulling out a kunai as she did. She assumed her sensei would simply dodge her attack, so this was just to make sure she moved.
Instead, Mika didn't dodge it. The shuriken came with a thud in Mika's chest area. For a moment, Mika showed an expression of pain before poofing in a smoke cloud. Though she hadn't been forming handseals with both her hands, she had been doing that with her left. The smoke revealed a piece of wood, with the shuriken embedded in it. ''Tactic one : Tricking your foe.'' Her voice sounded from behind. The Body Replacement jutsu was a jutsu that was underrated in Mika's opinion. ''Well?'' Mika asked, clearly taunting Haruhi now.
Haruhi caught the piece of wood as it fell from the air and she took he shuriken out of it. As she heard her sensei's voice behind her she spun around, using the wood as a weapon. "How the hell did you do that so fast? I never took my eyes off you once!" she asked a little more than surprised.
A smirk grew on Mika's lips as she managed to dodge the attack, by stepping aside. The cover of the tree would shield her from the attack of Haruhi, while she answered the question. ''Body Replacement technique. A basic technique. However.'' Mika took out a kunai, walking slowly out of cover as she eyed her student. ''There is something else than that caused me to do that. Like this.'' With holding her left hand a bit out of sight, Mika weaved with the hand the signs for the Hiding with Camouflage. Slowly, it would look like Mika was fading away in the nothing. It would be interesting to see how her student would be reacting to an opponent that could hide, without the use of a thick mist or such.
Haru's eyes widened as her sensei literally faded right in front of her. Alright...theres no way Hayashi sensei is actually human. Its official now. she shook he head in disbelif. She frowned then and crouched down and jammed her kunai into the ground. "You need to show me how to do that technique sensei." she said backing up a few steps. She summoned a clone to watch her back as she pulled out another kunai and started measuring the area she was in.
The sound of a twig breaking under some weight was heard to Haruhi's right. But Mika's voice sounded like it came from another direction. ''You need to focus first on the jutsu you're trying to master now.'' Mika responded. With the fact being invisible, Mika stayed cautious. Though her Silent Killing mastery allowed her to move without a sound, it wouldn't mean she could just charge. Even though it made weapons in her hand invisible, they had just to lost contact with her and they would become visible as well. With Haruhi not now easily falling for the easy tricks, Mika decided to kick it up a notch.
Aiming, Mika threw the kunai towards the shadow clone. The kunai would come from the left as Mika silently tried to sneak away from the location. Best would to test out how Haruhi was reacting for now.
Haruhi had turned just as the kunai was launched at her clone. It had managed to dodge the wepon just barely and it looked back at her nervously. "Focus dummy. she said to it and it nodded. She remembered from before that she had tried to retaliate the last time her sensei threw her wepon, but knew that she would have probably changed her position. Instead she kept quiet then wedged her second kunai into the ground. After a moment she went to retrieve her sensei's kunai and let her chakra mold around it. This time, her and her clone ran to another part of the training field, and for the third time, she put the kunai she had into the dirt. She started talking then, knowing she was going to be heard. "How am i supposed to attack an enemy that i cant hear or see?" she asked out loud.
Mika watched from a safe spot. On a branch, she saw how her student reacted. Wondering why she was placing kunai into the ground. So far Mika was aware, Haruhi didn't know or ever showed a jutsu that would be similar to Earth Release. And learning a new nature Release just in a few days wasn't possible. There was something the genin had planned. Frowning, Mika silently climbed out of the tree. Moving slowly and without a sound, still wary for what plan Haruhi would have. ''That is something you should find out.'' Mika responded, moving a bit faster to the right side of the field. Was Haruhi planning on doing something with her Lightning release? The jounin pondered on that, keeping watch of her student.
She turned towards the direction of her sensei's voice and stood up. She only had one kunai left and she knew her sensei would probably start to catch on sooner or later. She had to think fast. "Well, i have a hunch." she responded. She hoped her idea would work, but seeing as she hadn't tested this out before, Haru also had her doubts. She pulled out her last kunai and squinted into the mist. Maybe her eyes were deceiving her, but she thought she saw something and so she let her chakra coat the kunai before she threw it. Now that was it. All she had left was her shuriken.
Mika's eyes narrowed. So that was it? She had set it up to quickly throw and attack, while trying to keep advancing? Mika managed to duck, evading the kunai. It ripped through the surface of the right shoulder pad of her flak jacket. Instantly, Mika pulled out a kunai, bringing it up for a defense in case Haruhi would continue the attack.
And she would. She threw two shuriken, one to the left and to the right of the direction she had thrown the kunai. She was unsure of which way her sensei would have moved, so this way she covered both sides at least. Then she paused and waited, there was no thud from her kunai hitting a tree or such so she assumed it had probably ended up on the ground. She had two shuriken remaining. She jumped slightly as her clone approached her then let out a sigh. This was making her a little nervous.
The shuriken passed her, though Mika had to control the urge to slash them away. Keeping her focus on her student, Mika waited. So far, she had found Haruhi's plan quite good for a genin, that was trying to test herself against a jounin. But it had some flaws. Never the less, Mika decided to not end the spar like before. With a quick jump backwards to keep some distance. Holding the kunai ready, Mika had to diverse her attentiont to two targets now. The shadow clone and the real Haruhi.
Haru stepped back towards her clone and briefly touched hands with it before returning to where she was. She made fists with her hands to hide what she had there and called out to her teacher. "Um, i was wondering..am i supposed to come to you, or are you coming to me?" she asked, almost challenging her sensei to stop hiding. Shethought about going as far as calling her teacher a "coward" but that would probably just get her accidentally killed, and it wasn't that serious. She glanced back at her clone who ran off a little ways into the mist before coming back and dissapearing.
Skidding to a halt, Mika frowned. She threw a taunt towards her? Mika recalled calling that Haruhi had some courage, but Mika felt her genin was pressing the line. Almost scoffing, the jounin kept her pride in check. Haruhi was a close ranged fighter. Though Mika was curious to see how well her taijutsu was, she knew better. Lightning release users were pesky to deal with in close ranged. Giving no answer, she aimed the kunai towards the real Haruhi or the one that stood before her. Suddenly, she threw the weapon towards Haruhi, aiming it towards her left shoulder. The kunai would become visible, but hinting where Mika was. After all, a kunai that appeared out of the thin air, would be a big enough hint for Haruhi to figure out what that could mean.
Haruhi suspected her sensei would throw a kunai, but she wasn't as ready as she thought she was. This one was aimed as the same spot she had been hurt before, but instead of grazing her shoulder, her attempt to avoid it made it catch her arm instead. She clenched her teeth in pain but ignored it, picking the kunai up and tossing it back where it came from. This time she was sure it would hit her if she didn't move.
Mika quickly moved to the left. The fact that Haruhi managed to pick up the kunai that fast forced the woman to focus on evading the attack. With a fast side wards flip, Mika landed on the ground. This was interesting. So far Haruhi had not yet forced Mika to using ninjutsu, but otherwise, the girl hadn't use any ninjutsu either. Deciding to lift the Camouflage technique, Mika slowly appeared out of the thin air again. ''You improved.'' She said, like if Haruhi wasn't able to know that.
"Finally, now you've fallen right into my trap." she said. She put her hands together and summoned a clone that charged right at her sensei. Mika looked in the direction of the clone. Trap? The woman thought as she readied herself. ''Don't become too excited now.'' Mika mumbled, forming handseals with her left hand, trying to keep watch of what Haruhi would attempt. Haruhi herself moved then, running forward as well. She started weaving her hands signs then, hoping her plan would actually work. At this distance her sensei would be too far to be affected by her jutsu. After making her four signs Dog, Dragon, Rat, and Ram she knelt down on the ground and lay her hands flat. "Lightning Style: Spider Web Jutsu.'' There was a short jolt of lightning that came out of her hands, then a stream of chakra spanned out around her, creating a web of energy across the ground.
That was the plan. That was certainly tricky. It wouldn't be hard to jump up and avoid being hit by the ninjutsu of Haruhi. No, but it would be harder to jump up and at the same time defend herself from another direction. And it would come, as Mika hadn't forgotten about the shadow clone. Pulling out a kunai, Mika jumped up as she tried to keep her attention divided. ''Clever little...''
The Haruhi clone was not, in fact, trying to attack her sensei. The clone reached out and grabbed the foot of her teacher so she could not escape. Haruhi's jutsu however did not go as far away as her opponents position was. It was then that she prayed the kunai she embedded into the ground would act as poles to guide her chakra a bit farther. Each kunai had some of Haruhi's chakra molded onto them and as her jutsu spread out towards them, the chakra connected and extended her range to where her sensei was at.
Feeling something at her feet, Mika cursed. Quickly, she threw the kunai towards the clone. She wasn't a fan of being zapped. With a fast blow, the kunai landed in the neck of the clone, making the jounin free again. However, Mika was too late. Gritting her teeth, she felt the lightning running into her system. ''Tch!'' Though it was not that painful, it was annoying as the movements of her limbs were a lot stiffer. As if she wasn't adjusted to her body anymore.
Haruhi felt herself becoming weak as she was using the last bits of her chakra. She figured if she acted now, she could finish this spar and win. As she raised up from the ground, her jutsu started to fade away. As she sprinted towards her teacher, she reached into her back pouch and grabbed her final weapon. Her small whip. Just as her sensei was freed from the shock of her lightning chakra, Haruhi spun behind her and held her whip across the neck of her sensei.
With the lightning fading away, Mika felt the aftershocks. It was really annoying, but she managed to recover. Still, it caused her not being able to dodge the whip. Instead, Mika rose her right hand and let it be caught by the weapon. It was a better alternative than the neck as her right hand grabbed a kunai. Panting, due the zapping, Mika narrowed her eyes. ''Think we are as far we can go now.'' It wasn't really a statement. Though Haruhi had showed some great skills, Mika wasn't planning on letting her win or letting herself being captured by a genin. Though, there was a sign of a smile at the corner of the lips of Mika.
Haruhi slowly backed away from her teacher then simply sat down on her butt. "Yeah i agree. We should totally sleep and resume this later." with a sigh she lay back against the grass. " .... Wanna go get some food with me this time?" she asked. She was hoping this time around she would receive a "yes" but she wasn't really counting on it. Even though her sensei hated when she let her guard down, she did, and really she didn't have enough energy left to care.
It stayed quiet. ''I would like to continue, but you shouldn't be pressed. For now. You did.. good enough.'' Mika told her as she dusted her clothes off. Then she answered to the question. ''Yes.'' The woman looked the other way before glancing at her student. It was the first time she had given Haruhi a compliment and decided that if the girl wished to go on lunch with her, she could have it her way. This time.
Haruhi sat up fast, her energy somehow returning to her.
"What a second...did you just say yes to going to eat with me? ...." She stood back on her feet smiling excitedly. "And you totally just said i did a good job!" she made a fist of triumph then. "You can't take that back now!"
Haruhi couldn't believe her ears. She felt so happy that someone was acknowledging her efforts, and she was getting positive feedback. In the back of her mind she reminded herself to keep up the good work, because there was always room for improvement.
But finally, her efforts being called something other than Average felt damn good.
Mika scoffed. Though she didn't seem to be annoyed by the sudden outburst of Haruhi being happy, the woman replied back. ''Don't get cocky now. You did well today. But that doesn't mean you're there already.'' Mika told her. Turning, she glanced at her student. ''Well? Are we going or?''
She nodded at her teacher's words. She didn't need to be told there was more work to be done. Then her sensei turned around and asked if they were going to leave "Oh, right." she said as she started walking with her teacher. "What do you have a taste for? I'll eat anything...well almost anything.'' she said smiling and dreaming about what they were going to be feasting on.
With Haruhi now going with her, Mika went on a move. Walking in a normal pace, she glanced at her student. ''I won't mind much either.'' She told Haruhi. The fact Haruhi was smiling, almost made Mika frown. But she had said yes and would go on lunch with her student. Turning her head to look in front of herself again, Mika stayed silence for most part. There was some feeling of relief when she thought about the training. She had told Haruhi what most weren't aware off. Of a part of Mika's history. As it should be.
