Kirugetsu listened to his new students one by one. Each had a fairly predictable story, war affected them, trained outside normal means, etcetera. So far there were no surprises. Oddly enough, that surprised him. Normally there would be one unusual thing with at least one kid. Though in this instance, Kirugetsu was glad that there was nothing too outlandish. [B]"In any case..."[/B] he picked at his teeth with the spiky leg of the nearly devoured crab. [B]"... be sure to prepare yourselves. Come at me like you're going to kill me when I attack. Show hesitation, and you will fail the test."[/B]

[B]"And about the other test. If any of you think to steal from each other or the folks in town to get a leg-up on each other... you will fail the test."[/B] He wondered if they would get the subtle hints in his words, but frankly he doubted it. But if they did, it would certainly be a pleasant surprise. [B]"Are there any questions..."[/B] he picked the last of the carapace from between his shark-like teeth as he spoke. [B]"... before I take my leave and get ready for my part in your testing?"[/B]

[hider=The Dog, The Girl, and the Shark]
Shisen just listened to what he said about the test, when he got to the third part of the test and told them that they would fail if they stole. She wondered if any of them would steal from anyone, and simply shook her head when he asked if they had any questions. Getting up without a word to any of them, she turned to leave and walked out of the restaurant without looking back. Once outside, she whistled for Arashi who came trotting over from her shady spot and looked around. The first thing Shisen would see upon looking up, however... was her Sensei, Kirugetsu. She wouldn't likely pick up on the fact that this was a Water Clone just yet... as a single handsign was all it had taken to create it. Simple, quick, and deceptive. One of the more useful techniques at Kirugetsu's disposal.

Arashi started to growl and snarl at their Sensei, who she never saw come out of the restaurant. She had a Kunai in her hand now and her eyes were narrowed, which highlighted the feral quality to her appearance. Under normal circumstances, no one would pick up on the fact that her nails had become more claw-like and her pupils became slitted rather than circular at the moment. Without warning, she lunged at her Sensei as Arashi leapt at him, going on the offensive. Using the speed she was given by her chakra enveloping her body, she rushed behind him and attempted to press the kunai to the back of his neck. Arashi also tried to bite him on the arm as Shisen pressed the point of her kunai into his neck a little.

The clone, while only one-tenth the strength of the original, had more than enough power and speed to outmaneuver the Genin and her canine. Though it WAS impressive that the girl had nearly taken his back through pure physical speed. A rush of malice and killing intent would flood into the dog, likely giving it pause as it went to sink its teeth into him. And to counter the girl approaching from his side, a simple but powerful kick was sent toward her midsection. The blow would certainly hurt if it connected, but it would be far from fatal. And while the dog was shaking off its fear, the clone would leap onto a nearby balcony. That is... if the girl wasn't able to stop him from doing so.

In the meantime, the real Kirugetsu paid the tab and began to walk toward the front door of the Golden Cat. Should the clone dissipate due to damage somehow, well... he would be more than happy to step in. Though at the moment he was confident that he would be able to simply sit back and watch. He DID however, take his time with the walk outside, and would not be in view of the fight for a few more seconds.

Arashi was never good at handling her fear without Shisen to calm her, the wave of killing intent had her pacing like a caged animal. Shisen on the other had gotten hit by the clones kick to her midsection, which sent her flying. Not discouraged, Shisen dropped to her hands and knees as she prepared to rush again. She immediately noticed how Arashi was acting just before she had an idea. Letting out a low whistle to get her Nikens attention, she then did the hand signs to do the Human Beast Mimicry Justu. The Jutsu was far from mastered, but Arashi lept up on her back and became an exact copy of Shisen. 

Together, they charged Kirugetsu, moving on all fours at the same breakneck pace as the initial attack seconds ago. To the untrained eye, it would only leave a blur of motion but to someone like their Sensei, it would be easy to track their movements. As Arashi went for the throat again and Shisen was going to attack from behind him. The two stopping him from getting any closer to the balcony. Arashi didn't stay as a clone of Shisen for very long, she became a canine once more as she attempted to take a bite out of Kirugetsu's arm.

The Clone made eight hand-signs. Dragon, then Tiger, then Hare, then Ram, Boar, Ox, Dog, and Snake... all of them in just over a second. Then a massive stream of water rushed forth from his mouth and directly toward the two incoming opponents. The dog would no doubt be hit, as it had charged in recklessly with apparently no thought to the consequences. However, Shisen would have a very small window of opportunity in which to avoid damage. Regardless of the result, the jutsu would make a very sizeable puddle on the ground nearby. Possibly impeding ground movement for the Inuzuka girl.

And at the same time, the orignal Kirugetsu sat down outside the restaurant to watch the fight. His clone was doing well, as expected. But what made him smile was seeing what his clone had done just as he walked outside. Had it been pushed into a corner, or was this another test? He was very intrigued, to say the least.

As what was expected, Arashi took the brunt of the attack and ended up getting soaked while Shisen on the other hand only got the last bit of it. Her usually tied back hair was now wild and a little wet as she whistled for her Niken once more, the short whistle was followed by a lower one to indicate the way they were going to attack this time. Arashi started out like she usually did, going head on before she started to run in a different direction. Cutting back to her original path in zig zags, this way it would be harder to attack her as she lunged for his arms again. Shisen on the other hand, went for a direct hit as she rushed him straight on before jumping in the air so that she would be using the force of her body to bring him to the ground. 

As expected, the girl simply charged in again without seeming to use much strategy other than sheer speed. This was where the second half of the clone's combination came into play. The first three handsigns had been for the Water Trumpet ninjutsu, an attack that packed a fair amount of force but did little actual damage. The next five signs had been for a simple substitution technique. The dog's teeth sunk into the clone's arm, and the instant that Shisen made impact... the clone splashed apart into droplets of water. Logically, one would think the attack a success. However, this was not the case.

The clone stood atop the puddle of water formed by his previous attack, having substituted himself for a quantity of the clear liquid. The original Kirugetsu sighed heavily and made his way over to the clone's side. [B]"That's enough. I've seen all I need to."[/B] a moment after the Genin acknowledged him and the clone, Kirugetsu would release the jutsu and the clone would splash apart into water... similar to how it looked when the substitution was activated.

Shisen looked a bit startled, having done as much as she could with the very little she had to use. Her features returned to normal and she let herself collapse on the ground for a moment. She wasn't injured fatally, in fact it was more exhaustion than anything that had brought her to the ground. Of course, she had the soldier pills that she could have used but she was saving those for another time. She was saving them for a more dire situation than a test at the first day of being a ninja.

Looking up, she saw the clone and the real Sensei. Unable to distinguish between shock and frustration as the clone seemed unharmed by anything that the two did to it. A moment of utter defeat had her looking away as she got back to her feet and called Arashi to her. Her Niken poked her muzzle into Shisens side as the young girl just stared blankly at her feet. She could only guess that she had failed, she gave it whatever she had and it was still wasn't enough.

Kirugetsu looked the pair over for a few seconds. While they had failed to deal any damage, they had shown superior speed and strength despite being a recent graduate. At the same time, they had seemed to simply charge at the water clone and used no real strategy. These factors were pivotal in shinobi combat... but needed to be used at the same time. One with raw power could be overcome by sound strategy, and one with poor strategy could be bested by a ninja with pure strength and speed. He would consider this for a moment or two while Shisen stood wondering.

And after his deliberations, he determined one thing. [B]"Shisen. You're not lacking in power or speed. But you have fairly poor strategy. Had my clone been a real enemy, you would be badly wounded or dead. I'm sorry, but you fail the combat portion of the test."[/B] It really was a tough decision, but the fact was that the only strategy used was the "rush it and hope for the best" move. Not always the best call, especially against a superior foe.
[/hider]
[hider=Hot Blooded Hyuga and the Haughty Hozuki]
A few minutes after Maruki sat down he opened his eyes in the sudden realisation his Sensei didnt attack him yet and it was already past midnight. He must be attacking someone else right now and since he already fought Shisen he must be at Kirin's place. Maruki was not sure what to do, just sit here and wait? Maruki has been taught teamwork is one of the most important assest of being a ninja. He made up his mind. Maruki got up and bolted out of the door, jumped atop of the roof and ran like the wind to get to Kirin's place. While running he thought back at what he saw that afternoon. Shisen and Arashi did put up a good fight but were no match for the water clone of Kirugetsu. Maruki didn't really know how he would be able to defeat Kirugetsu but he would obviously try his best. He took a turn and saw Kirin's house in the distance. [i]Almost there[/i] thought Maruki, he smiled as he thought about the surprise on the face of his sensei as he showed up there.

Kirugetsu, ever the wily bastard, decided to tail Maruki for a time. As expected, the boy headed back to the Hyuga compound. Kirugetsu didn't really want to just stroll up and talk to the higher-ups in the weakened clan, as they still were likely to distrust him for reasons he already explained to the young Genin he was following. And so instead he chose to sit on some random person's porch nearby and drink from his water bottle. A middle-aged man came out to ask what the Jounin was doing, and was informed of the test that awaited the Hyuga boy.

Amused, the man went back inside... only to return with two beers. Who could refuse a free drink? Not Kirugetsu, that's for sure. Besides, it would be rude to turn down such a generous offer. The two chatted about the rebuilding process, Kirugetsu shared a couple war stories, and generally had a good time. A few hours later, Maruki headed out once more. The boy must have had fire ants in his trousers, because he took off like a shot and was leaping from roof to roof.

[B]"I see where he's headed..."[/B] mumbled Kirugetsu as he increased his pace, rushing ahead and to the side of Maruki in order to flank him and beat him to Kirin's place. And as planned, he arrived mere seconds before his new student, who seemed rather stunned to see the Hozuki waiting there. [B]"Hey there, kid. Where you heading so late at night? Shouldn't you be preparing for something?"[/B] Of course, that sort of ploy wouldn't likely to put the Hyuga kid off-guard, but worth a shot anyway.

Maruki came to a halt slipping and sliding, throwing up dust and sand in front of him. the surprise was easy to read off his face but he quickly recovered. a smile spread across his face, "I thought you would never come, so I headed to Kirin's place to aid her, did you already fight her or am I first?" Of course, Kirugetsu wasn't stupid. He was already using his Hydrification technique. Hyuga, children or not, were all skilled at destroying foes by using high-speed taijutsu. [B]"I thought about it, but just as I was about to head here, you bolted out of your home like lightning. So I figured you could go next."[/B] That oh-so-familiar shark-toothed grin crept onto Kirugetsu's face as he spoke.

 "Hmpf, fine by me" said Maruki, with no small amount of confidence. He raised his right hand in front of his face, two fingers up and spoke a single word:"Byakugan!" A split-second later he stood ready to either attack or defend. Maruki narrowed his eyes, carefully watching Kirugetsu. If his sensei only moved an inch he would see. A few moments passed and Kirugetsu didnt look like he was about to make the first move. "Vacuum Palm!" Maruki stretched out his arm, sending the blast Kirugetsu's way.

What the fuck? This kid knew that advanced of a jutsu?! Before now, Kirugetsu had been planning on taking it easy just as he had done with Shisen... but this changed the game a bit. [B]"Corrosive Style..."[/B] the Hozuki slammed one foot into the ground, sending himself skidding sideways to avoid the Gentle Fist attack. [B]"... Acidic Pulse![/B] extending one arm toward Maruki, a barrage of small greenish projectiles rushed from a single pointed finger. The acid was less concentrated when the jutsu was used as a rapid-fire attack rather than a single shot... but he was aiming to injure, not to kill. 

So how would the Hyuga kid handle such a technique? Well, Kirugetsu was about to find out.

Maruki was rather surprised that Kirugetsu so easily dodged his Vacuum Palm. Kirugetsu mumbled something like Acid and sprayed some at Maruki. He quickly measured the situation. The prospect of getting some biting acid on him didnt seem Maruki too pleasant. Blocked was out of the question and even with his speed Maruki was not sure he was able to dodge all of it. He made a choice, it was risky, but if it worked it was more then worth it. He took a run the acid shower and Kirugetsu behind it and executed Hakkesho Kaiten. He spun at high speed while releasing chakra from every tenketsu of his body. Every drop of acid that touched the chakra whirlwind dispersed into the air. As soon as he was sure there was no more acid flying towards him, Maruki broke the technique and lept toward Kirugetsu at full speed. He hoped that the eight trigrams revolving heaven threw Kirugetsu at least a little off guard. After getting into close range, he released a flurry of kicks and punches in rapid succession, likely he would be hitting his sensei at least a couple of times.

Having battled a Hyuga Jounin in the past, Kirugetsu pretty much knew what a Genin was going to do before they even did. Hyuga all tended to use the same techniques in battle, after all. As expected, the kid used the Rotation technique to deflect the numerous acidic attacks, then rushed into taijutsu range. [I]"Simple enough."[/I] thought the sensei as his student rushed into combat in a manner similar to that of the Inuzuka girl he had scuffled with earlier in the day. [I]"Just avoid direct contact with the hands, and all is well. Even in Hydrification, Gentle Fist isn't the most fun thing in the world."[/I]

Kirugetsu reached in slightly toward each individual strike, deflecting it at the wrist or forearm rather than touch the Genin's hands. The kicks were easier to deal with, and were blocked normally. It really was a good thing he hadn't used a clone like he had done with Shisen, as Maruki was MUCH quicker in his attacks than the Inuzuka. While he had less raw power and less actual running and movement speed, his individual strikes came at a speed that was very high for a new graduate. [B]"Not half bad so far. But..."[/B] a single blow, as fast as it was powerful, rushed toward Maruki's face... threatening to clean his clock rather effectively if not avoided.

Maruki kicked and punched at his fastest but his Sensei blocked it all rather effectively, much to his surprise and disbelief. This was a way harder fight than he was used to having. Of course, the old jounin was not comparable with his academy classmates. Suddenly in the middle of a kick, Kirugetsu's fist was coming terrifyingly close to his face. He tried to bend backwards to dodge it but was not able to completely get out of the way. Instead of hitting him full frontal in the middle of his face, the fist of his sensei hit the tip of his chin from the bottom. Maruki stumbled backwards, his eyesight temporarily impeded by the force of the blow... which had nearly knocked him out.

As the kid stumbled back and seemed to look around like a retarded puppy, Kirugetsu rushed into melee range and extended two fingers on each hand. Blatantly mocking the boy's lineage, the Hozuki poked him twice. [B]"Two Palms!"[/B] ... then two more... [B]"Four palms!"[/B] then a flurry of four. [B]"Eight Palms!"[/B] and finally a burst of eight. [B]"Sixteen Palms!"[/B] ... of course, he couldn't see the tenketsu inside of Maruki's body... so the attack was more of a way to probe the boy for a reaction. But alas, the kid's sight would likely return soon. Shinobi children wouldn't allow a NEAR knock-out to stop them for long. Accordingly, Kirugetsu hopped back a few meters and lowered himself into a stance that Maruki would likely find most disturbing... that of the Gentle Fist style.

The first two pokes didnt really do Maruki that much. what really bothered him was that Kirugetsu called it 'Two palms', what was he thinking? The pokes continued, four, eight. The pokes themselves stung, they were more annoying than painful. But Kirugetsu mocked his heritage while doing so and that was what really set him off. "Oh no you're not!" Maruki tried to parry the last few hits but Kirugetsu was way faster, finishing the sixteen strikes and jumping out of range before maruki could really do anything. Getting ready for the next direct confrontation he took on a Gentle Fist fighting stance then looked at his opponent. "No way..."said Maruki as he saw Kirugetsu having the same stance. In an explosion of rage Maruki dashed forward even faster than he moved before "Eight Trigrams 32 Palms!"

Just as planned, Maruki's resolve was a bit shaken when he had seen the infamous slayer of his grandfather standing before him in the same stance he was taught since birth. And even better, he voiced his frustrations! But rather than glorify Kirugetsu as he had done earlier in the day, the kid rushed in again, screaming out in anger. [B]"Well... that's n-"[/B] Maruki hit the older shinobi with two strikes, mere milliseconds apart. Normally, they would damage the tenketsu... but against a foe who was composed of chakra-imbued water, it worked somewhat differently. Instead, it simply destroyed a small amount of the energy keeping the jutsu active.

Then two more strikes hit, just as fast as the first pair. Then four more, then eight more, and finally a rapid barrage of sixteen strikes. Kirugetsu's Hydrification was clearly weakened to some extent, as a few jelly-like areas had developed on his body. In addition, a single small area in the center of his torso seemed to have returned to being actual flesh. [B]"Not half bad, kid. I gotta respect that."[/B] The boy's victory was short-lived, though. Focusing more chakra, Kirugetsu re-formed the damaged areas. But in his desire to push the boy, he was actually using more energy than he really should have. He DID have a third student to give combat training, after all.

Taking advantage of the pause that would follow the Gentle Fist technique, Kirugetsu stepped back into the same stance and moved back a bit. [B]"You're pissed off... and probably wondering how I know these attacks, yes?"[/B] He smirked and tapped the scabbard at his side. [B]"My sword pierced the heart of a powerful Hyuga during the battle with Sai. In the death of that heart, a portion of that shinobi's knowledge became mine."[/B] a short scoff before he resumed. [B]"... of course, I can't do it as well as your clan. I don't have the eyes for it. But I DO know the stance and strikes to some extent."[/B] 

Maruki was still mad but felt a rush of a rewarding feeling when he succesfully executed the 32 palms and actually hit him all the way through the technique. Maruki had the feeling he at least repaid a little bit of the debt to his clan by hitting his sensei with his families technique. Maruki looked at his sensei thorouhly with his byakugan. Although he said he was able to use the gentle fist technique, and had the right stance for it so it was very convincing, Maruki knew he couldn't actually use any byakugan ninjutsu, though. Seeing the man standing there the resemblance to his father was almost scary. "Of course you know the techniques and stance, you fought Hyuga before. But you can't use actual gentle fist, so I'll show you how it really works!"

With those words Maruki carefully came closer, he kept closing the distance inch by inch, slowly approaching his foe. The last few feet he took a run-up and leapt at Kirugetsu, it was a risky thing to do... but if it would work, it would be worth it. Focusing the chakra in his palm he struck out "Shotei!"

As if Kirugetsu would simply let a Hyuga waltz up to him and attack. No, he wasn't that stupid. Using the technique he called [url=http://naruto.wikia.com/wiki/Shadow_of_the_Dancing_Leaf]Clear Lake Mirror-Movement[/url], Kirugetsu used a burst of extreme speed to take Maruki's back just as the boy went to attack. However, the Jounin didn't follow it up with a brutal strike, as was his normal MO in combat. After all, te point was to test these kids, not murder them. [B]"Not half bad. Seems you finally got some kind of fire lit under your ass. Keep that up and you'll do fine."[/B] He slapped one hand onto the kid's shoulder and shook him back and forth a bit. [B]"You pass the combat test. A LITTLE weak on strategy... and you let me get under your skin a bit, but you showed that you could adapt, defend, and attack."[/B]

Maruki was clearly surprised as his sensei seemed to vanish right in front of him, his Shotei hitting only air. Yhen he felt a hand on his shoulder, preventing him from falling flat on his face. He got shook a little back and forth like his father used to do when he mastered a new technique. All he could hear Kirugetsu saying was "Not half bad" and "You pass the combat test". "R-really?" stumbled Maruki. He could barely believe it. "Then, I'll be heading back now, I still need to figure out what you meant with the other test, try not to go too hard on Kirin" and with those words Maruki took off, back to the Hyuga manor, feeling rewarded for his effort and satisfied with the result.
[/hider]
[hider=After the training]
Not long after the scuffle with his second student, Kirugetsu decided he would rest for the night. After all, two sparring sessions and even allowing his student to hit him with Gentle Fist attacks? Even a Genin using those techniques was something to take seriously if the attack ever landed... and the Hozuki had taken the full brunt of it. Yeah, it was time to call it a night. On the way back to his moderately sized apartment, he picked up a bowl of noodles at a little food-stand. Yeah, they weren't raw. But it was late at night, there weren't many places open, and he didn't really give a damn at this point.

[B]"I don't know if I can revitalize the Hozuki. I don't know if I can ever help us become what we once were. And so, I... Dammit, no. To hell with this."[/B] Kirugetsu crumbled up the note and threw it away. This was a side of him that not even the leaders of the village knew. On the surface, he was somewhat cheerful, laid back, and even friendly. Underneath, he was depressed, worried, and struggling to hold onto the last vestiges of hope for his clan's existence. In his head, this was his last chance to bring SOMETHING to the tatters that remained of the Hozuki. The thoughts of returning to glory in Kirigakure was one of the few things that culled his sorrow.

Dragging the cold steel of a knife across his forearm, a small rivulet of blood flowed down and into the palm of his hand. Kirugetsu sighed and used his Hydrification technique to turn the limb into water and then back to flesh. The wound healed, but the blood was still there, tinting his skin ever so slightly. [B]"Hell. I gotta give them a chance, don't I?"[/B] he asked aloud in the direction of a large case inside his closet. The case, containing a scroll detailing his knowledge of the Hozuki Clan and their secret techniques. He knew he had to at least try teaching someone the clan's abilities... if he ever wanted the Hozuki to live on.

Drowning the night in a glass of whiskey, Kirugetsu fell asleep fairly quickly. He never could handle much alcohol... not even when he was younger. In the morning, he figured he would head toward his final student's home, and start her combat training. However, as he was leaving, a messenger approached him and handed him a letter. Reading it as he walked, Kirugetsu immediately changed direction. Now heading for the Academy, he shrugged and tossed the letter in a nearby bin. It seemed Kirin had been recalled for some reason. Knowing her clan, it was a family issue. Just as well, he figured. A distracted Genin was trouble. Better she resolve the issues than leave them lingering.

In any case, he arrived at the Academy moments later. [B]"Should be here soon enough if I..."[/B] Kirugetsu sent out a pair of messenger birds to find his students. Hopefully they were well-rested, because today was going to be their last test.
[/hider]