Starring:
Taji, Daichi
Date: October 11, 2010
Summary:
Daichi runs into Taji while continuing his training with Tosai's cleaver.
"Fists and Philosophy"
Bamboo Way
After a few days of intense training, Daichi had become accustom to the weight of his cleaver and was nearing the end of his jog. Daichi was at a healthy paste, he was actually able to enjoy the jog. His hair bouncing as he runs through the village, it is his last lap and he was burning out his last bits of energy on the home stretch. "Almost…done…just a few more miles…" Daichi was so relieved he was almost done, but at the same time he pushed himself harder and harder. The cleaver was heavy but not as heavy as before as stepping with it was a breeze now.
Taji is sitting by one of the wooden huts, one that has burnt down. He's frowning, the poor building is smoking a tad, but clearly is out. He's sitting on a log, there is no sign of any one who lived there, or fire crew, so it must have been a while ago. Taji just shakes his head as he looks at the building, clearly unhappy. About this time Daichi jogs along and could clearly see Taji sitting there, looking a tad distracted as he stares at the fire charred remains of the house.
Daichi stops and begins jogging in place as he sees Taji. "Hey, why so sad?" Daichi asked. He saw that Taji was sitting by a burned hut. No doubt one of those… Daichi smiles to keep his own spirits up. "Taji….you okay?" He asked as he kept jogging in place. He should really finish but it was Daichi's policy never to let a friend down or suffer something alone. Daichi made his way around to get a better look at Taji. Daichi would be smiling as he kept jogging the sound of the cleaver shaking wouldn't go unnoticed.
Taji looks up, "Family here, house burnt down. I came buy while the fire was almost over, everyone got out but the dog. But still, the whole thing is gone. Its…. sad." He shrugs, "I wish I could do something to help them but… not sure what I can do. I don't know how to build a house." He peers at Daichi and the sword and jogging, "Um, so… what are you doing there? Jogging with… that big sword of Tosai-san's?" He asks as he stands finally. "Don't suppose you know how to rebuild a house or anything? Seems like most of what we do is harm, not help."
.
Daichi shakes his head sadly "Sorry I don't…but relax, someone will rebuild it, and at least they made it away with their lives." Daichi continues to jog in place and glances at the cleaver as Taji questions "Oh yeah just some more training…" Daichi looks back at Taji "So how did this one burn down?" Daichi asked trying to get a story out of Taji. Daichi couldn't help but wonder why this guy was so soft hearted, especially for a ninja.
Taji shrugs, "I don't know, maybe a cooking fire got out of hand? Not sure. The family is at the medical center now. It's just…" He sighs and shrugs again, "Anyway, so… you seem a lot better with that big sword thing. Guess the training is taking to you some what? Still, I know I couldn't lift it, probably. It is a tad hard really. I've never been that strong, or big. Guess it's just me." He says as he eyes the big blade, "Not that I would want to use the big blade in the first place of course."
Daichi nods "Medical center, that’s good." Daichi keeps jogging in place "Oh yeah, once you spend so much time around something, you get used to it." Daichi smiles. "Hey Taji I have a question, I think you've answered it before but I just wanna ask to refresh my memory." Daichi eyes settle on Taji but at the same time look beyond him.
Taji tilts his head, "What?" He asks, as he watches the jogging sword carrier, "What do you want to ask?" He ventures as he stands and stretches. "Is it something… important? I mean, you said you asked before? Or?" He gives a questioning look, then looks to the big sword, and frowns again, slightly.
Daichi shrugs his shoulders to Taji "I dunno if I asked before but, why did you become a ninja? There are many reasons…to escape, to protect, some just like feeling of power. But I was always curious why you became one. It…it doesn't suit you, at least that's what it seems like to me." Daichi asked. He's now jogging and functioning like the weight is barely affecting him. Still the same gaze held on Taji as he awaited an answer.
Frowning, Taji answers, "Why do you think it doesn't suit me? Just because I don't want to slay everything that opposes me? Just because I don't want to watch the blood of my foes drip into the soil like water? Just because I don't want to destroy all who dare even think about opposing me?" He says, clearly a bit irritated, "Because that's what you're saying. Most of our missions don't require death. Most of our missions can be solved with thought, and while it might take more effort to solve something without death, in the long run it is better because death begets death. You kill a ninja on a mission and his younger brother now wants you dead, but wait, because now your father has to seek vengence for your death, and so on…. where does it stop?" He shakes his head, "Being a good ninja isn't about who can kill others fastest, or do the most damage the quickest. And anyone who thinks that is what is important… is missing the point." He says as he looks away, "As to why I'm here, I had no where else to go. My clan was wiped out, my teachers dead, and where else would I go?"
Daichi shakes his head "It's not that you don't want to…it's that…I don't think you could. I mean you don't seem like the kind of man who could take a life." Daichi mentions after seeing that Taji was becoming irritated. "Hehe sounds like you're describing a tyrant rather than a ninja. I never liked killing, in fact I hope never to kill someone. But if I did…I would want it to be for good reason." Daichi looks at his necklace, it's been a while since he had thought about his mother. "You know my mom was a medic, she was my reason for becoming one. She cherished life more than any other person I knew. He loved nothing more to save the lives. She told me that a ninja doesn't kill…they protect. For while, I couldn't figure out what she meant, it sounds like gibberish to me." Daichi looks of as he jogs around to the other side of Taji making sure his legs didn't become numb. "You're clan and teach were wiped out?"
Taji nods to the last bit, "Yes, they were wiped out, and I came here. I qualified as a genin, I have the skills needed. And… as for killing, I probably could do it. I haven't had to yet, but, the thing is, if you work on the right skills, you can learn how to defeat your foes without killing them. Or at least that is what my teachers taught. Mind you… they are all dead now so perhaps you could say they were wrong, but… I was saved. And… maybe that means I was more important to them than…" He shrugs and trails off, looking rather upset, "Look, I know maybe you mean well, and your mom sounds like a good person. You might have to kill as a ninja but… you should do everything in your power to not have to, up to and including training in ways to defeat your foes that doesn't require death. That big blade you're working with, that will hurt, cut, maim and… well, likely kill someone. If you practiced with a staff instead, and worked on parries and disarming and so on, you'd be doing yourself better, don't you think?"
Daichi's fist tightens and his teeth clenched together hard before Taji's words "No…." he said in a low menacing voice. "You're mistaken…" Daichi "You speak of a chain of death, where will it end. Well I can assure you…with your mindset there will just be more deaths…more sorrow. There is sin and punishment in this world. That's how you keep order. Letting your opponent off like that…a couple smacks on the wrist….absurd." Daichi's chakra becomes a bit enraged and his hair would fade in color slightly. "You think that will end it? They'll just come back….again and again until you're dead. Or worse….they make sure you're miserable and everyone you care about is dead." "Sin and punishment…there is a crime then there is justice and justice isn't merciful, it doesn't spare the sinners. It is just and does whatever it deems necessary to keep the order…that is true peace." Daichi's chakra settles "Sometimes you have to go to war to make peace." Daichi glances at his cleaver and back at Taji "A staff? Hahaha then where is the justice in that? If I defeat my opponent how will he have learned? He can leave and try again. And imprisonment? Well I'm sure you've heard about Uchiha Rainos and how that went. My sensei almost died to save me from that monster. Surely you must know how it feels to be completely helpless and unable to protect. To me, being unable to protect…is worst than killing."
Taji just shakes his head, "You fail to understand. And I am no teacher, not yet. I'm still learning the ways. If one of my masters was still here to talk to you, he could make you see. But… they are gone. We'll see. If you are right then I won't have to worry about it long, now will I? If I'm right, then eventually my way will show more truth to it. But… don't take me lightly. Don't think I'm some fool you can push aside just because he doesn't want to hurt you. The advanced teachings, the ones I have yet to unlock, speak of turning a foe's hate against themselves, making them destroy themselves, rather than being the actor in their destruction. Balance is important. And if you think a staff is a weak weapon… well, I feel sorry for you." He says with a head shake, "Anyway, I'm going to go check on the family. Maybe I can help them some at least."
Daichi drops the cleaver now a bit irked. "If you strike without the intent to kill…there is hesitation, and that can mean death. Why is it you're the only one that survived? Why wasn't anyone else saved? Your life is special, the result of all their sacrifices and to let it end easily will shame them. Yes you aren’t a master but you forget the basics. It is easy to kill, it takes more skill to disarm, and you must know how to kill before you can learn how not to kill." Daichi enters a fighter's stance "Fight me, Taji. There are some things that can only be understood through battle." Daichi's motionless eyes now locked on Taji. "I will attack regardless, I'm just giving you a chance to defend yourself properly."
RP: Daichi joins the roleplay.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
RP: Taji joins the roleplay.
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
Taji frowns, "You're serious? You want to do this? You have no idea what you're doing. Fine, attack. All I can say is this is stupid and will prove nothing." He silences and watches Daichi, frowning, watching, wary, but not attacking on his own. He seems a bit disturbed by all of this.
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
Daichi just stares at Taji, silently his eyes watched him. "First objective of combat…." Daichi says to himself quietly as he makes the move to close the distance between himself and Taji. His steps glide across the ground, feeling free and restricted of weight. Daichi's arms move to go for a punch, but are just a trick to attract Taji's eyes. His real attack looks to be a discreet leg sweep. Following his leg sweep, Daichi quickly followed up his two part attack with a carefully aimed punch, actually it looked more like a jab as it was thrown quickly aimed at Taji's center. The power of the punch would be felt internally more than externally by means of the Tameshiwari art. Daichi quickly gathered his stance as he was ready for any sort of counter attack.
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…28
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with BASIC-SOULSTRIKE…21
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(28) attack from Daichi with a REPLACEMENT-TECHNIQUE…28
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against BASIC-SOULSTRIKE(21) attack from Daichi with a REPLACEMENT-TECHNIQUE…34
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
As the strikes come in, the feint and the leg sweep, plus the punch or jab, all attacks hit Taji as he goes down in a lump, crumpling, giving the impression Daichi has done very well, only to find the log Taji was sitting on is now the target Daichi just smashed a bit. Taji instead is to the side, frowning. "I suggest you stop before you hurt yourself. Just because I don't like hurting people doesn't mean I can't defeat you in other ways." He says, as he stands there, not attacking, but watching, frowning. He does pause to focus a small amount of chakra as he waits, but otherwise he just watches Daichi.
COMBAT: Taji focuses 1000 stamina to turn it into usable chakra!
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
Ninjutsu…just like Tosai. "First objective of combat, know your opponent." Daichi noticed that Taji had began to focus chakra. Not wasting a moments time Daichi quickly yet subtly takes out a kunai and threw it aimed at Taji's torso. Daichi used the distraction to close the distance and limit Taji's ninjutsu. Close range Daichi expected he had the advantage but, he still remembered Tosai's advice about expecting the unexpected, as he recalled that Taji was still a taijutsu type somewhat as well. Once close enough Dacihi attacked with an accurate low kick to Taji's knee, then a followed chop to the shoulder. "Second objective of combat…." Daichi mumbles to himself.
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with SHARP…23
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…20
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…16
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
COMBAT: Taji defends against SHARP(23) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…31
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(20) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…34
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(16) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…16
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
Swish, swish, swish… The three attacks miss as Taji dodges around, avoiding each attack with a bit of grace. The last attack nearly hits but… he manages to get out of the way in time. This seems to be enough for Taji as he finally attacks back, taking advantage of the closeness of the two, and striking out with his fists. At first it might seem the attacks miss, even if they hit, as there will be no noticeable impact, as his fists 'mist' slightly. But if they do hit, Daichi will feel a cold chill rush through him with each attack.
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…26
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…21
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…22
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-FATIGUE(26) attack from Taji with a ACROBATIC-DODGE…24
COMBAT: Daichi loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
COMBAT: Taji drains stamina from Daichi
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-FATIGUE(21) attack from Taji with a ACROBATIC-DODGE…38
COMBAT: Daichi wins the roll.
COMBAT: Daichi counters against a GENTLE-FATIGUE(22) attack from Taji with a FLASH-STRIKE…23
COMBAT: Taji loses the roll and sustains 368 damage.
Daichi recalls Taji's style from their previous encounter. He feels the cold feeling and remembers it well. Learn from your opponent and react, don't think too much and…Daichi dodged the second strike and would vanish as Taji went in for his last strike. Grabbing his kunai from earlier that Taji dodged Daichi mounted a counter attack and stabbed Taji's foot. The moment was his "Second objective of combat, hinder your opponent." Daichi goes on the offensive and attacked with a kick after releasing his grip of the kunai. Then in one swift motion Daichi takes out another kunai and charged Taji with a strong elbow jab, his kunai still in hand to be used later. "A rule of combat…." Daichi says as he attacks. His mind focused.
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…21
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…27
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(21) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…22
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(27) attack from Daichi with a GENTLE-DODGE…26
COMBAT: Taji loses the roll and sustains 125 damage.
Taji looks more than a little annoyed by the turn of events so far, but he is maintaining his composure. He eyes Daichi, and as he eyes, Taji's fist clouds over with mist, before he even moves as he focuses. Then he moves forward, his fist trailing this stream of fog as he attempts to land a more serious attack, aiming for Daichi's gut. He swings around to follow this up with two more quick smaller strikes, lacking the heavier mist but still attempting to do their 'thing'.
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-MIST-SHOCK…27
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-CHAKRA-BLOCK…25
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…18
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-MIST-SHOCK(27) attack from Taji with a RAPID-PARRY…40
COMBAT: Daichi wins the roll.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-CHAKRA-BLOCK(25) attack from Taji with a RAPID-PARRY…23
COMBAT: Daichi loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
COMBAT: Taji drains chakra from Daichi
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-FATIGUE(18) attack from Taji with a DODGE…24
COMBAT: Daichi wins the roll.
COMBAT: There are no more attacks for you to defend against.
Using the kunai in had Daichi is able to parry the strike at his gut, the mist made it difficult to see the next two strikes but Daichi was able to parry one of them. As he dodged Taji's last attack Daichi would notice how Taji's style worked, he aimed for pressure points. Being a medic, Daichi knew the pressure points. He made sure to guard them as he went in for his next attack. With a movement like that of a person who is getting ready to throw a weapon Daichi vanished mid step and reappeared to cause confusion as he stabbed at Taji. Using the speedy attack to get closer and draw Taji's attention away from his next move as Daichi attack by stomping on Taji's wounded foot. Daichi then utilized the foot work he had learned from the kata that Tosai taught him and quickly shifted his stance and attacked with another punch infused with some chakra to invoke the Tameshiwari art, also known as the brick breaking technique.
GAME: Save complete.
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with FLASH-STRIKE…21
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with PHYSICAL…12
COMBAT: Daichi attacks Taji with BASIC-SOULSTRIKE…18
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
COMBAT: Taji defends against FLASH-STRIKE(21) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…27
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against PHYSICAL(12) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…28
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
COMBAT: Taji defends against BASIC-SOULSTRIKE(18) attack from Daichi with a DODGE…18
COMBAT: Taji wins the roll.
Taji continues to dodge, back and forth, weaving around as he goes. The last attack almost hits but damn that Taji is one slippery kid, his size working to his advantage. He's not even using the fancy mist boosted dodges, but sticking with basic dodges. He eyes and attempts a repeat of the mist strike combo, with a small alteration, sticking to the same basic strategy so far. He has a look of determination on his face as he works. Saying nothing, moving swiftly as he goes.
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-MIST-SHOCK…28
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…22
COMBAT: Taji attacks Daichi with GENTLE-FATIGUE…20
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-MIST-SHOCK(28) attack from Taji with a RAPID-PARRY…25
COMBAT: You lose your stamina for 1 round(s) starting on your NEXT turn.
COMBAT: Daichi loses the roll and sustains 0 damage.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-FATIGUE(22) attack from Taji with a ACROBATIC-DODGE…26
COMBAT: Daichi wins the roll.
COMBAT: Daichi defends against GENTLE-FATIGUE(20) attack from Taji with a CHAKRA-DODGE…31
COMBAT: Daichi wins the roll.
Daichi misjudged the mist strike. He was able to avoid the others, the cold feeling running down his spine now. He couldn't find the energy to attack. "Rule of combat…don't hold back." Daichi unsnaps his arm belt and waits for the feeling of fatigue to leave him. Daichi looks at Taji, is methods had been draining him, but the damage he has sustained is also concerning Daichi. His foot wasn't bleeding badly, but it should be attended to avoid infection. Daichi glances at it shortly before he readjusts his vision on Taji.
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
Rather that attack the stunned Daichi, Taji moves around, quickly pulling rope from one of his belt pouches and starts to tie his foe's hand behind his back, basically hog tying Daichi up in quick practiced motions. "Maybe you can just sit here and think about this." He says, sounding annoyed. "Rules of combat are one thing but attacking someone who could be a friend just because you don't like how he thinks, is dumb. And this was no spar, you used attacks that could seriously hurt." He notes as he glances down at his slightly sprained foot, now limping a bit once he considers combat 'over'.
COMBAT: Taji finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Daichi's turn.
RP: Daichi uses ESCAPE.
Daichi winces as Taji ties him up and proceeds as if the fight was over. Daichi used a basic technique that most shinobi know and escaped the hog tie. Daichi sighs as he spoke seeing that Taji's guard was down. Before he would speak though he would toss a kunai by Taji while his back was turned, it flew past him and hit a tree. Daichi didn't like hurting a friend, but he wanted to show Taji something. "That move you just pulled, could've gotten your entire team killed….I don't like hurting my friends, but when it comes to protecting them. I'll do whatever it takes. I don't hate you or think that your idea is dumb, in fact that's part of the reason I respect you. Which is why I won't look down on you or judge you for not harming a foe. If you can't do I then I will…I'll bear the burden that comes with protecting others…the darker side of shinobi life." Daichi lowered his fist after attacking. "I used a basic jutsu to escape that…it won't work on most opponents. You should try and find a more effective method." Daichi adds as he goes to pick up the cleaver.
COMBAT: Daichi finishes his turn.
COMBAT: It is now Taji's turn.
Taji watches the Kunai swing past him. He frowns. He pauses to pick up the Kunai, and holds on to it. "You're a fool." Is all he says, as he shakes his head, clearly Taji considers this combat at an end and has no intent on restarting it as he continues to walk away, holding on to the Kunai as he walks, with a slight limp as he goes.
