You'll Teach Me, Right? [Sanzen]

Shihouin couldn't stand his slow progress. In a whole week he'd only come up with one technique which he could use for his existing techniques. The technique was decent and it had a great use but it was useless without a good number of techniques to use it on. Slow progress, slow thinking, no ideas, no motion, same strength, he couldn't stand it anymore. Shihouin didn't care about how he got stronger, just about getting there. So instead of waiting around and lallygagging all day, he did some research.

He was looking for someone skilled in the fire element. Someone with enough fire jutsu or the know how to pass them down to him so he could use them. One of the more useful elements, fire could be put to a multitude of uses and Shihouin planed on testing every single one of them out. His research had led him to a shinobi known as Sanzen Makai, a chuunin with the fire element. He'd requested that he meet him in the training field as soon as possible. Shihouin was already there, waiting. This would be an interesting experience none the less, one were Shihouin could show his true strength and possibly show off in front of his team mates if they ever got any missions.

"Out of the question, I deny that she or we train anyone."

From across the elongated table, another man sighed, "Bankotsu.... what is wrong with her training someone for at least the day."

"Kairo, why not let her train anyone she can? Why not just spread techniques around so that one day everyone may know them? You know as well I do that if people learn how to use her techniques, they may find an even quicker way to defeat her."

"This is only one person"

"One turns to many!"

"Kairo....Bankotsu....enough...." another finally spoke, his smooth and calm voice causing the other two to settle down. The groups attention turned to him; Nagori. "Let us each have a vote and let Sanzen herself decide okay?"

Since discovering the message on her door, Sanzen's mind was littered with these numerous thoughts as an answer was being decided. A request had arrived at her doorstep, a genin wishing to be trained, and already the spirits were baffled. One day she figured they would grow more quiet and let her think for herself but for now they treated her like a child; doing whatever they can to protect her no matter how tiny the problem was. It made her annoyed at times. Right away a meeting was held before they even met the writer, laying out their thoughts and opinions individually as Sanzen made her way towards the training grounds like a mindless zombie. She wasn't exactly all there at the moment but this did not mean the spirits weren't paying attention; watching out for any threats that may come her way. Overprotective, enough said.



As she finally surfaced from behind the forest of trees her red hues gazed around until she caught sight of the boy. She had looked him up before coming here just in case and he appeared to fit the description. Shihouin Uchiha, there wasn't a doubt in her mind that he would probably request learning fire jutsu. It was one of her main elements and Uchiha were known for their fire; especially the genin.

"Shihouin?"

She spoke in a rather soft tone, one that seemed to match her calm figure and wall-like expression. She was within talking distance and yet keeping her ground, always prepared to react to anything because of the spirits and her instincts. Since her past she would always be this way; even to a genin.

"You requested my presence?"

Shihounin didn't like Sanzen sneak up on him at all, he couldn't with the way his mind was firing off. It wasn't about him using his senses and being more ninja like to catch any disturbances, but rather the excitement of getting stronger. The second that she had made some noise, he'd instantly turned around, eyes wide and blood pumping. He was ready to start.

"Yeah yeah yeah!!!" Shihouin spoke quickly without any pause in words. It was obvious that he was excited. "I wanted you to come because you have a lot of fire techniques that you can teach me! I gotta get an edge over my team if I want to become the leader! I want to be the best genin in Konoha and eventually the best ninja, but I need to get there first. You must have a whole slew of techniques up your sleeve. You'll teach me, right?!!!"

She had to be able to help him in some kind of way or another. The thought of learning a few techniques had Shihouin's mind already creating up other types of techniques he could use with tools and wires to combine with his fire techniques. He hoped that this chick would teach him some useful ones, something he could use in battle.

First impressions were important no matter where you go and so far Shihouin was an overactive child who talked really fast.

Already Bankotsu believed he didn't deserve any new fire techniques, fire was dangerous after all. What if he grew out of control or "fire happy" as some users of the element referred to them. The other spirits were a bit more willing to give him a chance though. Mainly due to Nagori, the wiser one, who believed it was a good idea to let Sanzen decide. They wished to see if she was able to deal with such issues on her own and make the right decision. This meant even her most talkative spirit, Kairo, was silent as he watched from behind her eyes. Eyes that were currently shielded while she gazed at Shihouin with a puzzled face. She wasn't sure whether she should teach him or not and so she figured she would test him a bit.

"I do have a few fire techniques... and I understand that you want to become stronger...." she sighed, "but what are your reasons for wishing to be the best genin, and even the best ninja?"

Everyone had there reasons to grow strong and become the best. Some sought glory, fame, and money while others wished to protect something dear to them. Some even did just to see if she can. But right now it was his answer that mattered most; a make or break moment. Would his goals satisfy her? She stood calmly with her arms crossed behind her back as she waited. She appeared to be very relaxed as her red hues suddenly grew a slight tint of silver around their edges. It was still her talking, but she requested for at least a bit of help from one spirit in particular.

Shihouin's face went from excited, to mild, to angry. He was absolutely tired of hearing those types of questions. Both of them were shinobi of the Leaf and both of them should be willing to help one another grow stronger for the village without questions asked. Her questions where simply annoying and Shihouin couldn't stand them anymore. His memories trailed back to the time where Kaosu had first met him, ordering to hide instead of being a man and fighting. Now he needed a reason just to grow stronger...

"A guy doesn't need a reason to become stronger. I don't know what world you're from but strength is something all ninja should hope to attain to become stronger. My reasoning behind it doesn't matter and I'm sick and tired of hearing those sort of shit questions." Shihouin's face was brimmed with anger as he bare his teeth at her. Even though it wasn't much, he opened his one tomoe Sharingan and stared her directly into the eyes, holding his fists together. Veins popped and pulsed over his hands and his teeth were brimming with rage.

"If you won't teach them to me, I guess I'll have to beat them out of you... Is that enough reason for you?" He was serious. A guy didn't need a reason to become stronger. Just because you had one doesn't mean you were any better than any other person. What if you lost? What if you were fighting to take care of your family and you lost a match? What then? Shihouin eliminated all of that without having a real reason.

Or a real reason he just didn't feel like sharing.

She listened to his tone and all as she watched his facial expressions shift from being happier than anything to rage, she grew a bit surprised. Personally she felt he would take these jutsu and go brag about knowing them. She felt he was just going to be one of those show offs but although his rage made Kairo defensive, Bankotsu pissed off, and left the others with different feelings; she smiled slightly. The silver around her hues faded before a brown color began to set in; Kairo was fully alert now. Again, even though they were talking to a genin, they didn't play around.

"Advert your eyes" Kairo said in her mind as she obeyed, "You read he was an Uchiha and his eyes began to grow more red. You know what that means."

"Looks like if I am not careful he will simply copy my jutsu instead...."

"You know what that means...."

"Of course..."

He definitely had courage in him no doubt, to fight someone he knew was higher rank. To even threaten someone who was higher ranked. She didn't mind though, in fact, she was pleased with it. Some may see it as stupidity but this did not include her.

She closed her eyes, straightened her back, and smirked as she placed her hand on her side. Opening her eyes she stared dead into Shihouin's as her smirk grew and a chuckle escaped her breath. Her calm state faded as one of pride came forth; personality change? Her eyes glowed red, more burning red than before.

"I like your courage. You know you're about to fight someone of higher rank and yet you didn't even show the slightest bit of hesitation and fear. Although I personally love a good fight, I don't see us needing to anymore. So, Shihouin. What is it you wish to learn? You must have researched me, did you happen to read about any fire jutsu I am known to use?"

Her voice sounded more powerful now, more dominant and without the lack of confidence. Something was a bit different about her, especially considering she had a smirk and her eyes were flaring. This wasn't important though; what was is what jutsu Shihouin may demand from her.

Surprise colored his blinding rage clear, and Shihouin dropped his eyes and his fists down to a more respectable level. He was finally happy that someone could understand that having reasons about strength wasn't always due to some deep meaning or past event. Right now, the reason to get strong was just that, just to become strong. Shihouin needed no ulterior motive or anything like that of the sort.

"Well, there are a few techniques that I need to have before I develop my own techniques. The Ryuuka, Mist Waltz and maybe the Fire Pillar. I'm sure I can complete those techniques pretty easily, even though my Sharingan is one tomoe. Either way, those techniques will be pretty useful to some of the jutsu ideas I have. That's about it. I've already warmed up and I am ready to go."

Shihouin waited for the Chuunin to start explaining the techniques so he could start learning. With her explaining how to do them and her extensive knowledge of the techniques, this would be all too easy for him, or at least he hoped. Despite his attitude and out look on life, Shihouin was far from being a dumb kid. Sure he didn't give a fuck about anything that much, but he kept his wits about him and used them to his benefit. Fire techniques were easy for Uchiha to create and with these techniques under his belt, using them would increase his over all strength. He also planned to make a technique of his own with a few supplies he was able to create and bring to battle.

"Bankotsu... what are you up too..."

As Kairo spoke, there was a deep laughter in Sanzen's mind that perked the other spirits interest. Sanzen's mental self sat next to Kairo at the imagined table while he leaned on it, hands crossed beneath his chin. A serious expression lied on his face as he tried to get answers. Even the silent an secretive Kutsuu showed some interest, his black hues staring at Bankotsu.

"Am I not allowed to play a bit? The kid wishes to learn, so why not teach him," Bankotsu said, a deep grin crossing his face. hey all knew this couldn't be good.

"Actually, no, your duties are to protect Sanzen when she really needs it and yet once again you talk when you shouldn't. You know that just like Shisshou, your personality is incredibly different to that of Sanzen's. Kyouki's is different as well but not as greatly as the two of you."

Bankotsu let out sigh, "Honestly Kairo... do you think I care? Look at this kid, he didn't even notice a thing."

With that, Bankotsu was paying more attention to the outside world as Sanzen's body remained in it's tall pose.

"The nerve of this guy..." Kairo muttered before peering over at Sanzen, "If he gets out of hand we will help you." She nodded, even though she actually didn't want them too....

---

After hearing his explanation, Bankotsu, whom currently controlled Sanzen's body, put on a thoughtful expression. It seemed as though he was stalling or maybe purposely trying to annoy the genin. Like he said, he liked a fight. In fact, right now, he kind of wanted to beat the living shit out of the kid just to see his blood. That's when Kairo stepped in. One again, Sanzen grew a bit more mellow and she smiled a tad while closing her eyes. When she opened them, her eyes were now brown. Luckily she was still at a bit of a distance that the kid wouldn't notice. He may however notice the voice change; even though it was only slightly.

"Ryuuka....Mist Waltz...and Flame Pillar. I wouldn't mind teaching you the first two, but the third one... we'll think about that. For now though, we'll take it one by one. First off, may I see an example of your power? It will give me a good idea of what to teach you first. Any fire jutsu will do, maybe something to express your chakra control."

She crossed her arms as she stood and waited. Sure this may irritate him but it honestly would aid her, well him...Kairo, get a good idea of whether or not he'll need any certain training before teaching him these techs. Better to be safe than sorry right? Besides, it shouldn't take to long.

Get to the jutsu already!!! Shihouin was tired of beating around the bush and waiting on this chick to teach him the techniques he wanted. He was an Uchiha after all so why were there any use in showing her any of his obvious fire techniques. Regardless of what he felt at the time, if she wanted him to do them, he would just have to do them. The average clan Uchiha jutsu, the Goukakyuu was perfect for this. It was simple enough and large enough to do a lot of damage, a well worked out jutsu for the Uchiha clan.

He quickly performed the hand signs, as fast as any genin could and used his new technique to suck in the air. It would appear to be that Shihouin hadn't drawn any air at all, however the result would be tremendous. Using his custom technique, he blew out a perfect Goukakyuu, round in shape and blistering in heat. However, he didn't perform his next trick after the technique and kept it hidden. Even though the Goukakyuu was a good jutsu, it frequently got dodged by all types of opponents. The point here wasn't what he would do with his jutsu, but show that he could use fire techniques. If this chick would just hurry up and teach him.

The display was a rather good one; of course she wasn't to thrilled he used a basic Uchiha fire jutsu but he WAS still a genin. After he finished, she walked over and circled him a few times. She DID notice that he didn't seem to take in as much air and yet the fireball was fine. Oxygen is needed for fire attacks of course, the fire needed to breath too. Yet his was unaffected. Stepping back away she stood before him with a serious expression and the same tall posture. Both hands were on both hips as she spoke in a rather demanding tone. Her hues were still brown.

"Very good, now I want you to pay attention to everything I tell you," she said. She then continued once she felt she had his attention, her voice the same way, "first I will teach you the Ryuuka. This technique should be easy for you. To start, you need ninja wire and something to practice on."

Forming quick seals, two more Sanzen soon appeared next to her before one stepped a few paces away to her right and the other to her left. Both remained in a good range for the wire to be strung.

"Her on my right will be your target. Your objective for this jutsu is to trap your target with wire; normally kunai are used. You will then use these hand signs."

She motioned her hands to get his attention before proceeding to show him each hand seal one at a time, her hands then directing him back to his target afterward.

"Of course, like any jutsu, you will need to focus your chakra before making the hand signs. Anyway, one that is all done, you will breath out fire along the wire. This fire will then be guided by the wire towards their target that is trapped. Make sense? A few warnings, heat from the wire could burn your hands so you should make the necessary adjustments to avoid getting burned."

Stepping away, she crossed her arms as she watched the clone and Shihouin.

"This time the clone wont move when you attack her, but for now I want you to just make sure you know the hand signs needed to perform the Ryuuka and not worry about the clone just yet. I showed you what they were but if you need help just ask and Ill shwo you again. Once you feel you're comfortable with those, go ahead and capture the clone and attempt the jutsu. Once you've done this, I want you to do it again to the second clone"

A slight smirk crossed her face after mentioning the second clone, that would be the interesting part.

Shihouin focused on his new instructors words and listened to everything that she was saying. The hand signs and the breathing needed to do the fire jutsu. The hand signs for the jutsu were easy for him to pick up the moment he saw them, with a few times to practice them right after. Instead of the excited, unruly kid he was just a few moments ago, Shihouin transformed into a focused and alert student. His mind was open and his eyes and body were focused as he soaked up the free knowledge. After a few moments of practicing the hand signs, he was ready to move on to performing the jutsu.

'Hmmm. Well the best technique to use in conjunction with the Ryuuka is the Sharingan Windmill Technique. I can't use that until get stronger but I can improvise with a few other techniques. The fire techniques I have are the Goukakyuu and the Housenka...' Shihouin's brain began to run. 'Counter, attack, parry and defend. As long as I know what she'll do I can manipulate this to my advantage. I am limited by the number of times I can do this, but this is training.'

Shihouin quickly moved back and separated the distance between him and the two clones to about five or so meters. Performing the hand signs for the set up technique on his way back, Shihouin quickly finished them in a timely manner, right as he reached the peak of the distance between them at about five meters. 'Housenka no jutsu!' Several fireballs would rush at both of the clones and coat the area in a bright orange light, covering Shihouin. This attack was important because it gave Shihouin some flex time.

Sanzen watched the young genin go forth as he aimed for both clones. It was not what she told him to do but she was willing to see what he planned to do instead. As soon as the fire came out in a rather intriguing display, the second clone made its move. Just like they couldn't see him over the blaze, he also couldn't see them, and thus there was room for movement. The first clone put her arms over her face on instinct and, as directed, she took the blast. This resulted in her destruction as she disappeared into smoke.

Sanzen herself watched from afar with wary eyes, her apathetic expression not changing as she found herself growing more interested in the genin. Within her mind all the spirits were watching to see what he could do; especially Bankotsu who searched for a reason to hurt the kid. He didn't seem to complain, didn't whine or deny her of her words. He was respectful and appeared determined, making her appear more thoughtful as her hand rested beneath her chin. Her other arm supported this one as she watched the display.

Going back to when the second clone first dodged, she decided to go immediately to the edge of the blast to avoid it before she ran up along the edge of the fire. She was being careful not to get burned while also using the fire as a way to somewhat hide. She withdrew a few kunai and as soon as she was in range of where he stood, or once was, she threw three kunai in the direction to possibly clip his arm and cause a bit of bleeding. Of course that is if she actually hit him. In a way, they actually hoped he managed to capture the clone in the few seconds of time he had.

Shihouin's tactics and battle skills were now showing that he wasn't some average child. His mind was focused on the strength of his opponent and the reactions that would come about from his attacks. There were several things which he had to put into factor and among those several things were about five key principles. He had to keep those five in his head so he could focus on. With those in his head, whatever his opponent did would give him ample time to focus on the technique and what he wanted to do with it.

As soon as he fired his Katon he kept his eyes trained on the clones and the original, keeping track of the movements through the technique. The first clone had gotten struck by one of the fire balls, causing the sharpened shuriken to meet its mark in a tree behind her. Oh well for that one. The moving clone decided to dodge, which was a good choice in her mind, but a bad choice to Shihouin. A small smirk from the side of his mouth appeared as a few words popped up in his head. 'Eat this bitch!!'

The Housenka was a cover for the shuriken that he'd threw. Those shuriken however, weren't normal shuriken meant for attack. Even if she'd dodged the Housenka, she could still dodge the shuriken if she moved out of the way. Shihouin would now make that a bad choice. Pulling with his hand, the metal wires attached the shuriken would change their course to land directly behind his opponent. With this free hand, he grabbed a few shuriken and countered her thrown tools which would keep her from running or moving towards him possibly, due to their being a fourth shuriken he tossed towards her. The wire from the shuriken wouldn't touch her, but was very close to her body, close enough for the attack to land solidly. Performing the hand signs as quickly as he could. 'Ryuuka no jutsu!' The fire would travel down the wires near his mouth and rush past body of the girl.

At the sound of something knocking away the kunai, Sanzen was already there and immediately was moving in for a strike. In less than a seconds time after the kunai were knocked away she drew up her arms in case any projectiles happened to be casted her way; a kunai in hand to defend herself. Its tip clipped a shuriken and sent it elsewhere. Shihouin was only two meters or less away. She made a quick jump, leaving 4 feet, crouched down as she had, and leaped right over him in a front flip. As soon as she was on the other side of him, and at a 45 degree angle from the ground below, she threw two more kunai towards his direction before landing with ease. He couldn't deny her of her rank and due to already being in such a close range before she threw her tools; she had time to move. She may not have known about the fire that was aiming towards her back, even though she felt some heat before she leaped over him, but she wasn't taking chances. Fire was a good way to disguise anything after all.

Sanzen herself didn't say the clone would move but no opponent would stand still in a fight and right now she wished to take this from practice mode to fight mode. What if she were someone trying to kill him? She wouldn't go to hard on him, but she wasn't going to slack either. This jutsu would immediately become hard wired in his brain under these circumstances. She kept watching and waiting for him to catch her clone. Once caught, the jutsu would destroy her, but in the meantime the clone may keep going to avoid being caught. He needed to be ready for anything right?

'Well you end this soon?

'This part, of course'

Her eyes began to shift back to their normal red.

Shihouin's attack missed but he wasn't finished yet. With most of his attacks, he set them up for multiple uses, but since the chick had dodged his attack he would need to come up with a new way to attack his opponent. Her movements, her speed, even though this was a real clone it gave him valuable information on her attack style. She was good with tools and physical movements and also obviously good with fire techniques. He had to put the information together, watch her and her speed and calculate accordingly.

A front flip was completely useless. The second she'd crouched down, Shihouin had enough time to reach for his sword and jab it towards her as she came up for a flip. The fact that she'd spent so much time crouching down was useless because he left her entire upper body open. He was certain that it would be the end of that clone and the beginning of something else. This battle was going good for him, he was learning a lot more about different attack styles.

Sanzen still stood in the background, her arms crossed and her eyes watching. The clone poofed away as his sword cut straight through her chest; a good move on his part. If it were an Kasai Bushin he may have had some trouble; but she wasn't going to throw that at him. At least not yet anyway.

Once the more cleared, Sanzen herself was motionless. Her eyes rested on teh genin still as she then closed them and released a sigh. Her voice came out calm and smooth as she appeared a bit relaxed again.

"Not exactly what I asked, but a good performance it was. That's just my opinion of course. Well, from what I saw, you were able to perform the jutsu as well, amongst other things. So let's move on. You can teach yourself on your own time."

As she soon walked over to him she stopped before him; her foot stepping on a tiny fire that instantly put it out before it could grow further. The morning dew was already mostly evaporated which meant they may have to be more careful with using fire due to its destructive and accident prone properties.

"Next is Mist Waltz. For now ill show you the hang signs. Since this jutsu, once lit with fire, has a way of burning down a lot of things, you can learn it on your own time." Releasing a sigh she brought up her hands, "just watch".

Motioning the hand signs, she nodded that that was all.

"Now, this next one, Fire Pillar. After what I saw, I feel you may have this jutsu. I ask that you do not show anyone else this jutsu though unless requesting permission from me first. If I can't be found, then I am trusting your judgement, for yours seems to be good based on what I saw. Anyway...pay close attention to the hand signs. What you'll need to do is not only focus your chakra but pick a location for the flame pillar and cast your chakra from your feet to that spot. Of course this technique can only work in a close range but it provides a good defense every once in a while."

To the Tishuto, it was their secret clan technique, but to her she didn't mind him learning it. She felt he deserved it. Like she said, he seemed to have good judgement. Motioning her hand signs, she slowly showed him the seals before motioning him to do them himself.

Shihouin practiced the hand signs for the jutsu for a few times, memorizing the hand signs by repetition. Shihouin wanted to fight for a bit longer and try using the techniques more. He'd already had the Ryuuka down and now he had about two more needed to go. With these technique's under his belt he could be come well versed in fire jutsu as a genin and maybe learn a bit more. Either way, he had already gained the advantage over his team members by simply learning more jutsu than them. He was stronger than he was yesterday.

After Shihouin finished with learning the hand signs of the jutsu, he couldn't wait to use them. He kept a couple of tools in his hands as he grinned again, showing his aggressive personality. Here, he had a chance and maybe the chance of a life time. Chuunin versus Genin. If he could show his strength to this Chuunin, he might be able to get an extra voucher when it came down to the selection of Genin for the Chuunin Exam. Shihouin couldn't past this chance up. "Let's make a deal. You're a Chuunin and you're allowed to go on missions and do missions for the village. I don't have that opportunity to pick missions just yet, but if I Chuunin were to order me to do so I would have to..." Shihouin simplified what he was trying to say. "What I'm trying to say is, if I beat your ass right here, promise you'll vouch for me if the talk of Chuunin Exams ever come up and promise me that you'll squeeze in a few missions for me on the side. Let's keep this between us, my Sensei doesn't need to know. You'll do it for me right? Like a good little....

Bitch

Shihouin was totally asking for an ass whooping at this point.

The world around them seemed to grow more... silent. Her eyes were closed and her body not moving. She still kept her arms crossed as she stood there like a statue yet around her grew the essence of a heavy spiritual force. It wasn't all the spirits, but the one doing this was still rather old and rather violent. Surely Shihouin may begin to feel some pressure now. Of course, she could easily just ignore him and walk off. She could 'be the bigger person' and with a hand, shoo him off. But then the thought came to her, that she could fight and give him more practice. He wished to strong right? Then this only meant that down the road, he would have to fight more. And who knew, maybe something in this fight could save his life later. Why not give the kid a test run once more? He seemed to be a worthy opponent in the beginning.

Bankotsu took over.

A dark smirk crossed her face as she chuckled a bit darkly, obviously not herself to those who knew her. In a heartbeat her eyes were open and flaring red as she grasped kunai from her stash and launched three at Shihoiun. She had noticed the tools in his hands and due to them only being three meters away from one another he would have to deflect and react fast. Sanzen already began to close the gap between them as she formed seals. Two meters away and in less than a few seconds, her palms hit the surface of the earth as the ground around her seemed to turn over. By the time he would have deflected her tools, he would already find himself dealing with another problem. This attack would force Shihouin to move away from her or else loose his balance; she started new signs.

'Bankotsu... don't you dare try to kill him'

'Now now Kairo, I only want to play...', his smirk widened.

Shihouin was happy. He'd pissed her off into battling him and now he could get some wiggle room from her. He had to admit that he was at the disadvantage due to the abilities his opponent had already shown. Not only was she a rank above him, she was capable of using more fire techniques than he was, capable of using the Kage Bunshin and also capable of probably using other types of jutsu and other elements. It seemed to be a uphill battle for Shihouin, but he couldn't let it get the best of him. With his dark eyes trained on the opponent, he focused on, well quite frankly beating the shit out of her.

Three meters apart, three kunai towards his general area. Shihouin had room to move. He couldn't be so close to her, knowing the Enkou technique which she'd just taught him. If he was close to her while she was able to do that, she would be able to sway the battle towards her advantage. Shihouin kept the tools in his hand and jumped back and swiped her tools with the tools in his hand, sending her attack right back at her. He would continue to move back at about six or so meters and form hand signs and prepare his chakra for his next move. Her move would be a crucial one and it was all key as to how she would defend herself against this next attack. The correct or incorrect choice was all hers and he would be aware of it. If she continued to prepare a jutsu she might not have time to dodge the shuriken that were closing in on her.

At the clank of the weapons hitting one another, Sanzen's technique was spreading out around her. She watched as her kunai changed course but didn't fully go towards her and now his own were making their way towards her. Sanzen continued to finish her hand signs while continuing to stay low to the ground and fall to the side. This would allow her to finish her jutsu while his tools would pass right over her; a simple and quick move that gave her room. But of course, to eliminate time for him to try and hit her, and due to the earth now being loosened beneath her, she carried out her jutsu. Immediately after hitting the ground she finished the last seal and began to sink. In less than a second, she was gone beneath the surface of the vast earth.

Being one with the Uchiha eyes and blood, this would force Shihouin to use the sharingan now to see her. He could always not use it of course, but either way didn't matter. With the fact she just taught him a new jutsu he could use, if she got within range, she decided now was the time to take a different action.

Due to her location being unknown, she now had time to move about. Forming hand seals another figure beneath the earth was born and made it's way towards Shihouin. As the figure formed seals, Sanzen herself decided to move a few meters to the right from where she was and would soon emerge. The figure stopped just below Shihouin and simply stayed there for a moment. Shihouin could have moved but seeing as how she was a tracker and intune with her senses, she would just find him again. He could keep moving and moving, but why wear yourself out? As the figure remained in one spot below Shihouin, the area around it began to grow hotter before suddenly it reached up and attempted to grab at Shihouin's legs. Sanzen herself then peered out from beneath the ground far enough away that he couldn't hit her but close enough to watch. Whatever he did now, she would see it, and would react accordingly.

Thing is, what would he do now?

Shihouin was outmatched, but he couldn't let that get the best of him. He had to use his brain in this fight, even though he felt like using his muscles. He really didn't want to activate his Sharingan and wanted to conserve his chakra for later use, but that might not be the correct choice for this predicament. His opponent got lower to th ground that he'd expected and dodged his attack and was now going to continue on her own. One thing was obvious though, she had the Doton element and was going to attack him, due to the nature of the attack, it would more than likely catch him by surprise.

Shihouin didn't have any options at this point. There wasn't a lot he could do due to his lack of skill and rank. All of his techniques were meant for offensive and direct combat battles, he could try to target his opponent with the Goukakyuu and try to destroy some of the earth with it, but he doubt that would work. The moment he'd attempted to turn his Sharingan on was the same moment that he'd been caught by a hand reaching up from under the ground. He didn't have as much time as he thought he would, and the chakras to turn on the Sharingan would give him some trouble. Since was caught, he could only pull one tactic. His body poofed into a cloud of smoke and a log hit the ground.

Any attempt to escape began futile as soon as the hand touched him. When the Sanzen clone made contact she exploded into a burst of burning heat. What would make matters worse though was what was beneath the surface as well. Not only did the clone explode but the ground beneath Shihouin exploded as well. Before emerging, Sanzen's clone had released a fog out from her body. In the past the technique was dense but over the years and while placed in others hands; users began to learn how to manipulate it and change the density of the fog based on how much is released. Shihouin's entire world was literally exploding around him. The surface beneath him would probably force him to fall or push him elsewhere but due to the fog rising out from beneath the surface and surrounding him; he was surrounded.

'BANKOTSU'

'Relax, it wasn't enough to kill him, merely knock him unconscious. Besides it will probably help him more than anything.'

'Help him? Did you not say you had no interest in the boy?'

'Did you know... my best friend was an Uchiha'

'I'm surprised you even had friends...'

A few of the other spirits chuckled as Bankotsu simply watched the explosives die off. It was a spontaneous reaction and by the looks of things, he did not make it. But if he had, Sanzen's body would immediately retreat to prepare more.

'Maybe you shouldn't have been so harsh....', Sanzen said within her mind.

Bankotsu remained silent as they watched, and waited.

Shihouin's plan had failed. He attempted to fake the kawarimi technique with a henge, hoping that she wouldn't want to use her attack up on a fake log. He didn't expect her to pursue the attack in that matter, but after all she was a Chuunin. Shihouin had the body and the mind to dodge the attack, but he didn't have the skill yet. He was a D Rank genin with no skill and a talent for a loud mouth and a few fire tricks. He didn't have the ability to dodge an attack in that manner and if he was an overall better genin he would have avoided it. At least though, this attack brought him to his senses.

After being blown sky high at by the attack, Shihouin fell unconscious for a few seconds. At this point anyone would think that he was all talk and no game and was a no talent genin. However, Shihouin wasn't scared to die, and in moments like this he could prove that he wasn't. He wasn't afraid to die, no matter how much the pain hurt. His body shook for a few seconds as he slowly pulled his hands under his belly to support his weight.

He was going to get up and he was going to continue fighting. He had jutsu to learn and he couldn't let these burns stop him. He trembled and struggled getting up and had a hard time getting to his feet. Leg by leg, hand by hand, muscle by muscle, he got on his toes and continued to attack. Of course all his tools and even some of his clothes had been scattered by the attack.

"I'm.....I'm not s....sc...scared to die...."

He kept walking towards his opponent.

"I'm......I'm going to b....beat your a......ass"

He got closer even, reaching out his burnt hand towards her sleeve, grasping on her clothing.

"I'm....gonna bec...become the strongest shinobi....ever...Just you...watch."

He balled up his fist and went for a punch, but his burnt muscles didn't allow his fist to get anywhere. He was holding on to consciousness as much as he could, but the pain was pushing him away. He couldn't hang on to this world any longer and his threshold of pain had reached it's peak. His eyes closed and he ell lover.

Sanzen emerged from the ground right as the attack hit. Yes, it was cruel that she did what she had but for Bankotsu seemed to have his reasons. Reasons he wouldn't tell. As Bankotsu grew silent, for once, he faded away and allowed Sanzen to regain control. They all knew what happened and nobody could get it out of him. Bankotsu was being as calm and quiet as Kutsuu, the oldest spirit who never talks at all. It was strange. How was hurting the kid helping any of them? Kairo had a feeling that this had just opened a door to trouble that lied ahead. Especially if this genin died.

'Relax, it wasn't enough to kill him...'
They hoped he was telling the truth.

Sanzen watched the genin now as he began to push himself up. She didn't speak, didn't move, nothing but watched with that same apathetic expression. Shihouin managed to push himself up despite the pain he must have felt. He still managed to walk and talk even though he just received at least 2nd degree burns literally all over his body. At least he would be more pain resistant right? At least he would know to use kawarimi next time? Sanzen kept telling herself that as the genin came closer to her. He continued to talk weakly before he finally reached her, threatening to hurt her. His hand grasped her sleeve but she did not move. Her apathetic expression and empty eyes watched him as he drew his fist up to strike. She knew all to well that no matter what he did, he would only hurt himself.

Shihouin finally began to loose consciousness as his grip started to weaken. He was going to fall. However as his body began to fall towards her she held out her arms and gently caught him. She could easily leave him here to suffer or to wake up later but the truth was he needed medical treatment immediately and a lot of rest. Turning around, she picked him up onto her back before making sure he was okay. Out like a light.

She hurried to the hospital.