Well Ain't This Place Nice?!

Cid would meander his down the streets, taking in as much as he actually could in his slightly still inebriated state. He'd watch as a handful of shinobi folk started walking in a particular direction, to which he just shrugged and followed. It wasn't long before he found himself in front of a rather large training facility of some sorts. "Sspared no exssspense, I seeeee." He'd state loudly with a bit of a slur to his words. He'd consider weaving the seals to conjure some more rum from his stash, but he figured that probably wouldn't help him find his companions right now.

He would mosey into the training facility, the red haired pirate probably sticking out a bit as he lightly sways while searching for his companions. How did Grey get so far into this place? Or was he still stuck at the gates!?! A wave of panic would set in, hoping that the man wasn't found out at the gate and taken prisoner or such. He really didn't want to have to stage a prison break.


wc:178

He wasn't sure what to expect now that he made it safely past the gates and into the village he once used to call home. There was hardly an ounce of nostalgia, for that both Grey as Konohagakure had changed too much over the years. "It seems each of us has finally found the freedom we were looking for". Resting one hand on the blade he carried on his right hip, the Hyuuga made his way further into the village hoping the others would soon follow suit. Assuming the rest of them did arrive, they would be able to meet up and discuss how to proceed next.

The streets were filled with lots of people, mainly shinobi, all heading in the same direction. "Might as well check it out while I wait" Grey thought to himself. Following behind, the Hyuuga swordsman soon noticed they had arrived at what seemed to be a training facility of some sorts, allowing everyone to train to their heart's content. Among the group of people, Grey suddenly noticed a head sticking it, a red haired slightly wobbling from left to right as if he appeared to be in some kind of state. "I guess even your drunk ass was able to find its way in" he addressed Cid after joining his friend. 

(WC: 217)

The drunken sailor would be in awe at the grandeur of this place when a familiar voice would snap him from his thoughts. "Hell, yeah I did. Just walked right on through." He'd offer with a stretch and a scratch of his chin, a goofy smirk on his face as he realized that Grey was behind him. Now that could have meant any number of things, the Hyuuga possibly already having been in the village and enjoyed a meal before doubling back to check out the sights. But Cid was a little too intoxicated to not offer up some verbal pokes, "So, what took you so long? Don't tell me you are getting rusty?" The smirk on his face made it clear the playfulness behind the words. He'd see if Grey had a reply before speaking again.

"You see this shit?!" Cid would exclaim, pointing at the huge training facility that the village had and used to train its ninja. "The village must be doing reeeally well to be able to afford a luxury like this." He'd look around, checking to see if there were any people around. There were, but they seemed focused on their own conversations on their way into the facilities. "A lot of money changing hands around here it seems..." He'd offer a look to Grey, knowing that the man had been familiar enough with him and his goofy ass ways to catch his meaning. This place likely had prime targets. Of course... there were also deep into "enemy lines" and so any less than legal activities might not go so well if they are caught. "Hmm... maybe that's a bad idea." He'd inhale through his nose, clearing it of any blockage before turning on his heels and making his way towards the doors. 

"I dunno about you, but I gotta check this place out. See if its as nice on the inside as it looks from out here." And with this said he'd wait at the door, making sure to hold it for his companion as he offered a gesture 'after you' with a little bow.  

wc:351

OoC: Gonna let you describe the advanced training facility since I figure you'd be the expert

A small sigh and a smile escaped Grey's mouth upon hearing his friend's remark. "The line was longer than I thought, that and the fact Auron decided to reveal his identity as a former Konohagakure shinobi to one of the guards". Whether it was wise or not would be up for debate, but the Hyuuga wasn't going to wait any longer to find out. He too once used to call this place his home, however, that didn't mean he would blatantly announce it and risk getting imprisoned. They had a reason for being there and getting caught wasn't one of them. 

Similar to his companion, the swordsman started to look around, noticing a handful of people had gathered around. "Yes, it seems the village has finally moved forward" the Hyuuga voiced, witnessing a major difference with the Konohagakure he remembered. As the two of them stood there, Cid couldn't help but mention the possibility of getting their hands on some coin, something that made sense going by the nature of the red haired pirate. "Perhaps we can find an interesting target leaving the village later". Even though Grey didn't want to miss out on any opportunity, he also knew how risky it was doing it inside the walls.

Knowing that simply standing there wouldn't do them any good both men decided to enter the facility. As they did and made it past the door, a beautiful scenery would appear. A lot of grass, trees, even a small lake in the middle of it all, surrounded by countless training dummies and other equipment people could use to hone their skills. "Looks like they did spare no expense". Grey would make his way further into the grounds, noticing that besides the two of them not many had gathered yet. Perhaps the ideal moment to try something out. 

The Hyuuga walked up to one of the training dummies, placing his hand on the hilt of his blade before unsheathing the sword in a rapid and swift movement, effectively cutting down the tool in front of him. "Not bad" he voiced before looking in Cid's direction. "Why don't you try sobering up a bit?" the swordsman would tease his friend.

(WC: 366, TWC: 583)

Grey would explain just why it took him so long, to which the pirates eyes would widen. They were all criminal ninja, wanted in some capacity for various crime. One notable crime for any village shinobi is to leave said village of origin. Something about leaking village secrets or something. And Auron just stated plainly that he was a former Konoha shinobi? Cid knew that man had a pair of big brass ones, but sheesh! Well, hopefully that would pan out okay for him. If not, he might have to resort to that jail break idea once more, and that wasn't something he particularly wanted to have to do. The pirate, luckily enough, should be able to keep a fairly low profile here. Cid also was a former Konoha ninja in training a long long time ago, but he dropped out of the academy before graduating so he never officially became a shinobi of Konoha. Nope, he learned his talents on the streets. Then honed those skills protecting ships from raiding parties. Probably also where he picked up mild alcoholism from being paid in booze from time to time...

The village was a great deal different that he recalled, but he hadn't been here in a great many years. There was a different feeling to the place, honestly. It felt like.. freedom. Not a single stupid Kiri headband anywhere to be found on any of the people walking about. Even if he didn't have a deep connection with this place, his deep rooted desires of freedom made him glad that this place didn't seem like it was under another villages thumb. Perhaps the village was made of stronger stuff than he gave it credit for. 

The pair would enter into the facility, the grounds taken care of quite well, Various training implements along with differing terrains allowed for various types of training routines. The pirate would find himself looking around, just checking the place out when he would hear the distinctive sound of his comrade drawing steel. The rogue would turn his head, glancing back to see the training dummy sliced in twain, the strike point looking like it was a clean cut. Meant the blade was quite sharp to glide through a solid target like a hot knife through butter. 

"Not bad at all," He would offer. When asked about sobering up he'd grin. "I'm sober enough to hit a target right on the money, but drunk enough to stay loose enough to roll with any punches that come my way. Plus, I might not even feel 'em!" He'd reply, clumsily drawing a shuriken and whipping it at a nearby target. It struck true, though it was far from a bullseye. He could feel the incoming shots, his precognition right now far superior to any Sharingan ability. "Well... I'm no weaponry expert, but you get my meaning." 

Considering the sheer growth that the bandit has witnessed in his brother in arms, he figured it best that he too try and improve a bit since they had a bit of time. "So, Grey... you know anything about elements? My family expected me to have an affinity to lightning, but as you know I ended up being a bit of a fire specialist. Think that lightning might have something to do with my clan shit." 

This would no doubt come as a surprise to Grey, the red headed bandit never really having mentioned much regarding his clan heritage before. He figured he might as well try to develop the skills associated with his bloodline, else it was a gift he was just outright squandering.

wc: 603

Inbetween their going back and forth, Grey watched as his friend had started warming up. "You're not as rusty as I thought you would be. Perhaps all that drinking has improved your aim" the Hyuuga joked around. With both hands on either side, his right firmly placed around the handle of his sword, the Bukijutsu specialist continued keeping an eye on Cid's training and how the pirate slowly worked up a sweat. He listened as his partner suddenly inquired about elements and Grey's knowledge on the matter, sharing how it was expected of him to possess an affinity towards lightning but ended up with fire instead.

The swordsman paid close attention, listening attentively as the red haired drunk informed him about the importance of mastering the element of lightning, the natural chakra a vital component when it came to his clan's secret techniques. "This must be your lucky day" Grey spoke, unsheathing his blade in the process. If Cid were to look closely, he would notice the small sparks that suddenly started appearing around the Hyuuga's weapon. "Even though my main focus is around the sword, I can still use Lightning to improve my means of fighting". Wanting to help out his friend, Grey decided to temporarily take on the role of teacher.

He would first explain that in order to perform most Lightning Release jutsu, people needed to convert their chakra into electricity, one of the simpler ways being to use said electricity to channel it into ninja tools, increasing the weapon's cutting power. However, some would simply gather the lightning chakra to their hands instead, causing severe damage to anything or anyone they touched. Others would give it shape, allowing themselves to attack from greater distances or emitting it around themselves. "It is common among Kumogakure shinobi, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to master it". They weren't called the Land of Lightning for nothing.

Grey would walk in circles, thinking what more he could say about the element. "Lightning is strong against Earth, but has a natural weakness against Wind, but I'm sure you know the basics". The Hyuuga briefly explained how all of the elements interacted with each other, but most of it was common knowledge. He would finish by channeling electricity into his katana once more, hoping Cid was able to understand any of it. "Why don't you give it a shot, now that you're all sobered up?". By then the swordsman had sheathed his blade again, standing firmly with his right hand on its handle. 

(WC: 423, TWC: 1006)

[Teaching Lightning Release]

Cid would watch carefully upon hearing Grey mention it being his lucky day. His policy was any day that he walked free was a pretty good one in his books, but he understood the meaning behind the words. As the blade was unsheathed, sparks of electrical chakra would arc around the blade, dancing along its surface playfully. He knew that the Hyuuga was an expert swordsman, but wasn't aware of the details of his more chakra based abilities. The fact that he knew how to utilize lightning meant that it would likely be far easier for the man to teach it to the pirate. A grin would creep its way to his face once more, the fundamentals something he was at least vaguely familiar with, but his training was far from... normal. Ex-shinobi and other criminals taught him only enough to ensure he was useful early on. Cid had a tendency to pick things up though, so he learned a little bit extra from this one or that one, them not ever putting two and two together. 

"Molding and channeling fire is easy, but I've gotta get the hang of this." The bandit would offer while watching everything that Grey did. He didn't have a proper weapon to mimic the exact forms, but he held out a kunai and tried to use that as a conduit similar to Grey's blade. Focusing it into an object might be easier, or at least easier at the moment. Once he got the hang of how it felt to use lightning chakra he would probably not feel the need or desire to use it with a weapon. It would have to do for now, though. As he channels the chakra, Cid would feel a pulse shoot through his body, almost like goosebumps. He would shake off the feeling, but an odd light emanating from his hand would catch his attention. The lighting looked far more like it held the strength of a static shock more so than the impressive display of his comrade. Still, he'd smile and discharge it, only to try to create lightning once more like before. It took a while, but he was able to recreate it again and again.

Well, he had now added lightning chakra to his repertoire, but didn't really understand how such would unlock his clan's secrets. Maybe it would require him to activate his golden eyes? There wasn't anyone in the immediate vicinity that could witness the activation beyond his brother in arms who was already well aware of Cid's doujutsu (and vice versa). He'd close his eyes and focus, and upon opening them they would have a radiant glow to them. Cid would try and manifest lightning once more, thinking that it might now do something different. He was wrong. Lighting crackles in his open palms, but nothing out of the ordinary. It was acting exactly like one would expect lighting to, at least in scope of chakra and ninjutsu. A grimace would form, the man not sure exactly what it was he needed to do here. 

"Well, I might as well try and see if I can combine these in a useful way I guess." And so he would place his hands together and focus one palm to generate flames while the other would form lightning. The chakras would form in a way that was unexpected. instead of holding two differing elements, the pirate was holding a blindingly bright ball of what could only be described as... light? Hmm. Cid would hold it, pondering just what this light was capable of. He would cup it in his hand, hold the sphere of pure light. The cracks in his hands would had a bright pink hue as the light tried its hardest to escape its prison. 

"Hey, Grey you tend to not be bothered by the sudden transition from dark to bright, right? I never see you having any issues from making your way from below deck to above deck." He knew that the Byakugan was quite an impressive ability tied to the man's clan, but he never really thought about this particular thing until now. "If sudden bright lights don't bother you, I want you to see this." 

Should the Hyuuga swords master agree and check it out, Cid would open his hand to reveal the blindingly bright sphere. "You ever see something like this before?" He would ask, unsure about how exactly he just blended two elements together to create something entirely new and different than both components. "If I can amplify this... I'm fairly certain it could blind someone... and if you can't see, you'll be easy pickings for us to..." He would think about how best to phrase this next part in a village where he might be questioned if not careful, "For us to redistribute the wealth from those that have it to the folks that do not." He would grin, pleased with himself there. 

wc:825
twc:1957

It seemed the red haired drunk kept well to his lessons, able to control and manipulate the element of lightning to a certain degree. Cid would start to play around a bit, placing his hands together as he focused one palm to generate flames while the other would form lightning. A bright ball of light appeared as the pirate would hold it, wondering about the possibilities and what it could be capable of. "Interesting" the pale Hyuuga spoke under his breath, watching the spectacle in front of him. Grey listened as his friend immediately began to analyze his own thoughts, conjuring up a couple of ideas with the future in mind.

Allowing his friend to practice a little more, Grey would unsheathe his sword as he intended to take the time to further hone his skills with the blade. Truly a swordsman at heart. The Hyuuga would swing his weapon countless times, muscle memory helping him to quickly adapt and remember every swift move he had ever learned and mastered. He would keep this up until Cid finished his training so the two of them could begin to plan their next moves. Traveling the world, earning some coin. Plenty of opportunities as their options would be endless.

(Exit)

(TWC: 1213)
Claims:
- 850 to finish 360 Degree Shield Hand (previously trained here)
- 363 towards Dominion (previously trained here)
- 24 AP

Cid would be quite pleased with his efforts. In such a short window of time, the drunken sailor was not only able to figure out how to use lightning with Grey's help, but also able to figure out a whole new way to utilize it by creating... light? A sly smile would make its way across the man's face, continuing to think of all the interesting ways he could utilize this newfound capability. He couldn't really say that it would be an easy time figuring out all of the secrets locked away in his blood, the lack of any sort of formal training in their clan arts effectively meaning that he was learning it like the very first one had done all of those centuries ago. Shit, he didn't mind the challenge, though. At the end of the day, he knew that he was going to master this and add yet another slew of things to his repertoire. "Man, if I figure out what other ways I can utilize this it is going to be awesome." He would make mention to his brother in arms, though the man seemed to be focused on his swordsmanship at the moment. Cid didn't think it would be fair if he hindered the training of his pal after all the help the man just offered, so he would refrain from disturbing the man further and would just focus on recreating that ball of light over and over again, until it was so ingrained into him that doing so was second nature. 

The red headed pirate would feel his stamina depleted, despite having quite the reserves. Maybe manifesting this new style of chakra took a larger toll on him than fire had, mastery something developed over time. Taking a breather, the man would take a seat and watch the swordsman at work, a few seals weaved to conjure up a bottle of rum. With a flick of his thumb, the cork stopper would fling off and dangle from a string beside his hand. "I think this is well earned. Worked hard today, ya know?" And with that said he would take a long drink, shortly thereafter wiping any excess from his mouth with the back of his hand. 

Grey would seemingly glance over and see the man having clearly finished his training efforts for the time being and make clear for the pirate to regroup with him. Cid would look down at his bottle, then back up at Grey and offer a nod. In an instant the bottle would vanish, and the lanky bandit would rise to his feet. He didn't have enough of the spirits in him to stumble or sway, the man very much able to hold his liquor well. He would stroke the bits of his beard as he made his way towards the exit of this facility. One last spin, looking around at all of the wonders this place offered. Konoha really had come up in the world, far from his days as a child. While he was happy to see it, he was equally happy to see it behind him. This place didn't call to him like the sea did, and there was a great deal of money out there to be made... one just had to know where to look to find it. 

There were opportunities everywhere...

--Exit--

wc: 558
twc:2515

Claims:

1000/1000 wc Learning Lightning Element (4000 wc for second element at D, dropped down to 1000 wc [75% discount] for learning from another player in ATF)
1500/1500 wc Learning Light Release (Akari AE, 2000 wc discounted down 25% due to ATF)
50 AP trained (at max stats. I need to update my sheet, but the last claims I made hit max stats (here))

Approved for both Cid and Grey