The Sparkling Promotion [Tutor for Shizuka]

[Suika]

With the approval from the Senju’s superiors, in light of her secretive exam, Suika held on to a brand new, shining Kumogakure headband for the girl. Suika, as of recently, had built and maintained a teacher-mentor relationship with Shizuka, an aspiring shinobi with great ninjutsu ability and stamina. On top of her latent abilities, the girl was talented beyond her peers. Suika had a strong feeling that Shizuka would achieve shinobihood soon, but was pleased when she received news of her promotion. The higher-ups, perhaps due to their blossoming relationship, assigned the kunoichi the task to present the girl with her village headband and share the news of her new rank.

“Shizuka will be an awesome medical ninja someday. This I know for certain.”

The girl twirled the glistening headband between her small fingers as she patiently awaited her student. Today’s tutor was designated to be one where her and Shizuka would practice Crystal jutsu and, with that, Ninjutsu in general. This was a direct follow-up from their impromptu Taijutsu lesson, and Suika was stoked for it. She also yearned to practice the Advanced Element of Crystal. The Chuunin had previous rehearsal and minor success with the jutsu, so she was excited, too, to showcase that to Shizuka. “But not as excited as sharing the news.”

In an assigned dojo annex constructed for ninjutsu practice, Suika continued to wait. If and when Shizuka arrived, she’d slyly slip the headband behind her. Why not make this a small surprise?

[WC: 246 | Post 1/5]

[OOC: Finally got this thread up! Thanks for waiting, Shizukaaa!]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

Re: The Sparkly Promotion [Tutor for Shizuka]

Afraid to be laughed at by Suika - not that she truly believed that the older girl would do something like that - Shizuka had practiced some of the crystal jutsu she had laid her hands on. The scrolls had been worn down by time, but the instructions were as good as ever. One of the jutsu she had gotten really good at was the Ruby Rain. She hoped that showing it to Suika would impress the Chuunin at least a little bit. It was a new type of feeling - trying to impress others had never really been a goal before. Even now, she wasn’t sure if that’s what she wanted to do. Perhaps it was only her excitement toward learning new jutsu that got her emotions to overflow which in return had fed the need to share her knowledge with someone she liked. Yeah, that had to be it, because trying to impress someone sounded like a lot of work and Shizuka wasn’t one to bury herself beneath tons of unnecessary tasks. She liked her peace and quiet too much to do that.

Following the road to the assigned dojo she wondered if Suika would already be there. All in all she shouldn’t be late, but being late was a part of Shizuka by this point. Many of the Shinobi didn’t like that trait in her and that’s why she tried to be on time. Mostly. With Suika, however, it was different. For one the older girl was somewhere between a superior and a friend. Shizuka deeply respected her and admired her strength and skills. So, it didn’t cost her effort to move to their meeting place. Her feet flew over the grass and stones, and when she landed in front of the dojo her heart was pounding with excitement.

“Hi!” Oh.. Suika had been.. let’s call it early, Shizuka told herself in silence. “I hope that you haven’t been waiting too long.” The door creaked when she closed it. This place was quite interesting - she had never been here before.

“Not too sound like I know anything about this but.. wouldn’t it be safer to practice outside? I mean, it’s quite nice weather and we have plenty of room on the other side of the dojo.” With insecurity showing through her smile she came to a stop in front of Suika and waited for the latter to make a decision.


**
[405/1,500 || 1/5]

 

[Suika]

Re: The Sparkly Promotion [Tutor for Shizuka]

As soon as Shizuka had entered the dojo, Suika grinned. Today was going to be a fun day for obvious foreshadowed reasons. Tucking the headband behind her, she had a plan. Prior to this meet-up, she debated how she’d present the young Senju with her promotion. Was she to be straightforward and plain in her approach? Showy? Although it’s been a while since she’s had to rely on theatrics, her inner performer shined through as she chose the latter. Perhaps it was because she was so comfortable with Shizuka by this point? Regardless, this "reveal" remained in its dual-purpose as an actual tutor. "Hey, Shizu-san," she greeted casually. As the student commented on the environment they were in, Suika hopped toward a contraption near the wall. Unlocking it and pressing a button, the dojo they were in transformed into a small battlefield of sorts. Rocks, streams of water, trees, and other factors typically in an outside terrain sprouted mechanically as the environment shifted into a more spar-ready one. Suika gestured with an amused, matter-of-fact tone.

“Technology is advancing in the Academy, and thus our conditions for training.” The environmental transition spoke for itself, she figured. “While we can go outside, might as well use the resources that have been funded to us, ay? And don’t worry – everything in here is meant to simulate real battle terrains. If anything is destroyed, can easily replaced.” Cutting to the chase as the trend of their tutor before, Suika formed some handseals and coated her fists in diamonds. It was one of the Crystal jutsu she prepared – how would Shizuka respond?

“I did a bit of homework, Shizu-san. To further better our learning of Crystal Jutsu, why not add the pressure of a spar? Show me what you got!” It was an aggressive and enthusiastic approach for a lesson dedicated to learning Ninjutsu, but that was often how Suika learned as quick herself. Adaptation and urgency were great motivators for manifesting powerful Ninjutsu. With her crystalized hands, like shining gauntlets, the Chuunin aimed a mean jab at the student. Would it hit? What will the Senju girl respond with?

[WC: 355 | Post 2/5
TWC: 601]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

To say that she was ready to take on Suika this time would be an exaggeration. That, however, didn’t mean that she hadn’t come prepared. Well, at least a little bit. There had been moves she had tried to practice between their last spar and this one, but there hadn’t been enough time to actually learn anything spectacular or perfect the basic moves she had gotten used to. Her only hope was surprising Suika enough to gain some time to set up something that could be considered a real attack.

As their surroundings shifted into something more akin to a training field Shizuka was trying hard to come up with a strategy against her superior opponent. From her devastating spar with the creepy lady Jonin she had learned that trying to hit hard without the necessary setup might be really dangerous. So, with her strengths lying in ninjutsu and this being at least a bit about the crystal style she figured to create a bit of distance between them.

Sliding her hands through her pockets she sent two shuriken flying toward Suika while backing off. The metal sailed through the air, curved a little, and was closing in on the chuunin from both sides when the amount of the shuriken doubled. Two were shadows and two were real. While that surely wouldn’t cause any damage Shizuka hoped that it would distract Suika a bit from what the student was doing next.

A violent wind with little pieces of topaz - not as great as she had imagined it to be: the wind was more of a breeze which meant that the topaz didn’t have as much power and speed behind it. Still, the pieces were sharp enough to hurt should they hit. Meanwhile, Shizuka hoped to plan her next step. It would be one of defense just in case.


**
[714/1.500 || 2/5]

 

[Suika]

Just as sudden as Suika initiated the spar, Shizuka bounced back with her own plan of action. The Senju adapted both quickly and expertly. Since their last spar, the kunoichi could already see significant improvement in the girl’s battle style. “Shuriken, ay?” Confident that they wouldn’t land their mark, Suika pressed forward toward the student that distanced herself. The projectiles doubled. As they curved their way toward Suika, the Chuunin twirled into the air and managed to dodge the thrown weapons. That’s when Shizuka formed a few seals. “Distraction, distancing, ninjutsu attack? Not bad.” She was pretty impressed by the student’s set up. Often, Ninjutsu users found themselves quite vulnerable when forming an attack; however, Shizuka’s strategy made up for that moment of vulnerability.

Suika, however, knew how to adapt herself. Concentrating her chakra on the crystalized gauntlets around her fists, they grew almost double in size. This slowed the girl, but it was part of her plan. As shards of topaz were directed her way, the Chuunin, instead, chose to use her empowered gauntlets as a defensive mechanism. She evaded what she could, clear by the sharpened shards that sliced through fragments of her attire, but full on absorbed the other ones. The crystals clashed against hers – the block was a success! Her gauntlets cracked from the impact, but she managed to get out of that one. “Not bad at all, Shizu-san.” Releasing the chakra that maintained the gauntlets, they crumbled into sparkling dust. The Chuunin made some distance herself and formed a few complex seals. The ground before her shook ever-so-slightly.

“I tell you the truth, you’re closer to Chuunin level than Genin, Shizu-san, in terms of sheer talent and ability. Perhaps I shouldn’t hold back as much?” The girl grinned. Suddenly, twin Crystal dragons sprouted from below and surrounded the Senju. The sound of their long bodies emitted a high-pitched grinding noise against the rocky surface below them. Suika entered a battle and, with her, her shining creations. “What will you do now?” She didn’t word that query as a taunt. She was generally curious about what the girl had up her sleeves.

[WC: 356 | Post 3/5
TWC: 957]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

Trying not to feel too proud about the compliment she watched Suika block her attack with ease. That was the very reason why she couldn’t grow excited yet. The Chuunin was leagues ahead of her and even if she was being nice and supportive, it didn’t change the fact that Shizuka still needed to grow tons. That’s why the remark about being closer to a Chuunin than a Genin confused the student. She didn’t even have a headband yet and Suika was already teasing her with ideas of new heights.

“Just.. don’t kill me, haha.” Laughing, a bit nervously, Shizuka tensed when two dragons came forth glistering in the sunlight. They were beautiful. Gorgeous beasts. The sound they made was eerie, though. Otherworldly, yes, that was the right word. They slid across the surface, crystal touched crystal and formed music not meant for their ears.

“Woah!” she exclaimed without hiding any of her awe. “I have nothing of that caliber.. crystal is still new to me.” Wood, however, wasn’t. And she hoped that talking had given her the right amount of time to follow through with her plan. At first it had been pushing back the enemy or bind one of the two dragons.. but that would have left her wide open because of the amount of time it took the jutsus to form. Aside from that, she would have been forced to weave a new jutsu for the others. This jutsu, the one she had in mind right now, it was way better for dealing with multiple opponents. Especially with two large targets she had no way of tackling with her body.

“Mokuton..” the whisper would prepare Suika for wood, if she had paid any attention to Shizuka that is. They weren’t too far away, but there was still quite a distance. The only advantage of their place was the silence of it when the dragons didn’t move.

Grand Gaia Impalement! - the thought went with chakra rolling through the upper layers of the ground. Beneath her opponents large logs appeared, shooting forward in hopes of launching them into the air. Shizuka really hoped that the dragons weren’t too good at flying - or couldn’t fly at all, which she should have thought about.. but it was too late now. She had to proceed. Spikes were already sticking from the ground eagerly awaiting for anything to fall on them.

If they would fly away now then- oh, wait! She had something in her arsenal to counter that.. if only she would be fast enough to go through the necessary seals. Newton’s Apple.. A jutsu from her favourite branch. Twisting and curling gravity was something Shizuka loved to do. From the moment she had learned that it was possible to do it, she had been practicing various spells. Hopefully it would come of use now.

Three targets at once was still a lot for her. So, she concentrated on the dragons.


**
[1.205/1.500 || 3/5]

 

[Suika]

Judging from Shizuka’s appalled reaction, Suika realized that she maybe got a little too excited. She hadn’t mastered Crystal jutsu by any means, but she worked hard to showcase something grand to the young student for this day. The goal was to inspire growth, but was she accomplishing the opposite? No. Regardless of the Senju girl’s confidence, she knew that she could handle this challenge posed. Her convictions led her to this decision; her belief in the girl would not waver. “Let’s see what you got.”

As the serpentine-like obsidian dragons encircled the girl, she mouthed the words “Mokuton”. Wood style? Interesting choice. Suddenly, giant spikes of wood erupted from the earth below. Her dragons, controlled by her own chakra, skyrocketed into the air in hopes of dodging the devastating attack, but were pulled in by her ninjutsu combo with the advanced element – gravity. And my, oh my, did Shizuka pull off some magic. With a screech, the dragons were pulled toward the spikes and impaled instantly. Unlike Shikuka, Ninjutsu wasn’t where Suika shined, and she was still a bit rusty at controlling these terrifying creations. One dragon, upon being pierced, crumbled into sparkling dust almost instantly. The other crashed into it at a point where it was beheaded.

It’s giant, crystal skull fell down and toward Shizuka.

It was both predictable and slow enough for any shinobi to dodge, so Suika expected the same from Shizuka. If she was able to succeed in evading, dust and debris from the impact would cause the room to be quite clouded. Once that thick, earthy covering faded away, the kunoichi stood right besides her beheaded dragon. The expression she wore was proud; she was also excited for the major event that would follow. “Damn, Shizu-san, you’re a monster.” She patted the snout of her dazzling, lifeless dragon. She then shot a thumb’s up. “You defeated the dragon, Shizu-san. Time to collect your treasure.” The girl gestured to the dragon’s jaw, clearly wanting Shizuka to investigate it. If she did, Shizuka would find a freshly new Kumogakure headband. It’s sturdy, cloth band was dark green, matching of the Senju’s wooden style, and its symbol shined brilliantly. If the once student at all turned to her mentor, she would see Suika beaming a cheesy smile and further gesturing her to put on the headband.

Shizuka was no longer a student. Shizuka was now a full-fledged shinobi of Kumogakure.

[WC: 404 | Post 4/5
TWC: 1361]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

All in all it went better than what she had expected it to turn into. With the aid of gravity the two dragons were dragged back toward the ground. As they fell she almost felt bad about trying to destroy something so beautiful, but reminded herself that those beauties could have turned into her worst nightmare. If controlled by someone who wasn’t an ally, a mentor and a friend, they could mean the end of her life. That’s why she kept her emotions in check when the crystal shattered. Wood crumbled here and there from the force. Stone split. Shizuka covered her eyes with one of her arms, protecting them from the incoming cloud. A brief consideration of bringing up a wall to make sure that Suika wouldn’t get a free shot at her came a little too late. By the time she was fumbling with the seals the dust was already settling down.

Gently shaking off the thin layer of debris, she combed through her hair while carefully moving closer to Suika. The latter was studying her beheaded dragon. It looked kind of sad. Again she felt a pang of regret. “Sorry.. they look so cool..” Vaguely gesturing to the spot where the other beast had fallen she sheepishly smiled.

“You’re the one who’s sent dragons!” There was some disbelief written across Shizuka’s face, but once she saw the expression Suika wore it made room for a smile.

Mimicking a dramatic ‘tududum’ she carefully stepped closer to the dragon’s head. A part of her expected this to be some sort of trap. Suika would be smart and smooth enough to set one up without her realizing it until it was too late. That’s why she was as tense as a bowstring by the time her eyes found something shimmering between the crystal. At first she thought it to be a fang or something.

Maybe an oddly glowing kunai?.. No. Nope.

Why had Suika taken off her hea-?

Turning around with question marks basically floating around her head, Shizuka noticed that Suika hadn’t taken off her headband. This wasn’t hers. This was..?

Why was this here?

Confused as hell she leaned it to pick it up from the cold smooth surface that was the insides of the dragon’s maw. The green almost shone when she held it in her hand and out of the shadow. The steel surely did.

“Is this?..” swallowing the question she wanted to ask her eyes sought Suika’s. Something about the young Chuunin spoke about this being for her. For Shizuka!, she caught herself thinking in third person about … oh damn. This was actually happening! Suika wasn’t making a joke. She meant for her to put it on!

“But.. I’m.. When did you? Why? Was this a test?” She rambled on, holding tightly onto the headband as if it might fly away should she let go just a little bit. Her heart was beating like crazy. She was pretty sure that it could jump out of her chest anytime now. Not even in a billion years had she expected to graduate today.

“Does that mean that.. that I don’t go to class tomorrow?”


**
[1.733/1.500 ||4/5]

 

[Suika]

Suika didn’t respond as Shizuka uttered her verbal observations of the events that unfolded. She kept her assured smile and thumb’s up. Once the Genin finally connected the dots and posed her final query, Suika couldn’t help but to let out a small chuckle. Shizuka was so cute.

“No, no, no class for you tomorrow, Shizu-san.” Suika, feeling very comfortable with Shizuka at this point in their relationship, approached the girl and placed her hand on the Genin’s shoulder. She gestured her with an assured nod and expression. “You earned this, Shizu-san. Congrats, Genin of Kumogakure.” Suika paused. Oh yeah, those who tasked her with this also asked her to reveal further news and details of the girl’s rank. “Oh, almost forgot…” removing her hand, Suika reached for a small scroll in her shinobi pouch. Handing it to the Senju, she explained its contents.

“As a Main Branch Genin, there are several different divisions you can choose to join. Many typically stick with infantry, which you probably recognize as the average mission-goer, but there are other departments that can bring out your talents, too. Politics, foreign relations, espionage, you name it! Or, you can possibly venture into a specialty branch. The decision is yours, really.” Trying not to ramble too much, she continued. “Inside this scroll are details regarding your orientation as a Genin. They will explain to you shinobi registration, procedures, various divisions, and much more.” Amid her explanation, the decapitated head of the obsidian dragon behind them shattered into a large cloud of sparkling dust. It glittered as sunlight peaked through the clear ceiling of the modified dojo. Suika smiled. She took a long moment to admire the sheer beauty of Crystal jutsu before shifting her attention back to Shizuka.

“…you sometimes lack confidence, Shizu-san, but I don’t think so many would pour into you if they didn’t see potential for excellence. I’m not saying this just because I like you, but your ability and quick-thinking shows signs of someone who could be Sennin or Raikage level one day. I don’t know what your aspirations are, and I do not want to add any pressure where it isn’t needed, but I do want to stress what a gem you are. I speak this from my soul.” Suika, although cool, collected, and intimidatingly talented, revealed a deep conviction and truthfulness in her glistening, magenta eyes. Her expression would reveal that she wasn’t lying at all. After a brief second, she lightly blushed and turned her head away.

“And although you may be under the wing of different shinobi from this point on, we can still spar and work together from time-to-time, if you’d like…” Her blush glowed brighter. “I do consider you my friend, after all.” Suika was rigid at times, but underneath that tough shell was a complete softie. The once calloused gypsy girl who used to place value solely on survival was showing signs of growth herself. But she didn’t accomplish this alone – it was people like Shizuka that brought out the best in her. Rubbing the back of her head, she gestured toward the door. “Now, how about we get cleaned up and go celebrate with some grub? My treat.” That was typical of a mentor-figure, right? Suika wouldn’t take no for an answer, so she marched toward the door expecting Shizuka to follow.

[WC: 558 | Post 5/5
TWC: 1,919/1,500]

[Tutor complete! Also, congrats on your new rank!]

 

[Senju Shizuka]

On an unconscious level she knew that it had been a dumb question to ask. Somehow it had left her lips regardless of that knowledge. Probably because she was still too stunned to react properly to this miracle. After all this time she was finally a real kunoichi! No longer did she have to sit behind those dusty desks and hear about things that either didn’t interest her or she already knew. From here on a new life was awaiting her!

Her eyes shone like two little polished pieces of jade.

“I.. I don’t know what to say.. It’s.. Thank you! This is.. I can’t believe it.” The rambling went on for a little, she tried to breathe without looking like a fish on the dry. In her hand the headband was still clasped very firmly.

“This is.. I’ll have to read this.” Nodding, she took the scroll. Now that she had gotten the headband new paths opened up. It seemed that there was more to it than met the eye - or than the Academy had been telling them. Maybe it was because her class wasn’t exactly put up for the graduation yet. Or.. there was always the possibility that she had missed it by being dreamy.

“You honor me, Suika-onee-san.” Bowing for her mentor and friend, she felt little fireworks erupt inside her belly. The compliments and the headband.. it was fuelling her worse than a ton of sugar would have. She felt hyper! And that was quite rare for Shizuka. Mostly she remained calm, collected. Jokingly making sly remarks and relax while hanging back or make sure to pass without working too hard.. well, it summarized her time at the Academy. With the exception of Ninjutsu which she loved. There she was easily the best in her class - probably even the whole Academy, not that she really knew that. Still, she was confident there.

“I’ll try to be,” more confident.. in the other areas. “I mean, I wouldn’t want to disappoint you!”

Saying no to food wasn’t a part of Shizuka. That’s why she eagerly followed Suika, though gestured for her to stop for a moment. “Can you.. help me with this?” For now she would proudly display her headband by putting it there where the name required it to be - on her head. Suika just had to neatly tie it.


**
[2.129/1.500 || 5/5]
[Thanks for the help!]