Leaf District

[Davon]

The rats of the land moved seamlessly through the undergrowth, as unassuming as the squirrels darting through the trees, the birds soaring above, or the foxes and wild boars that roamed the forest floor. In the infamous Forest of Death, however, such creatures held little significance when compared to the true horrors that lurked within. Their presence was ordinary, their scurrying nothing more than the expected rhythm of nature—no cause for suspicion, no reason to question their intent.

Yet, hidden within this seemingly mundane scene was an unseen force, an enigma draped in shadow. Concealed within the depths of the environment, shrouded in an absence so profound it was almost unnatural, he existed like a ghost—unseen, unfelt, yet ever watching.

His keen eye remained fixed on the Uchiha prodigy, observing as the young warrior teetered on the edge of lethal intent. For a moment, it seemed the fight would spiral into an irreversible conclusion, but just as quickly, restraint prevailed, and Gyoken stepped back from the brink. A subtle smile crept onto the enigma’s face, a quiet acknowledgment of the unfolding spectacle. The wind stirred, its gentle currents weaving through his hair, causing it to dance with an effortless grace, as if nature itself recognized the weight of the moment.

His chakra remained completely suppressed, rendering him undetectable even to the most perceptive sensors. Every step he took was calculated, his movements concealed behind natural obstacles, ensuring he remained beyond the reach of the watchful Sharingan. With a silence that rivaled the most skilled assassins of the Water District, he moved like a phantom—effortless, unseen, and mocking even the stealthiest shinobi. The forest was his ally, its shadows his cloak, as he continued to observe, a silent predator in the dark.

Now positioned just five feet behind Gyoken, he stood motionless, his presence as imperceptible as a shadow cast in the dead of night. He had arrived without a sound, quieter than a whisper carried by the wind, a phantom lurking just beyond the prodigy’s awareness.

He did not speak, nor did he make a single unnecessary movement—he simply waited.
Location: Hokage Mansion -> Forest of Death
Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo -> Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll

​

 

[Jeriah]

Gyoken stood there, his eyes fixed on Yugo, awaiting some sign of response. The air between them felt heavy, his heart pounding in his chest as he mentally reviewed the situation. His attack had been reckless, impulsive—he couldn’t believe he had struck his own potential teammate, someone who had called out to him. The weight of his actions still felt unbearable, and he couldn’t help but wonder if there was any hope of salvaging the situation. He kept his distance from Yugo, his hand still hovering by his side, unwilling to extend an olive branch just yet. The tension hung in the air like an invisible wall, and Gyoken couldn’t shake the unease that gnawed at him. Every instinct told him to stay alert, to be prepared for whatever Yugo might do next. He knew that his time here was limited; the mission in the Forest of Death still loomed over him, and his teammate, Kokezaru, was still out there. He needed to catch up with him.

But then, as Gyoken turned his back to the Kumogakure shinobi, a sense of dread flooded his senses. He felt it before he saw it—a presence, one that chilled him to his core. His heart sank, and his stomach twisted in knots. There, standing a few meters behind him, was Tenbo Uchiha.

The figure of Tenbo, tall and imposing, stood like a shadow in the clearing, and Gyoken’s breath caught in his throat. Tenbo wasn’t just any Uchiha—he was a friend of his father, Ichijo, and had been seen almost as an uncle to Gyoken. But there was always something about Tenbo that unnerved him, something dark in his presence that seemed to linger in the air. The older Uchiha had always been more focused on Gyoken’s brother, Shijo—the golden child, the perfect shinobi. Shijo had become a Jonin at 16 and a Chuunin at 13, a figure Gyoken could never seem to live up to. The weight of that gap in strength and recognition felt even more suffocating as Tenbo’s cold gaze fell upon him.

"Sensei Tenbo..." Gyoken whispered, his voice trembling as he bowed his head, his respect evident in his posture despite the anxiety that churned in his gut. "What are you doing here?"

He didn’t know what to expect, but he certainly didn’t expect silence. The tension in the air was palpable, as if the very forest itself had fallen still in anticipation. Gyoken’s fingers curled involuntarily around his right wrist, trying to steady the shaking in his hands. He couldn’t help but feel that the situation was spiraling out of control, that something ominous was about to unfold. The silence stretched on, and Gyoken’s mind began to race. There’s no better time than when Sensei Yaju and his hounds would show up, he thought bitterly. He didn’t trust Tenbo—not after the rumors that had circulated about him. There was an unsettling aura around Tenbo, a darkness that followed him like a shroud. Gyoken had always resonated more with Mujin Uchiha, finding solace in the quieter, more measured nature of his other mentor. Tenbo, on the other hand, had always made Gyoken feel insignificant, always eclipsed by the sheer presence of his brother’s talents and Tenbo’s intimidating nature.

What is he really here for? Gyoken’s mind raced as he tried to think of any possible reason Tenbo might be in the Forest of Death. Is this a test? A trap?

In the stillness, Gyoken felt exposed—vulnerable in the presence of the man he could never quite understand. The silence became unbearable, pressing against him like a physical weight. Despite the trembling in his limbs, he straightened himself up, forcing his posture to exude the composure he did not feel. “Sensei Tenbo,” Gyoken repeated, his voice now steady but filled with a mix of respect and apprehension. “What brings you here? And why now?” He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Whatever Tenbo’s presence meant, it was unlikely to end in anything good.

Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll​

 

[Baldhead]

The outskirts of Konoha stretched before him, the familiar streets fading into the dense greenery that marked the edge of the village. Takashi is walking with a slow pace, his hands resting in his pockets. His dark blue pants, long sleeve shirt and black sandals blending into the quiet surroundings. He wears a black flak jacket, snug against his frame, and a black forehead protector wrapped around his left arm carrying the Konoha symbol—a silent reminder of where he belonged. For a brief moment, his mind drifted back to his days as a Genin.

“Life had been simpler then. Missions were straightforward, escorting merchants, delivering messages, capturing lost pets.”

Back then, he fought only to prove himself, unaware of the deeper layers of conflict hidden beneath the surface of Konoha. Now, there were no simple missions, no clear lines between duty and secrecy. Everything was a game of shadows.

His thoughts were cut short by the sound of a soft cough. Takashi’s focus immediately snapped to the source—a woman, seemingly just another village resident, standing a few feet away. She was unassuming, dressed in modest clothing, her expression neutral as she approached him. Outwardly, their exchange appeared casual, as if they were merely making small talk. But their words told another story.

Takashi’s sharp eyes caught the subtle movement of her lips, the way she carefully shaped her words. He did the same, ensuring that no onlooker would suspect anything unusual. New Orders Passed through phrases and practiced articulation, their conversation remained invisible to those who lacked the trained eye to perceive it. When the message was given, Takashi responded just as naturally. With an easy nod and a slight raise of his hand. With the farewell gesture he turned on his heel and walked away. To anyone watching, it was nothing more than a brief exchange between two passing villagers. But the moment he was out of view, he moved. His body flickered forward, dashing into the forest with full speed. Leaves rustled around him as he slipped through the underbrush, making his way toward his true destination the Forest of Death.

It was there that Nezumi awaited. A small black-furred rat, sitting on one of the branches above Takashi. He quickly suppressed his chakra completely, ensuring he remained undetectable when he saw Nezumi. The rat quickly jumped down and hid itself inside his jacket. Afterwards Takashi would begin moving through the dense forest. Though it frustrated him not to use his Byakugan, the rat’s subtle signals helped guide his path, saving him precious time. With a twitch of its nose, it peeked out, tiny black eyes scanning the surroundings before giving a slight nod. Nezumi didn’t need to speak for Takashi to understand him, his gestures were enough.

The minutes stretched into an unknowable amount of time, the only sound being the rustle of wind through the trees. And then through the branches and leaves he saw them. Between the shifting leaves, Lord Tenbo stood, composed as ever and next him Gyoken. Takashi exhaled slowly, steadying himself. He had finally found them.

Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka -> Takashi Hyūga
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll
​

 

[Davon]

The enigma stood unwavering, his presence looming as his shadow stretched over the shinobi before him. Gyoken’s anxiety was palpable—easily sensed by Tenbo, whose eyes remained seemingly closed while a knowing smirk lingered on his face. As Gyoken addressed Tenbo, a few seconds of silence stretched between them, making it seem as if time itself had paused. This awkward stillness-one the Uchiha had long since grown accustomed to.

At last, Tenbo spoke, his voice calm yet razor-sharp. "I am here to test you." The words cut through the silence like a blade, devoid of warmth, heavy with intent. There was no need for explanation - Gyoken would understand. He would act. Tenbo knew this. That was why Tenbo wasted nothing. No breath. No hesitation. Every action, precise. Every thought, calculated. The moment was set, and failure was not an option for Gyoken.

In the blink of an eye, Tenbo had seemingly already appeared at the prodigy's left side. His movement was nearly imperceptible- whether due to sheer speed, mastery of space-tie manipulation, or something else entirely, Gyoken wouldn't be able to simply tell. He knew nothing of Tenbo's true capabilities, and that uncertainty made the situation all the more dangerous. As Tenbo's image flashed into existence, a fist shot toward Gyoken's forehead - a strike ostensibly with enough force to render him meters backwards crashing into a tree unconsciously in an instant. The sheer speed of the attack was staggering, creating an almost imperceptible time dilation between Tenbo's words and the impending blow. But there was no warnings. No shift in stance. No visible sign of movement.

How would Gyoken react when his newfound opponent seeed to defy the very laws of perception?
(fun fact: Tenbo means perception)

Time was slipping away, and this was only the beginning.
Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka -> Takashi Hyūga
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll​

 

[ZimTheInvader]

Kokezaru was none the wiser to the incident continuing to unfold in the distance involving his teammate Gyoken and the mysterious interloper as whiole he had a naturally heightened sense of smell that could be used to sense chakra and discern the strength and identity of an individual he was still to inexperience to use it across large area. On the other hand though he wasn;t the only one here at this moment and unlike Kokezaru's sensory that still needed more training Ryuzaru's was much greater and as such he could pick up the faint signatures of individuals fighting even though he couldn't discern the identity of those engaging in the conflict he could still sense their presences.

"Oi Koke I can sense someone fighting in the distance. Their to far away to tell who it is but it may be one of the other brats you came here with," said the gruff ninja monkey that moved effortlessly through the trees swinging from branch to branch. Kokezaru was caught off-guard by the sudden and straightforward decleration made by his compainion. "Wait what, you can sense that. I reallty need to train more I can't sense anything but us. Oh, well lets head over and see if the guys are in trouble because I think sensei forgot about us cause we haven't been attacked yet," said Kokezaru nonchalantly as he shifted his body and changed direction heading towards where Gyoken was not knowing who was there.

It wouldn't take Kokezaru long to arrive at his destination, but to his shock he had stumbled upon the end of the fight as Gyoken stood there kind of stunned some reason. "Oh hey Gyoken how ya doing buddy. I kinda lolst you back there," said a cheerful Kokezaru as he looked at his friend not managing to sense Tenbo who was hiding his presence as if he hadn't Kokezaeu would not be as cheerful as Tenbo's scent would be quite powerful due to the shinobi's strength.

Location: Konohagakure 44th Training Ground [Forest of Death]
Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo -> Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll​

 

[Jeriah]

The silence hung in the air like a heavy weight, time itself seemingly slowing to a crawl. Every second felt like an eternity, stretching endlessly between them. Gyoken stood rigid, his heart pounding in his chest. He had faced tough opponents before, but nothing like this. Tenbo Uchiha, his mentor's close friend and someone he had always looked up to, now stood before him, his purpose clear.​

“I am here to test you,”​

Tenbo's voice broke through the silence, cold and commanding. Gyoken’s heart sank, and for a moment, all the confidence he had felt during his training shattered. He knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was no match for Tenbo. His mind raced as the realization set in—this wasn’t just a test of strength, it was a test of survival. The image of his father flashed in his mind, and the thought of failing yet again weighed heavily on his chest. He might as well have been facing his own father, whom he had never been able to surpass. With his two tomoe Sharingan active, Gyoken tried to focus, scanning Tenbo’s movements, trying to find any opening, any way he could formulate a plan. But deep down, he knew the truth: he was out of his depth. Just as the anxiety began to cloud his thoughts, a familiar voice cut through the tension.​

“Oh hey Gyoken, how ya doing buddy? I kinda lost you back there,”​

Here came the cheerful, almost mocking tone of Kokezaru. His words made Gyoken’s stomach tighten with dread. No... he thought. Kokezaru, what are you doing here? His concern for his friend's safety began to cloud his focus. He couldn’t afford to lose anyone today, not after everything that had already happened. “Kokezaru, you need to leave now—” Gyoken started to shout, but before he could finish, the speed of Tenbo’s movements left him no time to react.

In the blink of an eye, Tenbo had already appeared at Gyoken’s left side. The movement was so swift, it was as if he had never been there at all, a ghost in the shadows. Gyoken’s eyes widened in shock and disbelief, his mind struggling to process the speed at which Tenbo moved. Then, in the same instant, a fist came crashing toward him. There was no time to dodge, no time to counter. It was all Gyoken could do to flinch as Tenbo’s fist collided with his forehead. The force behind the blow sent him flying backward, his body crashing into a tree with bone-shattering force. The impact cracked the tree like a twig, and Gyoken felt a sharp, blinding pain shoot through his skull. His vision blurred as the pain from the hit surged through his body. The sheer power of Tenbo’s strike sent him flying backward, propelled by the force of the blow, his body careening through the dense forest. Gyoken's body collided with several trees, splitting them in half like they were nothing. His mind screamed in agony, but there was no time to think. The pain was unbearable, his head spinning, and yet he couldn’t let go. He had to push through.

His body finally slowed down, coming to a stop against a sturdy tree. Panting heavily, Gyoken reached up to his forehead, feeling a warm stream of blood trickling down his face. His breath came in ragged gasps as he processed what had just happened. “He knows that I know I can’t beat him,” Gyoken muttered through clenched teeth, his voice hoarse from the pain. His fingers tightened around the tree as he steadied himself. Despite the burning ache in his head, he realized something crucial. “But I can’t just give up. I need to show him that I’m better than this... better than I’ve been showing lately.”

Summoning all the strength he had left, Gyoken stood tall. His Sharingan flared again, and with a swift motion, he threw two kunai into the air, each with a mysterious paper tag attached. As they spun through the air, he formed a series of hand seals, his chakra flowing into the tags. The kunai transformed mid-flight, their shapes shifting, becoming shadowless clones of Gyoken. These clones replicated his physical appearance, mimicking his every movement with perfect precision. They scattered through the forest, leaping from tree to tree in unison, creating an army of clones that hoped to confuse and mislead Tenbo. Gyoken took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. I’ll outlast him, Gyoken thought to himself, steeling his nerves. I’ll make sure my plan works. He could feel the heat of the battle building, the tension mounting, but now, with his new resolve, Gyoken was ready. He would fight to the very end.

Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll​

 

[Baldhead]

While watching the two Uchiha’s facing each other, Takashi’s ears caught the unexpected voice of a young shinobi.

"Oh hey, Gyoken! How ya doing, buddy? I kinda lost you back there."

The carefree tone belonged to none other than Kokezaru. His sudden arrival was an unwelcome distraction, and Takashi’s gaze instinctively shifted toward the source. But just as quickly, Gyoken’s voice pulled him back.

"Kokezaru, you need to leave now..."

There was a weight in Gyoken’s words, urgency laced with something close to fear. Then, in an instant, Gyoken froze. His body tensed unnaturally. To the untrained eye, it seemed as if Tenbo had moved, closing in for an attack. But Takashi knew better. The subtle flicker in the air, the lack of any true displacement, this wasn’t a real attack. It was a simple Clone Technique that every shinobi can use. Creating a clone/afterimage that would appear to punch Gyoken but the clone has no substance and thus is incapable of damaging him. And it worked just as Tenbo most had planned because Gyoken's own mind betrayed him. His muscles tightens and suddenly is sent backwards at a high speed. His body crashing into several trees, splitting them in half like small branches, sending pieces of the trees in every direction.

As Gyoken was sent hurtling into the forest, Takashi reacted instantly. His pale, featureless Byakugan flared to life, the veins at his temples bulging as his vision sharpened, cutting through the dense forest with ease. His gaze locked onto Gyoken, now deep within the forest, his back pressed against a massive tree. A thin stream of blood trickled down his face—likely from the impact of crashing through the trees. Then, Takashi saw it, chakra surged within Gyoken’s eyes and in the next moment, the unmistakable crimson glow of the Sharingan flickered to life. But if Gyoken moved now, Tenbo would ensnare him completely in this cat and rat game but with the roles reversed. There was no time to warn Gyoken and Takashi lowered himself into a crouch, his hand extending outward, palm up. From the folds of his flak jacket, Nezumi twitched as he ran gently onto the forest floor. The small summon’s nose quivered, his beady eyes glinting in the dim light that filtered through the leaves above.

"Nezumi, you go and hide. I’ll do what I need to do."

The rat gave a quick flick of his whiskers before scurrying into the underbrush. Then Takashi vanished and to the untrained eye, it was as if he had simply ceased to exist, fading into nothingness without so much as a whisper. But in truth, his body surged forward, driven by a controlled burst of chakra. Every muscle momentarily operated at peak efficiency, allowing him to close the gap in an instant. The wind barely stirred in his wake. The leaves remained undisturbed, no dust kicked up, no sound followed him. Then in a blur of motion he was there standing in front of Gyoken.

“ My turn, kiddo.”

Before the Uchiha could fully process what was happening, Takashi’s left hand gripped Gyoken’s jacket, fingers tightening around the fabric. In one smooth motion, he lifted his body, using the momentum to send Gyoken hurtling through the air, toward Kokezaru’s direction. As the dust settled, Takashi disappeared once again and reappeared face to face with Tenbo. His stance shifted slightly, leaning back just enough to give the impression of ease. But his Byakugan bore into the Uchiha with pure killing intent.

” Only those who have fallen into darkness know the true value of light. “

Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka -> Takashi Hyūga
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll

​

 

[Reigetsu]

Baiyō left the Hyūga compound and spent some time wandering the village, searching for the boy she had spotted earlier—the one with the strange, cat-like ear-shaped hair. She had lost sight of him after her cousin left to meet someone. She should have followed and gotten a peek at who this Yaju person was.

Standing atop the academy building, twiddling her thumbs while keeping her sensory abilities active to detect anyone with that chakra signature, she considered using the Byakugan to track it. However, she had been running around without thinking, acting on impulse rather than logic.

As Baiyō descended from the building and made her way toward the market district, a pouch of money in hand, she was ready to spend on weapons and meat for her tiger, Tai Long. But as she approached the butcher, prepared to place an order, she suddenly sensed a chakra signature she had never encountered before—originating near the village gates. Without hesitation, she abandoned the stand and ran toward the source.

A few feet away, she spotted the person— a little girl with blonde hair and striking violet eyes, unlike any she had ever seen before. The girl wore a hood over her head, and a cloak concealed most of her body, leaving only her feet and legs visible.​

---

Soma passed through the gates after being sent out with a note instructing her to go to the Leaf District, along with a map that had been left for her weeks ago. Her clothes had been neatly folded and placed on a table, alongside her tools and kit.

For most of the journey, she walked and slept near the path leading to her destination, clumsily navigating with the map. After a few days, she finally managed to find the gates and waltzed in, holding a piece of paper with her name on it—a name that felt strange to her. Soma. Everything had felt strange since her resurrection.

Her father had reassured her that she had merely been in a vegetative state, but he could never truly understand what she had felt. Those final moments with him were the last thing she saw before the blood bolts struck her body—while she was helpless to stop them. All because she couldn’t wield her clan’s Kekkei Genkai.

But now, she was back. Her mind and body had been mended, restored by people didn’t look like they are from the Mist District. She had no idea where who they truly was when she woke up.
Flashback...
Darkness. Cold, empty, endless darkness.

Then—pain. A searing, electric agony that tore through her nerves like wildfire. Sōma’s body convulsed as sensation flooded back into her, a foreign and violent awakening. Every nerve screamed, every muscle burned as though she were being dragged from the depths of death itself.

Her breath came in ragged gasps, her chest rising and falling as she struggled against the crushing weight of consciousness. The sterile scent of chemicals mixed with the faintest hint of blood filled her nose. Distant murmurs—voices, unfamiliar yet filled with quiet expectation—echoed in her skull.

Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open. The world blurred before her, swimming in shades of red and black. The room was dimly lit, but the moment her Ketsuryūgan focused, everything sharpened—faces masked in shadows, sterile equipment gleaming under flickering fluorescent lights, the sensation of foreign hands having rebuilt what was once destroyed.

A memory flashed—a father’s cold, unfeeling gaze. The sickening snap of bones. The rush of blood.

Her lips parted, but no sound came. Her throat was dry, her body unresponsive beyond faint twitches of her fingers. The overwhelming flood of sensation, of rebirth, was too much. Her vision darkened, her pulse slowed, and as the weight of exhaustion dragged her back down, the last thing she saw was the faint glint of her reflection in the metal table beside her—her crimson eyes staring back at her, burning with a new, terrifying purpose.

Then, the darkness took her once more.

 

[Davon]

Perception—once twisted, reshaped, and manipulated—becomes an undeniable force. The way one views the world dictates how they respond to it. Perspective drives both action and reaction, shaping reality itself. Fear and illusion—these were the forces now preying upon Gyoken. And whether he realized it or not, he had already become their subject. Misperception took hold of him, wrapping around his mind like a vice. Fear surged, feeding his anxiety until it clouded his senses entirely. Gyoken could no longer see past the illusion woven around him—trapped in a reality he thought he could trust. The depth of misperception induced by Tenbo's refined academic technique was nothing short of masterful. It seamlessly mimicked the delusions experienced by those afflicted with neurological, psychological, and physiological distortions—blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Gyoken's physical responses betrayed his absolute belief in what his senses perceived. Every movement, every shift in posture, indicated that his mind had fully accepted the fabricated reality before him, triggering instinctive reactions as though the illusion were undeniably real. Tenbo felt a quiet shame for the so-called prodigy. He had not even bothered to cast a genjutsu—only a simple optical illusion, a trick so rudimentary that every shinobi of the Leaf should have recognized it in an instant. And yet, Gyoken had fallen for it completely. The damage he suffered was not from an external attack but was entirely self-inflicted, a consequence of his own misplaced perception. Believing the illusion to be reality, he reacted with reckless force, thrusting himself backward with such overwhelming momentum that he crashed through the dense foliage, his body tearing through branches and leaves in a chaotic descent. The real Tenbo had never moved. He had made no indication of shifting positions, nor had he ever needed to relocate. What Gyoken perceived was nothing more than an illusion - a perfect projection of Tenbo's likeness, created through the Clone Technique. A construct of chakra, designed to deceive not just the eyes but the mind itself, reinforcing the false reality Gyoken had so easily accepted. The strike Gyoken had reacted to--a fist seemingly hurtling toward him - was nothing but an image, lacking any physical substance. Yet, despite its intangible nature, Tenbo's sheer presence carried a weight that pressed upon the minds of those around him, an unshakable force that made his illusions all the more suffocating. It was not entirely Gyoken's fault. He had been misled, yes, but how could he have truly understood? Tenbo had never been his teacher. Having never guided him through the depths of deception. But he was something else-Shijo's brother. Ichjio's son. And that alone spoke volumes to what Tenbo was anticipating. Gyoken was outclassed. Tenbo had never expected the Uchiha prodigy to defeat him, but he had at least anticipated a sharper sense of discernment—an awareness befitting his lineage. Yet, in this moment, Gyoken's judgment faltered, falling short of the standards set by those who came before him. It was not a matter of strength or skill alone, but of perception—the ability to see through deception, to navigate the fine line between illusion and reality. And in that regard, Gyoken had failed.

"Hmph. Takashi, do you truly believe you can hold a candle to me?" Tenbo scoffed, his tone laced with both mockery and intrigue. "I wonder how deep that resolve of yours truly runs… Please, be a challenge." His words were not just taunts but bait—an invitation wrapped in condescension, meant to provoke and test the abilities within Takashi. His obsidian eyes widened, locking onto his colleague, who had now appeared before him. A slow, amused smirk played on his lips as he took in the sight. "You've saved Gyoken from himself," he mused, his tone dripping with disdain. "Perhaps now he can bear witness… as I beat the pulp out of you."

This was the perfect opportunity for Gyoken to witness the true prowess of two seasoned Jonin of the Hidden Leaf. A clash between elite shinobi—one that would expose the stark difference between prodigy and master. The battle before Gyoken and Kokezaru was more than just a fight; it was a lesson, an unspoken demonstration of power, strategy, and precision. And Gyoken, having just fallen victim to his own misjudgment, would now be forced to watch and learn. Tenbo flicked his wrist, a subtle yet deliberate motion that summoned forth his Uchiha Gunbai. The war fan spun effortlessly in his grasp, twirling with practiced ease until he chose to take a firm hold of it. The weight was familiar, comforting—a symbol of his heritage and an extension of his will. With a slight nod toward Takashi, he gave the unspoken signal—it was time. Standing precisely five feet away, Tenbo made no move to initiate. Instead, he extended a silent invitation, granting Takashi the first strike. A test, a challenge, and perhaps, an amusement. At this time, Nezumi was secured away into Tenbo's clothing hiding.

​

 

[Jeriah]

Gyoken stood poised, his mind calculating every move, every possibility. He had learned over time that the foolish or weak were often underestimated by those with unique abilities, and he had crafted his role perfectly—playing the part of the vulnerable, the easily dismissed, all the while harboring a mind sharp enough to rival the greatest strategists. Earlier, he had sensed the watchful gaze of an unseen observer, but he couldn’t pinpoint the source. Now, as if on cue, Tenbo had made his move. Gyoken could feel it—Tenbo’s presence, masked behind a mere clone, gave Gyoken the confirmation that the true Tenbo Uchiha was nearby. The realization only solidified Gyoken’s growing plan, a plan that would unfold in the next few moments.

When Tenbo’s 'fist' made contact with Gyoken, it wasn’t an accident. It was a calculated move on Gyoken’s part, designed to create the illusion of him being caught off guard. In truth, Gyoken wanted space—he needed room to think and, more importantly, to execute his strategy. He knew that being in close proximity to Tenbo, one who possessed with immense speed and power, would do him no good. His mind raced as he soared through the air, his body reacting instinctively as his two tomoe Sharingan searched for every detail in his surroundings.

Mid-flight, Gyoken’s mind was already racing ahead, analyzing the situation, but he couldn't help but notice the presence of more chakra signatures approaching. He could feel Takashi Hyuuga’s chakra coming his way, and instinctively, Gyoken prepared already. Before Takashi would have appeared at his location, Gyoken would have already summoned his jutsu having two replications of himself by his side and targeting Tenbo, as Takashi attempted to grip on Gyoken's jacket his hand would mysteriously slipped through the jacket. Unfazed Gyoken would have met eyes with Takashi and smile, as he ventured towards his target. "Sensei, don't interfere," Gyoken muttered, a faint but determined smirk on his lips as he looked toward Takashi. Gyoken wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge, especially one that would showcase his growth. “There's one more person still hiding," he added under his breath, his Sharingan gleaming brightly as he honed in on the new chakra signature. It was unfamiliar—someone he didn’t recognize—but it was clear they weren’t part of his sensei's test, and they would reveal themselves soon enough.

Gyoken’s eyes flicked back to Tenbo, now fully aware of his true location. The battle was on. Gyoken’s Sharingan picked up every detail, each movement of Tenbo slowed in his vision, allowing him to analyze every step. Leaping from tree to tree, Gyoken closed the distance between himself and Tenbo with precision. He kept one clone by his side as a decoy, while the other traveled low, using the trees and tall bushes for cover to avoid detection. Gyoken’s clone, unaffected by chakra detection and had not kicked up dust or crushed grass, moving like a shadow, nearly impossible to detect by the Tenbo.

With only twelve feet separating them now, Gyoken’s focus sharpened, his mind racing ahead. The time for subtlety was over. He needed to act, and quickly. He and his clone simultaneously formed the necessary hand seals, Snake → Ram → Monkey → Boar → Horse → Tiger, each movement fluid and swift. Chakra surged within Gyoken’s body, building up in his throat as his mouth opened to release the powerful blue flames, formed into a majestic bolder like orb of fire. Within a fraction of a second, it shot towards Tenbo, moving with such speed and force that the very air around it seemed to warp in its wake. The blue flames were intense—3,000 degrees of scorching heat that could overwhelm any ordinary flame, a power derived from the Nibi's influence that Gyoken had mastered over time.

His second clone appeared behind Tenbo, fist outstretched, ready to deliver a blow that would mirror the one Tenbo had attempted on him earlier. Gyoken knew that Tenbo would have to make a choice—either dodge the flames or counter the clone’s attack. There would be no time to avoid both. "I’m your only opponent, Lord Tenbo!" Gyoken shouted, his voice carrying the weight of the resolve he had built over the years. The battle was no longer about just surviving—it was about proving to himself that he could stand on his own, beyond his father’s shadow, beyond the expectations placed on him.

Location: Forest of Death
Main Posting Order: Gyoken -> Tenbo ->
Secondary PostingOrder: Yugo (Optional) -> Akitsuki (Opitonal) -> Kokezaru Sarugami -> Yaju Inuzuka -> Takashi Hyūga
Post Time Limit (PTI): 1-3 Days.
Skip Points: ll​