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ـم 05 ـم

One-on-one Training

The four-ninja squad found a hiker's path and spent the afternoon walking. Tamuki led them silently – never one for chit-chat. She kept her sullen racoon-painted face forward and walked with her arms bent, hands in her pockets. Tojike found it comfortable and easy to slip into his thoughts, daydreams. From behind him Manzu had silently observed the forest, but it was much the same and after half-an-hour she was just looking at the ground. Kawari managed to be silent for a while, but then he had his arm out, trailing through bushes and picking off leaves. Sighing, he was bored.

"So… is there a general plan about what we're going to do about these bandits?"

"Not until the villagers give us information." Tamuki replied.

"Ah, cool cool." Kawari started bouncing his fist against his thigh. "… and what's the training we're gonna do before bed?"

"One hour." Tamuki sighed.

"Huh?"

"It seems like the maximum amount of time you can keep quiet before you get annoying. Depending on what missions we end up doing, we might be travelling lots. If you want to chat," she looked over her shoulder. "Try the others. Otherwise you'll have to suck it up and stay quiet."

"Oookay…" He answered and Tamuki faced forward.

Kawari scooted up until he was beside Manzu, Tojike lagged closer as well. Manzu and Kawari were able to talk about the upcoming mission and what they knew about the distant villages in the area. They also talked about their fighting experience. Tojike joined in a bit but mostly listened. Kawari did seem to have the least amount of patience, luckily for him Manzu didn't mind talking so long as it was relevant to the mission. A few hours more and Kawari started to get weird from the boredom. Tojike was bored, a little irritated, but he still managed to keep up without acting up. Kawari was talking loudly about the other teams, his competition, Manzu replied with either 'hmm' or nothing at all. That was about the time Tojike started humouring him.

There was something attractive about his energy. Tojike was probably a natural submissive, he found it a little exciting to passively absorb Kawari's forcefulness in conversation. How strange. It might have something to do with Kawari's good-looking face, skin, body. Tojike listened to the other boy in his team as he rambled about whatever was on his mind. The attraction started to grow.

"Let's head off trail and find a place." Tamuki spoke up suddenly. She turned into the trees and they followed. Tamuki leapt up to a branch, flew past several more trees and then dropped down into a small grass clearing. "Here is fine. We'll set up camp here."

Her three students jumped through the forest after her and landed, taking off their backpacks. It looked like they still had an hour or two before sunset. Tamuki pulled out a tarp from her bag and hooked kunai to the corners, throwing them so they embedded into trunks and the material spread out. Manzu rolled out her sleeping bag, which looked quite thin. Kawari found a rock to sit on and was already eating his pork bun. Tamuki sprung into one of the tall trees and started walking up to the top, she disappeared through the foliage but Tojike could see the top branch bending under her weight. Their sensei seemed to be surveying the area.

Tojike drank from his water canister as he approached Manzu. The red-haired girl was flattening out her sleeping bag.

"Guess we're going to find out what the training is."

"Guess so."

"I don't feel sleepy, but there's not much we'll be able to do after dark unless we make a fire."

"Maybe we can tell scary stories."

Tamuki landed in a crouch in the middle of the clearing. She stretched out of it slowly, turning her neck so it clicked.

"Alright, gather round!" She called. Manzu and Tojike stopped what they were doing and stepped over, Kawari quickly hid his food back inside his bag. He lined up beside them, unable to hide the fact his mouth was full. Tamuki eyed the three of them. "Before bed we are going to practice taijutsu. Hand-to-hand combat without the use of chakra. We'll be fighting one-on-one. This is practice, no one is to take it too seriously or try too hard to win. Understand? We don't want any muscle sprains or injuries that will affect our abilities once we get to Anbuku."

"Sensei, what do you mean fighting one-on-one?" Manzu asked.

"I'm going to assess and advise Manzu on her taijutsu today. Since Kawari is the best at taijutsu he will spar with Tojike, who admitted he was the worst at it."

"I have to fight Kawari?" Tojike felt a bout of fear. Kawari swallowed his mouthful loudly.

"Because you all seem to get along I'm going to trust you now. This will help you improve, Tojike. As for you Kawari, I know this won't help you much but as it stands Tojike has a good chance at beating you in a proper fight because of his genjutsu. I can't significantly improve your genjutsu skill before we get to Anbuku so the survival of your team-mates is important for your survival as well."

Kawari's expression changed from curiosity to seriousness.

Tamuki stared at him "But I mean no injuries, got it?"

"Yes, sensei."

"Manzu and I will train over there. We'll keep at it until dark." And with that Tamuki turned away and paced to the other edge of the grassy clearing. Manzu hesitated and looked between the two boys.

"Good luck. At least you guys don't have to fight our sensei on your own." She watched her team-mates stay silent before hurrying after Tamuki to start her training.

Tojike would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't afraid. Going up against a Senju without using his genjutsu would be disastrous. Kawari was going to wipe the floor with him. Surely that was obvious. Instead of pitying Kawari looked serious and thoughtful, when his brown eyes flickered to Tojike they were stern. The two turned and faced each other. Tojike's brow twitched, he didn't want to do this. Even if he didn't get injured this was going to hurt.

Abruptly Kawari cracked a smile, stood with his legs apart and got his arms ready.

"Okay Tojike, I'm ready when you are."

"What are you, a sadist?" Tojike backed away.

"No, I just want to see what you're made of." He smirked. "Don't worry, to start with I'll just use defence."

"We already know what I'm made of!" Tojike felt himself getting angry. "None of this competition shit! You were able to fight toe-to-toe with Tamuki-sensei!"

"Tojike." Kawari's smile was gone. "We have to. Move."

Tojike grimaced and looked at the other two who were already exchanging blows. He sighed, the only way to overcome the fear of pain was to accept it and push forward anyway. Tojike readied himself, got his arms out. He dashed forward and saw the other boy readying himself. His feet skidded as Tojike threw a punch, Kawari weaved and Tojike felt a whack to his chest, knocking him down on his ass and forcing the breath out of him.

Tojike gripped his chest and winced. Kawari had one foot forward and his palm extended.

"Shit…" Tojike moved his hands together and pushed his lower body up, lashing a kick that Kawari blocked with his elbow. Tojike bent his other leg and aimed another kick that Kawari caught, throwing Tojike's legs back then stomping down, Tojike rolled away and got back on his feet.

True to his word Kawari stood waiting with one arm out, the other behind his back. Waiting for Tojike to make the first move. I can't hesitate. Tojike ran for his opponent and leapt into a kick. Kawari stepped aside, Tojike pushed back with a strike that Kawari leaned away from. Tojike swung his arm wide and Kawari blocked, snagging Tojike's wrist and spinning, throwing Tojike around him so the victim stumbled but didn't fall. Tojike got his bearings and launched back, Kawari stepped forward and brushed away another fist, knocking the other arm away with his elbow and then palming Tojike in the sternum. Tojike flew onto his back with a grunt.

Kawari watched him expressionlessly. Tojike gripped his sternum while panting. Kawari has a lot of strength, those muscles aren't just for show. Tojike flipped up and punched. Kawari blocked with his palm. Tojike froze, grimacing, his eyes widening. Kawari has the advantage of strength and speed… he's not taking this seriously at all. Tojike's eyes narrowed and he jumped back, dashed to the side, launched forward and got tripped, skidding painfully and getting a mouthful of grass. He got up on all fours, spitting and gagging. He wiped his face before rolling forward, turning in his crouch to see the other boy waiting. I'm getting completely dominated by him.

Tojike shot forward to his opponent. If I can just catch him off guard. Once close he purposely took a misstep and changed position. Maybe if I start with a feint. Tojike punched at Kawari's side and the other boy blocked him at his elbow, stopping it short. If instead of overpowering him, I target his balance. Tojike shifted his stance and barged his other side. Kawari crouched lower, fell back on one hand and kicked out Tojike's leg. Another fall, another kick blocked. Tojike twisted, launched up and kicked in mid-air, Kawari blocked again with just his palm. Tojike elbowed out as he came down. Kawari stepped aside and did something that made Tojike fall hard. He stomped again but this time Tojike didn't roll and the air left him in a wheezy gasp.

Tojike curled painfully and rolled over while Kawari stepped back.

"There's no power to your kicks or punches." Kawari stated while watching.

"Maybe not for someone like you…" Tojike choked out bitterly. His face was against the grass as he tried to pull himself together.

"…I'm not used to having to pull my punches. I haven't fought like this before."

"No kidding…" Tojike sat up, facing away. "We've only been at it for five minutes and you've taken me down a few times already…" He tried to recover but he was still aching. Kawari was silent for a moment.

"Tojike…"

"What?" He snapped, looking over his shoulder.

"Tamuki-sensei is probably right about what she said. Even with the skill and chakra of a Senju… out of everyone in our year at the academy, you'd probably be able to beat me. Easily."

"…Kawari?" Tojike's eyes widened in surprise. The other boy's serious eyes were cast downwards.

"Because of genjutsu. One of the three basic skills." He met Tojike's eyes. "So I'll help you with taijutsu. I'm not good at holding back, but I can give you tips. And in exchange you'll teach me genjutsu. Since you have a natural talent for it. Deal?"

Tojike blushed, a warm feeling spreading through his insides. Fighting against Kawari had made him feel absolutely useless, like he was a joke of a ninja. For all his bragging Kawari didn't enjoy embarrassing other people. In fact… Kawari had acknowledged Tojike. He was being completely serious about it, he wasn't trying to make Tojike feel better. The shame disappeared and for that Tojike felt thankful, even admiring. He stood back up on his feet.

"Deal." He smirked and the other boy returned it. They got back into their fighting stances.

As the evening wore on the boys continued training. Tojike was taken down plenty more times and even his few successful hits seemed to have no effect on Kawari. For each ineffective strike Tojike landed he received a hundred punishing blows. Their sweat was cool from the late breeze, Tojike could feel it slick on Kawari's tan arms when he was thrown down for the umpteenth time, the stronger boy's breath playing on Tojike's face after he'd been flipped over the other guy's shoulder. They were now facing each other, the exhaustion settling in. Kawari was resting an arm on his knee, leaning over Tojike after having him flipped. There was tightening pleasure down south, blood pumping a certain somewhere and Tojike sat up, blushing in embarrassment again. He wished Kawari wasn't so close at that moment, he could still feel the other boy's breath on his neck.

"This is tiring…" Kawari was staring out at Manzu and Tamuki as they jumped and flipped around. His untidy hair even messier from their rough-housing.

"I'm probably going to run out of energy before you." Tojike answered. Taking the brunt of their battle was wearing him down. Once the blood stopped pumping to his nether region Tojike's fear dissipated. He got back up on his feet. "I got an idea. Why don't I practice evasion instead?"

"Evasion?" Kawari was still on one knee, breathing out of his mouth.

"If I'm not naturally strong I should at least practice speed. And mostly, I should be able to dodge and avoid other taijutsu. Hopefully in that situation I'd be able to get away, hide, lure the enemy out again and trap them with my genjutsu."

Kawari looked down and thought. Then he stood up straight "Fine."

He performed the ram seal and Tojike copied it. He combined his stamina with his focus to generate more chakra, using his intention to spread it round his body to increase energy. Kawari flew at Tojike quickly, the latter stepping back in shock, getting elbowed in the middle. Tojike ducked under another open palm and jumped back, clutching his body. The strength of just his palm matches my punches, what would his fists do to me?

"If you want advice, Tojike, focus on your standing. A good stance increases power and blocking, but it also gives you a boost to escape. Taijutsu masters can tell what you're thinking by the position of your feet. They predict where you're gonna escape by your body language. If you want to evade keep your stance prepared but neutral, so you can dodge in any direction."

"Right."

Kawari flew at him again, in mid-air, flexing a kick that Tojike ducked under, darting backwards. Pushing away from another punch and side-stepping a flying knee. Tojike kept his gaze on his opponent while zig-zagging backwards, Kawari pressed on and it was all Tojike could do to keep his eyes on him. He jumped back from Kawari's hard pounce and ended up slamming painfully into the trunk of a tree. Tojike stiffened before crumpling down to his knees.

"Guess you gotta remember to pay attention to your surroundings as well." Kawari laughed and Tojike massaged the bruise on the back of his head with a groan.

When the orange sunset flared over the treetops they were achy and exhausted. Their movements had slowed down a lot. Tamuki walked over to finally let them off the hook. Manzu was on the other side of the field hunched over on her knees, battling her own tiredness. Tamuki was sweaty and flushed but otherwise fine, standing with her hands on her hips as she assessed them.

"You two did good." She observed while the boys struggled to their feet. They walked past Tamuki toward their bags under the tarp. "That's some bruise though… Kawari! What did I say about injuries?"

"Hey, it's not my fault! Tojike backed into a tree cause he wasn't paying attention!"

In the last of the light the three sat together, eating and taking big drinks from their precious supply of water. Tojike felt so tired he could barely lift his canister to his mouth, he chewed his food slowly. The other two teens were weary, blinking tiredly into the forest. Tamuki was up one of the tall trees, sitting against the trunk with her legs down a branch. Eating and staring off sideways into the sunset, it bathed her entire body in orange. Tojike and Kawari unrolled their sleeping bags around Manzu's. Stars were appearing in the night sky, more and more brightening into view. Tamuki had not come down from her tree and Tojike wasn't sure if their sensei was going to join them at all.

Tojike lay back in his bag and stared up at the litany of stars that were appearing overhead. It didn't look like it was going to rain, so he chose to sleep out from under the tarp, feeling more open to nature. His hands knitted together on his stomach as he gazed upward, blinking eyelids that grew heavier. The treetops billowing in the gentle wind. Tojike had never slept outside before.

"Goodnight guys…" Kawari yawned tiredly.

"Goodnight Kawari." Manzu replied. "Goodnight Tojike."

"Goodnight guys." Tojike whispered back.

He felt so comfortable then. His stomach was full and his sore body was warm in his sleeping bag atop the soft grass. He felt sensual, aroused even. Thinking of the beautiful boy whose body had been pressing and moving against his own for the last hour or so. The beautiful boy sleeping not far from him under the starlight. Guilty pleasures. In no time Tojike drifted off to sleep.

AN: I'm thankful again to Stryker23 for being the only one who reviews my chapters. It'd be really cool if some of the other readers left feedback. It really helps my writing to know what people think of the characters and story. Anywho, I've just been rereading the Naruto manga so it's got me all interested in writing this!

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