So, it's been a long time guys! I know you're all pretty upset with me, But I'm back now! and hopefully to a regular schedule. Here's the first part of the final selection, hope you enjoy the read!
The time had finally come. Just over four months from the initial beginning of his Training and already, the time-lost Youth had mastered the basics of Sendo, and in that regard? Hamon. It was time for him to leave out on his journey- yet before he left, there was just one final challenge for him to surpass: He had to defeat his teacher. Currently, both Josuke and Hendricks stood amongst the main dojo that sat parallel to the main house of this fine estate. The floorboards were lined with a gentle tatami flooring to lessen any vital damage during a combat spar, whilst a small area just by the left remained for anybody to sit and watch. Currently, the only person who could really observe was the young girl that lived with the blind master, but the point of his challenge wasn't to focus on performance- it was to test Josuke's ability to overcome a true combatant.
"The Demons of the night will never go easy on you, Higashikata. They hunger for your blood, and they will do everything they can to get it, no matter how dirty the trick. You have to be prepared to face unimaginable odds and rely on your abilities alone." Spoke Hendric, pacing about in a circle; one which Josuke followed in a similar mirroring manner. These months had been long and certainly difficult. But the length of them only went to show how far he had come. The teen's muscle had increased significantly beneath the fabric of his robe, and the stretch of his hair had nestled out from its original shape. From what he had managed, his hair still retained that Pompadour look, but around the back area? a small tied ponytail had appeared. For this session, he was wearing a simple black hamaka with a gentle yellow kimono top- not too different from the colour scheme of his school uniform.
It was easy to move about it and gave him full control of his body without restraining stretches that would usually hinder him. With this? he was free to flow in combat with his Master, and it showed from the determination in his eyes. Once scared of the predicament he was in, Jojo stood firm, prepared for anything in his quest to one day? return home. For now, he merely had to roll with the punches. The only manner to survive this nightmare was to fight as his ancestors did, it was the Joestar way.
"Very well... Begin!" Hendrick's voice was loud and bellowing, perking the attention of Su. Although she never showed any interest in fighting, she found it fun to watch the way Hendricks moved when practicing by himself. There was a certain flair to the way he conducted himself.. it was oddly beautiful. Josuke on the otherhand was in peak focus, he softly slipped his legs apart and, with the swing of his arms, he pressed himself in to a ready stance- palms flat out as he had been taught.
There's no hesitation from him, the teen broke off in a sprint towards his master in a blast of speed. His body rotates with the firm swing of wind following in suite, a side palm attack that bellows down with an all powerful force of his own strength and precision. The blind Hamon master was unphased by the attack, he swerved his movement to the side with nothing but a simple step to the side; the power behind Jojo's swing fluttering his hair about. But it was a feint! the swing stopped mid arc and, with the turn of their wrist; the palm became a fist, swishing across to hit Hendricks with a cheek blow.
It's unfortunately not enough, such a trick would not work on the old wise man, stringing his fingers up to clash with the bare knuckles of the teen, the mere strength of his fingers being enough to parry and even swerve the hit in another direction. It's all in the footwork really, using one's own strength against them was a powerful way to combat a larger and more brutal opponent; something Josuke had been so accustomed to when it came to his days of fighting Stand users. Yet this did not deter him from the swing of his motion, his body spun with the full momentum of his first attack, coming in with a following spin chop at Hendric's neck.
Again, this proved to be fruitless, the attack in itself wasn't terrible or poorly executed, it was more to the fact that his master was not allowing him to take an easy win. Of course the entire idea of fighting a Demon was to 'go for the neck'. But if you really wished to win a battle like this, you had to show that you could be deceptive and strike at the proper and opportune moment. Even with the flurry of blows that followed these first two attacks, it was hardly a sweat for the bountiful master, swinging to the side and even parrying a couple of those attacks with little effort.
"Is this all you've got, boy? Surely these last four months have taught you to be better prepared when combatting an overwhelming foe. If you're going to do nothing but attack me with relentless blows, then I shall return the favor." The voice that had been so calm before, switched to that of a firm and unhesitating focus. A display of prowess followed when one of Josuke's attacks slipped through the swing of Hendrick's area- and yet instead of merely dodging it, the elder man wrapped his arm about Jojo's forearm, turned on his heel, and threw the young man right over his shoulder- a proper Judo flip. It's at that moment, that Josuke flew into action, these months of moving his body, learning to properly enhance his dexterity. it flew into motion like sheer muscle memory. When Hendricks had grasped him, his teenage apprentice once more spun in a full one-eighty motion and hit his Master in the jaw, breaking the hold he had on his arm and freeing the once-held student.
By opening himself to attack, Josuke had managed to land his own, a certainly risky move- but one that was not to be taken lightly. With just the brief moment Hendricks was stunned, Josuke took a deep inhale, activating the cells of his body and charging them with the power of the sun; Hamon. As this took place, the power that slumbered within him sprouted out from his body like a curtain, his Stand still as powerful as ever, yet not being used as a mere form of attack. It brought its two hands out in the form of flat palms, closing out with incredible speed to clap Hendric's ears and, effectively discombobulate him.
"I'm not going to let you get a drop on me anymore, old man! This is my Hamon/Stand Fusion attack! PINPOINT OVERDRIVE!"
From all over his body, the spark of Hamon Energy rippled and flowed across in several long arcing blasts, akin to lightning but a lot less volatile. He spun with the grace of a ballerina and forced the point of his flattened palms out at Hendric's chest, having taken this move from the Master himself, he send a powerful wave of energy in such a blasting motion that it blew the man himself back several feet; a high similarity to the attack the blind Hamon user used to finish off the Temari Demon all those months ago.
'Such power... It's overflowing.. I've never felt so much energy pass through somebody before...' It's all Hendric could think, the veins and blood of his body feeling like a bundle of needles, piercing every area with an unrelenting effect of static energy zapping him as he flew across the room. It didn't stop there, with just a few meters away from his range, Crazy Diamond grappled it's powerful fist around the ankle of his Master, and with a show of utter strength, they pulled him back into a barrelling range of attack for Josuke. He hadn't expected such a display of prowess. Jojo had gone directly for his weakness- his ears. Without them? he could not feel the vibrations of Hamon energy through all things.
"SPPPPIIIIIN!" Josuke twirls on the spot, his right fist igniting into a blasting flame that burned from his boiling blood, a powerful crack to the chin that refused to hesitate in reluctance, knocking this Hamon master with such power- you'd have sworn he lost consciousness from just that hit alone. Once more, Hendricks flew across the room, landing in a tumbled roll, but recovering without too much injury... well, aside from the heavy mark on his chin. The teen didn't seem all that finished- even with a powerful hit landed, he rushed to throw everything at his Master, but was stopped by the show of Hendric's hand.
"Enough. Enough... With this much power, you should find no trouble completing the Final Selection. It's not enough for you to rise through the ranks of the Slayers with just this ability alone, but you're at a sufficient stage where you can further reach your goal. For now."
Josuke slid to a stop, the pastel color of his Diamond fading within his soul, as did the energy of his Hamon, fizzling out like a broken light-bulb. "..There's still so much I feel like I can learn though." He brought his hand up, gazing at what was used to crash the battle in his favor. However, the return of Hendric to the center of the room showed a flair of support from his Sensei.
"It can take somebody their entire life to master the art of both Hamon and Sendo. Yet you've managed to accomplish in four months, what would take an ordinary man ten years. You should be happy with the results. As long you remember that your strength is limited only by the extent of your imagination, then I'm sure you will be fine." a hand rested on his shoulder, a sign of respect and friendship. Josuke was as ready as he would ever be.
"Soon, you will set out for the Mountain- but before that, there are a few things I'd like to give you before you leave... Su!" He turns his head, calling out to the young girl who, without even missing a beat, she took off to retrieve the items, returning with two specific gifts Hendric wished to bestow.
One was a small package, floppy and wrapped in brown paper. It was some form of clothing, but Josuke knew not what. "Since you'll be applying for the rank of Mizunoto, It's appropriate that you wear what defines you on your person. Not only will it show where you've trained, but it will also allow other Slayers to identify you in the field. Some choose not to wear such clothing, but I feel as if you would find it quite fitting to your style."
Upon tearing open the wrapping, Josuke was presented with a long flowing Haori, it's color that of a dark black that fluctuated amongst the various rounded lines of the pattern. The shape around the color was that of a water 'Ripple'. Long circles overlapped one another until they reached the middle where the symbol of a bright yellow five-point star sat in the very middle to match the same color of the Rippling Circles.
"It was made with a special type of material that will allow you to channel your Hamon through it. Take care of it, as it was not easy to craft." Jojo didn't hesitate to try it on- it was a perfect loose fit, something that he'd certainly be able to utilize when it came down to it.
"As for the second gift... It is something rather more sentimental than useful- at least, for now." From the young hands of Su, Hendricks took a long wooden box from their grasp, tugging off the well-fitted lid to reveal the remains of.. a sword. It's not just any sword though, the make was not that of a Japanese Katana. This was a blade that had been forged in a far distant land, as shown by the handle and pommel guard.
"I was told by Kagaya-san that your bloodline belongs to that of the Joestars. They were practitioners of the Hamon art and did their best to defend the European Nation against any form of Demon Incursion. This sword, is practically a family heirloom, as it was gifted to your relative Jonathan Joestar by a man who truly understood the undoubtedly will of your family." Gently, the blind Hamon master lifted the golden handle with care, exposing the inscription on the side.
"Originally, it was named the Luck Sword- but it was given a new name when handed to Jonathan-san. The 'Luck-Pluck' Sword. When you complete your test on the mountain, you will be given the Nichirin Ore in order to forge your weapon. Only with that, can you repair the damage that was done to this blade, and wield it to it's full potential. It's the only type of metal that can channel the power of your Hamon- so I trust you will know what to do with it."
With the return of the hilt to it's slumber, the box was therefore closed, offered to Josuke who took it with every manner of grace he could muster. "..Thank you, Sensei! I.. I really appreciate all of your help. The first few days when I came here, I felt so lost- but now.. I feel as if I truly have a chance of getting back home."
"Come. Tomorrow, you'll need to be up early- Tonight you can eat all you like to get your strength up." Hendrick showed a look of pride in his expression. Finally, he had a Student he could put his hopes and dreams within, Perhaps with this power, they could finally rid themselves of the Demon Plague.
The following day, after a lengthy cart ride, Josuke made the trek to the mountain, along with many other students of various breathing styles. Around them all were long bending branches of beautiful purple flowers that glowed in the shine of the moonlight creating an unnatural light about every one of the young initiates that surrounded the small outcrop in the center. Tall red pillars rooted forth from the ground draped in a multitude of flags with the same symbol embedded upon them.
As Josuke finally reached the top step of this mountain path, he realized that there was a real abundance of people here, a lot more than the teen had initially expected. Because of that factor- he stuck out like a sore thumb due to his inherent size, something he inherited from his father's side. He had done his best to 'fit in' with the times, a long black kimono wrapped his form with a yellow underlying robe beneath, close to the colors he wore when he arrived in his school uniform but changed for a more Taisho feel. And the hair - that favorable Pompadour had finally made a return, albeit it with a few alterations. It was folded over itself in the format of the greaser style, but the back was tied tight into a ponytail, creating the crazy combination that was a 'Pompatail.'
So many of the people here couldn't help but stare at him, a few swapping words and whispers between each other, commenting on the unusual appearance. It wasn't all bad though, his perked manner managed to capture the attention of somebody who was quite happy to see him.
"Higashikata-san!" It was Senjuro, the young boy from the Butterfly Estate. Their first meeting didn't entirely go over so well, but it was just a gratifying relief that the young Rengoku could meet with somebody familar. Senjuro quickly jogged over, it was almost like he was waiting for him to show up, what with all the questions he had for the towering teen.
What caught Josuke's attention was the fiery hair, it wasn't too hard to miss. A mashup of bright colors that fanned from the young boys head had to be one of the most defining features of their stature. Currently, Senjuro had his bright locks tied back behind his head akin to Jojo, a show to how long he had gone without proper hair matainance, in all fairness it was the same with Jojo; for the longest of times he had gone without any sort of product in his hair, not that he hadn't experimented with a variety of different items - it's just that; the things he required? Didn't necessarily exist... yet, so he'd made do with what things he could find during his time with Henric
"Eh?.. Aren't you.." He knew the face but not the name. Well, that's not exactly true. He knew part of it. Shinobu was kind enough to introduce herself upon their first meeting, and the elder brother of this one just so happened to be along for the ride.
"O-Oh! Ahaha.. I guess I never really introduced myself to you last time." the young boy stood back, holding his hands down by his sides before bowing, always happy to show a kind form of respect to his peers.
"Rengoku Senjuro-des! I hope we can get along!" There was an unease that set about around them, whether it was Josuke's appearance or Senjuro's formality; they all garnered the eye of everyone. Thank the heavens Josuke couldn't hear them. He propped a hand to the back of his neck with a small smirk, the sensation of awkwardness was prevalent, but he understood that the guy was trying his best to show that he meant well.
"Hajimemashite! But uh... You can drop the formality, Senjuro-kun. Just call me Josuke, yeah?" Jojo always had a way with words, rather charismatic of him to show ease for the young Senjuro, which worked wonders!. Senjuro wasn't sure what kind of person Josuke truly was; he had only interacted with him once before, and even then- it wasn't the most glamorous of moments. He wanted to start fresh, and perhaps create a healthy friendship with the towering student.
Senjuro beamed a soft smile, rising from his bow with a much more relaxed expression on his face. Now that their introduction had gone off swimmingly, there was still something he wanted to discuss with his new ally, reaching within his robe in search for-
"Dearest Participants" a duet of voices from the entrance of the mountain, the sight of two girls, younger than anyone else here, spoke with an ambience of zero emotion, merely here to instruct those to arrived to the mountain. One had hair as white as the moon, the other as dark as a starless sky, draped in a pair of matching Kimono.
"Thank you for gathering here to join the Demon Slayer Corps's Final Selection" Again, they speak in sync with one another. All Josuke could think of was how the myth of twins having super secret mind powers may not have been too far off with the mood the two girls had set.
"Here, on Fujikasane Mountain, are a number of Demons that have been imprisioned by members of the Demon Slayer Corps, all in the act of testing your abilities." Their tones seperated, first spoke the white haired one, followed by the dark haired girl; the two of them passing each sentence back and forth between each other.
"As you can see, the trees that bloom from the bottom to half way up the mountain; The Wistera, are poisonous to their kind."
"However. After this point, there are no Wisteria, only those trapped to the mountain itself, Demons."
"For the next seven days, you will be required to survive by yourselves in order to pass the Final Selection Process.
"Thus, we wish you all the best." And so ended their small but imperitive speech, many taking it as the go ahead to make their way past the pair and deep into the mountain. Josuke wasn't one to rush, he had spent the majority of the speech linking pieces of his arrival here into place - truly realizing just how lucky he was to have survived. His Stand alone was powerful, but to defeat a Demon, he learned that there were other requirements, a power he knew all too well after the months of grueling training he pushed through.
Everybody around the two boys started to pace themselves through the entrance, some as groups; others in single file- it wasn't entirely unheard of for people to work together, there wasn't a rule against it either. But this wasn't some sort of retreat nor a school excersion. This was a true life or death test that could leave people broken and their relationships in tatters.
"Oh, Josuke-kun! Ah.. here, this is yours." in his palm sat the golden arrowhead, it's shine reflected from the moon, still barely a knick or dent on it- Senjuro must have taken good care of it.
Josuke though, he was taken aback by the sight of something so familiar; a Stand Arrow- here? It couldn't have been his... could it? He barely remembered how he got here all those months ago, but slowly the pieces were coming together. If an Arrow had something to do with it, then the result was surely bizarre to be certain.
"A Stand Arrowhead?!.. Where'd you get this."
"E-Eh..? My Brother said that it was yours-"
"Mine? But I don't.." he seemed confused, he never actually held a Stand Arrow, and the whole deal with them ended just a few months ago; at least from his perspective.
"..It's not yours?" Senjuro asked, tilting his head in an even more questioning manner than Josuke
Quickly, he took the young boy aside with an arm over his shoulder, trying to hunch over and obscure what they had in their possession. It was hard to explain something that he didn't understand himself. The Arrows had a tendency of causing trouble wherever they went, the ability to grant anybody the deemed worthy, a Stand? meant that they didn't discriminate on who they chose.
"Chottomatte... It didn't cut you, did it?"
The only real way to check was to summon his Stand, not entirely too hard for him to do, but truly surprising to Senjuro. The tall titan of pink and blue appeared at Josuke's side, unlike anything he had seen before, and his reaction made his friend all the more understanding of what may have occurred.
"Josuke-kun! B-Beside you!"
"You can see it, can't you? my Stand, Crazy Diamond."
"W-Wait.. Please.. I don't understand."
"... Only Stand Users can see other Stands." Josuke paused to sigh, releasing Senjuro from his grip to step back. "I guess you're like me now."
"Like you? I'm a 'Stand User? W-Wait, what's a stand? A-And how come-"
"Well, that's the only explanation. A Stand Arrow basically gives somebody the power of a Stand. I mean, it's really a fifty/fifty chance, but if you're still here then... yeah. You're a Stand User."
"Fifty/Fifty chance? Wait... so what would have happened if I didn't get a 'Stand'"
"You'd be dead." Josuke muttered nonchalantly, peering over his shoulder to watch the last initiate vanish through the Wisteria border.
"E-Eeeeeeeh?!" Poor kid's eyes were all spiraled! This entire time, he'd thought that the power he had been granted was something akin to a Godly gift, guiding his hand and keeping him safe; only now was he discovered that everything that had happened was all his part of his subconscious use of his Stand.
They two no longer had the leisure time to stand around and chat, the Final Selection had already begun and if they wanted to actually pass the test, they'd have to enter the mountain pass. For the time being, it appeared that the two would have to stick together. Josuke was keen enough to wrap the Arrowhead up in some spare cloth before stuffing it into his robe, not too happy on the idea of one of those... creatures, getting their hands on it.
They were quick to make their own pace, tracing their steps on the dark earthy trail where every press forwards showed the dwindling number of Wistera. Before either Josuke or Senjuro knew it, they were in the middle of a bare field of grass, not a purple bloom in sight. Even the night itself had taken them to a point where, not even the young Rengoku knew where they were, despite having completed the test once before.
"Senjuro-kun. Stop." Josuke held his hand out behind him, his tone hushed but firm and the look of his stature had switched, the mood was now a lot more serious, prompting even the young Rengoku to reach down and unsheath his borrowed blade. Every one participating got their own Nichirin, though it was merely on loan, unable to properly change color due to its lesser quality.
"Demons?" Senjuro shuffled his back towards Josuke, covering their flank while Jojo scanned the treeline for any sort of movement. He could have sworn he heard something... the rustling of leaves? No.. it was more earthly than that, more closer to the sound of rocks behind tumbled and forced out of the way.
"Alright, we won't have much time here, so I'll give you a brief one-oh-one on the golden rule of having a Stand." there's a blade Josuke's hip too, only now did he decide to draw it, holding it firm in front of him while staring at the swishing brush of forest about them. The wind was absent but there still appeared to be a breeze; truly peculiar.
"Whatever happens to your Stand will happen to you- so don't go thinking you can recklessly just because you've got it now. You've gotta be just as careful as you've always been." As he spoke, the form of Crazy Diamond apparated from Josuke's form, hovering aside them with its fists up and ready to combat what the Hamon Student had concluded as a few demons, circling from the shadows of the shrubbery. Senjuro nods, tightening hands on the wooden hilt within his digits. Is he nervous? Of course he his- this was the only other time he's gone up against a Demon for nearly two years now.
"Here they come! Senjuro-kun!" Exclaimed Josuke, pulling the hilt up beside his cheek. The Flame Tempura was ready, affirming his resolve with a nod, then taking off towards the movement on his side.