[center][b]Training Time!
A gruel test.[/b]

A collab between Red Fox and Purple Gero!

Summary : 
Hiron and Masami train a bit - Masami learns an important lesson about her Dojutsu, that changes her view on the world.[/center]

[hider=Gruel test!]

Hiron sat on the big rock. Today nobody was other than him was at the trainingfield number 9. The same number as his team and for that reason Hiron liked the place to train his students. In the past he had done that differently, but recently had he thought of some changes. And some worked out better than expected. The big rock on the hilltop of the field gave him a good vantage point over the field. Anybody that tried to approach the rock would first have to climb the hill in order to reach him. The strategist in Hiron found that comforting. 

Masami was looking around the entire village to find Hiron-Sensei. After the blunder she pulled on their last mission, she wanted to apologize. That, and also for a chance to train with Hiron. She was a bit afraid of him, but she knew that everything he did was for the good of the team. So when she learned where he was at the Hon Compound, she wated no time to move there. Looking at the hill she stood under, she realized she had to climb in order to get to the top. Taking a deep breath, she started to run towards the hill, and using her chakra control, she released a steady stream of chakra from her legs. That worked, untill the point that the ground became too soft and crumbled, no matter how she adjusted the amount of chakra released. So using her last solid step, she leaped and grabbed a protrusion from the wall. When she was sure her grip was solid, she stabilized her legs as well and started the climb. She slipped a few times, but a few minutes later, she was on top of the hill, seeing Hiron-Sensei to be sitting there. Dusting herself off. She took another deep breath and walked towards the rock.[b]" Hiron-Sensei ... I ... I wanted to talk with you, and I was told that you are here. First of all ... let me apologize for the blunder I pulled off on my last mission. It was irresponsible from me and ... I learned the lesson. And ... if you could ... could help me with my training for the exams, please?"[/b]

There she was. Hiron calmly waited till Masami had entered the field and then waited till she was done with her question. His face revealed none emotion or thought. Looking back in the direction of the village, Hiron answered her question. [b]''Apologizing to me would be wrong. I wasn't in any danger after all. Your team members were.''[/b] Hiron stated with a calm voice. [b]''And it is my duty to help you. So yes, I will train you. Come.''[/b] He still sat the big rock and there was enough space for more people to sit on it. [b]''How good can you use those eyes of yours?''[/b] Hiron simply asked after several moments.

Masami dared to jump on a bit and knelt down next to Hiron-Sensei.[b]" Well ... I trained them with Kiyomi during the siege of the Hon Estate, and I spotted targets some dozen meters in a distance. Thought it exhausted me a great deal, and was unable to do anything other than that, I spotted the enemy ranks precisely. Other than that, I train them a bit every day, together with some Gentle Fist practice. My clan members help me a lot - they erect barriers and use various means that obstruct a regular eye´s vision, but so far, I managed to see through most of them."[/b]

He stayed silent after her answer. Two minutes passed before Hiron spoke back. [b]''That isn't what I meant. What I asked for is how good you can use those eyes of yours. The question isn't about how great your skill is with the dojutsu, but how well you are informed about them. How well you are aware what the limits are and such.''[/b] Hiron looked sideways at his student. He seemed still calm instead of stern or harsh. [b]''It is knowing the limits of what you can do. Because if you know what your limits are... you can work to expand them.''[/b]

Masami took a deep breath and collected her knowledge on her own eyes.[b]" I know that I have full vision in the close vicinity of myself in a full circle - currently,I can see everything in a ten meter radius. I am aware of the weakness above my first vertebrae - I developed a technique to help me guard this area."[/b] Thinking some more, Masami continued.[b]" When I first met Zakito-Sensei, I was able to see through his earthen wall with ease - the same goes for most barriers or vision obstructions.Also, I can see when a Genjutsu is cast over me - I just see through it. However, I am unable to distinguish a real person from a Shadow Clone - the chakra circulatory system is the exact same in both of them. And I have a time limit on how long I can keep my Byakugan activated, and it is currently around eight hours. Then, I feel the need to rest my eyes a bit."[/b] Scratching her head and thinking, she looked at Hiron-Sensei. Was this the answer he looked for?

Sighing, Hiron lowered his head as he shook it. [b]''That wasn't really the answer I wanted to hear or know about. I am very well aware of what the eyes of your clan can do and see.''[/b] Pondering on how he could be more clear and yet make her think about it, Hiron decided to point at the village. [b]''Your vision is much better than mine if we would compare it by looking at the field. But can you see the village with your eyes, with those abilities? Do they stretch that far?''[/b] Hiron asked, hoping it would give a clear signal what he was talking about. Not the village, but the distance was important now.

Forming the Ram Seal, she immediately activated her dojutsu and looked at the vllage. She could pick up the individual buildings, even the smaller ones. She could even see the basic lines of the Hokage Monument, but the faces were blurred.[b]" No, no they don´t, Sensei. I can see the village as I would see it without my Byakugan. I can pick up slightly more details of how the village is - the added constructions and resting places on rooftops, some people being there, but not their circulatory system. If I focus more, I can see more, but I am not able to defend myself ... so I always thought that what is important is happening close to me. I mean ... just like when we had the mission against that turtle. I only focused at the turtle, even though seeing everything in the close vicinity."[/b] She felt puzzled and a bit dumb by her unability to answer questions, she even blushed a bit. But she was determined to figure out the answer, sooner or later.

[b]''Now you said something.''[/b] The lips of the jounin seemed to curl up a little bit. [b]''You said that you focused only on the turtle, what made you become reckless and not looking at what was around you. I am not talking about potential traps or ambushes, but your allies. Even with your vision, I noticed many that wield such eyes still are less capable of seeing the reality. That is why I asked the question.''[/b] Hiron explained to Masami. He somewhere doubted if she understood it, but he wasn't sure how else he could explain it. [b]''You may see all, but if you don't make use of all, you will gain nothing. In terms with your eyes, you will not have all-seeing ones. But those who will keep you blinded.''[/b]

Masami stood there motionless, hit by the realization of what her teacher meant. The way she was now, much of her Byakugan´s potential was wasted.[b]" You mean, the more I see, the more information can I gather ... and the more information I can gather, the more I can work with ... to protect my allies and attack my enemies."[/b] She started to realize that beeing a Hyuuga was not only about having the Byakugan - it was about learning to use it with its strengths and weaknesses. And she was not doing a great job so far.[b]" By having more information, I can better exploit ... for example, my surroundings. Or the seconds before my opponent launches a technique at my allies. And those secodns ... can make a difference. Is - is this correct, Sensei?"[/b]

Hiron slowly raised himself up. He stretched his right arm as he let out another sigh. [b]''Yep.''[/b] Was his short and first reply. [b]''That is pretty much it. If you would use the information to not focus on the enemy, but try to pay attention to what is also important, you see more. Though it isn't that strange or your fault.''[/b] Hiron told her. He patted her head as he looked back at the village. [b]''I noticed that many a Hyuuga deem their eyes superior and then often are bested by those who have regular eyes. That is what I am going to teach you now. At least, what I have been trying to do just now.''[/b] Removing his hand from her head, he crossed his arms. For a moment he stayed silent. Standing on the rock, gazing towards Konohagakure while there was a soft breeze. [b]''I suppose that you now can 'see' it?''[/b] He asked, placing emphasis on one word to try to make a lighthearted joke about it.

Closing her eyes for a bit, she thought hard about what was being said. She never really tried it, but when she opened them again, she saw [i]everything[/i] in ways she never did before. The village was not a dull place from top but one living a busy life. She then looked around her. She took in her surroundings better than anytime before. She could see the cracks on the rock they were standing upon, the rustling of the leaves on the trees around them, the wildlife moving and observing them. Everything was clear. She took in several times more details than before, and all it took was to change her viewpoint on the world.[b]" You ... you were absolutely right, Sensei. It is like ... my All Seeing Eye was blind untill now. I never knew that my way of thinking influences my sight that much ... but it is only logical. I ... I guess our eyes can really makes us ... arrogant. Thank you, Sensei."[/b] 

Hiron nodded as she thanked him. He almost grumbled back something, but he wouldn't. [b]''No problem, Masami.''[/b] Hiron told her. [b]''Now, time for some training to prepare you more for the exams.''[/b] Hiron told her. He was thinking about what he could help her with. Taijutsu and water ninjutsu was both a field he was good enough to help her with. But he decided to give some other training that would benefit her more. [b]''Lets talk about tactics, shall we? Do know that there is no wrong answer. Maybe a slight wrong answer, but every tactic has flaws. So when I point them all out, don't feel down. Instead, try to think of ways to cover them without forgetting what the tactic was about. Okay?''[/b]

Masami smiled, enjoying her new view on the world. It was really a difference. Then, Hiron-Sensei mentioned tactics.[b]" Tactics ... euhm ... now that I think about them, my old tactics may have been limited by my sight. As you saw, I tend to rush things. My palms being cut by kunai was a lesson enough never to do that again. I remember when I was fighting in the Hon Estate - I was adjusting my stance depending on the enemies surrounding me, not by my surroundings. When there were more of them, I fought defensively, only striking when I spotted an opening. But when I was engaged in single combat, I aimed to create openings myself - and it somehow worked. Though ... I highly doubt that those men were trained shinobi."[/b]

[b]''They were trained soldiers. In essence, they were the same as us. Trained to fight and adapt to a surrounding.''[/b] Hiron told her. He was considering what he should start with. He could go with giving her a situation and then asking what she would do. That was always a good one. But he decided to take a different route today. It didn't seem that Masami was blinded anymore or focused on one aspect. [b]''But good you start to see things more clearly. But lets take one opponent in mind. Just on a plain field. Then you must try to describe how you would try to go to work. After that, explain what might go wrong.''[/b] Hiron explained to her, but he waited to see if Masami understood what he meant.

Masami closed her eyes, imagining the situation. Just herself, one enemy, a plain field. Taking several deep breaths, she analyzed the situation in her mind.[b]" Just him and me. A plain field means that I have to create diversions and openings myself. Even though it is a plain field ... there are still some things usable there. I can use my Vacuum Palm to blow dust in the air, obstructing vision for my foe."[/b] She thought for a moment.[b]" But then again, my oppoonent could go into a rather agressive stance and push me back, meaning I would have to fight defensively. Which means, I might not be able to create a diversion. But if he attacks too recklessly, it can be easier to spot an opening to exploit. "[/b]

Paying attention to what she told him, Hiron was content with what she had said. [b]''Good analyse. And by that I am glad that you at least considered that you're unaware of what your opponent is capable. At times this can be rather bothersome when your opponent has tricks upon their sleeves. Cause those can turn the tide against you.''[/b] Hiron told her. [b]''For that I also advise to not show everything in one match or give too much information about yourself outside a match or battle. Remember that a lot of people are watching and who knows who of them you will have to face in the future?''[/b]

Considering everything she heard, she nodded.[b]" It is like having an ace in the sleeve, but showing it to everybody before playing it. I understand, Sensei. If that is the case, I would pick a defensive strategy, avoiding any large scale moves or any wastes of chakra. I think that the more I defend myself, the more they want to break my defense."[/b] She thought, thinking back to her only real combat experience.[b]" They focus only on breaking it, not finding a way around it. And I can use that to find an opening myself and stricke quickly, where it hurts the most ... with surgical accuracy. Next then ... I would adapt a waiting pattern. If the enemy is unable to recover from the exploited opening, I would go for a finishing move. If he can recover, I would repeat the previous strategy. Also ... a plain field might be a disatvantage for them - the sun, if it shines, of course. While my eyes can filter it out at least a little bit, most people would be blinded by it."[/b]

Placing his hands on his back, Hiron kept looking at the village in the distance. So far she was doing a good job. [b]''That is true, but do be wary. I myself have been often tricked because of not knowing enough about my enemies. There is always that risk of being surprised by their ace.''[/b] Hiron told her. [b]''But it seems that you understand well enough that you need to be careful with tactics. Now, lets head to a more practice subject.''[/b] Hiron then turned to her and took a step towards the center of the rock. It was going to be the same training he had given Shikaroku, but a little twist to it. [b]''This rock is enough for us to have a very close taijutsu training. We are only allowed to use our right arm and both feet, but are needed to force the other from the rock. Any questions?''[/b]

Masami followed her teacher to the middle of the rock and stood next to him.[b]" Right arm, feet only. Try to ... force you from the rock. Understood, Sensei."[/b] She took up a modified combat stance. She placed her left arm behind her back, and shifted her weight to her left feet. She figured out that while her left arm is out of the question for attacks, she can still use it for movement, balance and other purposes.[b]" I am ready, Sensei."[/b]

Placing his left arm at his back, Hiron wouldn't give any start signal. His right arm was shooting forwards, his hand open as he was intending to grab her by a shoulder. Considering the height difference, he was hoping she would see her disadvantage and try to come up with something about it. But as he performed his move, Hiron suddenly thought it would be better if he had done this before telling how she could make better use of her eyes. [i]Hindsight, how wonderful.[/i]

Seeing that Hiron-Sensei went for her shoulder from up above, she realized he had the advantage. Instead of trying to avoid the attack backwards, Masami bended her knees to make herself even shorter, hopefully making Hiron to miss his intended move. While she saw his hand moving, her legs were still on one place. Instead of trying to deflect the hand, she went for a strike at his relatively unprotected legs, more precisely at his right knee.

His hand was pulled back as he realized what she tried. A clever move and if he had the time to compliment her, he would likely have done so. His eyes squinted as he was forced to quickly move his leg back to get it out of her reach. Forming a fist, he was aiming for a good ol whack on top of her head if she wouldn't quickly react to the incoming fist.

Spoting the fist coming towards her head, she decided to focus on it now. By striking from under, she aimed at the wrist of her teacher in an effort to displace the attack. As she raised her hand, she used her legs - seeing that Hiron-Sensei had his left feet still at one place, she raised her right leg and intended to deliver a kick aimed at his other leg.

His fist just went over her head, but his eyes weren't focused on if he hit her or not. Hiron had already figured she was a crafty one, but he was surprised when she aimed for his wrist, while coordinating a kick for his leg. Gritting his teeth, Hiron felt the sting at his wrist. He always had found the name Gentle Fist a rather disturbing term for what was anything but gentle. But while he grunted and felt the pain at his wrist, Masami would notice that he managed to keep standing. With being able to withstand the kick, Hiron's right leg was moving forward to force Masami back or else forced to block the incoming kick.

She suceeded in deflecting the blow aimed at his head, but now she had to somehow ward off a kick from Hiron. Quickly pulling back the leg she just performed the attack with, she attempted to negate the kick with another one of her own - though her kick will be rather weak, considering how hastily it was performed. Seeing that his hand is still somewhat away from the body, she drawn back her hand at the level of her head and sent it into a pushing motion towards the exposed chest of Hiron.

Noticing the attack coming towards his chest, his first reflex and move would be naturally to swat her hand away with his own. But at the moment, it was still quite aching with pain. To avoid getting hit and suffer another of those nasty sting jabs, Hiron moved back. It would give him and her a moment to breath. Shaking his wrist, Hiron really started to wonder which smartass had named that fighting style Gentle. Did that person never got stinged by a horde of bees?

Despite her attack missing, Masami had a moment to breathe. And that is all she needed. She placed her kicking leg steadily on the ground and made sure it remained steady. Stepping forward, she used her right hand to gain momentum and went into a spinning kick, with her leg extended to its full length. Not sure if her leg will make it in time, she was already thinking one step forward about a possible way to block an incoming counter attack ... or brace from a fall from the rock.

Though trembling and shaken, Hiron's hand wrapped itself around the ankle of the leg that Masami had tried to use to kick him. Without a warning, Hiron grunted and used his strength to lift her up. [b]''Rule number one. Know your limits.''[/b] Though he felt the pain not ebbing away, he hope his action made it clear she shouldn't try anything without knowing if the chance was good enough. Instead of dropping her instantly, he would slowly lower Masami a bit so that she wouldn't be dropped off the rock or fall hard on it. [b]''One moment.''[/b] He mumbled, flexing the fingers of his right hand. Finally the pain was slowly fading away. [b]''How do you think you performed?''[/b]

Masami let out a kind of sigh from the surprise - Hiron-Sensei countered her kick in a way she never experienced before and she lost her composure a while. She was certain that this will mean that she failed the test and would be refused to train. But then, she felt being slowly lovered back to the rock, and as soon as she could, she steadied her legs.[b]" I ... I think I could have performed a lot better. I was in a good position, but I made the wrong move. That took away any chance of making you fall from the rock and ... I overextended myself. I should have go for a move that I was sure I can pull off."[/b]

[b]''You could indeed see it like that.''[/b] Hiron told her. He waited for another moment, letting her catch her breath. [b]''But then again, you're in a tight spot against an expert with taijutsu that outranks you.''[/b] He started, smiling. [b]''And while you didn't manage to pass the test, you did managed to hit my wrist. And let me tell you, it isn't fun to be hit by that attack.''[/b] The smile vanished as he glanced at his wrist. [b]''So, no. You did your best and though it wasn't enough for the test. It most certainly was for me.''[/b]

Masami was a bit confused by what she just heard. So - at the same time, she failed, but managed to land a hit on a Taijutsu expert in close quarters combat. The last words, however, gave her the courage to smile a bit.[b]" I ... thank you, Sensei. Being hit by the Gentle Fist is painful. It focuses on causing internal injuries, rather than external, so a single tap can cause enormous amounts of pain. I have experienced some [i]not so gentle[/i] from the Hyuuga masters ... "[/b]

Hiron let out a laugh as he heard what she said about not so gentle Hyuuga masters. [b]''I am well aware on how the Gentle Fist works and able to come up with ways to weaken the effect of a jab. Though at such fast paced taijutsu situations, I can't use my own chakra to weakend the strike of an user of that style.''[/b] Hiron told her. He thought about what she had said about the Hyuuga masters not being so gentle, but he in overal viewed the Hyuuga as a more crude clan with their manners. [b]''But you have shown promise, got to tell you that.''[/b]

Masami realized that as an experienced Jounin, Hiron knew pretty much everything about the Byakugan. What he said about weakening the effect of the Gentle Fist gave her an idea, but it immediately moved to the back of her head. She had time to think about it later. But what come a bit later took her by a complete surprise. Being told that sheˇs shown promise by Hiron was a great achievment for Masami. She blushed a bit, and looked a surprised at Hiron. But when she spoke up, her voice was strong and steady.[b]" I ... I thank you, Hiron-Sensei. I will do my best not to disappoint ... neither you, or myself."[/b]

Stopping to flex his fingers, Hiron looked at the village for a moment before back at Masami. [b]''Good. That makes two of us then.''[/b] Hiron said. Settling down on the rock, Hiron moved his gaze towards the village. Staying silent, he moved his hands at the back of his head before he would lay on his back. [b]''For now that is about it. The exams are around the corner, but I think you're ready for it. Just remember what I explained you before and try to do your best. You will get there eventually.''[/b]

Masami smiled back at Hiron. She decided that she will not disappont him, or herself on the exams. Even if she lost, she would gain a lot of valuable experience. So, a bit daringly, she took a seat next to Hiron-Sensei, and she turned off her Byakugan. Even without the dojutsu, she saw the village in a totally different way. She smiled and continued to look over the village.[b]" Thank you for your faith in me, Sensei. I will do remember everything you taught me today. It may take me a bit longer, since my eyes did not see the proper path ... but I will get there.I see it now ... "[/b][/hider]