Loser Winces [IO]

It seemed that Tatsuo was more accepting of Kozata's failure than anyone else would normally be... he recalled those five guys who had attempted to attack him some time ago, he had taken them out with a well-placed fireball. As it were, he still didn't know how they were doing... hopefully, they weren't dead. Well, at any rate, Kozata had a sense that this would go well. Despite both of their lack of mastery in this jutsu, there was one thing he had learned so far as a genin... that practice makes perfect. At any rate, there was something else going on.
Due to not having chakra sensory, Kozata didn't notice the other boy's slight twitch in power. His own dark power... well, one could say that it was indeed in control, but Kozata wasn't the one controlling it. It was an independent, self-sufficient entity. Kozata had begun to suspect that it was evil (well, actually, he had pretty much confirmed it, but he didn't really know the difference, being moderately stupid). However, it rarely interfered with him, unless he was about to do something really important. Then, it usually screwed him up, like when he had been used to kill that Konoha kid.
As for the jutsu before him, however, it seemed that they were both in the developing stage. Kozata remembered that the overall average fire jutsu of this rank was based not off of the great fireball jutsu itself, but off of the much lower ranked fire stream jutsu. In that case, he thought, why not use that one as its base? 
"I've got an idea, Tatsuo..."
With that, he would perform the handseals again, the sequence coming more naturally to him. This meant that he had virtually learned the jutsu already, but he didn't know that. This time, he focused not on splitting a large mass of fire, but on a smaller, straighter mass. That is, he focused on splintering the fire stream in such a way as to produce the desired effect. Regardless, the result of immediate. The jutsu in its full glory poured forth from him, scattering like buckshot across the room and producing small burns on the places where the tongues of fire made contact with the walls or floor. When it was done, these areas were left somewhat charred and smoking. Kozata grinned sheepishly, hoping the damage wasn't too much.
"Err.... oops."

[TWC 1912]

Kozata seemed to have come up with some sort of idea. An idea to perhaps further their training and skill with the technique in question. He performed a similar yet much more basic technique to kind of get the flow going. It was a smart idea honestly, though Tatsuo didn't have a move like that for himself to use, however by watching carefully he did seem to understand more about what he needed to do. It was simple to mold ones chakra and mix it with their affinity. However, applying it in the heat of battle can be much more difficult. You risk losing focus of your opponent which, in of itself can spell death. 

"Smart, I think I'm beginning to understand more of what needs done." Tatsuo said to his partner in training before preparing to try the technique again. Before he did so however, a thought ran through his mind that he couldn't ignore. It had been frequently stuck in the depths of his psyche. The scroll in his coat, held the details of the fire wolf temple. He knew their leader Fenrir would be a great partner but it was imperative he have something to show them upon his arrival. If he were unable to prove himself to them, they would most surely kill him for wasting the or time. It would be a dangerous quest, but one well worth it should he succeed. He may just invite this person to travel their with him, but then again, it would be best if he went alone, alone into the temple itself at the very least. Having some company for the long walk would do no harm.

Snapping back to reality, he took a deep breath and focused. Performing the hand signs quickly and clearly. He built up his chakra, focused it, split into six individual fire balls. As he exhaled deeply and sharply, the fireballs rocketed forward. Though they were much smaller and weaker then they should be, he finally managed to create all six. This was encouraging to him, as the number was his struggle up until now. Since he was now able to create all six, he now needed to work on stepping them up a couple levels in size and power in order to make the technique a formidable one. "I think we are both starting to get the hang of it. With a little more practice we should have it down. Maybe you could come with me in my up coming endeavors when this is over. If your interested I'll talk more about it later." He spoke to the lad with a neutral tone. If the man should come with him, it would surely be a wonderful opportunity or training, but if offer would be declined, Tatsuo wouldn't mind that either as the challenges of the wolves themselves would need to be tackled alone anyways.

WC: 484

Kozata was glad beyond comprehension that things had turned out well for both him and Tatsuo. He had been worried that one or both of them would have failed at casting the jutsu, which would have resulted in difficulties that would probably go beyond his rather minimal level of comprehension. Regardless, things had gone just as planned (or rather, just as hoped). He felt that after a little polishing, he could say with confidence that he had learned this jutsu. It seemed that when he trained with someone else, he learned much faster than he did by himself, or with the domineering personality of the mansion within him. 
It seemed that it actually inhibited him from training well, as a matter of fact. In places where it spoke to him, or manipulated his actions, he seemed more restrained in his development. Was it because it liked seeing him as a weak, incompetent loser? Or did it want something else from him? Something to fully awaken his potential? Maybe he wanted both, which made no sense... unless one happened before the other. Regardless, Kozata's brain hurt from doing so much thinking, so he stopped, noticing that the boy had just invited him to join him on some kind of adventure! Or at least, he assumed it was an adventure. 
The mansion influenced him subtly here, suggesting silently that he go with the boy. It had nothing to do with Kozata's own ambitions. As a matter of fact, it might be a waste of his time, but it would help him bond with this boy more... and by doing so, their power levels would both increase.
"Sure, I'll go with you!" Kozata would say this cheerily, unaware that the mansion was influencing him. With that, he would wait on Tatsuo to lead.
[TWC 2212]

Real happiness was something Tatsuo rarely experienced in his life. He was just generally not happy, not sad or depressed either but just generally not happy. However, his progress with his new jutsu and the fact that the lad agreed to travel with him did help. While he knew he would have to face the trials of the wolves alone to gain their trust, it would still be good to have some company. "One thing about the trip before you fully accept though. Once we reach the temple, I will most likely have to face the wolves on my own in order to gain their trust." He was quite certain this would be acceptable but it was information that could be important. "We can worry about that later though because I still have much preparing to do before the trip can be accomplished. For right now I want to practice this jutsu a bit more, make sure I've got it down right."

Not really waiting for the man to reply he closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, exhaling slowly. He focused amid the sounds of the things around him and concentrated hard,  his concentration most likely clearly visible due to his appearance at this point. He formed the hand signs quickly but accurately and once again inhaled deeply. As he exhaled he said the name of the jutsu, not out loud but quietly to himself as a thought. "Fire style: Phoenix sage fire!" No outward sound would be made however, this of course excluded the sounds of him sharply exhaling six fireballs due south. They would rocket forward for a good distance before dissipating. He had aimed them slightly upwards so they would hit anything and start an unwanted blaze. Quite content with his performance thus far he took a deep breath before turning to his partner. "You wanna give it another shot? You seem to be learning quickly just as much as myself." He would say calmly.

WC: 335

Oh, so that's who he had wanted to meet. Wolves. Hey, wolves were intelligent? Kozata had had no idea that such things were possible. It was at this point that he received a mental slap of sorts from the mansion. If dragons and snakes and such could be sentient, then so could wolves, right? In that case, this guy was going to have some pretty tough training from these wolves soon, most likely. Whether or not this was a personal challenge was of no concern to Kozata, he had no particular need to interfere or attempt to help or stop Tatsuo from achieving what he needed to. 
"Sure, if you need to do it alone, I can respect that."
With that, he would watch as Tatsuo cast the jutsu again. It seemed that the boy was getting more proficient with the jutsu. After Tatsuo finished. Kozata would try again. It seemed that Kozata was faster, if only slightly than Tatsuo. However, it seemed that he was merely stumbling through the handseals. His proficiency with fire chakra was good, but his dexterity was not.
"Well, I think we've got it down, Tatsuo." He would stretch and yawn. "Shall we get going?"
[TWC 2412, short post, sorry]

Kozata seemed understanding of Tatsuo. Understanding of the fact Tatsuo would need to face the fire wolves alone in order to gain their trust. He figured they would most likely have some sort of alpha male complex but since he had never met them he had no way to know for sure. Once again he watched Kozata perform the technique, he was getting much better at it. They both appeared to have made great progress as of late and this was something that was good news. However, Tatsuo quickly realized that he had important matters to attend to before he leaves on his quest. Their was still many things he needed such as supplies before he could go. He bowed to Kozata, a sign of respect. "I apologize for having to leave so suddenly but there are many things I have to take care of." As he turned to leave he waved his goodbyes hoping to see the lad again someday. He headed off towards the marketplace where he would purchase the supplies necessary for his big trip that was easily creeping up on him.

[Exit]

Total Word count: 2575

Claiming: Phoneix sage fire technique (2575/2000) and +2 stats

Approving Tatsuo

Well, it seemed that Tatsuo had many more important matters to attend to. In that case, it looked like it would be time for them to part. A piece of him regretted that he had not been able to spar with this guy and use his chakra draining seal to maximum effect. However, that was fine. 
"See 'ya later, then." He would way, as Tatsuo walked out. Cooling down with a few stretches, he impressed upon the mansion the idea that he was actually better at social things than the inner being first thought him to be. He was met with silence. Take that, stupid dark thing.
As he walked out, he felt more confident with his chakra use. His training really had paid off, it was not even something to doubt. As it was, he had learned a new jutsu and strengthened himself at the same time. More importantly, however, he had made a friend. Life back in Kiri was turning out to be greater fun than it had been when he had lived there before (when it had been called Shimagakure). Kozata headed home, tired out. 
[EXIT, TWC 2600
13 stats
2000/2000 for phoenix sage fire technique
another 600 toward 5 elements seal]