DISCLAIMER: I WISH THAT I HAD A GENIE'S BOTTLE SO I COULD USE ONE OF THE WISHES TO OWN NARUTO.....SUCKS THAT MAGIC ISN'T REAL......*cries about being a muggle*

(Youthful)Might Gai gif

Dark Necessities by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Chapter 19: Tough Taijutsu Training
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RIKO's POV
AFTER THE FIGHT between Lee and Gaara, things seemed to blur by pretty fast. The inevitable last match was quick, Choji lost against Dosu in record time. Between Choji and TenTen, I don't know who lost the fastest.

Besides that, the victors of all the matches, well except Sasuke, are lined up, side by side, as Hayate stands in front of us. Next to him are Anko, Ibiki, my father, and the Hokage.

"Well, with this, the preliminary round for the final exam is now complete," Hayate announces which makes me sigh in relief.

Finally, now we can move on to the important part, I state to myself.

"To all of you who won the rights to compete in the Third Round of the Chunin Exams, one is missing, but congratulations to all of you! Well, then Hokage-sama, if you would please," Hayate tells us with his usual coughs.

I watch as the Hokage steps up, his usual pipe in his mouth. "Yes. Well, now I'd like to start explaining the main test. As I told you before, in the main event, your matches will be seen by everybody. Each of you will fight to represent the strengths of your countries. I'd like you to show off your powers with no reserves. Which is why the final exam will be held one month from now," the old man informs with the given news.

One month, I repeat as ideas for training start to swirl in my head.

"We're not going to do it here, right now," Naruto exclaims, questioning the Hokage like usual.

The aforementioned man sighs. "This break, as you can say, will be for preparations," he tells us.

"What does that mean," Neji voices from besides me, probably wanting to know all the specifics.

"In other words, in addition to informing all the country lords and shinobi leaders, this is the time needed to arrange for the gathering of the event. And this is also for the preparation time for you examination students," the Hokage explains, basically telling us that they need time to set up for the final round.

"I don't understand what you're trying to say!? What does that mean," Kankuro exclaims, still confused which makes me sigh.

It's not hard to follow, I mentally groan, pinching the bridge of my nose.

"Basically it's the preparation to get to know your enemy and yourself. It's the time period where you will calculate your chances of winning by analyzing the data you accumulated during the trial competition. The battles up to now had you fight as if you were in an actual combat situation with the assumption of fighting an unknown opponent," he further explains with detailed information.

Though, his words instantly make me glance towards Akano. She, for sure, surprised me. Her speed and leadership caught me off guard, but the thing that surprised me the most was how easily she cut down her own teammate. It's like the word, and meaning, of comrade meant nothing to her.

"However, the final trial will not be like this. There are those who showed all that they can do already to their rivals. There were those who competed and were badly injured against a strong opponent. To make everything fair, the one month should be used by all of you to advance and improve yourselves. Of course, it'll be fine to rest your body as well," the Hokage tells us more reasons why we need a month until the final round.

It's true, we need to analyze our opponents. Naruto, I basically know everything about him, his specialty is the Shadow Clone jutsu, plus he has a large supply of unending chakra, and determination. Shikamaru, a natural strategist, smarter than me, and he uses the shadows to his advantage. Neji, a master of close combat, especially with that Gentle Fist technique, also a strategist, specialty is Taijutsu. Sasuke, the last Uchiha, he has the Sharingan, uses fire ninjutsu, quick reflexes when it comes to Taijutsu, and he's somewhat of a strategist.

Dosu, he uses that sound amplifier way too much, but it's certainly effective, other than that, I don't know. Temari, uses wind ninjutsu with the help of her giant fan, she's intelligent and a strategist, she's basically in par with Shikamaru and I. Kankuro, he's a master puppeteer, his chakra control is impeccable, hasn't shown any signs of Ninjutsu or Taijutsu, he's more of a far-to-mid range fighter. Gaara, he's ruthless that's for sure, and that sand of his, there's basically no way around that. Then lastly, Akano, she's also ruthless, she's got speed, she's a quick minded strategist as well, uses water ninjutsu, swords are another specialty of hers, and she can fight at any distance, though she prefers close distance.

It's official, I need more training, I think with a small sigh as my shoulders slump in defeat.

"Well, I'd like to dismiss you now, but there's something that has to be done for the finals before I can do that," Hiruzen, the Hokage admits.

"What the hell is it?! I've got to train now," Naruto shouts, already losing his patience.

The Hokage chuckles at the reaction. "Well, now, don't get so excited. There are pieces of paper inside of the box that Anko's holding so each of you take one piece," he informs.

"I'll come to you, so wait your turn," Anko quips towards us. She reaches Dosu, who's at the end of the line. "Only one now," she reminds.

I then watch as she reaches Naruto, who takes a piece. Then, Temari, Kankuro, Gaara, Shikamaru, and Neji. When it's my turn, I reach into the box and fumble with the papers. A few milliseconds later, I decide and pull out my piece. Anko then moves to Shino, and lastly Akano.

"Alright, you all took a piece, I'd like you to tell us the number on your paper in order. Starting from the left," the Hokage announces.

"It's eight," Dosu informs.

"I've got one," Naruto says.

"Seven," Temari states.

"Five," Kankuro answers.

"Three," Gaara speaks up.

"Nine," Shikamaru sighs.

"Two," Neji responds.

"Ten," I profess, looking at my double digit.

"Six," Shino replies.

"Eleven," Akano calls out.

"That would mean he's number four," Ibiki points out, talking about Sasuke. My father who's standing next to him nods, writing it down on the clipboard.

"Yes," the Hokage confirms before continuing. "Alright, now I will reveal to you the final tournament!"

"Huh," Naruto, who's always first to respond, exclaims in confusion.

"That's what we drew numbers for," Shikamaru shouts, realizing their intention.

"Now, Ren, show them the match arrangements," Hiruzen ushers towards my father, who now flips the clipboard towards us.

I quickly scan the diagram and once I read my name, my blood runs cold. The name next to mine sends me into a momentary shock, and I can practically feel their smugness radiating in the air.

10. Kiyomi Riko VS 11. Senshi Akano

I don't care that there's an extra branch next to our names due to the odd number of contestants, because all I can read is mine and Akano's name. It's like time slows down for me, maybe it's realization, or a promise, but it's there, suffocating me like a tightly wrapped blanket.

I can't breathe! The situation is becoming real, way too quickly, I mentally yell as a sense of panic overwhelms me.

"Well then, you're free to start stategizing or resting as you like, with this I'll dismiss you all, but are there any final questions," the old man says, it snaps me back into reality, but my breathing is still unhinged.

"Can I ask a question," Shikamaru immediately raises his hand.

"Yes," the Hokage allows.

"Since it's a tournament, it would mean that there's only one winner, right? Which would mean that only one person can become Chunin, doesn't it," the Nara questions, really diving into the specifics.

It causes me to laugh quietly, which draws a sense of relief on my body.

"No, that's not quite it. There will be judges, including myself, the Kazekage, lords of various countries that will make mission requests, and other ninja leaders, who will be watching the final test. Throughout the tournament, these judges will evaluate your abilities. Those judged to have necessary qualities of a Chunin will be able to become a Chunin, even if they lose in their first match," he informs, answering Shikamaru's questions with the up most of details.

"That means that it's a possibility that everyone here will become a Chunin," Temari asks, slight hope in her tone of voice.

"Yes, but also the possibility that no one will become a Chunin! Do you understand, Shikamaru-kun," the Hokage says before looking at the Nara. "To advance in the tournament means that you will have more chances to appeal to the judges. Well then, thanks for all the effort you exerted for these trials. You're all dismissed until a month's from now," he informs at last, finishing with a sigh.

Almost immediately, everyone disperses. Though, as I turn towards my best friend, I catch him by the wrist before he disappears to who knows where. This catches his attention and his pale eyes meet my crimson gaze.

"So, Neji is Gai Sensei going to train you? I'm not asking to sabotage you, but I'm genuinely curious because I know you have a tense relationship with your uncle," I ask him, knowing his family's situation.

"No, I'm training by myself. I'll probably ask TenTen to help me later on," he informs me.

I smile at him. "Well, alright! Good luck with your training. I'll be waiting to see what tricks you've learned," I state, letting go of his wrist.

He scoffs, smiling back at me. "The same goes for you, too, Kiyomi-chan," he tells me, already walking away.

"Shut it, Hyuga," I quip.

And with that, we go our different ways.

# # # # #

ARRIVING AT THE HOSPITAL, I ignore Naruto who's bickering with Kakashi Sensei. Though, my intentions don't go as planned because as soon as the Uzumaki spots me, I'm reeled into their conversation. I sigh at my bad timing.

"Riko-chan, can you believe that Kakashi Sensei is choosing Sasuke-teme to train for the exams," he shouts at me, his arms waving in a spastic manner.

Sighing, again, I look towards the blond. "Well, I do believe it. In simple words, Kakashi is the only one who can train Sasuke because he has a Sharingan which helps Sasuke greatly," I explain to my teammate.

"What?! No fair! Why does Sasuke always get everything!? What about you, who's training you," Naruto complains before asking me, his icy blue gaze clashing with my fiery red eyes.

I smirk. "Well, you can say that he's the eccentric kind," I state before glancing at our sensei and giving him a knowing look. "Anyways, I have to go. See ya, around!"

With that said, I practically skip down the hospital halls. Passing several doors, I glance into them, searching for a specific room. Though, as I turn towards the eastern wing of the hospital, I find the person in looking for. He paces back and forward, clutching his hands together in what I assume is worry.

Inhaling, I work up the courage. "Gai-Sensei, my name's Riko of the Kiyomi clan, and I'm one of Kakashi's students, but I'm here to ask a favor, if I may," I inform, giving him a bow of respect.

"Ah yes, the one who showed interest in the Taijutsu arts. I must say, most of Kakashi's teachings are towards Ninjutsu, what made you consider," Gai states, questioning me.

"My clan specializes in Taijutsu, but me personally, I love everything about it. I like how it's an art that Shinobi need to work hard to accomplish. There's no hidden tricks, it's all clean cut and hard practice. It's time, it's effort, it's sweat, it's blood, and it's tears," I inform enthusiastically.

He nods, agreeing with my words. "That's correct. Taijutsu is not for someone who gives half their effort, they must give it their all. Now! You youthful blossom, what is your favor that only I can achieve," he questions, giving me a pose.

His eccentric personality doesn't bother me, I just smile. "Would it be possible if you trained me for the final exams? I only want the best for my Taijutsu, and that's you! I'm willing to learn anything," I ask, almost pleading.

"Are you sure you're prepared for my teachings," Gai asks, more serious.

"I'm ready for anything! You have my upmost dedication, Gai-Sensei," I inform before bowing, emphasizing my utter honesty.

"Hmm," he hums, only adding to my nerves as I'm already sweating with pressure. "Alright! Let the passion of youth burn brightly in us! Today, my young pupil, we'll start off by runnning two-hundred laps around the village! But first, you'll need this," he agrees, making me sigh in relief. However, that relief diminishes as I hear his words. Then, I'm met with a replica of his and Lee's spandex suit.

I quirk an eyebrow, it can't be that bad, can it?

# # # # #

I SPOKE TOO soon. Dressed in my own copy of green spandex, I tiredly push my body forward as I run the last lap around the village. At first it was easy, running was nothing, but then the burning in my muscles commenced. From there, it went down hill.

The incredulous looks I got from people were nothing. Not even the screams of horror coming from Sakura and Ino perturbed me. No, because in my mind, I was only looking forward to the techniques I would be learning. Even if I was the definition of physical pain, Taijutsu was waiting for me at the finish line.

No pain, no gain, right? Nothing will make me give up, I determined.

Lungs on fire - no, body on fire, I still kept on running. Seeing as I started at high noon, it's now creeping towards dusk. Huffing, I push myself to continue, although I could barely feel my body.

Noticing the starting point a little down yonder, I gain a newfound sense of energy and quickly dash towards it. Running past the trees, I finally finish my laps before dropping in my knees. Completely out of breath, I manage a weak laugh of victory before grinning up towards Gai Sensei.

"I...f-finished! I-I actually finished," I announce with a wheeze. "W-what's next?"

"Excellent, young blossom! Your youth is as bright the sun," Gai praises, doing his signature thumbs up pose. "Next, you shall commence the task of replicating two-hundred push ups. If you can't, then it's two-hundred kicks. If you don't finish, it's then two-hundred punches. Every task is to be done without any breaks, you understand!?"

I stand up from my knees before saluting him. "Yes, Gai-sensei," I confirm with a genuine smile.

Moving to a flat, well as flat as we can get in grass, area, I drop down to position and begin my muscle ripping task. Long purple how that flowed freely, is now being kept in a high ponytail. Then, this suit, now I now why Lee wears it, it allows the body to breath without getting overwhelmed with body heat.

"One," I count as I lower towards the grass, almost able to kiss it. "Two."

If I continue at this rate for the rest of the month, the strength I will gain will be unimaginable! Of course, my body will be sore for a few days, but if I'm against Akano, I'm willing to endure the pain, I tell myself, still doing the push-ups.

"Six...seven...eight...nine," I keep counting, already hearing my heartbeat pound through my ears.

As I continue, I could hear the crickets of the woods chirp as the moon begins to shine down on them. When they sing their song, I instantly know that I'm not going home tonight. My father will most likely understand why I'm not there. I mean, he was present when the Hokage announced the one month training interval. He's probably also busy making arrangements for the final exam since he is a high ranking Jounin, and a well respected one, too.

My mother on the other hand, she'll probably worry her head off. Although, my father will assure her that I'm alright, it's still in her nature to worry. I mean, she is my mother after all, plus that concern might be something to do by her being a Medical Ninja, slash healer. I wonder if she worked at the hospital while I was in the exams, so she wouldn't spend all her time worrying about me. Even if my mother is overprotective at times, I wouldn't change that.

And finally, my older brother, Ranko. I know he's an Anbu under the orders of the Hokage, but was he on missions, or was he added security during the exams. Though, I know my brother and I don't spend much time together since he's always on missions or training, or because I'm on missons or training. Nonetheless, we have an unbreakable bond. Whenever we really need each other, we're always there for the other. I'm smart enough to understand that he's on a tight schedule and that he has more important tasks to complete.

So, as I spend my time training, I know my family will be occupied with their own jobs. Which brings a relieve to my shoulders as the weight of worry washes off me.

"Forty...forty-one...forty-two...forty-three," I huff out, keeping count as my arms and shoulders begin to ache.

Glancing to the side, I notice that Gai-Sensei inst standing next to me anymore. Instead he moved to sit on the large rock, still in sight to monitor me. I know that out of his three students, only Lee is able to mimic his techniques perfectly. Neji is more inclined to his Gentle Fist techniques than the brash Taijutsu that they do. Tenten, as much as she is a skilled fighter, she isn't one for Taijutsu, she more skilled at weapons. Heck, she's a master at them. However, with this training, I'll prove myself to Gai-Sensei that I could also perfect his techniques.

No matter what it takes! Even if it means breaking my body apart, or to rip every muscle! I'll break my hands punching wooden posts if I have to! I'll exhaust myself running laps around the village of that's what he wants! I'll eat, breathe, and sleep Taijutsu everyday until I prove myself, I mentally yell, filling myself with a newfound determination. I'm not giving up! Not now, not ever!

"Sixy-six...sixty-seven...sixty-eight," I count through gritted teeth.

I could feel streams of sweat trickle down my temple, down my forehead. I watch as my sweat drips from my nose, chin, and forehead onto the ground beneath me. My body is crying out all the pain as my limbs ache, yearning to be relieved of this torture. Yet, I still don't give in to their pleas. I don't know if this makes me a masochist, if I'm allowing myself to go through all this pain.

Maybe it does, but I don't care. I'm finishing this, even if it takes me all night.

# # # # #

AT THE BREAK of dawn I'm still here, but by now, I'm punching a wooden post. It's been long since I lost sensation in my hands, they've been bleeding since I've reach the first double digits. When I said it's sweat, it's blood, and it's tears, I never expected it to happen so quickly.

Sweat for all the exercise. Blood for every ounce of dedication. And finally, tears for all the pain I'm feeling, but also for the angry determination.

"One-hundred-ninety-seven...one-hundred-ninety-eight....one-hundred-ninety-nine.....two-hundred," I count before exclaiming my success. Jumping up, I raise my numbed arms and grin. "I did it! I did it! I did it! Whoo!"

My yells startle Gai-Sensei which cause him to wake up.

"I finished," I grin, turning to my sensei as my red eyes sparkle. "Gai-Sensei, I finished! I made it to one-hundred! Yeah!"

"Yosh! The power of your youth burns with a passion," he grins, giving me a thumbs up.

My body, which is painfully tired, still shakes with excitement. However, my celebratory mood is cut off when Tenten and Neji arrive, seeing as this is their team's meeting spot.

"Gai-Sensei, you requested us here and to inform you..of our - what is she doing here," Tenten states before looking towards me.

I watch as Neji narrows his eyes at me, though his gaze falters when he realizes what I'm wearing. "Kiyomi-chan, what..are..." He's too dumbfounded to finish.

I grin jubiously towards him, and Tenten, before striking an acsomplished pose. "I am a burning flower of youth," I exclaim, giving him a thumbs up.

Now, I know why they pose and grin, because after the training my body feels lighter, I feel more alive, I mentally assess.

Their eyes twitch, and Neji pinches the bridge of his nose. "So this is why you asked what I was doing? You wanted to see if Gai-Sensei was training me," he asks me.

I smile sheepishly. "Sorry, Neji, but Gai-Sensei is the only one who can teach me right now," I inform.

The said teacher turns to me, and nods in approval. "Riko, you're done for today. Go and rest, but make sure to return later at noon," he dismisses.

"Hai, Gai-Sensei," I salute. Turning to leave, I wave at Neji. "Bye, Hyuga, I'll see you around."

"Right back at you, Kiyomi-chan," he smirks.

Walking out of the woods and towards the village, I walk by the hospital seeing as it's the first thing I come across. Though, as I walk, my plans of going home come to an abrupt stop.

Meeting their eyes, I smirk. "So, was he allowed to leave, or did you kidnap him," I comment towards Kakashi-Sensei before glancing at Sasuke.

Kakashi looks me up and down, obviously noticing my attire. Sasuke only narrows his eyes, but his reaction is the same as the former.

"Riko," Kakashi gasps, placing a mocking hand on his chest. "You wound me! I see you've traded senseis with my own rival," he states.

"Well, what can I say? I outgrew you, Sensei. I've moved on to someone better," I smirk, obviously playing along.

Though, Kakashi just smiles before patting my head. "Well, you always preferred Taijutsu over Ninjutsu, I can't say I blame you. It's part of who are," he admits.

"Yeah, yeah. Anyways, have fun making it look like Sasuke escaped from his hospital room," I say to my sensei. That's before I turn towards the Uchiha. "And I'll see you at the final exams. Bye!"

With that said, I make no more detours and only walk until I reach my clan's compound. As I reach the large doors, I'm met with our flower insignia. Sunflowers decorate the sides of the entrance, giving our compound a welcoming environment. Pushing the doors open, instantly met with the two clansmen guarding it.

"Hello, Hajime, Isamu," I greet them with a respective nod.

"Welcome back, Kiyomi-hime," they greet in synch, before giving a respectful bow.

"Thank you, have a good day, then," I announce with a wave.

They both nod before returning to their duties. Unlike Izumo and Kotetsu, these two actually take their jobs seriously. The Kiyomi clan is private, our privacy was in par with the Uchiha, but we actually emit a peaceful personality. Although, our clan does have their few alliances with other Konoha clans, like the Nara clan, we used to have one with the Uchiha clan, and we also have one with the Hyuga clan. I also think that my father is working with our elders to make an alliance with the Yamanaka clan, I don't know, I only heard small snippets.

However, as private as we are, it's for good reason. Our clan secrets which is mostly about our Kekkei Genkai, Shizen'noishi, there's several people who seek the knowledge of our abilities. I can't say I blame them, the power to control the earth at our will sounds amazing. Though, it's a secret we keep heavily locked up. It's something everyone in our clan agrees on, which allows everyone to treat each other respectfully.

Our clan is pretty much peaceful, we live in harmony, I admit.

That's why Hajime, Isamu, and several others guard the clan's perimeter. We want our secret to remain solely ours. Besides with the Chunin Exams here in Konoha, there's more risk of our enemies trying to sneak in. My father, and previous leaders before, have their own shares of enemies, not to mention every Kiyomi who is a Shinobi. I know, because in these exams, I've made my very first enemy.

Well, maybe two, I don't know if Kankuro holds grudges, I muse to myself.

Anyways, as I make my way through the compound, I finally reach the Head household. At the sight of my front door, a wave of exhaustion finally washes over me which proves that my adrenaline rush is now over. Sliding the door open, I speak up.

"Tadaima," I call out, announcing that I'm home.

Closing my eyes, I slide the door shut and I immediately smell the welcoming scent of vanilla incense. Though, before I make a single step, I'm met with a crushing hug.

"Oh! Bless, Kami-sama, you're alright," my mother, Aoi, exclaims, kissing the top of my head. "Oh, sweety, are you hurt?! Are you - What are you wearing? What happemed to your face?! Your father said you were fine, what a big fat liar! What happened to your hands?!"

Everyone, this is my mother, I muse before rolling my eyes.

"He didn't lie, Kaa-chan, I am fine. And to my face, that happened when I fought against a team by myself. For what I'm wearing and what happened to my hands, well that's a part of my new training! Yeah, I made it into the final part of the Chunin Exams, can you believe it! Oh! I'm so excited! I get to learn new Taijutsu techniques," I inform before gushing with heartshaped eyes.

"Oh, Riko, I'm so proud of you! You're growing into a strong, beautiful, woman," she praises, before giving a mocking sniffle.

I deadpan, really.

"I remember when you only used to gush about that Haruno girl, and now, you barely bring her up. All you talk about is Taijutsu and training," my mother smiles. "My baby is growing up!" She exclaims before pulling me into another hug.

"Kaa-chaaaaaaan! I'm not growing up, I'm still thirteen. And for Sakura, well...I think I'm moving in. She only cares about Sasuke-"

My mother cuts me off with a gasp. "Your betrothed, how dare she?!"

My eye twitches, that reminds me. I need to talk about Sasuke about that. I'm pretty positive that I'm not going to marry him, he must feel the same since he never showed feelings towards me. We're only teammates, and that's as far as we'll ever go.

"Mom, I don't care about him, he's just a comrade, maybe a potential friend, but that's it. For Sakura, I learned that it was just a silly crush based on looks. She would never feel like that. I'll just focus on my training right now," I inform with a serious tone.

"Alright, if you say so. Then, if you don't see him as a potential suitor, how about Neji? You do seem to spend an awful amout of time with him," my mother implies, a knowing look in her eyes.

I instantly blush at the thought. "Kaa-chan! I'm not listening to this anymore," I protest, clamping my hands over my ears. "I need a shower and some sleep!"

Walking away, I can still hear my mother's laugh.

"You didn't deny it," she calls after me.

Ugh!

# # # # #

IT'S BECOME A routine by now to meet Gai-Sensei at noon, always arriving at his team's training area. There were some days where I would intercept with Tenten and Neji, but whenever I glanced towards the latter, my mother's suggestion always came to mind. Which caused me to become a blushing mess.

Neji's been my friend for all most all my life now, and to suddenly think of him as a suitor. Well, I can't think of that for too long before getting too flustered. So, for right now, he'll only remain as my best friend, nothing else.

Oh, if my father hears about this, I'm afraid he'll pull the same trick like he did with Sasuke. No! If I ever, possibly, maybe come to date Neji, I want it to be natural, not forced, I inquire, nodding at my mental statement.

But for now, I'll focus on a certain platinum blonde - I mean, on my training. Yeah, just on my training.

Dressed in the spandex suit, I patiently wait for Gai-Sensei to arrive. Though, as I hum to kill the silence, my ear suddenly perks up at a break of a branch. Silencing myself, I wait with trepidation.

Narrowing my crimson eyes, I suddenly turn around and throw up my arms. I'm instantly met with Gai-Sensei's fist. My eyes widen with alarm.

A surprise attack, I state with shock.

Moving fast to defend myself with another incoming punch, I decide to step back and deliver a swift kick to his side since it's open. However, he's a Jounin and I'm a mere Genin, I'm hilariously outmatched. His hand quick grasps at my ankle, but I don't stop there.

I pull a Sasuke move, and push myself up before using my other leg to kick him. Once again, he sees through my attacks and this time, decides to throw me aside. Twisting my body in midair until I'm facing the ground, I land in a feline crouch.

Not backing out, I get up and speedily make my way back to Gai-Sensei. Though, as I'm a few feet away, I use my strategic skills and make it seem like I'm going to throw a punch. However, as I notice him raise his hands to defend himself, I abruptly stop and jump, delivering a quick kick.

Now, this time it lands, hitting him on the side. Though, he doesn't move that much, maybe just a few steps to the left. Landing on my feet, he gives me a thumbs up.

"I see that you're managing well with leg weights I gave you! They hardly affect your mobility to move quickly! Now, my young pupil, today you're going to learn a new technique, it'll be your trump card. Listen, Riko," he informs me, but with the words 'new technique' I get too excited.

"Yay! Whoo! I'm finally going to learn something new! It's going to be so cool!" I cheer, my body practically dancing with every move.

"Riko!!! Listen seriously, damn it," Gai yells.

Stunned with the raise of voice, I still in my movements. I cautiously turn towards him. "Y-yes?"

Gai smiles, and unbeknownst to me, he's comparing me to Lee and instantly sees the similarities between us. The excitement to learn something new. The hard dedication we put into our training, the real, bonebreaking, effort. The complete and total respect we give towards every technique of Taijutsu.

"Once you learn this technique, it will be forbidden to use, got it," he tells me.

I nod, "Hai! But sensei, what's this technique you're talking about," I question.

"The Lotus Technique," Gai-Sensei answers, much to my satisfaction.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Well! Here's Chapter 19! Sorry for the short 5,367 words! Also sorry if it was boring...?

Anyways, did you enjoy it?

I'm happy Gai is her sensei, are you?

I also love how enthusiastic Riko is about learning Taijutsu, she's too cute!

Oooh! Riko is learning the Lotus technique, how do you feel about that?

And her final fight with Akano, are you ready for that? Are you prepared?!!!

Oh! Riko is moving from Sakura! (Bye bish!) And who is she moving towards to?! Hmmm?

I just loved this chapter, absolutely love it!

Anyways, don't forget to

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JA NE, My youthful flower blossoms!

?¿QUESTION: WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE SENSEI?¿

ME, Well, my favorite is either Might Gai (YOUTH!), or Jiraiya/Pervy Sage!

BYE~!