The Jonin Exam! |Private/Alder/Flashback|

The rain was pouring hard at the Valley of the End. Four village elders stood on the head of the Hashirama Senju statue, three men and one woman. Each of them in dark formal clothing, with hats on their head to protect them from the rain. The sun was somewhere in the sky, but the clouds didn't really allow for its rays to hit the land. It was a gloomy like day. Although, for Syndra and Alder this day was special. Today, the two had to face off to gain their next upcoming rank of jounin. Each of them have met their mission requirements and have been acknowledged to intelligent shinobi. There was just one final test that was a type of right to passage. This test being, a match between two jounin. They are to fight until the elders say to stop. Because of this, some of this matches have became quite deadly in the past. Many shinobi try to look at it as a serious sparring session.

Syndra was dressed in an black long sleeve turtle neck with the neck rolled down some so her neck was still visible, a grey hidden leaf flak jacket with pointed shoulder guards, black shinobi styled pants that stopped at her shins but her shins were not visible due to the bandages she wore from her ankles to her pants line, and black standard shinobi sandals. She had pale skinned, light blue eyes, and long snow white hair that was held back in a long ponytail that was held together by three black hair rings. She had a very feminine look about her, but a powerful look as well. Very confident one could say. The moon marking on her forehead was covered by forehead protector that bore Konoha's village symbol. Strapped to her right thigh was shuriken holster and strapped to her right back hip was a tool carrying pouch.

She would be standing on the finger of the huge Madara Uchiha's statue while Alder was appointed to stand on the finger of equal sized Hashirama Senju's finger. Both of them facing each other. Making them about 25 meters apart from one another. Not to mention fairly off the ground. The crashing waterfall beneath them would echo across the area, along with the chimes of rain smacking the water beneath them.

As Syndra looked at her enemy who standing on the opposing statue, she smile slightly. Taking her hands out of her pants pockets, pushing a piece of loose hair behind her right ear, and getting in a battle ready stance.
As a silence took the place, the voice of one of the elders corrupted the silence moments in. He was loud enough for both of them to hear.

"You are both to continue to fight until we say stop or one of you are incapable of fighting. We will then judge you for the rank." A pause then grew across the area once more. As if the pause was making sure that Syndra and Alder heard everything clearly. Syndra felt a sense of excitement in her. She was curious to what this person could do. Moments later, the one female elder's voice would echo. "Begin."

The rain washed away the old and help new things grow. For these it was represented a change in there lives. As Jonin they would be responsible for new things. They would now be in leadership positions and responsible for raising and guiding the new generations of genin.

This day was more than the possibility of promotion it was also symbolic of the relationship between the Senju and Uzumaki. A relationship that predated the ninja system because these two clans were family by blood. And although the Senju clan founded Konoha all of their flak jackets bared the spiraling circle, the emblem of Alders clan. As he stood there on top of the statue on the most important day of his shinobi career this far he was battling representing his 'house' although scattered since the Eddy's villages destruction he was proof that they were still alive.

Wearing his blue scarf in addition to a black men's body suit underneath his flack jacket. Today he was wearing headband, on his forehead, but today would be the last time he wore there. He looked Syndra in her eyes although in many ways they were different, she being the more aggressive of the pair, they both had love of information and hated to loose. This fight would not be easy.

Doing hands seal Alder inhaled deeply he planned to start off strong and end strong. Tounge tooth sticky acid. This power acidic technique would reach the entire gap in-between the pair. This wasn't the jutsu strongest variant but it was still powerful.

243/260

Syndra smirked as she saw the spray of acid come her way. It covered a wide area, making the technique difficult to dodge if she wanted to go forward. Although, Syndra had no intentions of letting the technique connect with her. Due to the distance at which it had to travel, she had quite a bit of time to react. She noticed that once the water droplets from the sky touched the wave of the unusual technique, they hissed. Insisting that the technique was acidic. One hit could prove to be troublesome.
Syndra quickly activated the body flicker technique vanish is a cloud of smoke and appear onto the shoulder of the Madara statue. Making their distance about 30 meters. Due to the direction Syndra was at now though, the technique missed her and landing on the face of the statue. Burning it down. "Not bad." Syndra thought to herself.

While standing on the shoulder, she formed the tiger hand seal. As she did so, two wood like creatures that were slightly shorter than Syndra rose from the statue. One on the same shoulder as Syndra, about arms length away. The other on the head of Madara, about six meters away. The beings seemed to be composed of wood, had a human like frame, covered in a green moss, and had pointed arms that looked like they could be used for stabbing. These were one of Syndra's infamous techniques. She was well known for mixing her Senju and Medical knowledge to do things like this. These two beings seemed creepy in manner as well, just enough life in them to work as slaves for Syndra.

Syndra would then jump down towards the water below, landing on it. Using her chakra to keep her above the water. While the two wood beings followed. One to the right of Syndra about arms length away and the other a couple feet behind on her left. As they dashed across the water, kicking up the water as they ran. Syndra kept her eyes on Alder. She had now out numbered Alder, and was curious to what he would do. Since he still on the other statue, he had some time to react. Although, it's tougher to react too three enemies.

Chakra Stuff:

Not expecting any less from his opponent he was proud to have her as opponent.  These clones were dangerous to leave around. There had to be something special about them.  It would easy to create something that looked like ones self in order to confuse the opponent but what did she have in mind with these creations that were obviously clones?  Alder knew from his on technique that substituting realness for other characteristics were useful. Reaching out a hand and rubbing his fingers together he felt the rain and wished that he didn't have to fight in it. His techniques were not ideal for sparing and some of them were defiantly not got long term in the rain. But that could not be helped at the very least this fight would give an opportunity to improve and maybe afterwards he good learn some techniques to cope with this obvious shortcoming.

Knowing that if he were to jump down after Syndra she would land first making Alder an easy target to hit. Insted he took the slower approach jumping  down the statues arm then to its katana, then running the legs the whole time keeping gripped to the statue through chakra control. As he made his way down the large statue he did his best to keep an eye on Syndra and her clones. Alder had his own clone technique but he would need to time thing just right.

Just before jumping down the rest of the way Alder uses a hand sign holding it until mucus secrets from his body covering it with a thick slimy coating of mucus. After having landed on the water he runs toward Syndra despite her clones. More chakra was gathering in his mouth but it was clearly different than before because this time no signs were weaved. AS soon they were in 10m of each other Alder would expel a large quantity of mucus from his mouth.  Which would turn into 2 opaque clones who would concentrate their attacks on both Syndra and her nearest clone.

Chakra:

Syndra would raise an eyebrow as she saw the same mucus from earlier drench the mans body. "How unusual." She thought. Was this a clan technique or just a style of jutsu this man created? Anyways, it would be interesting. One thing she could infer was that she was to not touch the mucus like material, earlier Alder displayed with his first jutsu that the mucus was quite dangerous. If it was capable of burning a statue, it could definetly harm a human being. So, she wanted to avoid any close conflict. She didn't expect Alder to come into close combat, so Syndra had to change her plan up a bit when he jumped on the water.

Syndra would stop running about 10 meters away from Alder but, the two wood created beings would continue. At this same time, two clones of his own were created. Syndra's just wasn't exactly a clone, but just a created minion. Weaker than a clone. But, they had use in them.
As Syndra stopped, a piece of her arm formed into a medium sized wooded stick, she would then launch the wooden stick pass the shoulders of her being at one of Alder's clones just as it was formed. The stick would jab into the torso of the drippy clone, but Syndra wasn't done. She would form the tiger seal, which caused the small stick to erupt into a barrage of branches, piercing the clone all around and stopping it from moving if it wasn't destroyed by the shear damage it just took.
At the same time, one of the wood beings that was beside Syndra earlier would dash towards the other created clone, now that one of them were destroyed by Syndra's wood cutting technique. The other being dash towards Alder, stopping him from heading towards Syndra who stopped in her steps. She kept her eyes on the whole situation, ready to react when needed.

The elders who stood on the head of the statue watched in awe. The elderly female spoke, "That Syndra girl isn't to bad for being a medical type. What are those unusual creatures?" She asked the others.
An man who some what assumed the leader type in the group of elders spoke in reply. "The Senju elders told me that Syndra is a child of prophecy in the Senju clan. She bears the recessive Senju genes that are extremely rare and has mixed her Senju powers with Ijutsu in this manner. They're a unique jutsu only she knows."

Another man in the group then spoke, as they continued to watch the duel. "This Alder character is clever though. He covered his body in that goo to protect him. He has natural talent as a shinobi." The final man remained silent for a moment until he saw Alder create the clones. "He reacted quite well to being out numbered. Created a shield on himself and made allies." It was especially rare for this elder to notice anyone, so Alder must have impressed him somewhat.

Chakra Stuff:

Expelling the mucus he had created in his mouth Alder aimed it so that they would be created behind the minions were infront of him. That jutsu would just be wasted if used on those he thought. instead I have something different in mind for them. Without wasting moment chakra chains sprouted from behind Alder from his and waste they would make there way underwater in an attempt to grab the minions. One chain for each of them and two would continue past trying to grab Syndra. Between the Mucus clones who were nearly clear and the rain it would harder be able to decern both.

Opaque clones in the general shape of Alder made their way onwards towards Syndra. Although they weren't perfect because of the rain the still could be utilized. Currently very little of the mucus that had been secreted on Alder's own skin remained. If he was going to use it he only had few more seconds left.

"Syndra-chan how about we stop hiding behind a puppets?" Two shinobi who would not easily injured or at least not die from injury. She a Senju with both bloodline & kekkai genkai of the first Hokage not to mention he nact for medical ninjutsu. Alder of the Uzumaki blessed with long lives and vital chakra. Whose life force was like a cockroach, not easily stumped out.

Chakra:

Syndra noticed the chains wrap around the wood created minions. There was a lot going on. The two wood beings became stopped in their place by the chains of Alder. She would have to cease using her wood cutter, meaning it was never used.

"Ah, an Uzumaki." The female elder said to herself when seeing such a thing.

Syndra then noticed the clones rushing towards her as well. Alder had a nice little comment to make as well, the first words she heard him speak during the battle. Syndra would reply, "I wouldn't exactly call it hiding." She said in a some what ominous voice, while forming hand seals quickly. Since the seals were for an ijutsu technique, the skill she has mastered. They were a blur.

"Lets step it up a level." Just as she said this, a new being splashed out from beneath the water into the air. Causing the water wave around Although, this being was different than the others. As the being erupted, Syndra jumped up as well. Landing on the back of the creature. The being would begin to run towards the waterfall with Syndra on it's back. Most likely in hopes to change the area of battle.

The creature Syndra was riding on appeared be the size of a tiger and modeled after a tiger, except composed of wood. With razor sharp senju wood teeth, a pointed tail that looked like it could be used to pierce enemies, and sharp senju wood claws. This beast was more fearsome than Syndra's previous creations.
As she ran at a quick speed, mounted on the back of the creature. She spoke, "You're the first to see this one, Alder!" She sound in a some what funny voice. As if she was playing with him a bit, but in a none teasing manner. The beast was quick, which allowed Syndra to avoid the chains and clones quickly. considering everything she did was simultaneously, when calling for it. Within moments they were about 25 meters away from Alder, which put them at the edge of the waterfall. Still not jumped off it yet. They would then stop at the edge and turn to look at Alder.
"You see, the good thing about these pets of mine, is that they're allies that never really leave my side." Syndra then formed familiar hand seals to Alder on the back of the being. Shortly later, two more of the previous weaker wood beings erupted from the water as well. Almost identical to the two that Alder had the chains wrapped around.
Syndra looked almost queen like at this moment. Sitting on the back of a wooden tiger who's tail keep flinging back and forth, while facing Alder, and two of the wooden minions from earlier on the right and left side of her, about five meters out. Putting them 20 meters away from Alder. They looked almost like guards. Syndra looked quite powerful at the current moment. She would stare at Alder, waiting for his next move. Although, she wasn't staring at his face. But his feet and hands, waiting for any quick movements. The clones he created seemed to be slowed and not as effective in this rain. He would have to think of something soon though, considering Syndra has displayed she can make these beings easily and how was he suppose to know how many variations of them she had.

The one man who spoke earlier, favoring Alder would speak again after Syndra stopped at the edge of the waterfall. "Syndra puts up a tough act, but the truth is that Alder forced her to move like that. She was cornered and had to get out of there." All the other elders smirked slightly and nodded their heads as he spoke. All some what agreeing. The one woman elder would speak seconds later. "I'm curious to what Alder will do next. ." They all watched the match intently. Impressed with both Alder and Syndra.

Chakra Stuff:

The 'clones' would not beable to keep but then again they weren't built for that. The distance between them and Syndra was enough. Together they dispearsed changing from liquid to gas. The range the could cover would not be as much as normal because the rain had wash away parts of their bodies. Some mucus that had sunk into the water beneath started to bubble up as the gas breached the surface.  This jutsu was slow in Syndra's so as long she didn't charge straight through it she would be just fine.

"I'm the first? Your so sweet, it is an honor that you felt so inclined to show me it. I don't deserve such kindness." While others might have been seen as mocking Alder was being geniune he felt it high praise to see a ninja's special techniques.  This battle would provide unquestionable in sight that warrented future research into Mokuton & Medical ninjutsu. And even though Alder was excited about these prospects he couldn't dwell on this now.

There was not longer reason to hide his jutsu further not underwater at least. It would only make it slower to reach Syndra. Alder made several hand signs these weren't done a as quickly as any he had made before. But when he was done everything appeared the same. As Syndra ran closer to Alder he was bringing his chains closer together in-between the to shinobi not only to block her tiger but to bind her like he had done to the her minions. To Syndra it would appear as if the minions were being bond and held in front of the tigers path. The other pairs of chains by their path it would seem they were going to aim for the tiger.

Chakra:

Syndra smirked slightly at the mans comment in reply, she found him to humorous somewhat. The gas spreading over the area, wouldn't reach Syndra. Which gave her no reason to worry, although it did work as a type of smokescreen for Alder. Something that was troublesome.
Shortly after she noticed the chains that earlier grasped the other minions charge towards the two that Syndra recently created. "The same tricks won't keep working, Alder."
Just as she said this, the tiger being that was standing on the edge of the waterfall lifted its body up too roar. Simutasonly, Syndra would slide off the back of the tiger and off the edge of the waterfall. Falling elegantly, it was obvious she planned it. Alder had to keep in mind that most people who use ijutsu at her level are recognized as a genius. Although, she would gain her feet on the side of the waterfall about 15 meters down. Standing on the side of the waterfall, using the chakra in her feet to keep her there.
As she fell, she formed a hand seal, as she did so. A piece of wood erupted from the belly of the tiger as he roared. The wood dashed in the direction of Alder. This was the wood cutting technique. The wood was to aim for Alder's right shoulder, Syndra would then most likely command the wood to erupt into multiple branches piercing Alder in multiple spots. Causing extreme damage, that would most likely make the elders end the match.
Syndra also let the chains grab her two weaker minions, she knew that Alder was attached to chains somehow, so it would be difficult for him to dodge the wood cutting technique if he was bound to the two minions. Making Alder have to make a quick decision. Syndra knew she was out of aim from just about anything standing on the side of the waterfall like this, so now it was Alders move. Either grip the two lesser minions and take the wood cutter strike or avoid the attack and try a different method.

As this happened, the leader elder spoke, gripping hid cane tightly, almost angry like. "She is skilled, but she plays dirty." The way he spoke was as if she reminded him of previous enemies or people he knew in his prime. The female elder would then comment back to him. "In the ninja world, dirty is skilled." The elders, felt anxious and were getting close to ending the match. All of them being impressed.

Slighty disappointed he shook his head a bit. In Alders acadamy days most the major houses honorable Hyuga, Uchiha, Shimura, Sarutobi, and Senju had children who attended the acadamy. Those who weren't in academy studied rigrously at home.  Each of these clans went through on trials having their own method of training. The Uzumaki were a little different since the destruction of Ushigakure their population was at the lowest it had ever been.  His father said "No longer are the days where we get to choose. Life has chose for us.  It our responsibility to make sure clans techniques and history be passed on!!. The destroyed or home but or techniques and ways must persist on." With this in mind he pressed Alder always putting him scenarios where he would have to use his intellect over brute force. It was the mind that was the key to Fuinjutsu. But this also would help cultivate Alders genjutsu.

Sometimes the best techniques were subtle.  If the opponent knew the world around them was changing they could figure out how to coup quicker. Alder had use the Sly mind technique in order to misguide Syndra's since of direction. The chains weren't after the tiger they were after her. These chains would try to bind her. It seems as though she fell for it.

Even though chains were after Syndra they would not stop the execution of her jutsu.  The chains were in fact attached to Alder but it was a choice.  After severing his ties with the chains the minions would still be bound for a bit and so would Syndra if the chains reached her. With the wood spikes coming a more waste full approach would be to use the acid. But since they fought on water there was another option, more typical of a doton user when on land.  He could go below the waters surface. Stopping the chakra at his feet it was like the floor disappeared. Alder immediately fell through the surface. Some of the wood flew by over head but not all of it. The wood broke the surface and some hit Alder in his shoulders and grazed his face. The water reduced the force significantly these appear to be minor flesh wounds. With chakra back in his feet his descent into the water stopped. Running, underwater with chakra, 6m to the right he climbed his way to back to the top.

Immediately after the wood had grazed Alders shoulder, the oldest elder vanished and appeared shortly after on the surface of the water. Between Syndra and Alder. Just out of range from Alders gas, and Syndra's minions. The alder would raise one hand in the air slightly and speak.
"Both of you, stop." He sound quite wise and calm. He was obviously experienced in battle and was probably still a threat in his old age.
Shortly after, the rest of the elders appeared next to him. In reaction, Syndra would release her wood beings, causing each of them to fall apart and sink into the water. Syndra, lowered her guard. Since this was an organized match and both Syndra and Alder were mature in nature. She wasn't concerned with a hidden and random attack from Alder, that would put in him jail or worst with the elders watching.
Syndra would brush some her hair off the side of her face, placing it behind her ear. "Alder, huh. . I'll keep an eye on him." She said in her head. She was quite curious about this man. Uzumaki were rare and powerful. It was unusual that this one didn't use a lot of fuuinjutsu. Something that perked her interested even more.

After a pause for both Syndra and Alder to calm down. The oldest elder would speak again. "You are both extremely talented shinobi. We don't see any purpose in seeing anymore. You both are equally matched at the moment. Because of this, we are passing both of you to the rank of jounin."

Syndra would smile slightly, and then bow to the group of elders in respect. She would then face Alder and bow to him as well. She seemed quite nice when she wasn't in battle.

Clapping his hands togehter he released his genjutsu and simultaneously with Syndra's minions dissipating so did Alders chains.

First acknowledging the elders he bowed his to the one that spoke and then to the group as a whole.  "Honorable elders I'm an not worthy of neither your praise or time. I'm humbled by your presence and the time sought fit watching my clumsy performance.  Next two Syndra with his hands he did the half sign. Knowledging her as a peer and fellow Konha shinobi.  This was the same sign that was done by the statue in the sparing Arena and by the statues of Hashirama Senju and Madara Uchiha in this very valley. "You bring honor to your clan Syndra Senju. I am Lord First would be well please with you as his descendent.

The match was over now Alder Uzumaki removed his head band which would still seem odd. For a brief moment Alders chakra swelled so much that it was visble to all of those around. Alder looked like he was surrounded by blue fire. And in a matter of momments had faded away sucked into a small spiral on his forehead. Had he left the his forehead protector on he would have probably welded to his skin. This seal normally did not fatigue him but becuase he had just battled and the chakra he had left was less than a third of his normal he felt exhausted.

chakra:

Syndra would return the half seal. She smiled slightly at Alder afterwards, removing her headband as well. Revealing an unusual white moon marking on her forehead, dead in the center. This marking was supposedly one of the reasons Syndra was a prophecy to the Senju clan. She being one of the few pure blooded Senju's on this earth.
"Thank you, for the match Alder." She then turned to the elders. "Thank you, for accepting me as a shinobi." Syndra then bowed her head slightly in respect.

"Shall we head back now?" The female elder said. The others agree'd and began to make their way home to the leaf village. Syndra would follow a couple feet behind them. Today was a good day for Syndra. She was quite interested in Alder, she found him to be unusually skilled.

Having concluded his business Alder left as well back to Konoha and his life as a Jonin. Who new what life had in store for him or how long he would live. But he would fight for Konoha with all he had. Looking back once more at Madara and Hashirama he had almost forgot that he had damaged the statue. His face turned a shade of red as he made a mental note that he had to make sure to pay off the cost to get it repaired.

[exit]