[Wandering once again around the city, trying to clear his mind off of the past events, Kazuya would find himself surrounded by trees, a shrine and silence. The lets out a sigh and stretches his body before looking around.] It's been a while since the last time I visited a shrine, I remember it being really helpful back in the day. [With his two arms crossed, he would casually walk towards the offering box, looking at it in silence.]

As the well dressed man opens his paper, he quickly crumples it up and places yet another coin into the fortune box. As the scrap of paper drops out, he hastily grasps at it. After opening the second one, he repeats the ritual he did for the first. He does this a good number of times. After the sixth or seventh paper, he seemingly looks in shock at the currently opened scrap. "Terrible luck... God once again is erring."

[At this time of the day, or rather night, it was not usual for anyone to be around. Kazuya would turn around and look at the man try again and again, apparently failing on what he wanted. He felt curious, and so, he approached.] Not having much luck, huh?

The man pockets the scraps of paper, not bothering to tie them up. "Not as of late, no. I have quite the history of bad luck in this regard, though it falls on God's shoulders to bestow luck befitting a soldier. I feel not at ease since the changes I've experienced. This place is not my home, nor is it remotely close. This fault also lies upon God."

[God, the mention of His name was enough to make Kazuya raise a single eyebrow at the unlucky man. He wouldn't mind this of course.] If it makes you feel better, a lot of people have bad luck thanks to God, or a god for one reason or another. [He chuckles.] Maybe that will help you feel at home, even if just a bit.

Ah, a shrine. I haven't seen one of these since I got to this place. The strange girl has made an appearance on the scene!

The man remains stern in his expression. "Perhaps you have misinterpreted me. I do not wish to feel at home. I desire to BE at home. This place will simply have to serve as my residence until I have acquired the means to return."

[Kazuya laughs softly at the man's words.] You are pretty straightforward, that's good to know! [The young man would then offer the older man his hand, along with a smile.] I'm Kazuya Yasuo, and I'm trapped here just like you. It's nice to meet you!

He takes the hand for a firm handshake. "Nago Keisuke. It is a pleasure. You seem to know a good deal more than I do of this place. Please, share your knowledge with me. In exchange I can teach you combat techniques."

Combat techniques...? It's fine, I could tell you anything you want to know about this place...as long as I myself am aware of it. [Kazuya's handshake is firm as well before breaking apart from it. He would then look back at the shrine and let out a soft sigh.] This place it's...special, somehow. You know what a "multiverse" is, right? This place is kind of like that, some sort of anomaly that allows easy access to and from other universes or even timelines in some cases.

The man stares directly into Kazuya's eyes. "What you say seems utterly ridiculous, but I have no reason to doubt you. As for the timelines, I find those much more simple to comprehend. As for the techniques, are you certain? A good deal have come to me prior to this incident to study under me. I do have ONE question. Is there an authority in this place? Something to keep it functioning? My occupation traditionally hinges on authority."

Ah yes, a Multiverse. I figured something to that effect was going on, given how... different many people here are. As for an authority. I hear there's a president, but he doesn't do much. Though apparently if he wasn't here the place would be a burning apocalypse.

Yeah, it's ridiculous at first, and the most impressive part of this is that it gets crazier the longer you stay. And when it comes to techniques...I like to think I'm good with a sword, but anything you could show me is good! [Kazuya laughs nervously as he tries to not feel awkward after explaning this small piece of information, he never once thought this would be this hard to explain.] Oh, and uh...when it comes to authority, all I know is that we have a president. His name is..."Tim, Splat Tim" I think.

Nago nods his head in understanding. "The blade, hmm? What of the fist? A soldier must be ready and capable of fighting should his tools fail him. I will teach you how to properly defend yourself, or incapacitate your enemy, with your bare hands." Nago's stern expression gives way to a partially confident smirk. "A president you say? I shall have to make further inquiries into the matter. As for you, young lady." Nago's gaze falls upon Izumi. "Do you not know it is impolite to interject into conversations?"

[Kazuya would look at the man and rub the back of his head.] I don't see myself as much of a soldier, I like to think of myself as some kind of mediator. [He would then close his eyes and quickly nod. He was being given the chance to learn, and he shouldn't back down from that.] But I do have to deal with battle quite a lot, especially in here.

Nago returns his fiery gaze to Kazuya. "A mediator? Then you are a soldier for peace. One who fights is a soldier, that is a fact in this world. The fact that you do battle more than you must, is proof of your devotion to your beliefs. I must admit that I respect such a stance. As for your training, a place of peace like this shrine does not befit preparation for combat. Come. We shall step outside of the area, and I will judge your weakness. A soldier's duty is to find the weakness within himself and prevent that weakness from allowing failure."

"Find the weakness within" [Kazuya nods at his words and decides to follow him to wherever he may lead him.] It's said the biggest rival you will ever get is yourself, and with that I think I'm down for some training or sparing. I don't enjoy violence a single bit, but I know it's part of reality and has to be used, even if just to stay alive or protect others from those who will never listen to reason.

Nago leads Kazuya to an empty street, he stops after pondering Kazuya's words. "The biggest rival isn't yourself in its entirety. 'You are your own worst enemy', so the saying goes. I find that one's self is their greatest ally. It provides the one thing in the world you can depend on. God errs. Demons sin. Others fight. It is only oneself that brings about grand changes in this or any world. Any weakness you find within an ally must be trained to the point of insignificance, thus unto ourselves. Enough philosophy. I promised to train you, not depart wisdom. Now, I will test your abilities. I want you to hit me. Do not fear for my safety, that in itself is a weakness to be exploited."

[Kazuya would listen to his words in silence. He would then look at his own right hand. He was athletic, yes, but he wasn't one to use much brute force.] If you say so, I will try. [Kazuya would close his eyes as a magic aura forms around him. He would try to apply something he did with sword to his own fist, even if it's just once. The man said he shouldn't worry for his safety, so this might be a good idea. He felt the energy on the perfect point, and so, he jumped forward. And in the blink of an eye, Kazuya had already reached the man and tried to punch him on the stomach as hard as he could.] Lightspeed Punch! [A variation of his usual "Lightspeed Slash". He was not used to using fists, so this variation is a bit awkward to pull off.]

As Kazuya simply appears before Nago, he can't help but look surprised for a fraction of a second. As the fist makes contact, Nago doesn't waver, instead he simply grabs Kazuya's arm and attempts to raise him up to immobilize him. "I must admit, given the nature of this world as you describe it, I should have foreseen that you possessed supernatural abilities. I will not make the same underestimation twice."

[Kazuya can't avoid getting grabbed by the older man. Indeed, this small upgrade to his physical capabilities was incredible for how little magic he could gather at a time, but he couldn't exactly use it again and again.] I-I can't exactly do this too many times before hurting my own body...! [Kazuya sighs and tries to look for a way out of this situation. Of course, he used his right arm to punch him, but he still had legs and another arm. Soon, he would attempt a simple punch to the face with his left.]

Nago would then slap away Kazuya's punch, and deliver one of his own into his gut. "What you mean to tell me is you went directly for an attack that could endanger yourself if used repeatedly? That is a foolish method of fighting. One must keep a level head and only deploy their skills when necessary."

Gah!! I am at a disadvantage without my sword. [Kazuya would take the punch to the gut without much of a chance to fight back. However, he was still close.] But I got in your face quickly...! [Without losing much time, he would quickly move to headbutt him right on the nose. If this worked as intended, he would quickly move in to follow-up with his right knee aimed at the man's jaw] ...and managed to surprise you!

(Suddenly, a greenish 7'3 man falls from the sky, face first)....ow

(He gets up, rubbing his head and looks at the sudden fight)....wow...everywhere I go

The headbutt would only collide with Nago's skull, but he still seems to be unfazed. The knee however would strike just as intended. Nago's eyes flare up with much more intensity, and he bashes his own skull into Kazuya's. He lets go as he delivers the strike. "I see. Refusing to back away from a challenge, despite being at a disadvantage. Not clever, but admirable nonetheless."

AY..QUIT WITH THE FIGHTING..

[With one simple headbutt, Kazuya would take a few steps back while holding his forehead in pain. This man felt like some kind of rock, but he's had it worse. Sadly he was at a severe disadvantage now.] Yeah...it wouldn't be fair to go all out. [Kazuya would join both of his arms and use them to cover his chest, and his fists to cover part of his face. He would then lean his torso forward as he stood his ground, fiercely looking at the older man, challenging him.]

Oh my fuckin' god....this is disappointing

It seems the challenge rings true inside Nago's heart. His glare emanates an eerie stillness. "At last, you seem to have learned one basic truth. He who strikes first only lines himself up for defeat. Let me impart this knowledge before we continue. Starting fights is never a good thing, so is striking first. You set yourself up to be countered, or simply infuriated. Let us continue." Nago charges directly at Kazuya, leaving no obvious sign of an opening. If he wasn't stopped, Kazuya would find himself pinned against a wall.

In a battle, he who strikes first wins. That is the way of the sword. [Kazuya waits for Nago to get closer to him. The young man doesn't move, nor does he feel intimidated by him.] I've used all swords of all sizes. So I know a thing or two... [At the last possible moment, the young man would finally try to use all the weight and force the man was using to strike him against him. Kazuya opens his arms and quickly takes hold of his opponent's right arm, and as soon as he does, he makes a quick 180 turn. Now, Kazuya lacked physical strenght, but he was skilled.] ...About using the momentum! [Trying to redirect the man towards the wall, he pulls on his arm, trying to use the own man's weight to force him into slamming his back against the wall.]

AY, USE THIS! (He then throws his 7'2 claymore with its golden hilt and its blade with weird carvings and jems in it) USE IT!

Nago stops his charge as soon as Kazuya steps out of his way. Now that Kazuya is gripping his arm he takes the moment to deliver a swift strike to the jaw with his free arm. "I too use a blade, but you must also know this about momentum. A blade won't refuse the wielders force. I am no sword. My strength will outmatch your technique. For there is a necessity for balance in combat."

Takeshi's style it is...!! [Kazuya had fallen to the floor. His jaw hurt like hell, and he was pretty sure his lip was bleeding now. Kazuya's body would quickly gather energy and quickly jump up with his right fist tightly clenched into a fist powerful enough to leave a whole in a concrete wall.] HERCULEAN STRAIGHT!! [Herculea Straight was the one move he learned from Takeshi. One half of the necessary skills to even use Lightspeed Slash, the other one being Turbo Arrow. After this hit, regardless of whether it works or not, Kazuya would fall to the ground, kneeling. From using a sword to his fists, he was always a bit weak in that sense, even fragile to an extent.] I...focusing so much in a single punch is new... [Kazuya still had much more to give, but without a sword he lost the balance he possessed.]

AY, KAZ, I JUST TOSSED YA MY CLAYMORE!

Nago adjusts his head so the fist passes by his head harmlessly. It does in fact create a hole in the wall behind him, which does warrant a small look of surprise. "I see. It is not strength you lack, nor technique. You lack endurance. Many oft overlook such a basic need for combat, but I would surmise that you didn't ignore this factor. You simply never found a clear path that would yield the fortitude you require. Much of my techniques and styles would very well fall on deaf ears if I were to take you as my disciple. Your technique is in its final stages toward completion. Nothing I give you would help, in fact it would likely hinder as blending two completely different styles often results in a mess. Come." Nago extends a hand to the fallen Kazuya, providing his shoulder for support if necessary. "I must hand it to you. You possess far more power than many of my past foes. It seems that power alone was not enough to triumph over me. Let us tend those wounds you have endured from me. A soldier should not let a spar determine the outcome of his next battle."

A blue haired boy seemingly of a high school age approaches the shrine's offering box. His clothing a mix of black and red to match his gleaming red eyes. After placing his hand in his pocket he pulls out a strange device and points it towards the shrine. The device would admit a red light from his screen before he would look slightly annoyed and begin rapidly pressing the buttons on the device. "Dammit, what a stubborn demon...How much Macca do you need?"

My body, unlike other people, is completely unable to "generate" magic on its own. I can't use the elements, enhance anyone's abilities or create illusions... [Kazuya would take a deep breath and stand up without much on an issue. His lips is still bleeding, and his right hand feels a bit tense given he was not used to using so much physical strenght.] However, those techniques, and the others I have push my body to the limits of what a human can do. But only through the use of magic. [Kazuya would then laugh at his own words, not exactly sure how he could actually use magic, even after so many years. Yes, his body could not create it, then how could he use it? There was not a point in questioning that now.] However, my speciality is the sword, so you can guess all of these moves work better with a blade! When it comes to encounters like this, I don't usually confront directly, I try to outsmart my oponent, using my surrounding rather than my own brute force or technique. [Finally, Kazuya uses his thumb to touch his own lips. He would see it was bleeding, but his smile didn't disappear.] I could go all night, but I wanted to see how I would fare in an actual direct confrontation with someone who was more experienced in the close quarter area. Needless to say, I honestly expected it to end this way. [And with a final bow to him, the young man begins to walk away.] I learned something new today, and I will try to work on this! But I will do so as a "Warrior", I am not a Soldier. [He gives the man a quick thumbs up.] See ya!

Well...that happened (he says as he picks up his claymore and puts it in its Beautiful wooden sheath)

Nago nods in thought. "Magic... that would explain much." Nago seems to give himself a satisfied chuckle. "Fool... a warrior is a soldier lacking ties to a cause, but if that is what you wish, then fare well, warrior of peace."

People just call me ah douchebag