Senkou stood staring at the outside through the windows of his efficiency apartment, ‘Overcast for the fifth day in a row, how do plants even live in this place?’ A whistling kettle broke his reverie, time for the first cup of tea of the day. A clean, crisp, green tea. Perfect for the start of the morning and to read up on the local news while it steeped. Senkou moved all of three feet to reach for the kettle and pour the 175 degree water into the teapot where the loose leaves were waiting. Exact temperature and time are the key to a good cup of tea. Too much or too little and you are left with either a bitter liquid or just plain hot water. Senkou had run some mathematical and chemical tests to determine based on altitude and chemical makeup of the water in Kirigakure what the optimal water temperature for each type of tea would be. With nothing of particular interest found within the daily newspaper and nothing in the mailbox, Senkou shrugged on his white cloak, grabbed his umbrella, and headed out into the dreary day.
An outstretched bandaged hand tested to see if there was rainfall disguised amongst the morning fog and found only a light mist. Hood up and umbrella tucked underneath an armpit, Senkou merged into a crowd heading towards the market district, his white cloak slowly blending into the moving throngs of people heading about their day. His time in the academy didn’t really prepare Senkou for daily living among such a large amount of people, being from a small mountain village it felt very isolating to feel as alone as he did when surrounded by the populace of Kirigakure. He was hoping with these daily journeys to eventually run into a fellow shinobi and strike up a conversation, though he did bring a book with him in case of a lack of success. Senkou took up some people watching as he let the crowd take him where it willed. He took notice of a family on a trip, a hurried professional, a group of students, all looking like they had a purpose beyond the immediate. Senkou wondered what that would look like for him, a purpose beyond his immediate wants and needs.
This was the train of thought that he was having as he arrived at a street side noodle booth. Ducking underneath the awning he tools his cloak off revealing a grey tunic and pants that color matched the foggy skies. His hands rubbed his light shading of stubble on his face, attempted to brush into shape generic brown hair, and rubbed a pair of tired looking blue eyes. Ritual complete, Senkou took his spot at the end of the bar and waited for his tea and noodles to arrive with his book out. The chef gave Senkou a head nod for acknowledgement; he has had the same order for the past two weeks.
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Naohiro had always enjoyed walking through the streets of Kirigakure. The routine helped him think, focus on the jumbles of problems bouncing around his mind, and the eternal mists were forever comforting. Relaxing. Today, though, he strode with purpose, eyes downcast as he read and mentally deciphered a coded report in his hands. Despite this he slipped easily through the crowd in a manner that comes only with familiarity; those who didn't vacate his path were effortlessly skirted and stepped around without breaking his stride. He frowned, crumpled the report in a fist, then channelled chakra just for a moment to vaporise the paper into millions of invisible shreds that were quickly lost to the wind. What he needed were subjects, damn it! The intricacies of chakra were not lost to him—he was fast becoming one of the village's more authoritative figures about it—but this branch, where it concerned a direct connection to spiritual energy, was for now lost on him. Theory was only half the battle, and to really develop his understanding he needed a real sample. But where would he find the time? Perhaps he could commission a squad...
He sighed, stashing the idea away for later consideration, then looked up and took his bearings. He still had a way to go before reaching the central hospital. Plenty of time to think through the organisational mess that awaited him there. Word had reached him an hour ago of a bad training incident, and the on-call medical team were badly understaffed and overworked trying to cope. He'd been forced to clear his schedule for the morning and head on over to take charge personally.
He was half way through tallying the numbers of other medical ninja he knew were stationed in smaller clinics around the village when a short, black-clad figure slipped into step beside him, bowing its head momentarily. He'd been so engrossed in thought he hadn't noticed one of his assistants, Tomoe, arrive.
"Sir. Wakana sent me. Everything is in hand." He glanced at her and slowed his pace, steering them towards the side of the busy street.
"What news, Tomoe?"
"The reserve shift arrived after all, sir. Wakana split them to handle triage and assist the others."
Naohiro shook his head. "The reserve shift lack the experience to handle this. It helps, but the main medic team are still pushed to—"
"Suibetsu's squad showed up to assist. They've got it well in hand, sir."
"Suibetsu? I thought he was still out on assignment?"
"Back late last night, sir."
Naohiro finally stopped walking. If that was the case, they really didn't need him after all. Suibetsu was arrogant, but more than capable when it came to issues like this. It irked him to leave a mess for someone else to handle, but he supposed the main thing was that it was all under control.
"..Hm. Well, alright then. I guess that solves it. Thank you, Tomoe. Find me again if there's any updates, please."
"Sir!" The woman gave him a crisp salute, then vanished in a puff of smoke. Naohiro found himself standing alone at the side of a busy street, and for the first time in a good long while realised he had nothing to do. He'd already cancelled or moved the rest of his plans for the morning. He supposed he could go and dig up information on the village's latest squads... As if understanding his suddenly open schedule, his stomach chose that moment to rumble. He cocked his head; when had he last eaten?
He took a deep breath and let the moist scent of the village fill his lungs, then turned and strolled back the way he'd come. This time he let his mind wander, giving himself a break. A waft of ramen found his nose and, on a whim, he ducked under the awning of a nearby foodstand. He waved a greeting to the owner, gazed up at the menu for a moment, shrugged, and nodded over to the other patron—a young man sitting a few stools over.
"Good morning. What he's having smells excellent. I'll have the same, please." He smiled and took a seat, then looked over at the other patron again.
"What are you having?" He subconsciously looked the young man up and down as he asked. Though he couldn't see any sign of a shinobi headband, he could tell from the man's posture and the hanging of his tunic that he was fairly well built beneath it. A labourer, perhaps? Maybe a craftsman, from the look of his hands.
He sighed, stashing the idea away for later consideration, then looked up and took his bearings. He still had a way to go before reaching the central hospital. Plenty of time to think through the organisational mess that awaited him there. Word had reached him an hour ago of a bad training incident, and the on-call medical team were badly understaffed and overworked trying to cope. He'd been forced to clear his schedule for the morning and head on over to take charge personally.
He was half way through tallying the numbers of other medical ninja he knew were stationed in smaller clinics around the village when a short, black-clad figure slipped into step beside him, bowing its head momentarily. He'd been so engrossed in thought he hadn't noticed one of his assistants, Tomoe, arrive.
"Sir. Wakana sent me. Everything is in hand." He glanced at her and slowed his pace, steering them towards the side of the busy street.
"What news, Tomoe?"
"The reserve shift arrived after all, sir. Wakana split them to handle triage and assist the others."
Naohiro shook his head. "The reserve shift lack the experience to handle this. It helps, but the main medic team are still pushed to—"
"Suibetsu's squad showed up to assist. They've got it well in hand, sir."
"Suibetsu? I thought he was still out on assignment?"
"Back late last night, sir."
Naohiro finally stopped walking. If that was the case, they really didn't need him after all. Suibetsu was arrogant, but more than capable when it came to issues like this. It irked him to leave a mess for someone else to handle, but he supposed the main thing was that it was all under control.
"..Hm. Well, alright then. I guess that solves it. Thank you, Tomoe. Find me again if there's any updates, please."
"Sir!" The woman gave him a crisp salute, then vanished in a puff of smoke. Naohiro found himself standing alone at the side of a busy street, and for the first time in a good long while realised he had nothing to do. He'd already cancelled or moved the rest of his plans for the morning. He supposed he could go and dig up information on the village's latest squads... As if understanding his suddenly open schedule, his stomach chose that moment to rumble. He cocked his head; when had he last eaten?
He took a deep breath and let the moist scent of the village fill his lungs, then turned and strolled back the way he'd come. This time he let his mind wander, giving himself a break. A waft of ramen found his nose and, on a whim, he ducked under the awning of a nearby foodstand. He waved a greeting to the owner, gazed up at the menu for a moment, shrugged, and nodded over to the other patron—a young man sitting a few stools over.
"Good morning. What he's having smells excellent. I'll have the same, please." He smiled and took a seat, then looked over at the other patron again.
"What are you having?" He subconsciously looked the young man up and down as he asked. Though he couldn't see any sign of a shinobi headband, he could tell from the man's posture and the hanging of his tunic that he was fairly well built beneath it. A labourer, perhaps? Maybe a craftsman, from the look of his hands.
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Aisu Naohiro ❆ Jounin ❆ Kirigakure no Sato ❆ [Unit 12] [HHD] ❆ [#BAE0E2] [#70CEE2]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
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Senkou Wakaranai
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2022 9:25 pm
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Immaculately groomed, well dressed as in matching colors and accessories to accentuate the look. What the hell is a person that looks like a high muckety-muck doing on the streets like this. Senkou became instantly aware of being the only other person in the food stand and the inevitable conversation that would occur, which he supposed was the monkey’s paw curl of his wish for conversation earlier today. Internal sighing barely turned into contentment as his order appeared in front of him. Spicy red miso ramen with chashu pork and extra tofu. It was exactly what was needed to deal with the weather here in Kirigakure where it felt like Senkou was trying to fight off a cold every day.
As he was addressed by the most likely high ranking gentleman about what exactly he had ordered, Senkou made sure to turn to face him and show the Kiri headband tied off at his bicep that was most likely blocked from view.
“Sir, I get the spicy miso ramen with extra tofu. I, uh, get a little seasonal depression with the weather every now and then.”
Senkou’s bandaged hand came up with his sheepish expression and continued to fail to smooth out his bed hair which he became self-conscious about. He wasn’t really good at all the formal communication stuff, much preferred jargon of the trades who usually showed up for their lunch break around this time. He gestured for the gentleman to sit next to him.
“Please, join me. Must have been quite the evening to find yourself here at this moment in time, just excess paperwork or…?”
After being caught off guard, Senkou’s brain began to work again. This was a prime opportunity to get a few details about the inner workings of the higher levels of the Kiri shinobi structure, useful data to be added to his thesis on the evolution of warfare in this era. As the sheepish grin faded away, Senkou became focused on this gentleman, what is there to learn from his mannerisms, his physical movement, the way he said things, what he said. Perhaps he had clan markings on his clothes or tattoos that could signify exactly how far up in the organizational structure he could be. You never know what the key to unlocking previously unknown knowledge could be.
As he was addressed by the most likely high ranking gentleman about what exactly he had ordered, Senkou made sure to turn to face him and show the Kiri headband tied off at his bicep that was most likely blocked from view.
“Sir, I get the spicy miso ramen with extra tofu. I, uh, get a little seasonal depression with the weather every now and then.”
Senkou’s bandaged hand came up with his sheepish expression and continued to fail to smooth out his bed hair which he became self-conscious about. He wasn’t really good at all the formal communication stuff, much preferred jargon of the trades who usually showed up for their lunch break around this time. He gestured for the gentleman to sit next to him.
“Please, join me. Must have been quite the evening to find yourself here at this moment in time, just excess paperwork or…?”
After being caught off guard, Senkou’s brain began to work again. This was a prime opportunity to get a few details about the inner workings of the higher levels of the Kiri shinobi structure, useful data to be added to his thesis on the evolution of warfare in this era. As the sheepish grin faded away, Senkou became focused on this gentleman, what is there to learn from his mannerisms, his physical movement, the way he said things, what he said. Perhaps he had clan markings on his clothes or tattoos that could signify exactly how far up in the organizational structure he could be. You never know what the key to unlocking previously unknown knowledge could be.
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Naohiro eyed the bowl of spicy ramen as the chef placed it down in front of the other patron, a satisfying trail of steam rising into the air above it. It looked delicious, and the intense aroma set his stomach to rumbling again. His eyes fell on the ninja headband and he realised his mistake—obviously the lad was a ninja, at his age and built as he was. Stupid to assume otherwise, really.
"I see," Naohiro looked back to the other patron and nodded, "I suppose the weather here is rather.. consistent. I find it comforting, personally, but I can understand how it could bring someone down." He paused to accept a small cup of tea from the stall owner and cradled it for warmth. "Truth be told, when I was your age it grated on me a bit, too. I couldn't wait to get away and see what lay beyond the mists. I leapt at every opportunity to get out into the world. Maybe that's why it feels reassuring to me now; it's the feeling of somewhere safe. Reliable, like a beloved relative welcoming you home." He shrugged and realised he was rambling. How very unlike him. Perhaps it was the casual atmosphere.
He smiled faintly at the question about his schedule. Casual atmosphere or no, it seemed obvious he was a little out of place here. He glanced back at the man behind the counter and realised that he was standing unnaturally stiff, even while hyper-focused on preparing the second bowl of ramen. Naohiro sighed, reached up to his forehead, slipped free the kirigakure forehead protector and dropped it into a pocket.
"Please, call me Nao. Be at ease." There was a time and place for formality and reverence, when earned, and a streetside noodle bar was neither. "Honestly, I was just passing and had a bit of spare time. The smell caught my interest... It's been a long while since I stopped at a stand like this one. I miss it." His meals were usually brought to him in one office or another by a servant, and usually eaten cold after sitting forgotten behind a stack of books or paperwork.
His own spicy ramen bowl arrived and he bent over it, inhaling and smiling. "What about you? Treating yourself after a day of training, a mission well-done?"
"I see," Naohiro looked back to the other patron and nodded, "I suppose the weather here is rather.. consistent. I find it comforting, personally, but I can understand how it could bring someone down." He paused to accept a small cup of tea from the stall owner and cradled it for warmth. "Truth be told, when I was your age it grated on me a bit, too. I couldn't wait to get away and see what lay beyond the mists. I leapt at every opportunity to get out into the world. Maybe that's why it feels reassuring to me now; it's the feeling of somewhere safe. Reliable, like a beloved relative welcoming you home." He shrugged and realised he was rambling. How very unlike him. Perhaps it was the casual atmosphere.
He smiled faintly at the question about his schedule. Casual atmosphere or no, it seemed obvious he was a little out of place here. He glanced back at the man behind the counter and realised that he was standing unnaturally stiff, even while hyper-focused on preparing the second bowl of ramen. Naohiro sighed, reached up to his forehead, slipped free the kirigakure forehead protector and dropped it into a pocket.
"Please, call me Nao. Be at ease." There was a time and place for formality and reverence, when earned, and a streetside noodle bar was neither. "Honestly, I was just passing and had a bit of spare time. The smell caught my interest... It's been a long while since I stopped at a stand like this one. I miss it." His meals were usually brought to him in one office or another by a servant, and usually eaten cold after sitting forgotten behind a stack of books or paperwork.
His own spicy ramen bowl arrived and he bent over it, inhaling and smiling. "What about you? Treating yourself after a day of training, a mission well-done?"
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Aisu Naohiro ❆ Jounin ❆ Kirigakure no Sato ❆ [Unit 12] [HHD] ❆ [#BAE0E2] [#70CEE2]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
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Senkou Wakaranai
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2022 9:25 pm
Tea for How Many? [Open]
As the gentleman who wished to be called Nao took his seat with a cup of tea, Senkou kept his ears focused on the reminiscing while face deep slurping ramen noodles. It must be nice to be at the stage of life where you have definitively found where home is. As the older gentleman said, realization of this comes with experience and Senkou had no experience in this matter, he was very much in the finding out for himself phase. As these thoughts coalesced into an answer to the question that was asked him, Senkou took a deep breathing from his noodle inhalation and replied,
“Well coupled with the bouts of seasonal depression, I have been toying around with some light existential crisis, as I’m not entirely sure what my purpose is beyond what I want to achieve personally. To me, personal growth is only complete when done in the context of community growth. Does my increase in strength become added value to the community that I am in or am I doing this for personal gratification only?”
Senkou took a sip of his own tea, taking a pause before continuing on.
“In essence, I find that both reasons are perfectly acceptable on a rational level, but which do I find morally acceptable. And that is why I’m here. Spicy ramen bowl has no expectations for these decisions, it is there to be enjoyed and nothing more. It needs to be nothing more. So Nao, after I have laid bare my last few hours of thinking, any wisdom to help guide this decision?”
Was Senkou looking for an actual answer or was he testing gentleman Nao, he was probably unsure himself. There was a severe lack of direction that young man was facing; while as all problems for the young seem world ending to them, the concept, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, has some real merit to it. With the philosophy over, Senkou went back to his noodle inhalation as he awaited the reply from gentleman Nao. Might be there’s a simple answer that he couldn’t see because he lacked the perspective to it, might be there’s no answer at all. Nothing matters, do as you feel, hope it all works out in the end for you.
“Well coupled with the bouts of seasonal depression, I have been toying around with some light existential crisis, as I’m not entirely sure what my purpose is beyond what I want to achieve personally. To me, personal growth is only complete when done in the context of community growth. Does my increase in strength become added value to the community that I am in or am I doing this for personal gratification only?”
Senkou took a sip of his own tea, taking a pause before continuing on.
“In essence, I find that both reasons are perfectly acceptable on a rational level, but which do I find morally acceptable. And that is why I’m here. Spicy ramen bowl has no expectations for these decisions, it is there to be enjoyed and nothing more. It needs to be nothing more. So Nao, after I have laid bare my last few hours of thinking, any wisdom to help guide this decision?”
Was Senkou looking for an actual answer or was he testing gentleman Nao, he was probably unsure himself. There was a severe lack of direction that young man was facing; while as all problems for the young seem world ending to them, the concept, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, has some real merit to it. With the philosophy over, Senkou went back to his noodle inhalation as he awaited the reply from gentleman Nao. Might be there’s a simple answer that he couldn’t see because he lacked the perspective to it, might be there’s no answer at all. Nothing matters, do as you feel, hope it all works out in the end for you.
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Naohiro sipped his own tea appreciatively and offered the stall owner a smile. He could taste the man's experience in the seemingly simple brew, something that seemed so minor and thus was overlooked by most, but added undeniable depth and quality to a drink. All the while, Nao listened to the other ninja and considered. He, too, had felt similarly when he was in his formative years. Strip away all the names and appearances, and you'd find most people were alike. He glanced over towards the other man and watched him for a moment.
"You ask a thing which men been asking for centuries. Some never find the answer, but the fact you ask at all it is a promising start. But perhaps you should ask yourself whether it must be such a binary choice in the first place?" He paused, letting his eyes settle on the other man's Kirigakure ninja headband. "The village doctrine, drilled into all of us from day one at the academy, sets us on the path of personal growth to the point of selfishness. Focus only on your own development, your own gratification. Fight for yourself and yourself alone. Become the strongest kid in the class. Beat down your rivals. Take what you can. And screw anything that gets in the way of your own quest for power."
"But why, though? Why not work for the community as a whole?" He sampled the ramen, added some sauce, stirred and sipped. "It's because the kid next to you is clawing his way towards power just as hungrily as you are. And the kid next to him, and the one next to him, on and on. And then you realise the entire class is stronger as a result. The entire village prospers from the strength of each individual prioritising themselves."
"At least up until the point where they start to see the bigger picture. Right, spicy ramen bowl?" He winked, and began slurping from the bowl. Eventually he set it down, dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, and continued.
"It's not the only way, of course. There's rumours the other ninja villages do it differently. Focus on the community and bonds and shared experience. It even works, for some of them. But at the end of the day I'd rather know the man next to me in a squad is the best of the best, and that he earned his place there. Not a coddled friend pulled along in someone else's wake. It might be callous, but ultimately a group is only as strong as it's weakest link. Those who see farthest stand upon the shoulders of giants, and all that. If you aim to see as far, do you want to climb the heights yourself, or be hoisted up by someone else?"
He sat back and sighed, then enjoyed another sip of tea. "So, does that stir anything in you?" He watched the other ninja with curiosity.
"You ask a thing which men been asking for centuries. Some never find the answer, but the fact you ask at all it is a promising start. But perhaps you should ask yourself whether it must be such a binary choice in the first place?" He paused, letting his eyes settle on the other man's Kirigakure ninja headband. "The village doctrine, drilled into all of us from day one at the academy, sets us on the path of personal growth to the point of selfishness. Focus only on your own development, your own gratification. Fight for yourself and yourself alone. Become the strongest kid in the class. Beat down your rivals. Take what you can. And screw anything that gets in the way of your own quest for power."
"But why, though? Why not work for the community as a whole?" He sampled the ramen, added some sauce, stirred and sipped. "It's because the kid next to you is clawing his way towards power just as hungrily as you are. And the kid next to him, and the one next to him, on and on. And then you realise the entire class is stronger as a result. The entire village prospers from the strength of each individual prioritising themselves."
"At least up until the point where they start to see the bigger picture. Right, spicy ramen bowl?" He winked, and began slurping from the bowl. Eventually he set it down, dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, and continued.
"It's not the only way, of course. There's rumours the other ninja villages do it differently. Focus on the community and bonds and shared experience. It even works, for some of them. But at the end of the day I'd rather know the man next to me in a squad is the best of the best, and that he earned his place there. Not a coddled friend pulled along in someone else's wake. It might be callous, but ultimately a group is only as strong as it's weakest link. Those who see farthest stand upon the shoulders of giants, and all that. If you aim to see as far, do you want to climb the heights yourself, or be hoisted up by someone else?"
He sat back and sighed, then enjoyed another sip of tea. "So, does that stir anything in you?" He watched the other ninja with curiosity.
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Aisu Naohiro ❆ Jounin ❆ Kirigakure no Sato ❆ [Unit 12] [HHD] ❆ [#BAE0E2] [#70CEE2]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
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Senkou Wakaranai
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2022 9:25 pm
Tea for How Many? [Open]
With noodles now in the process of digestion, Senkou drained the soup, picking the bowl up with both hands and just started chugging the now room temperature broth. There was a certain evolutionary logic that gentleman Nao was bringing to the table. Current practices did force a certain self-selection of candidates for higher levels of competencies at least based on the standards set by those same current practices. Though Senkou couldn’t help but wonder if it was the equivalent of judging a fish on how well it climbs as compared to a monkey.
With the bowl currently empty and his after meal tea just placed in front of him, Senkou began his reply, “Spicy ramen bowl is a good pseudonym. My answer is that I do not have the experience necessary to give a proper answer at this time, though I shall attempt one based on some philosophical books I have read. A community is capable of scale that an individual, no matter how skilled, cannot compete with. If we focus on the development of the individual, reward the individual, then you are left with two camps, highly competent, but isolated talent and underutilized specialists as the standard for what is rewarded does not encompass their skillset.”
Senkou took a long sip of his jasmine tea so he could gather his thoughts back together, “So then, gentleman Nao, can I interest you in helping a young genin gather some real world experience? All I’ve done lately is read a bunch of theses on theoretical ideas of a large amount of subjects, starting to go a little stir crazy.”
He took out the book that he brought along with him to read before this conversation and placed it on the bar between the two of them, it was probably almost a half foot thick and the font size looked to be around eleven. The title was, ‘Stratagems and Theorems on the Application of Chemicals in Modern Warfare’.
“As you can see, my eyesight might be deteriorating and I’m pretty sure I have a knot at the base of my neck from leaning over my reading desk.”
With the bowl currently empty and his after meal tea just placed in front of him, Senkou began his reply, “Spicy ramen bowl is a good pseudonym. My answer is that I do not have the experience necessary to give a proper answer at this time, though I shall attempt one based on some philosophical books I have read. A community is capable of scale that an individual, no matter how skilled, cannot compete with. If we focus on the development of the individual, reward the individual, then you are left with two camps, highly competent, but isolated talent and underutilized specialists as the standard for what is rewarded does not encompass their skillset.”
Senkou took a long sip of his jasmine tea so he could gather his thoughts back together, “So then, gentleman Nao, can I interest you in helping a young genin gather some real world experience? All I’ve done lately is read a bunch of theses on theoretical ideas of a large amount of subjects, starting to go a little stir crazy.”
He took out the book that he brought along with him to read before this conversation and placed it on the bar between the two of them, it was probably almost a half foot thick and the font size looked to be around eleven. The title was, ‘Stratagems and Theorems on the Application of Chemicals in Modern Warfare’.
“As you can see, my eyesight might be deteriorating and I’m pretty sure I have a knot at the base of my neck from leaning over my reading desk.”
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Naohiro masked a smile with a sip of tea as the boy replied after a thoughtful silence. He claimed to be too inexperienced to give an answer—but then ventured one more insightful than most people would've considerd. Just a young, untested genin, and already he was thinking about the bigger picture. Most kids his age obsessed only over the next fight, or the next promotion; this one was different. He was certainly worth watching for the future. How unusual, to stumble into one with a mind of such potential in a roadside foodstall such as this...
"Ah, now that may be something I can offer more direct help with," Naohiro set down his empty cup at the request for real world experience, and moved his drained bowl on to the upper ledge of the stall for the chef to reclaim. Then he turned to sit sideways and looked at the young ninja beside him, just as the large book was set down between them. He scanned the title and raised one eyebrow.
"Well, well. I didn't expect you to pull out something like that. Interesting. Very interesting..." he mused, staring at the large tome, then glanced back at the other ninja with an appraising eye. As an experienced medical ninja himself, he was at least passingly familiar with the idea of chemical and biological weapons on the battlefield. They were rare, but not unheard of tools of certain shinobi. Terribly effective ones, too, when used carefully and correctly.
"Let's take a step back for a moment. What's your name? You clearly have some ambition," he ran a finger down the spine of the book, noting the stress marks that spoke of heavy use, "what are your talents, besides reading, philosophy, and existential crises?"
"I'm never short of work for extra hands at the hospital, though it sounds like you're after something other than pushing paper and reading journals... Unless you want to learn medical ninjutsu itself. Or perhaps..." He paused, thinking back to an earlier issue. But, no; it'd be irresponsible to send an inexperienced genin out hunting for spirits without first knowing what he could do. A suicide mission for sure. What else, then? His eyes were drawn back to the book on chemical warfare. That showed initiative, forethought. Potential. But the boy needed testing. Hardening. A rival, or comrades, to challenge and inspire him. Two groups stood out as perfect candidates in Naohiro's mind—the Seven, and the Hunters. And since the lad clearly had a mind sharper than any common sword, the choice was obvious. He leaned foward, face falling into stillness.
"Have you heard of Kirigakure's Head Hunter Division?"
"Ah, now that may be something I can offer more direct help with," Naohiro set down his empty cup at the request for real world experience, and moved his drained bowl on to the upper ledge of the stall for the chef to reclaim. Then he turned to sit sideways and looked at the young ninja beside him, just as the large book was set down between them. He scanned the title and raised one eyebrow.
"Well, well. I didn't expect you to pull out something like that. Interesting. Very interesting..." he mused, staring at the large tome, then glanced back at the other ninja with an appraising eye. As an experienced medical ninja himself, he was at least passingly familiar with the idea of chemical and biological weapons on the battlefield. They were rare, but not unheard of tools of certain shinobi. Terribly effective ones, too, when used carefully and correctly.
"Let's take a step back for a moment. What's your name? You clearly have some ambition," he ran a finger down the spine of the book, noting the stress marks that spoke of heavy use, "what are your talents, besides reading, philosophy, and existential crises?"
"I'm never short of work for extra hands at the hospital, though it sounds like you're after something other than pushing paper and reading journals... Unless you want to learn medical ninjutsu itself. Or perhaps..." He paused, thinking back to an earlier issue. But, no; it'd be irresponsible to send an inexperienced genin out hunting for spirits without first knowing what he could do. A suicide mission for sure. What else, then? His eyes were drawn back to the book on chemical warfare. That showed initiative, forethought. Potential. But the boy needed testing. Hardening. A rival, or comrades, to challenge and inspire him. Two groups stood out as perfect candidates in Naohiro's mind—the Seven, and the Hunters. And since the lad clearly had a mind sharper than any common sword, the choice was obvious. He leaned foward, face falling into stillness.
"Have you heard of Kirigakure's Head Hunter Division?"
CharactersShow
Aisu Naohiro ❆ Jounin ❆ Kirigakure no Sato ❆ [Unit 12] [HHD] ❆ [#BAE0E2] [#70CEE2]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
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Senkou Wakaranai
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2022 9:25 pm
Tea for How Many? [Open]
Ah well, Senkou thought he could get away with the pseudonym for some extra cool points that really only mattered in his head, but he supposed the conversation had moved on from philosophy and into more grounded territory. His habit of running his bandaged hand through his hair as he thought about the questions cropped up as his eyes kind of ended up staring at the cup of tea held in his other hand. A couple of blinks later signaled his brain had finished processing.
“My name is Senkou Wakaranai, as a newly fledged genin I haven’t learned any individual jutsu beyond the ones taught at the academy, but I do have a vision of what I want to be capable of.”
He opened up to where he bookmarked his last spot with a manila folder and laid out about a dozen sheets of graphing paper that looked to be covered with drawings and notes to almost off the edges on both sides. The pages covered things like maximizing body mass for the most power out of a strike with mathematical equations and xyz graph detailing a three dimensional space, a dissection of a construct that resembled the human eye, an entire sheet of fuuininjustu seals with a head line of ‘Chakra = Energy, Energy = Data’, and so much more.
“This is what I have been spending my days and nights on. My personal goal is to represent an evolution in the way we think about being a shinobi. So I would say my talents are preparation and knowledge seeking. Are these desirable to the Head Hunter Division? I only know them through rumors and their reputation. Though you do have me intrigued with hospital work, I could use some experience in the after effects of different kinds of trauma to the brain. I have a few ideas that need refining on the exact moment unconsciousness happens. Can I do both?”
Senkou was definitely exhibiting his intense curiosity at this moment in time, his pupils almost looked like they disappeared in the ocean blue of his eyes as his focus became concentrated on the gentleman seated next to him.
“I watch people throw lightning around like a ball, move earth with a whim, float water with a sigh. All of these people are stuck in an archaic system and I’m going to drag them kicking and screaming into a new reality.”
If intensity had a picture, Senkou’s face as he was staring at Nao would be there.
“My name is Senkou Wakaranai, as a newly fledged genin I haven’t learned any individual jutsu beyond the ones taught at the academy, but I do have a vision of what I want to be capable of.”
He opened up to where he bookmarked his last spot with a manila folder and laid out about a dozen sheets of graphing paper that looked to be covered with drawings and notes to almost off the edges on both sides. The pages covered things like maximizing body mass for the most power out of a strike with mathematical equations and xyz graph detailing a three dimensional space, a dissection of a construct that resembled the human eye, an entire sheet of fuuininjustu seals with a head line of ‘Chakra = Energy, Energy = Data’, and so much more.
“This is what I have been spending my days and nights on. My personal goal is to represent an evolution in the way we think about being a shinobi. So I would say my talents are preparation and knowledge seeking. Are these desirable to the Head Hunter Division? I only know them through rumors and their reputation. Though you do have me intrigued with hospital work, I could use some experience in the after effects of different kinds of trauma to the brain. I have a few ideas that need refining on the exact moment unconsciousness happens. Can I do both?”
Senkou was definitely exhibiting his intense curiosity at this moment in time, his pupils almost looked like they disappeared in the ocean blue of his eyes as his focus became concentrated on the gentleman seated next to him.
“I watch people throw lightning around like a ball, move earth with a whim, float water with a sigh. All of these people are stuck in an archaic system and I’m going to drag them kicking and screaming into a new reality.”
If intensity had a picture, Senkou’s face as he was staring at Nao would be there.
Tea for How Many? [Open]
This time Naohiro didn't bother to mask his smile. Instead of a humorous one, though, this was an almost predatory grin. Excellent. Hook, line, and sinker. He waved away the explanation of Senkou not knowing any particular jutsu, because what he showed next spoke far more of his potential. This was a boy whose strongest weapon was his mind. All Naohiro had to do was set him to a task, and the rest would fall in to place.
"An evolution in the way we think about shinobi..." Naohiro mused, sitting back and cupping his hands, "very bold. Ambitious. I'd like to hear more about that, but perhaps at another time. All of what you say is valuable to the Head Hunter Division. We are more than just the masked assassins in children's stories—we have free reign to do whatever it takes to protect and secure Kirigakure, no matter the thread. We have hunters, yes, but also researchers. Medics. Analysts and interrogators. And a training programme for new recruits, where men are honed into weapons. We only take the best, but we can make use of all types of talent."
Naohiro paused to pay the chef, covering both of their meals along with a generous tip and nod of the head, then he stood up and straightened his jacket. This had been a surprisingly enjoyable and productive lunch, but he couldn't linger too much longer without people starting to come look for him, and he hated being herded around by subordinates with increasingly urgent requests.
"Have a think about it. If you're interested, there will be plenty of opportunity to follow your research and run your tests, medical or otherwise." The HHD were generally keen to sponser any such work, with the obvious understanding that any results would likely benefit the village as a whole—even if it only heightened the power of one individual in the mix. "Acceptance isn't a given, but what I've heard here today sounds promising. Stop by the village's main administration building and give my name—Aisu Naohiro—to a clerk if you want to try your hand. Be warned there will be some initial testing."
"If not... Well, still feel free to swing by the central hospital in the heart of the village. If I'm not there, one of my aides probably will be. Any of us can offer you some time in the wards, or access to some medical textbooks and techniques." Naohiro stepped back and waited for a moment to see if the young genin had any further questions or concerns for him, and if not, he'd offer a slight bow and then turn away, soon to be lost to the passing crowd.
"An evolution in the way we think about shinobi..." Naohiro mused, sitting back and cupping his hands, "very bold. Ambitious. I'd like to hear more about that, but perhaps at another time. All of what you say is valuable to the Head Hunter Division. We are more than just the masked assassins in children's stories—we have free reign to do whatever it takes to protect and secure Kirigakure, no matter the thread. We have hunters, yes, but also researchers. Medics. Analysts and interrogators. And a training programme for new recruits, where men are honed into weapons. We only take the best, but we can make use of all types of talent."
Naohiro paused to pay the chef, covering both of their meals along with a generous tip and nod of the head, then he stood up and straightened his jacket. This had been a surprisingly enjoyable and productive lunch, but he couldn't linger too much longer without people starting to come look for him, and he hated being herded around by subordinates with increasingly urgent requests.
"Have a think about it. If you're interested, there will be plenty of opportunity to follow your research and run your tests, medical or otherwise." The HHD were generally keen to sponser any such work, with the obvious understanding that any results would likely benefit the village as a whole—even if it only heightened the power of one individual in the mix. "Acceptance isn't a given, but what I've heard here today sounds promising. Stop by the village's main administration building and give my name—Aisu Naohiro—to a clerk if you want to try your hand. Be warned there will be some initial testing."
"If not... Well, still feel free to swing by the central hospital in the heart of the village. If I'm not there, one of my aides probably will be. Any of us can offer you some time in the wards, or access to some medical textbooks and techniques." Naohiro stepped back and waited for a moment to see if the young genin had any further questions or concerns for him, and if not, he'd offer a slight bow and then turn away, soon to be lost to the passing crowd.
CharactersShow
Aisu Naohiro ❆ Jounin ❆ Kirigakure no Sato ❆ [Unit 12] [HHD] ❆ [#BAE0E2] [#70CEE2]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
Hachiya Kotori ၜ Genin ၜ Iwagakure no Sato ၜ [Ukiyogenma Jinchuuriki] [H.N.K.] ၜ [Gold] [#BF8040] ၜ [Thread Tracker]
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Senkou Wakaranai
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2022 9:25 pm
Tea for How Many? [Closed]
It would seem a path has been laid out, a place where his ideas could be rigorously peer reviewed and field tested, a place that would appreciate a more unique outlook on the future of their profession. The offer from gentleman Nao to apply for the Head Hunter Division was an opportunity Senkou could not allow himself to pass up and therefore it was time for him to get down to training at least a few of the core concepts that he wanted to present during his application process. Senkou kept note of the amount that the gentleman Nao paid for both of their meals and would make sure to reimburse him at a later date, he was sure the man had plenty of other more important things to do.
“Our conversation here has created a motivation and focus that I found myself lacking. I will definitely be taking you up on your invitation, but first I have to complete some training for myself before I take on those tests that you mentioned, have a great rest of your day.”
As the gentleman Nao faded into the growing crowds outside to head off to whatever his duties require of him, Senkou recollected all of his materials that he brought with him and showed to Nao and begin sifted through them, writing down a priority list of what he needed to accomplish. Soon Senkou was lost again in his world of theories as he zombie walked back to his apartment, scribbling on a yellow notepad what he needed to accomplish in the coming week before he felt ready enough to take on this next step in his potentially new career.
The day ended for Senkou once again hunched over his writing desk now strewn with a bunch of pages from his notebook detailing a meal plan, a physical exercise plan, and a technique training plan. With a flourish which was more of just dropping the pen on to the desk and rubbing his back, Senkou managed to crawl out of the chair and into his bed where he promptly found unconsciousness. A new beginning tomorrow for the young genin.
[Exit]
“Our conversation here has created a motivation and focus that I found myself lacking. I will definitely be taking you up on your invitation, but first I have to complete some training for myself before I take on those tests that you mentioned, have a great rest of your day.”
As the gentleman Nao faded into the growing crowds outside to head off to whatever his duties require of him, Senkou recollected all of his materials that he brought with him and showed to Nao and begin sifted through them, writing down a priority list of what he needed to accomplish. Soon Senkou was lost again in his world of theories as he zombie walked back to his apartment, scribbling on a yellow notepad what he needed to accomplish in the coming week before he felt ready enough to take on this next step in his potentially new career.
The day ended for Senkou once again hunched over his writing desk now strewn with a bunch of pages from his notebook detailing a meal plan, a physical exercise plan, and a technique training plan. With a flourish which was more of just dropping the pen on to the desk and rubbing his back, Senkou managed to crawl out of the chair and into his bed where he promptly found unconsciousness. A new beginning tomorrow for the young genin.
[Exit]