Day 44: Lunch

[mizuhomaiden.livejournal.com]

That had been a very frustrating shower. For many reasons. At least Raine was going to at least look at Forte. Hopefully, she'll actually heal him. The showers had also succeeded in making the ninja feel like a pervert. A mild one, but still... It was as if Yukari had picked that spot in the showers because she knew the ninja could easily see her.

Ugh! Damn youkai.

Squirreling herself away in a corner of the cafeteria, Sheena finger combed her wet hair before pulling it back with the bright red ribbon. She so needed her own hair ribbon back. She was attempting to formulate her plan of acquisition - she was ninja after all - as people started trickling into the room. The plan was put on pause, though, when her stomach rumbled.

Food now - plan later.

[Closed to Haseo and Endrance]

Comments

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

"Prior to... last night, someone dying right in front of others' eyes and then returning back to life would be quite a shock." Momo paused. "Look around at those who experienced death last night. The only ones that are handling it remotely well are those who either do not remember it as it occurred too fast, those who have died before or those well-acquainted with the very concept of death."

She folded her hands before her. "And then you must think about the ones who lived but witnessed last night's deaths. In some ways, this is harder for them than the victims because of the helplessness of being unable to stop the phantom blade, or being able to do anything. Is that better or worse than if they'd seen their comrade cut down by one of the creatures? Or worse, by one of their own?"

Momo paused then, her head cocked a bit, as something dawned on her. Whatever the death behind the door was, it was not the same death as those from the night before. A group goes in, one of the group dies, and one other of that group shows remorse. That gave more credence to what she'd just said. Which lead to her to another conclusion, one that Landel had given them all himself - one that she'd forgotten in the course of her fall.

Her eyes snapped to Shikamaru's. "They keys are in the basement, just not in those areas. And there is something to gain - access. To the caverns."

[toobothersome.livejournal.com]

It took all of Shikamaru's willpower to maintain a professional demeanor during the first part of Momo's speech, only very slightly flinching at the words about 'those well-acquainted with the concept of death.' It explained Sai's reaction, at least, but gave no excuse for his own. What kind of goddamn ninja was he? Shikamaru didn't make a habit of being angry with himself, so the inner resentment felt much stronger than it should have been.

"Has this occurred more than once?" Shikamaru asked. If anything, his voice sounded more determined. "If not, it's possible that Landel might change his final challenge, now that most of the patient population has heard that death in that event isn't permanent. It wouldn't have the same power."

Shikamaru met Momo's eyes, expression still cool, but it took a few seconds of intense thought before he spoke. "You know which areas they're in," he stated. "Or you possess them yourself. I haven't given you any new information and both of my teams have been useless to you, but you're still telling me these important things--you asked to meet with me, even. You need something from my group, and since you don't know our particular abilities, it can't be something too specialized." There was no accusation or disapproval in the words; Shikamaru seemed calmly confident, the way he usually looked when he felt he'd come to a correct conclusion. "Hinamori-san," he said, taking advantage of the chance to show the politeness he'd forgotten to show in the beginning, "What can we do to help?"

It wasn't a promise to assist her, but Shikamaru knew that the Leaf-nin were losing direction and motivation, sometimes going through the motions. He himself was struggling with the possibility of his uselessness, or at least his lack of purpose within the institute. If Momo had a clear objective that could benefit everyone, it might be just what his group needed.

A few seconds after speaking, he realized that he'd coolly considered and focused his thoughts regarding the situation, even taking his own vulnerabilities into account. It wasn't true strategy, no, and there was a chance he'd misread Momo's intentions, but it was a step in the right direction, and though his expression didn't change, he was proud of the small victory over his weakness.

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

"But it would have the same power," Momo replied, silently pleased with Shikamaru's conclusions. He really was an intelligent young man. In a way, her reminded her of Artemis, just a lot quieter and more reserved.

"In last night's instance, we faced death from a source we could not locate. In a way, it's almost like our own conscience held the phantom blade," she continued. "I think it's purpose was to remind us all of how little we understand about this place and the forces at work inside it. But that's only one way to rob us of our morale. Behind those doors... death is not from a mysterious source; death is from our own hands, though a choice that we make, only to find out that we didn't even have a choice in the first place. That is an altogether different creature when it comes to lowering morale."

A soft smile touched Momo's lips and she bowed her head slightly in acknowledgment. "I do have both keys to that door - recently acquired. Knowing what lies behind that door, I need to be very selective in my choice of companions." She paused. "I would like to think that your group is the right choice. May I travel with your group for a few nights to see if you are?"

[toobothersome.livejournal.com]

With the way the subject matter continued to veer into the previous night, Shikamaru was having some difficulty maintaining his professional exterior. It didn't falter, but with all of the effort, he was starting to wish he'd napped instead of curling up in the corner. Not that he'd had an option.

Conscience. Did he blame himself for what had happened? He couldn't deny thinking it sometimes: if he'd paid better attention, used his chakra more efficiently, managed to deduce things more quickly...but no, Shikamaru was determined to only look forward. Even if everything that happened that day had been his fault, all he could do was learn from it and do better next time. He'd tried to believe that since he was thirteen. He still tried, but this time, his only success was keeping the doubt from his expression.

"It seems like the nights are getting worse," he said. "The zombies in Doyleton, then last night. It's affecting our morale, but there's also a chance we might be unknowingly involved in some kind of war between Landel and an outside force, and the opposing side is getting closer or gaining power. It's one of the reasons I was so interested in the ruins: I thought they might be a battle site. I don't have enough information to make any kind of educated guess, though." The statement was mostly thinking out loud, which had always been a habit of his, and he quickly returned to the subject at hand.

"You're right. It does seem like a completely different matter." Shikamaru wasn't certain, considering that even if one party murdered another, the degree of remorse would be limited given the knowledge that the other party would awaken the next morning. "I've never had to personally kill a comrade," he added. Though it showed his lack of experience, it also might excuse his lack of understanding for the degree of trauma involved.

And then the request. He'd partly expected it--most likely, she'd needed more people--and he was inwardly pleased that he'd impressed her enough to consider his group. Unfortunately, it meant that he'd have to go over Kakashi's head and accept her request, but given the circumstances and the offer, he was certain that the jounin would approve. He'd been trying to get Shikamaru to take more of a leadership role, after all.

"In my world, teams are usually made up of four people, but since there are only six of us here, we've been working in groups of three. Having a fourth wouldn't be any burden. I don't expect you to put your life on the line--we'd protect you, though as a vice-captain I doubt you need it--but for strategy's sake, I have to know any of your abilities or weaknesses that might affect combat. Sometimes I have to make decisions quickly, and it'd be safer for everyone involved."

That settled the question of whether he'd be able to spend the night alone, at least. Momo's offer might be vital to future success, even if he wasn't sure what the word meant in this place, so he couldn't turn it down.

Shikamaru could put off dealing with his emotions for another night. It wasn't like he'd never done it before.

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

The conflict between Landel and Doyle was something Momo had been aware of since her first nights here. Each had their own stronghold as it were. "There's always been a war between Landel and Doyle. The tactics used have just changed." Her smile turned a little wane. "Few anymore have been here as long as I have."

Folding the paper of the map in half, Momo slid it across to Shikamaru; it was his if he wished it.

"When I join a team, I don't just tag-along, Nara-san. If I must shed my blood to keep you all safe, I shall. I do not expect special provisions to be made for my presence beyond anything you would normally do with the addition of a fourth."

Momo was unsure if Shikamaru was aware of shinigami or not. He certainly hadn't asked her before, but it had never needed mentioning until now. "As for my abilities, I am shinigami - a death god," she stated. "I am fully trained in kenjutsu and currently have a katana in my possession. I have seen quite my fair share of combat and have been in a position of command for over twenty years now. All shinigami are capable of seeing the spirit threads of anything with a soul, so I can easily distinguish between any patient and the shapeshifting creatures."

"I am also quite talented in kidou - the demon arts. Think of that as magic, if it is easier for you, but the reality is, I use the power of my spirit, my reiatsu, to make things happen be it an elemental attack or a binding spell." She paused, unsure whether to have any faith in her healing abilities. She hadn't hurt anyone and her reiatsu felt fine, but... No. She had to have faith in herself.

"I also possess a limited healing kidou," she finally said.

"As for weaknesses, there are only two." She touched her deadened left eye. "I have no sight in this eye. I can tell changed in light, but that is it. It is a wound I received here, but I've mostly adapted my fighting style to it." Which required she no longer use her preferred stance, but there was nothing she could do about that.

"Also, this body was not designed to hold shinigami of my strength. Any usage of my reiatsu produces a spiritual backlash that damages the body. I am used to it at this point, but it does mean I have to be careful of what kidou I use and when."

[toobothersome.livejournal.com]

Shikamaru nodded, accepting the map and making mental note of each fact that followed. He'd never heard the term 'shinigami,' and the idea of a death god wasn't exactly reassuring. She seemed strong, though, and whatever limitations had been placed on her abilities were weaker than the restrictions placed on the Leaf-nin. It might have taken Landel some time to perfect his technique, or she might have been more powerful to begin with.

He nodded, glad to hear that she planned to work as part of the team. The fact that she was armed was another asset, and she had quite a bit of combat experience. Given her apparent age, she was likely one of those people here who aged more slowly than the rest, since without access to power, she wouldn't be able to keep up a false youthful appearance during the day. Women could be so vain sometimes, he considered, thinking of Tsunade.

"My team's made up of ninja," he started, knowing from the bulletin that the word would require elaboration. There were many types across worlds, and he didn't want any misunderstanding. "In my world, it's not a secretive profession. We're trained from a young age in a village made up mostly of other ninja." If Momo planned on contributing to the team, she'd need to now these things as well. "Your kidou sounds a bit like our chakra, but..." Shikamaru waved the subject away, realizing that she wasn't particularly interested in the subtleties of chakra. It was similar to what she used, and that was all that mattered. "As for the three of us, I can bind people by linking our shadows and force them to mimic my movements. Sai, another member, has little or no access to his ninjutsu, but is very skilled at combat. Kakashi's skilled as well, but his ninjutsu abilities are...complicated. It's best if he explains them." Shikamaru included the names, in case Momo had met any of the others. It would be an unpleasant surprise if she'd somehow made enemies with anyone. Sai wasn't the most socially gifted.

He realized belatedly that he probably should have used honorifics for the other Leaf-nin, but he was so used to the casual address that it hadn't occurred to him. Luckily, Sai and Kakashi were much better about using them.

"Stamina can be converted to chakra, so using too much can exhaust us...especially me." Shikamaru wasn't proud of it, but even in his world his chakra reserve was low compared to others of his rank, and probably even worse than some of the stronger genin. "I get a strong headache and if I push myself, there's a chance I could pass out. I know my own limits, though. I do a lot of the strategizing, so I have to keep on top of stuff like that."

More could be explained later, and it might be better to have Kakashi talk with her, if he didn't have anything to do early that evening. Shikamaru had to talk to Sakura, and if Sai was all right with it, he'd have to stop by Sokka's room. Come to think about it, he ought to catch Kakashi before night began...as long as they could avoid any subject related to emotional distress.

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

Momo listened, making notes of the names. Sai was a name she recognized, though she couldn't place where, It may have been one she'd seen on the board.

"I have not met either of your companions," the shinigami clarified. "I look forward to meeting them. Also, a bloody nose is common for me at night if I use even the slightest bit of my reiatsu. There is absolutely no need to worry about me with that. If I start coughing up blood or blood comes from my ear, I am almost at my limit. From that point on, I'll only use kidou in a life or death situation." And in that case, she'd probably be sacrificing herself so one of the ninja can live.

"I am somewhat familiar with ninja. There is a division among the shinigami that specializes in covert operations, the Second. I am of the Fifth." She paused. "What is the command structure of your group?"

[toobothersome.livejournal.com]

Of his group, or his world in general? Shikamaru paused before answering.

"If you mean my whole world, ranking goes from academy student, to genin, to chuunin, to jounin, and then there's one Hokage, who's in charge of the whole town. Some of us have different roles in their groups, and there are a few special organizations. I was mostly trained to do strategy and work with my family's magic. That shadow thing...only my family can do that." Shikamaru paused with a slight frown, realizing that he'd probably never play shougi again. Maybe that chess game would suffice, but it seemed so limited...

Back on topic.

"I'm a chuunin. Sai is part of an unranked organization, but very highly trained. Kakashi is a jounin, and has much more experience than any of us. He trained most of the other team, but even though he didn't teach me or Sai, this was the most logical grouping based on the specific skills needed to complete the objective."

He laced his fingers behind his neck, feeling a little more relaxed now that he was talking about a not-unpleasant subject he was familiar with.

"Kakashi's the one in charge, though, if that's what you're asking. Aside from that, it's more about roles within the group than rank."

[hajike-tobiume.livejournal.com]

"I was meaning your team, but that was very informative. Thank you," Momo replied.

"Shinigami are placed in one of thirteen divisions of the Gotei 13 upon graduating the Academy," Momo began, deciding to explain a bit about Soul Society structure. "Officers of each division are seated based upon their strength. The top seat, ranked captain, leads the division, and the second seat, ranked vice captain, is second-in-command. The vice captain's amount of control depends mostly on the type of captain they have. It varies," Momo added on with a wane smile.

"The captain of the First Division is the overall commander of the Gotei 13 - the soutaichou. He would be the equivalent of your Hokage, I believe. Each division has its own role, as you've put it, when it comes to maintaining the balance."