time is money

[foolsfire]

Hey I’m not knocking Aoba, just saying that if you and Shizune are getting pally about your abilities then us mortals with no common abilities are left to die and blow away in the dust. Or turn into dust? Or crows?

Probably; a little too boring for my tastes.

Yeah but… I mean it’s at least something we could talk about in private, if you wanted to.

[namiashi]

Come on, there's no replacement for you! Don't worry, I'm so used to you getting tired of me talking about all my hobbies and stuff that, though I'm sure having someone understanding of my interests would be great, I won't be so quick to loose you to the masses. Apparently, I have to make sure you don't bother anyone, too, now. 

I mean, if you really want to hear about it, then we can. Over a drink or something? I suppose it won't hurt.

[inuzukatsume]

Well, sure! But I’m mostly passionate about my ninken and I think children generally like dogs, eh? ’Course, Kuromaru’s no children’s play toy! Good luck to the child who tries to scratch behind his ear!

It does sound interesting, but I suppose no one’s ever heard of a dog with a poisonous bite. Maybe our natures weren’t meant to cross, y’know? But.. if you happen across a poison that seems like the perfect fit for me, don’t hesitate to let me know about it.

[namiashi]

The kids could probably take turns getting rides around the village, if he didn't scare them away. He's a pretty intimidating dog, but I think he'd soften up for the children eventually...

Sure, sounds like a plan! I'll definitely keep that in mind -- I'll most likely come across a perfect one next time I go through my books or something. Hm, maybe I'll even look into something for Kuromaru, too... That'd be an interesting challenge!

[tokujouhayate]

Haha… You make it sound like a compliment… My quota for being around Icha Icha does just fine on its own, so I would enjoy not having more Kakashis playing salesmen.

But enough about that, you only got back the other day, right? Have you already had the chance to enjoy yourself at a bar?

[namiashi]

I don't think I'd call it anything close to a compliment, but I think I'm okay with just Kakashi, and Jaraiya, pushing Icha Icha. They're a formidable duo.

Yeah, I've already gotten a drink or two. I haven't gone out much, besides just stopping by the bar for a few, actually. I've been spending what seems like an unhealthy amount of time at home, but I'm fine with the rest!

[kakashihatakesenpai]

Kakashi chuckled. “I know you weren’t saying anything about me. I guess I’m just defensive about the subject. I’ve had a teammate in the past tell me I should read a book on modesty.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I also don’t think anyone would label you like Ebisu. You’re a nice guy.” Truthfully Kakashi didn’t know too much about Raidou

[namiashi]

"I appreciate that. Thanks, Kakashi."

He laughed a bit, not really sure how to keep the conversation going. It had been a while since he had spoken to Kakashi like this... Actually, he couldn't recall any time since they were Genin. 

"Hey, about that drink I "owe" you, did you wanna get it now? If you're not busy, of course."

[kakashihatakesenpai]

Kakashi seemed to take the subject of perversion seriously. “There is nothing wrong with being a pervert, as long as you aren’t overt about it. Sure I might read Icha Icha in public but I’m never ogling women on a daily basis.”

[namiashi]

Raidou was a little taken aback by Kakashi's change of tone, but he didn't mean any harm by the comment. "I'm not trying to say it is -- I just don't want to be branded as similar to Ebisu is all. I wasn't saying anything about you."

[inuzukatsume]

… Maybe it is no wonder the new generation doesn’t have time to listen to you huh? You sure can talk a mile a minute about this stuff!

Hmm well, that’s an interesting approach but… I don’t really think I’d want to smell their sick after, to be honest! My nose is too sharp—I’d still suffer from a trick like that! Haha!

[namiashi]

I imagine I could say the same if it was something you were just as passionate about, right? 

That's understandable. Though I could probably find a good option for you, I can see the need for concern. But, if you would like to ever try it out, don't hesitate to ask!

[tokujouhayate]

I wasn’t—I was just surprised to hear you like it is all! I’ve been around Kakashi enough that he’s managed to get me to read some, too… Augh, and now he’s managed to get two others discussing it. I don’t even read fiction, so I guess that’s a testament to what a dedicated fan Kakashi is.

[namiashi]

Phew, good. I don't need to be branded with such a shameful title. Well, really, it's shameful to everyone except for the people actually named perverts... But, Kakashi does sell it pretty well! The Toad Sage should definitely pick him up as a salesman, that's for sure. He's got a way of making his interest in the series contagious.

[foolsfire]

What if she liked you better than she likes me? I can’t risk your poison fascination mingling together to create the ultimate friendship while Aoba and I are left to talk about crows. Not that there’s really much to talk about there in the first place, which is kind of my issue.

Where the hell does Iwashi even go when we’re not on missions? I wouldn’t know where to go to talk to him about it.

That would be great, I still haven’t asked you how your mission even went—that’s kinda shitty.

[namiashi]

Come on, Genma, we've been friends for so long. I wouldn't drop you because I can't about poisons with you. Plus, Aoba is a pretty nice guy -- he's got a good sense of humor to him! You should have more faith in our friendship...

I think he goes play shogi or some other game, I think. Who knows?

Don't worry about it, okay? It's not really something I should be talking about much, anyway!

[foolsfire]

Shizune is a little terrifying but a great ninja too, I’m sure the two of you will get on well. I don’t know why her fighting abilities are always sidelined for her healing. I guess she’s easier to underestimate that way: meaning she has more of an advantage in the long run. Although that said, I wouldn’t want to underestimate her healing abilities either—not that I would for anyone who trained under Tsunade-sama.

And the personality…

Yeah well, turns out Gai wasn’t the biggest threat I had on here. I have a new headache to deal with each time I log on, maybe that’s a sign I should be doing more work instead of socializing. 

[namiashi]

I'm very disappointed that I hadn't spent time getting to know her. If you've known this about her, why wouldn't you have introduced us? I need someone I can talk to about poisons and such without freaking them out, or boring them comatose. 

We should talk to Iwashi about this...

I can see that. You're quite a sponge for negative attention, huh? We can go out drinking sometime if you need to get away. We haven't since my last mission was coming up. 

[tokujouhayate]

You’re already done? I’m… impressed, though I don’t know if I should be. Then again, I guess what’s really impressive is how far Kakashi’s managed to take it… Um, so it’s good that you enjoyed it.

[namiashi]

I don't like reading books usually but the plot really got me through it. I can understand Kakashi's interest... I'm just not as into the adult part of it. Please don't think I'm a pervert or something for reading it! I didn't enjoy it that way...

[foolsfire]

Are you kidding me? You two are probably perfect for each other. Everything she touches is laced with poison, and that’s not a bitter metaphor—I mean it literally. Poison comes out of her fucking mouth and she terrifies me to the point where it borderlines on emotions I don’t want to think about. On the other hand, I don’t touch poison—so I probably will die.

Exactly, it’s the perfect business model for us—apart from the fact we aren’t businessmen. Who even is though? I think Aoba’s too skittish… What about Iwashi?

I can only hope he has his hands full with Lee… If not then I’m going to be asking you to protect me .

[namiashi]

Well, if she's interested in poison-based ninjutsu, I've got to talk to her. I guess not working with Shizune in the past is coming back to bite me! I've not heard much of her besides her amazing healing skills -- I've always thought she was more of a medical genius. You make her sound frightening but that's just the person you want on your team!

Iwashi? As a businessman?  I can imagine it. He's got the brains for it. 

Ha, I'd rather not get a kick to the teeth. If Gai's after you, then I'll wish nothing but the best for you from the sidelines. If you fear Shizune, I fear Gai's Taijutsu.

[tokujouhayate]

The village does seem more familiar each time I come back, though it actually changes faster than I can keep track of. I like it, seeing the others relaxed and even joking with each other.

Ah… So I heard Kakashi tried to convert you, did it work? Are you in Icha Icha Paradise?

[namiashi]

I think this is the nicest I've seen the village in a long time. It's good to see this in my lifetime!

I've, uh, I've read it. It's definitely what I expected it to be, but I don't think I'm "converted". He was right, though -- I read it all pretty fast. For an adult novel, it sure does have a good plot.

[foolsfire]

Okay, okay! No more bad-talking the sword. But can you even imagine the grief Shizune is gonna give me if she sees poison on the end of my senbon? I’ve been using this thing for almost all my life and she still thinks I’m going to choke on it and die. If the poison didn’t kill me, her nagging would.

Hmm, maybe the solution here to to form the Land of Dango by ourselves. We can sell the recipes we came up with in our youth and live on all the rice flour we could ever want. We could align ourselves with the Land of Noodles to get the best of both worlds.

I like to think Gai isn’t technologically advanced enough to use a computer yet. I’m safe for now.

[namiashi]

Fine, that's one plan down the drain. Shizune already probably thinks I'm shady for being so knowledgeable about poisons; I don't think resuscitating you because of shock, or something worse, would really make her think of me in a better light. 

Sake-soaked dango would be sold all over the Land of Fire, and we'd get all the free noodles we'd want? I couldn't ask for a better reality. I wouldn't call either of us business-minded, though -- we'd need to get someone else in to help.

Who knows? Gai could appear at any second... That is what he is good at.

[tokujouhayate]

Heh, you make it sound like anything’s been different, but now that things are more peaceful it seems the older generation has an easier time as the younger ones come into action. I’m still fairly young, yet somehow I’m receding into the background with you guys. But it’s kind of nice, taking a breath and having more time to myself.

[namiashi]

Konoha always seems to be a little different each time I return. It's great the village is always so dynamic. For it being so quiet, barely the younger jonin are getting missions. I think all of the older jonin have been given a mass vacation, not that any of us are complaining. There's just not been that many A-Rank or S-Rank missions now that we've entered a time of peace. 

[foolsfire]

It’s okay, I’m here for you. Come to Gen-Gen and I’ll hold you in my supportive arms as we talk about how senbons were always better than Kokutou anyway.

Exactly, they’re a shining beacon of excellence for the rest of us to follow. Although that said, with the Hokage’s dietary requirements I don’t think it will be long until we’re allied with them. 

No, no, no. That was all past tense, there’s no way I’m doing it now. I’ve lost the spirit of youth, it’s a terrible shame.

[namiashi]

One: Don't talk bad about my sword, Genma. That's extremely hurtful and I'm pretty sure you don't want to learn about the business end of it anyway. Two: Why have we never talked about finding a good poison for your senbon? Or... would you forget and start chewing on one?

For our sake, I hope so. We could even be chosen as the ambassadors. What a treat that'd be... Though I'd miss the dango.

Don't say that too loud -- you never know how close Gai is at any given time. 

[foolsfire]

But you could be for all we know. I mean have I ever seen what’s in your basement? I don’t think so. Who knows what could even be down there. I don’t want to go around throwing light accusations at people, but I’m just saying that you never know what’s really going on down there. 

Yeah well, when we were ten there wasn’t really safety—someone breathed the wrong way and suddenly they wanted a war over it. Apart from the Lande of Noodles, of course.

You say that, but it’s almost embarrassing the number of times I ended up doing it… 

[namiashi]

I swear I won't poison people unless it's because I'm being asked by the Hokage, or whoever else is assigning me to a mission, to do so. This conversation is really, really making me reconsider my choices of what and what not to specialize in. I think I'm having a crisis!

The Land of Noodles has basically always been considered a perfect utopia. They have their stuff together and their priorities set over there, don't they?

Next time I'm going to have to see that. It must be an incredible sight.

[kakashihatakesenpai]

Kakashi suddenly deadpanned, his expression almost morose as he said, “Please, act like anyone else but Ebisu. We only need one Ebisu in the world.” He cleared his throat, his tone lightening up as he continued, “I mean, unless being a closet pervert is your thing.”

[namiashi]

"I would like nothing more than to never be told I am anything like Ebisu. It's not that I don't like the guy but... he's pretty tightly wound. And he's a pervert."