niceguypose | Seventh Gate [Action/Video] (dated to the 23rd)

[Action]

[It has been far too long since Lee last saw Izumo Kamiki, during the Valentines experiment. It bothers him - after what he's been through with Rapunzel and Sakura, he has to see how things are with her. He's beginning to suspect she may be avoiding him, but he cannot let this continue forever. In such a situation, particularly for one who possesses ninja skillz, there are a number of reasonable options available. He could try to figure out where she resides and try to visit her there. Or he could simply try using a filtered message over the journals.

Lee chooses none of those options. Instead, he scours the library, every book he can find, in order to assemble an impressive mound of every book he can find that qualifies as a romance novel. Now he's absolutely certain that she must actually enjoy these books so it's only a matter of time. And to increase the chances? He clips out many pictures of baby foxes to form a trail leading to the pile of books. And so Lee hides behind the nearest bookshelf and peers through a gap between books in hopes that she will eventually come along in search of one of the novels. It is a plan completely lacking flaws.

Otherwise, he can be found at other points of the day jogging around various areas of Luceti or at the Battle Dome setting up a simulation with random enemies.]

[Video]

[He takes to the journals at some point. With Kankuro recently arrived in Luceti, one primary thought on Lee's mi-]

Sakura-san, we should spar sometime soon!

[Okay, aside from that. One primary thought on Lee's mind has been the chance that Gaara could also appear in this place at any time. And clearly, the first thing on his mind would be an all-out rematch with Lee. So he decides to poll the people on their ideas.]

Also, other people of Luceti! I would like to pose a hypothetical challenge to you. Say you had to fight a man who could control sand itself! How do you think you would defeat him in the fairest way possible? For an extra challenge, you can restrain yourself from utilizing any special abilities!

[ooc: There should be an ooc post going up soon but just a heads up: Lee should be getting sent home for a canon update on Monday, and he'll return after the draft. It should also be noted that he may be very depressed for a time afterwards, so this post may be kind of the last hoorah of a joyful Lee for the time being.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Steve finds this to be a very peculiar scenario, but despite that he finds himself interested. Strategy is his area of expertise after all. Even so he can't help but poke a tiny bit of fun at it.]

I don't suppose dropping him into a lake would work? [But then again you might end up fighting against muddy sand and that sounds unpleasant.]

I think your best bet would be to rely on speed. There will probably be a lot of running around and dodging so you can't tire easily. And maybe being able to hold your breath would also work to your advantage. In case you get hit by a wave of sand or your opponent attempts to drown you with it.

It would be very rude, but... it might work! But I would have to observe him further to see if he can still control moistened sand...

However... that second strategy. Yes! Would you believe that I employed similar tactics in my own battle against this opponent? And it worked somewhat effectively. After all, I was able to out-pace his sand as it came for me.

No, I was joking about that. But if it works out, it's as good a plan as any.

Really? So you faced this opponent before? You say it worked 'somewhat effectively'. Does that mean you didn't win?

I see. I will still consider it!

You are correct! In fact, it was a crushing defeat. I was crippled for some time! [No big deal.]

Crippled? [That is a very big deal Lee. :|]

Okay...so maybe it's not the best idea in the world. [Not if you end up crippled afterward.]

Yes. It is of no concern. After all, my body recovered through an extremely risky surgery! And I have only grown stronger since then. Not to mention that the opponent in question has become kinder. I am confident that no harm I cannot endure can come form a rematch!

[He just has...so many issues with this. Where to begin.]

Is it really necessary to fight this guy again? I mean recovering from a risky surgery is great, but not something you should try doing more than once. And if he really is kinder now, I don't see why you'd need to fight at all.

It has nothing to do with good versus evil! It is about proving my strength. To show that I have truly become the best ninja I can be... I would have to defeat all of my rivals in all-out fights!

Has anyone ever told you that there's always going to be someone out there who is better than you at something? Wanting to improve is great. But fighting people for the sake of fighting just leads to people getting hurt.

Yes... there is always someone else to strive to overcome! But it is not just for the sake of fighting - and definitely not for malice! It is to prove myself as a true ninja, that a hard-working ninja can defeat a prodigy with just taijutsu.

Still... Your words are righteous.

Oh, I wouldn't go that far. You should probably take my advice with a grain of salt. But what exactly is...taijutsu was it?

I see. [And he briefly gives a rare joking smile.] Or with a grain of sand?

[But that moment is quickly over. Time to describe taijutsu way too enthusiastically.]

Taijutsu! It is one of the three different ninja arts. It is the art of hand-to-hand combat and primarily does not utilize chakra. Instead, it is almost purely about strength and speed!

[Luckily Steve has a corny sense of humor and actually finds this amusing. Lee's efforts receive a chuckle.]

I see. So if hand-to-hand combat is only one of the...ninja arts, what are the other two?

[And Lee recites eagerly.]

One, is ninjutsu! That covers a variety of special ninja techniques, many of which employ the elements. And, two! Is genjutsu. It is the art of illusion, and it can involve complex manipulations of the mind!

I am surprised that other worlds do not divide combat abilities in such a way.

Well it's not exactly a usual thing in my world to have special...abilities. Although it does seem to be on the rise. We typically fight with other things, weapons and technology.

I see. Weapons are certainly an option in my own world, but I prefer to fight the idea of pushing my own physical strength past its limits!

There is some strategy in that. Weapons and tech, they can always break down on you or be unavailable. But your own strength? That's always going to be there.

That is very true! Do you work out a lot, yourself? What is the toughest enemy you have ever defeated with your bare hands?

I do. I try to stick to a tight regiment. Can't allow myself to get rusty in between missions and drafts.

The toughest enemy I've ever faced? I'm...not sure. I typically end up facing off against more than one person at a time.

Ah, I see. A tight regiment is a very effective one!

I see. Fighting multiple enemies at the same time can be stressful, but it may be called for in emergency situations. Still, I am sure you can find your own rival someday!

A rival?

Well, thank you, but I'm not really looking for one. I find allies to be more useful.

A rival can be an ally as well. Someone who you become stronger by attempting to overcome! It is one of the most wonderful endeavors of youth.

Seventh Gate [Action/Video] (dated to the 23rd)

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