niceguypose | Fourth Gate [Action/Video]

[Action]

[Lee is back in action on a brand new day. In the morning, before performing his usual workouts, he takes some time to prepare curried chicken soup to deliver to Rapunzel, assuming she still has her cold. And afterwards, amongst his jogs around the village and general intense workout routines, he takes some more time to prepare for his and Sora's Christmas plan.

Ever since that talk with Sora, Lee has set a new goal for himself and has started undergoing preparations. He doubts that this "Santa" will show up here in Luceti; so he plots to become Santa. He stops at the library and reads several books to get ideas of what different worlds and cultures think of this man, who must be nothing other than a Hokage-class ninja. Maybe even more powerful... His other stops include the item and clothing shops to collect accessories associated with this holiday, often with not-so-subtle attempts to be covert. He may spend some time people watching for signs of actions both benevolent or dubious. And finally, he spends some time running along the beach to collect as many seashells as he can carry to help Sora make them into what he calls "wayfinders".

But even so, he feels uneasy about this plan. What if there are key parts of Santa's legacy he is missing? How is he supposed to determine the difference between nice and naughty? And what if they want something other than seashells? So he decides to take to the journals, without playing his hand.]

[Video]

Rock Lee here! Konoha's Beautiful Green Wild Beast! And I come with good news for this holiday season. I have it on good authority that the one known as "Santa" shall be arriving for the beloved Christmas holiday! And - and I am doing my best to act as his ears, eyes, mouth and every other body part! So, I will accept any intelligence that you have freely. For example, the sleeping schedules of yourselves and others, and who you would classify as "nice" or "naughty", including your own honest assessment of yourself. Finally, what would your ideal Christmas present be? I can communicate all of your wishes to the mighty Santa-sama all in due time!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[How enterprising.]

I'm certain Mr. Claus will appreciate the assistance. Have you been in contact with him?

I am afraid that many of this information is classified. After all, Santa-sama is a professional who prefers to be shrouded in mystery. But rest assured, I shall be doing all I can to make sure his work here is achieved!

Ah, so it's top secret. Of course. Then I suppose it wouldn't do well for me to obstruct your investigation.

My name is Hershel Layton. I would like to think I've behaved myself over the past year, but you may want to get a second opinion on that. On the other hand, I think I can say with confidence that my flatmates Luke, Maiza, and [~~Czeslaw~~] Benjamin would qualify for the "nice" list.

It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Hershel-san. My first impression of you most definitely is coloring you as "nice". And I shall trust your judgement on these flatmates as well and take note of them! Do you know what they would like for a present?

[Let's see... He should probably lock this part away. With a puzzle, of course.]

Luke is fond of stuffed animals and plays the violin. Maiza likes to read and play cards, though I suspect he would enjoy any kind of game entertainment. As for Benjamin, I believe he likes aeroplanes.

[He dutifully takes notes down.]

Thank you, Hershel-san! This information will be invaluable in acquiring gifts for these "nice" people. For Santa-sama, that is. But one more question: does this "Luke" already possess a violin?

[Rock's phrasing reminds him of an alien... But he does seem to be trying his best.]

He does, which may limit the possibilities in that area. Perhaps a book of violin compositions would work just as well?

[He's definitely something else. Although at least he's his own equivalent of a gentleman.]

I see. Now that I know that he already possesses a violin of his own, my options are indeed narrowed down. Rest assured, I shall either follow your suggestion or think of something else related to a violin. ...Er, Santa-sama shall, that is. And he shall bring the cheer that is required for this holiday!

[Rock Lee, ninja gentleman extraordinaire. Also, dat slip-up.]

... Are you planning on filling in for Santa Claus?

[Because what else could that have implied?]

Ah! Well... [Not too much damage, since it's behind a filter...] If Santa-sama does not make it, I am preparing for that eventuality. In all honesty, I would rather pursue that course than risk the chance of him being trapped in this barrier with us, just for trying to spread his good will.

I see. Well, I must say it's very noble of you, on the accounts of both residents and Santa. You aren't working alone, I hope?

Edited 2012-12-14 09:13 (UTC)

I assure you I am not, sir. I am working with another kind-hearted boy here who has met Santa-sama in person during his travels. He shall act as my personal "elf"!

[Santa in person? He's not sure if he can believe that much, but he supposes it's of no large consequence.]

Just the two of you? There must be hundreds of residents to accommodate for.

Exactly! I could not ask for a more promising challenge! I hope to prove I can be even a fraction of the skilled ninja that Santa-sama is by catering to this village's inhabitants!

[??]

He isn't... oh, never mind. [Maybe Santa is a ninja. It would explain things.] Well, if you find yourself in need of extra hands, feel free to call upon me. I would be happy to aid such a selfless cause.

[He's a ninja and you know it.]

I most certainly shall. Thank you, Hershel-san, for your assistance. And I know that Santa-sama would be proud of your offer as well! We may need some extra help gathering or putting the various gifts together... but at the least, I merely request that you send present recommendations my way whenever you hear of them. It is for the own good of the youth, after all!

Certainly. And I like to think myself a fair craftsman, so I should be able to assist you with any presents that need to be made from scratch. [If a man can construct a gun from slot machines, he can do anything.]

Best of luck, Rock. Feel free to contact me when the time comes.

I shall keep all of this in mind and keep in contact most truly! It has been an honor to speak with you, Hershel-san! [He flashes a thumbs up with a shining smile] May you experience the holly jollies this Christmas!

[Perhaps Layton would have been momentarily blinded by the dazzle of that smile if his eyes weren't so small, beady, and soulless. Instead, he gives Lee a tip of the hat.]

A merry Christmas to you as well.

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