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

... What kind of punishment, and what kind of reward? And giving what to others?

The punishment? A lump of coal! The reward and the giving? All presents! The desires of many fulfilled!

[Oh no it's probably... wait... coal?]

... Coal? ... and presents?

Indeed! The former for the naughty and the latter for the nice! The Christmas season is all about joy, goodwill, generosity! All admire virtues, do you agree?

Oh... I'm sorry, I just... I thought of... something else.

[Don't mind her she's just going to slam her head into her desk for thinking such horrible, horrible things!]

But then why ask about the sleeping schedules? And... why coal of all things?

Santa-sama operates under a veil of mystery. No one must be awake when his presents are delivered.

And coal? It symbolizes shame.

... Why? Why does he have to be a secret? Why not just give out the gifts and punishments during the day when everyone can see him? Or just drop them at the door if he doesn't want to be seen doing it?

And how does coal represent shame? Isn't it used for fires, which are by nature warm and ward off the winter's cold?

There are several reasons. To maintain that air of mystery which captivates youths, to prevent misunderstandings, to avoid exposing himself and innocents to his enemies... and they must be left inside the house so that they are not stolen or accidentally damaged by the elements! The people leave a tree with a star upon it as a beacon for his gifts.

I was puzzled by this myself. However, it is unattractive compared to what most desire. Speaking of which, do you happen to known where I can locally find coal in large quantities?

That's... kind of sweet I guess. I'd still think you could drop them in their mailbox or something like that but... that's kind of nice. Thank you for explaining that Lee.

Hmm... That still seems like an odd gift, but maybe this Santa has quite the surplus of coal wherever he's from. As to finding some locally? Well... you've been here longer than I have, so I'd think you'd know better than I would... But I'd have to assume the best place to find coal would be in the mountains? You might be able to ask the kid with an arrow on his head. I think I remember him saying he was a bender, and I think he mentioned something about earth bending? Maybe he might know how to find some coal for you. Otherwise I suppose you could get on Santa's naughty list.

But why would you need to find coal?

You are welcome! I hope to be a most accurate source of information.

The mountains sound like an optimal choice to check. This is true... I am not sure who you refer to. The only bender I have met is Ikki-chan, but perhaps she may have some insights herself.

I do not seek a place on the naughty list for myself! I only wish to make sure that there is no shortage of coal for Santa-sama to deliver!