niceguypose | Sixth Gate: Rock Lee's Springtime of Love [Action/Written]

Sixth Gate: Rock Lee's Springtime of Love [Action/Written]

[Action]

[Lee had been going about his daily routine as usual - or seemingly so - on this brand new day. But there were some omissions he had not noticed; he did not check the journal to see if Sakura had any new messages, nor did he look out for her at all as he ran throughout the village. And then? His jog came to a sudden halt as he caught Izumo Kamiki out of the corner of his eye. He found himself collapsing to the ground with the sudden rush of feeling.

Those eyebrows... why had he not noticed how beautiful they were? And immediately, he thought of other things that suddenly seemed compelling about her. The way she cared for her fox, the romance novels she seemed interested in reading... There was no choice. He would have to romance her. So he ran off to the flower shop and the library to make preparations.

Later that day, Lee could be found jogging through the village in search of Izumo. The difference? He is now balancing a titanic vase on his head, which is filled with dozens of flowers. On top of that, there's a romance novel sticking out of the pocket of his flak jacket. He is young and in love, and he couldn't feel better.]

[Written]

[And at some point in the day, Lee sees fit to write a simple message in the journal.]

Youth is love.

[ooc: Lee's triggers can be found here. Some of them are tentative to a degree but he's primarily open to be bounced off of!]

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It is more complicated than that. Everyone is born with potential for taijutsu. It relies on the body's strength after all. I had no innate skills; and it was only after Gai-Sensei drove me to apply myself that I became skilled at it. Taijutsu still has a disadvantage to ninjustu and genjutsu. After all, those involve abilities which are supernatural in nature and can be used from different ranges. I have had to put great pains into increasing my speed and doing what I can to try to overcome such styles!

Everyone may be born with potential for it, but with them focusing on other things there's no way their potential can reach the level yours has.

For someone whose "ninja way" is that when it comes to abilities, "hard work" can overcome "genius", you seem to prefer to put those "genius" and "naturally talented" people way above yourself despite all your hard work. It's as if deep down you don't think you'll ever be able to catch up with them no matter how hard you work.

You raise interesting points, Ikki-kun. [A thoughtful pause before he writes on.] While it is true that my hard work has helped me to overcome many barriers and score many victories, even minor ones, I still have not surpassed my primary rivals. And there are times where I think that may be impossible.

[Interesting points his ass. He had almost hoped Lee would say that he was getting a wrong impression, but no, he had to go and say... That. Ikki's writing is rushed and clearly angry, with strikes here and there where he quickly and messily corrects words or changes them because he's unsure of how it's written after all and why aren't they talking? This would be so much easier for him to just say it. Whatever, he keeps writing until he's done and sends Lee the messy and angrily written reply.]

Don't be stupid. Rivals aren't there to be surpassed easily, they are there to keep making you try to surpass them. If you surpassed them what would you do then? Without a goal and a reason to improve your strength your punches would become weaker and empty of purpose. Don't worry about not surpassing your rivals. Worry about not surpassing your enemies, because it may happen that there will be one enemy that will defeat your rival and then you will have to defeat them, even if you were never able to surpass your rival.

In my world people say and think that it's impossible to kill a god. We killed three. They say that it's impossible to break the Wailing Wall situated in the end of Hell, actually they say it's impossible to cross Hell. We crossed Hell and made a hole in that wall so big that an army could march through it without problems. They say that it's impossible for a Bronze Saint to defeat a Gold Saint. We defeated them. The only things that are impossible are the ones you don't even try for.

If you hadn't tried, no matter how much that Gai guy could have taught and told you. You would still be a brat without any ninja abilities and without any self-esteem, convinced that you were so weak because there was something wrong with you since you couldn't do genjutsu and ninjutsu. If you have time to think about how "it may be impossible" for you to get your goals go and train.

[The words do touch him and stir something in him. There's pauses between different words, as he decides to write this message while doing an absurd set of sit-ups.]

This is valuable advice, Ikki-kun. There are many powerful enemies in my world whom I need to surpass. [Even if some of them are here in a neutral sense.] That is the true ninja way, to overcome enemies in order to protect others. I will defeat any enemy who would dare to overcome any rival of mine! And in that way, I suppose you are right that my path has already been proven in ways.

However, Ikki-kun, your accomplishments are extraordinary! I have told you much about myself and my life, but I know so little of yours. I am amazed by your remarkable feats, and at the same time I am left curious. Please! Tell me more about yourself! Could you be a rival for me as well?

[Ikki actually feels relieved wen reading the response, he has never been good with words or people, but it seems that the fact that the words were written avoided Lee to take it the wrong way and get angry. It wouldn't be the first time to happen though, and Ikki doesn't care enough to actually be upset about people who just can't listening to anything unless it's told to them sweetly, but it's annoying. Specially in this situation, he has no idea how strong Lee may be actually, but the way he talked reminded him of Shun.

"I can't do it, niisan." "I'll never be as strong as you."

The only difference was that Lee was putting up a front act, but if deep down he really thing that he could never do it? It was the same core. And it's annoying and frustrating because Shun is stronger than him now, he hates to fight and hurt others so he pulls himself back, and so Ikki always has to save him. Maybe Lee will never be the strongest ninja of his world, but if even a little part of him thinks like that, then he definitively won't ever be any stronger.]

Don't get it wrong, those feats weren't just mine. I alone haven't accomplished much, as far as I see it, and there are Saints far stronger than me, my little brother included. Though it's my name the one all our enemies seem to know and fear the most, it's funny to see them shake in their armors when they see me appear when they have been fighting a worse opponent than me until then and just got lucky to push them against the ropes.

And you should pick up your rivals by yourself. It doesn't have to be a mutual agreement or anything like that. Though if you're going to do that, maybe we should spar first so you can see by yourself if it's worth of your time to consider me a rival or not.

I see. I dream of the day when my name could have a similar effect on enemies! It does seem that was with we ninja of Konoha, you and your friends have greater power stemming from teamwork. I am most impressed.

I have sought mutual rivalries in the past, but you may be right, Ikki-kun! I would be glad to spar you, Ikki-kun, and see how we match up!

It's not really teamwork, each has their own techniques and powers, but since we all have the same objective it looks as if we work together for it. Our objective is our first priority, things like helping each other comes far behind that.

Though I have to admit that when we actually do teamwork we are perfectly unstoppable.

[He can't help to admit to that with a small smile. Sure, it doesn't mean they are invulnerable, but it literally takes a god to be able to do that and they end surpassing them anyway.]

Good to know. Just tell me when you want to have a spar and where. I'm mostly free except for my shifts at the bar, but that's easy to work around.

I see. That is still quite impressive. I would be honored if I could witness such perfect teamwork in action someday!

In that case, I will try to arrange something. I did not know you worked at the bar. What is your age?

For that four people would have to be brought here and stay around enough for a fight to happen. The chances for that are pretty low.

My age? I'm 22 as far as I know. Though I don't think that matters here to work anywhere or even to drink unless the bartender has specific morals.

Such chances do indeed sound low. But this place is known for the unpredictable, and it would still be an incredible sight should it ever come to pass.

I see! That is true. I am glad that you view your job so responsibly. I myself, I must abstain from alcohol at all costs.

I'll let you know if a miracle ever happens then.

And I wouldn't give you alcohol even if you wanted it anyway. Neither candy or coffee, you don't sound like the type to need any of those.

[Yes, to Ikki, Lee's enthusiasm translates into him being hyperactive. Imagine what he would think of someone like Naruto.]

I would appreciate such consideration.

I see. Thank you for looking out for my health! [One can only imagine.]

It's more everyone's sanity what I'm looking out for, but whatever.

[It's not as if you're someone he doesn't mind talking with or anything like that! Hmph.]

I suppose that is also considerate in its own way. But it sounds like a very effective method of maintaining my health!

[What's with this guy and thinking everything is considerate? He's not being considerate he's being rude, why doesn't anyone react as they should anymore? This didn't happen back home with Seiya and the others.]

It would do you little favor to get fat or too excited indeed.

[He can't help it. Lee just can't feel insulted.]

This is true. Although I suppose that there are women out there who would still be capable of loving me at either of those extremes, it would still go against my discipline.

Wait a moment. What does love have to do in this conversation?

[Sure, it started with it but Ikki thought the focus was the youth thing, not the love thing.]

Don't tell me you're actually preoccupied with love right now.

Well, one could say that I am starting to live out my youth to its fullest. Love may indeed be a factor.

[... Great, they got him. Wait if this has already started then he should keep a closer eye on Kotomi.]

Good for you. Tell me about it once the month has ended.

[A.k.a "don't tell me because I don't want to know anything about shifted loves and all that crap".]

I will! Surely I will be able to compile many a story for you by then.

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Sixth Gate: Rock Lee's Springtime of Love [Action/Written]

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