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.]

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Ah. I was unaware. [There's an odd sadness of her voice. He remembered clearly the Konan he met - the child, full of joy and hope and potential. That was gone all over again. Now she was the disgraced ninja, the former member of a criminal organization.]

I hope that you are adjusting well.

Aside from the brief discomfort of wearing children's clothing with an adult body, there was not much to adjust to. But thank you.

[He had gone out of his way to be kind to her and cheer her up when she was young and afraid. Even knowing what she would become. It's done a lot to raise her opinion of Lee.]

As to your question about the Kazekage...I assume that if you want to fight him fairly, that your challenge would be a friendly one.

[Of course, 'friendly' matches by shinobi standards can mean fighting to the knockout, rather than to the death.]

A-ah. I see. [He winces to prevent himself from dwelling on such a mental image.

But he still wonders if any of that cheery little girl is in there]

That is indeed my intention. I do not intend to act as an assassin! I only wish to settle a rivalry that began at our chunin exam.

You have a few options, then. The fairest thing to do would be challenge him to things where neither of you are at any particular advantage. See whose aim is the most accurate in a shuriken throwing contest, who can construct the most effective traps, who gets more correct answers when it comes to identifying what plants are edible and which ones are poisonous...that sort of thing.

I see! I have always hoped to prove my physical strength in particular. But your proposal is very interesting! Like a series of games... I am very interested in wondering how I would fair against the Kazakage in that arena!

It seems like that would be the most fair way to approach it. Neither of you would be at a disadvantage or an advantage and being a shinobi involves many skills rather than just pure combat.

This is very true, Konan-san. And it reminds me of the way in which Gai-Sensei and Kakashi-Sensei sometimes choose to express their rivalry. Rather than all-out fights, they have done competitions such as amazing races across Konoha! Broadening the challenges... Yes, that is a good way to follow in my sensei's footsteps!

Should the Kazekage ever arrive here in Luceti, I would be willing to provide a neutral evaluation of your skills.

[It's rare that she's ever remotely excitable, but Lee's enthusiasm is contagious even for someone as well inoculated as her. Besides, she's attempting to be at least slightly sociable and show good will.]

I... I am very grateful for your support, Konan-san. [He is. There's a faint smile on his face. That Konan could still have such an interest in his things.] And now that... I would gladly help you as well, if you ever sought to do battle with your own rival.

I don't have a rival, but if I ever find one, I will let you know.

[A year ago, she would have found this absurd, and something she shouldn't waste her time with. Now? She's relaxed somewhat.]

I see. It is very helpful in self-improvement to have a rival to overcome! But in the meantime... I would also be glad to help you with your taijutsu, should it need any more improvement.

I think I could stand to improve my taijutsu. If you would like to work on your ranged combat skills, I can help you in return.

Thank you for the offer. I am certain that I can benefit from such lessons.

You... you are quite kind, Konan-san.