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Marked for Death: A Rational Naruto Quest

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[X] Action Plan: Byakuren and Kurohige


Hey so I was thinking about empathy.

We turned deceit into a combat skill with Roki, could we do the same with empathy except for social combat? Like the higher our empathy is the better we can understand people's motives, which in turn would let us (with sufficient ruthlessness (ninja)) completely mess with people's headspaces.
 
MMKII said:
Rough draft.

Someone said something about playing in our league. Well, now's a good time?

This was going to be much less fleshed-out. Then I remembered that there is a restaurant named Byakuren's Cookbook, that Shin said "We'll lose like Kurohige" and that he probably enjoys being an overly dramatic little shit.

(Why yes, I enjoy making the lives of the Kurosawa clan more... interesting, why do you ask?)

WC: 398

[X] Action Plan: Byakuren and Kurohige
  • Double check details with Keiko/Noburi, and then with Jiraiya that the following is still alright.
    • Be careful: he's probably still pissed.
  • Arrange lunch with Shin tomorrow at Byakuren's Cookbook
    • Send a messenger inviting him and make the reservations.
  • Spend tonight and tomorrow morning in the market
    • While shopping for clothes, approach merchants, travelling performers/bards, craftsmen, etc.
    • Prioritize those merchants you've already spoken with
      • The glassblower, salt/spice merchant, brewer, any others.
    • Musicians/bards/performing troupes: ask in a tavern/ look there.
    • Offer writs of patronage, guarantees of premium prices, and other minor promises.
    • Tactics for any new or wary targets:
      • Allow Noburi to smooth talk them while you appear reserved and skeptical.
      • Noburi will prod them into making a sales pitch to ease your reservations. Eventually acquiesce.
      • Should Keiko be up to it she can interject from the rooftops: "Be grateful we are even considering you." etc.
  • Lunch with Shin
    • Prep:
      • Observe OPSEC, stay on your toes, no hard precommitments.
      • Be confident: Shin is not a Jonin, and you punch better than him.
      • Shin is a silver-tongued chakra viper, so keep your cool. Any barbed insults or backhanded compliments are solely to provoke you. Exhibit dry amusement instead.
    • Start the interaction amicably.
      • Minor flexing: casually name drop Ami for the regulars' menu. Mention we're getting promoted, ask if he is as well.
      • So how do you feel about the diplomat offer?
    • Gauge his answer, then elaborate:
      • In the spirit of where we left off last conversation: order a bottle of Kurohige's Revenge and two glasses (shallow pours, save the rest).
      • Cooperation was our motto during the exams. We're here to build bridges.
      • Here's the jumpstart to your career on a silver platter. Perhaps by some miracle you can convince us that the clan is halfway decent somewhere down the line too.
  • Before you leave Mist, go meet Hana again.
    • Don't get into a fight. You just want to spend some nice time with your mom.
    • Did she watch your matches?
      • Strict OPSEC on the Kotsuzui fight: The cover story is the truth. No fights, please mom?
    • Confide about the Ami debacle. Avoid details that might breach OPSEC.
      • How're you supposed to deal with people like that?
      • The hell is with that Jonin aura crap anyway? It sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

I would like to ask why we are using Byakuren instead of another place, IIRC that is one of the places Ami reasonably trust.
Do we want to show Ami our inclination to help her? Do we want to establish a favor for giving her this information?Just a measure of goodwill? Or are we just choosing it for another reason?
Just curiosity.
I would suggest adding "What people like that want/How do you understand people like that", in the Hana talk, because it's different from the "How you deal with Ami" and as, if not more important.

Regardless, this plan has my vote.

[X] Action Plan: Byakuren and Kurohige
 
I'd like to remind you that any plan involving making any offer to Shin needs to be properly fleshed out. At minimum, it has to say what the offer is, and at least one of the plans I've seen doesn't do even that.

You know the drill: Hazō does not take specific actions based on vague thread consensus; he takes them based on winning plans.

Edit: How much detail you go into is up to you, but be aware that anything underspecified will end up at Hazō's discretion.
 
Last edited:
Velorien said:
I'd like to remind you that any plan involving making any offer to Shin needs to be properly fleshed out. At minimum, it has to say what the offer is, and at least one of the plans I've seen doesn't do even that.

You know the drill: Hazō does not take specific actions based on vague thread consensus; he takes them based on winning plans.

Edit: How much detail you go into is up to you, but be aware that anything underspecified will end up at Hazō's discretion.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

[Plan: Make an offer to Shin]

HAZOU: Shin... I've been thinking about you a lot. Would you... Would you run away to Leaf with me?
 
Velorien said:
I'd like to remind you that any plan involving making any offer to Shin needs to be properly fleshed out. At minimum, it has to say what the offer is, and at least one of the plans I've seen doesn't do even that.

You know the drill: Hazō does not take specific actions based on vague thread consensus; he takes them based on winning plans.

Edit: How much detail you go into is up to you, but be aware that anything underspecified will end up at Hazō's discretion.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...

The suggestion did make it to the previous winning plan and chapter, so there' s not much for Hazou to not understand:

MMKII said:
Idea pitch: Permission to extract some major favors out of Shin (our cousin) by offering him a place in Leaf as part of the ambassador's diplomat corps, thereby jumpstarting his diplomat career.
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eaglejarl said:
"On the same lines," Hazō continued, "what would you think about sponsoring Kurosawa Shin as a junior diplomat to Leaf? It would jumpstart his career and we could get some major favors out of him as a result. Also, it gives us a foot in the door with the Kurosawa."
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Adhoc vote count started by TarzanNn on Mar 12, 2019 at 9:57 AM, finished with 205 posts and 17 votes.
Click to expand...
 
Velorien said:
Fair. Of course, now I go back to it, the next few lines down we have this:
Click to expand...
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I've been operating under the premise that he's already received said invitation, so my plan bits on this are more clarification of our motives via conversation and symbolism, and to get a straight answer out of him.
 
Edits:

1) Asking Keiko if she needs more Mist time/backup for her conversation with Big Sis.
2) Dropping a line to the Sand Genin
3) Cut the "Did you see my match" bit from the Hana portion.
4) Added a line to the Shin section in the hopes of pressing him into an answer.

Todo:

1) Mari still needs a gift.
2) Guard against inescapable demise.

I will be AFK until tonight (7-9ish EST).


MMKII said:
Rough draft.

Someone said something about playing in our league. Well, now's a good time?

This was going to be much less fleshed-out. Then I remembered that there is a restaurant named Byakuren's Cookbook, that Shin said "We'll lose like Kurohige" and that he probably enjoys being an overly dramatic little shit.

(Why yes, I enjoy making the lives of the Kurosawa clan more... interesting, why do you ask?)

WC: 385

[X] Action Plan: Byakuren and Kurohige
  • Double check details with Keiko/Noburi, and then with Jiraiya that the following is still alright.
    • Be careful: he's probably still pissed.
    • Ask Keiko if she wants more time in Mist for the meeting? Does she want back up for it?
  • Send messengers to:
    • Shin: Invite him to lunch at Byakuren's Cookbook.
    • Byakuren's Cookbook: Make the reservations.
    • The Sand Genin.
      • You guys were awesome. Sorry we didn't have more time to hangout. We should stay in touch.
  • Spend tonight and tomorrow morning in the market
    • Get any shopping done.
    • Approach merchants, travelling performers/bards, craftsmen, etc.
    • Prioritize those merchants you've already spoken with
      • The glassblower, salt/spice merchant, brewer, any others.
    • Musicians/bards/performing troupes: ask in a tavern/ look there.
    • Offer writs of patronage, price guarantees, and other minor promises.
    • Tactics for any new or wary targets:
      • Allow Noburi to smooth talk them while you appear reserved and skeptical.
      • Noburi will prod them into making a sales pitch to ease your reservations. Eventually acquiesce.
      • Should Keiko be up to it she can interject from the rooftops: "Be grateful we are even considering you." etc.
  • Lunch
    • Prep:
      • Observe OPSEC, stay on your toes, no hard precommitments.
      • Be confident: Shin is not a Jonin.
      • Shin is a silver-tongued chakra viper, so keep your cool. Barbed insults or backhanded compliments are solely to provoke you. Exhibit dry amusement instread
    • Start the interaction amicably.
      • Minor flexing: casually name drop Ami for the regulars' menu. Mention we're getting promoted, ask if he is as well.
      • Ask after the junior diplomat offer.
    • Gauge his answer, then elaborate:
      • In the spirit of where we left off last conversation: order a bottle of Kurohige's Revenge and two glasses (shallow pours, save the rest).
      • Cooperation was our motto during the exams. We're here to build bridges.
      • Here's the jumpstart to your career on a silver platter. Perhaps by some miracle you can convince us that the clan is halfway decent somewhere down the line too.
      • So what's it gonna be?
  • Before you leave Mist see Hana again.
    • No fighting, spend some nice time with your mom.
    • Confide about the Ami debacle. Avoid details that might breach OPSEC.
      • How do you deal with people like that?
      • The hell is with that Jonin aura crap anyway? It sucks.
    • Give her the biggest of bear hugs.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
 
MMKII said:
Todo:

2) Guard against inescapable demise.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality said:
There was a pause as Professor Quirrell looked at the parchment.

Then, without any change of expression on Professor Quirrell's face, the sheet of parchment burst into flames, and burned with a brief, intense fire that left only drifting black dust sprinkling down from his hand.

"Please confine yourself to the possible, Mr. Potter," said Professor Quirrell, sounding very dry indeed.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
 
@MMKII I shrunk your plan, and made some QOL changes for clarity. It should be enough for you to add a (brief) elaboration to the Keiko/Ami meeting (e.g., offer to be in the area, set up signals...), and add minor details as necessary.

Word Count: 366
  • Double check details with Keiko/Noburi, and then with Jiraiya that our plans are still alright.
    • Be careful: Jiraiya's probably still pissed.
    • Does Keiko need more time in Mist for the meeting? What about backup?
  • Send messengers to:
    • Shin: Invite him to lunch at Byakuren's Cookbook.
      • Also make reservations there.
    • Ikeda's team.
      • You guys were awesome. Sorry we didn't have more time to hangout. Let's keep in touch.
  • Spend tonight and tomorrow morning at market
    • Get any shopping done.
    • Approach merchants, travelling performers/bards, craftsmen, etc.
      • Prioritize merchants you've already spoken with
        • Glassblowers, salt/spice merchants, brewers, others.
      • Musicians/bards/performing troupes: ask around taverns.
      • Offer writs of patronage, price guarantees, and other minor promises.
      • Tactics for new/wary targets:
        • Let Noburi smooth talk them while you appear reserved and skeptical.
        • Noburi will prod them into making a sales pitch to ease your reservations. Eventually acquiesce.
        • Should Keiko be up to it she can interject from the rooftops: "Be grateful we are even considering you." etc.
  • Lunch
    • Prep:
      • Observe OPSEC, stay on your toes, no hard precommitments.
      • Be confident: Shin is not a Jonin.
      • Shin is a silver-tongued chakra viper, so keep your cool. Barbed insults or backhanded compliments are solely to provoke you. Exhibit dry amusement instead.
    • Start the interaction amicably.
      • Minor flexing: casually name drop Ami for the regulars' menu. Mention we're getting promoted, ask if he is as well.
      • Ask after the junior diplomat offer.
    • Gauge his answer, then elaborate:
      • In the spirit of where we left off last conversation: order a bottle of Kurohige's Revenge and two glasses (shallow pours, save the rest).
      • Cooperation was our motto during the exams. We're here to build bridges.
      • Here's the jumpstart to your career on a silver platter. Perhaps by some miracle you can convince us that the clan is halfway decent somewhere down the line too.
      • So what's it gonna be?
  • Before you leave Mist, see Momma again.
    • No fighting, spend some nice time with your mom.
    • Confide about the Ami debacle. Avoid details that might breach OPSEC.
      • How do you deal with people like that?
      • The hell is with that Jonin aura crap anyway? It sucks.
    • Give her the biggest of bear hugs.
 
Thanks @faflec

I think we can flesh out some of the Keiko/Ami help stuff.

Theres also the matter of "Travelling in groups of 4+" do we need contingencies here for that...?

MMKII said:
Rough draft.

Someone said something about playing in our league. Well, now's a good time?

This was going to be much less fleshed-out. Then I remembered that there is a restaurant named Byakuren's Cookbook, that Shin said "We'll lose like Kurohige" and that he probably enjoys being an overly dramatic little shit.

(Why yes, I enjoy making the lives of the Kurosawa clan more... interesting, why do you ask?)

WC: 366

[X] Action Plan: Byakuren and Kurohige

  • Double check details with Keiko/Noburi, and then with Jiraiya that our plans are still alright.
    • Be careful: Jiraiya's probably still pissed.
    • Does Keiko need more time in Mist for the meeting? What about backup?
  • Send messengers to:
    • Shin: Invite him to lunch at Byakuren's Cookbook.
      • Also make reservations there.
    • Ikeda's team.
      • You guys were awesome. Sorry we didn't have more time to hangout. Let's keep in touch.
  • Spend tonight and tomorrow morning at market
    • Get any shopping done.
    • Approach merchants, travelling performers/bards, craftsmen, etc.
      • Prioritize merchants you've already spoken with
        • Glassblowers, salt/spice merchants, brewers, others.
      • Musicians/bards/performing troupes: ask around taverns.
      • Offer writs of patronage, price guarantees, and other minor promises.
      • Tactics for new/wary targets:
        • Let Noburi smooth talk them while you appear reserved and skeptical.
        • Noburi will prod them into making a sales pitch to ease your reservations. Eventually acquiesce.
        • Should Keiko be up to it she can interject from the rooftops: "Be grateful we are even considering you." etc.
  • Lunch
    • Prep:
      • Observe OPSEC, stay on your toes, no hard precommitments.
      • Be confident: Shin is not a Jonin.
      • Shin is a silver-tongued chakra viper, so keep your cool. Barbed insults or backhanded compliments are solely to provoke you. Exhibit dry amusement instead.
    • Start the interaction amicably.
      • Minor flexing: casually name drop Ami for the regulars' menu. Mention we're getting promoted, ask if he is as well.
      • Ask after the junior diplomat offer.
    • Gauge his answer, then elaborate:
      • In the spirit of where we left off last conversation: order a bottle of Kurohige's Revenge and two glasses (shallow pours, save the rest).
      • Cooperation was our motto during the exams. We're here to build bridges.
      • Here's the jumpstart to your career on a silver platter. Perhaps by some miracle you can convince us that the clan is halfway decent somewhere down the line too.
      • So what's it gonna be?
  • Before you leave Mist, see Momma again.
    • No fighting, spend some nice time with your mom.
    • Confide about the Ami debacle. Avoid details that might breach OPSEC.
      • How do you deal with people like that?
      • Whats the deal with that Jonin aura crap anyway?
    • Give her the biggest of bear hugs.
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
 
MMKII said:
Thanks @faflec

I think we can flesh out some of the Keiko/Ami help stuff.

Theres also the matter of "Travelling in groups of 4+" do we need contingencies here for that...?
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
Probably don't need to do a contingency beyond "stay together and with an ANBU", but chances are Hazou's not going to break rank about that. Keiko, on the other hand...

I dunno. We definitely need to have our ANBU + Hazou/Noburi 'within the general vicinity' of the meeting, and also need to let Keiko know while also making sure she doesn't accuse of spying (or similar).
 
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