- Location
- Yes.
I'd put Sarutobi waaaay at the top of the list, else Jiraiya RUITFTMT.
Marked for Death: A Rational Naruto Quest
- Thread starter eaglejarl
- Start date
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- Tags
- naruto rationalist romance armageddon is looking better and better damn you kishimoto explosions everywhere explosives solve everyone if in doubt surrender to the mercy of zabuza it seemed like a good idea at the time looks like a really bad case of being a jōnin my god. where does the lore end? precommitting is the winning plan screaming in kagome screw the rules i have explosives something bad might still happen sometimes you gotta sociopath stabby zabby subsection c of paragraph 9 should include we can weaponize this so hard
- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
I honestly forgot about the Shimura... Yeah, I could see Ami going there. IIRC, she already has the clan head wrapped around her finger which means she doesn't have to worry about a loss in freedom.
And I'd argue that Ami does have an amount of personal loyalty towards us. She likes Hazou a friend --though I believe she'd hesitate to use the term, given her personal definition of "friend" is more akin to "pawn" --and it seems like Uplift might coincide with her Ultimate Goal. And, if I'm right, that camaraderie is also why she won't join the Goketsu. She's vulnerable to Hazou in a similar (if vastly reduced) way she's vulnerable to Keiko: emotional closeness means emotional vulnerability.
I honestly want to get to know Ami a bit more and for Hazou to have a genuine friendship with her. But while I have no idea how to do that (subtly isn't my personal strength, I'm afraid that I'm rather oblivious), we seem to be muddling along in that direction anyway. Somehow
While EJ's polyq chapter might have swayed me to that particular ship, I have to admit to beingt intrigued by the idea of Ami and Hazou having a relationship --though I have no idea how that would happen. Ami has admitted that she'd sacrifice her Ultimate Goal on a pyre if it meant she'd keep her heart and her freedom. So I don't think Ami would go for the Shadow Clone Technique like that.
...But I could kind of see Keiko trying to work that angle. Getting Ami to defect to Leaf, where she'd be safer. Trying to get Ami and Hazou together, since Hazou respects autonomy, they're both insane, and seem to get along rather well. Two of the people Keiko treasures the most, finding happiness with each other.
No idea if Keiko actually is, if course. But I could see it.
That's how I felt a few updates ago about timelines, but I didn't press it and then it backfired... Eh, we'll do better next time, right?
I'm okay with stealing what's-his-name's barrel seals, getting him kicked out of the Leaf, and then using the 3 data points we have (Noburi, that one girl, and then him) to fix Noburi's barrel.
I'm not sure it's world domination. Keiko said that Ami's daydreams could set the EN ablaze. While that might just be a throw away line about Ami's particular brand of instability, I think it's more a hint to her Ultimate Goal.
World domination? Ambitious, but not enough to set the world afire. People have tried that before and it wouldn't be surprising enough, or outrageous enough, to lead to the downfall of the EN.
I agree that Uplift might actually be aligned with her goals, though. At least vaguely. Not sure if she'd use us as a pawn or not, though that worry could be satisfied by learning more about her and where Hazou stands with her.
Agreed. I was a little worried after the Yuno Incident that Keiko might have replaced us in her heart with the Nara or the FF-Illuminati... Silly me didn't even consider the fact that they don't have to be mutually exclusive.
What if Hazou wakes up one day to find that Orochimaru resurrected Jiraiya and Sarutobi on his own? Personally, I'm not sure if I'd laugh or cry.
By the way, what happened to Yukino? She's probably our best chance at figuring this whole thing out, and also just someone I want us to actually meet, especially because she's unique enough to join the Team (if obviously not the clan).
EDIT: some other thoughts:
On Keiko:
Don't care if she's a Goketsu or not, she's team uplift, which is what matters most in the end.
On Ami: I don't actually think she IS friends with us, just that she's interested, and I'm pretty sure if she ended up in a romantic relationship with anyone, she's more likely to go with Naruto then us, if only because she doesn't want to be tied down and a breakup with our stupid idiot face (we are) would hurt Keiko. Besides, I'm only about 60% certain we aren't siblings.
On Ami joining the KEI: somewhat on the nose, don'tcha think. She's going to do something much cleverer then that: I give it good odds she'll somehow find her way into the Hyuuga with the aid of the Dark Apprentice: potentially by getting Hinata to adopt her. It would be hilarious in a very Ami Mori way.
On Ami shadow clones: Even if Ami is us-aligned, I'm genuinely uncertain what Shadow-Ami is like, and I don't think Shadow-Ami would consider themselves Ami or align themselves with her. Given how independent-minded Ami is especially towards the sorts of directives Ami would give Shadow-Ami, can you really see it working out? Either, as is probable, Ami doesn't want the shadow technique for the reason that it would instantiate an unfree Ami, or Shadow-Ami rebels more quickly and strongly then Snowflake does.
EDIT: some other thoughts:
On Keiko:
Don't care if she's a Goketsu or not, she's team uplift, which is what matters most in the end.
On Ami: I don't actually think she IS friends with us, just that she's interested, and I'm pretty sure if she ended up in a romantic relationship with anyone, she's more likely to go with Naruto then us, if only because she doesn't want to be tied down and a breakup with our stupid idiot face (we are) would hurt Keiko. Besides, I'm only about 60% certain we aren't siblings.
On Ami joining the KEI: somewhat on the nose, don'tcha think. She's going to do something much cleverer then that: I give it good odds she'll somehow find her way into the Hyuuga with the aid of the Dark Apprentice: potentially by getting Hinata to adopt her. It would be hilarious in a very Ami Mori way.
On Ami shadow clones: Even if Ami is us-aligned, I'm genuinely uncertain what Shadow-Ami is like, and I don't think Shadow-Ami would consider themselves Ami or align themselves with her. Given how independent-minded Ami is especially towards the sorts of directives Ami would give Shadow-Ami, can you really see it working out? Either, as is probable, Ami doesn't want the shadow technique for the reason that it would instantiate an unfree Ami, or Shadow-Ami rebels more quickly and strongly then Snowflake does.
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
Okay, this is an early draft so let me know if you want something changed.
[X] Action Plan: Punch time
Word Count: 191 words
[X] Action Plan: Punch time
Word Count: 191 words
- Iron Mine
- Invite Keiko to a family bonding event with Hazou and Noburi by clearing the Iron Mine and local land of all chakra beasts
- Utilize summons to cripple chakra beasts, let Noburi drain them, get more summons on the field
- Utilize Candoru, let him taste the salty tears of defeat repeatedly
- Chocolate
- Set up meeting with Mari and Gaku
- Ask Mari if she has a plan for how to fix the Goketsu chocolate monopoly
- If she doesn't have a plan, discuss options with her and Gaku
- Buy the land?
- Burn the crop?
- Buy up the chocolate first?
- If plan is destructive, ensure no farmers are left destitute afterwards
- Have Hazou verify Mari's plan is in line with Uplift before approving anything
- If Hazou has no other hangups after discussion, have Mari implement the plan she approves of most
- Misc
- Check in with Skyslider team, see how the new people are integrating, show respect to the original team's hard work, you and Leaf are counting on their leadership
- Pay for the team's dinner as a show of appreciation
- Continue Seal research
- Acquire glassmaking civilians, give them what they need for research
- Check in with Skyslider team, see how the new people are integrating, show respect to the original team's hard work, you and Leaf are counting on their leadership
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- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Clarification: there is still no Shimura Clan. Yōichi is the representative for the KEI overall.
You know we should prob make sure the Dogs aren't genocidal maniacs as well
It's a little concerning how Hazou reacted to Keiko's is it too late. It sorta looks like Hazou believes his bond with Keiko has weakened. After all, saying things can be recovered implies that there was a weakening in the first place
It's a little concerning how Hazou reacted to Keiko's is it too late. It sorta looks like Hazou believes his bond with Keiko has weakened. After all, saying things can be recovered implies that there was a weakening in the first place
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Some notes on the plan:
Or wherever they end up going.
Can we involve the Treasurer in the discussion as well, so all involved can talk to eachother? Somewhat strange that hasn't happened yet to my knowldege.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
It's a rite of passage to make the Naked Jaybird relevant to every plan, but if you insist...
Also, not a bad idea to get Gaku in on the discussion at all. I'll add that.
- Location
- United States
So uh, I read this in the update and it's a little worrying:
" Akane's face flickered through his mind. They still hadn't had that conversation—he'd been busy, and maybe a little afraid of the future, now the initial drive of righteous anger had worn off, and Akane was naturally sensitive enough to give him space even though part of him wished she weren't. Would he be able to completely break his bond with her for the greater good?"
I'm not sure how long it's been since we originally brought this up to Akane (a few weeks? A month?) but it sounds like Hazou is too scared to bring it up and probably won't do so until we make him with a vote.
So I guess the question is, do we have an answer for her? Can we bring forth this conversation and conclude it adequately? I feel like the currently limbo between Hazou and Akane is unfair to the both of them, and it might be a good idea to have this conversation sooner rather than later if it is at all possible.
" Akane's face flickered through his mind. They still hadn't had that conversation—he'd been busy, and maybe a little afraid of the future, now the initial drive of righteous anger had worn off, and Akane was naturally sensitive enough to give him space even though part of him wished she weren't. Would he be able to completely break his bond with her for the greater good?"
I'm not sure how long it's been since we originally brought this up to Akane (a few weeks? A month?) but it sounds like Hazou is too scared to bring it up and probably won't do so until we make him with a vote.
So I guess the question is, do we have an answer for her? Can we bring forth this conversation and conclude it adequately? I feel like the currently limbo between Hazou and Akane is unfair to the both of them, and it might be a good idea to have this conversation sooner rather than later if it is at all possible.
- Location
- Yes.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Hazou can ask Noburi and Keiko for advice on their expedition to the mine
(I wonder what advice the summons would have for Hazou?)
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- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
As long as you leave the part about the mine and Keiko, you have my vote.
Hazou can ask Noburi and Keiko for advice on their expedition to the mine
You have my vote anyway, but please add this! I have a feeling Noburi's advice is going to be less than useless, but Keiko might have a gem or two. Either way: awkward family bonding time is a must!
- Pronouns
- He/Him
- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Would you be willing to add something to the effect of "Hazou confesses his feelings on an interconnected, multiparty romance?" It's no secret that Hazou has had lunch dates with Ino, and I think that Keiko or Noburi might bring it up, to ask for clarification. It would help them to understand what kind of advice Hazou is looking for.
I feel that, since Ino mentioned it's a feesable option, Hazou has had enough cause to at least consider the possibility in the background --especially since he told Ino that he thought he had a personal stake in the law getting passed.
And although an "open" relationship might have ended poorly last time, an interconnected polygon is fundamentally different enough that it might turn out differently --provided, of course, that Akane would be comfortable with such a dynamic.
Please don't feel pressured, though! I understand that you might not be rooting for the same ship and, provided you keep Keiko in the Mine scouting party, you'll still have my vote ^.^
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I mean, if anyone gets how to make a poly relationship work it would be Keiko, right? I think just asking them generally about the relationship is good enough though, I don't want to get too specific so EJ can write it how he wants
- Location
- The Void
- Pronouns
- She/Her
This is the stuff I mean when I say Keiko needs to put in effort to Reestablish bonds
- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
I think that this just means that "Keiko is spinning a thousand different plates and trusts you to be able to do this on your own" rather than "Keiko doesn't care about this because it doesn't benefit her." Of course, I'm being deliberately generous with my interpretation, since I doubt Keiko would be so mercenary right after reaffirming her love and dedication to the Uplift family.
Agreed about Keiko, not to mention that her insightful perspective might be able to shed some light on Akane's feelings about that topic. Still, I can agree with giving the QMs enough room to have creative freedom (and fun) with the updates.
Noumero
Omit Needless Words
I am hopeful that the following presents a satisfactory solution to the Ami FOOM problem, though it might be more appropriate for the next @Velorien update. Nonetheless:
[x] Action Plan: The Logistics of Apotheosis by Recursive Self-Improvement
Word count: 388
[x] Action Plan: The Logistics of Apotheosis by Recursive Self-Improvement
Word count: 388
- Send for Mari.
- Discuss Ami with Keiko: You're willing to include her, assuming she acquires SC, with three conditions:
- She waits 1.5 years.
- What is the theoretical limit to a person's proficiency at psychological manipulation? What if said person already has built-in superintelligent assistance? Ami's social acumen is unnerving as-is. A post-singularity Ami, you fear, would virtually be a mind-controller against anyone lesser than a jounin social-spec.
- You'd trust Mari with that power — a trust that was hard-earned over years in life-or-death situations, and sacrifices with no room for lies. Replicating that with Ami is unrealistic: incredibly difficult, necessarily mortally dangerous, and only possible if she is trustworthy. And anything less, you'd suspect manipulations.
- By your calculations, in 1.5 years you'd be roughly within her striking range, removing the need for trust.
- She doesn't study Sealing or Technique-Hacking, nor Medical Ninjutsu beyond the basics. You suspect the feedback loop could be further shortened by novel inventions in these fields, making the beneficiary a... double-god. See above regarding trust.
- Tons of favours, duh.
- She waits 1.5 years.
- Once Mari arrives, bring her up to speed. Discuss OPSEC issues:
- Visible power spikes: What if the first skill everyone training with SC learns is acting? It would ensure we're able to conceal our skills in public, barring emergencies.
It'd also help with treason. - Concealing the process of training:
- Keiko/Hazou could train on the Seventh Path: only Boss Summons would know. Con: excludes Akane, unless we get another Scroll.
- Dig a deep basement, beyond the range of Byakugan, disguise it as something innocuous, train there. Viable?
- Mari'd suggested leaking information about our bloodline limits, with lies calculated to convince people VD and SC don't synergize. Good idea, but the lie'd need to be subtle, so that:
- The clever ones (Kabuto, Oro...), who'd realize we the leak was deliberate, would slot it into "a true tidbit they included because it's harmless", not "the lie they're using to cover something up".
- It won't get new people thinking about VD's interactions with clones: only those who independently arrived at the idea would notice.
- They're not obviously wrong to anyone familiar with Mist bloodlines.
- Suggestion: "Ingesting large quantities of Wakahisa water is dangerous for your chakra system, although you'd need to drink gallons of it daily for the effects to show. Nonetheless, they know and hide it."
- Visible power spikes: What if the first skill everyone training with SC learns is acting? It would ensure we're able to conceal our skills in public, barring emergencies.
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- Location
- The Void
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Yet this was her response when we ask for help. This less than a week when we worked to help her with her girlfriend. When you go to your sister and ask for her help and she says I have no investment in this and then talks about how you need repair the rift in your relationship that's a toxic situation.
- Location
- Yes.
OK so while I agree with all the other arguments you've said, I do not agree that Keiko said that you [Hazou] need to repair the rift in the relationship, at all. From my understanding, here is the relevant conversation, with key parts emphasized:
The only person who argues that Hazou needs to put in work into the relationship is Hazou. Keiko, if anything, is arguing that she isn't putting enough effort into reestablishing bonds, going so far as to disagree with Hazou regarding who is at fault.
Don't really like discussing the first part with Kei (specifically with Kei), especially because we've already taken enough trust falls with Ami that there isn't really a point: If she wanted something from us, she'd have taken it already. Would have liked not to take them, but we're in deep water here and have the advantage that Ami doesn't want to go to hard on the deceit around Kei. Probably mention, however, that I'm not sure what the relationship between Ami and Shadow Clone Ami will be: do you really think Clone Ami will give in to Ami more then Ami will give in to the MV?
Honestly, my problem with Ami isn't that her motivations are opaque, because she seems mostly aligned with us. The problem is on a quest level, rather then a Hazou level, because she's a lot better then us at the stuff we're planning to do: If she's in, the quest loses a lot more of its agency and of its interest to me.