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 open voting
- Location
- The Soviet Republic of Canuckistan
- Pronouns
- He/Him
*cheering in FaintlySorcerous*
- Location
- Yes.
SCREAMING IN FAFLEC
VERBING IN SHROOMS
- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Feverish and lightheaded, so I apologize if the following review rambles or is otherwise somewhat incoherent.
Of course not, Kei. Your home was one with cold neglect and idle indifference. This estate acknowledges you to be worthy of intimidation.
I'd like to point out that the only other carved seals we've seen (iirc) were the Yakuza casino seals from towards the very beginning of the quest, and the Sage's Great Seal... And that we built our compound in a flurry of sleep-deprived panic over the course of a few hours... once we finally have the time (and figure out how), I'd be more than happy to have Hazou scrawl/carve security seals everywhere (maybe work with Kagome so that they're overly artistic in aesthetic design?).
"No guidance" is a bit harsh, but also technically correct. We basically asked Kei what she thinks, what she wants, and why. We also acknowledged that we couldn't give more detailed advice (partly because Kei is paranoid we're Mari's pawn), and planted the seeds about TLitF. It's a slapdash patch-job that's nowhere near a true reconciliation, but at least Kei and Mari seem to be on professional enough terms to work together for the sake of the mission --if somewhat awkwardly.
"Just because I can summon giant armored death monsters doesn't mean I'm actually spec'd that way. I'm a ranged fighter, remember? I'm more comfortable hanging back and throwing sharp objects than punching things on the front lines. I'd rather force targets to dodge into someone else's fist --or claws, I suppose."
A little rude, but I imagine her clan and passion/career being respected so is favorable enough that Yoshida doesn't really care about the darker aspects of this New Isan... or, at least, the personal benefits are enough to outweigh whatever personal qualms she has with this abandonment of tradition has caused her.
I. I did not know that Snowflake was under such a geas. I assumed, perhaps foolishly so, that because of the unique FS/SC interactions that resulted in Snowflake's birth, that she would be free of the servile compulsions inherent in the Shadow Clone's mechanics...
But Kei doesn't see that same impulse in Ami that she sees in herself and Mari? I don't understand. Unless Kei knows that Ami doesn't have the compulsion to control? Maybe Kei (through her personal insight into Ami's personality as a result of growing up and helping Ami after her traumatic event) thinks that Ami doesn't manipulate out of a sort of "power high" but more out of an underlying "fear?"
Of course, Kei wouldn't extend that same empathy that she gives Ami to Mari.
I read this in one of two ways.
1: Snowflake worries that she'll drive away her family if she missteps. And that makes me want to give her a hug, because that means that she still doesn't completely believe that we love her as much as we love Kei. Not out of usefulness or utility, but unconditionally and unreservedly. If this is what Snowflake meant, then I can only suggest we remain as we have (treasuring her and expressing our unconditional positive regard) and allow that consistency over time to prove the truth of our feelings.
2: Snowflake worries that she may misstep and that Kei may categorically refuse to Summon her into existence anymore. Which I'd argue is unfounded (considering the lengths to which Kei forced herself to go in order to avoid Ordering her sister into doing something, as well as the sheer look of guilt that Kei had on her face when she was forced to admit at not Summoning Snowflake all that much during this mission). However, I'll admit that this phobia is, perhaps, more understandable than the first. Her entire existence is contingent upon the active allowance of another. Snowflake being Summoned is not anything that Snowflake has direct control over (save for, perhaps, maintaining a good relationship with Kei), and that must be terrifying in a way I cannot wholly comprehend.
That's not a "no..."
My, my, does Kagome have an admirer? Perhaps not inherently romantic, but there are other types of relationships. Those based on mutual consideration, intellectual admiration, the respect of equals, and other such things. And we know that Leaf's librarian eyed up Kagome, so he's got something going for him. Even if Kagome just ends up getting an academic peer/pen pal, I'll have marked this as a win.
[hugs, or other such signal of condolence and sympathy within your realm of comfort]
Perhaps: panicked visions in shrooms?
Of course not, Kei. Your home was one with cold neglect and idle indifference. This estate acknowledges you to be worthy of intimidation.
I'd like to point out that the only other carved seals we've seen (iirc) were the Yakuza casino seals from towards the very beginning of the quest, and the Sage's Great Seal... And that we built our compound in a flurry of sleep-deprived panic over the course of a few hours... once we finally have the time (and figure out how), I'd be more than happy to have Hazou scrawl/carve security seals everywhere (maybe work with Kagome so that they're overly artistic in aesthetic design?).
"No guidance" is a bit harsh, but also technically correct. We basically asked Kei what she thinks, what she wants, and why. We also acknowledged that we couldn't give more detailed advice (partly because Kei is paranoid we're Mari's pawn), and planted the seeds about TLitF. It's a slapdash patch-job that's nowhere near a true reconciliation, but at least Kei and Mari seem to be on professional enough terms to work together for the sake of the mission --if somewhat awkwardly.
"Just because I can summon giant armored death monsters doesn't mean I'm actually spec'd that way. I'm a ranged fighter, remember? I'm more comfortable hanging back and throwing sharp objects than punching things on the front lines. I'd rather force targets to dodge into someone else's fist --or claws, I suppose."
A little rude, but I imagine her clan and passion/career being respected so is favorable enough that Yoshida doesn't really care about the darker aspects of this New Isan... or, at least, the personal benefits are enough to outweigh whatever personal qualms she has with this abandonment of tradition has caused her.
I. I did not know that Snowflake was under such a geas. I assumed, perhaps foolishly so, that because of the unique FS/SC interactions that resulted in Snowflake's birth, that she would be free of the servile compulsions inherent in the Shadow Clone's mechanics...
But Kei doesn't see that same impulse in Ami that she sees in herself and Mari? I don't understand. Unless Kei knows that Ami doesn't have the compulsion to control? Maybe Kei (through her personal insight into Ami's personality as a result of growing up and helping Ami after her traumatic event) thinks that Ami doesn't manipulate out of a sort of "power high" but more out of an underlying "fear?"
Of course, Kei wouldn't extend that same empathy that she gives Ami to Mari.
I read this in one of two ways.
1: Snowflake worries that she'll drive away her family if she missteps. And that makes me want to give her a hug, because that means that she still doesn't completely believe that we love her as much as we love Kei. Not out of usefulness or utility, but unconditionally and unreservedly. If this is what Snowflake meant, then I can only suggest we remain as we have (treasuring her and expressing our unconditional positive regard) and allow that consistency over time to prove the truth of our feelings.
2: Snowflake worries that she may misstep and that Kei may categorically refuse to Summon her into existence anymore. Which I'd argue is unfounded (considering the lengths to which Kei forced herself to go in order to avoid Ordering her sister into doing something, as well as the sheer look of guilt that Kei had on her face when she was forced to admit at not Summoning Snowflake all that much during this mission). However, I'll admit that this phobia is, perhaps, more understandable than the first. Her entire existence is contingent upon the active allowance of another. Snowflake being Summoned is not anything that Snowflake has direct control over (save for, perhaps, maintaining a good relationship with Kei), and that must be terrifying in a way I cannot wholly comprehend.
That's not a "no..."
My, my, does Kagome have an admirer? Perhaps not inherently romantic, but there are other types of relationships. Those based on mutual consideration, intellectual admiration, the respect of equals, and other such things. And we know that Leaf's librarian eyed up Kagome, so he's got something going for him. Even if Kagome just ends up getting an academic peer/pen pal, I'll have marked this as a win.
[hugs, or other such signal of condolence and sympathy within your realm of comfort]
Perhaps: panicked visions in shrooms?
- Pronouns
- He/Him
That's an adjective and a noun
- Location
- Kiev, Ukraine
There were definitely seals in Konoha's Hospital. Paranoya about them is what led to first killbox incident.
- Location
- Europa, Jupiter Orbit
How does that work? It doesn't seem like the kind of knowledge or emotion blocked by the Mori Bloodline.
- Location
- USA
At a glance, previous SC XP has already been accounted for. Akane is the only one FOOMing, and she runs 6 clones 2 clones for 3 training blocks each (6 training blocks) for now, so that's 0.6x XP. I think the base for this update is 14, so:
Akane SC Training: 8.4 XP
@eaglejarl @Velorien I'm not good at counting the dates, are the Isan and Leaf timelines now synced up?
Akane SC Training: 8.4 XP
@eaglejarl @Velorien I'm not good at counting the dates, are the Isan and Leaf timelines now synced up?
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- Pronouns
- He/Him
With her own chakra? It's 150 + (25*N) where N is number of clones, and she has 300 chakra per day, so at least chakra-wise, she can have 6 clones active. I think she can't even have that many due to her resolve level though.
(Although now that I think about it, she would really need one more point in CR for 6 clones because after you cast it, it divides up your remaining chakra and her remaining chakra would be 0 if she cast 6 clones right now)
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- Location
- Book Fort
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Random scattershot of ideas:
1: Prove that a partnership with Leaf is a net good for all of Isan (maybe leverage the Hag's reputation for honoring tradition, along with Hazou's apprenticeship of Harumitsu?)
2: Current High Priest says that independence is preferable to being a vassal of Leaf. Maybe offer something more mutual, w/o infringing upon Isan's liberty? Or propose such to Asuma? Not sure if Isan would even believe us, if that's the case.
3: Maybe we can install a new person as the High Priest? Not sure straight-up assassination would work, though. We have the loyalty of a bunch of influence-less outcasts and the tentative, tacit agreement of Yoshida (in a sort of "figure out a way I can support you without treason and I will" sort of way).
4. That Akriada(?) seemed favorable enough to Leaf, which is kind of suspicious. Maybe we can use it, though.
Eisenhelm
gran dutch of douchery
- Location
- Colombia
don't be hating until you have tried it. all the cool kids are doing it.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
They are indeed.
- Location
- USA
@eaglejarl @Velorien
Actually, I think there might be an error in the timeline? It says that:
| October 27 | Chapter 428: Living in the Shadow of Death Hazō meets Keiko (and Snowflake) for the first time since his hospitalisation. |
| October 21 | Chapter 430, Part 2: Her Own Redemption Keiko visits Takahashi and secures his approval of the alliance in exchange for a commitment to protect Isan's interests in Leaf. Chapter 432: Forgiveness, Responsibility, and the Ami Manoeuvre Hazō tries to mitigate the damage from Keiko and Mari's falling-out. |
| October 16-19 | Chapter 424@ and Chapter 424, Conclusion Hazō and his new wife go on a really dramatic honeymoon. There are Dragons and huge-ass seals. Chapter 425: Visitations A hospitalised Hazō receives a variety of visitors, only some of them homicidal demigods and only some of them real. Chapter 429: A Dying Art Mari manipulates Isan's merchants while Noburi chooses family loyalty over diplomacy. |
I think the correct timeline for Isan is first, after October 14:
| October 14 | Chapter 418: A Bitter Pill to Swallow Snowflake dines with the High Priest and his closest allies in Keiko's place, which is just as well because she inadvertently poisons herself. Chapter 420, Part 1: Not Having the Stomach for It Keiko attempts to persuade the High Priest that, contrary to all appearances, she wasn't trying to poison him. Pandā saves the day by (justly) claiming responsibility. Chapter 420, Part 2: Sating Their Hunger The High Priest and his entourage subject Keiko to a series of conversational traps as she attempts to convince them of the merits of a Leaf alliance. |
On October 15 (night?) Chapter 430, Part 1: Unforgiven happens.
On October 16, Chapter 432: Forgiveness, Responsibility, and the Ami Manoeuvre happens.
Then there's several days of no contact as Hazou prepares to make the journey to the great seal and Keiko and co. execute the plan.
Hazou is injured on the 19th and can't Summon because his chakra coils are messed up. This took 2 days to heal, so they have Chapter 428: Living in the Shadow of Death on the 21st. The "political dealings so wearying that I will not refer to them in any way again during the course of this conversation" that Keiko refers to are the ones following the Ami Manoeuvre that Hazou suggests.
As mentioned at the end of that update, Hazou then spends a week healing, ending on the 28, where Chapter 431: The Mouths of Babes begins. During that week, Chapter 434: A Parable of Pride happens. That covers a week, so it also ends on the 28. This means that the Leaf timeline and the Isan timeline are two days apart, Isan 2 days behind Leaf. I can put together what I think the corrected timeline is, if you'd like.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
This is problematic because the chapter is meant to cover multiple days, hence 16-19.
Yes, that happens in the evening. It's interrupted in the middle by the nightly check-in.
I thought it was longer. Well, it's something that an easily be adjusted in the name of fixing the timeline. 12th century medicine is not the most precise of arts.
That would be much appreciated.
Their knowledge of sealing is derived and inspired entirely from a single seal. That was presumably the locking seal on the summoning scroll which Kagome casually broke over his knee, but in case it was from something else it might be worth following up on.
- Location
- USA
I took it as one day based on the XP award. Still, we can stretch it out a couple days. Other than that, all XP awards and timelines attached to posts are consistent AFAICT.
Here's my best guess. Spreading 429 make 430.1, 430.2 and 432 a little later (keeping checkins nightly complicated things somewhat). I kept 428 on the 21st for the 2 day healing time consistent with the previous timeline. If we make it on the 22nd instead, nothing much changes, except Isan is now only 1 day behind Leaf, which is nice.
| Date | Event Approx. Time | Event |
| October 16-19 | Over several days | Chapter 429: A Dying Art |
| Over several days | Chapter 424@ and Chapter 424, Conclusion | |
| 17th night | Chapter 430, Part 1: Unforgiven | |
| 18th morning | Chapter 430, Part 2: Her Own Redemption | |
| 18th night | Chapter 432: Forgiveness, Responsibility, and the Ami Manoeuvre | |
| October 19 | Chapter 425: Visitations | |
| October 20 | Chapter 426: Progression | |
| Chapter 427: Embracing Insanity | ||
| October 21 | Chapter 428: Living in the Shadow of Death (Hazou's Milds heal, he can summon) | |
| October 21-28 | Chapter 434: A Parable of Pride | |
| October 28-30 | Chapter 431: The Mouths of Babes | |
| October 30 | Few minutes conversation | Chapter 433: Noir Detective Haru |
Looks like the Isan and leaf timelines are definitely off by a couple days. Can just stretch 434 out by 2 more days to get them aligned?
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Looks good to me. @eaglejarl, thoughts?I took it as one day based on the XP award. Still, we can stretch it out a couple days. Other than that, all XP awards and timelines attached to posts are consistent AFAICT.
Here's my best guess. Spreading 429 make 430.1, 430.2 and 432 a little later (keeping checkins nightly complicated things somewhat). I kept 428 on the 21st for the 2 day healing time consistent with the previous timeline. If we make it on the 22nd instead, nothing much changes, except Isan is now only 1 day behind Leaf, which is nice.
Date Event Approx. Time Event October 16-19 Over several days Chapter 429: A Dying Art Over several days Chapter 424 17th night Chapter 430, Part 1: Unforgiven 18th morning Chapter 430, Part 2: Her Own Redemption 18th night Chapter 432: Forgiveness, Responsibility, and the Ami Manoeuvre October 19 Chapter 425: Visitations October 20 Chapter 426: Progression Chapter 427: Embracing Insanity October 21 Chapter 428: Living in the Shadow of Death (Hazou's Milds heal, he can summon) October 21-28 Chapter 434: A Parable of Pride October 28-30 Chapter 431: The Mouths of Babes October 30 Few minutes conversation Chapter 433: Noir Detective Haru
Looks like the Isan and leaf timelines are definitely off by a couple days. Can just stretch 434 out by 2 more days to get them aligned?
- Location
- The state of Paranoia
It's definitely suspicious, since he's most likely Isan's source of information about the outside world. Everything bad the high preist knows about us most likely came from Arikada, so the high priest not liking us implies that that Arikada is not on our side.
I kinda picked up on that what with the zombie slaves, explosive tumors, and horrific parasites. The question is how she ever got a chance to tell anybody.
I concur. We could have alliance in all but name.
Similar to what we just did with the Yoshida, we could tie up Isan development with Leaf support by influencing it's movers and shakers. Alliance or not, them communicating and exchanging with us is huge win.