Marked for Death: A Rational Naruto Quest

Velorien · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
Just to clarify, Mari hasn't been seen by anyone except the junior Takahashi ninja?

HDK. But it wasn't her intention to be.

faflec · Jun 28, 2021

>inb4 Keiko was spotted

Halberdier · Jun 28, 2021

Tua said:
I hope people aren't ignoring the option of attacking through the religious angle just because the Inoue tried to preempt us. There is a reason they did so after they thought we died because they are not confident enough it would work otherwise.

You know, kinda similar to us doing it to the High Priest after he got killed and could not argue back.

But we are not dead, obviously.

Also, hearing an old woman say this versus seeing a towering scaly ball of death deny her accusations are two different things. If you have been told your whole life that Pangolin are the closest thing to (Ui's) angels and you have never seen one until yesterday, you'd be more inclined to listen.

We already know this worked against the neutrals/common mob that time Pantomaimu deescalated when Yuno chopped up their leader. We also know the crowd wanted to engage the Pangolin badly last time around because they are that star struck.

The Inoue clan head also acted a lot more deferential/cowed the first time she saw him, indicating there is a lot of conditioning still present and that she might possibly still be able to be swayed (though that is unlikely if we only do this since we still need the stick to go with the carrot).

Still, giving her the chance to take a way out and say "I was wrong, the Pangolin are not manipulated, my bad" would be my preference to avoid bloodshed for now.

"You mean this Pangolin Summoner?" *points at Keiko, surrounded by Pantomaimu, Pankurashun, Pangaya and whichever else large summons she can afford* "The one that is clearly still alive because there was no punishment? *address the crowd* Isn't it odd that the High Priest's closest ally is now trying to discredit the legacy of Ui after it was already proven that Shusuke was corrupting his message?

"No, of course it isn't. Someone that worked this closely with him must have known what he was doing. Maybe she did so willingly because she benefited from it, even at the cost of her loyal clanmates? Or maybe she was being pressured into it by him and would like to recant her statement?"

(This is to give her a way out before it's too late. As in, "Inoue, this is your only way out of this, accept the new status quo and acknowledge the legitimacy of the summoner." Also we are focusing on the clan heads here and not the whole clan in case there are internal disagreements of opinion to leverage.)

"We understand that this attack on us must not have been condoned by Isan as a whole because what we see when we look around is a honorable people who would never violate guest hospitality. Nor would Ui's people cowardly attack us in the middle of the night so clearly there must have been a mistake."

(We are obviously laying it on thick here but hey, politics and all that. Don't make this an Us vs Isan thing. Make it an Us & Isan vs Isan's few corrupt leaders.)

"Unless, of course, we are wrong?" *pointedly looks at the Inoue* "And you think attacking the one person with a direct line to Ui, the one person who has access to his undiluted and authentic wisdom, was no mere mistake but a way to keep clinging to power now that the High Priest has been revealed as a sham? Are you this far gone to willingly defile Isan's customs and honor for your selfishness?"

<<For the last part, we would have coordinated in advance with Takahashi and Pantomaimu what is safe and most appropriate to say to appeal to the Isane's patriotism/pride and what have you. Let's use the crowd in our favor.>>

So there you have it, one strategy I think that'd be viable to pull off and remove the Inoue as our enemy.

If you write this into a plan, I will vote for it. As a show of good faith
[X] Tua

Also, anyone else worried that the chapter that hopefully concludes the arc with the religious and superstitious clan is 444?

Shrooms · Jun 28, 2021

[X] Mari Rule Number Twelve: Press Your Advantages
Word Count: 299

Takahashi
- Mari shadow clone, stealthily reach estate.
- Arrange for loyal and stealthy Takahashi ninja to meet with team secretly to refill chakra. Mari picks location.
- Who warned us?
- Brainstorm/rehearse public confrontation with Takahashi's input
  - Premise: Takahashi calls for town meeting to discuss Pangolin Summoner's death, who should receive the Scroll, etc.
    - Keiko summons Pantomaimu and most intimidating pangolins as Noburi tops off team with donated chakra.
    - Team arrives dramatically.
  - Keiko, be intimidating/frustrated with their pathetic attempt of attack.
    - Do you have any idea the power Leaf can bring to bear? Keiko's team are diplomats. Do you really want to see a Leaf strike force's strength?
    - Many nations view assaulting diplomats as grounds for war. However, Keiko and Leaf prefer cooperation.
  - Inoue is a coward who can't stand up for anything if it puts her at risk. She claims she can lead Isan? Laughable.
    - She dares invoke the words of lying Azai over the pangolins, calls a lawful duel murder, and calls the Pangolins Keiko's puppets?
    - Azai's corruption and foolishness clearly lingers within his closest associates, and must be purged. Loremasters and Isan will crumble beneath her weakness, deceitfulness, and corruption if she isn't put down.
  - Takahashi intervenes on behalf of Isan as mediator.
    - General idea: Portray Takahashi as protector and uniter of Isan, who's more capable of leading than Inoue. He is uniquely suited to reasoning with outsiders while fully understanding Isan.
      - The Pangolin Summoner should guide Isan, but Isan must lead itself. They will make their own decisions for recent injustices.
      - Have Takahashi talk Keiko down to removing Inoue as clan head. Isan will handle disciplining attackers.
  - Involve allies as Takahashi/Mari deem appropriate.
- Prep emergency escape routes: Reverse summoning, substitution targets, shadow clones, etc.
- Mari whispers plan to Takahashi if they can't meet in advance.

Sir Stompy · Jun 28, 2021

Shrooms said:
If all else fails, skywalk to the estate when night falls. This is slower, but the most secure.

Is it not still night? Or did Mari wait until morning to pass a message to Takahashi

Shrooms said:
Noburi transfers chakra from Takahashi genin/available ninja so Keiko can summon most or all of her tessera, then the team arrives at this meeting dramatically.

I would prefer if the team was also explicitly topped up to full.

Shrooms said:
Keiko will be intimidating and angry about the pathetic attempt of an attack.

Do you have any idea the power Leaf can bring to bear? Keiko's team are the diplomats. Do you really want to see what a strike force from Leaf looks like? What do you expect from attacking those seeking cooperation?

Inoue is a coward who can't stand up for anything if it puts her at risk. She thinks she can lead Isan?

Azai's corruption and foolishness clearly still lingers within his closest associates.

Have Takahashi intervene on behalf of Isan and soothe Keiko's wrath, offering alternatives or concessions, making a strong display of authority and concern for Isan.

He can argue those who attempted this vicious murder need not pay for their crimes in blood. They may be corrupted, but they too can be purified by the Pangolin Summoner.

General idea is to portray Takahashi as a protector and uniter of Isan, who has what it takes to lead it.

Bring in allies as Takahashi/Mari deem appropriate.

I don't really like how this lets off the culprits with zero repercussions. Inoue need to publicly admit they lied about Ui, and that they planned to attack the ambassadors unprovoked, at the absolute minimum. They also need to step down as Clan Head. They should be executed.

faflec · Jun 28, 2021

eaglejarl said:
Mari intends everyone to sleep late, have a good breakfast, and then mosey down to the village with wide-eyed lack of gorm and stories of how surprised she was to find the house destroyed around her when she woke up this morning. Or maybe she'll make blood and thunder accusations of vile villainy against the Aida and their allies. Or maybe dropping explosives on their homes. She hasn't made up her mind yet.

Tua · Jun 28, 2021

The addendum chapter implies it's already morning and that they are back inside Isan.

I'll also write up a plan later and this one assumes we cannot wait until night and that our time to act is limited.

Inferno Vulpix · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
I don't really like how this lets off the culprits with zero repercussions. Inoue need to publicly admit they lied about Ui, and that they planned to attack the ambassadors unprovoked, at the absolute minimum. They also need to step down as Clan Head. They should be executed.

Don't let your anger at their attack rule your strategic thoughts. Once we get Takahashi in charge, with the de facto power to root out dissidents within Isan, we can leave it up to him who needs to be punished or made an example of. Aside from that, adding more mandatory goals to our mission only decreases the odds of success on the ones that actually matter.

Though, that said, I do agree that with the narrative we're pushing we should be more decisive about removing the Inoue Clan Head in particular from power. If we're saying she's corrupt just like the High Priest, we should follow through and say explicitly that she's not fit to lead the Lorekeepers.

[X] Mari Rule Number Twelve: Press Your Advantages

Tua · Jun 28, 2021

[x] New Text Document.txt
Word Count: 398

Preparations
- Scout ahead, get to Takahashi's compound unseen (burrowing/stealth)
  - If high chance of detection: send Mari's SC stealthily/disguised, have Takahashi meet us.
- Noburi drains chakra from volunteers to summon Pangolin and refill team.
- Coordinate speech with Takahashi.
  - Goals: make him Isan's new leader, declaw opposing clans, avoid civil war, don't look weak.
- Options:
  - Religious
    - Cowardly denunciation attempt by desperate Inoue to keep power at the expense of the good people of Isan. Why do this only after Keiko's supposed death and not when Pangolin/she could've contradicted them?
      - Keiko/Pangolin most undiluted/authentic line to Ui. No incentive to lie unlike Loremaster whose role is endangered.
      - Pantomaimu: win (back) crowd
    - Summoner's death punishment? Didn't die therefore nothing to punish, no transgression committed. Ui's still watching over her.
    - Inoue close to Shusuke. Must have known about him corrupting Ui's message yet still remained loyal.
      - Force Inoue to admit to lies.
        
        Allow Inoue to claim coercion by Aida's clan (head) if she'd swear allegiance to Takahashi?
      - Likewise Aida who supplied Tapir.
        
        Motive? Vengeance for Shusuke's righteous execution, going against consensus. Attacked team during first Isan stay also.
        
        Clear pattern: unauthorized murder attempts, unsuited leadership that cannot control "rogue elements" (preempt obvious excuse)
  - Catch contradictions
    - Reports claim team used staggering amounts of explosives, yet none of the 30+ strong "honor guard" died?
    - They'd risk injury to Pangolin?
    - Why "honor guard" sent now? Knew about danger to team? If yes: what was it? Which clans were/weren't part of guard?
      - Extrapolate motives/perpetrators from information.
  - Good ninja/bad ninja: Takahashi as mediator. Team demands perpertrators executed, responsible clan heads removed.
    - Mediate down to purifying perpretrators, removal/replacement of clan heads.
    - Pangolin Summoner has duty, kinship to Isan. She'll protect and guide even when they stray.
      - But patience has limits! Deliberately didn't kill aggressors even though within capabilities. But already second assassination attempt.
  - Appeal to Isan's patriotism/pride/tradition: this wasn't the will of its people, Isanese are honorable, respect Ui's legacy and guest hospitality.
- Contingency: if meeting/rehearsing with Takahashi impossible, Mari takes over role and/or cues Takahashi with Whispers on the Breeze.
Takahashi: Force public confrontation
- Team stays hidden until opportune time.
  - If enemies think team dead, might be less cautious and slip something to capitalize on.
Dramatic Entrance!
- Team and Keiko arrive with imposing Pangolin.
  - Priority: Pantomaimu, then combat summons for awe/intimidation.
- Implement agreed upon strategies.

Tua · Jun 28, 2021

@Halberdier

Plan is up, may want to check it in case there is stuff you don't disagree with and/or you changed your mind.

Lord Marshal · Jun 28, 2021

[x] New Text Document.txt

Dramatic Entrance? Dramatic Entrance!

Sir Stompy · Jun 28, 2021

Inferno Vulpix said:
Don't let your anger at their attack rule your strategic thoughts. Once we get Takahashi in charge, with the de facto power to root out dissidents within Isan, we can leave it up to him who needs to be punished or made an example of. Aside from that, adding more mandatory goals to our mission only decreases the odds of success on the ones that actually matter.

Though, that said, I do agree that with the narrative we're pushing we should be more decisive about removing the Inoue Clan Head in particular from power. If we're saying she's corrupt just like the High Priest, we should follow through and say explicitly that she's not fit to lead the Lorekeepers.

[X] Mari Rule Number Twelve: Press Your Advantages

If they don't publicly admit they lied there could be a serious problem with the Isanese choosing to believe the Inoue/Aida narrative over ours because they like their narrative more.

Inferno Vulpix · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
If they don't publicly admit they lied there could be a serious problem with the Isanese choosing to believe the Inoue/Aida narrative over ours because they like their narrative more.

Well as I said we do need to call the Inoue clan head corrupt and not fit to lead the Lorekeepers. Once we get to that point (which will almost certainly happen before any public admission of deception could happen) then the battle's already won and forcing a public admission of guilt is only a stretch goal which could help Takahashi in suppressing dissidents. But again, making Takahashi's life after ascension to power somewhat easier isn't our main goal, and acting like we 100% have to get this result can only harm our odds of getting Takahashi into power in the first place.

Kiba · Jun 28, 2021

Shrooms said:
Keiko will be intimidating and angry about the pathetic attempt of an attack.

Do you have any idea the power Leaf can bring to bear? Keiko's team are the diplomats. Do you really want to see what a strike force from Leaf looks like? What do you expect from attacking those seeking cooperation?

I think we should emphasis the attack as a catastrophic diplomatic error, one that is in essence declaring war on Leaf. Thankfully, the attack did not succeed, and that the diplomats are unharmed.

Halberdier · Jun 28, 2021

Tua said:
@Halberdier

Plan is up, may want to check it in case there is stuff you don't disagree with and/or you changed your mind.

It seems a bit verbose, not a huge fan of over 400 words, but I get that it's the first draft, and the general notes I am agree with. Thanks for the heads up.

Aodyssey · Jun 28, 2021

Noumero said:
Mari-pilot is a collaboration between a seven-year-old and an evil overlord. It is an optimal configuration. We should trust her at every juncture.

This has been bothering me for a long time. No matter how much Kagome fortifies a perimeter, if the enemy doesn't wish to stay hidden, they could just continuously apply explosives to it until it's gone. Tsunade demonstrated it on our estate's perimeter a while ago, even. How could this problem be solved? Underground Implosion Seals sort of work, but it's not a definitive solution. @Lailoken, any ideas?

Hostage princes and marriage alliances -> System of aristocracy -> International trade networks -> Shadow council of ruling elder nations -> MAD -> Armageddon Initiative.

Sir Stompy · Jun 28, 2021

Inferno Vulpix said:
Well as I said we do need to call the Inoue clan head corrupt and not fit to lead the Lorekeepers. Once we get to that point (which will almost certainly happen before any public admission of deception could happen) then the battle's already won and forcing a public admission of guilt is only a stretch goal which could help Takahashi in suppressing dissidents. But again, making Takahashi's life after ascension to power somewhat easier isn't our main goal, and acting like we 100% have to get this result can only harm our odds of getting Takahashi into power in the first place.

Perhaps, but it 100% is our problem if they oust Takahashi and have him executed b/c a significant amount of his military strength just left town before ending any of the threats to his regime.

Shrooms · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
I would prefer if the team was also explicitly topped up to full.

Can do

Sir Stompy said:
Inoue need to publicly admit they lied about Ui, and that they planned to attack the ambassadors unprovoked, at the absolute minimum. They also need to step down as Clan Head. They should be executed.

I mean, we also lied about Ui... I think arguing they should step down and implying they led an attack is valid. In fact, we should ask Takahashi who was supposedly in this "Honor Guard" that was supposed to protect us just so we know as many culprits as possible

Inferno Vulpix · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
Perhaps, but it 100% is our problem if they oust Takahashi and have him executed b/c a significant amount of his military strength just left town before ending any of the threats to his regime.

Well naturally we won't leave Isan until he's secure in his power, for exactly that reason. If we get that far and the Inoue still pose a threat then we'll have the power to pursue various options like that then, we don't need to aim for them now.

Shrooms · Jun 28, 2021

Inferno Vulpix said:
Though, that said, I do agree that with the narrative we're pushing we should be more decisive about removing the Inoue Clan Head in particular from power. If we're saying she's corrupt just like the High Priest, we should follow through and say explicitly that she's not fit to lead the Lorekeepers.

Sir Stompy said:
They also need to step down as Clan Head.

Shrooms said:
[X] Mari Rule Number Twelve: Press Your Advantages
Word Count: 280

Takahashi

Reach his estate without being seen by another clan at all costs.

Ideas:

Skywalk far, then burrow to him

Disguise as a cloud with Misterators/water jutsu and descend directly

Use disguise kits

If all else fails, skywalk to the estate when night falls. This is slower, but the most secure.

Brainstorm/rehearse public confrontation with Takahashi's input

Premise: Takahashi calls for a town meeting to discuss the death of the Pangolin Summoner, who should receive the Scroll, etc.

Keiko summons most or all of her tessera as Noburi transfers chakra from Takahashi genin/estate ninja to top off team.

The team arrives at this meeting dramatically.

Keiko will be intimidating and angry about the pathetic attempt of an attack.

Do you have any idea the power Leaf can bring to bear? Keiko's team are the diplomats. Do you really want to see what a strike force from Leaf looks like?

Inoue is a coward who can't stand up for anything if it puts her at risk. She thinks she can lead Isan?

Azai's corruption and foolishness clearly still lingers within his closest associates, and should be purged. The Loremasters and Isan will crumble beneath her weakness and corruption if she isn't put down.

Have Takahashi intervene on behalf of Isan and soothe Keiko's wrath, offering alternatives or concessions, making a strong display of authority and concern for Isan.

Have Takahashi talk Keiko down to removing Inoue as clan head and undergoing ritual purification, along with our supposed "honor guard".

General idea is to portray Takahashi as a protector and uniter of Isan, who has what it takes to lead it.

Bring in allies as Takahashi/Mari deem appropriate.

Is that better?
Also, what are we wanting Inoue to admit she lied about again?

Kiba said:
I think we should emphasis the attack as a catastrophic diplomatic error, one that is in essence declaring war on Leaf. Thankfully, the attack did not succeed, and that the diplomats are unharmed.

To be fair we did just like, murder their kage. They might just argue we started it, to which our only realistic rebuttal is "who cares, we would win". (Not necessarily a bad argument though tbh)

Tua · Jun 28, 2021

Halberdier said:
It seems a bit verbose, not a huge fan of over 400 words, but I get that it's the first draft, and the general notes I am agree with. Thanks for the heads up.

Got it down to under 400 for now but that's the best I can do without losing actual content, I think. But to be honest, I don't think the potential 1 XP lost isn't worth not being as thorough as possible in such a high stakes situation.

It is, from what I can tell (please correct me if wrong), also not the "bad" kind of wordy plan, in that the amount of scenes are minimal and most of it could be offscreened as background information if so desired by the QMs.

Tua said:
[x] New Text Document.txt
Word Count: 399

Preparations

Scout ahead, get to Takahashi's compound unseen (burrowing/stealth)

If high chance of detection: send Mari's SC stealthily/disguised, have Takahashi meet us.

Noburi drains chakra from volunteers to summon Pangolin and refill team.

Coordinate speech with Takahashi.

Goals: make him Isan's new leader, declaw opposing clans, avoid civil war, don't look weak.

Options:

Religious

Cowardly denunciation attempt by desperate Inoue to keep power at the expense of the good people of Isan. Why do this only after Keiko's supposed death and not when Pangonlin/she could've contradicted them?

Keiko/Pangolin most undiluted/authentic line to Ui. No incentive to lie unlike Loremaster whose role is endangered.

Pantomaimu: win (back) crowd

Summoner's death punishment? Didn't die therefore nothing to punish, no transgression committed. Ui's still watching over her.

Inoue close to Shusuke. Must have known about him corrupting Ui's message yet still remained loyal.

Force Inoue to admit to lies.

Allow Inoue to claim coercion by Aida's clan (head) if she'd swear allegiance to Takahashi?

Likewise Aida who supplied Tapir.

Motive? Vengeance for Shusuke's righteous execution, going against consensus. Attacked team during first Isan stay also.

Clear pattern: unauthorized murder attempts, unsuited leadership that cannot control "rogue elements" (preempt obvious excuse)

Catch contradictions

Reports claim team used staggering amounts of explosives, yet none of the 30+ strong "honor guard" died?

They'd risk injury to Pangolin?

Why "honor guard" sent now? Knew about danger to team? If yes: what was it? Which clans were/weren't part of guard?

Extrapolate motives/perpetrators from information.

Good ninja/bad ninja: Takahashi as mediator. Team demands perpertrators executed, responsible clan heads removed.

Mediate down to purifying perpretrators, removal/replacement of clan heads.

Pangolin Summoner has duty, kinship to Isan. She'll protect and guide even when they stray.

But patience has limits! Deliberately didn't kill aggressors even though within capabilities. But already second assassination attempt.

Appeal to Isan's patriotism/pride/tradition: this wasn't the will of its people, Isanese are honorable, respect Ui's legacy and guest hospitality.

Contingency: if meeting/rehearsing with Takahashi impossible, Mari will take over role and/or cue Takahashi with Whispers on the Breeze.

Takahashi: Force public confrontation

Team stays hidden until opportune time.

If enemies think team dead, might be less cautious and slip something to capitalize on.

Dramatic Entrance!

Team and Keiko arrive with imposing Pangolin.

Priority: Pantomaimu, then combat summons for awe/intimidation.

Implement agreed upon strategies.

Sir Stompy · Jun 28, 2021

Shrooms said:
Is that better?
Also, what are we wanting Inoue to admit she lied about again?

Velorien said:
"They also say that the Pangolin Summoner's tragic death must be punishment for murdering and blaspheming against the High Priest. The loremasters will now guide the village according to the new wisdom of Ui that His Holiness shared with them and his other close allies."

This, we didn't murder and blaspheme against the High Priest, he was killed in a sanctioned duel for corrupting the word of Ui, and the HP's wisdom is useless b/c he corrupted the word of Ui, so they cannot claim special knowledge of how Isan should be run.

Sentient Tree · Jun 28, 2021

[x] New Text Document.txt

Shrooms · Jun 28, 2021

Sir Stompy said:
This, we didn't murder and blaspheme against the High Priest, he was killed in a sanctioned duel for corrupting the word of Ui, and the HP's wisdom is useless b/c he corrupted the word of Ui, so they cannot claim special knowledge of how Isan should be run.

Shrooms said:
You dare invoke the words of the liar Azai over the pangolins and call a lawful duel murder?

Better?

Satsuko · Jun 28, 2021

Excellent. I still thirst.

Marked for Death: A Rational Naruto Quest

鸡肉面条汤

鸡肉面条汤

鸡肉面条汤

The glass will not protecc you

鸡肉面条汤