If top votes are repeat actions but don't make 8 actions (for example, top votes are 3 AP each), do we just take the next highest option? And I'm assuming if for example Kenjutsu (2 AP) and Kenjutsu (1 AP) are both top votes, we pick whichever one is higher and disregard the other one?
I don't think this kind of result would happen, but that's exactly the kind of thing I want to test.
Plan Voting eliminates that 'risk' but, based on other Quests I follow, it makes things feel a little too 'artificial', I would say, with people too focused on min-maxing.
Somethings people don't vote for what they want because they don't think their plan is going to win.
Who knows. As things progress, I might open 'half AP activities' or something.
I've already decided that small write-ins could be free actions, like making a simple question to someone. Asking Osamu what his favorite color or food is would not take hours, and it actually helps me bring more flavor into the setting.
This is all an experiment, and maybe I'm trying too many things at once, especially with being my first try at writing something, but I believe there's merit to it.
[X] Plan Orientation -[X] Talk to Osamu. In a land of samurai, he's the only ninja I know of, and an Uzumaki to boot. I'm sure he can teach me things I can't learn in the Dojo. (2 AP) -[X] Study. Finding out how things work here is important, I can't act on assumptions. (2 AP) -[X] Exercise. I gotta get strong if I wanna survive, and they do have a nice gym. (1 AP) -[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1 AP) -[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1 AP) -[X] Find a job. I've got my basic needs secured, but I should get some extra money in case I need/want something else. Who knows, I might learn something too. (1 AP)
[X] Talk to Osamu. In a land of samurai, he's the only ninja I know of, and an Uzumaki to boot. I'm sure he can teach me things I can't learn in the Dojo. (1 AP)
[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1 AP)
[X] Plan Orientation
-[X] Talk to Osamu. In a land of samurai, he's the only ninja I know of, and an Uzumaki to boot. I'm sure he can teach me things I can't learn in the Dojo. (2 AP)
-[X] Study. Finding out how things work here is important, I can't act on assumptions. (2 AP)
-[X] Exercise. I gotta get strong if I wanna survive, and they do have a nice gym. (1 AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1 AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1 AP)
-[X] Find a job. I've got my basic needs secured, but I should get some extra money in case I need/want something else. Who knows, I might learn something too. (1 AP)
YEAR 52 - Day 1
Leaving my humble abode, I see Osamu-sensei is also about to leave.
I've been calling him sensei for a while, maybe I should actually have him teach me something.
"Good morning, Yōichi."
"Good morning, sensei. Say, that talk about me being your pupil, is it true? Even if I'm attending the Dojo, will you train me?"
"Of course! With the favor I imposed upon you, I must offer as much as I can in retribution."
"Which is… what, exactly?"
"I wouldn't dare doubt the usefulness of what the samurai can teach you, but I reckon their methods might not be… as effective as the shinobi's. Don't misunderstand, in matters of skill, the samurai are of utmost quality. It's just that I believe you will need more… versatility, in your endeavors."
"So… ninjutsu?"
"That would be ideal, yes, but also unattainable, for the time being. No offense intended, but your chakra levels are worrying, to say the least. Therefore, I would opt to conditioning your meridians, also called the chakra pathway system. However, there are some preparations and tasks I must attend to. I'm afraid I will only truly be available for training at nighttime."
"Understandable, have a nice day", I say, cringe at myself, and correct, "I'll spend the day seeing how the Dojo works, and then I'll be waiting here after dinner. Oh, I almost forgot! Do you know if I can get a job? I figured it'd be good to earn some money."
"If things have not changed since I have been here, then asking the Dojo staff if you can help should be enough to provide you with some simple work. If you want anything more official, perhaps it is best to ask Captain Tsutomu."
We conclude our chat and go our ways, and only then do I notice he was not wearing his forehead protector. I guess he'd have to do that if he wanted to blend in.
Study. Finding out how things work here is important, I can't act on assumptions. (2 AP)
I was curious about what kind of thing they'd teach a samurai in a classroom. Turns out it's not so different from a regular school. Well, a regular school in a death world with magic.
In the first period, Civilian Matters with Atari-sensei, we start with Bushido, the code for the samurai which also works as the law for the whole country. First of all, we learn that the Land of Iron's military works more like a militia, in which everyone is expected to serve as a warrior in times of need (and a Great War certainly fits). The laws are generally simple and similar to what one would expect, though there are some cases where conflicts can be solved through duels, in a "might makes right" fashion, but those are the exception, and there is much bureaucracy and costs around said duels, so it's not something that just happens, especially in war times, when people already have to worry about external threats.
All in all, 8/10, would live here if I had a choice, which I don't, so eh.
+1 XP to Gamer's MIND (1/2)
Does that mean I only need 1 more XP to level up?
Great! Good thing next classes are about to start.
Next period is Combat Matters, with Isao-sensei lecturing about chakra theory, which is… much too poetic for my taste. I mean, I understand what he's on about, but he treats it in such a mystic way… Well, I shouldn't expect otherwise in a world with real magic.
Anyway, he introduces us to basic concepts of chakra, such as the meridians Osamu-sensei spoke about earlier, the tenketsu (pressure points), and how chakra is as much part of our bodies as it is of our minds and souls, leaving implied that studying is as important as exercising for developing your chakra. No idea how to train my soul, though, besides whatever chakra exercises Osamu-sensei said he would teach me.
+1 XP to Gamer's MIND
Gamer's MIND has Leveled Up!
Gamer's MIND - Lvl 2 (0/3)
Bingo! It shows how much I have to train to increase a Skill!
And woah! I felt a… surge? Something in my head. That felt nice! And also… refreshing? Thinking seems… easier! Is that how suddenly getting smarter feels?
Also, my senses! I wasn't feeling any problems before, but now it's like… when an eye doctor keeps changing between two lenses and asks which one is better. You could see before, but now you can see better! The same thing for my hearing, and I suppose it's the same for some other things. SWEET! Gamer's MIND works for many things!
I gotta find out what Gamer's BODY does!
Exercise. I gotta get strong if I wanna survive, and they do have a nice gym. (1 AP)
It's finally time to hit the gym! Oh boy, time to recover my GAINZ!
They might not have all those modern machines, but dumbbells are enough, especially since I'm so weak. I can only lift 1 kg (2,2 lbs) with both arms! This is ridiculous!
And running isn't much better.
Good news: I don't tire. At all. Doesn't matter how much I run or jump or whatever, I can just go on forever, like Mario or Sonic.
Bad news: I'm slow as a turtle, only 1 m/s (2,2 mph). I can't even push myself, it's like my body refuses to try harder!
This is so frustrating.
+1 XP to Gamer's BODY (1/2)
I'll take a break for lunch now. Maybe I can kill two birds with one stone if I train Kenjutsu or Taijutsu. Those are also physical activities, right? It counts as exercise, right?
Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1 AP)
Because of my memories of Muay Thai and Pankration, I expected more sparring, instead of practicing pure kata for the whole class. Well, to be fair it's probably for the best, since I don't really think I'd have a chance against any of the other kids here. Not that they're intimidating or anything, I am the one who looks too sick to move. I can't wait to level up Gamer's BODY.
By practicing unarmed martial arts, a new Skill has been unlocked! Taijutsu: proficiency at unarmed combat
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Power: 0,1
Speed: 0,1
Wait, 0,1?!
So it's not 10% more? Is it 10% over Gamer's BODY's level?
Man, that's another bummer, but considering how basic these moves seem, it kinda makes sense, because I feel like I'm far from what a regular level should be. So level 10 will be 100%, I suppose. At least it's better than 1% increments.
Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1 AP)
If I still had any hope my previous experiences with HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) and Kenjutsu would make any difference, I'd be disappointed. But alas, even if I remember some cool, more advanced moves, this weak body somehow refuses to move the way I wish it could, even when I'm using the lightest training sword they have, since I can't lift more than 1 kg. It's a weird feeling, having it clear in my mind how I want to move and knowing how to do it, but not being able to. I guess it's back to basics for everything.
By practicing with a wooden sword, a new Skill has been unlocked! Kenjutsu: proficiency at sword combat
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Power: 0,1
Speed: 0,1
No surprises here.
Also, I guess it's safe to assume I can't train more than one Skill at a time.
Well, I'll let Gamer's BODY for later.
Find a job. I've got my basic needs secured, but I should get some extra money in case I need/want something else. Who knows, I might learn something too. (1 AP)
I follow Osamu-sensei's suggestion and talk to the cleaning staff, who agrees to pay me if I can help clean a bathroom. I'm somewhat eager to find out how bad someone can be at cleaning, considering how inept I've been at most things I've tried today.
New [QUEST] Bathroom Cleaner
Objective: Clean the whole bathroom
Reward: $ 1
Accept? (Y/N)
I'll take that as a positive thing…
Bathroom Dirt
HP: 30/30
… and that as a not so positive thing.
At least it doesn't seem like the bathroom is going to attack me, so one less thing to worry about.
Anyway, about how bad I can be at cleaning, the answer is… not as bad as expected. Sure, my body is (very) limited, both because I'm a small child and because I'm physically incapable of moving any faster even if I try, but at least the broom and the mop don't magically break or stop working just because I touched them. I still think it took me an inordinate amount of time to clean what amounts to a few stalls and sinks that weren't even that dirty to begin with.
[QUEST] Completed! Bathroom Cleaner
Objective: Clean the whole bathroom
You earned $ 1
By cleaning a room, a new Skill has been unlocked! Cleaning: proficiency at eliminating dirt and waste from an environment
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Power: 0,1
Speed: 0,1
Another BODY-based Skill. On the bright side, increasing BODY will probably improve everything else too, right?
Anyway, if there's a Skill for this kind of thing, it means there must be other things I can learn and improve on. The question is: should I?
[X] Talk to Osamu. In a land of samurai, he's the only ninja I know of, and an Uzumaki to boot. I'm sure he can teach me things I can't learn in the Dojo. (2 AP)
As promised, after dinner I meet Osamu-sensei in front of his room.
"Good evening, Yōichi. Please, enter."
"Thanks, sensei, good evening. So, how does chakra training work?"
"Eager to learn, I see. Very well, there is no point in wasting time. Please, have a seat", he says while gesturing to a chair… in the middle of a big sealing array.
How did I NOT see that?!
Is this how low my perception is due to Gamer's MIND being only level 2?
"Do not worry, Yōichi. That is merely a formation to make it easier for you to feel your chakra", he assures me.
Well, at least it's not another satanic ritual (been there, done that. 0/10, would not recommend to friends), and as he said, no time to waste!
What follows is a fairly common meditation session, except I can clearly feel something. The array glows a soft blue color while Osamu-sensei performs hand seals and guides me through breathing and visualization instructions, and I start to feel some kind of flow circulating inside me, which must be chakra. I won't even try to describe it because it's weird (like any mystical experience is supposed to be, I guess).
*DING*
I'm aware of the typical sound of a System screen, but I can wait.
I gotta focus here, and besides, this is so peaceful that I just want to keep going, relaxing and enjoying the sensation of… 'transcendence' feels like an appropriate word.
Eventually Osamu-sensei guides me back to the real world and I finally see the screens.
By meditating, a new Skill has been unlocked! Gamer's SOUL: Allows the user to use magical energies.
Efficiency: 10%
HP (BODY): 0,1
MP (MIND): 0,2
+1 XP to Gamer's SOUL (1/2)
"It is truly impressive that you have managed to awaken your meridians in such little time. Most students take a couple of weeks or even months. Anyhow, I imagine you're feeling eager, but I advise you to not attempt any kind of action regarding chakra for the time being… Are you feeling well?", sensei asks worriedly when he realizes I'm staring wide-eyed at nothing.
"Yeah, just… weird", I lie.
"Ah, yes. After first awakening one's meridians it's not uncommon to see strange colors, or even some other synesthetic sensations. That is why I recommend you go to bed and let your body become accustomed to the novelty overnight."
"Yeah, good idea. Good night, sensei."
"Good night, Yōichi."
It's very good that I live next door, because I'm afraid of everything.
'Why', you ask?
The same reason I was staring wide-eyed at my screens. Because I have 0,1 HP, which I take means I can die if I stub a toe, or get a papercut, or someone farts in my general direction.
With those happy thoughts, I fall asleep as soon as I get into bed.
Choose which activities you want to perform tomorrow. You have 8 AP, and can choose to repeat actions.
[ ] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead.
[ ] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble.
[ ] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently.
[ ] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form.
[ ] Shurikenjutsu. I didn't know samurai could use those, but anything goes, I guess.
[ ] Polearms. Longer reach = safer. Judging by the guards I saw, these are pretty common.
[ ] Bow and Arrow. Longest reach = safest. I suppose it's the closest I can get to becoming a sniper.
[ ] Other Weapons. Tonfas, sickles, steel fans, even shields… The weapon racks are full of different tools. I'm sure I can find something interesting. No guns, though.
- [ ] Write-in
[ ] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
[ ] Talk to Osamu. I'm sure there's much more he can teach me.
[ ] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me.
[ ] Walk around. I didn't get to see anything from the city. There's gotta be something cool to do around here.
[ ] Work in cleaning. It ain't much, but it's honest work. And who knows? I might find some use for the Skill.
[ ] Find another job. Nothing against cleaning, but maybe I should try something else.
[ ] I have an idea I want to try.
- [ ] Write-in
Yōichi just defeated his first foe!
Granted, it was just Bathroom Dirt, but still he deserves a pat on his back.
He won't get one, though, because he'd probably lose all HP and die…
It took me a long while to write something that made sense, but I believe it'll tie in nicely with some future ideas.
Mechanics are hard, who knew?
[X] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
-[X] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
-[X] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
-[X] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
-[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
[X] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
-[X] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
-[X] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
-[X] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
-[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
[x] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
- [x] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
- [x] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
- [x] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
- [x] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
- [x] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
- [x] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
Adhoc vote count started by Franco Asuriano on Jan 19, 2023 at 2:27 PM, finished with 7 posts and 7 votes.
[X] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
-[X] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
-[X] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
-[X] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
-[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
[X] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
-[X] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
-[X] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
-[X] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
-[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
YEAR 52 - Day 2
I wake up still as worried as I was yesterday, but at least now I have a plan.
Going to the gym is a must, but if my math is right, increasing SOUL will be as important as BODY for raising my HP.
Even so, I feel confident enough to not just spend the day increasing those.
As important as they are, going crazy over training can't be healthy.
Who's to say I can't hurt myself WHILE training?
So yeah, let's 'carpe diem' instead of 'cope with dying'.
Or something wittier, which my smooth level 2 brain can't come up with…
Maybe I should go to classes first and get a level up. Better to get a sharper mind and then decide what I'll do for the rest of the day. Something like 'spend more time sharpening the ax before chopping down a tree', right?
Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
Today's Civilian Matters is about geography. Atari-sensei explains it by telling us who's attacking who in 'this damned war'.
Most of the fights are happening in Rain because of its position right in-between Fire, Wind and Earth countries.
While the Land of Iron is far away from the main conflicts, protected behind Earth, the whole country is on alert, because invading us in order to reach Iwa is so stupid nobody should expect it, which makes it the obvious choice for a ninja.
Even the samurai have to deal with the 'expect the unexpected' bullshit. Such is this world.
+1 XP to Gamer's MIND (1/3)
Ah, I forgot I needed another XP! Stupid brain…
I guess I won't get MIND to level 3 today.
Well, it's a slow process, but that's no reason to procrastinate.
Then comes Combat Matters, with Isao-sensei explaining the 5 main kinds of chakra natures, which correlate with the 5 main countries (Earth, Wind, Fire, Water and Lightning).
Nothing too complex, just their general properties and how shinobi usually use them.
Earth to crush, Wind to cut, Fire to burn, Water to drown, Lightning to electrocute.
A reductionist view, but also no debate, since it's mostly true.
+1 XP to Gamer's MIND (2/3)
Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
Alright, I might have miscalculated with MIND, but I'm sure I only need one more XP to level up BODY.
Same as yesterday, being unable to really put in any more effort than what has been decided are my limits makes me very bored.
Again, eyes on the prize! Someday I'll be able to run faster than I ever could! Without tiring!
If it's 1 m/s per BODY level, then at level 11 I'll beat the world record from my old world!
Now, isn't that an interesting thought. To think I even have an 'old world'.
+1 XP to Gamer's BODY
Gamer's BODY has Leveled Up!
Gamer's BODY - Lvl 2 (0/3)
OH YEAH! Now I have double the power!
Of a sick child, but still! Progress!
Now I can run at 2 m/s! And lift 2 kg above my head!
Okay, that's just depressing…
Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
Time for lunch break. I put whatever food I recognize on my plate (soup, rice and salad) and search for an empty table to eat in peace. But…
"Excuse me, do you mind if I join you?", asks a blue haired boy.
"Sure, no problem."
"Thanks! Erm… I hope you don't take offense that I'm eating meat."
What? "Not at all."
"Oh, thanks! Erm… Should I say a prayer?"
"I'm… not sure? Why are you asking me those things?"
"Well, you know, I just wanted to be respectful to your customs."
"Which customs?"
"Buddhism, right?"
"I'm not buddhist… Why did you think I was?"
"Oh, sorry! It's just that… Well… You look kinda like the priests from the temple and…"
"Temple?"
"Yeah, because… You know…"
Ah, I see it now.
"Is it because I'm bald?"
"I'm sorry, I heard people saying you were a monk, so I just assumed... I'm really sorry…"
"Eh, no problem."
Maybe I should buy a hat…
"Name is Yōichi, by the way", I say, extending my hand.
"Sora", he shakes it.
Good thing I leveled up BODY, because I feel like he would have accidentally crushed my hand if I was half as strong.
"So, which classes do you attend?"
"All of them, I think. Both Matters, Kenjutsu, Shurikenjutsu, Naginatajutsu, Taijutsu and Kyūjutsu. You?"
"Only the Matters, Kenjutsu and Taijutsu. Might try some other later. Any suggestions?"
"Shurikenjutsu. Most people take it with Kenjutsu. It's a classic, opening with a ranged attack while you close the distance."
"Ah, I see. Good to know, thanks! What's the other one you said you did?"
"Kyūjutsu? That's bow and arrow. They make it look easy, but you gotta be really strong to pull the string. Got me more cramps than anything else."
"Yeah, guess I'll pass up on that. Really feel like I should hit the gym for a little longer."
"That's actually a good idea. I might start going there too."
"Cool, I'll see you there. Are you going to the Taijutsu classes after lunch too?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
It makes no difference that I have company, because Takeshi-sensei is a strict teacher and demands our full attention even when doing only the basic kata.
To be fair, I appreciate the discipline. It means he cares about what he's teaching.
Besides, I don't think I'd have much to talk about with Sora, much less when he also seems very focused on his training. It's good to be with people that don't distract you.
Kata is boring, though.
+1 XP to Taijutsu
Taijutsu - Lvl 1 (1/2) Taijutsu (Lvl 1): proficiency at unarmed combat
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Power: 0,2
Speed: 0,2
At least I'm moving faster. Slow, but still progress.
Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
'10 vertical strikes' sounds easy, but it's not so much so when Jin-sensei corrects anything he deems 'imperfect'.
"You are taking too long to raise your sword". Strike 7.
"Preparing and striking should be thought of as a single action". Strike 8.
"Attacking without preparing is impossible". Strike 9.
"Preparing and not attacking is useless". Strike 10.
"Another 10".
This is the… 17th repeat? Eh, I'm not really counting.
+1 XP to Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu - Lvl 1 (1/2) Kenjutsu: proficiency at sword combat
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Power: 0,2
Speed: 0,2
Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
Meditating after a long day feels great, even if it's not about relaxing but training my SOUL.
Still, the thrill of having magic, chakra or whatever flowing ever-faster inside me is invigorating. Maybe I should do it in the morning?
+1 XP to Gamer's SOUL
Gamer's SOUL has Leveled Up!
Gamer's SOUL - Lvl 2 (0/3) Gamer's SOUL: Allows the user to use magical energies.
Efficiency: 20%
HP (BODY): 0,4
MP (MIND): 0,4
Four times less likely to die than yesterday. If only I can maintain this pace…
Which I'll do by shutting up and keep meditating.
+1 XP to Gamer's SOUL (1/3)
Ah, the wonders of shutting up.
But now it's time to get some shut-eye.
Choose which activities you want to perform tomorrow. You have 8 AP, and can choose to repeat actions.
[ ] Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
[ ] Study. Get smarter and more aware.
[ ] Meditate. Get… More spiritual? Magical? Whatever, more HP and MP.
[ ] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form.
[ ] Shurikenjutsu. I didn't know samurai could use those, but anything goes, I guess.
[ ] Polearms. Longer reach = safer. Judging by the guards I saw, these are pretty common.
[ ] Bow and Arrow. Longest reach = safest. I suppose it's the closest I can get to becoming a sniper.
[ ] Other Weapons. Tonfas, sickles, steel fans, even shields… The weapon racks are full of different tools. I'm sure I can find something interesting. No guns, though.
- [ ] Write-in
[ ] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
[ ] Talk to Osamu. I'm sure there's much more he can teach me.
[ ] Talk to Sora. He seems like a good fella, and will probably grow into a fine samurai. Can't hurt to have him by my side.
[ ] Socialize. Increasing my social circle is always a good idea.
[ ] Walk around. I didn't get to see anything from the city. There's gotta be something cool to do around here.
[ ] Work in cleaning. It ain't much, but it's honest work. And who knows? I might find some use for the Skill.
[ ] Find another job. Nothing against cleaning, but maybe I should try something else.
[ ] I have an idea I want to try.
- [ ] Write-in
Took me longer to write than I thought it would...
I hope I've managed to transmit a little bit of Sora's personality.
If not, well, we've only known him for a day!
[X] Plan: Learn about hunting
[X] Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
[X] Study. Get smarter and more aware.
-[X] Find out more about Hunting
[X] Meditate. Get… More spiritual? Magical? Whatever, more HP and MP.
-[X] More health is always good to have and the magic is a good trick to have
[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form.
[X] Bow and Arrow. Longest reach = safest. I suppose it's the closest I can get to becoming a sniper.
-[X] Bows are badass and you don't see them used much.
[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
[X] Talk to Osamu. I'm sure there's much more he can teach me.
-[X] About What you need to do and How to find more Uzumaki.
[X] Talk to Sora. He seems like a good fella, and will probably grow into a fine samurai. Can't hurt to have him by my side.
-[X] Need a friend
Adhoc vote count started by Franco Asuriano on Jan 19, 2023 at 2:27 PM, finished with 7 posts and 7 votes.
[X] Plan: Second time's the charm (with a little change)
-[X] Meditate. The only way I know of training my chakra, and increasing HP and MP at the same time, apparently. (2AP)
-[X] Study. Understand the world and get smarter so I don't get myself in trouble. (2AP)
-[X] Exercise. I'm positive it will help me move faster, improve Skills and, most importantly, increase my HP so I don't drop dead. (1AP)
-[X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (1AP)
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (1AP)
-[X] Socialize. I'll be staying here for some time, so getting to know people is a good idea. Besides, there must be some promising students that could help me. (1AP)
Meditate. Get… More spiritual? Magical? Whatever, more HP and MP.
I woke up feeling like changing my routine a little, and trying meditation first thing in the morning did sound like a good idea, like those healthy life tips from Cosmopolitan magazines, which I have never read, shut up, I gotta focus on my magical energies.
+1 XP to Gamer's SOUL (2/3)
Talk to Osamu. I'm sure there's much more he can teach me.
- About what you need to do and how to find more Uzumaki.
I also wanna check with Osamu-sensei to get a better idea of how I should prepare for my big Quest.
*knock knock* "Osamu-sensei, are you home?"
"Oh, good morning, Yōichi. How can I help you today?"
"Good morning. I was wondering if you could give me any more tips about how I should go about searching for other Uzumaki."
"About that, I have been working on a solution for this challenge. I am still a ways away from concretizing it, but I should have a prototype in a few weeks time."
"Nice. Is it supposed to be a surprise?"
"There is no use in keeping secrets. I will be developing a sealing tag which works as a sensor specifically designed to direct you towards the nearest person with Uzumaki blood."
"Sounds great! Can I help you with anything?"
"There is much work to be done to that end. Designing the seal to understand what 'Uzumaki blood' means, while obviously not having it pointing at myself would be the first hurdles, I believe. Do you have any experience with seals?"
"I, uh, know what they are, but have no idea how they work."
"Then I am afraid I could not ask any of your time for that end. Besides, you should be preparing for the worst that we can expect, like having to fight and survive should you find any trouble."
"Yeah, that's probably for the best. I'll see what I can find about survival skills. But is there a way to use seals for combat and survival?"
"Without a doubt, seals can be used to as many ends as one's creativity allows, although obtaining even the least mastery over them is an endeavor in itself, much more so when we don't have too much time. But I can see that you have interest in them, and restricting you from it would bring no benefits. I shall lend you this book about sealing principles. Should you feel an affinity towards sealing logic, I can tutor you in its intricacies."
"Awesome! Thanks, sensei!"
"No need to thank me, since it is merely a basic instructions book you could find in most libraries. If you can manage to progress in seals as fast as you did in awakening your meridians, a world of possibilities will be opened to you, which increases your chance of succeeding in your quest. Well then, there is much for the both of us to do, so excuse me for now. Farewell, Yōichi."
"Farewell, sensei!"
YEAH BOI!
I've got sealing knowledge in my hands!
UNLIMITED POWER!
Let's take a peek and…!
(Hours later)
Stupid sealing bullshit…!
Calligraphy?! Feng Shui?! Poetry?! Programming?!
All of the above!
In the form of a damned dadaist poem, where letters and drawings go over, under and/or through each other!
At least I got the Skill…
By studying the principles, a new Skill has been unlocked! Fūinjutsu: proficiency at designing seals
Efficiency (MIND): 10%
Power: 0,2
Speed: 0,2
I think I could create something simple, like a storage tag that could hold a single small object, but I'd have to follow the instructions closely, and I know it's gonna take some time just to make sure I don't botch anything… *sigh* The things I do for love… Self-love, that is.
Anyway, I'm not feeling like going to classes. No offense to Atari or Isao-sensei, but my brain is too tired to study. Unless…
Study. Get smarter and more aware.
- Find out more about Hunting
Ohoho! I knew I could find something good in the Dojo's library!
A bestiary! Full of cool beasts and drawings!
More than that, there's information about habitats, diets, behavior and even taming methods.
Most animals seem to be normal, like the horses that pulled our wagon when we came into the capital, and dogs, cats and all, though I've never paid much attention to birds and insects before, so I can't really say they're the same…
+1 XP to Gamer's MIND
Gamer's MIND has Leveled Up!
Gamer's MIND - Lvl 3 (0/4)
Heheh, I'm smarting up!
Enough to know 'smart up' is a valid phrasal verb.
Enough to know what a 'phrasal verb' is.
Anyway, the best part is that there seems to be some weird creatures in this world.
Giant animals, the size of buildings!
Animals that are either made of and/or can control elements!
Animals that have parts of other animals!
Oh man! Maybe I can even find a unicorn! *hums My Little Pony*
"Yōichi?"
Talk to Sora. He seems like a good fella, and will probably grow into a fine samurai. Can't hurt to have him by my side.
"Sora? I can explain!"
"So this is where you were. I found it weird that you weren't in classes."
"Eheh, yeah, I… got my head full and decided to chill here. No unicorns whatsoever."
"What?"
"What?"
"Anyway… an animal bestiary?"
"Yeah, these are cool."
"Would you be interested in a Yōkai bestiary next?", he says while presenting me a big book entitled 'Yōkai Encyclopedia: Tome 1".
"Sora, if you ever need anything…"
"Well…"
"... I want you to know I only have 1 ryō."
"Ah, nevermind then."
"You're a great guy, though."
"I do what I can. Now, check out this Gashadokuro."
"A giant skeleton!"
Wait, is this the beginning of a bromance?
Are we gonna get like Naruto and Sasuke?
Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
"Yōichi!"
"Sora!"
"YŌICHI!"
"SORA!"
"AHH!"
"AHH!"
"Boys, I'll have to ask you to stop screaming. You're bothering the others."
"Sorry, we will."
Well, that puts a damper on our Growth-Amplifying Yell™.
The best way to cheer your gym bros on to overcome their limits, like Sora leg pressing 100 kg, or me bench pressing 2 kg.
I'm gonna cry…
+1 XP to Gamer's BODY (1/3)
Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
Kata. The same as yesterday. That's it.
Granted, I understand why Takeshi-sensei keeps making me do it.
To him, it must look like I'm having trouble moving, while in truth I just can't move any faster.
Better than the alternative, which is he thinking I'm not putting in the effort.
+1 XP to Taijutsu
Taijutsu has Leveled Up!
Taijutsu - Lvl 2 (0/3) Taijutsu (Lvl 1): proficiency at unarmed combat
Efficiency (BODY): 20%
Power: 0,4
Speed: 0,4
Twice as fast and powerful as before.
Hopefully it's enough to at least get sensei to teach me some new kata next time.
Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form.
One thing I noticed this time is that the kata here has some weird defensive moves, different from anything I remember from my old world.
When I asked Jin-sensei, he decided to call another instructor and show us what the kata is supposed to simulate.
I should have realized it sooner.
Even the most basic kata is not about a plain sword duel.
It's always about fighting an enemy with an advantage.
In this case, a well-prepared shinobi.
The weird defensive moves are dodges and blocks against shuriken, while simultaneously advancing to bring the fight to the enemy and taking their range advantage.
+1 XP to Kenjutsu
Kenjutsu has Leveled Up!
Kenjutsu - Lvl 2 (0/3) Kenjutsu (Lvl 1): proficiency at sword combat
Efficiency (BODY): 20%
Power: 0,4
Speed: 0,4
Sensei and the instructor were obviously slowing down the movements to explain their logic, but it was still much faster than I would be able to move.
I can't fool myself. If I don't prepare to face all the dangers I know of, let alone those I don't know of, I'm gonna die.
Good thing I have time to prepare.
Maybe I should try the bow and arrow. See if I can add long-range options to my arsenal.
Bow and Arrow. Longest reach = safest. I suppose it's the closest I can get to becoming a sniper.
Dear diary, today I learned that Legolas must be a freaking monster!
Sora wasn't kidding when he said Kyūjutsu was harder than it looked.
The bowstring is very taut, so pulling it back reminds me of training with a resistance band.
I had to use a bow that felt more like a toy, with a string that couldn't propel the arrow more than a couple feet away.
By practicing archery, a new Skill has been unlocked! Kyūjutsu: proficiency at shooting arrows
Efficiency (BODY): 10%
Range: 0,2
Speed: 0,2
The official close-ranged distance, called kinteki, is 28 m, while the official long-distance, called enteki, is 60 m, though there are some that reach up to 100 m.
In any case, I'm still a long way away from even the shortest range they have here, which is 10 m. Pun intended.
Meanwhile, I can't even shoot over half a meter.
Needless to say, I won't be hitting anything with an arrow for the near future.
Choose which activities you want to perform tomorrow. You have 8 AP, and can choose to repeat actions.
[ ] Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
[ ] Study. Get smarter and more aware.
[ ] Meditate. Get… More spiritual? Magical? Whatever, more HP and MP.
[ ] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form.
[ ] Shurikenjutsu. I didn't know samurai could use those, but anything goes, I guess.
[ ] Polearms. Longer reach = safer. Judging by the guards I saw, these are pretty common.
[ ] Bow and Arrow. Longest reach = safest. I suppose it's the closest I can get to becoming a sniper.
[ ] Other Weapons. Tonfas, sickles, steel fans, even shields… The weapon racks are full of different tools. I'm sure I can find something interesting. No guns, though.
- [ ] Write-in
[ ] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
[ ] Fūinjutsu. Programming reality, or something like that. Hard to develop, but oh so worth it.
[ ] Talk to Osamu. I'm sure there's much more he can teach me.
[ ] Talk to Sora. He seems like a good fella, and will probably grow into a fine samurai. Can't hurt to have him by my side.
[ ] Socialize. Increasing my social circle is always a good idea.
[ ] Walk around. I didn't get to see anything from the city. There's gotta be something cool to do around here.
[ ] Work in cleaning. It ain't much, but it's honest work. And who knows? I might find some use for the Skill.
[ ] Find another job. Nothing against cleaning, but maybe I should try something else.
[ ] I have an idea I want to try.
- [ ] Write-in I tried inserting a little 'hunting' flavor to this chapter, but I feel it's too soon for Yōichi.
Be assured that in future updates, 'hunting' will be much more frequent.
I apologize for the delay.
As compensation, I'm planning on making each chapter cover a whole week instead of a single day, in order to pick up the pace.
Any thoughts on that?
[X] Plan Healthy Lifestyle
-[X] Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
-[X] Study. Get smarter and more aware.
-[X] Meditate. Get… More spiritual? Magical? Whatever, more HP and MP.
-[X] Work in cleaning. It ain't much, but it's honest work. And who knows? I might find some use for the Skill.
-[X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry.
-[X] Talk to Sora. He seems like a good fella, and will probably grow into a fine samurai. Can't hurt to have him by my side.
-[X] Fūinjutsu. Programming reality, or something like that. Hard to develop, but oh so worth it. X2
[X] The Other Plan
- [X] Exercise. Get stronger and healthier.
- [X] Study. Get smarter and more aware.
- [X] Kenjutsu. When in Samurai Land, do as the samurai do. It'd be a waste not to take advantage and learn their main combat form. (x2)
- [X] Taijutsu. For when I can't use a weapon. Better safe than sorry. (x2)
- [X] Fūinjutsu. Programming reality, or something like that. Hard to develop, but oh so worth it. (x2)
