Training the Mind [Private/PM to join]

[Uragaeshi Riyoji]

Another day of waking up early... Randori was still puzzled about how he has been able to keep this up for the sake of training, especially for what he had planned for today. Immediately after classes, he planned on going to the library to study about different things, from fighting styles to crafting various things simply so that he could have more versatility with what knowledge he had on hand. He had his sword with him for the whole day, and as always, he got strange looks from classmates and village dwellers, you'd think they'd be used to him by now. Sprinting out of the academy soon after the last class had ended, he made his way to the library where he would spend the rest of his day reading. As to why he was sprinting there, he certainly wasn't excited, he just wanted some form of physical training for the day so he wouldn't be totally out of his routine.

As he arrived at the massive building, he admired the architecture like he had last time he visited before entering. He got another strange look from the librarian at the desk, which he didn't notice since he was more worried about finding out where he should begin his search of knowledge. Deciding that he'd focus on fighting styles for the time being, he found the section that had books on taijutsu and began his search for one on large swords. After a while of searching, he came across one on swords in general, figuring it would work since he wanted to be like Akira with how quickly he could swing it, so using it as a normal sword could be a start. Most of the techniques in this book required using only one hand, so eventually he had to try and hold his sword with only one hand. Holding it straight out with both hands at first, when he released his non-dominant hand, the sword fell into the floor, piercing it and leaving quite a large whole in it's place. This made Randori quickly sheath it, return the book, and make his way to the next section.

Now deciding he would check out things he may be able to craft, he found the section that interested him most. In this case, it was blacksmithing since he may eventually have to care for his sword without using his own blood to do so. He skimmed through the books until he eventually found on maintenance and found an area in the aisle to sit. It wasn't a very convenient location for others, he just took off his sword, laying it in front of him before sitting cross legged and leaning against the bookshelf. Since he was interested in swords in specific, he tried finding the section on those. This book distracted him for a while, especially since he didn't understand most things due to lack of any experience with blacksmithing...

[Marked for Training WC=489]

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi entered the halls of the Bibliotheca Conscientiae once again. He had turned into a regular at the library, and he always seemed to have some sort of objective. Today his goal was the The Main Branch. He realized a short while ago that he did not actually understand what exactly he was getting himself into, but just a vague conception of what a shinobi is. As he pondered on where to begin, he noticed Amaya sitting at the reference desk once again. The librarian had helped him numerous times before, but today he felt independent and did not ask for her help. He gave the young woman a slight wave and smile before he turned his head to the directory which had guided him from his first experiences in the vast library.​

Directory

• General Works -------------------------------------------- A
• Philosophy, psychology, and religion ---------------- B
• History, General ------------------------------------------ C
• History, Old World --------------------------------------- D
• History, Lightning Country ----------------------------- E
• History, Kumogakure ------------------------------------ F
• Geography, anthropology, folklore, etc. ----------- G
• Social sciences, economics, business, sociology -- H
• Political Sciences ----------------------------------------- J
• Law --------------------------------------------------------- K
• Education -------------------------------------------------- L
• Music ------------------------------------------------------- M
• Fine arts --------------------------------------------------- N
• Philology, linguistics, language, and literature --- P
• Science ---------------------------------------------------- Q
• Medicine --------------------------------------------------- R
• Agriculture ------------------------------------------------ S
• Technology ------------------------------------------------ T
• Military Science ------------------------------------------ U
• Naval science --------------------------------------------- V
• Archives --------------------------------------------------- Z

'Main Branch.. That would be government structure and stuff.. Let's try Political Sciences? Section J..'<i></i> And with the small amount of thought and mental processing, Kunashi headed toward the political science section, J. Upon arrival, he found that a large majority of the books were significantly over his head. Though he understood the basics of the Kumogakurean government as it was, these books went into great detail about ideas he had not even begun to comprehend. He huffed in frustration as he put back yet another advanced book. He was just about to throw in the towel when he came across a book conveniently titled The Government Structures of The Lightning Country and it's Dependent Entities. He grabbed the book, and flipped to it's table of contents. He ran his finger through the table until he came to the line that read: Chapter 4 -- Kumogakure no Sato. He closed the book, satisfied with his findings. Now he had to find a place to read it. He did not like Section J and it's personified arrogance. He felt that if he were caught reading such a basic book in such an advanced section, he would be ridiculed. He wandered the vast library, searching for a place where he would not stick out like a sore thumb. He passed sections Q, R, and S, but stopped when he walked by section T. This could be a place where he could sit and read, as he did while researching puppets with Shiro. He skirted the rows of section T, looking for a spot to sit. His original plan was to sit by himself, maybe at the end of one of the rows. However, he did not want to be in the first two rows or so, for he felt that those would get the most traffic. It was an assumption without much logic, due to the alphabetical nature of libraries, but nevertheless it caused Kunashi to head straight toward the third row. Upon peering into the third row, he had noticed an obstruction on the ground. A big metal obstruction, accompanied by a small black-haired boy his roughly his age. He recognized this obstruction as the boy from his class on orders with Mr. Hashido, and walked up to him.

"Hey, I'm Kunashi, mind if I read this here?"

Topic Entered
MFT - WC 519 (587 with Directory)

Sorry for delay, Randori.
Also, used the directory I developed from another RP as well as Amaya the librarian from that same RP. Hope that's okay.

 

[Kazu]

"Nothing." The words were dry and crisp, like the pages of an old book. The sound of rustling papers fluttered down the aisles of the library, the pages of books scratching against both the young boy's skin and the other pages of the book. Ko's untamed white hair had grown to partially cover his eyes, which were themselves a deep cloud gray. They stared intently, singly, at the pages of the book he held in his left hand. His right hand was held up to his lips, where he was biting at one of his fingers. Around his torso was a thick coat that covered a rather plain shirt. The shirt was not tucked, hanging freely over his plaid pants. Adorning his feet were thick military boots, most likely designed to handle the elements with ease. His expression was one of intense focus and concentration. His attention expanded only far enough to encompass the book that was right in front of him. He was hoping that the knowledge he sought might be in one of these pages — as he read, however, he began to realize that he was wasting his time in this section. Looking up from the book, he glanced his eyes over the other books floating around them. At least, they looked to be floating. Upon closer inspection, one might notice a small cloud of black sand pooling underneath each of the open books. They were being supported by the young boy's magnetic sand, an ability that he had managed to master rather quickly despite its rather recent discovery. He controlled the floating pools of magnetic iron dust with great skill and dexterity, just as a real Sunaku might wth their own sand. His was more of a copy of the ability, and imitation of the natural affinity those of the deserts had with the sand around them. Still, it was a useful ability.

Ko sighed as he finished glancing over all the books he'd gathered in Section Q of the library. He hadn't expected to find the secrets he sought immediately, but it was still disappointing to be denied the knowledge he sought. He wouldn't be able to do it like that man had, that's for sure. But still...it had to be possible. Ko was determined to know. He carefully maneuvered his sand to return the books to their respective places, then drew the magnetic dust back towards himself. He allowed the swirling mass to stay hoovering near him as he walked down the aisles again. Trying to see where he might find this knowledge if not in the 'Science' section. His eyes skimmed down the hall, where the names of each Section were printed.

Suddenly, his eyes happened upon Section U, 'Military Science'. A spark reignited itself inside of him, as he realized that might be a more appropriate place for the knowledge he was seeking anyways. Extending his palm forward, he willed his sand towards the books that could be waiting for him there. The sand slithered through the bookshelves, slipping past each of the books that lay on the shelves. He was being a little too impatient, though, as he'd forgotten to check if anyone else was still lingering in the aisles. He'd assumed that they'd all left by now, so he didn't even think that someone might be there still. He hadn't checked, however, and so the sand slid past the books on the shelves and hit straight into Kunashi and Randori. The sand wasn't painful, nor did it do anything else to them, and merely slipped past and around them. If nothing else, it might have been shocking, surprising, or even annoying. Certainly not harmful, though. Ko felt this disturbance in the sand's flow, and realized immediately what he'd done.

Calling out in a whisper, the young boy tried to fix the potentially problematic situation he'd caused. "Sorry, I didn't think anyone else was here. I'll be more careful next time." He hadn't walked all the way over to the aisle, so he didn't know that he actually knew one of these boys already. He had only sensed that two people were there, not who they were. Regardless, the sand continued its objective, slipping past the books to Section U. Ko skillfully picked a dozen or so books from the shelf, using the sand to ferry them over to himself. Like before, he used his sands to keep them floating around him as his eyes darted rapidly from book to book. It looked like he'd already moved past his involvement in the two boys' disturbance, and was back to scouring through the pages before him.

 

[Uragaeshi Riyoji]

Since Randori was so focused on the book in front of him, he didn't even notice when the boy from one of his classes approached him. The only thing that made hi notice his presence, was when he spoke and interrupted his train of thought for a moment. Even though he heard what the boy had said, he didn't actually make out what it was he was saying. Staring at the boy for a moment with confusion, he let out a long, "Suuuuure..." Hoping that wouldn't offend the boy in any way, he returned to his studying. Only a short while after, he felt something soft slam against his side, this surprised him and caused him to immediately reach for his sword. When he found out that it was only black sand, he relaxed, and was strangely not the least bit confused about why there was black sand moving around in the library. When who he assumed to be the master of the black sand's voice interrupted him, Randori began becoming irritated that he couldn't study in peace.

Taking a deep breath in, he continued studying, trying his best not to become overly irritated by all the noise around him. He didn't even notice the books being pulled off the shelves by the sand as he continued reading the book he had chosen. Besides the amount of social interaction he hadn't expected from the library, Randori was actually enjoying learning about topics he wouldn't have been able to previously learn about without help from others. Of course, since he never approached others normally, that wouldn't be an option for him. Just as he finally managed to find the section of the book on proper sword maintenance, the sound of fluttering pages came from just outside the aisle. This wasn't the normal, slow flipping through pages. This was quick, and irritating because of that fact. Once more, Randori tried to ignore the constant noise, but he couldn't hold it in anymore. Folding the top of the page and placing the book on the to remember his place, he grabbed his sword and threw it onto his back.

Holding up his finger to indicate that he would only be a moment to the other boy, he walked to the end of the aisle and peeked out at the boy controlling the sand. He scouring through the books he had his sand gather, and he was causing what Randori found to be one of the most annoying sounds he had ever heard. "Soooooo, what are you doing?" He asked in a quiet voice so he wouldn't get in trouble with the librarians. You could hear the irritation slightly in his voice, but he tried to conceal it so he wouldn't anger the one he was talking to. As he waited for a reply, he watched the sand turn pages by itself and even cause the books to seemingly float above the ground. The sight was really quite amazing to him, but it could be cooler if he wasn't already irritated by the one controlling the sand.

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

"Suuuuure..."

Kunashi blinked at the boy. His response was a little lackluster, and he was hoping for some form of introduction, but that was just Kunashi's manners getting in the way. Uneasily at first, Kunashi decided to go with it, taking the boy's pseudo-acceptance and stepped over the boy's sword. Reaching the row of books across from Randori, he sat his book on the ground and knelt down. Spinning around, he landed his ass on the ground, sitting in a sort of awkward plopping motion. He reached for his book and leaned against the wall of books behind him, careful to find the edge of the shelf to rely on and not the loose books themselves. He propped his knees up, and used them to hold his arms and book at an appropriate reading level. Opening the book to chapter four, he began reading.

"The government structure of Kumogakure no Sato is typical amongst the Hidden Villages. There are three main sects, all of whom answer directly to the respective Kage. The first sect is the Main sect, typically shinobi whom make the mass of the general army. The second is the Medical sect. These shinobi are trained in a variety of health and medical fields, ranging from first aid to the most complicated of surgeries. The third sect is the ANBU, the general police force as well as those in command of the village's security. Each of these sects, or 'branches' as they are known in the shinobi world have many divisions within themselves. For example, a Main Branch shinobi may be a part of many different divisions, including the..."

His attention diverted from the book to his hand. Kunashi had finally noticed it. While he was reading, he had been subconsciously rubbing his face and brushing off something, but it had just become apparent to him that it was more than just a facial itch. He looked over at the boy across from him just as a big pile of a black sand-looking substance rushed into him, pushing Randori slightly. This apparently peeved the boy, who tried to ignore it and continue reading. Kunashi just observed Randori for a while, which is when he began to hear the constant flipping sound. He had been rather focused up until this point, a product of his training with Aiko-sensei, and had tuned out the sound entirely. Kunashi looked around for the source, when he heard a whisper from the hall. "Sorry, I didn't think anyone else was here. I'll be more careful next time." With that, Kunashi shrugged off the intrusion and started to look back down at his book. Apparently, however, Randori had not done so and finally had gotten fed up with the distraction. He watched as the boy slung his sword across his back and huffed out of the row of books to confront the voice.

"Soooooo, what are you doing?"

Kunashi put his book face down on the ground, and put his hand in front of the sand moving by him. The attempt to stop the sand had failed, but it had pooled up in his hand before working its way around it. This had shown Kunashi two things. First, this sand was being controlled, obviously, and had been sent down the hall for something other than bothering the boys. He concluded this due to the fact that it brushed past him and not stuck to him. Secondly, he noticed a slight and very brief glint in the blocked sand from the lights overhead. 'Sand doesn't shine like that.. and it's not black.. what is this stuff?' With his observations completed, Kunashi stood up, and casually walked over to stand next to Randori. When he noticed the white-haired boy, he smiled, waiting for an opportune time to say hello. His observations had taken some time, so he missed the first parts of the confrontation. With an attempt to cut the tension, he spoke to his old classmate. "Kotsuko, right? How have you been?"

I hope that made sense haha

Edit: made it fancier

​

 

[Kazu]

Ko was really focused. As his eyes darted from one book to another, he held his right hand in a bit of an odd way. His index and middle finger extended up the right side of his face, slightly apart from each other, while his ring and pinky finger curled together and rested just below his pursed lips. His thumb extended backwards, pressing up into the underside of his jaw. Ko held his hands like this when he was thinking very deeply, and in this case he needed all the focus he could get. He was tearing through information like a madman, trying to find any book that contained the sort of knowledge that he sought. The sands kept going back and forth to that section, returning books that he'd determined were useless to him, while at the same time retrieving new books for him to look through. It was due to this frenzied state of focus that the young boy didn't notice Randori's questions at first. He was reading over a page on Chakra Weaponry and their applications, when he finally realized what the other boy had asked him. Ko looked up, with a plain and unfazed face, and answered the boy's question. "I'm reading. Trying to figure something out." The young boy went back to his books.

Ko was an observant fellow. He could tell a lot of things just by looking at someone. However, his Achilles' Heel has always been getting sarcasm and misdirection in words. Ko wasn't very well versed in that regard, and he tended to miss the joke on a lot of things. To him, the world was as it is. When people tried to make meanings or infer things from other things, they were usually lost on Ko. He needed a more direct approach.

When Kunashi arrived on the scene, however, the young boy would have something he could relate with. He gave the other boy a glance, then a quick smile of recognition. "Yes, I remember now. Kunashi, from the class. I'm well." He didn't consider Kunashi a friend of his yet, but that was mostly because he hadn't had the chance to get to know him as well. "How have things been since the class with Junko-sensei?" As they chatted, Ko continued to flip through the pages around him. He was multitasking, as finding the knowledge hidden somewhere in these books was still very important to him. As he did so, his eyes flashed back to the first kid. Something was bothering his mind. "I realized I never got your name. I'm Kotsuko." Ko looked at the other boy, waiting for him to respond. It was as if the other boy had to respond, like it would be rude not to. Ko continued to wait for an answer, looking at him with his cloud grey eyes.

 

[Uragaeshi Riyoji]

The answer Randori was given seemed like it would be obvious to anybody even glancing at the boy in front of him. Regretting that he asked a question he already knew the answer to, he began asking another question before Kunashi's voice interrupted him before he got a sound out. Now knowing that the two of them knew each other, he figured it would make sense if they both came here frequently. He also noticed the difference in how Kunashi was greeted, they must be friends if there was that big of a difference in how he greets people. Ignoring this now, he looked back just in time to hear the boy ask for his name. Pondering wether to give his name to someone who irritated him so much, he decided he would. Before saying anything, he noticed how Kotsuko was staring at him, probably waiting for a response. Randori smirked because of that, he found it humorous how he expected an answer, and how he stopped studying just to get the answer.

"I suppose it was my own fault." he muttered under his breath, extending his hand for a handshake, he answered Kotsuko. "I'm Soruja Randori, nice to meet you." Wether his hand was accepted or not, he would watch the boy with the assumption that he would go right back to studying now that he had gotten the answer he wanted. But now that Randori had gotten involved, he couldn't just leave the conversation at that. Remembering that he actually wanted to know what it was the boy was studying, he asked "So what is it that you're trying to figure out? It seems you didn't want to answer it after my first question, so answer only if you want to."

Holding up his finger like he had before, he went back into the aisle and grabbed his book from before. He hadn't originally planned on grabbing Kunashi's as well, but since he was already there, he did. He took his time going back, preparing himself for more social interaction partially, but mostly just enjoying the atmosphere of the library. It was peaceful how quiet it was, yet he sadly felt he had a requirement to stay in the conversation he had started so he couldn't enjoy it fully. As he got back to the two, he place Kunashi's book by him and sat down with his. He didn't open it yet since he now had to wait for the response to the question he had asked before, if there was going to be an answer that is. He looked at Kotsuko as he waited, but would occasionally look around at his surroundings.

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

"Yes, I remember now. Kunashi, from the class. I'm well. How have things been since the class with Junko-sensei?"

Kunashi was excited by the response from Kotsuko. His last interaction with someone from the class hadn't begun so well, as Yasei had forgotten Kunashi's name at first. "Actually, very well. His brother, Aiko-sama, is now my sensei, and he has taken my training upon himself. He teaches me about chakra and how to use it as a way for peace. He and I don't really enjoy the violence all that much. How about you?" Kunashi listened to Ko's response as he flipped through the books. Kunashi watched as Kotsuko turned to Randori.

"I realized I never got your name. I'm Kotsuko." Kunashi turned to Randori and laughed. "I have actually not got your name either.. I'm Kunashi. Akuro Kunashi. Glad to finally introduce myself, Randori." Kunashi's kindness was hopefully not overbearing to the other boy. He had noticed at certain times that other shinobi have been turned off by Kunashi's enthusiasm. Randori went back into the aisle and grabbed both of their books, placing Kunashi's by him. He thanked the boy and turned to Kotsuko, waiting for his answer to Randori's questions, chuckling at Randori's awkward phrasing.

Sorry for the delay once again, some real life shit happened to me. Also excuse my French, it's just the best way to phrase it.

​

 

[Kazu]

The answer he sought was given to him rather quickly. Ko nodded, satisfied with knowing the other boy's name. He gave him a quick smile as well, acknowledging the exchange of information. "Nice to meet you, too." Now that the pleasantries were exchanged, Ko's attention shifted to Kunashi's follow-up questions. He was describing his experiences with other mentors since their class with Junko, describing how their former teacher's brother had seemingly taken the boy under his wing. Interesting. When Kunashi asked Ko about his own training, Ko wondered what he should tell him. Certainly, he shouldn't reveal his recent dealings with the ANBU? That was probably classified information. With a bit of care, the young boy considered what he might answer with before proceeding. He was a good liar, despite what people might think of him. "Oh, I've been studying here, mostly. Anything I can get my hands on, really." His words weren't dismissive outright, but he definitely seemed to make it clear that there wasn't anything left to talk about in that department. He moved his ever watchful eyes back to Randori, as a new question had arisen from the boy. Having listened to the words, the young Sasaki cocked his head to one side with a puzzled expression. He was about to answer, before the boy held up a finger and left to retrieve his and Kunashi's books.

Ko looked him up and down, trying to gauge how much to tell him. Should he? Shouldn't he? He made some quick mental calculations, trying to figure out precisely the right amount to divulge. As he did, Ko looked to the various readers he knew would be reading these exact words — he wanted to express his thoughts to someone who couldn't talk back to him. "A conundrum indeed. The truth could ostracize me, but a lie could lead to more problems if they keep pressing me. A gentle touch is needed here, when dealing with subjects with as much controversy as this. Perhaps a half-truth, then, is in order?" Sometimes the young boy simply needed to talk and explain himself to his readers. Satisfied with his mental calculus, the young boy turned back towards his two peers — they wouldn't have known of his one-sided dialogue just now. "Oh, this? It's some old journals, documenting some secret techniques. I just thought it would be interesting, seeing some more outlandish techniques detailed." Ko needed to take his misdirection a little further. Licking his fingers and flipping the pages a bit, Ko scrunched his face a little bit. Something seemed to be bothering him. "Oh dear, seems this section is a little too old. It's written in Ancient Kumo..." With a quick flick of his eyes, he sent a portion of his iron sand off to another section of the library. His eyes returned to the two, giving them a sort of shrugging look. "Seems I'll have to brush up on that. It's been a while since I've read anything in Ancient Kumo..."

 

[Uragaeshi Riyoji]

Forgetting to pay attention to Ko as he would've answered his question, Randori instead focused completely on his book. It was getting rather interesting, but also confusing due to his lack of black smithing. When Ko answered his question however, he managed to make out most of what he said. The answer was still rather incomplete to him though.. It seemed like Ko was holding back the entire answer, but he didn't want to dig any deeper than he already had. Closing his book with an exaggerated sigh, Randori stood up to go return it, it was getting to complicated for someone with no experience to understand. As he placed the book back where he had found it, he began looking around for another one that could be a little easier to understand. He had no luck however, since everything else seemed either uninteresting or complicated.

Returning to the two he was with before, he sat down for a moment trying to think about what he could say, but his inexperience with continuing conversations prevented him from doing so. Looking up at the ceiling, he considered going to another section to try and find another book, but thought that would be rude to just do. When Ko stated that he should brush up on Ancient Kumo, Randori let out a "heh" noise, but really had no idea how to respond to that. Standing up, he stretched and looked toward the two he was sitting with.

"I'm gonna go to another section and find something else I could read. Don't know if I'll be back, but if I do come back, see you then." with that, he made his way to the other parts of the library, not knowing what he was actually searching for. He didn't completely plan on coming back, but if he was asked to stay or return, he probably would.

[Topic left unless stopped.]

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi was happy to hear what Kotsuko had been up to, which apparently was just studying. 'Odd.. I don't recall seeing him around here much. Probably just never crossed paths. This place is kind of busy.' As he listened to Kotsuko's response to Randori's questioning, he was impressed. Harmlessly, he attempted to glance down and read the title of one of the books supported by Kotsuko's technique. He found Kotsuko very interesting. He was manipulating a strange substance and reading multiple books at once, and doing research on some secret, outlandish techniques? Kunashi's interested had peaked and he decided he wanted to know more. However, just as he opened his mouth and begun to speak, Randori chimed in. Apparently his book had bored him, and he was headed off to another section.

"Ja mata, Randori-kun. Hope you find what you're looking for." With that, Kunashi gave a gentle wave to Randori, with a genuine goodbye and wishing of good luck. He turned his gaze back to Kotsuko. "So I was just here reading up on our government system, but I am much more interested in what you're up to. Secret techniques sound cool! Also, what is this stuff you're controlling? It's like shiny black sand, and you must be pretty strong to use it all at once like this!" Kunashi had realized that Kotsuko seemed a little quiet in general. This was his attempt at opening him up and getting to know him better. If there was one thing Kunashi was good at, it was being friendly.​

 

[Kazu]

Ko blinked. Had he offended the boy? He could never tell when these sorts of things happened. He merely gazed at Randori as he walked away, off to a different section. Or so he said. Ko didn't dwell on it too much. Kunashi's cheeriness was something a tad foreign to the young boy. He didn't mind it altogether, though if he continued like that for a long time it might start to get on Ko's nerves. It just wasn't his thing. Kunashi's interest, though, seemed to be a shared quality of the two. Perhaps, in that regard, they could be considered kindred spirits. Only time could tell if they shared more than just their curiosity. Ko's steel gray eyes looked at him as he slowly thought about how he'd answer the question. "This is a result of my bloodline limit. Many would say that my abilities originate with the Sunaku Clan, whose origins hail from Sunagakure." This shouldn't have been too extraordinary knowledge for the other boy. Seeing as he was just as much a bookworm as Ko, the gray haired child expected Kunashi to be able to keep up with what he was saying. "They, however, would be wrong. My ability does not allow me to control sand, but rather magnetic fields around me." His eyes darted over to a pen resting on one of the tables nearby. He could feel, from there, that it contained a metal ring in its chassis. A good example indeed. Extending his abilities to it, he brought the pen towards them. It floated and hovered in midair as Ko's eyes focused on it. "My chakra is converted directly into magnetic currents, allowing me a very precise degree of control over any ferrous material. It can certainly get complicated when there are as many things to control as I have now. However, as I practice more, I can maintain control over more and more individual clouds of the iron dust."

That should have been enough to sate Kunashi's curiosity. Turning his eyes, Ko allowed the pen to drop to the ground as he focused instead on the book that was now returning to him. It was an old book, with many strange symbols on its cover. Ko snatched it from the iron sands that brought it to him, and turned the heavy book over in his hands. "Ancient Kumo. Didn't think I'd need this again." He flipped the book open, to what seemed to be a reference table of sorts. The young boy's finger began to crawl across the ancient parchment, slowly but surely. His eyes switched very rapidly between the old dictionary and the encoded military book before him. He was trying to decipher some of the words listed in the document. "Μετά ασαφή προσπάθειες ..." His translation was slow. He certainly hadn't done this in a while, and his pronunciation was probably terrible. Still, he was figuring it out. He didn't stop, yet, to explain what he was doing to Kunashi. "... δοκιμές σχετικά με τη φύση και τις ιδιότητες της ανθρώπινης ψυχής έκλεισε . Ωστόσο ..." This was actually rather exciting. This seemed really promising. Ko kept reading, kept translating. "... παρατηρήθηκε ότι , θεωρητικά , τα πειράματα θα μπορούσαν να ληφθούν περαιτέρω ." He blinked. Could this book hold the answers? He noticed it was a volume of books, and not just a single issue. He would have to check out the rest of them, too. His eyes turned to Kunashi, and he gave him a side ways look. "It sounds like these books are all a bunch of nonsense. Some old geezer must have written them while he was senile." Sighing, Ko pretended to be done with it. He closed it, and placed it upon the table next to him. He made a mental note as to the book title, "Project Omega", and its volume, XII, for later. He turned his attention to Kunashi. "You see, I'm trying to figure out why chakra behaves as it does. I was hoping to maybe understand my own abilities further — everything I know so far is from my own conjecture and testing." He would steer Kunashi away from what he'd just found. As of now, no one knew that he was researching into the very nature of the human soul. This book, apparently, noted the possibility of its manipulation. That was what the old man Kotsurugi was doing, wasn't it? Ko wanted to use that skill for himself. He wanted to know more.

But for now, he'd be polite. "Tell me, what was it you were looking into? Seems you might be having more luck than myself." He'd be interested in Kunashi's interests. He had to keep up his appearances, after all. It was a fact that, if people were to know of what Ko was after, then he might have some more questions to answer.
[spoilername="Ancient Kumo Translation"]"After inconclusive efforts..."
"...testing on the nature and qualities of the human soul was shut down. However..."
"...it was noted that, theoretically, the experiments could be taken further."[/spoilername]

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi nodded in understanding when Kotsuko explained the 'sand' to him. Luckily, he was a bit of a bookworm, and thus was able to deduce the meanings of some of the more technical terms Kotsuko had used. Kunashi was certainly impressed by the boy's knowledge, as a topic as complicated as physics is no light reading. Kunashi only knew of basic physics, such as gravity and trajectories, and not to the extent of calculations. He simply knew that when things are thrown, they fall to the earth, and other simplistic concepts.

Kunashi's jaw nearly hit the floor when this boy started speaking another language, what Kotsuko had called Ancient Kumo. He watched in awe as the boy began translating aloud right in front of him. This boy was incredible! He must have spent much more time in the library than Kunashi had, or had the ability to soak up information he saw like a sponge. Kunashi watched Kotsuko's face as he translated, and saw what looked like a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. Had he found what he was looking for?

"It sounds like these books are all a bunch of nonsense. Some old geezer must have written them while he was senile." With a dejected look, Kotsuko placed the book back. It had seemed Kotsuko had not found the answers to his questions. That glimmer Kunashi thought he saw must have been simply from being able to translate once again. Kotsuko began to explain what exactly he was researching: simply why chakra behaves as it does. Kunashi gave Kotsuko an inquisitive look. He had never thought of that question before. He just assumed that it behaved the same for everyone. The question as to 'why' had never occurred to him. Kunashi answered Kotusko honestly.

"I had never thought of that question before, Kotsuko. Me? I'm just looking into the government structure of Kumo. Since I live here now, I figured I should know the ins and outs of the organization I am going to join in the near future. Specifically, I wanted to know what all the Main Branch had control over, and where the lines between the ANBU and Medical Branches were drawn. I wanted to know if there was more to it than simply being a soldier, or if there were different jobs within the Branch. This book started to explain it, I think, I just didn't get a chance to get into it as much. However, I am more interested in what you are looking into. Have you read anything that would explain why chakra behaves as it does yet?"​

 

[Kazu]

The boy before Ko had believed him — this was too perfect. Ko was glad to have the conversation shift in this direction, as he would be able to cover his tracks pretty well. Moving away from the subject of the book, Ko looked to the subject of chakra and its nature as his saving grace. He began to set the rest of the books, which he'd been holding with his sands, down as he spoke. They wouldn't serve him any good anyways, seeing as the books he wanted were probably in the Protected Records. He'd have to search for work similar to what was written in that book, and he doubted such sensitive information would be left for the general public to see. Only theoretical musings, like what he'd found. "Unfortunately not. Books on Chakra Control are a little harder to come by." As he spoke, his eyes wandered around. He knew where they kept the Protected Records, it was just getting in there that would be hard. Ko was thinking, while chatting with Kunashi, as to how in the world he was supposed to break in there. The guards would probably notice him the moment that he tried to do anything suspicious. He needed a plan.

That's when an idea hit him. He turned back towards Kunashi, realizing that he'd left him hanging a slight bit as his mind wandered. "From what I hear, to get to the 'Shinobi' Section you need to prove that you're a shinobi strong enough to be worthy of reading such books..." Ko had a plan now. He needed to get Kunashi interested. Ko knew that Kunashi could be just as curious as he was, and he knew that a curiosity like theirs wouldn't be able to resist a statement like that. He wouldn't have to convince Kunashi: the young boy would volunteer to help the young gray haired boy. "I've tried before, but it's just too hard a challenge to do myself. Guess I'll have to wait until I'm stronger, huh?" Ko didn't want to lay it on too thick, but he needed to give Kunashi the perfect set up here. He needed to convince the boy, who was about as altruistic as Ko was secretive, that what they were about to do was perfectly fine. He had to convince him that a crime wasn't a crime.

Ko was in uncharted territory, now. He'd never needed to get anyone else's help for something like this, so phrasing his words to fit what Kunashi wanted to hear was a little tricky. Ko would need to sharpen his tongue for the future anyways, so he figured starting out here would be a good test case. He was already thinking about what he'd want to say next, and how he'd want to get the kid to do what he needed. Ko needed them to be able to get in there and search for a while — a distraction would be needed. What kind, though, was yet to be seen.

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi looked at the boy in front of him with his brow furrowed. ''Shinobi' Section..? I don't remember that on the Directory... Did he mean the Archives? That would be the only somewhat-restricted area on there...' Confused, Kunashi let Kotsuko keep talking. He hadn't heard of any shinobi trials within the library before. With his head cocked slightly to the left and his brow still furrowed, he thought of where Kotsuko might need to go. He had been to all of the sections in the main library on other trips before, and no sort of trial occurred. However, there were a couple places he hadn't been before. One because he is technically not a native to Lightning Country and the other because it's impenetrable. "What's the 'Shinobi' Section? Do you mean the Protected Records space? I'm not allowed in there I don't think. I tried once. I think we're too young or something." It was the best explanation Kunashi could think of. He didn't even consider the fact the he is from Water Country originally an issue. He was still a bit too naive to see the problems with letting other countries have access to secret documents. But there was one thing he did know. He wasn't allowed in that section, and Kunashi wasn't one to break rules very often.

Short post is short. Figured I'd let it go back to you to try and convince me again lol

 

[Kazu]

The boy was even more naive than Kotsuko had thought. His peer was a model student, and had an upstanding moral character — Kotsuko would enjoy breaking through that outer layer of altruism. Kunashi was still a child, and some might even say that Kotsuko was one too. But the difference between himself and Kunashi was his will and determination to achieve the things that even so-called 'adults' couldn't do. He didn't care who he stepped over, and he didn't care who he used to get what he needed. He would convince this boy, one way or another, to do the things that he needed him to. As Kunashi commented on Ko's word, the young gray haired child pretended to give the other boy a confused look. He was a good liar. "Do...do you not know about it, Kunashi?" Ko cocked his head to one side, as if a creature that he'd never seen before had suddenly appeared before him. It was a strange and puzzled look. Ko wanted Kunashi to feel uncomfortable that he didn't know the truths that Ko was about to tell him. The truths he wanted him to know. "...you really don't? I thought you were joking with me for a minute, but I don't think you are. Wow, I'm honestly a little surprised." Ko ran a hand through his hair, as if he were still trying to process this new data. Opening an eye, Ko looked to the boy as if he were explaining something to a child. "I guess I shouldn't be too hard on you. You're not from here — you probably didn't know about our customs."

Ko wanted to play on the kid's curiosity again. He wanted to entice the young boy into wanting more and more knowledge. Slowly, Kotsuko worked his way into the conversation. "During my classes, the teachers would always say 'A shinobi must see through deception'. It took me a long time to figure out what that meant. Kunashi, do you know what it means?" Ko waited to hear if the boy had an inkling of an idea yet. He doubted he would yet, so he would explain if he didn't seem to get it. He motioned towards the Protected Records as he spoke. "That place serves two purposes. It holds classified information, yes, but it's also a test for Kumogakure shinobi. We, as shinobi, will have to infiltrate enemy bases and retrieve information. It's one of several tests in this village, hidden in plain sight." Ko looked straight on at the kid, trying to make him believe the words he was saying. It wasn't an unbelievable story. "I've tried to pass the test before, but I can't do it on my own. I need the help of a friend to pass." Ko was going all out. Kunashi was a friend now — at least on the outside — and Ko needed his friend's help to pass the "test". Would Kunashi believe him? Would he be willing to do whatever it took to help a friend? Ko thought he would. Ko hadn't been wrong before. He hoped, though, that today would not be his first failure.

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi's face and neck flushed, and a cold sweat swept over him. He diverted his eye contact from Ko. He reached up and put his hand on his neck, feeling the heat from his skin. His embarrassment overtook him. He couldn't believe he was this ignorant. Had he really thought he just 'wasn't allowed in there?' Thinking back, it made perfect sense that this was a test of some kind. He grimaced at the floor as Kotsuko explained the 'test' to him. Obviously it was a test. Only the worthy were allowed to search the Protected Records. He felt like a child, being deceived by such a minor ruse. Though his time of repentance would soon come. It seemed Kotsuko couldn't complete the task by himself. Kunashi lit up. If he could help Ko complete the task, it would make up for the embarassment he had just suffered! He quickly agreed to the task, and asked Kotsuko to lead the way. Any chance to prove himself as a shinobi and redeem himself as an intellect was like a golden ticket in this moment.

Hopefully not too short. You succeeded lol. Teach Kunashi skepticism! He needs it!

 

[Kazu]

Ko loved it when things came together nicely. His silver tongue was developing nicely, having successfully convinced his peer of his harmless little lie. He would never even find out: they'd be in and out before anyone knew anything. Eyes beginning to scan the area below from behind those snow white locks, the Sasaki child was beginning to formulate a plot. He would have to use the young boy's skills to his advantage. "Don't worry, Kunashi. I won't blame you for not knowing. I won't tell anyone, so you don't have to worry about that." Ko wanted to keep this as contained as possible. No loose ends, right? So long as Kunashi didn't say anything, this whole thing would go off without a hitch. Taking in the situation, Ko began to plan out their actions. Bringing Kunashi in closer to discuss with him, Ko began to clue him into his plan. "Alright, here's what I'm thinking. The guards are pretty predictable — every five minutes they walk along the perimeter, checking for anything suspicious. I can use my sands to distract them, and draw their attention away. In that time, can you sneak in and get the files needed? It shouldn't be too hard to find, though it might be written in Ancient Kumo..."

Grabbing the pen from before off the floor and a piece of paper, Ko began to scribble something down. On it were some of the strange symbols from before, though it was pretty clearly written. On the paper read the words: Ωμέγα Έργο : Μεταγραφή Έγγραφα. Ko handed the slip of paper to Kunashi as he continued. "This is the document we're supposed to find. Don't worry, I'll be able to help you find it from a distance." Ko focused some of his sands into his right hand, which he closed to mold his chakra into the little metal flecks. When he'd opened his hand, there was a small eyeball composed of his black sands. Making it float, Ko seemed to be in complete control of it's movements and where it looked. "I can see through this, so I'll be able to help guide you when you're inside." The plan was coming together. Ko was confident in this, and all he needed to know was that Kunashi was on board with everything. Ko didn't want to mess this up, as this could be his only real chance at getting into the Protected Records for a while. This would work, he was sure of it. He would make sure it did.

If Kunashi was ready, Ko would begin moving everything into position. His third eye would hover far above the view of the guards, keeping them in its sights. He would use his sands to draw their attention off to the side, giving Kunashi the chance to rush inside undetected. Everything was set up to begin. He would only have to wait for his teammate to be ready as well. Situated away from the situation, so as to not draw attention to himself, Ko made sure to stay conspicuous. It wouldn't do if they figured out he was the one pulling the strings from the shadows on this one.

 

[Akuro Kunashi]

Kunashi nodded quickly without saying a word. A cold seat came over him. He was nervous, what if he couldn't complete this task? Kotsuko would definitely think he's stupid then. He took the piece of paper from Kotsuko with the name of the book he was looking for and put it in his pocket, accidentally crumpling it a little. Kotsuko made a small eyeball from his sands and started making it float around. Kunashi swallowed audibly, clearly still nervous about this trial. He didn't know what the consequences of failure would be, and he didn't want to find out. He looked at the boy before him and nodded once more, indicating his readiness.

He began to worry once Kotsuko walked away from the door, but realized the eye was still watching. When he saw the sands move out away from the door, Kunashi tried to open the door. Slamming his hand down on the handle, it didn't budge. Obviously this was locked, or else this would be no kind of test. He took a step back from the door and looked around it for some sort of clue. When his eyes caught the sign above the door that read "Protected Records - Access Restricted" Kunashi looked around nervously. He was beginning to get an inclination that this was not a good thing they were doing. Then he focused once again. Clearly there would be a deterring sign if this was a trial for elite shinobi. He inspected the lock to see if there was an easy way to get through it. It may have been just a simple keyhole, but Kunashi knew nothing on the art of lockpicking, so this keyhole made his route impassable. He stood with his hand on his head, looking around for the guards. He looked back to the door and could see into it through the glass pane. He thought back to his training with Aiko and smirked. He focused and began exerting energy around him, and a slight white glow consumed his body. He took a step and appeared on the other side of the door, just as he had when he chased Aiko-sama.

He looked around at the rows and rows of scrolls with different names on them. None of which were in this weird script. He pulled the paper from his pocket and flattened it out the best he could and looked at it, searching for script that matched it. He had forgotten to open the door to let the eye in to help him, but he was too worried about getting out of there to worry about it. He could find the document himself. Uneasily and nervously quick, Kunashi scanned the documents. 'Names.. names... names.. why are all of these people?' Confused, Kunashi took a step back and realized the entire shelf he was looking at was the records of Cloud shinobi. The document wouldn't be in this shelf. But if it wasn't there, where was it? He backed into the table in the center of the room, turning to look at what he had hit. When he spun around, he realized that this shelf was one of many in the room, something that he hadn't noticed. At the top of the shelves was a categorization. 'Konohagakure.. Kirigakure.. Iwagakure..? What is this place..?' He kept looking over the broad categorizations until he found 'Ancient Records.' He looked at the document name once again and matched it to the script written on a few of the documents he could find. Kotsuko did say it was written in Ancient Kumo, so it was probably in this section. He delved in further, scanning quickly for the same gibberish he saw on the note. His eyes lit up as he saw it. 'That's it, the gibberish all looks the same!' He snatched the scroll that read Όμικρον έργου : Μεταγραφή Έγγραφα' and headed back toward the door. He looked through the window to check for the patrol, then gathered the energy around him once more, emitting a faint white glow. He stepped through the door and began walking hastily toward the exit with the scroll tucked away on his person.​

 

[Kazu]

The game had started. The pieces were in position, and all Kotsuko had to do now was guide everything along from the sidelines. Kunashi was doing his job nicely, even going so far as to ignore Kotsuko's third eye. That was perfect. The young boy grinned from his vantage point, running through a few handseals. This was almost too easy, as if Raiden himself had smiled down on the young child. It was a simple technique to use now, but could be used to great effect in this situation: through his third eye, conveniently placed in an uncompromising position, Ko began a recording technique. Luck is bullshit — leaving things to chance is dumb. Those were words that he lived by. Kotsuko wasn't one to leave loose ends, never allowing a plan of his to have an error. This plan was no different. In the event that Kunashi ever figured out that this wasn't a test, he'd need a way to defend his position. Framing Kunashi...that was the perfect way out. Kotsuko truly hoped it wouldn't have to come to that, but if that's what it took then so be it.

Ko continued to keep an eye on Kunashi, watching from outside the Vaults at his actions. He caught everything, from the moment he warped in through the door to when he exited it. However, one thing hadn't quite gone according to plan. Frowning, Kotsuko noticed that the pure-minded child had grabbed the wrong book. This was unacceptable. Ko needed the other one, not this one. Having gotten the footage he needed, Ko ended the recording technique before he made his next move. The other boy would never have known that Kotsuko had been recording his actions — this would be Kotsuko's little secret. Now that he couldn't compromise himself, Kotsuko set out to correct this error. His sands began to swirl around the other boy, making their presence known to him. They gently pushed him back, gently tickled at the hands holding the book. He pushed the boy's hand up, guiding things so that the young child would understand to look at the book. If he looked, the sands would circle around the incorrect word, trying to point out the error. However, this plan might be putting too much faith into Kunashi's ability to understand what he was trying to say.

Kotsuko split some of his sands off from the main bits. He moved it towards the door, slipping in between the lock mechanisms and opening the door. He'd do this himself, if he needed to. It had honestly just been a good idea to have someone else to blame instead. The sands could sneak into the Vault, retrieve the correct book, and then slip them out when Kunashi wasn't looking. Kotsuko just needed to make sure that the young boy wasn't suspicious of him — after all, this was a legitimate test they were going through. Only the best of the best ninja could steal from the Vaults...no doubt about that...