[MAD CRAZY OPENNESS] An open thread [OPEN]

[Rupert Griffin]

OPEN TO ANYBODY AT ALL.

Pedro sat down, openly, at an outdoor cafe in the Safe haven, ordering a few chocolate ice creams - one in a waffle cone, and the rest in bowls.

"I... I'm sorry, are you expecting company," asked the waitress, feigning confusion. Pedro and she were old friends. He came here regularly to get ice cream for himself and his bugs, and the waitress knew it.

"Stop playing dumb," he said. "And you know what, get me an extra vanilla, and an extra chocolate. In case anybody does stop by, and wants to hang out."

"Sounds good," she said laughing.

"And for the record, that invitation is open to you, too."

"Tempting, but I've got a job to do, here." She turned away, still laughing. Pedro gave her a nice, firm slap on the ass, and sat in the sun, waiting for his ice cream.

THIS THREAD IS MAD CRAZY OPEN. IF YOU HAVE AN RPC, YOU CAN JOIN. IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO APPROACH PEDRO, JUST WALK BY, AND ACT INTERESTING, AND HE'LL PULL YOU TOWARDS HIM WITH HIS LOVE BUGS.

THAT IS ALL.

OPEN.

[Taijutsu]

For some strange reason, Kuroda has felt the need to travel to Safe Haven. It was more of a sight seeing trip then an actual mission, so Kuroda was taking the time to relax. Kuroda had felt a recent craving for some sweat object, so he walked into an outdoor cafe. He looked around, his robe swinging in the gentle breeze, trying to find a place to sit and eat. But, apparently, almost every spot was taken. Kuroda thought to himself:

"I guess I will just hav to sit with the guy eating alone."

So Kuroda walked up to the table, grabbed one of the empty chairs, and said to the man:

"I is truely honored to meet you, sir, for since their ain't no more seats left, I will be having lunch with yuz"

Kuroda sat down and simply looked at the man, waiting for his answer. While he waited, he noticed bugs eating the other ice cream, and asked:

"Ur bugs don't be looking to bad mister. What kind are they, if ya don't mind me askin'?"

[Rupert Griffin]

"I do," said Pedro, frowning. "You are rude, sir. You have not properly introduced yourself or your own bugs to me, and you adressed me in a tongue that you didn't know that I speak. Now get up, come back, and try again."

He kept sitting, did not turn his head, and continued eating his ice cream. He felt pleased with himself for recognizing the boy as a bug user - he based it entirely on the fact that the boy took an interest in his bugs, and called them his bugs, rather than freaking out that there were bugs in the ice cream next to Pedro.

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda looked at the man very carefully, recognizing him as a missing nin by his head band with the village symbol scratched out. Kuroda wasn't afraid, though. Maybe he could learn something from this guy. Kuroda began again, this time in Common:

"My bad, but I ain't be gettin' up anytime soon. I didn't men to cause yuse any emotional bother, though. My name is Itahase, Kuroda and I come from Rikuhi. My bugs..."

Kuroda unzipped the bug container at his waist and released his insects. He continued:

"All has many different names, and ye prolly don't wanna hear them all. Now, time to get some grub in me"

Kuroda called the waitress, from which he ordered a bowl of rum raisin ice cream, and 2 bowls of vanilla for his insects. Once the ice cream was delivered, Kuroda tried to strike up a conversation:

"So, since I can see yur bugs are fasinatin'. Mind tellin' me what kind they happens to be?"

Kuroda started on his ice cream, waiting patently for the reply.

"It is best not to expect things from an outlaw, you know"

Thought Kuroda as he and his bugs feasted on the ice cream.

[Rupert Griffin]

When the boy introduced himself, Pedro responded kindly. "Well, hello, I'm Pedro Kebert." But he nearly vomitted as the boy continued.

"You keep your bugs locked up in a tiny little box like that? Disgusting. If we were not in the Safe Haven, your life would have ended the second I saw that prison." Pedro took a large slurp of his ice cream before proceeding.

"Well, anyway, I have Camel Bugs, Bloodsuckers, Screamers, and a few Love Bugs. If you don't yet know those bugs by name, you don't deserve my explanations, so don't ask about them. If you're really curious, you can look them up later."

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda was surprised by the boys response, for he thought that his treatment of the bugs was fair. Kuroda replied:

"Well, Pedro, maybe yuse don't have to keeps a nice look like I does. The name Itahase comes with a lot of pride, and a lot of baggage. I can't afford to be seen wid bugs crawling all over me. It wouldn't bother me, but I ain't trying to look like no slob here. Anyway..."

Kuroda look another spoonful full of his ice cream, looking at his bugs, who he truly cared about, going away at their ice cream. They continued to gibber their thanks at Kuroda. Kuroda continued:

"Interesting, blood suckers and camel bugs? I gotta get me some of them. You see, most of my bugs are genetically alter by yurs truly. I created some cocktail bugs and fireflies, which are all very new and recently made bugs, so you might no have heard of them if you don't really know your bugs."

Kuroda paused for a second, then continued:

"This place here is mighty nice, do you happen to live here, by any chance?"

Kuroda ate his ice cream, trying to look discrete while he was really watching Pedro carefully.

[Musashi102]

Sweet mother of........

The place was packed. The kunoichi scanned the area for a table. There was one table with two guys sitting there. She sighed.

I had to pick the crowded place........DID I HAVE TO HAVE A CRAVING FOR ICE CREAM!? Anyway, I'll see if I can get a seat.......

Nakito walked over to the table with the two guys. She then spoke to them in common with a clear Rikuhuu accent.

"Hey, you two don't mind if I sit here? Let's just say it's pretty packed here."

She saw the bugs there at the table, but she didn't mind them.

[Rupert Griffin]

Pride? What an idiot, speaking of pride as though it makes him stronger. What does he get for his foolish pride? For mistreating his bugs, he alienates them, thus weakening their will to help him. And he himself feels ever increasing embarrassment that he uses them, as opposed to what he would feel if he embraced their personalities.

And it makes him arrogant. To think I have not heard of fireflies? I know enough of fireflies to know that I don't need them.

"Here? The great land of Seichi? Why, of course I do. Seichi gives us life, the least we can do is live on her. But if you are referring to the foolish thought of dwelling in one place throughout my life, then no, I do not. I roam the earth as I see fit, and I find a bed at the approximate time I need to sleep. It is not hard to find a bed."

Pedro was getting somewhat annoyed by this little boy, but nevertheless entertained enough to not scare him off.

As he spoke, he ignored the newcomer. She could sit down if she wanted to. Pedro wouldn't kill her. But he wouldn't invite her.

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda looked at the girl who asked to sit with them and replied:

"From your voice, you must be from Rikuhi. My name happens to be Itahase Kuroda and it's very nice to have you sit wid us. Pop a seat. I hope the bugz don't bother yuz."

Kuroda then turned to Pedro, thinking to himself:

"This guy is fucking nuts. He basically goes around and messes up peoples lives. Well, best not to cause trouble in a cafe"

Kuroda replied:

"It's good to see that you are occupied and seeing the world. I gotta get out more. Anyway, did you hear about the attacks on Rikuhi recently? It is a pretty hot topic in the shinobi world, you know. And the Hikage is pretty ticked off"

Kuroda lightly prodded the missing nin, trying to extort bits of info out of him. Kuroda's ice cream was long gone, so he ordered another one. His bugs, finishing their ice cream, where still screaming their content.

[Musashi102]

An Itahase huh?

"Thanks. Name's Nakito."

Nakito sat down at the table. She ordered a bowl of chocolate ice cream. When her ice cream came, she started eating it. She said nothing until the Rikuhi attack came up. The girl frozed in response. After a few moments, she jumped in the conversation.

"I'm gonna kill the missing nin responsible for it."

She balled up her hands into fists. Then she started eating again, this time with a serious expression on her face.

Mother, I promise to bring the people responsible to justice.

But that time would have to wait for now.

[Rupert Griffin]

You shouldn't have to hope that your bugs act a certain way. You should know them.

"The Hikage should be thankful. The only reason she is alive right now is the fact that she was, luckily enough, not there during the attack."

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda simply looked at Nakito, reading the expression on her face like a book. Kuroda replied, in a soothing Rikuhi:

"I understand"

and turned to the missing nin, giving himself a moment to pick the correct words, then replying:

"Well, I ain't exactly a fan of the Hikage anyway. A real leader would have risked their ass to stop the killing, like they are supposed to. I always thought that a military leader should be a running things. A military state, if you will. But, enough on my governmental philosophy. I wanted to ask you, Pedro, who do you think should be putting the cards on the table, a single powerful individual, or a group of powering individuals. If the latter, then who would you recommend?"

Kuroda shifted slightly in his seat, to sit more comfortably. He attempted to make direct eye contact with the missing nin, to try to tell the truth from a fib.

[Musashi102]

Kuroda told her that he understood. Did he really? She started laughing out loud. Some people turned and gave her a weird look.

"You understand? Oh really? Guess what dude, my life took a downturn before the attack even happened. I'm broke and live in the poor side of Rikuhi, but my life had been at least a bit content until I nearly killed myself in the Sato attack trying to help out. Then like just a few days before the attack, my mother croaked. Then damn Kuro Ryodan decided to attack Rikuhi. And I was ready to kick all their butts, but then no, some people I knew were trying to stop me, and then I got an asthma attack at the front gate. Yeah, I'm one happy kunoichi."

The girl sighed.

"Sorry for the rant. Just feel like a bag of shit."

[Rupert Griffin]

"It is my philosophy that there should be no cards. No tables. No games at all. Power should not be assigned to those seen fit by some mysterious force detached from the people. Power should merely lie with the powerful. Given that one's power includes the power of his supporters to the extent to which they are willing to support him, he who has the best message and the best means by which to deliver results will, in turn, deliver the best results. The world needs no cards. The world only needs war to solve its problems. In this way, people will die or suffer, but only those who resist righteousness - and not those who die or suffer due to pointless bureaucracy, systemic inefficiency, or a general support for bad choices over good ones. That is my philosophy. Should it be wrong, may I fail in my goals."

Pedro took another slurp of his ice cream.

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda first looked at the girl, whose past seemed to make him feel guilty. Kuroda, looking the girl in the face, said, in his utmost sincerity:

"Everything will turn out a o.k. I mean, I ain't had the same bad shit happen to me, but my life sucked for the first 16 years. Though my parents gave me this cool title of Itahase and all the respect and stuff, they where ass holes determined to make me into nothing. A least yuz can say that your mom wasn't an undermining asshole, mine wanted me to be a goddam farmer! So liven up and live life. I am old enough to be your father, but I am still a genin -_- yet, I don't drown' in my own pity. Think carefully about your life."

Kuroda took a second to calm himself and regain his composure, for the Itahase drew many a stare for his mini rant. To counter the silence, he took another spoon full of ice cream, and turned to Pedro. He asked:

"What are your goals? Do you suddenly want people to lick the shit off the bottom of your boots, which are bloodied from the trampling of innocent corpses? Lives are not toys, Pedro, which can be discarded at a moments notice."

Kuroda thought to himself:

"I gotta fuckin' calm down! I'm gunna start a fight in a cafe with a guy who is most likely twice as strong as me, because I got riled up by some girl."

Kuroda turned his attention towards his ice cream, letting all his anger seep away from his body.

[Musashi102]

Nakito just stared at Kuroda.

I hate to admit he's kinda right..............But all this crap that's happening is distracting me from my real goal! I need to get my mind out of this sad state. It's making me go crazy...........

She felt like slapping herself. But the kunoichi just started eating more of her ice cream and said nothing.

What's with that other guy? Does he seriously want everyone to always be at war? This is not Sparta! Or whatever war place he's thinking of.

[Rupert Griffin]

"A life is a monstrous thing. Don't just go and say that death should never happen. If the best are to live, the worst must die. To let the weak and useless live alongside us will only drag our society down, and will end up causing more pain and suffering among those truly deserving of happiness. Don't waste your time or energy on the stragglers."

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda now dedicated his full attention to the missing nin, who had spit all over the ideals which he held firm in his head. Kuroda replied:

"In some ways you are right, Pedro, but I see you wrong on more then one count. Even if I have to drag people through the mud and grime and shitty times, I won't abandon the weakest one! I mean, O.K., I am only a fuckin' genin, and I ain't done shit yet, but I will back up my words if they cost me my life. I see a society where everybody is of equal purpose, state of mind, work ethic and out put, which drives us all to success. Now, I know that the idea is prolly a load of crap, but I know I can do my best to make it happen. No elitist bastards should have the right to enjoy life while other lie in agony, unable to pick themselves up. Anyway, I just ain't be wantin to go through my life like an attack dog, bitin' and rippin' peoples throats out by the command of some bastard who sits on a throne, all high and goddam mighty"

Kuroda stopped himself from going any furhter, for it was his rage beginning to talk. Kuroda thought:

"I am starting to talk like a missing nin! I gotta stop getting so worked up"

Kuroda finished his ice cream, and pushed the bowl towards the middle of the table. The Itahase simply folded his hands together and sat attentively, his full attention on the conversation at hand.

[Rupert Griffin]

"First of all, know that I do not take orders. The most I will take is a suggestion. Otherwise, I act on my own will. Second of all, keep in mind that you offered no argument as to why you think that the useless should be made useful, and those already useful left to rot. Just letting you know."

Pedro continued to eat his ice cream.

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda took a long second to reply, thinking his answer out carefully, then, slowly, he began to speak:

"10 individuals is stronger then 5, Pedro, even' if them 10 is each half as strong as one of them five. I believe not only in strength in numbers, but in the principle that nobody is hopeless. The lazy can become productive bastards, the blind can be seen', the weak can become truly stronger, and by putting in the effort to make these people worth somethin', the strong become better too. Better, stronger people = a strong village or group. And, a stronger village or group = peace. And, about yuz not taking orders, I am not treatin' you like a dog on a leash. You are a free dog, who can go and do his businez wherever he pleasez"

Kuroda smiled lightly and turned to Nakito, asking her:

"So, since your mother died, where are you living now? And what may I ask is yuz doin'?"

Kuroda wanted to talk to this girl too, for she was from his village also, and appears to need somebody to vent too. Kuroda thought:

"God dammit. If bein' a shinobi ain't workin' for me, then I should be a physiologist."

[Musashi102]

"Well, my dad's still alive. Me and my parents lived together in a small home in Rikuhi. But as I got older, I've been seeing less and less of my parents. But still, it shattered me when my mom died. Apparently she had this long term disease she was hiding from everyone and she kept working her butt off for long hours to support us. Then one day she collasped at the doorway. I was there. Immediately I ran to get help. She spent her last days in the hospital. I couldn't believe it. Now my dad's working at even longer hours and I see even less of him. Sometimes when I'm not running to all kinds of places or working towards my goals of becoming a shinobi, I do some jobs to save up money. As you can see, life's not always easy for me, but I will get through it and die an honorable shinobi of Rikuhi."

Nakito ate another spoonful of her ice cream.

"A best friend of mine was supposed to meet me at a special place, but he seems to have just disappeared. In fact, I haven't seen many of my friends in a long time."

[Vekk]

Danko was walking along with Snap in toe when he saw an cafe. His stomach then growled in approval and he decided to grab a bite. Unfortunately to Danko's dismay the cafe seemed rather full. "Drat I guess were out of luck Snap" Danko said sullenly. He then happened to spot a table that didn't look as busy as the others. "Cross my last statement out Snap looks like Lady Luck is on our side". Danko picked Snap up so his turtle wouldn't bump into anyone and began to head off in the direction of that table thinking of what he could politely say.

"Sorry to bother you but would there perhaps be any room for me and my friend here at this table it be very much appreciated" Danko said with as much courtesy as he could muster up. He then looked down and saw bugs but then noticing that the others weren't bothered by them ment they were probably theirs so he shrugged it off.

He then placed Snap down on the floor and began to rup his head awaiting their answer. "I hope they let us Snap I'm hungry and maybe you can get a bite to eat". Snap wriggled his wormlike tongue in approval of Danko's statement.

[Taijutsu]

Kuroda simply nodded his head at the boy, looking him in the face while he thought Nakito's words over. Kuroda now replied to the boy:

"Sure, I was just about to go anyway! So take my place. Pedro, good day to you. Nakito, if you don't mind, I would greatly appreciate yuz taking a stroll with me throu Rikuhi sometime, if you don't mind."

Kuroda recalled all his bugs, who where slightly upset about being separated from the sweetness, but they came anyway. With a wave of a hand, Kuroda departed the cafe and made his way back home.

[Exit]

[Musashi102]

Nakito nodded.

"Alright, I'll go with ya Kuroda."

She got up and followed the guy. The direction he was going in was towards Rikuhi.

Alright, off I go I guess.

[Vekk]

OOC:Sorry for short post I have school in the morning and need to get some shut eye

Danko nodded as the other two got up and left, leaving him with the guy who was apparently Pedro. He ordered some fish cooked medium rare for Snap and a burger cooked medium well for himself for he wasn't in the mood for ice cream."SorryI forgot to intoduce myself this Snap here" he said referring to his turtle who was now on the table waiting for his meal. " and I am Danko of Rikuhi" he said. "May I ask what brings you to this side of Seichi" he asked trying to spark up a conversation.

[Rupert Griffin]

Pedro sighed. The kid didn't get it. Wasting energy to train people who will still be useless after training, and more to protect them, and more to feed them, will in turn cost the lives of those actually useful. It's the simplest social darwinism. And it is not wrong.

Pedro finished his ice cream, stood up, and walked off.

"Follow me, if you will."

Eh. Wherever they wound up, he might teach them a bit - in such a way, of course, that they would come closer to the real truth - or maybe he'd beat them down for a bit. Yeah, it had been a while since Pedro offered a few kids a good beat down. Well, whatever the kids wanted. If they would be receptive, they would get their training. If they started crying about how social darwinism is mean... They would just be proving themselves the kind of people not worth the food they eat.

[Vekk]

When he heard the man ask him to follow Danko gave his burger to Snap who already ate his fish. I wonder what this could be about. People don't ask others to follow every day. I might as well I have nothing better to do for the genin exams won't be for a while longer and maybe this might even benefit me and Snap. I do want to become stronger to help turtles like Snap despite how ridiculous a goal the Hikage, anbu, shinobi, or anyone else may think it is.

He then payed the waitress the bill said thank and left a tip. Danko picked up Snap and began to run. Despite his speed and Snap's weight further slowing him, he was able to catch up to man who was only walking. He ran past him and put Snap down. "Umm I don't know if you were talking to me but unfortunately the genin exams have come. Maybe after we can meet at this cafe again at 2:00 pm or whenever" Danko quickly said before he rushed off for the exams.

[Rupert Griffin]

-=E X I T=-