animus_network | 6th pokeball [mass mailbox notes + text]

[John isn't typically one for waking up early in the morning, but with as much as he needs to do today he needs as early a start as he can get. His first stop is the mail room, where he sets about putting the following note into the mailbox for every tower resident. Because this seems like a much safer option than the network.]

[Once all the letters have been delivered and breakfast devoured, he heads to the library to take care of TDL item number 2: finding a fighting mentor.]

somehow i get the feeling that this sort of thing isn't an uncommon request around here but whatever, i need some help.
i need to learn how to fight.
i was lucky enough to get one of my hammers back today, but it's been over two years since i've used it and the rust shows.
especially since i never had any real training with the thing in the first place.
i am pretty sure i have sparring partners covered, so what i really need help with here are the fundamentals of hammer and/or fist fighting.
in return, i can offer...uh
something.
idk what exactly, but we can figure something out.

((ooc: For those who don't know, John managed to get a video recording of the soul extraction process during the Something Unexpected event. And like hell is he not going to share it after all that. I really didn't want to copypasta the same note onto a billion mailbox posts so I figured this would be easier. I'll be tossing up a log to actually thread out the tape showings either later on today or tomorrow. If you want your character to run into him in the mailroom on this post though, that's a-ok with me.))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Itachi doesn't feel like struggling with the keyboard today, so he switches on the video function. It's the first time he's used such an option, but he seems confident enough.]

Hello.

I don't have personal experience with hammers, but I can teach you how to hone your skills as far as fighting with your hands and feet goes.

[John has no qualms with video whatsoever. So here's a look at the short, chubby teenage nerd you're offering skill-honing to, Itachi. He offers a small wave.]

Hi! I have never tried fighting with my feet before but that's probably a good thing for me to learn now that you mention it.

[When the other feed clicks on, Itachi's brow furrows, and he looks confused for a second.]

John?

[Though they never really spoke, Itachi roomed with another John for quite some time. But, no, that John recently disappeared. This one had to be different.

He shook his head.]

...Pardon me. I don't suppose we've met.

Oh um...yes! That's my name.

[Luckily, the concept of people he doesn't know knowing him isn't exactly a new one on him. Hell, he's done it to tons of people between this place and Johto.]

I am guessing that you have either been to other universes aside from this one and your own or you met the other me who's running around here somewhere, am I right?

Edited 2013-03-01 23:51 (UTC)

We used to be roommates here.

[But enough about that. He doesn't want to think about the neatly-made bed and empty trunk in one corner of his room right now.]

I suppose I should introduce myself properly. I'm Itachi Uchiha.

Ahh, gotcha. It's nice to meet you!

The same to you. [He gives a polite nod of his head.]

Now, about that training...

Oh right! Sorry, haha, got a little distracted. Anyway, I would be grateful for anything you're willing to teach me. Something came up recently that made me realize the methods I have been using up to now really aren't going to cut it here as well as I thought.

We could start with basic taijutsu. With enough hard work and dedication, even the simplest physical moves can take down powerful opponents.

[He looks off to one side lazily.]

Perhaps projectile weapons training, too, if you would be so inclined.

[And then he looks back at the screen, attempting to meet John's eyes as best as he can. The strange technology will take some getting used to, but Itachi doesn't let on how unfamiliar he is with the video function.]

Hammers don't seem very long-range, so it would be useful to dabble in a variety of skills.

Taijutsu? What's that, some kind of martial arts? And projectile weapons like...knives or ninja stars or something? I would be willing to give them a shot though I have no idea how my aim will be.

[John doesn't seem to be perturbed by the brief lack of eye contact. It happens, he gets it. He's all smiles, scratching at his chin a little.]

I am so used to being confined to one weapon type that I honestly didn't even think of any other options. Because you're right, hammers are pretty limited as far as range goes.

Yes, taijutsu is the art of hand-to-hand combat.

[A ghost of a smile crosses Itachi's lips. In a blur too quick for the untrained eye to see, he whips four shuriken out of the pouch on his thigh and tosses them into the air, then he pulls a kunai out and twirls it around his finger. The shuriken fly out of frame, then fall back down, and Itachi catches them all between his fingers without putting a scratch on himself. At the same instant that he catches the shuriken, he stops spinning the kunai, gripping it by the handle.

He shows off his two handfuls of weapons, angling them so that they glint in the light.]

The knives are called kunai, and the 'ninja stars' are shuriken. With proper training, anyone's aim can improve.

[All right, so that was a little flashy. He's polite, but that doesn't mean he has to be modest.]

[John just stares, gaping a little at the display. Holy shit.]

Woah...

[Sign him up for this.]

[John's reaction elicits a tiny chuckle from Itachi, almost too quiet for the mic to pick up. He relaxes somewhat, lowering his arms.]

I'm not particularly busy in here, so if you're interested, we can start your training whenever you'd like.

[John can't help but laugh a little at that.]

I think I know the feeling. Well, I have something I need to take care of in the afternoons through the third, but I am free in the mornings and...completely free all day everyday through the foreseeable future after that.

[Itachi tosses and catches his kunai idly, always managing to catch it by the handle and not the blade.]

Of course. [He pockets the kunai, and the shuriken shortly afterward.] How about this: whenever you want to start, come find me in the cafeteria, or try my dorm. I'm in 4-14.

[John flashes him a thumbs up.]

Will do, Itachi. And thanks. I really appreciate that you are willing to do this for me.

It's nothing. We're all stuck here together, right? [He's smiling lightly, but there's a touch of bitterness to his voice when he says that.] We may as well help each other out.

[It's high time to stop isolating himself and start working with others some more. Itachi has just about given up on trying to find a way out of here himself. If he lends his knowledge and expertise to other residents, though, and if they do the same in turn, he's sure the odds of escaping are much more favorable.]