TERRACE Draft - Day 1

[lucetimods]

Who: All Draftees
What: Arrival at TERRACE
When: The first day, from 8AM to the wee hours of the night
Where: TERRACE!
Summary: Information post here
Rating: Varies on thread, please mark explicit material.

This post covers the first day, before the attack. Remember, characters here are not expecting an attack and are under the impression they will be going to Region 1 to fight. During this day, draftees will be restricted to T6 and T7 and not permitted access to other areas.

Be sure to tag this post appropriately: [canon] character name

Comments

[endgames]

[Typical (typical?) vague Itachi response. Shikamaru's attention slides back over, lingering once again on the single red eye.

"You are a worthy opponent."

If we'd stopped him then... Prevented him from taking the pot...

What ifs are useless. This man across from him would know that, had learned it younger, and moved on with his life. In a way, at least.

(is it real?)

Shikamaru nods for Itachi to go on. He's listening.]

[yourhatred]

[The man stirs the remains of his oatmeal a couple times with his spoon, expression thoughtful.]

I believe I trust your judgment in people.

[Stir, stir.]

In who should be privy to certain information, and who will be least likely to share what they shouldn't.

[endgames]

[He wasn't expecting that.]

Wait.. [Shikamaru's face has been a blank slate up until now, but when the meaning of that clicks it's obvious. He blinks, his surprise evident.] Seriously?

[yourhatred]

I don't want a village wide proclamation, you understand.

It will be more believable coming from you than me.

[Yes, he's serious. Those that are returned will forget it, and those fighting here may deserve to know.

If they manage to escape with their memories in tact, well... they'll deal with that then.]

[endgames]

[He snorts at the idea that he of all people would make it a village wide announcement. He didn't even bother with anything like that when Konan showed up, or Hidan.

Like a blow to the back of the head, memories continue to dislodge themselves like skull fragments.]

I'd only considered telling them you were a double agent. Even done afterwards, your word would be needed to give credence to that.

[yourhatred]

[Itachi never believed he'd announce it so publicly, but he felt the need to reiterate that all the same. This is a difficult thing to bring up with others, and he's not entirely sure he's handling it like he should.]

If necessary, I will affirm what I must.

However, you may say whatever you believe you should.

[endgames]

Mm. [He finishes a large bite of bread before continuing.] I'll think it over.

[If this isn't reality, he'll be back home on the battlefield before it becomes an issue. But it's an easy enough thing, distanced enough from the war, to consider for now.

As always (has it been that long) he wonders what happened to make Itachi change his mind, but this time he doesn't voice it. It's been something building up, steady even if slow... And he doesn't think he's done enough recently for it to be just a matter of trust, like Itachi opened with.

His eyes narrow at what's left of the food, but not really seeing it. Sometimes people surprise you.]

[yourhatred]

[Itachi nods, still a little bothered by Shikamaru's mood.

He supposes he can attempt to address it again.]

...Something has been weighing heavily on your mind.

[endgames]

Yeah... [An almost smile.] It's that Captain Obvious hat. Wanna take it from me?

[yourhatred]

[Itachi smiles just the slightest bit at that, a low "hmm" in the back of his throat.

He says nothing, however, watching Shikamaru instead with his head leaning on one hand, leaving the floor open for the other ninja to say more.]

[endgames]

[Shikamaru doesn't say anything until he's finished his food. He eats quickly. Refueled, he pushes his plate to the side when done.]

We're about to fight in a war.

[yourhatred]

We are, yes.

[His expression shifts to something more neutral.]

My apologies if I've taken your worry to mean something more than what it is. There is much to be concerned about in this situation.

[endgames]

Yeah. [He sighs and stretches.] Too bad I can't find it in me to care.

[yourhatred]

About your comrades, or about this war?

Because both, under these circumstances, are linked.

[endgames]

I'll always look after my comrades, so long as I'm capable.

[His tone isn't heated. his voice not raised. But the words come out too quickly for it to not be personal.]

If we're going to die, I want to know there was a purpose, is all.

[yourhatred]

Then it seems to me that you should care more than anyone.

[He says this as calmly and evenly as always.]

Not caring won't get you your answer.

1/3

[endgames]

[endgames]

[Stupid Itachi and his stupid logic.]

[endgames]

[But no, that... that's a good answer. It's the simple straightforwardness he needs-- better yet that he can use. This isn't his war, but if their lives are on the line for it all the same, he'd better damn well get interested. Right?

Chin in hand, he turns his head, covering his mouth with the palm. A nod, slow and deliberate. Right.

Thank you.]

[yourhatred]

[Itachi nods back, returning his attention to the rest of his oatmeal.

There needn't be any words about the fact that Shikamaru had been returned home, recently. The slight shift in age, and the comments he'd made earlier had already gotten that across. He'll have enough questions to deal with from others without Itachi's added on top.]

We'll run into each other again out there, I'm sure. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need my aid.

[endgames]

Sure. [Muttered from behind the hand. More attentively, he drops it a moment later.] You too, you know?

[yourhatred]

Of course.