[closed]

[forbearanced]

Characters: Katakura Kojuro and Hyuuga Hanabi
Location: The training grounds
Rating: G
Time: backdated to January 27, during the tail end of the morning training session
Description:



This morning had, perhaps, been Kojuro's busiest morning on the training grounds. He had gotten up earlier than usual in order to help prepare breakfast for the regulars, and had spent meal time orienting himself with how Gai wanted his kitchen to be run. After that, he immediately marched off to spar with whoever was interested. More people had showed up to challenge him than usual.

The samurai was now switching his training gi for the clothes he wore whenever he tended to his field. He tied a bandanna around his forehead, and, after bidding farewell to his friends and acquaintances in the area, set off towards his vegetable field.

He didn't notice the fact that something - a small good luck charm, something he had purchased on a mission - had dropped from his pocket along the way.

Comments

[usedforcepalm]

The idea of an S-ranked criminal making friends with Kojuro startled Hanabi, but then, Itachi hadn't caused any problems in Death City that she was aware of. She contemplated whether or not she should warn Kojuro about him and decided against it for now. Kojuro could take care of himself and it was rude to gossip.

[forbearanced]

He noted the lack of response and the girl's expression, but did not comment on it. He had an idea of the tension between Itachi and the others from his world, but had never really asked the man about it. It was not his business.

"It is intriguing, is it not?"

[usedforcepalm]

"There are a couple of others that have some similarities, too," said Hanabi. "It makes things a little easier, I think. Especially for people who come here without knowing anybody."

[forbearanced]

"Indeed, it does. I am curious, though."

Kojuro glanced over at his young companion, looking more serious than usual.

"Have the people of your world experienced adverse differences in timelines between you?"

[usedforcepalm]

"Well, Tenten came from a different timeline than I did," said Hanabi. "But I can't say it was a bad thing, since she was the one who let me know that my sister was okay and that the village was fine. When I arrived here, it was under attack and I was just told that my sister was badly hurt."

It had been incredibly frustrating for her, until she got that reassurance from Tenten. First, having to stay in the Hyuuga safehouse instead of fighting to defend the village, and then showing up in the Kishin chamber with no Byakugan after being told that her sister was hurt.

[forbearanced]

"I see. That must have been incredibly disconcerting."

Kojuro frowned a moment, remembering, briefly, the circumstances of his own arrival. It had not been pleasant.

"I can relate to your sentiments, in a way."

[usedforcepalm]

"Oh?" Hanabi had questions come to her, but it was more respectful to see what Kojuro would volunteer. Especially since he was an adult and someone who had good manners.

[forbearanced]

"I had been taken here after a rather important duel, between me and the man who took me from my master."

Kojuro shut his eyes for a moment. It was not a pleasant memory.

"My master was in the process of facing off against an impossible enemy. I was en-route to join him in battle."

[usedforcepalm]

"You're strong, Kojuro, and determined," said Hanabi. "I'm sure you'll be able to get to your master in time to help him when BREW sends you back home."

She didn't know for certain, of course, but she had faith in her friend's abilities and in his willpower.

[forbearanced]

"I can only pray that your faith in me is not misplaced."

And that the faith of everyone in Oshu was not either. Still, Kojuro forced a smile and went back to what he had been doing.

"Now, let us focus on preparing our meal."

[usedforcepalm]

"All right," said Hanabi with a nod. She glanced around and looked for ways that she could help, although she was sure that Kojuro would direct her accordingly. Generally, she followed Lain's lead in the kitchen. She could, however, make a fairly tasty and tidily chopped fruit salad.

(ooc: This seems like a good place to wrap up the thread.)