[Closed, Backdated]

[heavenly_earth]

Who: Neji and Hizashi
When: March 22nd
Where: Jounin Station
Notes: Father and son catch up after some unnecessary sneaking around.


Admittedly, he wasn’t doing much more than refreshing his memory with what he’d learned recently. His sealing and first aid training came with modest books of their own, but most of it was practical application and the books were just a general guide and contained more theory than anything. So when he found a bird pecking at his window, Neji gladly set the books down to let it in.

But it didn’t seem interested in coming in, more preoccupied with his fingers while they attempted to retrieve the scroll case. He relented, and upon realizing he had nothing for it, ruffled its feathers and puffed up. He chuckled shortly, and finally worked the message open.

It was from his father, proposing to visit in an hour or two. The Jounin glanced back to his books and over to his newly acquired table set between the living room and kitchenette. There was plenty of time to clean up, given what little there was to do. Neji stroked the side of the bird’s feathers with a crook of his finger, then moved to find a sheet of paper.

Father,

I’m relieved to hear your mission went well. I have an assignment beginning tomorrow at the Spring Festival in Wave Country, but I’m free for the evening. I’d be glad to have you over if you aren’t too worn from your own and you’re sure you can spare the time.

I appreciate your consideration for me, and I’ll have some tea prepared for us after dinner, then.

Sincerely,
Neji

Neji tucked the note into the scroll case. “There’s a feeder I put up outside the lounge,” he informed it, never knowing how much the courier birds really understood, but always willing to try. “Just don’t delay my message too long.”

It blinked at him, then turned and took off into the night.

Comments

[withmyownwill]

Hizashi simply nodded his agreement, serenely certain; Neji was more than capable of ensuring everything worked out one way or another. How could he not, skilled as he was, surrounded as he was by good, talented people who wanted to see him succeed? Whatever the Hyuuga clan might do striving to keep Neji down..... he would rise above. He would spread his wings and soar higher than those shortsighted fools could ever dream, even with their Byakugans. In a clan where boundaries were everywhere, both within and without, and between even those who should have loved each other most dearly, the two of them stood side by side.

Neji would know what it meant to fly. No matter what, Hizashi intended to make sure of it.

Setting the last bowl down on the table, Hizashi paused to watch Neji retrieve a bottle--sake, was it? At his age? Heh..... starting on that spirit of rebellion already, hmmm? It was a more amusing thought than anything else, especially given it was something so utterly trivial. Neji was intelligent, mature, and disciplined--he knew very well how to handle himself with discretion, and as long as he made sure to know his limits and pace himself? He certainly deserved the right to enjoy a little alcohol when he had a mind to. After all, if Neji could die, why couldn't he drink?

He hardly batted an eye to see Neji pouring the glass, instead nodding thoughtfully at the description. "Interesting..... in your hands, that technique truly would be made whole. Of course, such defenses would effectively anchor you in place." It was a definite change, that much was for sure--drastically different from the free-flowing Jyuuken, unhindered in dancing across the battlefield to both strike and defend at any place and any moment. Would Neji compensate for that somehow, then? Or would he commit to a more powerful and entrenched style, in lieu of being a more agile combatant?

[heavenly_earth]

With no objection forthcoming or an otherwise displeased signal, Neji poured a second, then recapped the bottle and brought them over to the table.

"Yes.. It would allow me to prepare for an enemy's assault to a degree, but my own movement would be limited. However.. Earth ninjutsu seems to possess a unique flexibility, and if I can tunnel through the earth beneath in some fashion, I may be able to surprise any enemies intent on it."

At least in theory, provided no skilled sensors were present and he could utilize such a technique effectively while inside that protective dome.

Glancing over the table a final time, Neji didn't find anything in particular missing, and finally settled into a chair.

"In any case, I'll need to do more research before I decide on such combinations, but it's an idea for now."