Waterlogged

[notveryspecial]

Where: Amegakure
When: January 20th - March 3rd
Notes: catch all post for Sakura's trip to Ame, so theoretically open to anyone in Ame during her time there.

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[teachingpeace]

He studied her in a glance that by no means conveyed the full sweep he made, then headed up the stairs quickly. "Very well."

[notveryspecial]

The facial piercings were...strange. It made her wonder if it was an indication that this one had a greater position of authority than the one she'd interacted with previously. Or, perhaps, the opposite.

The former seemed more likely, though, as this one hadn't been wandering around the borders of the country.

As she followed after him, she watched him thoughtfully for a few moments. Personal questions weren't really appropriate, and most especially the sort that would answer questions about the nature of his different avatars...but then surely one reason she was sent to Ame was to gather information.

Ultimately, when she chose to speak it was in a quiet question. Either he could take it to mean she was asking it discreetly, or he could miss the question entirely. The latter was probably better. "...Do you also like stew?"

[teachingpeace]

"Unlike the Outer Path, I do not eat." He paused a moment, lifting his chin regally as his steps slowed. "But yes. It is a trait shared."

[notveryspecial]

His answer made her watch him curiously for a few more moments. Partly it was because he hadn't corrected her for asking a personal question while on a diplomatic mission, but it was also because his answer was confusing. Someone had a jutsu that allowed them not to eat?

Useful as it would be to know...it wasn't likely he would share it.

"The...Outer Path?"

[teachingpeace]

"He's the part of me you know as Nagato." He glanced over his shoulder them. "He is the origin of all like me that you see."

[notveryspecial]

The origin? Even if he'd provided her with some form of explanation for what she'd heard of multiple forms (apparently like this one), it didn't make the concept completely clear.

She studied him for a moment, curiosity still getting the better of her. "Then you are...some kind of a puppet?"

[teachingpeace]

"Not exactly. I am the Deva path. I am distinct, as we all are." But they were not separate either, and he really had no way, or inclination, to further unmuddy the waters.

[notveryspecial]

She studied him a moment longer. Puppets could be distinct, after all. It did rule out clones, though. "But you're not a separate person."

[teachingpeace]

"Not anymore, no." He slowed, looking back to her. "But this is as it is and shall be. I am not the only one like myself you will see while you are here... but I am the most loved."