Shinobi Quest #18

>2. Remind them of the promise to stay in Yugakure.

>2. Remind them of the promise to stay in Yugakure.

>1. Try to listen in.

We are back boys!

>1. Try to listen in.

>1. Try to listen in.

Listening in.

Writing.

You strain your ears, while making sure not to look towards either of the two men…

“We really should head straight back, Guy. With the events happening in the Land of Rice Fields, the other surrounding nations could be under threat.” Itachi says.

“True, but we made a promise to our Genin. They’ve had a rough time of it, and a relaxing time in the famous Yugakure hot springs could be just what they need! I certainly wouldn’t complain, either.” Guy chuckles quietly.

“Besides, you know the second you return, the Fourth is going to send you back out with an ANBU team to investigate. Take this moment to spend some time with your girls. Celebrate the completed mission now, while you have the ability” the older of the two men scolds.

Itachi is quiet for some time, before sighing.

“You’re right, Guy. They deserve a break, and I would enjoy spending some time with them before Minato sends me out again. No better place than here, right?” Itachi acquiesces.

Guy lets out his boisterous trademark laugh. “Excellent!”

After a few moments, the two men walk back towards the group. You feel like you’re the only one who caught that they had distanced themselves from the group- Nori and Hinata were busy chatting, and Lee, Sakura and Sasuke were arguing about some inane topic or another.

“Everyone! I’m pleased to announce we’re staying in Yugakure for tonight!” Guy says, shooting a thumbs up. There’s a loud cheer from most of the genin- yourself included. You really needed some time to decompress after the last mission.

Everyone begins milling about discussing what they want to do. You…

1. Would like to hit up the shops. You need to bring back souvenirs!

2. Want something nice to eat. Those rations taste like paper, and your delicate palette deserves better.

3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

>Write-in

>3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

1. Would like to hit up the shops. You need to bring back souvenirs!

2. Want something nice to eat. Those rations taste like paper, and your delicate palette deserves better.

3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

in that order

>. Would like to hit up the shops. You need to bring back souvenirs!
We can relax in the springs after shopping like a madwoman.

>3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

>3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

>3. Hit up the hot springs. Time to relax!

Is it time for the standard boob comparison episode?

Later, in Shippuden we can have that.

Right now, it's the "Envy At Hinata" episode.

Or "Meet Jiraiya" episode.

> 1. Would like to hit up the shops. You need to bring back souvenirs!

Not old enough yet, Savei t for Shippuden.

Sounds like we're hitting up the Hot Springs first.

Writing~

This is gonna be one dull hot spring...
Itachi and Sauske will behave
Lee and Guy wont do anything much
Us four girls will chat about our own boobs.

not using Hinata's byakkugan to rank their dicks

A wave of exhaustion comes over you… everything else can wait.

“I’m heading to the hot springs. I can imagine it now- a hot, relaxing sauna, stress leaving my body….” you announce, drifting off at the end.

“Sounds good to me, princess.” Nori says, answering the question you didn’t ask. “Mother always says not to eat before getting in the water, anyway.”

Hinata nods in agreement. “It will nice to relax for a bit. This mission has been rather stressful…”

You perk up. “It’s been decided! The hot springs await us! Ohohohohoho!~”

Team Guy has a bit of back and forth, before Sakura bullies them into going to the hot springs as well.

The eight of you head towards the hot springs, travelling up a winding path leading a bit farther away from the town center. It’s decorated with large amounts of foliage- you can tell that the proprietors are trying to make the destination a bit “natural” and “exotic” this way. It does have a certain charm to it that the Konoha springs do not, you admit to yourself.

As you reach the top of the stairs, you can see there is a bit of a commotion-

Ohohoho-nsen Episode? I approve. And I'm not apologizing.

>mixed gender bathing

“Sir, please. We’ve asked you to leave as to not disturb the peace. The female clientele have levied several complaints, and you must understand that we take the utmost pride in providing a safe and private space for them to relax in peace.” an older man says in a scolding tone.

“Aha! See, as I mentioned before, it is simply a misunderstanding! As a travelling writer and sage, I was simply gathering research for my next book! If I have offended anyone, I most sincerely and deeply apologize…” you hear a man say, while bowing and apologizing profusely.

“All the same sir, we must ask you to leave.” the older man says with some measure of finality.

The second man hangs his head dejectedly, his long white hair obscuring most of his form.

Upon seeing the man, Nori lets out a loud groan.

“Of course. He can’t go anywhere without getting in trouble…”

Upon hearing Nori’s voice, the man spins around, the trouble with the attendant seemingly forgotten.

“Could that be my darling goddaughter, come to save me in this, my time of greatest need?” he says, a bright smile on his face.

“You wish, Grandpa Jiraiya.” Nori says, refusing him outright.

“G-grandpa! Please Nori, like I’ve said before! Uncle! Uncle Jiraiya! No woman will give me the time of day if you address me as Grandpa….” he pleads.

Wait… Jiraiya?

“As if they’d give you the time of day anyway, you perverted grandpa.” Nori says, scolding him even further.

He sinks to the floor, defeated.

You recognize that name from somewhere…

1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.
2. Follow suit and deride him for being a pervert
3. Ignore him entirely. He’s between you and the hot springs- you don’t have time for some old pervert.

Do not apologize. That was brilliant.

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.

Called it.

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.

Looks like it'll be an interesting hot springs visit after all

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.
Pervert or not, we must be courteous to the great Sage Jiraya.

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.

>3. Ignore him entirely. He’s between you and the hot springs- you don’t have time for some old pervert.

>1. As Nori to introduce you to this specimen of masculine perfection - obviously poking fun at her and him

>4. Tell him to stop peeping. Looking on adult women is one thing, that just makes him a pervert. There will be children in there now, including one he apparently knows.

Fuck. FUCK. This quest starts up and it's fucking 4AM. Dammit. Well, hopefully I'll be able to catch the tail-end.

Or, more likely, the Puppet Wars (I'm totally on the Wooden Ninja Power Armor side, FYI)

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.

Princess isn't going to be rude to a person who can make her stronger Closed fist for life

>1. Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.
"Well, Nori. I see where you get your unkempt behavior. Ohohohohohoh~!"

>Ask Nori to introduce you to this man.
Jiraya best husbando

Second.

Before I go to bed, though:
>1 "Nori, you know this... Man?" In as doubtful and skeptical a tone as we can possibly muster. Then smirk because seriously, who the fuck wouldn't recognize the Toad Sage Jiraiya, one of the Three Legendary Ninja and student of the Third Hokage. It's not like his appearance is particularly boring, either. Anyone who doesn't recognize him on-sight and realize "well I'm fucked if I fight him" would either have to be blind or a non-ninja. Or Pain.

Also I love how she's literally named after seaweed. It's beautiful.

It's a ramen topping

Which is why I like it so much, yeah.

Well Naruto is a fish cake. So another ramen topping makes sense.

While he's on the floor we should step on him a little....how often does this chance come up? Push our heel into the back of his head, making him eat dirt Ohohohoho

Time to meet Ero-sennin!

Writing.

do it, Princess mode

100% supporting

How much you wanna bet Jiraya is a footfag

No.

youtube.com/watch?v=7ce-iuloaJU

“Nori.” you start, getting her attention. “You know this…. Man?” you say with a flat voice, shooting daggers at the kneeling man with your eyes.

“Unfortunately, yes, I do. This… person…. is Jiraiya- my father’s teacher, and my brother and I’s godfather.” she says, mimicking your tone. She takes this moment to rest her heel on top of his head. “He’s also a disgusting, unrepentant, serial pervert.” she accuses, grinding her heel into his head. This elicits a small sob from Jiraiya.

You entertain thought of joining her… but wait. Jiraiya. He taught the Fourth? Then he *is* that Jiraiya- one of the three Sannin, a legendary Shinobi of Konoha.

“Nori, stop.” you command.

She looks at you, confused, but takes her foot off the man’s head.

You offer him your hand. “Rise Jiraiya, Sannin of the Leaf. Surely there was some mistake?”

He looks up at you, and not missing a beat, gently takes your hand, kissing the back of it.

“Ah, fair maiden, truly you do understand! You have heard of me then? The Great Sage, Jiraiya..” he says, looking hopeful.

Nori smashes her fist into the back of his head.

“She’s too young for you, you nasty old toad. And besides, we’re here to use the hot springs. The last thing we need is you making further trouble.” she growls.

At that, you can hear the laughter of the rest of the party behind you, including your sensei.

Jiraiya rises. “Yes, indeed. I am Jiraiya! The Great Toad Sage! All of the rumors you have heard about me- are probably true! Hahahahaha!” he announces, striking a pose.

He’s certainly… interesting. This is supposed to be a legendary Shinobi? One of the only students of the Third?

You…

1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.
2. Join Nori in continuing to scold him.
3. Are done with this perverted old man- the hot springs await.

>1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>3. Are done with this perverted old man- the hot springs await.

>1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>4. "Uh huh." Completely unamused by his act. Just keep staring at him until he squirms.

1. Keep your composure and greet him warmly.

>4. Just stare at him with painfully disappointment and disapproval. He shouldn't behave like this, and he surely knows it.

You there, Wargle?

I died, and have returned. Figured I'd see if anyone wanted to adapt 4 or not.

Writing.

“I’ve heard many things about you, Jiraiya. Mostly good, though.” you say, addressing the still-posing toad sage.

“You’ve been asking the wrong people then, princess.” Nori says, giving you a weird look.

“Hush Nori, obviously the young maiden is a fan of mine! Not that someone your age should be reading my works, but….” he says, basking in the scant praise you’ve given him.

“What is your name, young maiden?” he inquires.

“I am Tsuki Norihime, heiress of the Norihime clan of Konoha. Pleased to make your acquaintance.” you say, smiling. You turn to the rest of your team- “and this Hinata Hyuga, heiress of the mighty Hyuga clan.” Hinata bows slightly- “and our sensei, Itachi.” you finishes.

“Master Jiraiya.” Itachi says, looking somewhat amused at the elder Shinobi’s situation.

You turn back to him- and catch a glimpse of something odd. He was obviously looking at you, and his expression had hardened somewhat. Just for a fraction of a second- and then his smile returned, wider than ever.

“Three young girls, travelling the world with their handsome sensei! The stories just right themselves, eh Itachi?” Jiraiya says, winking at your sensei.

Itachi seems rather taken aback by this- “I-I have no idea what you’re implying, Master Jiraiya. We are simply returning from a mission…” he stammers.

This draws laughter from most of the people present.

>You turn back to him- and catch a glimpse of something odd. He was obviously looking at you, and his expression had hardened somewhat. Just for a fraction of a second-

He knows about Danzo working for Yoru! He's someone that doesn't trust Tsuki, I bet?

He needs to be dealt with

“Of course, of course! I would never say otherwise! Although it *is* an interesting premise… I may just borrow it for my next book! I would change your names, of course…” Jiraiya seems completely in his own little world now. What an odd man.

It’s Itachi who breaks the silence. “You said you were here by order of the Fourth?” he says, trying to turn the conversation to a more serious topic.

“Yeah, I owed Minato a favor. He said there was something wrong in the north, and since I was in the area already, he wanted me to look into it.” he says, obviously bored with the topic.

You have a good idea of what it is he’s talking about…

“I would discuss it with you tonight, then, Master Jiraiya. We’ve seen what you look for firsthand, I fear.” Itachi says, rather solemnly.

“Ah, very well. I was going to go out drinking, but that wouldn’t be fair to Minato to pass up firsthand accounts. I’ll be at the bar- I’ll keep myself under control, Sage’s honor.” he says, winking at Nori.

She just grumbles.

“Very well! I’m off! I’ll see you later, Itachi. Nice to meet you, Tsuki-chan! Hinata-chan! Hahahaha!”

With that, Jiraiya takes off down the stairs, heading back towards the town. Once he’s out of sight, the party collects itself and heads inside the hot springs entrance.

Inside, you can see the two different doors leading to the separate bathing areas for men and women. After a quick explanation of the rules by the attendant from before, you and the other girls head towards the female bath.

why is this not on /qst/?

When everyone walks past him we should pause and still smiling and say "Now, now Hermit Sage does my family make you uncomfortable, your very good at playing the fool".

No!

We sway him to like us.

----------------------------------------------------

This is truly heaven. The water is hotter than the Konoha bath, but not so much to be uncomfortable once you’re used to it. You lean back, just taking some time to enjoy the relaxing heat of the water on your body.

The other three girls seem to be doing something similar.

You could make conversation, if you were so inclined.

You…

1. Make small talk to the group.
2. Talk to Hinata about something. (What?)
3. Talk to Nori about something. (What?)
4. Talk to Sakura about something. (What?)
>Write-in

Let talk about crap about everyone that isn't here.

>3. Talk to Nori about something. (What?)
"Okay, spill. How long have you known him, is he always like that, what can he do, and am I going to have to incinerate him?"

Seconding

>1. Make small talk to the group.
Lets just listen and see what we can learn, let some one else lead the conversation for a change

>Keep an eye out for boys peeping

ThisTime for gossip and teasing and good ol' queen bee-ery

>1. Make small talk to the group.

Queen Bee it, not too harsh stuff just get peoples opinions of people. Start with the sage.

2. Tease her into spying on the boys.
3 is he always like that?
4 how is wooing sauce boss going?

Second.

Queen Bee-ing it, talking a bit to everyone.

Writing.

Not to harsh now Wargle, just gossip and good times

You decide to relax- let someone else lead the conversation for once.

It isn’t long before Nori pipes up.

“Sorry about Jiraiya, everyone. If I had known he was going to be here, I would’ve dealt with him before…..” she says, staring up at the night sky.

“Nonsense, Nori.” you say. “You had no way of knowing he’d be here, and besides, he’s an adult. Does he always act like that?”

“More or less. He’s a great shinobi as his title suggests, but he’s rarely serious. I don’t know why dad puts up with him, but he always defends him. He’s fun to be around, when it’s just him and I. But put him around other women…. Ugh.” Nori groans.

“Ohohohoho!~” you laugh.

“Is that where you learned your habits from?” you tease.

“No! Not in a million years. Grandpa Jiraiya is a degenerate.” she pouts.

You take a break from teasing Nori to poke fun at Sakura.

“Sooooo. Sakura.” you say, smiling wickedly.

“I know what you’re gonna ask, Tsuki-hime.” she pouts.

“And?” you say, smile unbroken.

“I’m pretty sure he hates me. He never turns me down for going out, but he always invites Lee or Guy-sensei, and then it becomes a “team-building exercise”. The we go on missions, and he’s all business. I can’t even tell him how I feel- I think he’d laugh at me.”

You..

1. Encourage Sakura to keep chasing Sasuke
2. Tell her to give up, look for someone better.
3. Don’t answer either way.
>write-in

>2. Tell her to give up, look for someone better.

He might not be shit tier in this setting but he's still sauce

1. Encourage Sakura to keep chasing Sasuke

he likes challenges right? so challenge him to something

>1. Encourage Sakura to keep chasing Sasuke

Beat him in something he enjoys doing/is competitive with.

Quickest way to a guy's heart

>write-in
"What do you like about him?"

>1. Encourage Sakura to keep chasing Sasuke

>Encourage Sakura to keep going after him.

Or

>Tell her to look for someone better. Who isn't Lee, because he's ours.

>1. Encourage Sakura to keep chasing Sasuke
"I doubt he hates you. Boys sometimes don't know how to express more... delicate feelings. "

So why are you interested in him? The Clan name and power? Or something about him personally?

Sleepy with those pertinent questions

>3. Don’t answer either way.
Well it's not my buisness to push you but if I might make a suggestion.

Sasuke has a bit of an Inferiority complex in some regards and a Superiority one in others. Get better than him at something and don't just show it. Beat him.

>Honestly dating a teammate just sounds like trouble. We're young, and that means all the drama will happen. Maybe lay off him for a while, give it a few years, figure out what sort of person you and who you wanna be, then see if he's interested. And hey, maybe by then you'll have met someone else. But adding all that soul-searching drama to a team of young genin is just asking for a tragic accident when someone gets distracted mid-mission.

Optional.

>Why do you think I haven't asked Hinata out?

Seconding
But make sure they know the spoilered part is a joke.