video | 003

[ura_no_ura]

[Video]

[ When the video first goes on, the screen is covered by a glove-covered hand, but after a slight shaky moment as it's set down on some sort of ledge, the hand retreats, revealing Kakashi standing outside. A few trees, still droopy with melting snow, can be seen in the background. Those familiar with the terrain might recognize it to be near Flame Building. ]

Hello, Luceti.

[ Kakashi dips his head in greeting, since he's addressing all of Luceti. ]

My name is Hatake Kakashi. Some of you may be familiar with me. For those of you who aren't, I'm a shinobi from a village called Konohagakure -- or Konoha for short -- in a country called "Fire Country." I am also the Commander of the Third Division, which is primarily a short-to-mid-range combat division, of the Allied Shinobi Forces. Many of you may be acquainted with or might recognize my comrades, amongst whom include Uzumaki Naruto, Nara Shikamaru, and Rock Lee. [ The names Kakashi lists aren't at random, but selected based on his observations of how recognizable those names would be. ]

The reason why I reach out to all of you today is simple. While things in Luceti currently are peaceful, and it appears we have nothing to worry about, the ever-present threat of the Malnosso and the Third Party remains. Kidnappings still occur, with seemingly no conceivable way to stop or fight them. Should there be an attack on the enclosure, at present, there is no organized force that can fight in concert to protect the enclosure and ensure the safety of civilians who might not be able to fight back. While some of us may be used to working together due to missions and drafts, as far as I am aware, no formal training or maneuvers are ever held to ensure all parties working together are using the best tactics and strategy. And from what I know, there are no formal safety measures in place to protect civilians or evacuate them to safer ground should a fight break out, as it did a few months ago.

On behalf of Konohagakure and Fire Country, by order of Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage-sama, I would like to formally extend an invitation to anyone who has military training, unique or magical powers, or immense skill in battle strategy, espionage and intelligence-gathering, field medicine, hacking, or other specialized skills to join us in forming an alliance. This alliance would not only give those of us from different worlds a chance to meet and discuss our shared interests in protecting Luceti's inhabitants, but would also give us the opportunity to learn and adapt how to fight with and against those with different training or powers. By conducting shared training sessions, maneuvers, disaster simulations, and taking missions together, we can share resources and power, as well as develop strategy.

As for who's in charge... seeing as we're all from different worlds, it would make much more sense for us to establish a council of leaders from different worlds. We invite leaders from other worlds who might have similar shared interests to contact us, and open a line of dialogue.

We look forward to hearing from you all.

[ Speech finished, Kakashi bows to the camera again, then reaches out and turns off the feed. ]


[Action | Flame Building | Afternoon ]

[ Yup, that sure is Kakashi walking vertically up the side of a wall. Just strolling along like it's no big deal. ]


[ Text | Filtered 100% to fellow ninja, written in extremely formal language ]

By order of Yondaime Hokage-sama, the Konohagakure Jounin Exams will soon be held for all qualified Chuunin. If you are interested in participating, a sign-up form has been placed on the door of Yondaime-sama's place of residence. Direct any questions you might have to Hatake Kakashi.

[ Text | Filtered 100% to Shikamaru ]

Shikamaru, I've nominated you for jounin promotion to Yondaime. Though we've decided to hold jounin exams, I've requested a special exception for you. However, if you would like to take the exams in the interest of fairness, you are still welcome to do so. - Kakashi

[ Text | Filtered 100% to Naruto ]

Naruto, I just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for jounin promotion. However, because you are still genin, it will be necessary for you to take the exam. - Kakashi

[ Text | Filtered 100% to Sakura ]

Sakura, I've nominated you for jounin promotion. Usually, this means immediate promotion, but because your peers don't have anyone to nominate them, we've decided to hold exams this year. Let me know if you would like to compete in them. - Kakashi

KONOHA JOUNIN EXAMS	LUCETI ALLIANCE DISCUSSION		ACTION
Kushina & Lee Kushina & Kakashi Kushina & Ino Kushina & Minato Temari Sakura Sasuke Lee Neji Naruto Ino Mikoto Shikamaru	Aang Adela Billy Bones Deadpool Eleytheria Elizabeth Gai Ginia Ikki Iroh Jean Johanna Karla Kirk	Law Loki Luke Masaomi Minato Peggy Riku Rogue Saleh Saori Steve Teddy Thor Vegeta Yuffie	Erwin Lea Sasame Trunks

((ooc: Since this is a call for discussion, feel free to thread-jack and hold your own conversations throughout the post. Kakashi will try his best to answer all comments. Also, feel free to comment on this post even it's super late. As long as we're within the 3 month bracket, we're cool!))

Comments

[ura_no_ura]

[ Kakashi gives Steve a long look. He's not surprised that the other man would be modest about his own abilities or would undercut the importance of his own role. After all, it's the kind of guy Steve Rogers just so happens to be -- at least that part of him isn't any different from the false reality they shared. ]

Mm, I see.

[ He doesn't argue with Steve about just how important his role might have been. After all, it's not like he knows very much about Steve's world. ]

Either way, I'm sure there are quite a few people who are glad you did have that second chance. [ And then there's a slight moment of hesitation -- just a hint as Kakashi shifts in his seat, eye slipping off of Steve. ] I suppose you can say... this is my second chance at life, too.

[neversurrender]

[Was there? Maybe now that he's had the time to get closer to his teammates, maybe they feel that way. Fury might feel that way, but only because Steve can be a useful asset in the field.]

You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. [He has to admit he's curious, but he also notices the hesitation and the nervous shifting. He doesn't want Kakashi to feel like he owes Steve the story just because he told his own.]

BACK FROM HIATUS FINALLY

[ura_no_ura]

[ Kakashi rarely ever opens up about himself. Tries to avoid talking about himself, if he can help it. He doesn't see the point most of the time -- there are far more interesting things to talk about than him. Far less depressing things, anyhow.

Steve giving him a free pass is... appreciated, but somehow it's unfair. They'd agreed to get together to share more information about each other and get to know one another a little better -- beyond the false memories. Beyond just gut feelings and instincts about one another. ]

Maa, the whole point of this is to get to know each other, isn't it?

[ He shrugs, then takes a sip of his drink. ]

I suppose I should start at the beginning. [ Because that's where Steve began. ] As you know, I'm from a place called Konohagakure -- it's essentially a ninja village, which is the military stronghold of a country called Fire Country. I've been a ninja... since I was five.

[ He pauses here and glances at Steve to assess his reaction, because he knows five years old isn't the usual age most people in Luceti become soldiers. ]

[neversurrender]

[Steve sighs, his eyes flicking between the table top and Kakashi's face. Clearly he's bothered by it, but he doesn't want to interrupt Kakashi. If he is honest with himself, he would realize he already knew. Or had an idea. Lee is still just a kid after all and look what he can do...

Finally he nods, motioning the man to continue.]

1/2

[ura_no_ura]

In my world, there are three general ranks -- genin, which is the lowest level ninja; chuunin, which is a ninja of intermediate power who has the ability to lead missions and command some teams; and jounin, the most elite rank.

In your terms, a genin would be similar in rank to a cadet or private; chuunin would be sergeant or lieutenant; and jounin would be captain and higher.

[ For now, Kakashi is going to skip over the details about tokubetsu jounin, as that might just confuse things. ]

I became a chuunin at age six and jounin at age thirteen. [ He pauses here for a moment as he glances down at his glass. ]

When you've spent twenty-six years of your life as a ninja...

[ He trails off here. They're here to compare notes, not to compare battle scars. ]

Maa, I suppose I'm not exactly one of the lucky ones, but I can't say I'm the worst off.

[ Said as his eye arches into a perfect curve. ]

[ura_no_ura]

Anyway, I told you that this is my second chance at life.

[ It's actually his third, but to explain that would require explaining Obito and that's not something Kakashi's prepared to do. ]

Not too long ago, a very powerful ninja attacked our village and decimated us. I technically died in that battle, but my student, Naruto, was able to defeat the enemy and in doing so, was able to resurrect everyone who died at the man's hand, including me.

[neversurrender]

[Steve is following along just fine until the end. The idea of a number of people being brought back to life is a little mind-bending. Sure, he's seen it happen here. He's been victim to it once. But that's Luceti.]

That's incredible. What caused it? Did his death simply reverse his actions somehow?

[ura_no_ura]

Naruto was able to convince him to use a special technique to resurrect us all, at the cost of the user's life.

[neversurrender]

[His brow furrow.]

So...the guy who killed you and others decided to sacrifice his own life to bring you back?