eyeforaneye | ic contact, synflux;

[ For a while, longer than he needs, no response comes through. Bits and pieces of Kakashi's answer are what he had anticipated and would find value in, almost entirely due to how Kakashi views those in his life who have passed on. Comrades, yes, but more importantly loved ones. That isn't what gives him pause.

It's the way it's used as a springboard to talk about their own pasts together and his teacher's lessons, how they should treat each other as shinobi. How Sasuke should treat Naruto and Sakura. Of course it falls under what he'd asked, but for a young man ready to talk about prayers and rituals he's unprepared to think about those two again. ]

Past kage? Your teammmates? The "people who made a difference in your life".

Both.

( sasuke was featured prominently in more than a few prayers. his time at the shinjuku shrine was spent sharing a contemplative list of what he has to return to. while his students are fractured and separated, the name of the one responsible for that slipped in, too.

sasuke's made a difference in his life. good or bad, it never mattered; they'd always have regret in common. )

But we have to honour the living as much as we honour the dead.

Edited 2024-01-01 14:34 (UTC)

[ Again there's a pause, though this one is short. ]

Are you telling me that as a lesson or are we talking as equals?

It's a lesson. But this one's for me to learn, too.

Equal enough?

That depends.

Do you believe your devotion to those you lost is causing you to undervalue those you have now? Still?

I don't know.

( it's important he answer him truthfully. while he's always been forthright with sasuke about the reality of their existence, he's only ever given him scraps about himself.

hindsight is the real lesson here... he must let it inform his actions now. )

The line between the two becomes blurred. Today, I'm certain that's not the case. Tomorrow... Well, tomorrow hasn't happened yet.

I'll always struggle with it. Probably.

[ What can he say to him? Can he tell him what he saw in the war, and what conclusions he drew from his teacher's willingness to jump in to defend those he loves against those he loved?

Words appear from his thoughts and are carefully erased one by one. ]

How you reconcile that is up to you. If how you pray helps with that, fine. I'm not one to lecture anyone on where their focus should stay.

( he doesn't know what he expected sasuke to say. this wasn't it, but it sounds less defensive than it had been, which means that their relationship is an iota better than it was previously.

that's all he can really give a damn about. )

No, maybe not. But I've never been one to ignore free advice.

See you in church.

( he's coming to visit!!!!!!!! he lied, nyeEEHEHEHEH!!!!!! )

[ But that free advice would require Sasuke to reveal his own mental state currently and shed light on his deepest opinions. It's safe to say he'll be turning down that offer, at least for now, but– ]

I'll assume this is one of your bad jokes.

I won't visit anytime soon. You still have your studying to do after all.

But I'd like to see you in that space. Is that so bad?

Yes.

You're not a member of the religion in the first place. If I have to perform this role then I will, but there's no reason for you to intrude on a religious ceremony with ulterior motives.

"Intrude," "ulterior motives"... I think you might be taking this a little too seriously...

Do you think I'm going to disrespect it?

It depends.

Would you be reading?

If I wouldn't read at a memorial or a shrine, I wouldn't read at a temple or a church.

Unless you had something to hand out. Like a pamphlet or a fortune.

There aren't any fortunes, it's more complicated.

Monotheistic, patriarchal, and the basis of the religion itself is a single book. Their regular meetings include reading portions of the book and interpreting them through the lens of a spiritual leader. That's what you should read during the "service".

They worship the book itself? Or is the book there to guide them into better ways to live and honour their god(s)?

I've got no problem reading it. Unless it's sacrilegious to do so. Could be interesting.

The second one. As I said, I'm still studying, but a few things are apparent.

In that case, that'll be the condition. Read at least one chapter of one of the books, and I'll tell you where the church is located. In that way I'll know you're approaching it seriously.

Alright, you have a deal. I'll even read it without using the sharingan.

( DOUBLES DOWN )

Can I find it online or do you have a physical copy for me?

I have a physical copy but it isn't for you.

Figure it out.

Why not? Knowing you, you've already memorized the entire book, and I always liked holding the real thing in my hands.

But if you insist, I'll do what I have to.

You'd better have that address ready.

Edited 2024-01-08 04:13 (UTC)

I need a copy for my own regular reference.

So I do insist, so you will do what you have to.

I'll have the test ready on what you've read.

A test, huh?

Short answer/long answer? Essay? Multiple choice? Or... a practical?

That depends on which parts you choose to read. Some aren't suited to a practical.

[ Please don't destroy a city. ]

I'll be reading the part you indicated.

Unless you want to move the bar again. You know that if you asked me to read the whole thing, I would.

( it's just something else for them to bond over... the investment of time is worth it. )

Don't accuse me of that. I told you you could read any chapter of any book. [ He pauses, realizing only just now how confusing that is without any knowledge of the bizarre text currently in his hand. ]

A "book" is one section of the overall book. [ ugh... ]

Though if you're planning to read the entire thing then my test will expand to measure up. I won't accept any level of failure from you.

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kawarimi - 2024-01-08 19:32 (UTC) - Expand

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