nineteen crows (朱) action

[yourhatred]

[There's a figure clothed all in black and deep feathers of the same color sitting on the edge of the fountain. He's wearing a rather distinctive headdress, the fact that his outfit isn't more native american than it is possibly attributed to his struggles against the full transformation.

The blind man says nothing, nor spares attention to anyone that passes him by unless they address him first.

Dark birds of all shapes and sizes have gathered around his feet and all around the edges of the fountain as well. They are also eerily silent, scattering as anyone approaches on to return to the same spot at the first opportunity.]

((Itachi will be playing the role of Raven, the trickster.))

Comments

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[There is one blond ninja hanging around near the fountain, wearing one hell of an outfit suited for being the evil wizard that he totally is. He's got the cloak, the hat, a long stick that he found, and even a fake beard to better suit his needs. As a wizard.

And far be it from him to recognize someone he knows. But he has no idea what those birds are for, so he's kind of standing far away.] Ahahahaha! Fear my power!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

[Itachi's eyes flash to red, at which point he is unable to help raising an eyebrow.]

Very well, Uzumaki Naruto. I am trembling with fear.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[He can't tell if Itachi was actually scared, mostly because he's never seen any emotion from the guy. But he'll take his word.]

Awesome! Someone's respecting my power in magic! That'll show 'em all!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

I could respect it even more if you provided me with a demonstration.

[Itachi calmly rests his chin in one hand.]

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

Huh? Oh! [A demonstration is something he can do. He's a wizard after all! Gotta give reason for all that fear he's gonna acquire. Let's see...

He'll start off by making a shadow clone after doing some inane staff movements. Because that's definitely magic.] Tremble!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

...Fascinating. You are truly a spectacular magician.

[Wow, Naruto. Just wow.]

How about I propose a challenge to you, then. It shouldn't be a problem for one as powerful as yourself.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

You can challenge me if you want to get yourself destroyed by my almighty power! I accept!

[Both Narutos are going to let out a hearty laugh after saying that, waving their staff around. And it's still just a really long stick.

Best. Wizard. Ever.]

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

Very well. I will give you three tasks. If you can perform even one of them, I will return the favor by completing a duty in your name.

[He smiles. Very faintly.]

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

No need to say it like that! I'll complete all three of them with ease! [One of the Narutos just pumps his fist into the air.] What do you want done?

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

Do you see my birds here?

[He gestures to all the ones sitting around him.]

They've become a bit overprotective. If you can scatter all of them so that none are alighted nearby, you will have completed the first task. It needs to be done in or under thirty seconds.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

This couldn't get any easier! Tell me when you're gonna start counting and I'll get on it!

[The other Naruto, that totally isn't a clone, disappears. The real Naruto decides to stretch for a moment, trying to consider how to go about this goal.]

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

I will begin the count as of... now.

[The birds will attempt to return after flapping away from whatever Naruto tries, but enough effort should eventually get all the ones on the fountain up into the air together.]

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[Naruto's version of effort involves many things with shadow clones, which is why he's creating a bunch the moment that Itachi begins count. From there... it kind of mostly falls to him trying to scare them away with yelling and his stick.]

Shoo! Shoo! Get flyin'!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

...I must say I find your show of power astounding.

...

Ten seconds.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[This is the ultimate show of power!] How fast are you counting!? [NO MATTER. He must step up his game. Which means throwing clones around by his stick like projectiles and yelling some more.]

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

[The birds should all be off the fountain before Itachi's count is finished.]

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[That fact allows Naruto to dispel his clones all at once, and tap his staff on the ground. While panting.] A... Aha!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

Very impressive, Uzumaki Naruto.

It would seem you were almost successful.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[Booyah--

Wait.] A... Almost?

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

[He unfolds his arms to reveal a single blackbird sitting in his lap.]

This one has yet to take flight.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

[............................]

Th-That's cheating!

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

On the contrary. Had you asked if I had any birds on my person, I would have responded honestly. You simply didn't think to do so.

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

That's keeping information! Totally cheating! [He's a wizard, not a quiz show host!] Can't you give me another chance?

[yourhatred.livejournal.com]

I did say you had three opportunities, didn't I?

[nextgen-hokage.livejournal.com]

Did you? [Naruto only remembers saying he only needed one shot. Nothing else because attention didn't get a paycheck today. Oh, well. THREE CHANCES BABY.] Right! Okay, I'll get it!