Ryu wasn't sure still about the day before. The fight he had in the sands was interesting to say the least. A puppeteer that virtually made his body unreachable but still in plain sight. Invisible strings or not if he could see the source and the end connection he could figure out where the strings were moderately. He stood in the apartment above the bar fresh out of the shower with his pants already on. A hand reached out to wipe the steam from his mirror as he looked at himself. Tattoo's dark against his wet skin and his hair fairly matted down. His blue and purple eyes staring at himself. He could possibly have brought hell on his home but he was mentally ready for an attack. If any one came at him for destroying a puppet they would probably use a show of force. Show the slums still had to answer to the village. With any luck though his offense was below that radar. Not worth risking issues with the slums over one guy with some jutsu. A knock on the door to the apartment drew his attention before he placed his eye patch back over his purple right eye.

Ryu moved out of the bathroom and walked barefoot across the carpet of his living room to the door. One of the two girls on the couch reached out and touched his hand but he walked passed any way. A hook up meant very little to him. He had just been celebrating his victory and they happened to be partying the night before. Nothing wrong with a couple of hotties in the VIP section. Still it had only been a momentary distraction. His hand reached out as he opened the door and looked outside. A young man with sunken eyes and dark hair handed him a wrapped package and nodded before taking off back downstairs at a brisk walk. He watched him go before locking the door as he stepped back in. Pulling the wrap apart and finding his new knife. With a smile he tucked it into the back of his belt next to the sheathed kunai. Even in the bathroom he had his weapon. He smiled and moved over to the couch. Pulling a black tank top from under one of the girls. They just passed out on his clean clothes....rude. Still he didn't have anything of value they could get at so he slipped on the shirt and then his socks and boots. Heading out the door and down the stairs.

His eyes took in the bar as empty as it was. There was the bartender girl that looked at him and rolled her eyes. The information collective of his operations ran through her. She was loyal but thought taking girls into his bed he didn't know was a good way to get stabbed. Playing pool was a big bald man in a white tshirt and blue jeans with a Jackal on the front of the shirt. A bouncer here and one of the better muscle in his crew. He was playing with a skinnier man with a wakizashi on the small of his back. A weapons specialist and the one who got things if Ryu needed them. The three of them were basically all his second in command. They knew their roles and played them well. Still the other two barely nodded at Ryu as he popped a beer and moved to the back of the bar and lounge across his couch. His own little raised area considered the VIP section. It was just two couches with some soft chairs between them along a wall in a crescent shape. Simple but comfortable.

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Kei spent that night reflecting upon the fight yesterday, remembering each description of the puppets used, and beginning to formulate possible technique ideas that he could possibly make work out in the future. It gave him a sense of encouragement, to actually know that this puppet-user is most indeed weak against the element he just so happens to specialize in, and as long as he takes that information to heart and bases his training in both overall skill and techniques towards it, he is fully confident it won't take him very long to be able to reach a point in which he can begin dismantling those puppets with ease, as well. He would have to look into it later on, however, as currently, he had moved from his mother's home in the slums to "A Hounds Heaven", a bar that seemingly had an extension on top of it. Kei wondered what this would be exactly, though then again, considering how he still assumed this person to have been apart of some sort of gang, he could only assume that that extension was probably the living area for them.

Kei himself would be wearing a black jacket, which appeared tattered along the edges, with some tearing especially around the joints of the sleeves. Underneath this would be a baggy white tank-top, which would cover his torso. He would also be wearing a pair of black pants with a leather belt, completing his outfit with a pair of shoes. Granted, it's not exactly colorful, but honestly, not a lot actually works with Kei's appearance, and working with what he has, he was pretty okay with what he was wearing, even if it was a bit on the wannabe edgy™ side of things. He wondered why he was coming here in the first place. Other than the debt he owed, he didn't really understand much about why he's even here. Was it really because of promises of coming to see him in order to get out of Sunagakure, or is it something else? He only met this person for less than a day, and generally, people with common sense don't just decide all willy-nilly to go to a place they're told to go to by someone they don't even know.

Still though, one thing for sure was that he was curious about what the guy had to offer him. Just like everyone else, he's drawn by curiosity and by an opportunity that aligns with his goals. It was almost as if he himself wasn't consciously moving as he walked up to the entrance of the bar, knocking on the door with three knocks before opening it, walking through the entrance and into the bar, hands in the pockets of his pants. Looking around, he could see it was relatively empty overall, save for the female bartender and a few others, of course. Among those few would be a large bald man in a white shirt that was playing pool with someone that was skinnier than him, whom of which had some sort of weapon on the small of his back.

It would be then that Kei would remember that he never actually caught the guy's name, only instead he only caught what the symbol he had was. Still, considering this was his bar, or at least a bar he liked, he knew that he couldn't just use the word "Jackal", but he didn't know much else about the guy other than that. "Hey, eyepatch guy, you here?" He would call out loud. It sounded pretty stupid to call him by that, but he didn't really know what else to call him by. As he asked he would stand around a meter in front of the entrance, waiting for a response.

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The previous day had been quite the productive day for the young Uchiha boy who was rolling his way out of bed as the light came in through his window. He had been presented with an opportunity to come away having made three new contacts, and he had fully taken advantage of all of it. He was proud of the work that he had done yesterday, and all of it had happened while he didn't have to actually get his hands dirty. He despised combat, and it wasn't in his nature to go and pick a fight with anyone, or even defend anyone, unless it was specifically Misaki, who he would lay down his life for. If people knew him better they would say that he was selfish or self serving, which was absolutely true; he never did anything that didn't benefit himself. In the exchange yesterday he had walked away with a potential three new pawns, one of whom was someone who held a little sway in the village.

Ryuto had been invited by the boy whom had been being hunted by the puppeteer to come to the Jackal's club, a place that Ryuto's contacts had told him about but until now he had decided it was in his best intrest to stay away from. He had decided that since they didn't know him, it could be potentially lethal if he walked in uninvited wearing a suit and asking to see the club owner about a business proposition. He remembered what the man had been wearing, and how he had looked at Ryuto the day before, a look of distaste perhaps at his formal attire? He had decided that today he would go outside of his box a little bit and not fully dress to the nines, like he normally did. He looked into the dresser that he nearly never touched, finding a pair of dark grey jeans that he would pull on, tucking in his tan shirt into them. He would grab a nice tie that would work well, tying it into the shirt and the jeans, and tie it in a rosebud knot, something a little bit more casual, before putting on a medium brown vest to finish the look. His pocket watch would still be on his vest, as it always was, and he would grab a pair of brown sunglasses before putting on a pair of medium brown shoes, and heading out the door.

The village was its usual busy self as he made his way towards the club. He wanted to get close to the leader of the Jackals, as he would prove to be an extremely useful contact if Ryuto could befriend him. As he wound through the streets into the slums of the village, an area he had only recently become familliar with because of Misaki, he found the entrance to the place and made his way in, looking around. There were a few people around, a large man and a skinnier guy who was armed both playing pool, and the woman at the bar. He made his way into the place, walking up to the bar and ordering a hot toddy, speficying tea instead of water and whiskey as the spirit. It was handed to him and he payed the woman, making his way around. He noticed that the boy whom had been attacked the day before was there as well, making his way over to him and holding out a hand to him once more.

"Good to see you're doing alright friend. That was quite the commotion yesteday, but I'm glad you made the right decision in the end." He would smile as he spoke, that disarming smile that he was so famous for. He was good at his craft, getting people to like him and feel comfortable around him, and he would be putting that on full display today...

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Ryu would keep his eyes closed and lounge comfortably as he waited. He was expecting company eventually but he wasn't sure of what kind. He had done his last night on earth hit list of drinking, smoking and fucking but now he was just left to see who came through the door. In his mind it was one of three things. Most common was some rival thug that thought themselves man enough to challenge him for his territory. Typically he never bothered raising a hand to them. One of his lieutenants was usually enough. That wasn't what concerned him for the moment. There were two scenarios more likely coming. First was a group of shinobi were going to kick in his door and he was going to have to take them all down or die. Considering the enemy had a general idea of his capabilities He wasn't sure about that. If it came down to it he would likely just rip a hole in the wall and bail. Maybe take them down individually for crossing him later. He had spared the one and let him surrender but he still felt in his instincts that had been a mistake. If that one came for him he would likely be prepared with a plan and the longer Ryu waited the more concerned he became. Anxiety was a terrible thing.

However the last of the three scenarios would thankfully prove to be the one which would come to fruition. The door opened and his one eye opened lazily as he looked to the light streaming in. For a moment all the possible turns the day could make stood on the other side of that light filled door. Fate would be waiting if he simply were to look. Instead he waited impatiently. When the boy strode through he had perhaps saved or perhaps interfered with he smiled a little to himself. He seemed out of place. Nervous in nature and yet Ryu had not seen that in him the day before. He would slowly sit up and lean on his knee's and observe as the two men stopped playing pool and turned to face him. The big man moving the pool stick over his head to rest it behind his neck across his broad shoulders. His hands holding either end. The skinny fellow simply rested his free hand on his weapon and shifted his grip lower on the stick. It was clear that seeking out the man with the eye patch was typically frowned upon. However they were not shinobi. He felt if they took this kid on they would get hurt.

The door opened once again as another entered. The mysterious man in nice clothes entering once more. He observed the situation and as if it was just a casual day at the bar, a stop to wet his lips, he moved to the bar. He would order a drink that Ryu couldn't hear from where he sat before paying for it and speaking to the young man. Ryu would glance at the door and the room before whistling in a high pitched noise. The two men would go still for a moment before the big man would nod to the stairs leading to the vip area above. With that the man and his companion would return to their pool game. No questions asked. Should his two guests move up the stairs they would find Ryu sitting back in a lazy boy facing the stairs from the far side of the room. A black leather couch sat on either side of the room to the left and to the right of the lazy boy and a table in the center, rectangle and glass. He would smile if they arrived and speak up casually.

"My apologies if the reception was a little cold. But of course all patrons are welcome here."

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Kei's body would tense as he would see that he had caught the attention of the two playing pool, turning to face him. The large man would move a pool stick over his head, resting it behind his neck, sitting on his broad shoulders with both hands holding onto their respective ends of the stick. The skinnier male would rest his free hand upon his weapon, his grip having shifted lower on the stick. Kei himself would have his right fingers curl into a fist, his eyes narrowing as he looked at the two, wondering if he for sure actually had the correct location, or if he had just stumbled into the wrong place, and will now have to either fight or try to get out fast. Just like with that damn Chuunin from yesterday, he didn't wish to get into an actual fight, but he's not going to back down if there's no other option. He would already begin considering how he will take on the two of them, considering the skinnier one to be the bigger threat in regards to weaponry, though the larger one would clearly have an advantage in strength. All in all he figured that if he can get the large one in the groin, he can better focus on the skinnier one, hopefully using his threads to disarm and take him out.

He then had an idea of getting a clone, knowing full well he could, too. Kei figured that if he had an ally, another version of himself, that version could actually distract the skinnier one, which would be extremely useful, as he could better focus on the other one. Yes, that would be the idea he would go for, though before he could execute it, the door would open again, and in would walk the Uchiha from yesterday, whom of which would be wearing a pair of dark grey jeans with a tucked in tan shirt, a tie attached to it. A medium brown vest would finish the look, making the Uchiha clearly look as though he was at least somewhat attempting to look more casual than yesterday, though still, he looked a cut above the other three present. This person would order some kind of drink, one of which Kei had no knowledge of, and would pay the female bartender, approaching Kei himself afterwards and holding out a hand to him. Kei would stretch out his right hand, shaking the Uchiha's in response, showing that he had taken the advice from yesterday.

He would tell him that he is glad he sees Kei is doing alright, stating how the event yesterday was quite the commotion, though he's glad he made the right decision in the end. Kei would look at the seemingly friendly smile the Uchiha offered him. He was suspicious of the other male slightly yesterday, though literally he had done nothing to him. It was just the eyes his kind were famous for, it made Kei before not even wish to risk looking at his eyes, and today he was still strongly uncomfortable with it, but today, he would also give it a chance, risking the possible downsides of making eye contact with him, only for the sake of showing respect. His blue would meet a pair of silver eyes, and a pair of sunglasses on his head. "I owe you both. It'd be an insult if I went back to wasting my life." He would respond to the Uchiha, making true on what he said yesterday. He didn't like being saved by others or rather, he didn't like depending on others in general, but it didn't change the fact that he was in a pit of shit, and these two helped pull him out and give him a possible door for him to walk through.

Hearing a high-pitched whistle, Kei would look back over to the two men, only to see the larger one nodding to the stairs before the two would return to their game, seemingly okay with the two meeting with their leader. Kei would continue looking at the two for another moment before making his way over to the stairs, walking up them and into the vip area above. As he entered the area, he would see the Jackal leader sitting in some sort of lazy boy on the far side of the room, wearing some sort of black tank top. Kei himself would go ahead and move over to the black leather couch to the right of the lazy boy, sitting down on the left side of the piece of furniture, where he would look over to the person that saved him yesterday. He would hear him apologize if the reception was a little cold, stating that all patrons are welcome there. Kei nodded his head in response, offering a smile back to the male. "It's no problem at all. You offered strength, so I came to see what you're offering." He would respond pretty casually as he slouched forwards, his elbows on his knees and his hands hanging between his legs.

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The Hot Toddy was pretty good actually, Ryuto was impressed. Most places seemed to do a terrible job and make it wrong, or they wouldn't listen to the specific requests when it comes to fine tuning such a drink, but this place seemed to have it down. As the young suna ninja extended his own hand to shake Ryuto's, he nodded his approval, the handshake not necessarily the most firm, but not weak either. It wasn't perfect, but it was a passable hand shake which was much better than whatever it was he had tried to do the day before. The young Uchiha noticed that the boy had looked him in the eye, which surprised him. He didn't know many people willing to do such a thing, most of them instantly defensive especially if they had seen his Sharingan when it was active. He smiled a crooked half smile as he responded, "Oh no bother. You don't owe me anything, I simply want to count you as one of my friends." That smile was disarming, his look equally so. He hadn't pumped up the charm this much with Misaki, though with him it was a bit of a different story as Ryuto had to spend the majority of the time he spoke with him trying not to sound like an idiot because stupid hormones and shit.

Keep drawing them in, lock them down man. Make them yours god damnit!

He watched as the large man who had been playing pool examined them before nodding them up to the upper level towards the set of stairs, following the boy as he made his way up the stairs. Ryuto was curious to see how the gangster was going to look today, and to see what kind of reception he would give the two boys, but he wasn't too worried about it. He was pretty sure that even in his silence that day, the man had been impressed by Ryuto's presence, and he wanted to keep making that happen. He would be the person that the Jackal leader would think he could turn too, or at least that was what he wanted. He smiled to them as they approached and Ryuto took a chance to look around the area. It was a fairly simple lounge, nothing overly special to it, but it was cozy and it had a good view of the rest of the club. Ryuto moved towards him and sat down on one of the couches, looking down at the table for a coaster, not finding one, and therefore pulling a kerchief out of his pocket so that he could rest his drink on it. He had been taught well as a child how one should act, and it wasn't going to change right now.

"Indeed, I do not expect any pomp when I enter a place. I'm simply happy to be invited." He would raise his right leg so that it was perpendicular with his left, creating a perfect ninety degree angle when his ankle on his right leg touched the knee on his left, which had its foot firmly planted on the ground. He would rest his left hand on that ankle and drum with his fingers as he sat there, perfect posture and a charming smile on his face at all times, nothing too big but simple enough to pass as normal. "I am intrigued about the offer of strength as well, my friend. I am quite curious to see what you have in mind." The Uchiha was used to people approaching him, though it was generally on his terms, so this situation was a little bit foreign to him. He didn't allow himself to show any discomfort at the situation however, as he was determined to walk out of this club with two more useful people in his pocket for later...

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Ryu would observe both young men walking up the stairs towards him. One of the people downstairs hit the laptop button and music played in the floor below at a low beat barely audible upstairs. It seemed to be playing Gas pedal with more Bass than needed. As they moved up the stairs it became to a point where they could understand what was playing but they wouldn't be inhibited in conversation. The sound set up was well set up for the concept that people up in the VIP could remain comfortable and converse but still enjoy music. As the two found their way in Ryu would be sitting in his chair and watching them with one eye. Each of them would sit on either side of him, one on each couch and he would observe how Each of them sat and saw the difference. The kid would settle on one side and settle leaning forward with his elbows on his knee's. His hands hanging between his legs but free. If he had to move he could do so quickly. A perhaps subconscious way to sit. The other man sat on the other side and his form was a little different. He sat straight with one ankle over his knee and looking comfortable. He had an air about him that suggested he wanted the room to know he was in enough control to look so comfortable. Just sitting there Ryu felt like he might need to fight for Alpha male in his own house.

Both men sat down and spoke of an interest in the power he was offering. He would smile a little bit before the door slightly more up the stairs would open and the two women from his room would come out. Looking disheveled and like they slept in their club wear. They stopped at the door and one of them, a tan brunette would look at him with a smile. He would glance at her and raise an eye brow. She would look confused for a moment but a small amount of hurt would enter her eyes. She was obviously not accustomed to one night stands. They seemed to look angry but he didn't really mind. Another scorned lay meant little. Instead they stormed down as the bartender would pass them talking some very suggestive shit on the stairs and glance after them. She arrived in time to give Ryu a bottle of beer and Kei a bottle of water before leaving. Heathens popping up next on the track before he would pop his beer open with his thumb and took a swig. Sitting back as he observed them both. One leg going over the edge of the chair arm. Speaking calmly without much passion but with a glint in his eye.

"I don't know how this particular offer pertains to you Mr. Uchiha but to the lad there, I offer something almost all genin need and I have. A way to be prepared to face what comes and tear down whatever establishment holds them back. The word kid is Experience."

He would sip his beer again before he would shift to look at the young man across from him. His attention only splitting to observe the Uchiha for a moment before he would sit up himself and lean forward. Mimicking the kids own sitting position as he himself would look him in the eyes. He didn't care if the kid looked different or wasn't planning to stick around. He didn't care that the kid gave him a new enemy or brought shinobi down on his head. He glanced after a moment of eye contact to do the same with the uchiha. Though that one brought a bead of sweat down his forehead. He spoke then with more conviction. His blue eye taking them both in.

"Meet me here no less than once a week, We go to the roof and we fight hand to hand combat, no jutsu. Both of you against me or just one at a time. If you want to learn how to fight you fight. It's simple but I know its true. I am Ryu Myugan and leader of the Jackals. Put faith in me and I will make you into something else. A survivor."

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Kei watched as the Uchiha sat down, pulling out a kerchief out of his pocked and resting his drink on it, clearly trying to go for some sort of makeshift coaster. If upper-class had a face, it would be this person, whom of which seemingly strolls through the slums well-dressed, even as he is within this outfit of his at the moment, who apparently likes to act formal with nearly anything, whether it was appearance or how he treated furniture. Kei himself never truly bothered much with coasters, as overall his upbringing was pretty casual in regards to manners, where as long as he wasn't being a prick out of nowhere, he was doing okay. This Uchiha was seemingly formal and kind, a difference from the stories that he had heard. His head would nod in agreement with what the male had said, mentioning how he is simply happy to be invited. The Genin would take noticed on how different the Uchiha sits in comparison to him, with his right leg raised so it was perpendicular with his left, with the the ankle of the right touching the knee of the left.

Kei would look back at their host as the Uchiha would speak, expressing similar interest in what this offer of strength was. He wasn't going to lie, at this moment, he was definitely anxious to learn, to see what this man was offering and take it. He wished to be that person that can turn to this leader and offer his support, while taking any lessons in return, though he knew all too well that a wish is different than reality. Kei made his best attempt to restrict his anxiousness to figure out where this path will lead, or what the first step even was, but he wasn't used to interacting with others on too much of a social basis, leaving him to almost unknowingly twiddle his thumbs, his right foot lightly tapping as he waited. He could hear the sounds of a song firing up in the background as they sat there, a faint, low beat being the most of what he could hear at the moment, what with his focus otherwise taken.

Kei wouldn't notice the two females arriving from a door that was slightly more up the stairs at first, instead he would be more looking towards the ground, recalling how different things are between the day before and now, reminding himself to keep in mind that this is the same person that took on multiple puppets from a skilled puppet user and most likely would have won, while the other was an Uchiha, someone else that probably could've raised hell in an entirely different way. They don't even look like they did before, in regards to how outclassed the Genin clearly is from them both, reminding him that appearances can be deceiving, and that even someone relaxing could be incredibly skilled and devastating in a fight.

He wouldn't so much as look at the two females that were seemingly not there before, both of which seem to be storming out. Chances are they're not worth looking at anyways, at least not for someone like him, whom of which isn't even interested in that type anyways. The puppet user from before was more appealing to Kei, and he'd rather see him missing a heart before seeing him missing his clothes. Instead he would focus on the beverages coming, seeing the female bartender from before having handed Ryu a bottle of beer while Iriye himself received a bottle of water. Bar or not, he'd rather water over beer, anyways, nothing really beats water as a means of a refreshing drink. Twisting off the cap, he would drink some of it, allowing the cold liquid to slide down his throat before putting the cap back on, hanging it by the fingers of both of his hands as he went back to his previous sitting position.

He would shift his eyes towards the Ryuto before looking back towards their host, the glance serving as a means of seeing what he was doing at the moment, though his attention still remaining on the one that invited them both here. He frankly doesn't do well enough in public places to really know how to chill out that much right away, making him instead watch and wait as he saw the guy sitting back, one leg over the edge of the chair's arm, being in an even more relaxed position than before. He didn't speak with passion in his voice, which would be a good thing because honestly with the way he was sitting right now it wouldn't exactly fit. He would however address Ryuto first, telling him how he doesn't know how the offer pertains to him but to Kei, he offers something almost all Genin needs, something he has. He went on, describing it as a way to be prepared to face what comes and tear down whatever order holds them back, finally revealing the word to be experience.

Experience was definitely something Kei needed, especially in these days, where he could get attacked once more by that puppeteer, or any allies he may have, as well, and that's not counting the multiple other gangs within Sunagakure, let alone the other corrupt Shinobi that may be out there. Experience was definitely something Kei lacks, and he had been ignorant of that until the day before when he could have died if it weren't for these two stepping in. He slowly nodded his head in response, a sign of both attentive listening and of reluctant agreement. He would then notice how this person would switch positions, going from his previously relaxed one to that of a copy cat of Kei's own, looking at the Genin in the eyes. He could notice the more subtle glance towards Ryuto now after having eye contact with himself, something Kei himself had still felt extremely uncomfortable doing.

He told the both of them to meet him here no less than once a week, telling them that they'll go to the roof and fight in hand to hand combat, with no jutsu. It would be either the both of them against the gang leader or just one at a time, and if they wish to learn how to fight then they'll fight. Something described so simply yet has a large effect on one's own skills is something one can be doubtful about it working, though then again, Kei is someone that only knows the basics of fighting, while this person pretty much went hand to hand with a puppet user, so any doubts the Genin had would have to wait in line behind the confidence he had placed on the weight of his words. Introducing himself as Ryu Myugan, the leader of the Jackals, he requested they both have faith in him and he in return will make them into something else, survivors. Kei would look to the left of Ryu for a moment, as if considering something, before looking back at him, returning eye contact and nodding once more. "Anything else?" He would ask, wondering if that's it or if Ryu or Ryuto had anything to say on the matter.

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Ryuto could see the look in Ryu's eyes as he turned to look him in the eye, the posture that he was presenting to the two of them being kind of slobbish. The young Uchiha had known coming in that it was likely he was the most well learned of the three of them, and his etiquette was impressive when put next to most shinobi, but he still wasn't quite expecting this. He noticed that the man seemed a little bit nervous when he looked him in the eye, the same way that the other boy had looked when he had done the same. Most people did this when looking an Uchiha in the eye; it was something that was often avoided and Ryuto knew that very well. It was nice to see that they were willing to make themselves vulnerable when doing so, and he would give them no reason to fear him on this day. Ryu told them that fighting would be able to help them become survivors. Ryuto thought that combat was primitive and barbaric, and he avoided engaging in hand to hand combat at all costs. He had no interest in fighting this man, though of course he couldn't simply say that. While he thought on a possible answer he would turn to look at the other boy.

By the time Ryutro looked towards him, all he was doing was watching Ryuu intently, holding a bottle of water but that was about it. Ryuto heard him speak, though it was only too words, so it didn't give him much extra time. He would change his position, putting his two feet on the ground instead and his elbows on the table as he made a finger pyramid and contemplated the offer. He brought his pointer fingers to the bridge of his nose, his thumbs resting on his chin as he watched Ryu's face, trying to gauge what the proper way to answer to this situation would be. He wasn't a fighter, he knew that absolutely. If he couldn't use his jutsus there would be no way that he would be able to win in a fight against Ryu, and he imagined even if the genin was on his side it would be difficult to do. There was also the fact that he hated hand to hand combat, preferring to stand back in a battle and use his genjutsu prowess to mess with his opponents. He didn't think that turning down the offer would make him look better in the man's eyes however.

He weighed the thought of fighting against him on his mind, thinking that with the other boy he would stand a bit of a chance. He didn't know much about him, having not seen him fight at all the day before, but he knew that having the numbers advantage was generally a useful thing. He could use the boy to his advantage fairly easily, using him to occupy his opponent as he moved in to strike from different angles. This was the most likely way for him to win, but as he was a higher rank, he assumed that fighting him in a two on one would look somewhat cowardly. Were he to fight this man one on one he would surely lose, unless he could potentially figure out a way to stop him from figuring out what he was doing. If he could work out a seal in his week off that he could hide under his clothing to enhance his physical abilities, there was a chance that the young Uchiha would be able to gain the one up on him, though cheating to win a fight that he had no interest in partaking in wasn't something he necessarily wanted to do. He was a fairly prideful person, and if he was going to win a fight he would want to do it fairly, and if he lost while cheating it would only be worse. He raised his head off of his hands, looking Ryu in the eye as he spoke.

"I am not a physical combatant, not at all. I have spent my entire life working on a mastery of genjutsu at the expense of my physical self..." He would trail off, sighing once more and pursing his lips briefly before speaking once again. "Though I suppose that I could fight you...I will not pair up with this young man, I would rather do it by myself. Being a shinobi I should know enough to get myself by. While I am fairly positive I will not win, I will give it my best." He would rest his forehead and chin in his hands once more and continue to watch the Jackal leader, awaiting his response to his answer.

2149

Ryu would watch them in silence for a moment waiting for what he suspected was coming. They were expecting some sort of seal or weapon no doubt. Perhaps a hidden army at their command or maybe he would just unlock their hidden potential by laying a hand on them. The world didn't work like that. It was a struggle time and time again to train to get stronger and pray on your knees at night that someone stronger didn't come by to snuff you out for fun. The world was a harsh place and the faster someone realized that the faster they could get stronger in order to survive it. The people in the village poked fun at those in the slums as weak and lazy burdens to society. They didn't understand what it was to fight for bread. To nearly die in a gutter over just enough ryo to get a bowl of soup. They had vacations and sick days and holidays but the slums couldn't afford those. If one lased in bed they missed a meal. If one left the slums it was either in a body bag or in a vain attempt to cross the desert in dreams of somewhere easier. Usually ending in a body bag. As for holidays, what was there to celebrate?

Still he would sip his beer and cherish the flavor before downing another sip. Owning a functional bar in the slums basically made him low class in the village but here he was basically the king. At least on the east end of town. Still it was the kid that spoke first. Almost sounding disappointed. Probably read some comic book about radioactive spiders and green rings of power. He would smirk a little at the concept before Ryuto would speak up next. His eye shifting over to him as he listened. The Uchiha admitted that he wasn't a highly physical person before suggesting that he wouldn't take the advantage of a two on one against him. Ryu noted the pride the man seemed to establish before he spoke in return. Addressing both of them.

"Experience isn't something to be taken lightly. Be it with tricks of the mind or by way of the fist the one who knows more instinctively of what to do next has the advantage. It will hurt, it will take time and you will likely feel spiteful towards me for it. But that is my offer."

He wouldn't acknowledge the concept of Ryuto wanting to fight alone just yet. After all he didn't trust village shinobi, well dressed men with their noses up or genjutsu users. This man was a trifecta of them all. It was going to take some time for Ryu to take anything he said to heart. If he had to guess he wanted the alone time to get away with whatever he was planning while Kei wasn't there. Still he would offer the olive branch of peace to him for now. As for Kei. He would try and help the boy reach new heights. For now Ryu would finish his beer and set it on the table without a coaster because he could. Speaking up once more.

"Now if you don't mind. We need to get ready for business soon. Come back on Thursday when I'm not busy. It's a slow day for bars. We can practice then. If you don't show I won't hold anything against you."

exit thread
2586
Reaction time C-1 to C-3 1300/1300
1286
Endurance C to C-1 600/600
Speed C to C-1 600/600

86 left over

As Kei asked if there were anything else Ryu or Ryu9to wished to add to the topic, he would take notice that Ryuto, the Uchiha that had pretty much been observing the situation at hand with not much of a reaction overall, had raised his head off of his hands, looking at the gang leader in the eye as he spoke. He admitted to not being much of a physical combatant at all, instead focusing on a mastery of Genjutsu at the sacrifice of his physical self, though instead of continuing on with his thoughts, his voice merely trailed off with a sigh and the pursing of his lips. Before Kei even began to process what the male had said, however, Ryuto would once again speak up, mentioning how he supposed he could fight him, though refusing to pair up with Kei himself, preferring to do it himself.

Kei's eyelids seemingly lifted for but a short instance, his eyes seemingly re-focusing before returning to their normal selves. He would hear about how Ryuto mentioned how that, because he's a shinobi he should know enough to get by, and while he's fairly positive he wouldn't win, he will give it his best. As the Uchiha rested his head in his hands, Kei's instincts kicked in, making him want to just say "fuck you" to what the Uchiha basically just said. Pasting a smile on his face, however, Kei suppressed the temptation. Essentially, one could take what Ryuto just said as a way of saying "I'd rather lose than to have an advantage with you", and while Kei himself wanted to self-improve, overall this was quite a verbal punch to the gut, a wound to his ego. He knew however that he owed Ryuto for being willing to step in the day before, and because he saw a different sort of piece in the other male's personality yesterday, one which contradicted this meaning, he would hold his tongue.

Before he could speak once more, however, Ryu also seemingly wished to respond, informing the Uchiha that experience isn't something to be taken lightly, whether by tricks of the mind or through the way of the fist, further mentioning how the one who knows more instinctively of what to do next has the advantage. He mentioned how it will hurt and take time, and that he will most likely feel spite towards the male, but that is his offer. Kei himself would advert his eyes away from the two, pointing them first right, and then downwards as he recalled how he had to rely on others to help him get out of a situation. In a way, it would just hurt him if he ended up teaming up with another for this experience. If he had to feel pain, he wanted to feel it only on himself, and if he progressed, he knew he would be better off feeling that power by himself. While yes, it was a light punch to the gut for Ryuto to immediately mention not wishing to team up, Kei could see the advantage he himself would receive from this, especially since he needs experience far more as a Genin.

"Fair enough, if I start relying on people the entire time I'm trying to improve the only thing I'll be doing is signing a death warrant when I end up by myself, anyways. I want to get to a point where I can rely on myself if I want, not be crippled in the long run just for some cheap numbers advantage in training. The day before told me I'm not ready yet to act independently, and going at this without a partner will help me reach that point." He'd respond to Ryuto's decision, showing agreement with it as the pasted smile slowly changed to a straight face, his eyes landing back on Ryu. In the end, it was probably the right choice for him not to rely on the Uchiha, anyways. Chances are he might just mess up and end up looking him in the eyes at the wrong moment, anyways.

He would take notice of Ryu's setting his beer on a table, clearly without a coaster, furthering the contrast between he and Ryuto. Seemingly, the two were different in most ways, from what the Genin could see, with Ryuto representing the more established, formal and business-like side, where he wishes to act formal in any situation and keep a professional demeanor while retaining his humanity, while Ryu seemed more extremely into the informal yet personable side, someone that doesn't care much about how the rest of the world acts, preferring to use his own approach as a means to an end. All in all, from what Kei can see, they're both opposite sides of the same coin, where Kei has seen that both clearly have different ways of handling things, but from what he has seen yesterday, the different approaches could be for the sake of reaching a similar goal or achieving a similar motive. That's just his observation, though. For all he knows, he could be completely missing the mark, but what does he know? He only just met the two recently, so anything is an assumption, at this point.

Ryu would speak, mentioning how they need to get ready for business soon, telling them to come back on Thursday when he's not busy since it's a slow day for bars. They can practice then, and if either one of them doesn't show he wouldn't hold it against them. "Brawl on Thursday, got it. I'll see you then." He would say as he looked from Ryu to Ryuto, wondering if the Uchiha will show up as well. Sure, he mentioned giving it his best, but he also mentioned specializing in Genjutsu, sacrificing his own physical progress to do so, so the Genin would understand if he didn't bother showing or even showed but didn't participate, at first. "Both of you." He would add on. He guessed it wouldn't add any sort of pressure on the Uchiha at all, but hey, it was worth at least a try. He was curious on how Ryuto handled himself in a physical fight, considering how he mentioned that he wasn't exactly proficient with it. In fact, his curiosity about the Uchiha in a way was more than his interest in Ryu's fighting ability, as he hadn't actually seen Ryuto fight like he saw Ryu the day before, so it left a blank picture in his head.

Walking away from the VIP section, Kei would make his way towards the front door, attempting to leave the bar with his water bottle in his left hand.

[Exit thread]

wc 1144

twc 3881

Strength D->D-1 325 WC 25
Speed D-1->D-3 850 WC 125
Endurance D->D-1 325 WC 25
3881
1500
2381

Perception D->D-3 1175 WC 150
Reaction Time D->D-3 1175 WC 150
2381
2350
0031

31 wc left over, 475 ryo total