Chiriku

postcard

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:38:19 GMT

A -

Have you talked to Rin-san yet?

- Chi

a little note

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:23:06 GMT

[picture: a beautiful beach from somewhere along Fire's southern coast, with text reading, "Umimura's great but... I miss you!"]

[written in a rushed hand on the back:]

Talk with Rin-san.

things i can't say

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 02:35:39 GMT

My Lord Daimyo,

I am quite flattered that you prefer me to be around as much as I am humanly able, which is twelve hours each day out of twenty-four.

And the offer of having me relocated to serve in the Palace's shrine so that you may acquire a more spiritual sense and perhaps even obtain enlightenment is truly generous.

However, I must decline the latter as Momoko is already permanently placed with you as your "courtesan" and as for the former politely remind His Lordship that while yes, I am a servant of the Divine, I am also human and need to sleep. I cannot be around you always. Tsuneari is quite capable of protecting you even if he cannot do the genius technique.

Trust me. The bear of a man with the giant battle axe is much more intimidating than the tiny monk in orange robes. Knowledge of the genius technique is not public, and I would very much enjoy it if it remained that way.

Kindest regards,
Chiriku

Letter to Asuka (backdated)

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 22:20:46 GMT

23 May Y18

Dear Asuka,

I made it home safely. I daresay you did as well, considering your escort.

My arms are still sore, but I'll live.

I'm actually writing you on account of a minor situation that's presented itself here. We've got a Konoha kunoichi here who for our safety, she insists, will not give us her name. From talking with her, she has been away from the Leaf for about fifteen years, and doesn't believe her family is still alive (though I saw evidence to the contrary at the gala).

Normally, I would not mind having her here; in fact, due to her present physical and mental condition it probably is best she remain here for some time so she can heal. However, my gut is telling me she would heal best among her own--meaning, shinobi.

Not only that, but she's latched onto Takanobu platonically in a way that leaves him incapable of fulfilling his duties. Which, again, I would be fine with if not for the fact that I need to be walking out the door of this temple in a month for my year with the Daimyo. (In light of what happened, he's giving me some extra time to get everything in order and delaying the changing of the guard until July.) I need Takanobu to take care of everything while I'm gone.

I've talked with Takanobu, and he agrees with me, though I could tell he didn't like me saying that our guest kept him unduly preoccupied. (We had a talk about that, too, but that's monkly business.)

I'll be writing a separate letter to the Hokage to let him know, so that we can coordinate any arrangements that may need to be made to transport our visitor back to her home.

She was tortured, Asuka. I thought the battle-scarring I saw on you and on the various opponents we've fought was bad. ~~When I saw her,~~ I just can't describe it. And it wasn't just her body, but her soul. The body can mend with time (and she will need lots of it), but what I saw in her eyes I cannot define in words. I cried that night after I met her. We can't give her what she needs here. She needs her family, their love and understanding.

Take care of yourself, woman. I better not get back from the Capital and find out you've done something stupid again.

Love always,
Chiriku

letter to Asuka

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 21:18:51 GMT

[pretend this got sent in february]

Dear Conquering Hero,

I've good news for you: due to a bit of a political snafu happening in the Capital, the gala's been postponed a month.

With luck it won't be pushed back too much more, if things keep continuing as they are. I'm on duty in four months.

Take care,
Chiriku

letter to Asuka

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:46:03 GMT

Dear Asuka,

You and that be-damned character "A" you like to sign your letters with. I guess I forgot that was routine for you.

As for the "bachelor crap" being sent to you, I think I'll pass on the offer of selling your gifts. First of all, I'm anticipating that the gift-givers are the people I see on a semi-regular basis. Secondly, to guess with what you may be receiving, I believe I'll spare my brethren the embarrassment of gossip.

I'm glad you're still wearing the prayer beads.

Depending on how things progress with your healing, if you want to pay a visit to the monastery before returning to Konoha after the gala, I wouldn't mind your company, especially since I'm slated for Daimyo-duty in three-and-a-half months. (My new partner, I'm told, is our old 'friend' from the coast. I will more than likely be taking advantage of the gala to talk with her, get to know her before our assignment begins.) If Tsurude-sama grants you permission, of course. I don't want to be on his bad side any more than I absolutely must. I'll still be cordial and pleasant at the gala (of course), but I'm unhappy at myself for getting barred from the village. Not irritating the Hokage sounds like a good plan, don't you agree?

The gala should be interesting, in more ways than one. If nothing else, it will be one of the few times when all Twelve of us are together in one place. You know they've been lettering me about what exactly is really going on with the whole gala, but the rest of it's been correspondence to say when they'll be around and if anyone's coming with them so I may pass the information to the Daimyo to be sure accommodations are prepared. At least we won't be on guard duty? I'm not looking forward to my formal robes at all. The headdress itches.

There are times where I wish I was still just a simple monk. I serve. And I hate administrative duties. I liked the good old days of cleaning both temple and monastery and laundry and gardening and reading and studying and contemplating on God but it feels more and more like I have less time to do the things I want to do verses the things I HAVE to do. But everyone looks to me to lead them, and I couldn't just abandon them. I can be selfish, but I couldn't be that selfish.

Sorry, I'm just feeling a bit melancholy of late.

I'm glad to hear you're out and able to write again. You continue to take care of yourself. Also, say hello to Kureno-san and Rin-san for me?

See you at the gala.

Love,
Chiriku

letter to Kureno

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:19:25 GMT

Dear Kureno-san,

I apologize for my own tardiness in responding to your letter. No one ever expects the life of a monk to be hectic. However I see I continue to prove otherwise. If you're ever curious, please feel free to ask. I could fill quite a few pages, I think.

I don't doubt a moment you will do everything you can to protect your village and this country. I only hope that in between those vital duties you are also making time to check up on how Asuka is doing. The price to bring her home alive was quite steep, as I am coming to understand. Were that I there myself, I would be making sure the cost continued to be worth it.

I'm enclosing some tea with this letter for you to enjoy as you wish. When everything looks to be going south in a rush, a good cup of tea does wonders to make you feel better. Or at least provide a handy excuse to have some alone time.

Your friend,
Chiriku

letter to Kiba

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:36:50 GMT

Dear Kiba,

I'm doing well. Things are moving smoothly here. This is the best time to clean the monastary and temple. Cold weather means the gardens aren't growing, and more soot from indoor fires meant to keep the buildings warmer than outside, when possible.

There isn't much you can do about having Tsurude-sama as your new sensei. If you can, take advantage of the knowledge he can offer you. I know he can't replace Kureno-san. And it's okay to be angry with him. Just because he's the Hokage doesn't mean you can't be angry with him. Be careful as to how that anger manifests, though, for like it or not, he's your sensei now. You will still need to show him the respect he's due.

I know of the gala for Asuka. I myself will be attending for various reasons, so I will be certain to look for you there. I'm sorry Akako can't come with you.

I won't tell anyone that you are rethinking your choice to become a shinobi. If you want to talk about it at all, I'll gladly listen.

I'll be sure to take care of myself. I'm hearing that quite a few people I know from Konoha will be attending, and I plan on having a chance to see all of you again.

Take care of yourself, too, Kiba. And give Akako some love for me.

Your friend,
Chiriku

letter to asuka

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:39:20 GMT

Dear Asuka,

I cannot believe Daimyo-sama is giving you a Medal of Honor. Yes, you read that correctly. A Medal of Honor.

Now, why is he giving you a medal? Because he heard that you killed that Akatsuki woman. And he's so overjoyed that you've taken out one of the world's top criminals that he's throwing a huge gala for the occasion.

The civilian elite is being invited. Feudal lords and ladies and members of long-lived clans and merchant lords are all going to be there.

So are all of the Twelve. One of us is being accorded a high honor, after all!

It promises to be quite the fancy shindig. And guess who gets to begin the awarding with a blessing. I believe the Daimyo wishes to hang the medal on you himself.

As fair warning, I've learned there also may be a few eligible bachelors who might be there to try and woo you. ~~This promises to be highly entertaining, if nothing else.~~

It's happening in February.

I'll see you then.

Love,
Chiriku.

letterS to asuka

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:35:00 GMT

OOC: these all written within the space of a few days

october y17, letter #1

Dear Asuka,

Now, I know quite well that you won't be in any condition to read this, let alone reply, for some time yet. And yes, I do know how badly off you were - I had a chance to speak with Rin-san.

Words simply cannot explain how I'm feeling right now. But I shall endeavour to articulate myself in the most efficient way possible.

[bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch BITCH bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch]

Oh, and [bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch ;sldkdjgjsaoghwsgo hgw0aposspooflskhslkylhipwirghpwposhrtoirogrioy psojvpoaiav]

And get well soon. I don't expect you'll be recovered in time for our tour in July, which means I will be assigned a new partner. Which would have happened anyway if you'd gotten yourself killed.

I love you, Asuka, but I am so angry with you right now.

Take better care of yourself after you wake up. And see to Kureno-san and Konohako while you're at it.

And yes, those prayer beads are from me.

Love,
Chiriku

october y17, letter #2

Dear Asuka,

I just realized that I forgot to mention in my last letter that, in seaching out Kureno-san to go find your stupid ass and bring you home, I have successfully managed to get myself barred from the village. By Tsurude-sama's edict. So barring official business--in which case I am fairly certain that no excuses would justify any delays after said official business was concluded--I am never going to be able to see you, outside you coming here and our tours. And we'll have another six years before our next tour together.

Get well.

Because the next time I see you, I'm going to fucking strangle you for your gods-be-damned stupidity in running off after Sasoriza like you did.

Love,
Chiriku.

october y17, letter #3

Dear Asuka,

I think Takanobu has started drugging my tea. Despite the amount I'm drinking for the caffeine I'm still falling asleep pretty early in the evening. Trying to make up for the past year (which I'm fine with; stuff happened in Konoha and I needed to take care of it and at the least it meant I could spend more time with you) and getting ready for July is taxing.

~~Maybe I'll ask Rin-san to ship me some soldier pills...~~

I need to start drinking coffee again anyway.

Get well.

Love,
Chiriku

october y17, letter #4

Dear Asuka,

[bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch bitch]

Get well.

AND YES I AM INTENTIONALLY SPAMMING YOU WITH LETTERS. YOU DESERVE TO HEAR EACH AND EVERY THING I HAVE THOUGHT AND/OR WANTED TO SAY TO YOU FOR PUTTING ME THROUGH THIS SHIT. AND YOU'RE STILL PUTTING ME THROUGH IT BECAUSE YOU'RE STILL IN A GODDAMN COMA. YOU FUCKING BITCH.

Love,
Chiriku

october y17, letter #5

Dear Asuka,

Takanobu has to be drugging my tea. I don't know how, but he is. He's already made noises about how I'm not getting enough sleep.

Like I'm not used to going several days without sleep at a high level of alertness. I did it numerous times six years ago.

This is so aggravating.

Get well.

Love,
Chiriku

ooc: more to come...

letter to hoshino

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:45:02 GMT

ooc: backdated letter! would've been received about two weeks after this journal entry was made back in october y17

Dear Buggy-chan

Do you mind if I address you as that in a letter, or would you rather I use "Hoshino-san"? I thought it might distract you a little; I've heard a few things of what's going on in Konoha.

I wanted to let you know I made it back to the temple without a problem (as the postmark shows). And if you ever feel the need to write, I'll be here.

Your friend,
Chiriku

letter to konohako

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:40:28 GMT

ooc: backdated letter! would've been received about two weeks after this journal entry was made back in october y17

Dear Konohako,

I wanted to let you know I arrived back at the Temple, and that I'm thinking of you. If you need someone to write to, I'll be here.

Your friend,
Chiriku

letter to kiba

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:29:07 GMT

ooc: backdated letter! would've been received about two weeks after this journal entry was made back in october y17

Dear Kiba,

If you couldn't tell by the postmark, I did make it home. And my puppies say 'hello' to you and Akako, if the greeting they gave me is any indication.

Please let me know what's going on with you, and with Kureno-san, and with Asuka, when you get the chance? Even if I can't be in the village myself, I will still try and help if I can. Or just listen if you need someone to unload on.

Your friend,
Chiriku

busy as heck

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 18:52:12 GMT

I cannot believe how busy I've been for the past month or so. Unbelievable. I've barely been able to breathe, and I've got a suspicion that Takanobu has been slipping mild sedatives into my tea to force me to sleep. That, or the tea leaves have gone bad and I'm only noticing because I've been gone for so long. Either way I can't say I'm very happy.

I'm also annoyed with myself for the fact I haven't been able to write anyone. Not even a quick note, which I'll be rectifying once I finish this entry.

Things are finally slowing down enough to the point where I'm not wishing to take a candle to the paperwork. ~~Now I just use it for a pillow on occasion.~~

The harvest went off without a hitch, and as soon as we get the first good cold snap, the farmers in the area will begin the yearly butchering. Also something to look forward to in the coming months will be the tapping of the maple trees for sap to be boiled into molasses.

We've acquired a few more young'ns, too. Unsurprising some families know their children will be warmer here than at home owing to how poor they are. Then in the springtime they'll go home again, but in the meantime, the Temple has extra hands to help with cleaning. That will keep the kids occupied and warm when not in lessons or exercising.

Daimyo-sama is glad I'm back. He has a few cases where a judgment is needed and he wishes to discuss them with me. He and his entourage will be here in a few days. I probably will also be mentioning my upcoming tour of the Twelve with him, as Asuka and I are theoretically supposed to be back on duty this coming summer. However, in light of her injuries, that may not be possible for her. If I'm to be assigned a new partner then the process of finding someone should begin immediately. I would rather have the chance to get to meet them beforehand. Asuka and I were quite fortunate that despite a semi-rough beginning we were able to 'click'. I do not believe that would happen a second time. Better to err on the side of caution, no?

home again

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 19:54:26 GMT

My return home was everything I thought it would be. Greeted by my brothers, but only after the puppies jumped me, occasionally growling at the strange smells (I think they smell Akako and Miako on me). I didn't even get the chance to change into some older robes. And now, I have a set of newer-older robes for when I need them.

The first thing I did (after a bath and a change of clothes) was go to my room and sleep. With the puppies insisting I shouldn't be by myself. Takanobu let me sleep in, which was rather kind of him. And odd. Monks don't sleep in.

I found out why when I saw the mail.

My packages managed to beat me home. But more than that, a letter awaited me from Ieyoshi in Konoha. Barring official business approved by the Hokage... I've been barred from the village.

Ieyoshi didn't know why; he said that information wasn't made public. But I can well enough assume the reason - I was the instigator of what happened to Kureno-san. And considering his punishment, which was made public...

Rin-san wasn't in trouble at least. And Asuka's still hospitalized.

I need to write letters to everyone, just to let them know I made it home all right.

no more delays

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:52:22 GMT

[ooc: written a few days before Tsurude returns from the jounin exam.]

[private]

I just got a letter from Takanobu. Much as I would like to stay in Konoha until Asuka awakens, I am unfortunately needed at home. I've been gone almost a year, and that which has been delayed there cannot be delayed any longer. ~~I can just see the mountains of paperwork.~~

I've got some letters and messages to write before I leave. Asuka, Rin, Kureno... Konohako, Kiba, Hoshino...

I know they'll be all right. ~~Asuka had BETTER be all right~~. I'll miss them all terribly, though.

[/private]

messages

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:49:31 GMT

[ooc: sent a few days before Tsurude returns from the jounin exam.]

[Konohako, Kiba, Hoshino]

Duty back home calls, so I will be leaving Konoha tomorrow. I hope to have the chance to see the three of you before then, as I would like to give a personal goodbye.

If you need to get in touch with me, you can write me directly at the Great Fire Temple.

I'm very good at answering my letters. Take care. My thoughts and prayers for you.

Love,
Chiriku
[*insert address here*]

[/Konohako, Kiba, Hoshino]

letter to Rin-san

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:44:49 GMT

[ooc: sent a few days before Tsurude returns from the jounin exam.]

Dear Rin-san,

Much as I would wish to be able to remain in Konoha until Asuka awakens, I cannot. Pressing business back at the Temple requires my personal attention.

Please, please keep me informed about Asuka. And Kureno-san. I left my address with Kiba, Hoshino, and Konohako so if they felt the need to write me, they could. I'm enclosing my address so you may write me, as well as letters to be given to Asuka and Kureno-san.

I was honored to have the chance to meet you, Rin-san. If you need me for anything, I'm only a letter away.

Love,
Chiriku

letter to Asuka

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:43:31 GMT

[ooc: enclosed with the letter to Rin]

Dear Asuka,

If you weren't already in ICU and on Death's door, I swear I would kill you for your absolute selfish disregard for others you displayed in pursuit of revenge. Don't you ever, EVER, go off on some stupid quest like that without telling me exactly where you are going.

Furthermore, don't you DARE decide to do this sort of thing without bringing me along. If you want the kill yourself, fine. But I had damn well better be there to offer you help.

Words fail me, in attempting to describe what I feel. I'm angry. I'm hurt. Mostly I'm disappointed. I'm not belittling the feelings you had when Sasoriza attacked ANBU and did so much damage. I'm just disappointed that you didn't feel you could trust me enough to let me come with you.

I love you like a sister, Asuka. I would do everything I could to help you, but you didn't give me the chance.

I couldn't see you before I left. They weren't allowing visitors. So I left this letter in Rin-san's care to give to you when you're coherent.

Survive, Asuka. Get better. Please. And write me when you can, even if you have to dictated a letter to someone.

I'm still praying for you.

Love,
Chiriku

letter to Kureno-san

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:43:08 GMT

[ooc: enclosed with the letter to Rin]

Dear Kureno-san,

I am so, so sorry. I don't know what happened, or what went wrong, but I am so incredibly sorry if anything I did contributed to your current situation.

I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you were released. Matters at home demanded my attention, and I could put it off for no longer.

Please take care of Asuka. Please take care of Rin-san. Please take care of yourself.

If you need me, please don't hesitate to write me.

My thoughts and prayers for you,
Chiriku

helpless

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:27:09 GMT

Asuka....

Was it honestly worth it?

waiting

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:37:35 GMT

[Private]

I managed to flag down one of the ANBU still assigned to watch over me, to tell them what was going on with Asuka and Kureno-san and Rin-san so they could tell Hokage-sama. There's not much more I can do, except pray.

...

I think I'll be in the shrine until she's returned. And then, if she isn't dead, I'm going to kill her.

[/Private]

still in konoha

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 18:35:37 GMT

[private]

By all rights, I should have left some time ago.

But I'm still here.

Only reason I am still here, much as I love Asuka, is the fact that every time I seriously think of leaving, or begin packing my things, this feeling of... dread comes over me to the point of I almost feel a panic despite I know nothing is wrong and everything is fine.

I'm beginning to wonder if there's something that is going to happen, something that requires my being here instead of being home.

Except for that when I've meditated on it, nothing becomes clear.

I hate not knowing.

But since this dread-almost-panic does not feel quite like it's mine in origin, I'm trusting that I'm still here for a Reason. And until that Reason is revealed, here I will remain.

Takanobu is going to be mightily upset with me when I get home.

[/private]

departure

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 01:18:00 GMT

Well, after seven months ~~of bothering Asuka~~, some internal reorganization, me being my wonderfully monkly self to others who need it, ~~bothering Asuka,~~ and training of a new abbot for Konoha, my time here's drawing to a close.

No doubt Takanobu's cheerfully preparing for my return - I've already lettered him that I should be leaving relatively soon, but that I would also pull a favor from Asuka to see if she could send a hawk-message to the temple on the day I actually do leave.

So a few more days, a week at the most ~~or however long it takes to get my robes cleaned~~, and I'll be on my way home.

Private to Rin

Mon, 28 May 2007 20:59:37 GMT

I've finished the research and the preparations for your second tattooing. Just let me know when you would like to begin. Am I correct in presuming you're aware of the particulars as to this?