030 -- [Action]

[endgames]

[Shikamaru's a hard man to find after this (on-going) thread.

He doesn't return to his apartment until the next morning, through the spare bedroom and not the front door. It's doubtful anyone else will catch him outside of his own floor for the next several days, though he always has his journal on him.

Those days are also partially spent tracking down Tony Stark, Law, Itachi, Gold, Silver, and a few others in his building to warn them about Hidan. Masaomi will no doubt hear from him when he gets back, and Riku may have learned what he needs to know from Ino before Shikamaru gets to him, but they're both on the list. He'll also be visiting the Avatar house for a few people in particular, but given that's half the house he won't be shunning anyone else he runs into there.]

Comments

[endgames]

[If Shikamaru were in a better mood, he would laugh at that. He knows it firsthand.]

A fact so common even he's aware of it. That's what he relied on his partner for. With him absent, from his perspective you and Konan are going to be the closest thing he has to allies.

[...he says 'going to' because he doubts Hidan has realized it yet, so.]

[deathsdoctor]

[Not bothering to look up from where he's cleaning and chopping fish:}

Think he's going to come knocking?

[That is... if he even can figure out where Itachi lives.]

[yourhatred]

...It's a possibility. We were not particularly close, but if he lacks allies he may see it as an option.

[A very unpleasant possibility, that.]

However, I doubt he'll try to stay, given our conflicting personalities.

[endgames]

It'll be another day at least before you have to deal with him. [He's kind of occupied.] All I want to know is what you do plan to do, if he comes to you.

[deathsdoctor]

I see.

[Turning slightly. A slight eyebrow. Okay, what did you do to him?]

[yourhatred]

I would tell him I'm currently not interested in maintaining our alliance. Hopefully that will be the end of it, as I will do nothing to threaten him.

He would have to have some actual interest in pursuing a working relationship to push beyond that, and I doubt that's the case.

[endgames]

[...after a moment and scrutinizing look, Shikamaru nods, seemingly satisfied.

He has no reason to trust that for sure - or so he thinks; his better judgement is on vacation - but he has even less reason to presume it's a lie. If Itachi was going to keep up the bad guy charade, it would be over something more worthwhile than a fool like Hidan.]

[deathsdoctor]

... if there is a fight, is there anything I should be aware of?

[Okay guys, Law's getting two different vibes here as he stoops down to spoon minced fish into the cats' bowls. Itachi - he's understanding you don't really seem concerned with getting into a tussle with him. Shikamaru - Law hasn't seen you this serious since Madara.

Toshio's memories don't cover this Hidan... and he's sure you can tell from this question that Law didn't get the run down on him. So... he's not sure where to rank him on the Supernova threat scale.]

[yourhatred]

Don't allow him to perform his ritual, and most importantly - don't allow him to ingest any of your blood. He will lick it from his weapon, which means it's best not to be cut.

[Hidan's techniques are very particular.]

[endgames]

Cut, nicked, anything like that. His weapon looks threatening, but it's only designed for bloodletting and to increase his range.

If that happens, you can prolong his ritual by forcing him out of the symbol he stands in that's drawn on the ground or incapacitating him. But you're only buying time if it comes to that. Once the ritual is started, it won't truly end until the target is dead.

[deathsdoctor]

[Okay, neither of you are really explaining this ritual bit, but that's okay, he has a good idea where this is going thanks to Hidan's post and the important part has been conveyed.]

... sounds a little like what Basil Hawkins can do. Hopefully this guy can't affect multiple people at once like him.

[yourhatred]

Not that I'm aware. I'm not sure the ritual would even allow for it.

[Not unless it could distinguish between different samples of blood.]

[endgames]

It would not. He never fights more than one person at the same time. From that and how he loves pain, you can gather if he could do it he would've already done so.

[deathsdoctor]

Mnnn. That type. Geez.

... anything else notable about this guy aside from that? Strength... speed... healing factor? [Because he'll be on his guard, but based on what he's hearing so far?

He could definitely take him.]

[yourhatred]

An inability to die.

[The worst trait for particularly annoying individuals to have.]

In the most literal sense.

[endgames]

That and some sort of healing factor, though I can't tell you the specifics. Just that all of his wounds close up.

Besides that, he has incredible strength and stamina. He was fast enough to keep up with Kakashi-sensei, but that scythe slows him down considerably.

[deathsdoctor]

[Whistle.] That is quick. [Law saw Kakashi move back when he was sent with Sakura.]

But yes... I can see where the immortality is a thorny issue, even given the wings here. [Hmmm... now how would he deal with that long term if he had to? Oh yes, that's how.] Would be tricky, especially with no forewarning...

[Welp, now he does have that. And a couple plans of attack in case the bastard does pick a fight.]

[yourhatred]

[Itachi has the utmost confidence in Law's ability to handle Hidan. His abilities are some of the best to deal with him, in fact.]

I apologize for not bringing him to your attention sooner.

[endgames]

[Shikamaru's just hoping it won't even be an issue. It shouldn't be too hard, to keep him focused...]

[deathsdoctor]

's okay. I know now and that's all that matters.

[Law's finally going to take a seat at the table, sitting a hair closer to the older ninja than just a friend would.]

So I guess the only question remaining is... where did you stuff him for the meantime?

[Based on your earlier comment.]

[yourhatred]

[This is also a question on Itachi's mind, and he turns a slightly curious look on Shikamaru as well.]

[endgames]

Tree. He'll break out of it, but it served its point and bought some time.

[deathsdoctor]

... a tree. [He can't help a sneaking smile and resists the urge to pun about trunks.]

... and afterwards, what do you plan to do? You're going to be target number one... not that I see you having any problem with his bead on you.

[yourhatred]

I imagine Hidan will be in for a surprise when he realizes that death isn't permanent for anyone here. He may find that it cheapens his ritual, but I couldn't begin to delve into the man's psyche.

[Nor would he really want to.]

[endgames]

[He'll either be happy or really pissed. It's one of the two, Shikamaru imagines. He shrugs.]

I'm determined not to let him find that out by doing. If that keeps more of his attention on me, so be it.