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

[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.

[deathsdoctor]

Mmmhmmm... [Yeah, that danced around his question a bit, aside from keep his sights lasered on me.] ... that could land you in trouble, come experiment time. [Especially with one that seriously affects you and leaves him unaffected.]

[yourhatred]

This is true.

But if there's anyone who could handle having his focus, it's Shikamaru-san. It'd be best if he focused on no one, but until then Shikamaru-san knows more about him than anyone.

[endgames]

[Shikamaru hums lightly but says nothing, letting Itachi's vote of confidence speak for him.

It's not like he hasn't thought - and planned - for these things.]

[deathsdoctor]

[That is annoying - not saying anything. Despite the vote of confidence from Itachi, he'd feel better if Shikamaru had actually answered that. He knows he's planned and thought about it.

But he decides to let it go before it nags at him the entire day. Concern is fine, but what he's feeling is probably excessive and it's time to nip it in the bud. So before it reaches his eyes, he stuffs it down to deal with later.]

... better than someone who doesn't know what they're facing. [There is one good comfort in this. Shikamaru has people who won't allow him to handle it alone.] Let's hope he doesn't stray from his pit too long.

[yourhatred]

By the time he does, hopefully enough of the village's occupants will have been warned about him that the amount of trouble he causes will be minimal.

Thankfully, he isn't likely to go after anyone who can't fight back unless he gets particularly riled up for some reason.

[Hidan was a lunatic, but at least he was a somewhat manageable lunatic.]

[endgames]

[Shikamaru's eyes narrow at that last comment from Law, not sure if it's sincere, a dig, or what.

He sighs almost soundlessly and lets it go, dropping some tension from his posture. He intended that conversation with Hidan to be public anyways, so it's not like he should care. He's being too sensitive and overthinking things.]

That's my thought on the matter as well. I won't be making a warning over the journals for that reason. Only the people who'd be afraid to fight him would listen, and if they all avoid him at once that'd just annoy him.

[But if word spreads around slowly like this, and he can be seen judged for his own behavior, he'll likely revel in it and leave him be. Or so is the plan.]

Either way, when he tries to start something he won't get very far.

[deathsdoctor]

[Law frowns a little at that narrowed eyed glare. That's... an interesting reaction to a wish for Hidan to take a hike. Even when Shikamaru settles, traces of it remain on Law's lips.]

... no. That'll be the point where you'll take him on.

[Inevitable.]