piratejournal | fifth glance from the crow's nest -- sound/action to crew (backdated to the 23rd)

As much as this competition has pit us against each other, I would ask that we not all lose sight of the fact that we're still being used by others for another purpose. We are still all better off as allies than as enemies.

[This has been your daily soapbox moment.]

[action on the sea princess]

[Itachi hasn't forgotten what day it is. His brother had honored his birthday, so it's only right that he do the same. A cake is out of the question, as he knows Sasuke doesn't like sweet things. That doesn't mean he can't cook him something else, however. With all the supplies (and still edible vegetables) they have on the ship right now, it shouldn't be a problem.

Shouldn't.

None of the training he'd gone through in becoming the best ninja he could had involved cooking. Putting together a simple meal for the road is one thing. Making something nice for a family member is something else entirely. He believes he should be able to do it - he's gotten a hold of a decent cookbook - so he's going to give it a shot. It can't be too difficult.

Anyone who nears the kitchen this evening might be privy to the smell of burnt vegetables or the disgruntled noises of one young ninja.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[As someone who has spent a considerable part of his life believing fighting is the only productive method of progress, Ragna cannot help but snort at the statement.]

Look, I dunno what kinda fairy tale you've been living in up until now and I hate to rain on your parade, but it's not that simple. Even if people work together now, in the end each and every of us is after the damn jewel for their own reasons. Sooner or later we'll end up fighting over it, so it's better to spare ourselves the drama and be upfront about it.

We're not allies. The sooner you get it through that thick skull of yours, the better.

[As someone who ended up murdering his own clan to stop a war due to the lack of their ability to compromise, Itachi would rather do his best to talk things out as soon as possible in the hope that perhaps someone will listen.

His tone has shifted somewhat when he responds.]

There's no guarantee that collecting the shards will actually get us anywhere. If it does, would you rather fight everyone than attempt a wish or resolution that will benefit everyone?

We know very little of this place, of the being or beings or force that brought us. Of our ultimate purpose. To make enemies of each other with such an absence of knowledge is foolish and short-sighted.

Sorry, but I'm not risking the only clue I've got for going back where I belong for a bunch of idiots trying to please everyone.

[It's a nice concept in theory, yes, but Ragna has long since lost faith in things like "teamwork" or "compromise".]

I know what my purpose is. [Which isn't necessarily a lie, though it's not the whole truth, either. He knows what his goal is─ destroying the NOL─ as well as is more or less aware of his role as the Destroyer of the World. At this point, however, he has little idea how to achieve the former or what to do about the latter.

... As for his purpose in this world, well, that one's of little interest to him. Sadly, "short-sighted" might be just another word for "Ragna the Bloodedge".]

I won't be stopping you if you wanna play a kindergarten girl and make friends with everyone. See where that gets you, dumbass.

[Itachi won't be insulted by namecalling, nor will he allow this man to anger him. Everyone here has a different perspective, and he has to learn these perspectives in order to know how to come at this from a better angle.

Preaching over the journals won't get him very far. He's already aware.]

Would you turn away more insight about our tasks if it was offered?

[He'd like to believe Ragna's not completely unreasonable.]

[That's probably the best course of action he could take, considering insults come to Ragna as naturally as breathing... if not more so.]

"Tasks". [He doesn't so much say that but rather spit out the word.] Are you stupid? You say that like we've been chosen to complete some grand mission. [A huff.] Newsflash, kiddo: we've been kidnapped, not given a job offer.

[As much of a jerk as he's being about it, the Grim Reaper actually makes a short pause to consider the question.]

Honestly, I don't give a single shit why we've been dragged here. All I want is to get the hell outta this place. Maybe beat the everloving crap outta the responsible bastards on my way out. [And he could just end it here, but there's another point to make:] ... So if it can help me with that, I guess it wouldn't be a complete waste of time to check that out.

[Ladies and gentlemen, 100% reasonable adult, right here.]

Being kidnapped does not keep us from being assigned a mission, it simply means it's been given to us against our will. Though for all of that, most seem willing enough to go about collecting the pieces. [His own ship included.]

As for your thoughts on the matter, I will make note of them. You will not be the only one to think this way.

[Not really passing marks, but Ragna falls just short of the 'too thick headed to consider working with' category.]

[Too bad he doesn't consider working with anyone. Ever.]

Give me one reason why I should give a damn about this "mission" crap.

[He seems to be missing the fact his own goals are playing right into said mission. In general, Ragna seems to be missing a great deal of things.]

Tch, the hell? I don't remember taking part in any sorta poll.

If you do not, then arguing the matter with me seems to be a waste of your time. You want the pieces of the gem. That's how you're involved.

[Almost too thick headed to be considered...]

And there is no poll. I'm merely judging reactions to see how everyone feels on the issue.

fifth glance from the crow's nest -- sound/action to crew (backdated to the 23rd)

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