Zen

[color=darkred][size=1] Premonition continues to worry me with his confused post. It would seem that the CTU has clouded his thinking. He obviously doesn't surely know which side he is on... maybe a little 're-education' is in order. Put on the shopping list, "lots of rocks".[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=BKstyles][font=tahoma]It is rather unfortunate that this is somewhat true. I know you tend to rest a lot on your name because you've managed to coax many members over the years (you'll have to forgive me i'm not looking at your profile right now to see exactly how long you've been here, fairly long i'm sure) who don't know better themselves into the idea that regardless of what the content of something is, if it has a certain name on it then it must mean it's instantly credible and intellectual. Whether it's true or not, the formula isn't reliable because it becomes susceptible to manipulation once you've gained a certain amount of miscontrued trust. Though now that actual words are needing to be said, you'll find that the actual intellegent members involved here won't be swayed by the past laurels of your name or contributions solely. This is the most civil and straightforward way of saying it in order to let you know it'll take a little more then claiming who you are and then expecting a flock to your argument however effortless it is. I know a lot of us on both sides have been reiterating a lot of points, but the more i see the points in favor of these proposals the more and more weak they seem. Not to mention in your last one specifically, you are relying in the fact that you will be degenerating the atmosphere of OB in order to induce change on the user whether they are willing or not. It takes away from the kind of community OB is for you to say "If you have 56K, too F***king bad, go get cable or DSL". Sometimes it isn't about not wanting to keep up with the times, sometimes it's about money. Once upon a time I had to wait several years to get my cable modem when 56k was starting to become obsolete. I don't see why members should be put in that kind of situation. [/font][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] [b]QFT - Charles[/b] OtakuBoards are the message boards of the future. If we wish to make any kind of effort to move on with our lives, we must be given the freedoms that 56K connections do not allow. Progress can only be made at the expense of those who are unable to adapt. It's called natural selection. Evolve or be left behind.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Sakura][COLOR=Navy][SIZE=1]I'm slowly reading through the Suggestions thread and will reply as soon as I can. Hey, do we get nifty banners too? ^^;;[/SIZE][/COLOR][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] Yeah, if we aren't doing the whole protest, then I want one of those coolo banners.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Nerdsy] [color=deeppink]No one here is speaking out against tasteful warnings. However, porn is in no way a warning; it's sole purpose is to sexually arouse. Tentacle rape porn is not means of preventing tentacle rape, no more than "Debbie does Dallas" is a message for abstinance. [/color][/quote] [color=darkred][size=1] Your senseless labeling of this artform as simply 'porn' only furthers my opinion of your hard-right republican views. And your familiarity with unrelated pornographic titles on makes me question your underlying motives. Is "Casualties of War" not a warning against the horrors of war, but still considered a 'War' film?[/color][/size] [quote] [color=deeppink] The majority is hardly suffering; you're all just spoiled.[/color][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] It is not spoiled, simply, we have moved on with the times. Our grandparents call us lazy because we do not have to walk 15 miles in the snow to go to school, but we are surely not spoiled simply because of the invention of the automobile or bus. We are simply being held back in a time that does not allow for progress due to some people who are unwilling to update with the times.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Shy][size=1] As The Boss points out, tentacle porn and rape are extremely prevalent in hentai, probably moreso than girl-on-girl or boy-on-boy action. We limit cursing in our discussion and anime forums, and by the same token we should protect younger members from extreme adult content and sexuality. It's a very slippery slope to condone and endorse fictional rape; I can't imagine being a part of a forum that allows the abuse and objectification of women but forbids double posting. -Shy[/size][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] My friend, you say it is immoral to enjoy a tasteful warning against the dangers of tentacle rape? Shall I remind you that these very well made films can and do act as warnings against the dangers of rape with tentacles involved. Let it be known I do not condon rape, simply I condon tasteful and artistic warnings against said things.[/color][/size] [quote name='Treble']As Shy have already mentioned, I am one of those poor souls who is still stuck on 56k connection. So for me, bigger is not better. It makes loading painful to sit through. While I could always go to my options and turn off signatures to make things load faster, I choose not to since I enjoy looking at the unique banners made by members here. I may be willing to wait for the loading times now, but if we were to allow bigger banners, the longer loading times would drive me away along with many other 56kers.[/quote] [color=darkred][size=1] It cannot be helped that you have an inferior connection. But the majority of OBers have higher speed connections, so why should the majority of OB have to suffer for the convenience of a handful of 56k connectors? It's called democracy.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] The Boss has dealt a mighty blow. May The Boss' suggested 'protest' be supported? If unneeded, disregard. The Boss hopes that his efforts are valued beneath your flag. [b]Viva Otaku[/b]![/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I honestly don't see the big problem about this whole hentai forum deal. I mean come on, quit being such republicans. Since when is it wrong to enjoy some good old fashion girl-on-girl-on-girl-on-vibrator action? You're all so old fashioned. Regardless, we could still keep the youngin's, just make the forum itself limited to only specifically registered members. Sure, some of them could lie, but who the hell cares? It's nothing they wouldn't see in a Google search... As for the big banners, since when hasn't bigger automatically been better? Never. It always has been better. The only thing better than a pretty banner is a HUGE pretty banner. Quit supressing the artistic creation of our art community by censoring their might NEED to go beyond the borders of your sizest standards. The time has come to literally expand our artistic borders. As you can see now, I refuse to have a banner until these demands are met and I am allowed to have atleast a 600x1000 banner... I call for a PROTEST! All members in favor follow me![/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Thread: [b]Dude of Doodles[/b] drawing contest. Thread: [b]Otakuties[/b] [u]Members[/u] [b]Sakura Vicky White (come one, he's staff now) Revelation (come on, she's been staff) Jokopoko (....again) The Boss[/b] I mention myself only because my name is mentioned in about 3 or 4 different articles, but do not have my own. Just thought I'd throw it out there, but disregard if need be.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1][B]1) What is your element of power?[/B] Pride, Honor, Glory, and the purest form of Sexy. [B]2) Who taught you how to ride a bike?[/B] My father after he said he'd quit smoking if I got it.... still waiting for that deal to happen.... [B]3) When do[/B] As soon as I get around to it. I'm a busy man! Gav suckered me into it, blame him.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] On the quest for online RPGs and Trigun information, I tripped over the OBs and I've been here for going on five years now. It gives me a great place to meet interesting new friends, have great conversations/debates, a good haven for art, and also the perfect venue to show my writing/do some writing. I just have to get over my whole "6 month hiatus" habit... heh. I'm sure alot of people are angry at me for that.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] [b]Name:[/b] Achilles (a name given to him long ago in his early days in accordance to his prideful demeanor) [b]Age:[/b] Ancient, created in the later days of the Greeks. [b]Gender:[/b] Achilles' body has taken on the shape of a human male, going as far as to develop identifiable sexual organs and male traits. The rest to be finished later. Shadow Person, if you hadn't guessed.[/color][/size]

[size=1][color=darkred] A pluming cloud of pungent smoke followed Gin Batou as he emerged from a shadowy hallway into the Exam Stadium. Stepping into the bright sunlight, Gin grimaced and winced his eyes. Looking back and forth, he laid his sights on the several shinobi already occupying the arena?s stands. A heavy collection of ash fell from his cigarette as he searched for a suitable place to take his seat. Gin?s smoky aura caused coughing all around him as he made his way towards his chosen section, a back row, vacant upper-tier seat. Placing his bandaged hand on the cold concrete, he slowly slumped down uncomfortably. Shifting his glance back and forth, he took one last drag of his burning dragon?s weed before taking the cigarette out of his mouth. Licking the tips of his fingers, he put the burning tip out before placing the butt into his pants pocket with the rest of his paraphernalia. The stadium was filled with chatter and whispers about the mysterious threat that was the Kage-Nin, the shinobi from the Shadow. [i]My, my?.[/i] he thought to himself. [i]These little bastards are real buzz-kills eh? Got all these high-and-mighty elitists? panties in a bunch.[/i] Taking a deep breathe, Gin closed his eyes and laid back onto the row of seats behind him, presumed empty. [b] ?What?s that reek??[/b] came a familiar young man?s voice in near outrage. [b] ?Ah, I see now? [i]Gin Batou.[/i]?[/b] Ichiro Nagata spoke Gin?s name harshly, as if it were offensive to say. Gin didn?t bother to open his eyes. [b] ?Nice to see your humbler as ever, sir.?[/b] he said sarcastically. This was accompanied by a light feminine giggle. Gin opened his eyes to see Kaoru Matsumoto sitting beside a self-satisfied looking Ichiro. Ichiro made no visual contact with Gin, however Kaoru made a short glance towards him before returning her gaze to Ichiro. [b] ?[i]It[/i] stinks of that awful drug? let?s move, Kaoru.?[/b] Ichiro spoke away from Gin. [b] ?[i]It[/i] has a name you kn-??[/b] Gin began but was cut off by Kaoru?s response. [b] ?They seats are all full though.?[/b] [b] ?Bah??[/b] Ichiro placed a hand over his nose. Gin smiled at his aggravated gesture and withdrew his cigarette once again, promptly placing it in his mouth, ready to light up. He awaited the Hokage's mission briefing as he closed his eyes and withdrew the lighter... [/color] [b]OOC:[/b]Please forgive my long hiatus and short post, but I'm a) extremely busy in life at the moment and b) a bit lost as to what to post and when. I'm hoping it'll clear up soon and I'll have a more defined goal to write towards. I thought I'd get some kind of character interaction going, if that's no problem with you, BK or KW.[/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Fantabulous. I suppose that makes sense, being that Gin is a far more specialized individual in what he does.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Question. What will Gin's role be? I mean, I know that I posted that he's a form of 'secret weapon'. Is that what he's going to be then? Just some fellow to mingle around?[/color][/size]

[size=1]Very sorry that I took so long to get this written and up. I've had a busy week, which culminated yesterday with me attaining my 1st Dan (First Degree Black Belt) in Tae Kwon Do. Haha, so forgive me please. I hope you enjoy this chapter, as it is the beginning of the end. Be on the look out for [b] The Hit: Contracts[/b] soon... [center][IMG]http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/4992/thehit0oa.jpg[/IMG] [color=darkred] [b][u]Chapter 15:[/b][/u] Business Disagreement[/center] Unfortunately, well maybe not, I had been injured badly enough to warrant two weeks of bed rest. I had already spent one week in a coma, so that left a lot of time to think over this recent revelation. Gavin had been my literal guardian angel, and sinking feeling of what could only be convoluted horror was setting in. Maybe D.W. was right… he couldn’t be killed. Despite the humored efforts of D.W. and Sakura, I couldn’t get the disturbing thoughts out of my head. I didn’t know whether to be grateful or terrified, and a strange sensation of both gathered in my heart. A few days came and went for me, spent either sleeping, eating, or watching D.W. argue with Dr. Sandy’s constant sarcasm. The comic effect was only amplified by Sandy’s unique European accent and Sakura’s giggling in the background. It was the afternoon of my third day of consciousness. My wounds were still aching, but not as terribly as the past week. I had spent the majority of the day questioning Dr. Sandy about his practice and why the police hadn’t raided us at the operating table. He refused to answer, giving me only a wink and a smart-*** [b] “Just be grateful…” [/b] in response. I was in the middle of a short meal, some god-awful lump of ham and jello. D.W. was checking up on Peanut at the moment, and that left a sleeping Sakura sitting in the corner, keeping me company. She’d been my constant sentinel in the night, keeping watch for any ill-meaning visitors. As I lay back, force-feeding myself, a polite tapping came to the door. Sakura didn’t move, she was out like a light. I looked on for a moment hesitantly and checked for my odachi lying against the bed. Staring on for a few more seconds, I finally spoke up. [b] “Who is it?”[/b] I waited for an answer. [b] “A well wisher.” [/b] a smooth feminine voice replied. Anxiety set in and my palms began to sweat. [I] The hell with it… [/I] I thought. [b] “Come in.” [/b] At that, the door swung open slowly and I gripped my right palm around the handle of my odachi, hoping this wouldn’t warrant violence. An elegant, high-heeled foot stepped into the room, connected to a smooth, stocking covered leg. A beautiful, yet professional young Asian woman appeared before me. Dressed up in a skirted businesswoman’s suit, dark-framed glasses bespectacled her youthful face. Dark black hair was pulled up into a bun on the back of her head, held in place by black sticks. [b] “I trust you are the one called… ‘Boss’.”[/b] she spoke clearly, straight to the point. I raised my eyebrow in a slight scowl. [b] “Who’s asking?”[/b] I must’ve sounded like a real dick. She replied unfazed. [b] “My name is Erica. I come baring an offer from my employer.”[/b] [b] “And who would that be?”[/b] Sakura snored loudly at that point, destroying any chance at setting an intimidating mood I had. [b] “I’m sure you’ve heard of him. A gentleman named James?”[/b] The world dropped from beneath my feet at that point. [b] “….. Are you here to kill me?”[/b] I whispered fearfully. Sakura at this point had leapt to her feet, a small Beretta held in her hand. [b] “Heavens no. I’m here to make you an offer in your best interest.”[/b] she replied calmly, despite the gun pointing at the back of her head. [b] “And what would that be?”[/b] I looked to her left hand as she motioned towards the small briefcase held in it. [b] “Two Million Dollars… upfront, no questions. All you have to do is give up the hunt and the money’s yours.”[/b] I eyed the briefcase intensely and began debating in my mind. [b] “Why me?”[/b] [b] “Well…”[/b] she drifted off into her mind. [b] “… You are thus far, the most ‘successful’ pursuer of my client. Mr. James wants to keep his life, and he figures you’ll take this money instead of the [i]great[/i] many troubles that you will be facing if you so choose to continue hunting him.”[/b] For a moment, we stared off, the sunlight from the window glaring in onto her calm, collected figure. True, I’d like nothing more than to give this job up, retire ‘early’ and have a little cash in my pocket. But something ate away at the back of my mind as I became more intent on the idea. Something heavy…. Shame, maybe. Something wasn’t going to let me simply ‘cop out’ and give up. The voices of my past and the deaths of all the assassins whose lives I’d taken…. They had to mean something more. I couldn’t just give up. [b] “I’m afraid I’m gonna have to decline… I’ve been through too much to give up now!”[/b] Saying those words made me feel slightly stronger healed almost. I felt a boost in my body’s state. [b] “Tell James to send his best at me…”[/b] I stared her down. She hunched her shoulders almost like a little girl and shook her head in a careless manner. [b] “Heh… he already has!”[/b] with that shout, she flung back her briefcase into Sakura’s chest and landed a heavy turning shin kick into her gut. Sakura flung back into the wall with a whelp, her pistol misfiring into the air. Erica leaped at me faster than my mind could comprehend. My body, however, was already on her. Lifting my odachi up from my side, I brought it across my laying body to scare her off. It didn’t work. She was already spiraling into the air, her back to me, a short-heeled shoe flying towards my face. I ducked quickly and rolled off of my bed, and onto the cold hospital floor. The impact caused a disgusting pain to wrack my body and I nearly vomited onto the floor. Fortunately, I didn’t have the time to get sick, rolling as I dodged a series of dropping axe kicks from the furious woman. Picking my self up lazily, I shoved my back against the wall and held my sword out in a sloppy defense. Erica smirked arrogantly and readied herself in a formal Tae Kwon Do L-Stance guard. She edged towards me slowly, causing me to gulp loudly. My hands began to shake; my body was failing on me. I couldn’t take her on, not at the moment. I was too weak… I might die… [b] “Freeze *****!”[/b] Sakura’s voice thundered through the room. Both mine and Erica’s eyes shot over towards her. She was holding the Beretta steady, aiming directly at Erica. Erica began chuckling as she stepped back towards the window. [b] “Hah… you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into, kid…”[/b] Her back to the window, Erica slammed a backfist into the glass, causing the window to crack all over on impact. Suddenly, it shattered loudly all onto the ground and out onto the street. [b] “Maybe this’ll convince you.”[/b] she produced a small black remote-control from her jacket. A detonator. My eyes widened and focused on the black briefcase in the center of the room. Erica jumped backwards from the window. Thinking quickly, I ran across the room and pulled a baseball slide into the briefcase, causing it to shoot out the window. Before it could fully exit the ground-level window, a great explosion through me and Sakura across the wall yet again. Debris and broken glass slammed across our bodies, but we were alive. Sakura picked herself up, then helped me to my own feet. Dusting herself off, she looked out of the destroyed window in question and pondered to herself. [b] “Who the hell was she?”[/b] I coughed hoarsely and patted my hospital gown down. My body was killing me, and I knew that a few stitches had to have broken. [b] “I dunno… but hopefully I won’t have to deal with the ***** again.”[/b] [b] “We’re lucky to be alive… but we gotta be on the move.”[/b] [b] “You don’t have to remind me….”[/b] I crossed the room and picked up my odachi’s scabbard. [b] “…. Where should we go?”[/b] [b] “My place will be good for now, as long the cops don’t follow us.” [/b] [b] “That sounds-“[/b] I stopped mid-sentence as my eyes glided across the room and settled on a small white piece of paper. Walking over to it quickly, I picked it up. It was a business card. [i][b] The Vigor [/b] – 3435 Castle Ave.[/i] I held the card up and showed it to Sakura. [b] “….we need to go here.”[/b] [/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Retribution][size=1]Ditto on that one. I've succumbed to more than a few gender stereotypes that have shape who I am, so I assume if I were a girl I would be a stereotypical one. And I think I'd be a maneater, w00t.[/size][/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] Yeah... I think I'd be the same. If I were a girl, I wouldn't be the one you'd wanna bring home to your parents. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I share a similar routine as [b]White[/b] for the same exact reasons. I do, however, go one step further and pick my clothes out. I just like to look as stylish as possible, more than likely because I'm an artist, I like to express myself at any given opportunity and treat clothing/fashion as such. Call it nerd-hip hop-slacker, if anything. I spend alot of time in the morning assuring that my appearance is up to par because I like to look good for the ladies. It is apparent to me that women don't appreciate dirty dirty little boys. So I try to stay clean and fresh and smelling nice, and looking good. This has helped me in my romantic life drastically, as I usually have a girlfriend at any given time (including now). And while it's true that relationships shouldn't be based on appearance, that doesn't mean that it your appearance shouldn't matter at all. First impressions are everything, and your appearance, whether you like it or not, is always your very first impression. Yeah, I may be a bit feminine, but I honestly don't care. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Damn it! You beat me to the punch! I'll get a sign up for this one soon, I've been waiting for a good Naruto RP ever since I finished the last manga chapter. Just remember the name, Gin, and remember the fighting style, Nemuri Tora no Taijutsu. [b]Name:[/b] Gin Batou [b]Age:[/b] 16 [b]Gender:[/b] Male [b]Appearance:[/b] [URL=http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y181/Cybernator/GinBatouNemuriTora.jpg]Gin Batou[/URL] [Please forgive the picture quality. I drew it, but my scanner isn't hooked up, so I had to take a digital picture.] Gin stands at a lanky 6?0?? tall, weighing little more than 158 lbs; his body is made up almost entirely of thin muscle and bone. He stands tall over most other chuunin and genin in Konohagakure. His hair is a sandy-dark blonde, and his eyes are a hazy light green. His skin tone is a light tan which comes mainly from his lack of a shirt. He prefers to walk around and tan whenever he gets a chance to lay down (or even when he doesn?t). He wears desert-camo pants which he rolls up at the knee. His shins down are covered in wrapped bandages. He wears his head band over the top of his head and tied in the back, allowing his shaggy long hair to fall around the sides. His face is almost always in a lethargic, tired expression. Normally, though, he has a slight half-smile on his lips and a tranquil peace about him. His appearance throws most people off, as he doesn?t seem to be even an aggressive opponent, let alone formidable. However, his tightly toned muscles and battle scars tell a story of combat that few Chuunin of his rank or age can claim. [b]Rank:[/b] Gin reached Chuunin after his first year as Genin and has since been used as mainly a secret ace-in-the-hole by his squads to be unleashed. Due to his lack of leadership skills as of yet, he hasn?t lead many missions. [b]Personality:[/b] Gin, by most, is described as a lazy, useless, unapologetic fool and a waste of time. Very few of his superiors and almost none of his peers see past his carefree attitude and into his caring personality and deeply thoughtful mind. While it is true that Gin would rather not seek trouble and simply enjoy his days relaxing and doing nothing, there is much more to him that meets the eye. He wishes to fight for the right to be free and destroy the chains of war and violence around him. He despises raucous violence and trouble, and will quickly silence it himself just so he can be without it that faster. Gin is normally seen walking about his life in a haze of his ?Dragon?s Weed? and often times seen sleeping in some odd place, he is always ready and alert for when his allies need him. [b]Equipment:[/b] Gin carries with him very little, his only personal storage space being his pants? pockets. He does, however, always carry on him a supply of Dragon?s Weed, paper with which to wrap it, and a pack of matches. [b]Main Weapon/Technique:[/b] Gin Batou is the only current practitioner of a self developed form of Taijutsu called Nemuri Tora no Taijutsu. This fighting style is reputed for its erratic movements and unpredictable attacking patterns. Very few individuals have ever displayed the tranquility of mind to retain the style's opening of Life Gates, Gin being the only current master of this art through extreme relaxation. Nemuri Tora no Taijutsu focuses on placing the mind into a state of unconsciousness, taking all thought out of combat, the body and spirit are left to defend themselves with the purest attacks and fastest reaction time possible. It is said upon reaching this first plateau of meditation, in which the user is literally sleeping while standing up, that he also simultaneously opens the 1st and sometimes 2nd life gate. This first stage is called ?The Sleeping Tiger?. The second stage of Nemuri Tora, dubbed ?The Stirring Tiger?, is when the mind slowly becomes more a part of the body, with nothing but the current fight on mind. The style retains its flowing unpredictability while adding faster reaction time and strength. On top of this, a small ability to strategize is added. During this stage, the 3rd and 4th Life Gates are opened. The third stage of Nemuri Tora is called ?The Waking Tiger?. During this state, this stage, the 5th and 6th Life Gates open. During this stage, the user in nearly fully awake, but only aware of his current fight. His fighting style becomes much faster and direct, and his defense compromises completely of counter-attacking. The fourth stage of Nemuri Tora is called ?The Raging Tiger?. During this stage 7th Life Gate is open. The fighter is fully awakened; however, he is only aware and concentrated on his target at hand. His movements and attacking style remain the same as with ?The Waking Tiger?, however, during this, he is also able to fully plan out and strategize his next movements. The fifth and final stage of Nemuri Tora is called ?The Dying Tiger?. During this stage, the l8th Life Gate is open. This stage has never been reported or seen by a currently living person. All that is known about this state is that once reached, the fighter becomes invincible, a fighting force equal to that of a God. The conditions of this are self sacrifice, as the user can never live through the awesome strain he places on his body. However, victory is always assured. Gin has yet to ascend to this level, however he is aware of it. Therefore, he has no true grasp of what he will become at this state. Beyond the Nemuri Tora fighting style, Gin possesses one minor Ninjutsu he uses that have gone unnamed. The first simply involves him expelling a great cloud of smoke, in replacement of a smoke bomb, with his Dragon?s Weed cigarette. This smokescreen can also act as a ?poison? cloud, as it will nearly always intoxicate those in the vicinity of the cloud. Those without a tolerance for the strong fumes usually become worthless in combat. This double-edged sword also runs the risk of intoxicating Gin?s team mates. [b]Biography/Writing Sample:[/b] Little is known about the actual past of Gin Batou. The only known fact that circulates about him pertains to the deaths of his parents when Gin was still a child. Gin?s mother and father were two of the wicked Orichimaru?s test subjects. They both were highly talented Shinobi and natural targets for the power-hungry Orichimaru. Left alone at the age of five, Gin put himself through the Shinobi Academy for years, supported by his various teachers. Gin was a mediocre student at best during his Academy days. He got involved with smoking Dragon?s Weed at the age of 14, and while it didn?t much worsen his lazy mind set, it did give teachers a reason for it. Regardless of his bad work ethic, Gin would graduate the exit exam, however due to his lack of true ninjutsu ability; it was a debate as what to do with him. His unique, self developed fighting style, Nemuri Tora Taijutsu, helped him more than anything to pass his exams and become a shinobi. When the time came for him to be assigned to a cell, he was considered by his team mates at first as a burden. However, as time progressed and the missions his cell embarked on became slowly more intense, his team grew to consider him a highly valuable aspect of their team. When the time came for the Chuunin Exams, Gin?s team roughed it through and made it to the finals. When Gin stepped up to fight, he passed with flying colors in the one-on-one rounds, defeating his opponent soundly. After the chuunin exams, Gin was referred to a particular Taijutsu specialist whom he was told would help him cultivate his strengths. This man would be his first real mentor, Rock Lee. Unbeknownst to Lee, Gin had idolized Lee?s ability and determination from afar for years and had always looked up to him. Upon paring with Lee, Gin found much of his own hidden potential through Lee?s rigorous training exercises. Despite some initial resistance, both Gin and Lee have found a medium between one another. While Lee represents the pushing hard work for Gin, he counteracts with his laziness, but constant prowess. It wad during a sparring round when Lee became the first outsider to learn the secrets of the Nemuri Tora Style Taijutsu, realizing that Gin was opening his Life Gates while in his trance. Today, Gin is an active shinobi who often accompanies Lee himself on search and destroy missions. As well, Gin still works with his team mates, and more often than that, he is sent as extra back up for any rookie Genin teams on higher ranking missions. Gin is labeled by his village now as a secret weapon, and despite his dislike of violence and aggression, he is glad to be of service to his village. [b]Extra Notes:[/b] Gin?s laziness is normally a trait of his personality, but can also be due to his recreational use of a marijuana-like plant called ?Dragon?s Weed?. He is often seen rolling or smoking a cigarette with said substance inside. The drug has no known negative side effects save a state of deep relaxation and intoxication, which is seen by most as a flaw in someone?s guard. However, Gin uses the drug as an advantage to hasten his descent into his Nemuri Tora trance art. As well, his only ninjutsu technique is dependent on the presence of a lit cigarette. Nemuri Tora translated means Sleeping, or Sleepy Tiger. The only person whom Gin admires other than adoptive master, Rock Lee, the Beautiful Green Beast of Konoha. Gin's personal admiration of Rock Lee can be seen in his fashion, particularly his bandage-wrapped hands and legs. Gin looks to Lee as an older brother and person to be like, despite the fact that he often scoughs at Lee's strict training regiment. Gin's only past time other than sleeping is music. He can often be seen sporting a set of headphones with blaring music in his ears. To a select few, Gin is known to be a talents dancer, but he doesn't care to show off himself in front of others. Ichiro Nagata seems to hold a sort of disdain towards Gin. This is speculated to be his status as chuunin despite his loose ethics and 'low' dedication. A handful of onlookers admire Gin's genius in his creation of the Nemuri Tora fighting style. It is nothing short of genius, in their eyes, that such a young man develop such an effective and unique fighting technique. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Mugen stared on mesmerized by Nikki?s great power, each of the dark-cloaked bodies stood perfectly still in their steps. It was then that Mugen began to realize the actual great number of them in his wake, number in at least the twenties, each one now a black statue in the crowded SoHo street. It struck Mugen as strange that this area of the city was empty of regular humans, but now wasn?t the time for him to question. [b] ?G-good job, Nikki??[/b] Mugen praised his partner. [b] ?Don?t mention it. Let?s just get on with it!?[/b] she replied in a happy tone. She was the first to step forth into the crowd, slowly navigating around each of the hooded human sculptures. Mugen looked to Xavier and shrugged with him. The two started off into the frozen crowd themselves, followed closely by the rest of their group. [b] ?Bo?, dis seems almos? too easy, eh??[/b] LeCrosse?s charismatic Cajun spoke. [b] ?Almost, but it?s working, heh??[/b] Mugen laughed back to him. [b] ?Aye, tha? Nikki girl be a powerful magican indee?.?[/b] LeCrosse gave a toothy smirk as he side stepped a particularly intimidating cloaked man. [b] ?Ya got that righ-?[/b] Mugen?s words were stopped by a short feminine whelp from the front of their group. He looked onward to see Nikki drop to the ground. Suddenly, the entire group of dark magicians reanimated. [b] ?Shit! Everybody be on guard!?[/b] Mugen shouted amongst the disoriented bodies. Thinking quickly, he rushed to Nikki?s position. [b] ?Who? who broke my spell!?[/b] Nikki stammered while she crawled backwards, attempting to stand. Mugen lent his hand and helped her back to her feet. Xavier pushed his way amongst the now attacking magicians with unusual agility towards them. At that point, one of the dark cloaks sprung after Nikki with an unusually curved dagger in hand. Reacting out of instinct, Mugen body spun in a lighting-quick spiral and slammed his foot into the cloaked man?s chest. The dark magician glided back violently, slamming into another on of his allies. Xavier arrived shortly after. [b] ?Hey, you and Nikki get away from me, I?ll handle this!?[/b] Mugen shouted to him. Xavier nodded in understanding. Grabbing Nikki?s hand, he ran away with her in tow. Spinning around, Mugen faced the crowd of dark magicians before him. Some where doing battle with walls of flame, other flying away in random direction from what must have been LeCrosse. Mugen stared off with his own attacking group. Tensing his entire body, steam began expelling fiercely from his body. Slowly, a low growl in Mugen?s throat became a full-fledged battle cry as his clothes began to float about him, the ground beneath him cracking in small sections. A visible aura had gathered around him, and he posed in an attacking posture, his body side ways and hands held high, he waited for his opponents. Two sprung forth at the same time, their magic powers unknown. The attacker on the right began forming large crystals of ice around his hands. The other presented two hands full of large tarot cards. In synchronization, the two launched their respective projectiles. Taking a great step forward, Mugen shoved his hands downward and shouted loudly, causing an enormous barrier of ki to expel the attacks in different directions. The ice crystals splintered off into a small grouping of dark magicians, causing one unfortunate one to become enveloped in ice. The tarot cards sped off into an alley, causing a small explosion. The attacking dark magicians were left stupefied, giving Mugen his opportunity. Before anymore attacks could follow, Mugen was flying through the air. Spinning backwards mid-air, he launched both legs the sternums of his opponents, sending them sprawling into the concrete with an inhuman force. Another stepped forward, attacking with mysterious streams of water which resembled whips. Mugen leaped backwards and sent his right leg heel first towards his head in a reverse hooking kick. The skillful magician ducked down, but Mugen caught on before landing. Without missing a step, he dropped his left leg onto the magician?s clavicle, folding him into the ground, a great roar escaped Mugen?s lungs. With a ferocious expression, Mugen looked on towards his remaining opponents. Visibly hesitant and intimidated, the five remaining dark magicians all charged forth at once, brandishing various glowing auras and foreign weapons. Mugen readied himself for a final assault. He hoped that his allies were fairing as well as he?[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I'm a vicious bastard in my debates, haha. I used to get into big ones back in the day, and still do from time to time. I just hope that I don't have to debate something that I don't agree with on a moral standpoint, hah. That would be troubling for me, but still, I could pull it off.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I'll volunteer for the challenge. I particularly enjoy debating so I think I'd enjoy the whole process much more than the last challenge, haha. So if Sakura and White have no interest in it, I suppose Matt, Beth, and I can handle it. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] I nominate that dirty honky [b]White[/b] to be sacraficed before the almighty Sandy... I always hated that guy anyways. But in all seriousness, I would love to volunteer. Unfortunately (well, actually very fortunately) I have my Tae Kwon Do black belt test coming next Thursday, so anytime I would be needed to participate in this would be cut due to the time I need to prepare. Aswell, I am currently typing up a term paper for Psychology 201, heh. So unless this volunteer is supposed to sit out this round, I don't think I would be a worthy candidate for the position. I still think we should make the cracka do it, but if Tiana wants to save his milky-white a**, then I suppose we'll be fine. Good luck kiddo.[/color][/size]

[QUOTE=Dagger]I disagree. Even watching movies can be helpful if you're taking a critical approach to the script/story. The same basic principles of storytelling apply as much to manga/comics and other mediums as to novels. Besides, learning what [I]not[/I] to do is just as important as figuring out what makes good writing good. ~Dagger~[/QUOTE] [color=darkred][size=1] I second you. My actual writing style is highly influenced by action film and anime. You can tell by how I constantly have fights scenes going on, and how I describe them vividly to give a sense of action and movement in my writing. I'm often told it's the best thing I do writing wise, and it gets me alot of compliments (even an accomplished writer saying I need to show them how it's done, hah). That's the thing I dislike most about literature, is that action is often generalized, rather than going into the deep details of combat and action that I love. If it can be read, it can be imagined, and I love giving the reader an awesome, over the top fight scene to imagine. It's what makes my writing 'unique' I believe. So aye, you shouldn't rule out the influence of movies/anime/comic book/manga for writing style. I suggest you check out the work of Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore, DigitalBoy. Some of the best American authors out right now and both work in graphic novels (and regular novels as well). Big influences on me in this area are Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez, Shinichiro Watanabe, and Frank Miller. [/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] For me, imitation has been the only learning tool I've ever had. Be it how I learned to draw by tracing styles I admired (eventually fusing them to create my own) or even my martial arts style (a combination of different styles I enjoy as seen from others). As for writing, things came along slightly different. In actuality, I don't read nearly as much as I'd like to. I read more non-fiction that I do fiction because I enjoy learning about subjects of interest. However, if I gave you the list of fiction authors that I've read and enjoyed, you'd definetly see how they influenced me. Go flip through the following ( recommend, highly, all of them): [b]1984[/b] by George Orwell [b]Brave New World[/b] by Aldous Huxley [b]Anthem[/b] by Ayn Rand [b]World War Z[/b] by Max Brooks These three books helped me in what I feel are the... spirit of my writing. I like big, enormous, themes. And even though these books deal mainly with outrageous political commentary on world events, they taught me how to convey a message through a story. In The Hit right now, my underlying message may seem a bit.... dim compared to these, but hopefully it is there. It tells the tale about how a man's past and present determine his future, and how through dire situations, you can overcome with the help of those around you (even if you don't trust those people yourself) and the lessons from your past. It tells how you can have people who care about you greatly, without you knowing just how much they really care. How bad situation can show your best friends. And while The Hit was written initially just to be a cool assassin story, I wanted something deeper to coincide with it. The message in it is still being told. Another thing these books helped me do is learn how to tell a good story through unfolding events in first person. As if in each chapter, you are more than less reading the protagonists mind rather than listening to him tell a story. [b]Anthem[/b] and [b]1984[/b] are the biggest influences in this area. You experience and feel the same thing the main character feels all at the same time as he/she does. This is actually my favorite style of writing (first person) because it's more personal and emotional. Aswell, it is possible to invoke humour into a dire situation (alá a back thought in the character's mind) without presenting an useless object for the plot. Basically you don't have to interupt the current situation just to lighten the mood. The last thing I'll comment on about these books are how they taught me to end a story without extreme closure. Particularly, [b]Anthem[/b] and [b]World War Z[/b]. The taught me that I can give closure, leave an a good note ([b]Anthem[/b]'s ending inspired me for months on, and I nearly became an anarchist based on it, haha), and also provide an option for sequel or continuation. Another thing it taught me, (now [b]WWZ[/b]) is how to instill a particular gut-dropping feeling at the end of a chapter book. [b]World War Z[/b] ended nearly every chapter with a feeling of relief, admiration, or fear that could be physically felt as read. I try to do something similar in The Hit, as is apparent. On top of this theme, all of these books (save [b]Brave New World[/b]) taught me how to give a good, big revelation at the end (or near end) of a story. I have a big gut wrencher planned for The Hit, so look out for it. Using myself as an example, Its apparent that reading is essential if you want to become a good writer. You can't just tell a good story without seeing how one is told. Back when I began writing, I sucked.... like.... an ungodly amount. My writing style reflected what I read (mostly young teen fiction) and it showed. It was simplistic, child-like even, and on top of that, my writing never had a point to them. I wrote just to write, without an idea in mind, I cranked out incoherent garbage constantly. Search the username [b]Double_B_Daigo[/b] to see some of my past atrocities, and I think you'll see how I've improved, haha.[/color][/size]

[color=darkred][size=1] Oh crap... I can't believe that I actually got it, haha! But I am wondering... who's descision was it to make me a latino gangster? Regardless, it awesome, haha.[/color][/size]