Going Nowhere Fast [OPEN]

[youthfulpassion]

DATE: 5/15
INVOLVED: youthfulpassion and YOU! OPEN to anyone, no need to ask before tagging in.
ACTIVITY: Edward called Gai an old man; now Gai has resolved to make three hundred laps around Ukiyo to regain the vigorous spark of youthful vitality! Or something like that. Feel free to come in at any point during his laps, in any district, so long as it's near the

Comments

[rockinurzen]

Training had been a part of Zanki's life for so long that even though he knew he didn't need it, he still found himself going out for runs. Even here, with his brace gone and his heart panging the way it had before his death, he felt the urge to run. To better himself.

So, he did. Running did feel good, and it was further proof that his knee was fully healed. It was only transforming that endangered his life, so there was no reason not to keep in shape. What surprised him, though, was seeing someone else with the same idea. They weren't running the same circuit, so to speak, but the least he could do was wave a greeting at the stranger.

Hm, maybe he should join the man. Company could make training even better, after all.

[youthfulpassion]

Aha! A companion? How interesting! Gai seldom found people running when he did, aside from Lee--they simply didn't train that way. Why would they, after all? It seemed that training, for most shinobi, was all about technique: were they making their seals fast enough? Could they mold their chakra more powerfully? Were they hitting the bullseye exactly on the mark? All of those were good goals, certainly!

And yet, none of them seemed to respect the basics nearly so well as the time-honored traditional exercise of just running. What could be simpler? More basic? More essential and fundamental? How could anyone hope to really, fully better themselves unless they improved at the building blocks of speed and strength and stamina, mind and spirit and body, dedication and discipline and willpower? Most people's practice didn't honor the blood, sweet, and tears that were demanded from truly hard work

[rockinurzen]

"Good afternoon yourself. I wasn't expecting anyone out here." Zanki's voice was easy and level, in spite of the fact that he was running at a brisk pace and looked to have been at it for a while. "It's a good day for training, mm?"

He changed his own pace to match Gai's effortlessly, falling into step beside the other man, wherever the street allowed them. It was simple to keep his attention on the path while paying attention to Gai. Zanki was appreciative of the man's form and stature. In his own home, he wouldn't have been at all surprised to find out the man was an oni.

Urgh, subpar tag, I am sorry. x_X I can't get my brain around tags lately.

[youthfulpassion]

"Nor was I!" Gai flashed a bright smile in return, more focused on his new companion than the path; he didn't mind breaking his stride to hop onto curbs or circle signs. If nothing else, it made the run more interesting. "But it is a quite nice day for it--you'd think more people would take advantage of that fact, wouldn't you?"

He gestured expansively around them; the sun was shining, the sky was blue, the breeze was gentle..... what more could someone possibly want in a day to exercise on? It was perfect!

It's ok! If you're having trouble with the other logs too, would me recommenting help?

[rockinurzen]

"Maybe they're doing quieter things like enjoying the gardens. Not everyone would need to train intensively, mm?" Zanki did agree with Gai that it was a wonderful day. The air felt invigorating. Maybe it was because it was the tail end of spring. This time of year usually meant a lighter work load for string oni, with their usual prey becoming scarce. It was a good time to relax and get some good training in.

"Still, I'm surprised not to see more people out and about, even just enjoying a stroll."