The Least Suspicious Paddy Farm Around [Shichiro]

Komori was not amused with the boy’s feigned interest in the matter. He had started out trying to teach him some important life lessons, using farming as a medium, but it had been a bit of time by this point and he was no closer to learning anything as he was when he had first approached him in attire completely unbefitting of the environment. His work left much to be desired as well, as he seemed the type to settle for mediocrity instead of trying to reach perfection. He was not quite sure how this was going to work out. “Another row,” would be the first response that Shichiro would receive. The grocer’s attempts to talk his way out of doing further work would not work on Komori, who had dealt with enough shenaniganry in his lifetime from his twin brother and others.

“Not my whole life, no,” he would eventually respond, providing that Shichiro was continuing his work on the field. If he chose to pick up the stray rocks that were still present, he would be somewhat impressed that the boy was choosing to do the bare minimum. If he instead chose to start a new line, Komori himself would grab the remaining rocks from the divot which Shichiro made. “Just a few years now.” He would hopefully not have to keep doing extra work, and Shichiro would hopefully be able to maintain a conversation while finishing off the rest of the field. The pair did not need to talk the entire time and the faster Shichiro fulfilled his end of the bargain, the faster the pair would be able to move on and do something else. Komori, at this point in time, had yet to connect with anyone else in the bar or embark upon a fantastical Christmas adventure, so he was still rather tight lipped.

WC: 309
TWC: 2153

Praise is something that is earned, not guaranteed for any miniscule effort given. Komori was even thankful that Shichiro was not a regular guest of his, as the work that he was performing was severely lacking in the efficiency department. At least he was improving, but the bar was ludicrously low from the get go. Perhaps it was due to the thinness of the final shred of patience he possessed, or perhaps it was from the hope that a proper answer might get Shichiro to work more and talk less. “If you must know, I came from the Land of Lightning.” His brow crinkled in mild irritation. “Each place had, or has I suppose, their pros and cons. I prefer the quiet here. No major village nearby, no wars, no-” he stopped himself before he could mention the rot, “-conflicts,” he amended. With that out of the way, he would await a smart aleck response from Shichiro, if he spoke up.

Otherwise, the tone Shichiro had opted to adopt upon completion of the tilling was not the smartest move he could make, as the sheer level of disrespect would have likely caused the former lord Mortarian to smite him where he stood. Yet, any days like those were far behind the Hozuki. He released a long exhale, silently praying that his frustration would leave his body alongside the breath. “Now that the dirt has been exposed to the air, we need to flood the patty with water.” He cast a thumb back towards a small gate that was holding back a small man made tributary from a nearby river. 

WC: 269
TWC: 2422

Why Shichiro chose to announce that his followup remark would be a question was beyond the mind of Mori. One did not need to specify what they were about to do before doing so. It was almost as ridiculous as shouting the name of a technique as one performs said technique, letting the opponent know what one was doing. “Of course,” Komori griped as he pinched the bridge of his nose with closed eyes. The young man proceeded to follow up the unnecessary statement with a legitimate question, instead of skipping that step altogether. “Control it,” he began, trying to muster some patience once again. “We only need the water to be about two inches deep. It creates more work for us- well, you, if we have to drain the field. It’s far more efficient to close the gate when the water gets to the desired level.” Assuming Shichiro was able to follow orders, the gate would rise and the water would begin flooding into the paddy.

The gently moving current flowed from the branch on the main river. “The thing about water is its fluidity, which might sound like a give in, but honestly it’s often overlooked.” The stream continued, more water flowing from the length he had dug out years ago. “The ability of water to fit into any container in which it might find itself is perhaps its greatest strength, being able to adapt to its environment ensures its course is charted thoroughly.” He spoke fondly as he watched the water rise. “What remains is the wear and tear of erosion of constant pressure that withers away at the strongest earth over time.” 

WC: 276
TWC: 2698

Komori opted to allow his silence to answer Shichiro’s request. In remaining silent, the Hashimoto would be able to tell that he was doing what was expected of him. If he had spoken up, then Shichiro would know exactly what he was doing wrong, believe you me. However, much to the farmer’s surprise, it seemed he was indeed capable of following directions. It felt like it had taken months to reach this point, even though he was aware that everything that had transpired had done so in the course of a single day. 

“Not quite,” he answered. “I’ve always had an affinity for water. Since the day I was born, in fact.” He smiled to himself, seemingly forgetting Shichiro was even there. “I took after my dad in that way. I used to be the go to for learning water jutsu in Kumogakure.” The faraway gaze in his eye faded as he shook his head. “Forget I said anything. That’s another life now.” Changing the subject, he eyed the gate. “You can lower it now. That should be enough. Come.” Komori uncrossed his arms and began walking over to the nearby shed. He opened the door on its rusty hinges and revealed a series of containers along the length of a work table covered by a faded tarp. He removed the covering, kicking up some dust in the process, to reveal several bags of rice. They had grown past the seed stage, but they were still in the early stages of development and the majority of them looked to be in good health. Komori grabbed one of these bags, slinging the strap over his shoulder and wearing it like a satchel. “We plant these in the new field, and then we’re done.” Regardless of Shichiro’s actions, Komori would exit the shed with the first container and move to the paddies.

His exposed feet sank into the freshly flooded field, as he bent his knees and stopped down to the earth. His hands expertly reached into the bag, careful to only grab what was needed, and plant a single seedling into the water soaked earth. A solitary mass of green poked slightly above the surface of the water. Komori, still crouched down, then waddled backwards on the path between the divots, placing more seeds at an appropriate length apart. If Shichiro stepped into the paddy, he would call out to him prior to his first planting. “Make sure they’re upright and won’t fall over.” 

WC: 413
TWC: 3111