A Question for Quinn [Augmentation]

[Augmentation]

Rokku had gotten up early and collected his refined jade and glanced at his Gaia’s gauntlet deciding to pay a visit to Quinns forge, something he had been meaning to do but never really having a reason to do so. The refined jade had been a gift from his family and Rokku had not realised it could be used as more than a pretty paperweight until his mother expressly informed him it could be used to improve or augment ninja tools. Rokku was uncertain how he was supposed to have realised that when he specialised in ninjutsu and not taijutsu or weaponry. When he had turned the questions towards his mother as to how precisely they could be applied she ducked away from the conversation with great haste and skill.

Rokku was certain that a smith of Quinn's skill would have no trouble in answering his questions and so he chose to head over to their forge and joined the que at the seemingly very well sought after skills of the Quinn the Forgemaster. Rokku politely took his place and waited his turn and would greet Quinn upon seeing them and enquiring whether they would be able to upgrade the Gaia’s gauntlet with the refined jade and how much Rokku could expect this service to cost.

WC: 216 TWC: 216

The services of Otogakure’s Forgemaster was one that piqued a handful of folks interest. Especially with the rising pedigree of the Special Jounin. This did not however detract from their normal business ventures and expenditures, as Quinn Foster navigated the balance of their job, personal, and professional life. Some days where their job was that of the blacksmith profession, and that included today. Many were venturing and looking for methods and approaches to better themselves and taking on the ordering with their big business book was Quinn. Eventually an uncertain boy’s turn arrived greeting with a smile, “Hello there Rokku.”

WC: 100, TWC: 100

Rokku found thew wait fairly peaceful and simply remained quietly, allowing the sounds of the village and the people to wash over him as he used it to compose music in his head, it was a peaceful and lively tune that he conjured in his mind. To Rokku it spoke of elation and joy with the potential for a better tomorrow and a general sense of frivolity that he did not particularly feel whilst standing in line but it gave him something to do. Rokku glanced down at the Gaia Gauntlet he wore on his right hand, it had a taken a little adjustment to allow him to learn to strum his new guitar, The Shredding Axe of Rebellion Mk 1, correctly. He had gotten the hang of it by now via some rather intense practicing, though he lost some dexterity Rokku doubted it would be much of an issue and the benefits the gauntlet lent to his ninjutsu seemed a more than even trade.

He understood of course that he could simply take the glove off if he wanted to but he had secretly enjoyed the addition to his look and he liked to think it made him appear more battle ready, much like those weaponry ninja that wandered around with large weapons on their backs. If he was honest with himself it was mostly for the sake of vanity but it was something he had long ago accepted about himself. Rokku hoped that with the incorporation of the refined jade he had received it might prove to be effective in defence should he be caught of guard in battle and perhaps create the space needed to recover or react as the situation may require.

The queue shuffled up a little farther and he wondered if Quinn had many employees to help out or whether they simply carried out the work themselves. If Rokku had to place money on the hypothetical wondering he can conjure dup himself, he would consider that Quinn was the type of person to prefer doing the work themselves. From what he knew of the Forgemaster they never seemed to tire, slow or perhaps were entirely incapable of feeling tired or bored. Rokku could imagine Quinn to be the type to dig to the centre of the world if you gave them an unbreakable shovel and pick and told them it would benefit the village, all without a word of complaint or worry. It was certainly an odd feeling to be friends or at the very least a sort of colleague with a person like Quinn. Most people had obvious flaws and selfish desires that were understandable and clear, could be moved and phased visibly by events, woes and worries.

Next to Quinn Rokku’s felt very, well inadequate. He felt less devoted, less powerful and disciplined of body and mind. The urge to complain or gripe made him feel less in their presence which in turn pushed him to be better. Yet Rokku did not feel any intention or arrogance with Quinn. Quinn simply was who Quinn was. He had never seen them request acknowledgment or reward and he had even tried to emulate the attitude and stoicisms to improve his own flaws. Admittedly he was never likely to reach the same heights or discipline but he felt better for the trying. It was a strange thing to look up to someone and strive to become more like them in some ways whilst also feeling as though Quinns Presence made Rokku’s flaws more noticeable and obvious. Worst of all for Rokku in those moments of self doubt and perhaps self pity he could not even muster the anger or bitterness to lash out at Quinn or the falsely perceived unfairness of the situation when it festered so strongly it could burst. Even in his own head the worst he could do was gripe that Quinn had perhaps been babysitting him somewhat when he first graduated. Even that could not really be seen as a bad thing and so Rokku simply tried to express the unsaid and unsought bile through loud and discordant music to purge it out of his thoughts.

“Hello there Rokku”

Rokku snapped back into awareness, realising that the line had kept moving and he with it whilst trapped in his reverie. Rokku scratched his head and smiled a little nervously as though worried Quinn would read his thoughts and he spoke quickly to cover himself.

“Hello Quinn, its good to finally visit your forge but I understand you are busy so will try not to take up too much time.” Rokku withdrew the refined jade and unwrapped it, placing it carefully on the counter before removing his Gaia’s gauntlet and placing it on the counter alongside the jade. “I was recently gifted this refined jade and told it could be used to improve the Gaia’s Gauntlet but… well honestly I have no idea how to actually do it. I know they call you the Forgemaster so was wondering if you could help me out? I am willing to spy of course but I also wanted to ask if it was okay for me to watch you work? I don’t think I am ever going to become a blacksmith but its an art I haven’t really had a chance to appreciate. If not today then another time maybe as I can see you have had quite a few order sin and don’t want to impact your business. Just thought it would be cool to see an expert artist at work and maybe it might even inspire my own music somehow. So what do you think?”


WC: 942 TWC: 1,158

Seeing the young Genin’s trepidation as he approached, Quinn’s brow furrowed with an eyebrow raising out of curiosity. Seeing Rokku refocus gave a nod of understanding as there’s always something to worry about. The words he spoke had tinges of various emotions that seems to stir, one being that of worry. The Sarutobi was practically shaking in his shoes in line. Hearing such a genuine request from the boy, Quinn gave a resolute nod before motioning towards a curtain before pulling out a hammer and ringing a bell that was under the counter letting a distinct ringing sound not foreign to regulars of Foster’s Forge.

A young boy who had been growing up around the forge had begun working there officially in the year time that he had started. Walking out from the curtain a wave of heat rolled out from the curtain as the youth with a full leather apron appeared and gave Quinn a nod before jumping onto a stoll to man the storefront of the business. He smiled at Rokku and gave a thumbs up as Quinn, not missing a beat, would begin to move towards the back after grabbing the refined Jade that Rokku had delicately placed on the counter alongside his gauntlet. “Easy fix. Come on.” They simply said gesturing to follow as simple and fluid as their weaponry swings. It was natural and apparently common enough that the youth took over handling customers with ease.

Leading Rokku into the back where the forges ran, the sounds of clinging echo louder, louder and louder as they approached. it was a slightly narrow hallway that would not fit two abreast, but it was spacious enough for someone to walk comfortably through. Senth was resting on the Forgemaster’s back as they maneuver through the hallway. With the items and hand, Quinn moved towards the side of the Forge, where there was a workbench that was cluttered on the sides, but the middle were working would be done, was clean and orderly., was impressive for the size of the shop as there was four full fletched forges at work. to raise their head in the middle of the work to give acknowledgment to the master of the forge, and about their business as if nothing changed. The atmosphere, lack of the metal ring in harmony. if someone slammed their hammer on a blade, it was done either in unison or rhythmically, creating a steady throughout the space. wouldn’t consider a place or music was to be had, but it was clear through their pure strikes, that there was harmony in the air.

Once at the bench, the Otogakuran Blacksmith again their assessment of the gauntlet and the ability to view the powers of the jade into it. it was a simple task as they’ve already dealt with augmenting weaponry before, but it was always a wonderful show to any who wished to see. As Quinn looked over the gauntlet and made measurements, they tapped what looked like a piece of charcoal onto their chin, leaving a black soot mark there. Quickly with precision, marks were made on the gauntlet, including making a circular one in the middle of the the back of the hand. it looks like this was going to be place that the Jade was going to go. Accent in pieces with Jules and rare stones was not out of the wheelhouse of the Forgemaster, but they were excited to show off a little bit. The marks were made they set the gauntlet down next to the jade on the desk. as it was a standing, they simply moved towards one of the and grabbed from the side and simply dumped it into the hot hits of the fire. They stood there for a moment and same to ponder. I thought, but shook their head. Eventually they grabbed with tongs the crucible that they had laid into the flames along with grabbing a rag off of a rack near the forge.

Returning to the desk, the blacksmith was very quick to put the cloth rag against the back of the gauntlet hand. Through the entire process, they didn’t speak a word as the sounds within the forge, continued to beat onward, never ending, never stopping. It was clear through their general posture alongside their demeanor, that this was a more specific process that took a little bit of time. After a few moments, the markings of charcoal, the gauntlet remain underneath the rag, the metal become pliable and workable to be able to inlay the jade rather than to set it on the metal. Quickly to adjust, Quinn chucked the crucible behind them back towards the place where they got it from for it to clang agains the floor and eventually bounce towards a pile of other crucibles that were likely Quinn’s doing. The took the same hammer they had used earlier to ring the bell to begin repeatedly tapping on the metal, staring and grabbing the jade in their other hand. They hadn’t taken distinct measurements of the jade but knew enough to imbue their chakra from the Jade itself through them into the taps of the hammer. The sounds rang in a fast cadence as the metal began to bend under the command of the Forgemaster. It was unorthodox practice that would not be the proper method of approach, but it appeared to work for Quinn none the less. With ample time and effort, Quinn eventually gave a nod before putting the jade straight into the concave portion they made before slamming their other hand on top of it as their chakra flared before Rokku should his focus be on them. It was then that their other hand reached into the gauntlet and pushed back against the jade being inlayed into the gauntlet. It was a moment before Quinn relaxed as they removed their hand and gave a firm nod the metal was able to encase itself around the Jade and almost fuse into it with the extra hand work they conducted. Minimally speaking, Quinn used some of their Flame Breathing to endure the heat being used to set the stone while cushioning it from being damaged.

They turned to see if Rokku was still there before tossing it his way. “On the house.” They said calmly before tagging the rag and rubbing their hands with it. The beats of the forge marched on as they continued their efforts on other tasks. Once Rokku had a moment to inspect the gauntlet, Quinn began to return to the front of the shop. They marched to their own drum and went about leading the genin out from the forge. “I don’t know your troubles.” They began to speak as they reentered the hallway. “I was young once. Wild concept for sure. I was the odd one. I recognize my difference.” They continued should Rokku pay mind to listen, and if he didn’t, they still spoke outward to whomever would listen. “My family’s task is distinct. Work the forge. Find a new market. Learn that market. Leave to excel there.” They explained as they moved to a separate space that Quinn walked into leaving the door open. They went to a small desk in the corner as they picked up a button. The room itself was plain and bare, nothing of major note stood out. The bed was made, the wardrobe was clean, the desk had stacks of various papers and documents but what stood out was a small plate on the desk in which the button sat.

“The first piece made. Something simple. Something essential. Nothing spectacular.” The stared at the button before setting it back on its resting spot before looking through the window. The room was quieter than the rest of the forge, the sound of the forge did not pierce the room as it did with others or the front of the shop. “Never forget where you started. Always remember home.” They said before leaving the room behind and closing the door as they left to continue down the hall. It was not clear who the words were for but it was clear that Quinn remained as true to who they were then and even now. Once leading Rokku back to the front, Quinn would dismiss any payment being pushed by the Genin and simply gestured at the building. “A small payment. Still supporting the village.” They simply said waving goodbye before returning to the back room of the forge, leaving their nephew running the front who would give Rokku a shrug if he looked at the youth. Back in the Forge as Rokku was probably leaving, Quinn began to hammer out another blade into existence as their strikes rang out from the forge into the streets. The sound of the forge was already settled into the neighborhood in which it was settled in, but with Quinn’s strikes in conjunction, there was a heavy under beat that supported the other clangs of metal.

[Exit]

WC: 1,500, TWC: 1,600

Augmention/WC Claims: wrote:Augmenting Rikki’s Gaia’s Gauntlet with Refined Jade from his inventory.
Using WC to produce 25% discount on augmentation. Spending remaining 3,750 Ryo from Quinn’s inventory.
Rokku to create ANT Application post completion of this thread.
Remaining 100 WC Discarded.

Quinn Foster wrote:
[Exit]

WC: 1,500, TWC: 1,600

Augmention/WC Claims: wrote:Augmenting Rikki’s Gaia’s Gauntlet with Refined Jade from his inventory.
Using WC to produce 25% discount on augmentation. Spending remaining 3,750 Ryo from Quinn’s inventory.
Rokku to create ANT Application post completion of this thread.
Remaining 100 WC Discarded.

Approved!

Rokku followed Quinn into the forge proper and he was impressed by the skill and rhythm of the noises within. He noted several ‘stations’ and another smiths beating out rhythms and silently considered himself a fool for thinking that Quinn could maintain the level of work required alone. In a way it was comforting to know Quinn could not do everything themselves, at the very least it was proof they were only human.

His newfound confirmation was quickly challenged however as Quinn set about working on the gauntlet creating a discordant yet wonderfully matching series of ringing noises and marvelled as they worked, backing up a little to resist the heat before inching forward so as not to miss the display of artistry and skill. He noted that Quinn began to breath in a curious rhythm yet Rokku could not calculate its purpose, deciding it was perhaps a sign of Quinns total concentration on the piece of work at hand.

Though Rokku watched the process he found himself struggling to recall what was precisely done at each step, simply enthralled with the skills and perhaps a transcendental passion for the smithing that he felt from Quinn though they remained as expressive as usual. He had know  Quinn expressed feelings with actions and the scene that unfurled before him was a crystallisation of this.

When the work was done Rokku fished out his wallet to pay the Forgemaster their due and was surprised when they advised it was on the house. He considered arguing with Quinn for a moment but decided against it, they had offered more than one gift to Rokku and he could not put a price on watching their skill firsthand in the forge. He continued to follow them into a room that he could only imagine was Quins bedroom it was neat and precise as he might have guessed and he listed intently, gaining insight to the Forgemaster whom he was uncertain had ever spoken to him so much outside of training.

Rokku swallowed as he heard the story and the advice, the symbolism not lost on him, he still recalled for the first little tune he had made as a child, it was a small few, a few random notes scrawled poorly on sheet paper. Somewhere in his cupboard it was stored in a box. Rokku nodded as they left the room and gave a low bow to Quinn. “I understand and I am grateful for your care and teachings…Forgemaster” Rokku used the title with more reverence than he expected but he could not deny the name was well earned.

“I will repay you by becoming an excellent shinobi and then one day I will surpass even you Quinn. And then you will know your investment was not in vain.” Rokku made the declaration with a smile on his face but a firm tone and steady look of determination in his eyes, a new fire lit within sparked by the Forgemaster’s words and flawlessly skilful actions.

WC: 500  TWC: 1658

[Exit]

Claiming 1658 WC (25% discount for max stats)
Claiming ap - 32 ap (489 -> 521 bonus ap)
- 808 to complete Extra Advanced Element - 1500/1500 - 808/1658

Previous claims:

- 850 towards Legacy of the Sarutobi: Earth Path 850/1500 - 1658

Rokku wrote:

WC: 500  TWC: 1658

[Exit]

Claiming 1658 WC (25% discount for max stats)
Claiming ap - 32 ap (489 -> 521 bonus ap)
- 808 to complete Extra Advanced Element - 1500/1500 - 808/1658

Previous claims:

- 850 towards Legacy of the Sarutobi: Earth Path 850/1500 - 1658

Approved!