Welcome to Gaia! ::

((Hehehe, Ryoko isn't here. She's back at the house. It's just Roy, Katare and Sanaki.))

Roy looked over the edge fo the outlook and noticed Nav heading toward the cafe. He shuddered remembering is first meal there then looked down to her and called out.

"Oy! Nav! You been to my house yet?!"

((a little late roy!))

Navalie walked back into the village once more prepared to go train back at the place she figured she would meet a few people. She grinned and she kept walking through the whole village until she came to the gates of the badlands. She then stepped forward walking directly into the badlands hoping to meet a few people there.

Roy looked down and growled. He hated to be ignored although he understood why he had been this time. She was way to far awayt o hear him and he just sighed a bit. Nav was gone. He'd see her later that night anyway at dinner probably. He then turned back to Sanaki and Katare. "So what do you guys think? NOt to many people use this lookout anymore but I like it. You can see the whole village from here..."

He then looked to Sanaki directly "And as for you wolf girl, you should take mroe pride and happyness in yourself. People only talk bad about you cause their jelouse that your so kickass and they wont even know what its like to be that badass. " He just wanted to make sure she felt encouraged to be herself, even if it ment being in her alternate forms.

((Sanaki sedducing someone. I find that hard to believe. rofl ))

Roy looked to Sanaki and was pleased with her reaction. She was becoming happy with herself and he wanted that. He turned back to look over the railing and sent is next question to Sanaki again.

"So you don't come out that often huh? i've never heard of any wolf demi-humans. You guys a secret clan or something? A hidden weapon of Iwagakura?"

Roy sat back and looked up to the sky. He hadn't really thought about it but his house was getting pretty busy. Probably couldn't take in too many other folks without forcing room sharing on folks. He thought for a long moment and looked foward. "Well...I hear a lot of these people's history and it isn't the best of things. Everyone that's staying in my place has no one else as far as family goes and...well, I've ju8st no real understanding of that. I've always had my mom, my sister, my dad, aunts, uncles, grandma, grandpa, the whole nine yards. And...well...I guess I really don't know. I just don't want folks to go through life living it harder than they need too. My mom has always complained about how empty the house can feel sometimes when we're all off and she has the day off. So...well...now we have my friend Mizuki, Katare and one of the genin's Nav living with us. I just want to make their lives better I guess. Your's too if you want to live with us or spend the night or something. All training won't help you any."

((This is the last part of the training so its a different timeline))


It was finally the next day and Roy was excited to be on the last 3 chapters of the tactician’s gold mind known as the Art of War. He dashed in to get something to eat at breakfast than ran back to his room so he could study silently and finish the last couple of chapters.

Notes on chapter 11: The 9 Situations.

Sun Tzu said: The art of war recognizes nine varieties of ground:
(1) Dispersive ground; (2) facile ground; (3) contentious ground;
(4) open ground; (5) ground of intersecting highways; 6) serious ground; (7) difficult ground; ( 8 ) hemmed-in ground; (9) desperate ground.

When a chieftain is fighting in his own territory, it is dispersive ground. When he has penetrated into hostile territory, but to no great distance, it is facile ground. Ground the possession of which imports great advantage to either side, is contentious ground. Ground on which each side has liberty of movement is open ground. Ground which forms the key to three contiguous states, so that he who occupies it first has most of the Empire at his command, is a ground of intersecting highways. When an army has penetrated into the heart of a hostile country, leaving a number of fortified cities in its rear, it is serious ground. Mountain forests, rugged steeps, marshes and fens—all country that is hard to traverse: this is difficult ground. Ground which is reached through narrow gorges, and from which we can only retire by tortuous paths, so that a small number of the enemy would suffice to crush a large body of our men: this is hemmed in ground. Ground on which we can only be saved from destruction by fighting without delay, is desperate ground. So many different types of battle fields and tactics. And this is just for regular armies. There must be even more tactics for Ninja battles.

On dispersive ground, therefore, fight not. On facile ground, halt not. On contentious ground, attack not. On open ground, do not try to block the enemy's way. On the ground of intersecting highways, join hands with your allies. On serious ground, gather in plunder. In difficult ground, keep steadily on the march. On hemmed-in ground, resort to stratagem. On desperate ground, fight. Those who were called skillful leaders of old knew how to drive a wedge between the enemy's front and rear; to prevent co-operation between his large and small divisions; to hinder the good troops from rescuing the bad, the officers from rallying their men. When the enemy's men were united, they managed to keep them in disorder. When it was to their advantage, they made a forward move; when otherwise, they stopped still.

If asked how to cope with a great host of the enemy in orderly array and on the point of marching to the attack, I should say: "Begin by seizing something which your opponent holds dear; then he will be amenable to your will." I get it. This is the same as when you see someone take a hostage.

Rapidity is the essence of war: take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots.Again with the sneak attacks! I like it!

The following are the principles to be observed by an invading force: The further you penetrate into a country, the greater will be the solidarity of your troops, and thus the defenders will not prevail against you. Make forays in fertile country in order to supply your army with food. Carefully study the well-being of your men, and do not overtax them. Concentrate your energy and hoard your strength. Keep your army continually on the move, and devise unfathomable plans. Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight. If they will face death, there is nothing they may not achieve. Officers and men alike will put forth their uttermost strength. People fear death… Soldiers when in desperate straits lose the sense of fear. If there is no place of refuge, they will stand firm. If they are in hostile country, they will show a stubborn front. If there is no help for it, they will fight hard. Thus, without waiting to be marshaled, the soldiers will be constantly on the qui vive; without waiting to be asked, they will do your will; without restrictions, they will be faithful; without giving orders, they can be trusted.

Prohibit the taking of omens, and do away with superstitious doubts. Then, until death itself comes, no calamity need be feared. If our soldiers are not overburdened with money, it is not because they have a distaste for riches; if their lives are not unduly long, it is not because they are disinclined to longevity. On the day they are ordered out to battle, your soldiers may weep, those sitting up bedewing their garments, and those lying down letting the tears run down their cheeks. But let them once be brought to bay, and they will display the courage of a Chu or a Kuei.In short…people hate war and killing but will do it if they believe in the cause. The skillful tactician may be likened to the shuai-jan. Now the shuai-jan is a snake that is found in the Chung mountains. Strike at its head, and you will be attacked by its tail; strike at its tail, and you will be attacked by its head; strike at its middle, and you will be attacked by head and tail both. Asked if an army can be made to imitate the shuai-jan,
I should answer, Yes. For the men of Konohagakure and the men of Amegakure are enemies; yet if they are crossing a river in the same boat and are caught by a storm, they will come to each other's assistance just as the left hand helps the right. Hence it is not enough to put one's trust in the tethering of horses, and the burying of chariot wheels in the ground. Wow, the old war between the fire country and the lightning country…

The principle on which to manage an army is to set up one standard of courage which all must reach. How to make the best of both strong and weak—that is a question involving the proper use of ground. Thus the skillful general conducts his army just as though he were leading a single man, willy-nilly, by the hand. It is the business of a general to be quiet and thus ensure secrecy; upright and just, and thus maintain order. He must be able to mystify his officers and men
by false reports and appearances, and thus keep them in total ignorance.

By altering his arrangements and changing his plans, he keeps the enemy without definite knowledge. By shifting his camp and taking circuitous routes, he prevents the enemy from anticipating his purpose. At the critical moment, the leader of an army acts like one who has climbed up a height and then kicks away the ladder behind him. He carries his men deep into hostile territory before he shows his hand. He burns his boats and breaks his cooking-pots; like a shepherd driving a flock of sheep, he drives his men this way and that, and nothing knows whither he is going. There’s method to this madness…I hopeTo muster his host and bring it into danger:--this may be termed the business of the general.

The different measures suited to the nine varieties of ground; the expediency of aggressive or defensive tactics; and the fundamental laws of human nature: these are things that must most certainly be studied.

When invading hostile territory, the general principle is, that penetrating deeply brings cohesion; penetrating but a short way means dispersion. When you leave your own country behind, and take your army across neighborhood territory, you find yourself on critical ground. When there are means of communication on all four sides, the ground is one of intersecting highways. When you penetrate deeply into a country, it is serious ground. When you penetrate but a little way, it is facile ground. When you have the enemy's strongholds on your rear, and narrow passes in front, it is hemmed-in ground. When there is no place of refuge at all, it is desperate ground.

Therefore, on dispersive ground, I would inspire my men with unity of purpose. On facile ground, I would see that there is close connection between all parts of my army. On contentious ground, I would hurry up my rear. On open ground, I would keep a vigilant eye on my defenses. On ground of intersecting highways, I would consolidate my alliances. On serious ground, I would try to ensure a continuous stream of supplies. On difficult ground, I would keep pushing on along the road. On hemmed-in ground, I would block any way of retreat. On desperate ground, I would proclaim to my soldiers the hopelessness of saving their lives. For it is the soldier's disposition to offer an obstinate resistance when surrounded, to fight hard when he cannot help himself, and to obey promptly when he has fallen into danger.

We cannot enter into alliance with neighboring princes until we are acquainted with their designs. We are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country--its mountains and forests, its pitfalls and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guides.

To be ignored of any one of the following four or five principles does not befit a warlike prince. When a warlike prince attacks a powerful state, his generalship shows itself in preventing the concentration of the enemy's forces. He overawes his opponents, and their allies are prevented from joining against him. Hence he does not strive to ally himself with all and sundry, nor does he foster the power of other states. He carries out his own secret designs, keeping his antagonists in awe. Thus he is able to capture their cities and overthrow their kingdoms.

Bestow rewards without regard to rule, issue orders without regard to previous arrangements; and you will be able to handle a whole army as though you had to do with but a single man. Confront your soldiers with the deed itself; never let them know your design. They just have to know what to do, not necessarily why your doing it. When the outlook is bright, bring it before their eyes; but tell them nothing when the situation is gloomy. Place your army in deadly peril, and it will survive; plunge it into desperate straits, and it will come off in safety. For it is precisely when a force has fallen into harm's way that is capable of striking a blow for victory.

Success in warfare is gained by carefully accommodating ourselves to the enemy's purpose. By persistently hanging on the enemy's flank, we shall succeed in the long run in killing the commander-in-chief. This is called ability to accomplish a thing by sheer cunning.

On the day that you take up your command, block the frontier passes, destroy the official tallies, and stop the passage of all emissaries. Be stern in the council-chamber, so that you may control the situation.

If the enemy leaves a door open, you must rush in. Forestall your opponent by seizing what he holds dear, and subtly contrive to time his arrival on the ground. Walk in the path defined by rule, and accommodate yourself to the enemy until you can fight a decisive battle. At first, then, exhibit the coyness of a maiden, until the enemy gives you an opening; afterwards emulate the rapidity of a running hare, and it will be too late for the enemy to oppose you.

A sense of excitement rushed over him as he noticed that he was only 2 chapters away from completing this tome.

Notes on Chapter 12: The Attack By Fire.

Sun Tzu said: There are five ways of attacking with fire. The first is to burn soldiers in their camp; the second is to burn stores; the third is to burn baggage trains; the fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines; the fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.

In order to carry out an attack, we must have means available. The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness. There is a proper season for making attacks with fire and special days for starting a conflagration.

The proper season is when the weather is very dry; the special days are those when the moon is in the constellations of the Sieve, the Wall, the Wing or the Cross-bar; for these four are all days of rising wind.

In attacking with fire, one should be prepared to meet five possible developments: (1) When fire breaks out inside to enemy's camp, respond at once with an attack from without. (2) If there is an outbreak of fire, but the enemy's soldiers remain quiet, bide your time and do not attack. (3) When the force of the flames has reached its height, follow it up with an attack, if that is practicable; if not, stay where you are. (4) If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out within, but deliver your attack at a favorable moment. (5) When you start a fire, be to out of its way and up wind of it. Do not attack from the downwind direction less you be caught in the ensuing blaze. A wind that rises in the daytime lasts long, but a night breeze soon falls. A country such as Konoha would be most vulnerable to a fire attack because of all the forest but then again, they probably have the best fire handling methods next to the Mist country. They’re probably use to fires…but Mist might not be…hmmm

In every army, the five developments connected with fire must be known, the movements of the stars calculated and a watch kept for the proper days. Hence those who use fire as an aid to the attack show intelligence; those who use water as an aid to the attack gain an accession of strength.

By means of water, an enemy may be intercepted, but not robbed of all his belongings. Unhappy is the fate of one who tries to win his battles and succeed in his attacks without cultivating the spirit of enterprise; for the result is waste of time and general stagnation. Hence the saying: The enlightened ruler lays his plans well ahead; the good general cultivates his resources.

Move not unless you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to be gained; fight not unless the position is critical. . No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.

If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are. Anger may in time change to gladness; vexation may be succeeded by content. But a kingdom that has once been destroyed can never come again into being; nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

Hence the enlightened ruler is heedful and the good general full of caution. This is the way to keep a country at peace and an army intact.

Roy sat back on his bed and began to rub his writing hand. He was there, the final chapter. He looked back at the pages of notes and side notes and things he had taken from this one book. He was pleased with how much he had learned. He would defiantly put this information to good use.

Notes of the final Chapter: THE USE OF SPIES That’s us! Nin Nin!

Sun Tzu said: Raising a host of a hundred thousand men and marching them great distances entails heavy loss on the people and a drain on the resources of the State. The daily expenditure will amount to a thousand ounces of silver. There will be commotion at home and abroad, and men will drop down exhausted on the highways. As many as seven hundred thousand families will be impeded in their labor.

Hostile armies may face each other for years, striving for the victory which is decided in a single day. This being so, to remain in ignorance of the enemy's condition simply because one grudges the outlay of a hundred ounces of silver in honors and emoluments, is the height of inhumanity. In other words, don’t fight just because you can. One who acts thus is no leader of men, no present help to his sovereign, no master of victory. Thus, what enables the wise sovereign and the good general to strike and conquer, and achieve things beyond the reach of ordinary men, is foreknowledge.

Now this foreknowledge cannot be elicited from spirits; it cannot be obtained inductively from experience, nor by any deductive calculation. Knowledge of the enemy's dispositions can only be obtained from other men.

Hence the use of spies, of whom there are five classes: (1) Local spies; (2) inward spies; (3) converted spies; (4) doomed spies; (5) surviving spies.

When these five kinds of spy are all at work, none can discover the secret system. This is called "divine manipulation of the threads." It is the sovereign's most precious faculty. These can all be seen as different types of ninja

Having local spies means employing the services of the inhabitants of a district. Getting people that live there to do the dirty work for you…hmmm interesting. Having inward spies, making use of officials of the enemy. Having converted spies, getting hold of the enemy's spies and using them for our own purposes. Having doomed spies, doing certain things openly for purposes of deception, and allowing our spies to know of them and report them to the enemy. Surviving spies, finally, are those who bring back news from the enemy's camp.

Hence it is that which none in the whole army are more intimate relations to be maintained than with spies. None should be more liberally rewarded. In no other business should greater secrecy be preserved. This is why we get paid the big bucks Spies cannot be usefully employed without a certain intuitive sagacity. They cannot be properly managed without benevolence and straightforwardness.

Without subtle ingenuity of mind, one cannot make certain of the truth of their reports. Be subtle! be subtle! and use your spies for every kind of business. If a secret piece of news is divulged by a spy before the time is ripe, he must be put to death together with the man to whom the secret was told. Whether the object be to crush an army, to storm a city, or to assassinate an individual, it is always necessary to begin by finding out the names of the attendants, the aides-de-camp, and door-keepers and sentries of the general in command. Our spies must be commissioned to ascertain these.

The enemy's spies who have come to spy on us must be sought out, tempted with bribes, led away and comfortably housed. Thus they will become converted spies and available for our service. It is through the information brought by the converted spy that we are able to acquire and employ local and inward spies.

It is owing to his information, again, that we can cause the doomed spy to carry false tidings to the enemy. Lastly, it is by his information that the surviving spy can be used on appointed occasions.

The end and aim of spying in all its five varieties is knowledge of the enemy; and this knowledge can only be derived, in the first instance, from the converted spy. Hence it is essential that the converted spy be treated with the utmost liberality.

Hence it is only the enlightened ruler and the wise general who will use the highest intelligence of the army for purposes of spying and thereby they achieve great results. Spies are a most important element in water, because on them depends an army's ability to move.

Roy closed the book and sat back. He was expecting a bit more on the ninja in the last chapter but he understood it all too well. In the end, the spy chapter noticed different aspects of the ninja life. You have some ninja who infiltrate country and live there for years passing along information back to the home country. You have some who pass along false information in means to disturb the enemy. You have some who capture and do nothing more than interrogate information out of enemy ninja and spies. It is Roy’s goal now to become a strategist that can take these words and give them life of his own design. He closed the book and got dressed to take the book back to the library.

[Sorry. I've hurt my right wrist. So I can barely do anything. I'ts in a plint, so I can barely type.]

Sankai shook her head. She would like to stay with the weird family, but Roy had made it sound like the house was already busy, and her mentor would be worried if she didn't appear back.

"Thanks for the offer, but I should go home tonight. Mentor would flip his prety little head," she laughed gruffly, It was almost weird to live with a guy that was just 5 years older than her. But she knew she was safe with him, he was after another anyways. It was just weird to stay with the person who was so mean in practice, but thoughtful back at the den.

"Anyways, the training's good, but now I have a reason to ask for days off. Maybe I'll come visit you and your mom," she winked at thim with her crooked smile.