[D3 LA] Getting What I Need

[Shiba Jiro]

He nods at that. "I will do what I can then. Have you been enjoying your time here Kuroneko-san?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"I... I have to be honest... I feel out of place." He sighed. "I even didn't expect all that had happened today."

[Shiba Jiro]

"I mean, anyone that doesn't duel is a little bit out of place here. But you have proven your talent and worthiness twice over, by earning an invitation and by performing well here so far."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"It is not just that... I feel weird... maybe is the spiritual energies or just me." He shrugged

[Shiba Jiro]

"Oh, the spirits are very active here. Even I was able to sense them on the teahouse and the shrine. Despite not being a priest. Maybe spending time at the recuperating shrine will improve the feeling?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Kuroneko sighed "I go there every day... It was a saddening sight. I suppose our hard work might bear fruit. I hope it fills the emptiness I feel inside." The Shugenja shook his head. "I don't know why was I chosen... I don't think of myself as one of the better Shugenja of the school..." He sighed again.

[Shiba Jiro]

"You were selected though. And have done well. We all have doubts from time to time. But you should listen to the people that have faith in you. They see your strength from the outside."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

He looked back to look at something. "Do you believe in me?" Neko asked to the air behind him. "I see..."The boy smiled and looked at Jiro. "I think you are right... But that might not erase the doubt nor the emptiness I have."

[Shiba Jiro]

The smile is returned happily. "Doubt is not erased so quickly. Even when unwarranted it lingers. And emptiness must be filled, not erased. That is what friends are for. Tell me about your other friend there?" he asks, curious if its a spirit or ancestor.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

He looked to the space where Jiro pointed and nodded. "He is my Guardian. He had followed me since birth." Neko turned to Jiro and nodded. "Morihiro... his name."

[Shiba Jiro]

"That is great. I've got my brother for that, and he's got me. Nicer to have someone that is always there, no?" He says with a smile.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

Kuroneko lowered his head. "It is not the same. I miss my brothers and my sister. Sometimes, one longs for something more." He pets little Tori.

[Shiba Jiro]

"I mean, I've missed my brother when I've spent time away from him. But it's the nature of life to eventually move on to new things and new people in the pursuit of duty. I try to find the joy in new experiences," he says with a shrug.

[Shiba Kuroneko]

He gave a deflated chuckle. "Right...new things and people...." Neko shook his head. "I would love lo meet new people but somehow I... draw a blank when talking to them...I don't know Jiro san... really don't know."

[Shiba Jiro]

"Best way to avoid that problem? Ask them about their life. Open ended questions instead of yes or no," he says with a shrug.

"How did you meet Tori? Tell me about the place you grew up? Where is the most interesting place you have been?"

[Shiba Kuroneko]

He sighed. How many times will he have to say the same story. "I rescued him from poachers in Kitsune Mori... His mom was kill for her fur..."

[Shiba Jiro]

He had only been giving examples and hadn't expected an answer. The sigh suggested it was not a happy thought though.

"Well, I am glad he's got you looking out for him now."

[Shiba Kuroneko]

"We look out for each other." Kuroneko smiled. "We are like brothers..." He scritched the sable's head.

[Shiba Jiro]

"Guess you are lucky to have him too.". He smiled warmly at that.