(Network Post) Greetings

[rulebook]

Good afternoon, fellow students. I am Ryuta Tanemoto. I'm a 2nd year and an active member in the kendo club as well as the school band.

I wish to inform you that although this is the beginning of the school year, you should be made aware of all the rules before too long. I am sure all of you received your copies of the student handbook, so be sure to catch up on all the details. Negligence is unacceptable, as it is your duty to know and understand each and every rule.

If you have any questions on the matter, I will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some other times throughout the week. Unless of course there is a test coming up, in which case you all should be studying.

Sincerely,
Ryuta Tanemoto

Comments

[allisnothing]

Wow. The overachiever type? Are you also a megane?

Thanks for the reminder I guess? My stupid manual's sort of wet though.

Is that so?

[rulebook]

Not to worry. I have a few extra copies for such occasions. You are Haruka, correct? I will be sure to leave a book at the front desk of the girls dorm for you to pick up.

And I will take that as a compliment. Better to overachieve than to underachieve.

Re: Is that so?

[allisnothing]

Generous of you. There goes one excuse. Darn.

Your welcome then.

[phantomcloud]

Nice to meet you, senpai! I'm Hazama Miyume, a first year. I'm in the writing and swim clubs. What instrument do you play?

[rulebook]

Ah yes. I neglected to mention that I suppose. I play the violin, however my skill with it is mediocre at best.

And as a sidenote, you can just call me Ryuta. I prefer that over 'senpai' and such titles.

[phantomcloud]

[Miyume's response doesn't come until the evening of Friday, the 14th.]

Oh, I see. I like violin music. What style do you play?

Would it offend you if I called you Tanemoto-san, instead?

[rulebook]

That would be fine. I don't mind you calling me that.

And as for style of music, I mostly play classical violin. And on rare occasions, I play jazz.

[phantomcloud]

Thank you for understanding.

Are you familiar with Celtic fiddle at all?

[rulebook]

Fairly little, I'm afraid. I have heard some recordings through my study sessions. I assume you enjoy it?

[phantomcloud]

Very much. I love Celtic music in general, among other genres from around the world.

[burningbow]

Hiya, Tanemoto-san. You're a fan of kendo? How interesting. But if you wave swords around, someone usually gets hurt.

That's okay, though. You sound like a serious guy. Some people here are lazy and need a good thwacking. Be sure to introduce yourselves to each other, will you?

[rulebook]

Imaizumi, correct? Rest assured, I am well aware of such matters. However, I don't believe that physical reinforcement is necessary.

[burningbow]

Yes. It would've been nice to try Kendo but unfortunately I cannot find the time. I feel, were I in your position, that handing me the stick of power would be a disaster. The sword and bow are nothing alike.

So, are you going to hit people with your sword, Tanemoto? I can't believe you're interested in something like that.

[rulebook]

Imaizumi, I feel that you have the wrong impression of me. I enjoy kendo for the fact that it is a good way to releave stress. I hold no malice when I swing my blade.

But I do agree that archery and kendo are far from similar. Kendo is quite the taxing sport. Unlike archery, you fight against a living person over a target. I honestly don't see much of a point behind challenging a stationary object.

[burningbow]

How about indulging me in a debate for a moment, Tanemoto?

You told me you follow Kendo because you need some way to relax, right? Well then, do you understand why I train Kyudo? If you focus on drawing and firing your bow, then anger, bitterness and hatred are cleared from your mind. That peace is something I expect you to understand.

I prefer training my mind with my body. But hey, whether training the body or mind... both require discipline, right?

[rulebook]

Ah, so you practice Kyudo to train both body and mind? While I can see how it may require both a tempered mind and body, I do not see much of a challenge behind it.

Kendo is more than just two men beating each other with swords, as I believe you see it. You must anticipate your opponents movements, come up with an appropriate counterattack, and strike without hesitation the moment an opportunity arises.

As you can see, Kendo is as much a battle of wits as it is strength.

[burningbow]

Ooh. I see.

But either way, you don't want to admit that you enjoy striking any partner that you train with. Therefore, you still enjoy hitting people with your sword, right? What if you put away your weapon and use non-violence? Would it be the same?

[rulebook]

Sad to say, I'm not as sadistic as you believe me to be, Imaizumi. I simply use Kendo as a means of relaxation. I take no joy from beating a person.

While there have been times that I have used my skills outside of practice, I have ever only done so to defend myself. Surely you would not put me at fault for protecting myself?

[burningbow]

You think I would? How sad. Your desperate efforts are something that would have my full support.

... Unless you don't even want that, of course.

[rulebook]

Hmm. I will take your offer into consideration. I will say that I found this debate... rather interesting.

[burningbow]

Likewise. Thank you for your time.

[hoshikage_himeko]

Um…cool speech…? I have the feeling you would have loved my old school (´-ω-^)
Anyway~ (^ω^) I’m Uehara Himeko! ♪
Nice to meet you, I guess?...

[rulebook]

Likewise, Uehara. While your old school sounds promising, I much prefer this campus. It's not everyday someone can attend such a prestigious school.

[waterholdmedown]

Isn't that the staff's job? The rule thing. They're pretty good at it.

[rulebook]

Ah Kazubata, correct? While it may be the staff's job to enforce the rules, the students must be made aware of said rules.

Rules are the backbone of society. Without them, we would be no different from animals.

[waterholdmedown]

Eh. A lot of them are kinda dumb.

[rulebook]

I see. I doubt I could change your mind with what I have to say here. However, if you ever wish to talk, I will make adjustments to my schedule.

[heirofkobe]

Welcome to Kobe. Can't imagine we'll be speaking too much, but if you need any intel on the place, I've lived here my whole life.

[rulebook]

I appreciate the offer, Taue. I will take you up on that if the situation arises.