Forty-third and final Lotus

[spandexisyouth]

[The writing is much slower than normal. He's taking his time.]

I do not know that there is anything more to say on the topic of me. I am Maito Gai, the Green Beast of Konoha, teacher of Lee, Neji, and Tenten, Eternal Rival to Kakashi, summoner of Ninkame, shinobi of Konohagakure. What you have seen and met is me. I teach and I train and I fight. And I hug. And you are all welcome to visit. If there is anything anyone else would like to know, you may ask, but I cannot think of what else to say.

I am going home, but I will see many of you again, for I will visit here, and the worlds that have an invitation.

It has been my honor to work with those I have, and to meet those I have. I will not forget any of you.

Comments

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

I'll continue to practice. Every Monday. And Thursdays, too.

[spandexisyouth]

I am glad to hear it, Kagerou! And when we run into each other again we will have a short spar so that I can see how far you have progressed!

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

I might surprise you! I'll have Tatsuki to teach me again.

I hope so, anyway. Things look a little dark right where I'm going.

[spandexisyouth]

You have a teacher back home?

They... are not bright where I am going either. But we will find a way.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Sort of. My best friend. She's the runner-up for the national karate championship for high school students, so she is quite excellent!

But she isn't really my teacher. Not like you have been. And more than that.

I still can't remember my parents. But I do know now what it would be like to have an uncle, I think.

[spandexisyouth]

That is impressive!

I am sorry for your loss. I do not know if it is any comfort, but I cannot remember my father, and have only the briefest memory of my mother. They were both ninja as well. But I am honored to be as your uncle, Kagerou, and to know what it is to have a neice.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

It's all right. [Hurried strikeout.] They weren't very good parents. I think it's better I don't remember.

You know, I can't be too angry at the Sphere. It gave me a family.

[spandexisyouth]

And sometimes the family we make is better than the one we are given. I am not angry at the Sphere either, for many things happened here that otherwise would not have come to pass.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Yes. I had a wonderful big brother, and I have good friends, but I think a part of me will always miss what we had here. Even though things were hard sometimes, I wouldn't... be the person I am if not for the Sphere.

[spandexisyouth]

This place has created many things that we would otherwise not have. Without it I would not know you, and so even for just this I am thankful that I have been here.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Right back at you. I don't think I can ever put into words how much it means that you agreed to teach me. So, a whole lot.

[spandexisyouth]

And you have learned well and been a pleasure to teach!

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Well, and it looks like you have a lot of experience teaching, right?

[spandexisyouth]

I have had a couple of years focused on training my three students, that is correct! And they are all showing great promise!

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you will continue to teach them splendidly.

[spandexisyouth]

I will for at least three years! And thank you.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

Right. I won't lie--I'll be a little sorry to have to return you to them. But I think they need you more than I do, in the end. You've given me so much already.