First impressions?

Inara got a solidly positive first impression of Neji. She really enjoys talking to him, because, as she said, he's quiet and seems steady. And he seems to consider his opinions carefully. He's just easy to be around, and she likes trying to make him relax and wants to big-sister him a little. She also likes that he's upfront about the things he's unsure of, but it doesn't seem to ruffle his calm. He's someone she can see herself relying on to remain competent under stressful situations.

Reverse?

Neji had a positive first reaction to her! Which is kind of saying something, because he's usually sort of reserved meeting new people. But Inara balances being smart and determined with having a sense of humor and such in a good way for him, and she's very, very diplomatic, which he appreciates. He actually sort of doubly appreciates it, because it's something he thinks their team could use some more of, so while he wouldn't wish kidnapping and amnesia on anyone, he's sort of glad she ended up with them. He's hoping that will help balance Iolite out some.

Inara's thoughts on Iolite as a whole?

Hmmm... she doesn't really have a strong TEAM IDENTITY sense yet. She likes everybody as individuals very much, although she's side-eying Vincent a little. She still found him charming! But everybody else came across as being trustworthy and genuine, whereas he came across as playing a part with a bit of troll in it. Although she doesn't disapprove of this, given that her memory was of doing the same thing. So she actually sort of appreciates it!

But anyway yes, I guess so far Iolite in general strikes her as a group of people that she's lucky to be with, but she can understand why they might stress each other out. She can see what dynamics would create friction, and she hopes she can moderate that a little, although she's not sure how successful she'll be because she's so new. But also she doesn't really see it as a huge problem if they don't get along all the time, because... people don't! And she feels like even if they fight, and even if they're all strong willed individuals with conflicting ideals and habits and goals (which I guess is another thing she's got the impression of), she can really be affectionate to each individual, and maybe that will be good enough.

Neji's thoughts on Iolite! (I'm sorry, I will eventually stop just reversing everything, I swear)

Hmmm. Somewhat better than they were when I did this meme a little while ago, but he does sort of wish they had a little more team identity. Not that they necessarily all have to be CHUMMY, but of the memories he's gotten, fighting along side teammates or other members of the village has come up a couple of times, and he feels like there's a certain lack of cohesion. He doesn't however, have a problem with anyone individually. Vincent is Vincent, but Neji's a ninja.

He does side eye some of the drama, though, and has sort of come to the conclusion it's his place on the team to be sort of... the objective one, who doesn't get drawn into it. >.>

Are you enjoying playing her? XD

Oh my god yes so very much. I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH. And she's sort of a fantastic offset to Mau. THEY'RE VERY DIFFERENT.

What are the memories you're most looking forward to Neji getting?

Awesome!

I look forward to Neji getting back some of his trauma memories at this point—his father dying and getting his seal, in particular. His fight against Hinata would be pretty awesome too. Or otherwise more memories from when he was young and an asshole.

So how did you decide to app Chance? XD

Somebody asked me in a questions meme what sort of Persona I'd design if I wanted to play one, so I designed Chance off the top of my head and then immediately wanted to play them. And then I thought, no, this is a terrible idea, they're not even based on a real myth, and besides, I've never run a game before in my life.

...but then a week later Persona apps opened so I did it anyway. AND THAT'S MY STORY.

How do you think those memories will change Neji? Will it be a noticeable change at all?

It will depend, to a degree, on when he gets them and where he's at emotionally at the time. Naruto's said that he has bad memories, so he half expects to start getting things worse than he has so far. He also knows something was going down with his father, so neither the seal nor the death memories would necessarily surprise him. He might withdraw some, and get more serious. Which is clearly totally what he needs, right? But for the most part, the changes won't be too noticeable. When he remembers what's up with the seal, he'll probably start covering it—either questing for a headband, or his forehead protector, or possibly just ninjaing some bandages. I think he'd be less comfortable with having it on display all the time.

If he remembers almost killing Hinata, he might get a little more identity angst, and start focusing on some of the dissonance between his earlier memories and his later memories.

Memories you're looking forward to?