degozarus

[First Impressions]
Shinobu is small, but not weak, he is agile and athletic but foolhardy. His hair covers half his face and has blonde strips dyed into it. He does his best not to expose his left eye if he can help it. He is often found climbing his surroundings or practicing ninja-like poses and jutsus. Otherwise he is extremely withdrawn, making sure he can do most everything so as to not stand out too much.

[OOC]
Backtagging: yes
Threadhopping: irt serious threads please ask beforehand
Fourthwalling: ok
Offensive subjects (elaborate): i doubt it would ever come up but dead baby jokes or explicit descriptions of child death is something i can't stomach too well if i'm not pre-warned of it

[IC]
Hugging this character: yes, though he will try and avoid it
Kissing this character: yes, but same as above
Flirting with this character: yes
Fighting with this character: yes but he would rather avoid conflict if possible
Injuring this character (include limits and severity): please ask me if it's any serious kind of injury
Killing this character: again please ask beforehand!
Using telepathy/mind reading abilities on this character: yes, enjoy the newfound plethora of ninja trivia available to you now

Warnings: nothing really! he is not a hardcore edgy guy despite his choice of hot-topic hair style

Player Information
Name: Pog
Age: 23
Contact: twitter: @TOJLKO discord monoko#9804
Current characters: n/a

Character Information
Name: Shinobu Sengoku
Series: Ensemble Stars
Appearance: (link - uniform) (link - idol outfit)
Age: 15
Canon Point: Current
Canon History: (link)

Personality: An energetic young boy with an impeccable shy streak. Shinobu grew up isolated from others because of his natural social anxiety. With no siblings nor good friends to mention, he often was left to his own devices and kept to himself. From this blossomed an intense passion for all things related to ninjas. Shinobu completely threw himself into this fascination, spending time learning everything he could when it came to the topic of ninjas, memorizing famous stories and characters as well as practicing different jutsus to perfection. So prevalent was his love for ninjas, his parents would often scold him for pouring his focus into something that wasn't studies. Shinobu would never give up despite anyone's protests, always keeping his heart in what made him most happy in life.

Shinobu can be referred to as a 'chuunibyou,' known as 'middle-school syndrome.' This is due to his how his infatuation with ninjas shapes his personality and character. He refers to others with the suffix "-dono" which is an old way of referring to people reflective of the Sengoku period. He declares himself whole-heartedly as a ninja and never shows anyone his left eye if he can help it. Although, all of these traits can also be heavily attributed to his shyness as well.

This strong interest never petered out even as he entered adolescence and enrolled in the idol course at Yumenosaki Academy. Despite his failings in social interaction and trouble with interpersonal relationships, Shinobu still sought to spread his love of ninjas to everyone. He established the "Ninja Association," of which he became the leader and, woefully, the only active member. However he would not be even remotely deterred by this fact. Shinobu's diligence and devotion to his passion shines through every day as he applies all of himself to his ninja practices.

Teachers and students alike often gaze at Shinobu with a confused gaze, and not without good reason. To be frank, Shinobu is a bit of an oddball -- rather, he is a downright weirdo. Although he finds friendship in the Producer, she often straight-up walks off on him while he is gleefully professing his unconventional interests or when he invites her to partake in his ninja activities. Her kindness can only go so far. Even so, he is so grateful that she would even talk to him he ends up running after and groveling for her to stay. 

During his free time he is most likely practicing his ninja moves, which can include hiding in plain sight behind cloths designed to camouflage him into his surroundings to climbing up the walls of buildings or through the branches of trees. He has been known to play with fire as well, marking him as a concern to the Academy staff. Although always with good intentions, Shinobu has an obvious mischievous streak -- coupled with his high agility this can often land him into trouble. He tends to bite off more than he can chew and it lands him in deep shit. One example is when he is trying to perform acrobatics in a tree and ends up falling on his ass. He ends up sobbing uncontrollably over his failure in front of the Producer.

Unfortunately, Shinobu can be a bit of a cry baby and because of this is often regarded as childish. Not to mention he is remarkably short for his age, enhancing his already child-like behavior traits. However, Shinobu has expressed that he is not okay with this and often remarks that he is a teenage boy and wishes to be treated as such. When the Producer tries to hug him out of the blue one day, he firmly remarks that he is not her "stuffed animal" nor her "little brother." Despite this, he continues to hug her tightly and expresses his appreciation for treating him nicely. This was a remarkable event in Shinobu's development as it showed a confidence that was never previously there. He is able to firmly proclaim his desire while still maintaining that warmth and love for his friends. This is an important balance that slowly but eventually he will find the strength for.

He endeavors to act in a way that can be seen as mature in the eyes of others. However, Shinobu often lets his childish side slip out unintentionally, as he is naturally a very excitable person to the point where he has been compared to a puppy by those around him. It is only because he has spent most of his life alone that he is so over-the-top grateful to anyone who shows him companionship now. So much so that when Nazuna expresses his need to vomit (because Shinobu tackled him so hard in the first place to show appreciation,) Shinobu immediately and without blinking offers the palm of his hand to be Nazuna's flesh and bone spit-bucket. When he spots Souma Kanzaki in the halls, he runs towards him out of sheer excitement to talk with one of his friends. There is no doubt that, despite being off-beat and a bit of a (giant) nerd, Shinobu is fiercely loyal to the end.

In his time at the Academy, Shinobu has been able to transform from a gloomy, isolated and shy loner to someone who can be proud of himself and learn to shine through his personal qualities. He often reflects upon his loneliness that followed him throughout his life, up until he came to the Academy. "...Even before a time where I started using-degozaru.'" His ninja persona was initially a way to forgive his isolation and put a label to that sadness he felt alone.Now it is starting to transform from a coping mechanism to a trait full of love and passion that enhances his natural energy and charm. While he still has a long way to go, Shinobu has been able to begin his journey of self-improvement with the help of his unit members and close friends that he has gained throughout the school. Although his social anxiety still remains a constant battle within himself to the point he would rather play dead than invoke conversation, he is slowly learning to become comfortable around others.

He has been able to find his place in the idol unit comprised of five off-beat personalities that would not otherwise fit in conventional society. RYUSEITAI, lead by the ever-boisterous Chiaki Morisawa, has become his support system and source of new-found confidence to shine as himself on stage and off. His unit color is yellow, the bright color that represents happiness and warmth, basically what Shinobu feels every time he is around his fellow idols and comrades, and what he wishes to exude through his idol activities.

"That there is salvation for someone living through gloomy days, the way that my formal self did! That is my wish, my dream! I will convey that. With all my body and soul!"  

His classmates have expressed that they have always wanted to get along with Shinobu but had no idea how to, surprising but humbling him. Shinobu tries to portray himself as a lone wolf, as ninjas often are, but in reality is overjoyed to bond with others and forge friendships. In particular, he gets along with Sora Harukawa and Mitsuru Tenma, who share his level of high-energy and zest but in an obviously more extroverted fashion. They become fascinated with Shinobu's ninja techniques and he happily teaches them, touched that anyone would express an interest in his love for ninjas. He even is able to speak to the vice president of the school, Keito, when he learns that he may also be interested in ninjas. It is important to note this as remarkable because ninjas were once utilized as a coping mechanism for his loneliness but now serve as a method for reaching out to others.

Yuuta Aoi, Mao Isara and Midori Takamine should also be noted as significant relationships that have shaped Shinobu's growth. Yuuta became one of the first ones outside of Shinobu's unit to form a significant bond with him. Because of this, Shinobu has grown especially fond of Yuuta and has even dropped his original "dono" suffix for the normal "kun" when talking with or about him. He is also the first person Shinobu is able to quickly call on the phone, an action that he expressed admiration for Yuuta being able to do without worrying for three-days straight. Mao Isara earns Shinobu's eternal gratitude and respect as a member of the student council who saves his beloved Ninja Association from disbanding due to it only having a single member who, let's just say, does not have a spotless record when it comes to behavior. Midori Takamine is a fellow unit member who shares Shinobu's dislike of crowds and people. He refers to Shinobu as his "shy guy companion" and often picks him up like a ragdoll due to their drastic difference in size. Also because of Midori's tall stature Shinobu would often hide behind him and wish to disappear in his shadow -- something that changes overtime when Shinobu is slowly gaining confidence. He now attempts to encourage Midori to enjoy idol activities to their fullest, using his new-found strength to support his fellow shy member of RYUSEITAI.

There is one significant relationship that should never be forgotten: Frogs. Shinobu Sengoku loves frogs. Since he was little he considered them his only friends. Although now he has been able to gain a support group and several relationships he adores, he will never stop loving frogs. He claims to speak with them, saying how it was always easier to talk to them than real people. He owns two frogs currently named Peaches and Thunder and often goes to great lengths to catch their dinners, showing just how highly he thinks of them. They are especially to his liking as they are small, cute and cannot scratch or bite like a cat, which he is noted to highly dislike for those very reasons.

Despite being tiny Shinobu is hardy and can take a lot of damage. He may be a cry-baby but he is brave. He is shy, but has an endless supply of loyalty and love to give. He is not what one would first think of when they see the word "idol," but he is an exemplary one with a brilliant heart nonetheless.

Abilities: None

Inventory:
Shuriken: Also known as "ninja stars." Small metallic objects pointed on four ends like a pinwheel that are to be thrust at the enemy. Shinobu often carries several rubber versions of these weapons around with him. (link)

Kunai: Also known as "throwing knives" and originally created for farming intentions. A multi-purpose, portable weapon attributed to ninjas. (link)

Kusari-Gama: Literally translates to "chain sickle." An iron chain with a heavy-weighted metal sharp object at the end. (link)

Sample
Thread Sample: (link)

What’s more important: the way others see you, or the way you see yourself?
Hmmm... Well... It is not that I am oblivious to the fact others have called me strange, or given me condescending looks. Yes, of course it stings, but... Being a ninja is the thing most important to me! Even if other people think it is idiotic to run the Association by myself, waiting for another member to arrive, I won't give up! 

Yes! Being in RYUSEITAI, surrounded by those people, I have learned to view what other people consider my 'oddities' as strengths... Therefore, I think, if you look at yourself with hope and kindness it will shine through!... At least, that is what I think Captain-dono would say in this situation...!?

If someone you admired asked you to do something you didn’t agree with, would you do it?
That is... [Brows knit, the boy frowns.] I want to say I would do anything for those I respect, even if I disagreed. But there are some things even I cannot condone... But -- A ninja prioritizes the mission before his or her personal feelings! Oh, this is conflicting...

Do you have a personal code you follow? Why or why not?
[Oh, he can answer this one! His chest puffs with pride.]

All who dare claim to call themselves ninja abide by the Ninja Code of Conduct! Prioritize the mission before all else, always be prepared for anything and stay perceptive, alert and collected!... W-Well, although I try, some may say I have a history of issues with that last pa....--- No! N-N-N-Never mind! It's true, I am a ninja, through and through~☆

What do you think your friends like about you?
Takamine-dono, rather, Midori-kun always says he likes that I'm small and cute, like one of the mascot characters he always talks about... Ahh, but, aside from that... [He scratches behind his neck, as if an answer that was easier to come by would be found there.] This is actually... a bit embarrassing to answer...? I am, frankly, unsure of why my friends like me but... To me, it's enough that I can call them my friends.

Do you think it’s possible to love someone without respecting them? Why or why not?
L-Love... That word... Although it is different, I believe that it cannot exist without respect... If... If I were to get married one day, and, ummm... Oh, t-t-that is an embarrassing thought, but... If my partner did not let me freely continue my endeavors in becoming the greatest ninja I could be, I would be very unhappy! And I would want to support them with all my heart in anything they like! So! Respect is important, right...?

Do you prefer spending time with many people, a few friends, or by yourself?
I- It is well-known that I am not good with crowds or places with many people. Since I was young I always spent time to myself, practicing ninja moves and memorizing their history. The only ones I would talk with would be either my parents or pet frogs... I thought it would always be that way. Now, though, I am able to say things like, "today I had fun with everyone!" and spend time outside my room with people I can call my friends. I'm really, really, really happy...~☆

What is your greatest ambition?
[Eyes sparkling, Shinobu's fists clench in determination.]
To become the best ninja I can be! I, Shinobu Sengoku, the sole member and captain of the Ninja Association, swear by that! One day, everyone in the world will see the glory that is ninjas! Or... At the very least, everyone at school!