The sun was on its way down, shadows drawn to stretch themselves long across the forest floor. The occasional firefly sparked to life, dancing in lazy circles as the quiet village saw a brief surge of activity. Last minute errands before dinner. Busy work in getting stores ready to be closed down. And of course, rambunctious children being ushered out of the home to get some energy out so they could sit themselves still long enough to down their supper.[break][break]
But today was different. There was tension in the air. A sense of wariness about the town. Even the children weren't oblivious to the fact. Their streets were filled with strangers, armed ones, and with the shift in tone came a sense of malaise that set heavy in the pits of their stomachs. Everyone was subdued. On edge. It was difficult to break that sense of foreboding. Despite being a visitor herself, it was a matter of concern for Nikukyuu. So she stepped forward. She broke the ice herself.[break][break]
With a game of hide and seek.[break][break]
❝ Ready or not! Here I come! ❞
[break]
Yes. Of course there would be awkward looks from her fellow adults. Kyuu's beaming grin spoke nothing but pride, confidence in the anchor of her hands at her hips as her gaze snapped open to survey the surrounding village. Even her Ninken seemed unenthused about her behavior, the quiet hound keeping his eyes elsewhere as a disagreeable huff escaped the leathery wet of his snout.[break][break]
❝ You're really not helping me out on this one, are you, Gin? ❞[break][break]
Her tone rang with amusement as she gave the ninken a lopsided smirk, a lone brow quirking over her eyes as she start forward to begin her search. The dog simply wrinkled his nose at the woman's teasing, the corner of an inky lip peeling from his pointed molars in a sneer.[break][break]
It was no matter of lamentation for the shinobi of the Hidden Cloud. Dressed from head to toe in drab greys and protective flak, the symbol of her nation sat proud about her neck, silver hair wild and unkempt in comparison to the neat press of her attire. Hadn't caught all the details, there.[break][break]
Kyuu was on the hunt, moseying along in a lazy saunter as her gaze drift from one place to another in search. Five of the little ones had agreed to her little game, the prospect of potentially fooling a trained ninja simply too exciting to pass up on. For the moment, some of that tension had been driven away, and Kyuu was intent on fostering the kids' lighthearted spirit.[break][break]
❝ Ah - HAA! ❞[break][break]
She barked the sound out abruptly, eyes wild as she suddenly halt her steps to lean herself over the mouth of the well. Her lips twist themselves up in a feral grin as she stared down into the empty shadows within. And then she froze. Just standing there a moment.[break][break]
Can't do it if I try, open your eyes because I will show you, whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (x3), I will show you, whoa-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (x3), and everything you try to say to me, you said it all before (x2), you only fuel the fire, can't you see, and now I want it more, it makes me want it more...
Kureiru had just gotten done with dinner with her cousins and she was walking around the Sound village looking for something to do. As she saw another Genin hiding, she hid behind a poster for a new flavor of ramen being sold at the restaurant. She then noticed a Chuunin and fell quiet. Just try to find me...Chuunin twerp... she thought as she stayed quiet and watched them look into a well. She wanted to giggle really bad, but she knew she had to stay quiet.
"Hey lady! Get away from there!"" the shopkeeper yelled at her. She put her hand up to her mouth and signaled for him to be quiet. "Playing hide-n-seek. Shush." she hissed as she didn't want to give away her hiding spot. Kureiru continued to wait patiently to see if the Chuunin would be able to find her. She clutched her teddy bear and sat on the ground.
Ginmaru sound out with a haggard grunt at his partner's failure, air rumbling noisily from his chest before his dismissal was sealed by a huff from his snout. His head drooped, a lidded stare cast off to one side, and even then - it seemed all Kyuu could do was smile.[break][break]
Broad grin turned toward her grump of a ninken, the silver-haired woman chuckled through her teeth, well humored by the situation. With the well proven to be free of little ones, the chunin right her posture, sandals starting off against the worn path to continue in her search. Was she trying? Not really. This was for the kids, and she was looking to build them up, not crush her spirits. Still, it was hard to ignore the shout that rang out from nearby, and as the shopkeep call out to shoo someone from the premises, Kyuu tilt her head in the voice's direction, lips puckering to a curious pout.[break][break]
Could she believably pass up this opportunity? The chances seemed slim. So she'd take her time, give the kid a chance to scram.[break][break]
Kyuu lift a hand in greeting toward the owner of the cozy little ramen shop, the already sunny grin brightening her expression spanning a bit wider in a show of friendly intent.[break][break]
❝ You having some trouble over there? ❞ [break][break]
Kindly as her tone was, the purpose of her words was that of a warning. The Inuzuka was not unaware of the child's presence. It'd only taken her a moment after finishing the count to surmise the locations of at least of couple of the little ones. But thus far there was only one kid to make themselves a bit too obvious, and the purposefully noisy saunter of the chunin's lazy steps would serve as a caution for the Cloud genin in question.[break][break]
Her sandals came to a halt just near the sign, a smug smile playing crooked at her lips as she regard its colorful pattern with a halflidded stare. Slowly, she leaned herself forward, turning her head to peer behind its shape.[break][break]
❝ Seems like a good spot to hide~ ❞ she mused aloud, words ringing in a careless drawl.
[attr="class","zacwords"]While he wouldn’t exactly describe his attempts at locating his fellow countrymen (and women!) as a waste time – seeing as how he had little choice in his being here, as well as serving Kumogakure in general – he had grown a bit dissuaded with his vapid efforts. The lack of results had left him famished, though Chinetsu had also noticed that once he quit alcohol, it seemed he simply replaced one vice for another. I’m gonna get fat… Though his lamentations were his own, he nonetheless sighed as he neared food district, “reluctant” in his inclination over unrighteous indulgences. [break] [break]
But at least he was not drunk, which is better than he could say for the random vagrant spotted not too far away, one single, bony outstretched hand protruding from layers of tattered cloth, hoping for the tokens needed to continue his poisonous ride. But better fat than to get like that… Despite the night coming down inevitably, he could scan and see the mess before him rather clearly, and rather than pity, began to wonder of his devises. Had he not been plucked from the streets and tossed back into the military fray, would that soon be him, but in Kumo? [break] [break]
He shook the notion away, both metaphorically as well as physically, refusing to accept his will would allow him to enter such declination. Upset at himself for even entertaining the notion, he paused his current movement, leaving himself in the middle of a rather bustling row of restaurants, bars, eatery, and part of a market. Beings of all shapes and sizes move around and about their business, paying no mind to the Kumo Chuunin that had been dispatched as an empathizer to Oto’s cause. People just do what they want around here… These included the children up ahead, playing around innocently enough, but nonetheless partially blocking his path towards a potential location for dinner. [break] [break]
He was aiming for a ramen shop, especially the kind of restaurant that came without any alcoholic offerings. He did not wish to “test” his will, after all, and felt the best exercise in sobriety would be extreme caution with proximity. As in, no alcohol whatsoever…that way, I can’t cheat… The shopkeeper, however, had other momentary plans, the grumpy old man finding himself more preoccupied with yelling at some of the youth that had adopted the game. Without warning, even to himself, a small chuckle escaped his lips. Was he becoming soft…? Hopefully not. But he had become increasingly hungry. And he could care less about any children nearby. [break] [break]
“Now now, roujin...what say we forget the kids..."[break][break]
“...and instead focus on your newest client?”
[break]
While he wasn't getting any younger himself, he refused to believe he'd turn into a grumpy old man like that anytime soon. As such, he waited patiently for a response, his hands dug into his pocket, an honest smile slowly growing over his otherwise expressionless façade. [break]
Kyuu blinked her eyes as they cast themselves toward naught but empty air, some surprise in the curious pucker of her lips. It seemed that at least one of the children was more slippery than she might have given them credit for. In the midst of her brief pause, Ginmaru sound out even more dramatically than before, a lengthy groan escaping his jaws as he part his teeth in a wide-mouthed yawn. His partner couldn't help but fix him with a crooked grin, the grey of her brows arched teasing over her eyes.[break][break]
❝ We'd probably be to the barracks and cuddled into our blankets by now if you'd just help out~ ❞[break][break]
The song in the woman's voice was a friendly one, though it did little to lift the dog's spirits. Ginmaru simply snort, casting his glare to one side as he bow his head, gaze set stubborn elsewhere. Of course, it was hardly enough to break Kyuu's spirits. The Inuzuka cackled merrily, a fond sparkle in her eyes before she turn her gaze off to give the streets another glance. Though it was easy enough for the shinobi to spot the little fingers gripped to the side of a barrel, or catch the excitable giggling to have broken out from around the corner of a nearby building, she turned her focus elsewhere - to the familiar voice to speak up nearby.[break][break]
❝ Netsu! ❞[break][break]
She greet her fellow chunin with a cheery smile, spinning light on her heel to better face the man. The light of her grin sparked like fireworks for her enthusiasm, eyes glittering with excitement at the prospect of her self-imposed task. Easy as the smile seemed to hold, some fatigue managed to slip into her stare as the corners of her grin slipped a bit. She would have liked to drag a few more shinobi into the game, but from the looks of things, it wasn't happening tonight. The words he'd offered to the owner of the eatery hadn't been lost on her.[break][break]
❝ I take it you're not up for fun and games, tonight? ❞
The village was preparing for the night, the scent of dinner drifted out of windows here and there. Everything was as usual. On the surface. The civilian population of the Sound was not stupid nor were they wholly ignorant. Shinobi of every country had come into the village's territories and while it could have been concerning and hinted at the fall of the Sound Village, it was quite the opposite.
Didn't mean you had to like it. More manpower meant they were gearing up for something. Sayuri had sharpened her weapons and mended several uniforms as well. Having this many foreign forces in the heart of her home - granted most stayed above ground and out of the shinobi village- made her slightly on edge. They had no business moving about too much and poking their noses in things that didn't concern them.
Sayuri was no longer dressed in the uniform which she spent most of her days in, instead, she wore a set of loose pants with a hoodie, prowling the streets of this area to keep an eye on the strangers as well as hunting for some food.
Commotion drew her eye to a small group. One - a grey-haired woman with a dog. Inuzuka shinobi by the looks of her clothes. Neat. Functional and never alone. The man with her had dark hair and seemed older than her. Judging from the giggles and the cheeky smile plastered on a child's face as she passed they had engaged them in a game of hide and seek.
Brown eyes studied the duo for a moment more, before she approached.
"Seems you have your work cut out for you. These kids are experts~"
A smile accompanied her words and she came to s stop by them, getting a better look at them. Both were definitely older than herself and from Kumogakure it seemed. Despite the difference in life experience she offered them no respectfully averted eyes nor did she afford them a bow.
She pulled one hand out of her pockets and offered it for them to take or leave. Whatever suited them best. Her introduction was made regardless.
"Sayuri. I hear we will be working together soon enough, so it is best we know each other a little, yeah?"
[attr="class","zacwords"]Chinetsu could tell he struck a nerve with the old man with his usage of the term roujin, though he had no actual ill intentions of defaming his senior, and instead simply wished to acquire his utmost undivided attention; he was a hungry, grown man with money to spend, after all. And so it seemed to work, the shopkeeper's anger momentarily fading away from his body like the wafting steam that came forth from the cooking pots behind him. Remaining silent, the medic then pointed at such instruments, the aromas they released being the main reason that he chose to sit at such a shop in the first place. But just as he was about to finally get what he wanted, a somewhat familiar tone broke through the silent trance both men held, ending the charades and thus undoing Chinetsu’s almost successful attempt at getting an order in. Now who might that be…? And while the somewhat friendly tone meant he was not hard pressed or bothered to turn right away, he certainly wasn’t aware of anyone that would refer to him with such familiarity, either. [break][break]
“…hmm…?” [break][break]
The thrum produced was dripped in genuine curiosity, and so, the medic clad in almost all white would turn and face the direction of that whom beckoned for him, his face slowly swiveling towards his left while he remained seated in place. Taking note that his newest customer had indeed seemed to recognize such familiarly spoken words, the old man behind the counter made a bitter face, shook his head, and turned back towards the rolling boil he had going within his biggest pot. It would seem that despite the stall owner’s troubled disposition over the dallying youth sprawled across the busy street, he knew to draw the line at displeasing any potential clientele. Yet still dripping in discontent, it seemed that the old man could still achieve some form of minor vengeance by making Chinetsu wait, even a little. Unfortunately for him, what little victory he had achieved was quickly erased, Chinetsu's focus now completely set on his visitor.[break][break]
“…oh, it’s you, ‘Kyuu-san!” [break][break]
A gentle smile came over him. And while he wasn’t exactly extremely familiar with his fellow equally ranked fellow cloud-nin, they were of the same platoon, creating a bond broken only by promotion, retirement, defection, or death. With a few weeks now elapsed into his forced military conscription, he had ample time not only to familiarize himself with the important figures that lead Kumo, but most also, with members of his platoon. That’s the Inuzuka girl… He was their healer, after all, so to make his life easy, he had made a point to introduce himself to all members of their squad on his first day back in service; he just didn’t expect to socialize with them on his own time. Then again, she wasn’t exactly a clueless child either, like some of the younger shinobi could be, and he technically was on a mission to aid Sound. Considering his earlier attempts at trying to link up with his fellow Cloud-nin, he found find this chance meeting to be potentially positive, and so, he would engage in it with his best disposition put forth. [break][break]
“No…I’m afraid not tonight. I’m just taking a break to eat – it’s back to the fields hunting Taiyou for me once I’m done…” [break][break]
“…and aren’t you a little old for that…?” [break][break]
His first answer was spoken matter-of-factly, while his follow up was a bit more on the playful side. She was, of course, free to do as she pleased, and it seemed her influence on the local youth was very much positive. During times like these, when war reigns supreme and all most commoners know is fear, a healthy distraction should always be welcome, especially for the children. To be young and carefree… Despite the conflicts rising all around, it seemed there was a bit of peace and happiness achieved, at least on this small patch of earth. And while Chinetsu had no intentions of propagating it via direct participation, he was no grump either; that role, after all, had been claimed by its rightful owner, the ramen maker across from him! [break][break]
Speaking of which…where’s my food!? Though he would await an answer from his fellow shinobi, Chinetsu was about to turn and remind the owner of the ramen stall he would like to be served. It was during this attempt that a new face would burst onto the scene. And while they did not quite share the same age, the newcomer was no child either. She was confident but polite in her approach, introducing herself while making light of the obvious. For the moment, Chinetsu would retreat towards silence, instead taking a good moment to scan the newest arrival in detail, trying to discern their intentions. Clad in very casual attire, it would not surprise him to learn she too was a shinobi; they were in the middle of a war, after all. When he had a moment to interject, he would do so, ever so softly. The extended hand would be met with a polite wave. [break][break]
“…hello Sayuri-san, I am Chinetsu…” [break][break]
“…what village to you hail from? And what are your orders…?” [break][break]
While he waited patiently for an answer, he finally got his hands on a physical menu. It would soon be time to make a choice. [break]
There was no shaming Nikukyuu for her efforts, smile bold and bright across her expression as she puffed up her chest in a show of self-confidence. Was it over the top? Yes. Was it silly? You bet. But there were kids watching, and she was inclined to put on the whole song and dance for the little rugrats. At the sound of another voice, her gaze shift, and for the words offered, she only seemed to brighten further.[break][break]
❝ RIGHT?! ❞[break][break]
Cheery grin worked bright across her lips, Sayuri's introduction was welcomed with bubbly enthusiasm. The frosty hue of her stare shone distinctly warm as it dart curious over the little lady, a curious tilt of her head seeing the wild white locks of her fluffy hair tumbling down over one of her shoulders. She made no effort to hide her eager acceptance of a fresh face to the conversation, a humored, if threatening cackle rolling fiendishly from her lips at the stranger's praise of the local sprouts.[break][break]
❝ Always enjoy a challenge. ❞[break][break]
Her eyes narrowed at the claim, a spark of challenge flickering brief in her eyes before her gaze was quickly overwhelmed with her blindingly sunny optimism.[break][break]
There was a jovial ring to her playful boasting, the upward tilt of her chin suggestion some mock pride in her self-imposed title. Where Chinetsu refrained from meeting the woman's hand with his own, the Inuzuka was quick to jump at the chance to join in the shake. Her palm came sweeping in to meet Sayuri's own with a hearty ' SLAP! ', fingers seeking to lock themselves about her grip for a firm-gripped shake. 'Course, she took care not to crumple her bones in the process.[break][break]
❝ Whole-heartedly agreed, Little Lady~ ❞[break][break]
The cooed chirped from her lips with a flutter of her lashes, the woman fully on board at the prospect of learning more about her future teammates. The corner of her toothy grin edged toward a confident smirk, though it was soon to break with how Chinetsu approached the topic so seriously.[break][break]
❝ Man! Right to business, huh?! Ain't there gonna be plenty of time for that, later? ❞[break][break]
Silver brows furrowing over her eyes, her lips held themselves at a humored curl, hand lifting to bury its fingers in her mane and ruffle harshly at her scalp.
[attr="class","zacwords"]An unexpected chuckle escaped his lips like an emboldened prisoner freeing himself of his forced confines after being handed down a sentence of life, Kyuu’s quick-witted response drawing out a surprised and amused reaction from the Chuunin. And while Chinetsu’s visual attention had already drawn back to the menu, fingers carefully attached to the edge of the page, ready to turn it once his perusing was completed, he was still very much receptive to what his comrade had to say, as well as their newfound acquaintance. At least one of us can relax… As such, his periphery granted him a decent view of her added flair, an exaggerated response most likely attributed to the juvenile viewership that surrounded them. [break][break]
She seemed to take to the newcomer a bit more welcoming than the medic had, though it had less to do with some form of cold exterior that he was trying to employ, and more so with the fact the man was merely hungry and ready to eat. Oh man…I could eat one of each item…!!! His desire to satiate his hunger pans had trumped his normally friendly demeanor, though he was in luck, for ‘Kyuu had brought more than enough to represent the both of them. As per usual, she introduced herself in the bubbliest of ways. A few more chuckles on Chinetsu’s behalf followed. After a nod to the old man signaling he was ready to order, Chinetsu would quip back, all the while returning her gaze. [break][break]
“Well, yes...forgive me then...” [break][break]
“...I guess I didn’t realize just how hungry I was!” [break][break]
It was then that Chinetsu realized he could do away with any perceived rudeness on his part with a simple gesture. He was hungry, was he not? Well then, surely, he was not the only one that could possibly be afflicted by such an ailment. I was hoping for some peace and quiet...but I guess this will do... At the very least, he could invite his fellow cloud-nin, as well as their newfound friend, for a small snack. This was, after all, war time. Amassing a few allies never hurt, even if it meant you had to disrupt your own plans. On top of that, he had completed a few missions and tasks prior to leaving the village which, on top of his daily stipend, afforded to him for the mission, meant he had some money to spare. If he could not spend it on booze or "friendly company", then he figured sharing some amazing food was the next best thing available.[break][break]
“Say...would you two care to join me...?” [break][break]
“I've heard nothing but good things about this stall, not to mention the ramen here smells absolutely fabulous!” [break]
Kyuu grinned crooked at the apology, a humored breath forced up from her chest at the mention of hunger. She was feeling it too, to be honest. The siren song of freshly cooked noodles and rich miso was a definite temptation, and after the lengthy trip there, there was no denying that her stomach was begging for the woman to slow down long enough to stuff her face and refuel. Even so, there was no way she could accept his invitation. Not when she'd given her words to the little ones![break][break]
❝ I'll tell you what, Netto. ❞[break][break]
The more comfortable she got, the further she seemed to deviate from his name. Kyuu roll her hip to rest her weight heavy on a lone heel, hand settled at its corner as the edges of her lips hint further upward. The lazy weigh of her lashes read smug.[break][break]
❝ The next time we cross paths at a ramen shop, I'll let you buy me dinner. ❞[break][break]
Her words flow in a friendly drawl from her lips, amusement glimmering in her eyes as her gaze crackled warm with humor. [break][break]
❝ Tonight though? I've got certain responsibilities, right? ❞[break][break]
A hand rest alongside her lips as she leaned in toward the man. She looked about to offer him a whisper, and though she spoke in a hush, her volume was far too loud to allow for any true measure of secret.[break][break]
❝ Kids to find? A promise to keep? ❞[break][break]
The Inuzuka was all too pleased with her own integrity, smile bright with pride as she withdraw. Another chuckle and her arm was reaching to loop itself casual at Sayuri's shoulders, seeking to give her arm a pat as she move to try and drag her in against her side. Friendly like![break][break]
❝ But maybe Gorgeous here would like a little dinner date! ❞[break][break]
Her grin showed innocent despite the mischief in her complimentary suggestion, a friendly smile offered toward Sayuri as she tilt her head toward the woman in consideration.
