It was too late now. No matter what Yohei wanted to attempt he had no one else to blame for this unconventional punishment that he brought upon himself. She almost felt sorry for him. The gazes of the bystanders were difficult to ignore, especially for the kunoichi who was specifically sensitive to it, but it couldn't be helped. As long as no one recognized them then it mattered not which is why she didn't take any of what was unfolding to heart. Though... it would be a lie if she claimed not to make a mental note of every face that deigned to look their way. Speaking of, listening to her partner continue on so clearly genuinely made the rose haired 'victim' restrain an impulse to bring a palm to her forehead in dismay. [break][break] Instead that same hand had redirected itself to her chest. [break][break] "You just... forgot huh?" The word was repeated but in a completely different tone than he used. There was no true sense of betrayal or indignance, but she certainly sounded like there was as she pulled away from the pats. If only Yohei wasn't taking all this so seriously. Somehow it all made the woman wonder how exactly it was that someone so inappropriately innocent managed to become such a death fanatic to the highest degree. It was true their new path had its own difficulties that were none so familiar from their previous life. However it wasn't so bad. Sumire thought they were actually doing pretty well with all things considered. Minus the whole... wanted criminals thing. [break][break] You probably think that this would be a good time to drop the scorned miko act, huh? Well you'd certainly be wrong with all those eyes staring at them so Sumire could only continue as the zealot made even more awkward moves. Like... continuing to bring up sushi. Wow, he was really bad at this. She almost wanted to laugh. Instead, she put her hand down on the nearest tabletop to respond. "I don't want it anymore..." Almost begged to question what would happen if she truly were upset. "Let's just go. "
Oh? This was new. Was he really playing this game? With her? All the false miko could do to hold back her laughter was allow a playful smile to decorate her features. She was quite sure that the silverette knew what she meant by that statement, but if he wanted to throw the gauntlet down then so be it. There wasn't much doubt in her mind who the victor would be. "Dear me! And here I thought you'd want some of my home cooking with some fresh ingredients," she replied with fingers loosely hiding some parted lips. A guise of shock as widened eyes closed in thought. After all, it wasn't as if her parents were the only ones in the family that knew how to prep a fish. [break][break] "Well! Far be it for me to make this all about me! We can make due with nuts and dried fruit after all." As exaggerated as Sumire's tone was, the last sentence was the only one that had not oozed sarcasm, for she was quite serious about letting their same pattern of rations continue. That little sliver of the truth hopefully conveyed the threat she wished to portray. However, she wouldn't stop there. There was no stopping when the silverette kept going and even tried to offer a ridiculous set of earrings as a potential gift. He certainly asked for it. Which was why the kunoichi purposefully paused as her eyes lingered on the sushi earrings being used in his taunt. [break][break] That pause turned into a saddened look and a developing pout. A downcast look swept through and a softened voice responded. "And you're being so cruel... trying to give me a constant reminder of the home I left behind to become a miko." That last bit should have been a decent indicator of her true motives between the duo. Not that the townsfolk knew anything. Some started drawing their glances towards the scene that was purposefully unfolding as the woman turned away from the 'inappropriate' souvenier. "How could you..."
Hello. This thread seemed lonely so I hope you don't mind if I step in.
I'm the champagne that'll quench your thirst
[attr="class","itsover"]
Another day, another possibility of random chance events. Such is one of the many spices of life. At least, that is what Sumire had believed as she traveled through the random backwoods that crossed her path this day. There was no rhyme or reason for her trip. It was simply sheer coincidence that her travels took her through more foreign lands, a sight that she'd never tire of. The different sceneries were sometimes similar but all so distant from familiarity. Truly refreshing even if she knew little of where she was. [break][break] Which was why the silken garbed woman could be seen whimsically strolling through the otherwise quiet woodlands, carefree as ever with the small handful of miscellaneous herbs cradled in one arm. It certainly looked innocent enough. Other than that though, there was no real effort to conceal her presence. Why would she? She was but a simple miko passing through. Sure there were some inherent risks and danger, but she didn't think much of it. Not now, nor when some foreign movement crossed her peripheral vision. "Hm?" A soft hum to herself as she refocused towards the shady seated figure. Odd. [break][break] The thought crossed to leave whoever it was be. Yet somehow that idea didn't stick well as multiple possibilities inundated her mind. So what was the best course of action then? It didn't matter for the rose haired maiden had already committed to an approach. Again she made no effort to conceal her movements. On the contrary, she actually walked as normal as possible for any civilian or otherwise. She was dressed as one after all and she'd act as such as she cleared the brush with a light sweep of a hand against a low hanging branch. "Oh. Are you a lost soul?" Asked oh so gingerly and innocently as she attempted to make eye contact with the stranger. Regardless of who this person was, she was curious as to the reaction she'd receive. What was the saying? Body language betrayed the mind? Either way, she tilted her head curiously though not daring to approach just yet. For now keeping a safe distance was the best course of action. "You don't seem lost, but there's no other reason for you to be sitting out here with that look on your face."
"Your calligraphy skills could use some work." The critique had come with a smile, a tilt of the head, and a subsequent giggle after watching over his shoulder. It was true, but it was all in jest! The scrawl had accomplished that which was required and that's what mattered. A single toss was all it took without another thought. In moments one of the two orbs landed with a soft squishy thud onto its target and activated the magic spell that sealed it away from sight. Meanwhile the other remained between Sumire's middle and index finger oh so casually. [break][break] It was rather surprising to hear Yohei sounding so interested in potentially destroying perfectly good test subjects though, even if he was touting some level of cautiousness. With how shy he was being before, it was an amusing change of heart. Nevertheless she did raise a brow at his assertion to try first. Wasn't she supposed to be the medic here? Or was he truly so worried about the dangers of an already dead and harvested Uchiha. That seemed silly, as well as unlikely, but she wasn't going to turn away the suggestion of washing up. Being covered in privileged blood was quite a disgusting feeling that she couldn't quite describe. "Oh? Will you be okay all alone~?" She asked despite having already turned away and made strides towards the cavern entrance. [break][break] Did she forget that she had the eye pinched between two fingers? Not at all. Yet she'd make her partner wait until the last moment before tossing the lychee sized optic at his direction with full expectation he catch it despite the force behind the throw. "I think I'll take you up on that then. Try not to miss me too much." The same hand that held the organs waved a toodle loo before the miko's garb figure vanished in a cloud of dust. The only thing left behind was... an obi?
Bold move to say such a thing in the face of the woman wearing shrine maiden garbs. So much so that the false miko smirked despite herself and returned the seashell construction back on its display. "You'll have to show me that passage in the scrolls." A lighthearted reply as she turned away before getting roped into any further religious talk. It was for the best that the topic was left up in the air. Luckily the weird items that this marketplace had in stock had supplied more than enough interest in the subjects. [break][break] Which, by the way, was very apparent as Sumire was in mid reach for another ornament and was compelled towards the exclamation of feigned excitement. One look at it was more than enough to cause the extended hand to retract and mask the movement of its owner's lips. "Plain? You believe that looks... plain?" There was a hint of disbelief in question. There was a chance that this was a jest, a fairly large chance at that, but for some reason that statement seemed more believable than anything else the zealot had said in the past few moments. Even worse was how the man managed to fetch an even worse article than the last. The ridiculousness of it all more than earned a dainty laugh from the wanted kunoichi. "You did truly always have eccentric tastes~." [break][break] She wouldn't give him the chance to question the statement either, striding past the rest of the trinkets to confront the silverette with a smile on her face. "Which, need I remind you, is why you asked for my help." And with that attempted to snatch away both fans and follow up with a light flick of the forehead. "Speaking of. Some sushi would be nice right about now, hm?"
Should the pinkette been more perturbed by that statement? Probably. However, all Sumire did was raise a brow and scoff. "Ha. Then I won't ask." The end result mattered little at the end of the day. She got what she wanted from the corpse and what was left of it could be ground to dust for all she cared. Whatever picky ritual this god had in mind was likely significantly more gruesome than that if the reaction was anything to judge on, but again it wasn't her business. What was her business was storing what was harvested. Thus with a swift motion did she retrieve a scroll from her hip and toss it directly at Yohei with no regard for whether or not he was prepared for such an action in the midst of the staring. "But at least help me seal up the goods first." [break][break] With the pair of eyes secured in her grasp, Sumire rose to her feet and once again attempted to offer them back to her partner. She didn't know him to be squeamish considering the whole ordeal moments before, not to mention the implied grisly disposal at that, so she had no idea why he was acting so squeamish. Was it a guy thing? Well, whatever. "Mm... I don't think its activated. With what the body being dead and all," she responded coolly as she raised the bloodless orbs closer to the burning flames. Twas true that the irises lacked the familiar yet aberrant hue that most knew. It wasn't because she had just yanked them out of a dead socket either so it must have had something to do with the factor of living. Purely speculation with the facts from the dissection considered."It probably just needs chakra or something. Want to test it?"
"Haha, you don't have to act so shy~." A needless jest. Yet Yohei didn't seem to mind and was even taking it in stride. As such, Sumire didn't mind the thought about speaking her name despite their newfound wanted status. However at the accusation at the least the miko had to exaggerate the pain of his words to the same level of her miko status. "You wound me! Do you truly think so little of me?" Asked with a hand held to her chest, turned away from the male up until the point he had begun to move towards the marketplace. [break][break] It was a good enough way to waste time, especially if it kept her partner entertained in a way that wasn't related to his new religion. Thus the pink haired nukenin silently followed behind the lead pioneer while glancing about towards their surroundings quite casually. None of them appeared to do the scenery it came from any justice and that was before even checking the price points. Who cared for fragile items or useless trinkets? There was even a stall attempting to sell rocks! Ridiculous. [break][break] Speaking of ridiculous that was exact the example Yohei was intent on displaying as she turned to see the bauble of decorative fish bones in his hand - a sight that cocked a brow even as he had placed it back from whence it came. "Are you sure you aren't mistaking me for yourself?" Asked as she followed his movements towards the next display. Yet, despite his words, she couldn't help but chuckle at the next choice in his hands. "Are you missing home already? We can always go back if you want?" [break][break] Another jest. There was no way the could without a death wish... at least for now. [break][break] Either way, a bottle of sand was too on the nose even for Sumire. Instead she waved a hand as she turned to another nearby bauble that caught her eye. "Or maybe something more elegant for your tastes? Like this seashell tiara?" Truly fit for a mermaid princess or something. Which is probably why she had subsequently picked it up and held it out in front of her as if to picture it on top of the crown of silver hair already there.
It was of little shock that was the response that she had gotten. Still it wasn't necessarily the response that she was looking for as she peeked over mid stretch to be met with sad doe eyes... or at least some attempt at it. "Oh, you poor thing. You know that look doesn't look good on you," she stated touting a hint of a pout. Despite what she said, whether or not the look or the words were effective would be left up in the air as the pinkette lowered her arms to refocused on the task at hand. Taking a familiar poise, a flicker of blue chakra manifested around and between the makeshift medic's bloody fingers. Within the span of a few seconds the complex membrane of facial muscle was torn asunder. Unnecessary but made the next phase easier. [break][break] Taking her opposite hand to reach for the exposed iris, she was fairly careful in pulling the optic away from its seat in its former home while listening to her partner continue on. "Who?" By the time the single word question was asked, the veins protecting the optic nerve were exposed only to be cleanly cut. One Uchiha eye now casually held out to the death fanatic akin to halloween candy. Their target must be rolling in their deathbed. Not that it truly mattered. "Why not? You know why," asked absentmindedly and almost indifferently as she worked on the second socket. "All the help that ended up being. It will be awhile before anyone tries to go out an find it. Not that I'm going to leave much to find." [break][break] Yes, the process didn't take very long. It was just tedious and to some extent tiring as evident with Sumire attempting to wipe her forehead with the rolled up sleeve. That might have been because of the heat and having to work on the floor though. "Anything left we can feed to the wolves or hang up near the village. Give back and all, you know."
By the time that Yohei was awkwardly shuffling around and mumbling words to who knows who, the falsely dressed miko had already plunged herself into her work. Sleeves up, of course. Couldn't risk getting those silky whites stained with blood. Therefore she wasn't insulted with the statement of the obvious. What she was insulted by, however, was how annoying this cockroach was being even in death. Thus with a single twirl of a kunai, it took less than a second to slice open the flesh of the fresh carcass and expose the crimson and pale pink organs that laid within. Yes, she could have used what medical skills she had to be more delicate and precise. No, it wasn't as if she was too concerned about how much chakra could have been expended. It was more about efficiency and what better way was there than optimizing the use of physical tools versus using chakra. [break][break] It wasn't the cleanest operation with a kunai. Admittedly with the lack of light and working with something as large as a kunai, the work was tedious. Hence why Sumire got momentarily distracted the second that first spark cracked. Glancing over to where the fire had begun burning, she hummed in thought as the torchbearer granted what she asked for. "Well I can at the least. Some of the organs got bruised up and damaged, but I can still mess around with them." By now the cavern floor around the corpse was drenched in blood. While it was mostly to one side, there was still some bleed over that marred the former sand kunoichi's hands and knees. Truly a benefit to not wearing long trousers... less clean up needed. [break][break] "Haven't gotten to its eyes. Figured I'd let you watch as a gift for all your hard work~" As quaint as the words may have sounded, the scene was anything but. If you thought that the exposed organ trails were bad, then it was probably best not to look up and realize that the Uchiha was also quite defaced. Small intricate facial muscles and even part of the skull were readily on display. A true horror... like it truly was. Anyway, back to the topic at hand, Sumire was confident in being able to remove the eyes and everything else she needed from this carcass easily. So much so that instead of proceeding with the process, she instead raised her hands above her head in a motion that deceived how lithe the pinkette actually was. "I could always take a break instead though. My back and legs are getting quite stiff from crouching and sitting all day." [break][break]
While the overdramatic false expressions were laughable, Sumire restrained herself to a giggle. How silly. So much so that she waved off the idea of soothsaying or any of the other nonsense that the overzealous zealot was going on about. It wasn't as if she agreed or agreed to disagree. She simply knew they each had their own way of doing things and navigating this space of freedom. What Yohei had done with his half of their... earnings was his business. Speaking of which. "And what happened to giving up all worldly possessions?" Asked with a raised brow in spite of a hint of that previous giggle lingering. [break][break] Naturally the kunoichi had no interest in souvenirs. Not only were they a waste of space, they were also unnecessary even if not paid from her own pocket. The memories were enough and it wasn't as if she were caged to never return. Considering she was now on the run, having too many and being attached to material goods would also be quite the issue. All things considered, Yohei should have known that. Unless... "Did you just want to get one for yourself and not admit it?" [break][break] Regardless to how the silverette would choose to respond, she continued as if he had agreed. It was funnier that way. "I can pick one out for you if that's the case. Then you can show everyone and tell them that the amazing and beautiful Sumire Kabeya gave it to you~." A smile rode on her features, waiting for the certain retort that was to come. The actual answer mattered little. In fact, the use of her actual name mattered more than that. Even if Yohei had agreed to getting a souvenir of her choice, that'd only make things more amusing. [break][break]
"Ringing...?" An attempt to finish the sentence was made, head slightly tilted in questioning as the same amethyst eyes surveyed the shifting features. Considering what he claimed his condition to be, there was no way he could currently hear anything more than herself, so the cursory reaction appeared misplaced. Sumire herself had some level of pride when it came to being rather meticulous in both plans and actions. What could they have possibly- [break][break] The answer was quickly delivered and flummoxing with each passing moment. Reflecting such a sentiment was the reflexive hand placed on the forehead with a moderate exhale. "My... I'm not sure what else I should have expected." A statement to herself, but in no manner hidden to anyone else in the cavern. As ironic as it was the lady in miko clothing had no vested interest in religion and so the supposed significant importance of Yohei's act evaded her. Nevertheless she wouldn't stop him if it was that important over the completed treatment of his injuries... even if it seemed like nonsense to her. That said she did not make much of a remark towards the silverette's apology. As long as he didn't force her to do anything similar then it didn't matter. [break][break] That said, if he was more worried about a corpse then he couldn't have been in any dire trouble. Therefore she opted to move on with this whole ordeal with a brief wave. "If you're about done, I'll start getting to work before the stench starts settling in. If that's quite alright with you and your god." In the absence of the usual lighthearted chuckle or tone, Sumire motioned to move past Yohei towards the dead body regardless of what that answer might have been. It wasn't as if she were angry... that would be quite obvious had that been the case. She was refocusing - a fact she didn't feel the need to voice as she deftly jerked on one of the limbs to tumble the body squarely on the floor. "I'll need some more light though. If you think you can manage somehow."
For all the fuss and crying, the wounded warrior didn't put up much of a fight relinquishing his arm to her. A good thing since arguing would be needlessly annoying after a tedious battle. Perhaps Yohei knew that she'd feel that way as well so she'd attempt to reciprocate and not rub in the embarrassment that came with needing medical treatment. Not one glance was spared to the flopped décor that was left to rot on the unsteady stones. Instead the focus was fixated upon gathering chakra into her hand for cleansing the lacerations. The order of priorities was not to be mistaken. "I think you have the wrong idea of how dissection works..." Stated calmly as she gently grazed over the open wounds. The smaller ones didn't need much to mend but the larger ones could only be tended to so far. A hint disappointing considering it was due to her current level of experience. [break][break] The needless concern that followed merely earned a judgmental glance away from the injuries at best. "Oh? And what happened to letting me tangle with the Uchiha next time?" There was a teasing tone, but it was no joke. It'd be a fight she'd willingly seek if the alternative was being treated as a helpless damsel. That had it's own place elsewhere. "I'm fine. Didn't even come close." As usual, Sumire prided herself in making her work appear as effortless as always, inspecting the remaining injuries momentarily as she stepped back into a thoughtful stance. "And you? Did you see death flash before your eyes? Maybe a bit of wooziness? Don't be shy." [break][break]
"Oh? Should I chant some now and do a little dance?" A joke. There was no way that Sumire would chant some weird death sutras. Mostly she was curious as to whether he'd be remotely excited by the prospect or realize that such a thing would actually be insane. Good for gossip, bad for image in more ways than one. Either way, the whole idea was brushed off one way or another. She'd rather be caught dead... but her zealot partner didn't know that. Thus she simply moved along, offering yet another piece of takoyaki in all of its skewered glory to the one that sat at her side before being presented with a surely rhetorical question.
[break][break]
It was a similar sentiment that the kunoichi had held a few moments before. She took a moment to hum in thought, reclining backwards as her gaze shifted back towards the expanse. "Yes... quite different. The air actually feels clean and breathable, not to mention the food." Not that she didn't miss her parent's cooking, since they worked in the restaurant business and all. Rather... there were things that existed that was rarely available in the land of the sands unless they traveled away on mission. Even then, on mission they rarely had the time or the luxury to experience all the outer world had to offer. Now they didn't have to worry about that.
[break][break]
Speaking of authorities, always the pessimist's mention of the haughty lords earned an amused chuckle. "Lords tend to fancy living together than with the common folk. Anything less and they wouldn't be able to call themselves lords." Some sentimentality she was sure that the strong should stay together and the weak allowed to perish. It was very wrong considering that lords were usually the weakest out of anyone and needed the most protection. Yet they always acted so far above others... like certain others that did not deserve their station. Nevertheless, "Which is fine since it keeps the scenery from getting sullied. Or were you saying that because you're worried about the travel funds?"
"Oh? Is that why you were covered in cuts?" A confidently spoken exaggeration, but portrayed well enough what she knew without having to turn back and face him. It wasn't as if Sumire didn't watch from afar after all. What she had seen was more than enough that it mattered little a portion of the fight was censored. Plus, that pained sound wasn't doing the guy any favors. "Why do you insist on letting your injuries get worse?" Asked as if questioning an undeniable fact that posed an unnecessary contradiction. Nevertheless, the pinkette didn't wait for a response as she turned to the opposite direction of the supposed remote cabin out of the way. The decision was relatively simple. If someone were around then a cabin would be the first decision to rest for any traveler, shinobi or not. Either way, it'd be much easier if they did not have to explain the shattered bloody corpse behind them. [break][break] On that note, "Keep acting like that and maybe I will take the next dance." A chuckle then a smile. She didn't quite understand why Yohei was trying to play the role switch card. While the idea of getting her hands dirty was not high on the list of priorities, every once an awhile didn't hurt. At the least, she could be a tad more inconspicuous. What? She might have set them, but laying the explosive tags was Yohei's idea at the end of the day. Anyway, as entertaining as this banter might have been, it was bound to end sooner than later since they were reaching that nice comfy that Yohei was mentioning before. Or at least it was some cave. Any cave was good enough if it had decent cover. While she didn't wait for any cues to enter, within a few steps there was an expectant turn back to her partner with a hand extended expectantly. "Hand, please."
The scene was just so serene that the bustle of the local-folk was hardly enough to burst that metaphorical bubble. That said, it was hard not to be pulled away from it when a loud voice called out nearby that brought a subtle glance to the periphery. "Hm? Oh, you found me." The voice didn't even bother hiding the hint of surprise contained in those words. See, Sumire is known to go wherever she pleased whenever she pleased. A true whimsical and capricious soul that most certainly could cause trouble for whoever was trying to keep track of her. The silverette certainly fit in that category, but she wasn't disappointed from his discovery either... this time. [break][break]
Since it was Yohei, the false miko turned her head to offer the flustered male a bit more attention. Complaints weren't uncommon and the tale was as expected. Otherwise, why else would she have wandered off on her lonesome instead of sticking around and chatting as well? Reclining back, she let the momentary breeze pass by before responding. "That's not surprising. Really, there's no rush. Relax." As calm as ever. And it was true. Rushing to get information or doing anything wasn't going to help them and it wasn't as if they were on some special deadline. They had all the time in the world. Plus, when it came to places like these, it was more worthwhile to try and eavesdrop on gossip anyway. Well... it was more amusing to her at least. [break][break]
However, when Yohei shared his sentiment about the locals, Sumire couldn't help but pause. That... was odd. The thoughts didn't reflect in her features but that did catch her off guard. Bravo. "They're just trying to live their lives. Even if they're hopeless... they're still trying to scrape by how best they know, which I think is commendable." Another piece of takoyaki disappeared from small box, eaten by the maiden that appreciated the effort that went into the meal itself. Almost as if the try to share the sentiment, the pinkette subsequently raised another skewered orb to the grumpy nukenin. "Those that aren't willing to try will meet their fate eventually... one way or another."
