An Evening Stroll

[Kuro]

Private Natsumi

An Evening Stroll
Theme

Simple steps would carry the man down the street, this war torn village would bring shock to him, though his face would seem distant and lost. It was a cool autumn evening, just past seven at night. A well kept two piece blue suit would be my attire, a white button up shirt beneath the jacket. The top two buttons undone revealing a small portion of my upper chest, it hadn't gotten quite cold enough to button those up yet. Black dress shoes upon my feet as I strolled through the village. People were working hard to try and rebuild their homes, places of employment or just helping out the neighbors. For now Shin would simply walk, a cigarette sat between his lips, hanging down a bit, the tip burned slowly as he wandered.

Kurogane would come dashing up and then slow down to Shin's pace, the large Bengal Tiger had gotten sidetracked down the road but finally decided to rejoin his comrade. Shin would have his hands stuffed within the pockets of his pants as he seemed to gaze up at the stars, not stumbling over any debris or walking into any building materials. It was as if he wasn't paying attention, yet saw everything around him. He carried no weapons at this point, just simply wore his headband upon his forehead, his black bangs would hang over it just slightly, though shifted here and there with a light breeze.

The duo would come to a pause outside what was once a run down apartment building, Shin would turn and look up at the devastated building. He'd chuckle a bit as he looked down at the ground in front of him, bringing his right hand out the pocket and snagging the cigarette between his index and middle finger. "I guess it's a sign of the times old friend," he'd say with another chuckle as he glanced back up at the building. A large red sign was posted on the door reading;

WARNING!
MARKED FOR DEMOLITION!

He'd return the cigarette to his lips and take in a deep breath of smoke, his hand would return tot he pocket but the cigarette remained at his mouth. The smoke rolled out around it as he would wonder where to go now. The duo would just stand there, Kuro quickly would take a seat next to Shin, focusing more on his comrade than the former home. Shin's eyes would stare blankly, his thoughts drifted off, considering old friends or just sleeping on a bench somewhere for the night.

[A 5 A M 1 -- N4GA]

..Enter..

Such a beautiful starry night. The freedom such an hour can provide. Despite the breeze was reasonably cool, Asami didn't feel the need to dress warm this night. Sporting a pale pink Yakuta upon simple wooden geta, she glanced down at her Kimono and brushed the silky sash tied tightly around her waist. Although the need to bring her bow and arrows was a temptation, she chose to leave them at home. The war had passed, and Kumogakure was now safe again.

Shadows danced and played along the streets, jumping in between the soft glows of the street lamps and peering around the constructions of the buildings that were destroyed during the invasion. Now, of course Asami was not present within this war as she was shifted toward a safe location with her siblings due to the fact that she was still in the academy. At twenty years of age, she was appalled at the fact that she had just graduated and was now a fully-fledged genin, but at twenty?

Glancing down toward her youngest sister, Yumi Asami gently took the small child's hand and turned her into a street where the market was once located. A few buildings were still present, yet the majority of them were destroyed or in the stage of being repaired. Asami's ink colored hair almost appeared translucent in the darkness, but upon approaching a street lamp, did it show it's true color. Her ivory colored skin appeared ghostly white in this cool evening, even Asami's sister's skin color had some color to it.

“Do you think any of these shops will have the food we need, Asami?” Yumi asked, tugging on the pale pink Yakuta gently. Asami stopped walking and glanced down at her sister. “I don't know, Yumi. The village has been through a bit of a hardship at the moment, we must give it time to heal and rebuild.” She said softly, caressing the child's hair gently. But at the sight of what appeared to be a large cat standing alongside a tall dark figure, Asami stopped abruptly.

Yumi appeared confused at why her sister had stopped walking so suddenly and had turned her head to gaze upon the object that had caught Asami's attention. And upon seeing the tiger, the small child let out a piercing scream. Startled, Asami dropped down into a low crouch to try to silence the child, but tiger and figure was only fifteen meters away from the pair, yet Yumi was staring horridly toward the giant cat. Evidently having not seen one before, it had indeed frightened her.

“Yumi, calm down! I won't let it hurt you. Besides, look at that man, he's standing right beside the tiger and it's not attacking him. You're perfectly safe!” Asami said softly, gathering up her sister and lifting her into her arms so that Yumi was now perched upon the side of Asami's hip. The child was very small and found herself feeling a lot more safer within her big sister's arms. But Asami's masked feelings could not be hidden forever. But what on earth was a tiger doing out on the streets?!

[Kuro]

The scream would ring out around the block, several citizens would poke their heads out to see what's going on. Though none would react as fast as Shin to the cry, his head quickly whipped around to the direction of the noise, there he'd see the dark haired girl picking up a younger girl and attempting to comfort her. His worry quickly faded as he'd glance back towards Kuro with a smile. "Why don't you wait here for now bud," he'd say in the form of a quiet set of growls. The tiger would simple nod his head in agreement, for some it might have seemed weird, but those with companions long enough picked up the tongue of their friend. His right hand would leave his pocket and reach up, taking the cigarette from his mouth he'd then drop it to the street below, there was barely anything left of it anyway. His right foot would plant on top of it and make sure to stamp out the embers. He'd then slowly begin his approach of the two females with a kind smile on his face. "It's okay, I promise Kurogane won't harm you, he's my friend," his voice was soft and kind, he didn't wish to frighten anyone, it had obviously been some times since he and his pal had roamed the streets.

If nothing else would force them to move, he'd reach about four meters and stop there. His left hand came out of his pants pocket and tossed a small blue mint into his mouth. His chocolate eyes would seem soft and welcoming along with the rest of his expression. "My name is Shin, and I'm sorry that my friend scared you," he'd say kindly, he hoped to make the younger girl feel welcomed and safe around himself and his feline friend. Some kids get super excited and others react exactly like this girl did. It's just a part of society and it's understandable, the tiger was a fierce and large beast. They always say it's better to be safe than to be sorry, in this case that's probably true.

[A 5 A M 1 -- N4GA]

As the little girl sobbed quietly into Asami's shoulder, the child seemed too shaken up by what she had seen that Asami was beginning to wonder what she was going to tell her parents upon getting home. She knew that her father, Obito would be extremely angry with her. “Come on, Yumi..” Asami breathed, bobbing the small child upon her right hip. But as an instant reflex to see if the tiger was still present, Asami found that the dark figure standing beside the beast was now approaching them.

His demeanor was casual, yet cautious. Not that she blamed him considering that his animal companion was the reason for the distress of her younger sister. He spoke out to her in a deep tone, a voice Asami found rather attractive. He stated that the tiger was his friend and that he meant no harm. But that coming from a man owning a tiger seemed pretty hard to believe. “That's Okay, sir. My sister here is not used to seeing tigers outside of their cages.” A small chuckle escaped from her lips as the words slipped out. Asami then began to regret saying them.

Yumi turned around from having her face implanted into Asami's chest and glanced toward the newcomer. His features were very formal, extremely handsome for a man with a tiger. Perhaps what he was saying was the truth? “What kind of man owns a tiger? Why is it not in a cage?!” Yumi bellowed, clutching onto Asami's Yukata. “Yumi! Mind your manners!” Asami snapped at her younger sister, shooting the child a menacing look. However, the formal, yet mysterious man introduced himself as Shin as well as issued an apology.

“Pardon my sister's rudeness, unfortunately my father hasn't taught her how to speak to others. My name is Asami and this is my three year old sister, Yumi. It is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance.” Asami said softly, stepping forward to close the four meter gap to offer her hand. Her headband was strapped tightly around her forehead, gleamed in the dull lighting the street offered. Should Shin accept her awaiting hand or not, Asami would retract it back to the waist of her sister roughly ten seconds after she stopped her approach.

“Is your tiger tame?” Yumi then asked, pouting toward the gentleman. Her courage build-up was a surprise to Asami, but she remained quiet as her sister spoke. She too, wondered if Kurogane was a tamed beast rather than a feral one. Well if Shin's face was as chiseled as it is now, she presumed so otherwise she would be expecting a ragged appearance riddled with scars. But with this man, she saw no scars or scratches on any section of his face. He was just simply.. gorgeous.

[Kuro]

As he had approached to introduce himself the small girl would shout out about the tiger, of what kind of man owned one and why would they ever let it out of a cage. Shin could only smile at the young child, the woman holding the girl would quickly scold her and then apologize for her brashness. "It's not a problem, kids are what they are. Honest," he'd say with a smile. It was then that the woman would approach, closing the gap as she introduced herself as Asami and the girl as her three year old sister Yumi. The formal introduction was unexpected due to the earlier scenario, yet when she extended her hand Shin would quickly accept it. His right hand would grasp hers formerly, not too firm yet not to loose, just right as a gentlemen should. His eyes would remain on Asami's face for this moment as he smiled.

"It's a pleasure to meet both of you," Shin would say as he released Asami's hand and took one step back. It was then that the young girl asked if Kurogane was tame and Shin would glance back at the large orange cat. His left hand would slide back into the pocket of his pants, his right hand would hang loose at his side. "Of course he's tame, he's my best friend. But just so you know, I don't own Kurogane over there, nobody does. He's just like you and Asami," he'd start to speak as he returned his eyes to the sisters, he'd pause after making his point. "Family," he was sure that his words would confuse the young girl, but he had a feeling Asami would understand. They were both Shinobi of Kumogakure, and as Shinobi, you must be willing to call upon every ounce of talent to accomplish your goals.

During all of this the large orange and black cat would simply lay down and rest while Shin spoke in his defense. Hearing his name would cause him to poke his head up here and there to see if he was needed, though it never went any farther. Kuro was used to this kind of reaction through out their travels, though to have it at home was odd. Yet again, they had been gone for seven years, a lot has changed since the bounty hunting duo had roamed these streets.

[A 5 A M 1 -- N4GA]

Asami was embarrassed. Her cheeks flooded with heat as Shin briefly explained that Yumi's outbursts were not a problem. But at the tender, yet slightly firm hold of her hand and the introduction, Asami couldn't help but let out another blush. “Pleasure is mine.” She said somewhat humbly but withdrew her hand to replace it around the waist of her sister. But at the explanation about wither Kurogane was a tamed beast would only confuse Yumi more.

Her brilliant blue eyes, so unlike Asami's coal black ones, narrowed in wonder. “How can a Tiger be a family member when it is not a human? Asami, this man is not making any sense!” Yumi complained, tugging on her sister's yukata firmly so that she would put the child down. “What Shin-san is trying to say is that just like you and I are sisters, Shin and Kurogane are more like brothers rather than just a pet and his owner.” Asami explained softly, placing her sister on the ground.

Yumi climg onto Asami's leg for a few moments and simply stated up at the gentleman before her. “Oh.” The dimly lit lights around the trio, minus the large cat flickered slightly as a cart wielding a large amount of cabbages was pushed down the street. Upon rolling beneath the street lamp, but lights flickered on and off before returning to normal. But strangely, the cool breeze had died down to a somewhat gentle puff of wind. While both Yumi and Asami continued to speak with this man, they both would remain conscious of the tiger laying down a few meters behind.

“I am fresh out of the Academy, but not once have I seen you wondering around the village or in the academy itself. Are you a new Ninja as well?” What kind of question was that? Asami's gaze widened at the words for a few moments, not controlling her tongue. She bit down upon the small pink thing and prayed that that would keep the unwanted words from spilling out. Was it Shin's mysterious beauty that was controlling her inquisitive nature?

[Kuro]

As the conversation had lead on past the introductions, the man would start to take notice to the female's reaction to his presence. He couldn't help but smile at each time, though he himself had found himself a bit smitten by her appearance as well. What through him for a loop would be the final statement she had made followed by a question of if he was new or not. He'd chuckle a bit, he had been gone for far too long. "Me? No I'm not new, my partner and I have been roaming the lands doing some covert work for the Village," he'd pause for a moment having a hard time trying to find the right words for what he does. For now he'd decide to leave it at the idea of secrecy. "We've been gone for just about seven years now, we got word about the invasion and quickly came home, seems like we missed the party though," he'd try to make light of the situation at hand, though in his mind he knew it was bad. If another nation was so willing to attack head on the Village of Cloud, it could only mean war.

The street itself had become rather empty and a tad bit quiet, a light breeze would come down once more, the way it caused Asami's ink black hair to dance would catch the chocolate eyes of Shin, on his face remained that soft smile as thoughts pushed around within his mind. "You said you were new right Asami? If that's the case, would you be opposed to taking up a mission with me?" he'd have a strong smile on his face, the closest thing he'd had to a date in years would be a mission with this lovely girl. A mission would be good for him, he was feeling a little out of place in the Village at the moment and also a little strapped for cash from his travels. The large cat would watch ever so slightly of what was going on around them as he tried to listen and understand everything that Shin and Asami were discussing.

[A 5 A M 1 -- N4GA]

So he wasn't a recent Ninja. Asami gave Shin the “once over” and smiled. He surely had been out of the village for a long time indeed. Despite his answers were short and sweet, Asami got the hint that his reasons for being outside of the village was something better left not discussed. The the word “invasion” made Yumi's little body shake. “Ah yes. We lost quite a few Shinobi in that battle. But two were also promoted, one was made Sannin and the other, Chuunin. Unfortunately, I was still in the Academy when the invasion took place, so I was contained with my siblings and parents in a safe-house.”

Asami lowered her gaze to her sister's little blond head and rubbed it softly. The child glanced up at her with large eyes, but managed a small smile. “It wasn't a party.” Yumi said, narrowing her eyes at Shin thoughtfully. She must have found this new man very interesting, but Asami had the feeling that her little sister didn't like him. But as the street emptied itself of life, Asami brushed a few locks of her hair out of her eyes and shuddered slightly. But at the question about being new and being free for a mission, this had caught Asami off guard. “What? A mission?” She spluttered, raising her hand defensively to her throat.

She was not nearly as experienced as Shin appeared to be, and if he has been a Shinobi for more than seven years, she knew that her abilities would pale in comparison to his. “Uh, sure. I wouldn't mind the experience with an experienced Ninja. Perhaps I might learn new things from you, and get to know you and your uh..” She trailed off, glancing past Shin to his tiger. “Companion a bit better.” She managed with a bright and enchanting smile. Yumi tugged on her yukata once more and shook her head abruptly. “Daddy won't be pleased.” She warned, narrowing her bright blue eyes again.

But what Yumi didn't understand is that Obito, Asami's father, would want her to attend this mission with this man due to the fact that she could learn new things from him as well as work alongside a comrade of the village. Asami dropped down into a crouch effortlessly and smiled at her younger sister. “Yumi, Dad has been wanting me to attend more missions ever since I graduated from the Academy. Hearing about another comrade asking me to go with him will make Dad very happy.” Asami said firmly, perhaps a little too harsh for her sister. Yumi pouted defiantly and shook her head. “Well I don't like him, he has a tiger and that is not normal!”

Hearing Yumi bellow like that sent waves of anger through Asami. But she held her composure firmly. “You do realize that you are talking about a trusted Ninja of your village. His job has been to serve and protect people like you, Rin and Kira plus Mom with his life! How could you say such a horrible thing?! You should apologize to this man right now before I tell Mom and Dad about your behavior this evening!” Asami snapped, holding her sister gently as if to scold her like a mother would. Yumi's eyes widened in fear and for a moment she refused to look at Shin, but finally she came around. “Sorry..” She said, not meaning it. Asami shook her head and rose to her full height.

“When would you like me to meet you for this mission?” Asami then said, her tone hurt but an effort to keep it even was evident. She even managed a small smile despite she was angry with her sister.

[Kuro]

He was very pleased to hear her response, despite the younger sister being adamant about a man whom roamed with a tiger being trouble. She'd give the younger sister a speech about what Shin and Kuro did, which allowed them to live their lives the way they wanted to. He'd smile through out it, despite the kid not liking him, he knew she was young and he held no ill thoughts towards her words. "We'll meet up tomorrow just before lunch alright? Have a good night Asami and you too Yumi," he'd say with a smile towards the duo. As he started to walk away, he'd use his right hand to reach into his inner pocket of his suite jacket pulling out a white box, shaking a cigarette loose he'd clamp down on it with his lips and pull it the rest of the way. Placing the box back into his pocket he'd pull out a silver flip open lighter, though before he lit it he'd stop and glance back. His hand removed the cigarette from his mouth for a moment. "We'll meet up at the Raikage's Tower!" with a that said he'd wave slightly before placing the cigarette back in his mouth, lighting it he'd then walk up to Kurogane with a smile.

The tiger would rise up to all four as his friend approached him, Kurogane and Shin would just exchange a glance before the duo took off slowly into the darkness of the empty street. Shin would have both his hands within the pockets of his pants as he strolled, he was excited to see how tomorrow went. Sure he wasn't planning on doing an easy clean up mission, but at the same time he wanted to make sure he didn't put the new ninja into a truly dire situation. He'd have some time to think, but for now he'd have to find a place to sleep.

Exit.

[A 5 A M 1 -- N4GA]

How embarrassing to scold her own sister in front of a cute guy. Yumi was going to enjoy telling Father about this when the pair got home. Shin spoke of meeting up after lunch tomorrow which suited Asami fine. “Sounds good to me.” Asami said softly, grabbing her sister's hand gently. As Shin made his departure, he issued a quick “goodnight” to both Asami and Yumi. Yumi didn't reply, only waved. “Goodnight, Shin-san.” Asami said before taking her sister into the opposite direction.

..Exit..