Amatsu Nu-doru (The Heavenly Noodle Restaurant)

[Masakuni]

Shiro led to the small ramen bar he had sighted before upon coming to the capital of Claw Country, hoping that she was following. He surveyed the place with the eye of an expert ramen lover. At first glance, it was a small bar, with stolls before an open kitchen and a cloth shielding the customers from prying eyes. A closer look through the warm interior, however, revealed a larger section, with tables set out on the grass.

"Where would you like to sit?" He said, glancing backwards at the redhead. He gestured to the two areas, being the bar and the more secluded tables. He was curious to learn more about her. Yeah, like what she looks like with no clothes on. His kikaichu said, smirking. He brushed them from his mind, feeling the soft tickle of their feet up his arms as they scurried from the newly opened hand holes to the forearm cuts. He glanced from both, indicating that he didn't particularly mind.

He looked at her for a moment longer. It was still hard to believe that she was the Tsuchikage. Not that he doubted her abilities, no. But it was nonetheless a jump for his mind to shift the shy, kindly girl of his gennin class to the leader of the village. In the end, however, it made him all the more determined to protect her...

[pandoru]

'He was right!' Not that she had doubted Shiro's assumption, but it was a wonderful feeling to know that her interesting craving would be quickly satisfied. It smelt wonderful, and she was sure it was much busier when all contestants first arrived. Long journies required decent amounts of food afterwards. It was quite the nice place; very welcoming to passing citizens. There were multiple places to sit it seemed, and though the outside arrangement was lovely, the closer they were to the kitchen, the faster they got their food.

"Mmm," The girl thought for a moment, despite the very recent conclusion. Of course, the state of mind only lasted but a second before she decided a seat at the bar would be appropriate. The stools were cozy, provided a comfortable seat for however long they decided to remain here. Which, she hoped would be a while. It was nice to get outdoors every now and again, even if the previous time had resulted her sharing a spa with two men.

Though such memories made her wonder where Tensai was at now. She'd last seen him in the 'resting' area at the arena, wherea few of the examiners had threatened to toss him out. Had they been successful in their efforts? Honestly, she hoped they hadn't. The blind musician was fantastic company in her opinion, and far too crafty to just be captured and tossed out so easily. She'd be seeing him again soon- she was sure of it.

Now, what looked appealing? Ah, that would do. "One pork ramen please!" She chirped, pleased to finally get some food in her system.

[Masakuni]

Shiro followed her to the bar, taking a seat in one of the round stolls beside her. He looked over the posted menu briefly, considering the various options. He pondered many things quickly, though in the end, there was only one thing to do. He nodded curtly, him and his kikaichu in agreement. He looked up at the chef, signaling to the man. As soon as he had his attention, he proceeded with his own.

"One beef ramen, please. With the most potent spice you have." He listened to Pandoru order, then caught the man's eye again. "I'm paying for both." He said, jerking his thumb at Pandoru and himself to indicate both of their meals. The man let a knowing smile play on his face for a moment, before he nodded and went about preparing the meals. As they waited, he turned slightly to Pandoru again, smiling.

"So, Panda. Tell me something about yourself. I'd like to know some more about you, given that I'll be protecting you." He said, still smiling. His hand tapped on the corner of the bar, the only indication of his nervousness. "Plus, you're one of the few to accept this." He continued, raising his hand to indicate the three triangular holes in his palm. Kikaichu crawled from within the dark, cavernous depths, filtering out and crawling up into his sleeve in two and threes.

"And again, apologies for any inconvenience I cause." He colored slightly as he spoke, a tinge of red touching his cheeks. He still had yet to tell her that he'd be sleeping within or directly outside of her room. He was simply not skilled enough to be able to reach her in time if there was indeed danger. He still wasn't quite sure how she'd react to that...

[pandoru]

She blinked, a bit surprised by such a kind offer, even if it hadn't been the first time someone had done such for her. "You... you don't have to do that." It was probably a pointless arguement, but she didn't want him to feel that just because he'd been assigned as a 'body guard' of sorts, didn't mean he had to empty his wallet for her. Well... she could always pay him back. Even if it meant slipping the Ryo into his wallet when he wasn't looking.

"When you're family is born with mouths in places that mouths should not be... you become pretty open-minded." She chuckled, as there really wasn't much to argue with that. Sure, the Aburame had bugs crawling through his body, but the evidence of her kekkai genkai was external, and thus a bit harder to conceal.

"... Myself?" It was actually a topic she liked to avoid, not only because she felt that it made her seem self-centered, but because truthfully she found her hobbies and interests to be a bit... on the boring side, from anyone elses view. Then again, Naegi hadn't had anything negative to say reguarding her interests, so perhaps, neither would Shiro? Though it was possible that Naegi was just being nice and decided to keep his mouth shut. "Art's a big interest," so was pointing out the obvious apparently,"Sculpting both wood and clay a like. It's a great passtime... it doesn't always have to be used in a destructive manner, you know?" Her right index finger had taken a liking to the surface of the table, beginning to draw figure eights upon the surface. "I enjoy a good book, as well as plants... and... music." She smiled, looking at the one who sat beside her.

"Your turn."

[Masakuni]

"You're right, I don't. But I want to." He said, smirking slightly. "So shush." He smiled lightly at her, letting her know that he was making light of it. In truth, he didn't want her to be quiet. She had a wonderful voice. He listened as she continued to speak, and he had to admit it was the truth. He laughed quietly as well, still smiling. He hadn't felt this free and analytically unbound in a long time. His kikaichu seemed to be enjoying themselves, too.

His eyes were drawn briefly to her finger, making shapes on the table, before they returned to look back up at her cyan eyes. His own hand crept closer to hers as he listened, not by any will of his. Indeed, he barely noticed until the distance had already been halved. It halted as soon as he caught sight of it. He thought to his kikaichu, but they were seemingly as oblivious as he.

"My interests?" He said, thinking for a moment. "Nature. Salamanders, odd as that sounds." He continued to think, brushing a lock of hair out of his eyes. "Writing, reading. I'm a fair shake with a pencil and notebook." He toyed with that lock of hair briefly, before brushing it to the side. "Music, most of all." To illustrate his point he pulled his flute from it's holster, twirling it. He brought it to his lips, a breath hushing through the instrument as he began to play, a short haunting melody as he sat, his eyes fluttering closed as he blocked out everything but the song in his mind.

Slightly embarrassed, he took the flute from his lips, sliding it back into it's holster. He looked down at the table, his hand resuming it's position, though perhaps a bit closer. He glanced up to see the chef returning with the bowls of ramen. He bowed his head slightly in thanks to the man. He glanced over at Pandoru, face still slightly red. He always regretted playing in public, even though no one ever complained...

[pandoru]

She crossed her arms and gave a slight huff, feigning the slightest bit of offense. Of course, as he was simple toying, she was as well. It was good for her to joke around a bit. It would keep her from becoming one of those overly serious, stress-plagued shinobi. 'Salamanders?' Her body had shifted, taking the position of her elbow propped up on the table with her chin resting on her right hand. That was indeed something... different to take an interest in, but she was more curious as to why he'd taken a liking to that breed of amphibian. Well, perhaps it would be something she'd discover later.

They had a few common interests, which was pleasing to know. Awkward silences between the two would be that much less often if they had something to keep a conversation going. The difference between the two at this moment though, was that Shiro was actually willing to demonstrate his passion for music. Of course, that may have been because her instrument wasn't exactly easy to carry places, but regardless, she wasn't as open about her playing.

She shut her eyes, content to listen to the song he'd chosen to play. His passion was clear in his skill, and idly, she wondered if she'd be allowed to assign 'missions' to him related to playing simply so she could continue to listen. When the notes ceased, her lids slid open, and the teen smiled. "You play wonderfully!" Her posture straightened, bowing her head politely as their meal was presented. "... I suppose I owe you a preformance when we get home?" Chopsticks were lifted and broken as Pandoru prepared to eat. "Itadakimasu!"

[Masakuni]

A faint smile crossed Shiro's face again, listening to her words. He nodded in thanks. It was nice to receive some recognition for his skills, even if he didn't actively seek it. He twirled his finger idly, staring into the ramen for a second. He needed to compose some new music when he had the time to do so. He glanced back up at Pandoru, smirking slightly as she spoke. It was good to see her loosening up. It was nice to have a friend, at last.

"Well, you don't owe me anything." He said, still smirking lightly. "But I certainly wouldn't mind hearing you play." He broke open his chopsticks with a softly issued 'Itadakimasu." He delved into ramen in the next moment, chopsticks speeding like a man possessed. The noodles moved steadily into his mouth, still in a polite manner but undoubtedly expedient. A faint steam rose from the bowl, and the broth had a remarkably red tinge to it. The dangerous levels of hot sauce and spice could have destroyed the pallet of a lesser man, but Shiro took it in stride easily. After his customary first slurp of noodles was complete he slowed, glancing to the girl on the side of him.

"So..." He said for a moment, drawing the word out as he continued to think. "How have the exams been for you?" He shifted a little on his stool, placing another clump of burning hot noodles in his mouth...

[lash]

A little white cat ran into the resteraunt, and, spotting the two it wanted, it would run underneath the table and towards Pandoru's legs, purring softly.

[Umehara]

Scarlet upon an emerald backdrop..

The patron pushed forth down the streets that offered him no protection from the wiles of the commoners, shops set up to and fro as Atsuhiro's footfall lead him further into the depths of the city. Lips pursed together, he merely opted to absorb all that lay before him. Nimble digits fished into his pockets to once again reassure himself of the Ryo that lay therein, tuckled safely away into the confines of his garb with the passing seconds of his travel.

He seemed to possess no particular destination at that moment, the snug fit of his armor attracting the eyes of few that would turn around and silently admire his position; he seemed poised for battle, his obsidian locks kempt about his head as oceans of blue pierced the distance. However, such concentration would yield to hunger pains as his stomach emitted its growl, the sound permeating until catching the ear of a simple local. A female, no older than thirty, stifled a small laugh as her hand rose to her mouth. "My, my...even with the crowd's conversation, your stomach appears to be the dominant voice." she extended. A brochure was handed to him thereafter, her smile fleeting before she pointed in the direction of what appeared to be a ramen shop.

"If you have to go anywhere, then I would suggest that shop, young man. Growing shinobi like yourself need to put on a good show, after all!" she cheerfully expressed. Humility found itself dominant as the Uchiha nodded his head slowly. "I thank you for your kindness, ma'am, but....I am already a Chuunin. I am merely here to watch." he gave. Her expression turned into one of embarassment as she giggled softly, nodding in understanding. "Oh, my. I'm sorry, dear! I had no idea. Well, you enjoy yourself, anyway!"

Atsuhiro's sly smirk accompanied his turning away as he eyed the brochure in its entirety, the depiction of a nearby hotel catching his sight but for moments before he ambled forward and left her to her own devices. Within minutes he found himself an entrance to this ramen shop well-spoken of in the text, and there he made his destination toward the counter where business was taking place. Indigo occuli flickered with a brilliance under the light offered as employees of the establishment took note of his attire, immediately giving warm smiles. "Wow, looks like we got an important one here, boys! Check that armor out!" they called. The Uchiha merely smirked sheepishly, though his eyes would continue to scan their selections. Oddly enough...there was only one item that crossed his mind.

Indeed...his body began to shiver..shudder...quake under the anticipation of the frosted goodness. It beckoned his every dream, desire, whim and sexual preference, almost convincing him to tear his clothes off right then and there and demand that they lather him in the chilled treat. As if on cue did Atsuhiro's right leg begin to tap in anticipation, the words stuck in his throat as if savoring the very thought of requesting the very last item on the menu. His waiter quirked a brow at the sudden shift in mood that he gained, though he was persistent in inquiring. "Err...your selection, sir?" he questioned. Atsuhiro's eyes widened as they snapped upward and into the face of his acquaintance...before he instantly reached forward and grabbed him by the hem of his shirt.

The Uchiha pulled him close, their noses almost touching as he whispered. Shifty eyes accompanied his very words:

"Ice cream.......Butter pecan...ice cream."

The man threatened to sweat as Atsuhiro released him, the sheer power in his grip causing him to stumble backward as the others gawked at the Uchiha for moments. They had no idea the joys of it crossing his tongue...consumed into the digestive system but for moments before released into the blissful travel onto his taste buds. As the bowl was being prepared, he merely strayed away from that excited, yet passive, expression upon his features as he took his place until it was prepared fully. His eyes scanned the distance, the glint of enigmatic proportion fresh upon his pupils as he surveyed the establishment.

Indeed, the Uchiha felt welcomed. But alas...he would need to keep his wits about him. Tendrils played across the table in random beat as he watched the various conversations occurring, the tail of a feline catching peripheral vision.

...A kitten?

[pandoru]

“I‘ll arrange something then,” she commented lightly, taking more of an interest in her food now than the boy she sat with. Unintentional neglect of course, and had she caught herself doing it, she’d have changed it immediately. But… she was hungry; one really couldn’t get upset at her for that, especially when there was a delicious blend of herbs, noodles and other products steaming before her in an intricately decorated bowl. As opposed to simply holding the chopsticks she had recently snapped, the teen put them to good use, scooping up an amount of noodles and slurping them into her mouth. For a moment, the grip she had on the chopsticks tightened, and Pandoru flinched. A bit too hot to eat at the moment, but the problem would arise in that it was so good that she didn’t quite want to wait for it to settle to an appropriate temperature.

Thus, she continued to eat, following the previously taken amount with a generous downing of water to ease the burning sensation against her tongue. Speech was a wonderful way to pull her out of her current desire to stuff her face, which is exactly what Shiro did. Blinking, she turned her head slightly so that she could give him her attention, swallowing and smiling the slightest bit, despite the watery eyes brought on by the barely tolerable temperature. “They‘ve been going pretty well…” She set her chopsticks across her bowl, deciding that maybe it would be alright to let it cool off just the slightest bit. “My first match was probably the most difficult… he used a bow… however, it was certainly a learning experience.” Indeed, it was good for her to go up against others with a similar fighting style. After all, should she go into battle when there wasn’t a higher-up to keep her safe, such knowledge could easily keep her alive.

“Not… that the second was a push-over or anything. His speed was insane.” The strength the Ame-nin had had was also quite impressive. If she had been even a second later in some of her reactions, she’d be short a puppet right now, for Seikiri most definitely would have shattered. “… I‘m a bit sore, but I think I‘ll be able to get through this last round. Then we can go home.” The look that washed over her face was unmistakable relief. In her absence, she was worried what else may have happened inside the village gates. Although, she supposed that as long as Iwagakure was still in one piece, everything was going well. The ANBU were smart- they knew how to keep the peace, and keep those within safe.

"Wow, looks like we got an important one here, boys! Check that armor out!"

As if the comment had been directed to her alone, Pandoru’s eyes shifted, pulling away from the Aburame to better examine who exactly had become the center of attention within this small restaurant. The armor was indeed impressive, and the way he held himself… something told her this was not a character that should be toyed with. She couldn’t quite put her finger on the exact reason; it was more of a gut feeling than anything. This… wasn’t her opponent was it? Nervously, the redhead swallowed, continuing to observe his actions. Her whole upper body stiffened as he reached across the counter, grabbing hold of the man that stood there desiring to serve him, fearing that some kind of conflict was about to occur. They had been told not to fight, lest they be disqualified. However, should her removal from the exams save this persons life, it was a fair sacrifice. Her hand twitched, eager to reach for one of the previously created bombs.

But before the hand could even lift an inch, the man had been released. A shuddering breath escaped the girl, the fear of having to fight someone like this quickly leaving her. Though she didn’t know what had spurred such an action, she was simply glad that it had ended as swiftly as it had been executed. It was then that she snapped back to reality, manners kicking in as the aquamarine optics shifted submissively to the table-top. There were other ways to observe than staring so blatantly at her current interest; she should know better. Instead, the puppeteer would settle for listening. Perhaps he was waiting for someone? Or perhaps he was like herself, simply listening to what occurred around him for the sake of ‘people-watching.’ Her fingers drummed along the surface softly - absent-mindedly. A rhythm that the other character had also set, and yet, the detail was passed over as a soft creature slid against her calf, purring in a pleased manner.

Her free hand dipped down, stroking along the felines back, though her eyes remained on the table. If it behaved, perhaps she’d reward it with a treat. Or she would have, had this been the standard cat. Something about the chakura flow in the animal was off. Of course, this wouldn’t have been something she would have noticed without having direct contact with it, but it seemed… almost familiar. Dismissing it for nerves, the teen shook her head, petting the cat once more, enjoying the additional company it offered.

[Masakuni]

The young Aburame nodded gracefully, flicking a bit of hair out of his eyes and looking back down to steaming bowl of ramen before him, a delicious mixture of hot and hot. One might question simply how he survived, eating such a bowl filled with boiling heat and raging spice. He savored the burn, however, and his unique pallet allowed him to take that burn in stride. Even his kikaichu enjoyed it when he ate what had been dubbed 'Blazing Ramen', for they fed off the remains as it passed through his system, keeping him safe from heart-burn and other unpleasant gastronomic sensations. His body, though calm on the outside, was a flurry of activity within, as he basked in the delicious taste of the ramen while his kikaichu scurried within, seeking the bits and pieces.

His ears perked up as she talked, and green occuli lifted from the steaming noodles to regard her casually. He almost laughed, but settled for an amused grin, when he saw her struggles with the temperature of her ramen visible on her face. He nodded, brushing a hand through his hair again, demanding that the infernal strands rest properly on his head for once in their lives. She was a highly intelligent girl, this much was once again obvious. Any qualms he had about her running the grand village of Iwagakure were quickly vanishing. She's good. His kikaichu commented. Shiro nodded in agreement to his destruction bugs. ...in bed. The finished triumphantly. He bit back a harsh retort, instead settling for a mental berating of them. He smiled as she spoke, resting his chin lightly on the palm of his hand as he propped his elbow on the counter.

"Mm.. It's been quite a while since we left." He said quietly, his green eyes glazing in thought for a moment. "It'll be quite nice to see the village again." He bit his lower lip lightly, thinking back. Their arrival to the exams seemed ages ago, though in reality it hadn't really been that long. Still, quite a lot had passed since they had exited the gates of their home. He really looked forward to the end of this exam. Hopefully, they both would escape with a promotion, though he still doubted his own.

Power.

A sense of chakra cut through his thoughts, sharpening his focus as his eyes narrowed and he turned around. Impassive, armored, and tall, the man set in his sights radiated a powerful sense of strength, and an even greater chakra. This man was strong. Deep eyes of indigo and dark hair adorned the head, the head that was so closely positioned to that of the man behind the counter. Shiro remained still, eyes still narrowed. He doubted that he could do little more than be batted away by this man's strength, but he couldn't allow any violence to go unpunished.

"Ice cream.......Butter pecan...ice cream."

Shiro's eyes resumed their normal state, a faint chuckle playing from his lips. Well, the man wanted ice cream, and he wanted it badly. Mm... Shiro's kikaichu said hungrily. Ice cream. He snorted slightly, ignoring their pleas for some ice cream of their own. He turned back to Pandoru, feeling the chakra underneath the table. It was familiar, no doubt, though he couldn't quite pin it down. It surely was not a cat below them, that's for sure. Still, he sensed no malicious intent from the chakra. He smiled at Pandoru again, amusement evident on his face.

"Interesting character." He said, angling his head slightly to indicate the armored man near them...

[lash]

The feeling of skin stroking my fur was delicious.... it was a good thing that Pandoru could never guess that I was the stalking cat, for she would most definitely be upset if she knew that I had been following her, and in such a deceitful manner as now, too. However, that was when I felt it[/b]. My purring stopped instantly, my heckles rose, and, with amazing speed, I had scurried from out of the table, my eyes darting from left to right as I felt the sheer chakratic strength of the person that approached. Who was it? Who would it be? Why did I feel such an anxiety threatening to overwhelm my good judgement? And that's when he came in.

Entering the shop clad in majestic armor, I knew instantly that this man was dangerous beyond all belief and-- handsome. Amazingly handsome. I found myself purring before catching myself, stomping out those feelings as soon as they arose, for this man could and would present a clear and present danger to all of the Iwa nin present, and it was my job to safeguard them. Unsure of the action that I should take, however, I waited, relaxing my body to appear as if I had simply been startled by the entrance of the man, and my green eyes would dart to him, following his every movement.

Soon, it became clear that he was going to start a ruckus-- abuse all of that power that he had been given or had possibly even trained for. As his hands grasped at the man, I knew then that I had to break my transformed state or else something would go terribly wrong. As I began to mold the chakra that would break the Henge that I had chosen, the man spoke a few words that broke the ice of the entire situation. Demanding butter pecan ice cream, the man released the person that he held and then began to wait while the ice cream was prepared.

However, I wasn't. I would, of course, now have to work hard to get close to the newest person that I needed to watch. Standing and stretching very feline-like, the white cat Lash would then trot over towards the man within the significant and foreboding armor and rub against his leg, similar in manner towards the way that she had rubbed on Pandoru's, and hope that the man would mistake her for an average, cute adorable kitten so that more permanent methods of protection wouldn't have to be taken. If necessary, she held her clipboard in her bag, transformed with the rest of all of her items.

[Umehara]

It is implied that a certain feeling washes over one when they feel that they were being watched. And in that moment, he could not help but feel that such was befalling him. The audible tapping of another mixing in with his own choice of various strikes against the tabletop with nimble digits, the path of his occuli's travel slid to the side to view a female's eyes lurking in his vicinity of view. He would attempt to match her gaze but for a moment, though such passed without so much as a quick transition of her eyes away from his person. The most noticeable feature about her was those dominant locks upon her crown, flowing elegantly about her head in a kempt - at least, from his perception- fashion.

Brusquely did oceans of indigo depart from their path, momentarily allowing his thoughts to take in the features of her rather attractive countenance, straying immediately to the sight of a bowl spinning across the wooden edifice containing the object of his desire, accompanied by an instrument with which to eat it with. Almost simultaneously, however, did the collision with another entity's frame convince him to turn his gaze toward the floor. The same kitten he viewed through peripheral means was now suggesting a kind brush across his leg, an instinct derived from past endeavors coaxing him to take action toward both queries in the same moment.

The left arm swiped quickly across the countertop to retrieve the bowl of ice cream sliding unhindered toward his grasp, the balls of his feet harboring the ability to shift his weight into an accomodating position as he lowered himself and used his free arm to retrieve - delicately, at that - the feline who had so fearlessly sifted through the enigma's veil and presented itself unto him.

Yet, there was an inconsistency: the Uchiha had not encountered many animals that wandered this restaurant. With such succulent delicacies to feast upon, surely they would not allow those with fur or other unmentionable "products" to simply linger without the risk of a health endangerment. Full, soft lips lay pursed together as he pushed the thought to the back of the cerebral, reluctantly, and lifted it so that it could rest comfortably upon his forearm and abdomen. His full spin completed now, he reached forward with his cranium and opened his mouth. Teeth clamped down upon his eating utensil before the head jerked upward, seizing a bit of the contents onto it and flinging it high. He would thereafter release it, opening his mouth and expertly catching the 'projectile' in his mouth. How filling it was to taste the chilled delight, taste buds demanding yet another orgasmic pleasantry as his initial bite slid down the esophagus.

Obsidian tresses flowed gracefully away from his facade as he ended up facing the two who had silently acknowledged him; truth be told, the art of audible study was long-since acquired by way of honing the skill of sound proportion. The male's voice was fresh within his ear drums as the Uchiha stopped in front of them, holding the cat in one hand whilst his bowl of ice cream lay clutched by the tips of his fingers. The blade upon his back would not flinch, however, his attire settling as he gave a small smile. Embarassment? Not so much that, as the young man who sat before him addressing his existence. He was neither offended nor flattered, remaining indifferent to the initial statement. A smile graced his features as he addressed them, paying homage to the beautiful coat of the feline within his arm by placing the bowl upon the table near their lunches and sliding fingers across its head betwixt the ears.

"Mm..I guess you could say I'm different." he responded.

He knew, most likely, that his newfound acquaintance had not been speaking to him, and thus he would wait moments before allowing the words to slither from his vocals in favor of letting the other of the pair perhaps speak in return.

[pandoru]

"'n..." The young Kage simply nodded her head a bit; a near-silent sign of agreement to Shiro's statement. The man certainly was interesting, though not simply because he had that air of power about him. That may have been what got the teens attention originally, but now it was how he held himself. The first interaction between the dark-haired male and the man at the counter had quickly pushed itself from her mind. If no problems had arisen from it, then there was no reason to dwell on it further.

Willing herself to not begin staring once more at this new arrival, Pandoru's eyes would simply shift quickly, taking a glance at what he was doing at the moment. He’d gotten his treat, and also seemed kind enough to give the wandering animal a bit of desired affection. A true example that one should not judge based upon appearance. He’d ordered ice cream, and was now being gentle to what appeared to be a delicate creature. Indeed, perhaps her initial reaction to this shinobi had been the wrong one.

For now, her attention would return to her meal. The ramen had been sitting long enough for it to reach a tolerable temperature, and thus, she could continue eating without fear of additional burns to her mouth. Taking her chopsticks in hand once more, the redhead captured a number of noodles between them, lifting them and sucking them up. Yes, it was much more tolerable this time. Not ‘cold’ by any means, but certainly not hot enough to hurt her. Though she desired to shovel the ramen into her mouth in a rather impolite and sloppy fashion, she refrained, pacing herself for the sake of manners and preventing a stomach ache.

"Mm..I guess you could say I'm different."

He’d heard him? Blinking a few times, the puppeteer turned her head, putting her attention back on the young warrior who had joined them that afternoon. Well, he didn’t seem upset by the comment. In fact, he was smiling. Almost feeling at ease by how well the ravenette was taking this, Pandoru quickly swallowed what remained in her mouth, giving the other a small smile in return. “… There‘s nothing wrong with that.” Hell, it wasn’t like she herself could be classified as ‘normal’ either.

[Masakuni]

"No, indeed not." Shiro said, frowning slightly. His brow creased slightly as his green eyes narrowed in thought. Indeed, being normal or whatever that meant was not something that could be attributed to any of the Aburames. His kikaichu protested that a swarm of chakra eating insects living inside your body is nowhere near as weird as demanding butter pecan ice cream in a ramen stand, but he could not be deterred from his deepening train of thoughts. "Being different is the surest sign of having a soul." He commented, his tirade of eating held off momentarily.

Shiro brushed his hair back and glanced from the dark haired man to Pandoru, then shrugged and placed another clump on flaming hot noodles into his mouth. He chewed them thoughtfully, listen to his kikaichu rave. Stop him! They screeched. He swallowed, directing his thoughts back at his insects. He's not doing anything. His kikaichu snorted derisively. He's all over her! Shiro quirked an eyebrow in response to his insect's proclamation before biting off another lump of noodles from between his chopsticks. He's not. And even if he is, I do believe Pandoru is a single teenage girl. She can do what she wants, as long as it doesn't endanger her. His kikaichu roared at him mentally, hissing slightly from within him. It's like he's on your sister! They screamed at him. He shook his head, ignoring them. He really needed to have a sit-down with another Aburame about those bugs. His eyes flicked back up to the man with the obsidian locks of hair, watching him with a friendly but cautious expression...

(Late and short... My apologies. Between sickness and exams, I've been having some trouble getting on.)

[pandoru]

{Sorry for posting out of order, but I have a match to get to }

“Examinee?”

“Hmm?” The sudden words from the man at the bar pulled her eyes away from the dark-haired male, and Pandoru blinked curiously. “Yes… why do you ask?” It was an odd thing to ask anyway, for she was sure that the only shinobi actually still in the city were ones that were either participating, or had participated and simply hadn’t left yet. Her head tilted slightly, waiting for him to continue.

“Heard the Finals are ready to start. You just gonna sit there while they go by?”

“Oh…!” The petite kunoichi stood from her seat, running everything over in her mind to be sue all was in check. She couldn’t afford to make mistakes now. She’d gotten far, and despite her lack of confidence, losing this match was not an option. She’d be bringing only news of victory back to Iwa. Yes… she was determined. Though, was she forgetting something? One detail Shiro had told her had slipped her mind; that her opponent kept items in his boots. Should she happen to fall victim to that shadow trick he’d mentioned, she’d prepare for stunts lick that now. Two kunai were pulled from her pouch, and slipped into her sandals. “You‘ll have to excuse me…” The teen bowed to the armor-wearing male in their company, asking forgiveness for her sudden rude leave. Really though, there wasn’t much she could do.

“Shiro,” she said softly, beginning a slow walk in the direction of the arena. Of course, the Aburame wasn’t required to follow her, but she was fairly sure Lash would scold him if he didn’t. Even so, she’d leave the option of his freedom open, simply smiling once she had his attention. “Thank you for the meal,” Rubbing nervously at the back of her neck, she’d work on mentally preparing herself during her walk. Soon, they could all go home…

{Exit.}

[Masakuni]

"Mm...My pleasure, Panda." He said, brushing himself off and nodding to the armored man with a smile as well. He pulled a wad of Ryo from his pocket, locating a bill valued at one hundred and placing it on the table. He nodded gratefully to the shopkeeper and strode a pace behind Panda, his mind switching to alert mode. A great friend, nearly his sister, his crush, and his leader... She was all of these things, yes. However, now Shiro had a duty to perform. She was the girl he had been assigned to defend right now, and he would do so. With a deep breath, he smiled and walked away with the redheaded Sankuchi.

=Exit=

(Short T.T)