Kazeraikou and Kino house.

[kininata]

"I'm afraid we have to tell the Raikage about your stay here first. We might do something after that" said the older woman. Both Hikari and the man was back from their errands. Kininata nodded, and stood up to bow to both respectfully.

"You mean...like a family trip or something?" asked Marii before she raised an eyebrow.

"Perhaps, but our choices are a bit limited. We cannot go to very crowded places since Ame shinobis are not the most wanted village.
But perhaps we can go to places that are not that crowded at this hour" said Masao. As both of them started making their way out of the room, Kininata spoke up. 'We'll go together to see the Raikage first, then, and get that out of the way. Besides, if the Kage see's me co-operating with the Kazeraikou and Kino family over what happened to Marii, maybe it might end up being a better meeting.'

"So...do you have any wishes Kininata? There is not that much to see apart from a famous restaurant and a park. The rest of the stuff are probably boring or Kumo shinobi only. I guess the onsen is out of question unless you want to test out the henge or camouflage cream" said the young woman with a wry smile.

He pondered the thought for a moment, and then moved over to stand next to her, putting a hand on her shoulder. 'After seeing the Raikage, I'm definately going to want to see the park. Fresh air would be great after what is going to be defined as a rough conversation. Then, we can go have a meal at that famous restaurant, and if we get time, even see the onsen too. I'd rather see what I can rather than see so little.' He then looked down on to his clothes, and glanced back at her. 'Though I was thinking about changing into something more casual, maybe something that fit better more locally?'

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

The male pondered for a moment before he stood up and put a had on her shoulder."After seeing the Raikage, I'm definately going to want to see the park. Fresh air would be great after what is going to be defined as a rough conversation. Then, we can go have a meal at that famous restaurant, and if we get time, even see the onsen too. I'd rather see what I can rather than see so little" said Kininata.

"Sounds well with me. Especially since all the snow has melted" said the female with a smile. He then looked down at his clothing. "Though I was thinking about changing into something more casual, maybe something that fit better more locally?" said the young man as he glanced back at her.
"Yeah...If I were you, go for trousers and a sweater" said Marii and returned his glance.

"If you don't have that with you, perhaps you can borrow something from Makoto-kun or dad. Ryota-kun is too short and he does not have your clothing style" said the young woman as she rubbed his hand a little bit.
The Jounin knew that he had probably brought some clothes with him, but at least he had an option in case he missed something. One thought suddenly struck her a little when she glanced at his frame. He could actually blend in without much problem.

Unusual hair colours was not that unusual in Kumogakure; the Raikage actually had silver coloured hair. Many shinobi's here had blue and gray eyes too. "Marii, we will got to the Raikage tower in 5 minutes. Wear your standard shinobi outfit" said the man. He was probably putting on some of his own clothing now.

"Right...I need to change into my uniform. Put on something decent and meet me downstairs" said the female before she kissed him on the cheek. She locked herself into the bathroom and removed her grey turtleneck and her jeans.
The brunette put on her black slacks, green kimono top and the blue sash. Her sepia locks were tied back in a simple ponytail and the hitai-ate was tied around her forehead.

Marii exited the bathroom a couple minutes after she had entered it. Her mother had put on the clothes she used at the Academy. "Your dad is shaving his face. I bet Kininata-kun will be down here any minute now" said Hikari with a small smile.
All Kazeraikous learned how to dress themselves once they were Genin; not only for spy missions but also because they represented their clan.

[kininata]

"Yeah...If I were you, go for trousers and a sweater" said Marii and returned his glance. "If you don't have that with you, perhaps you can borrow something from Makoto-kun or dad. Ryota-kun is too short and he does not have your clothing style" said the young woman as she rubbed his hand a little bit. 'I have a few items that would be fine to wear, nothing too suspicious or uncomfortable in this weather. I can be back in a few minutes.'

"Marii, we will got to the Raikage tower in 5 minutes. Wear your standard shinobi outfit" her father said and headed off to change himself.

"Right...I need to change into my uniform. Put on something decent and meet me downstairs" said the female before she kissed him on the cheek. He let go of her hand, somewhat reluctantly, and made his way to his temporary room. From there, he quickly took off his coat and shirt, opening his pack for something more common, and better for this weather. He managed to find an outfit similar to the one he wore when he visited Marii at Christmas, and decided that it was perhaps the best he could do for the immediate time. He carefully folded his suit neatly into a pile and changed into his winter/autumn wear, tied back his hair into a single tail, and came out wearing a thin blue scarf along with the rest of the outfit.

"Your dad is shaving his face. I bet Kininata-kun will be down here any minute now" said Hikari as he stepped out into the kitchen to meet them all in his outfit. He felt odd, being in a different ninja village and not wearing a uniform, or even his headband, but he did feel happy being here with a family. He ensured that under his coat were his headband and identification papers, however, in case he was asked for them. Especially because he was a foreigner. 'All ready. Shall we go for a walk then?' He said politely, sliding his arm into Marii's as a couple might - as long as she didn't mind, of course.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

The male emerged; he was wearing an outfit similar to the one at their Christmas date. His white trousers was the only difference. "All ready. Shall we go for a walk then?" said Kininata as he slid his arm into the female's.
"Yes...I think the Raikage will be happy to see you" said the older male, who came out from the bedroom.

Masao was wearing simple black cotton trousers and a cornflower blue knit sweater. He had the headband around his forehead as well. "No offense, but I think we have to use shortcuts. We have to keep the relationship a little down until the Raikage accept our alliance" said the older female.
She of all people knew what she talked about...all of them then exited the house.

[Exit, continues in the tower after your post]

[kininata]

"Yes...I think the Raikage will be happy to see you" said the older male, who came out from the bedroom. Well, let's hope so. Kininata thought to himself quietly.

"No offense, but I think we have to use shortcuts. We have to keep the relationship a little down until the Raikage accept our alliance" said the older female, and then they all left the household together.

[Exit]

[OOC: Sorry it took so long - been out for a couple of days]

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

[Enter]

"We're home!" yelled the female as she entered the house. She took off her shoes before the sound of violent coughing broke the silence. "Sounds like Makoto-kun" said Marii and walked up to the kitchen with the male after her.
The guest room was after all in the second floor of the house. It was a somewhat eerie sight that met them.

Makoto sat at the table, wearing his pajamas together with some thick, white gym socks. Next to him was a spray bottle of some sort while Hikari was boiling something in a small kettle; it smelt a bit like eucalyptus and chicken.
"Hello Marii-chan! How was the restaurant visit?" asked the woman with a warm smile. "It was really good...but what are you making?" asked the young woman with a curious look at her face.

"I'm making some air angel for Makoto-kun; he needs to get the slime out of his system. I just made some chicken katsu for him to eat" said the Chuunin while she pointed towards a plate with the said dish.
She poured some of the warm liquid into a bottle before she put it in the fridge...this had to be served cool. "I'm going to bed. Have a safe trip home senpai" said the male brunette with a raspy voice.

[kininata]

[Enter]

"We're home!" yelled the female as she entered the house. As they were both taking off their shoes the sound of violent coughing broke the silence. "Sounds like Makoto-kun" said Marii and walked up to the kitchen. 'That cough sounds pretty bad - is he going to be alright?' He asked sincerely, hoping that whatever was wrong with Makoto was nothing too serious. It was a somewhat eerie sight that met them.

Makoto sat at the table, wearing his pajamas together with some thick, white gym socks. Next to him was a spray bottle of some sort while Hikari was boiling something in a small kettle; it smelt a bit like eucalyptus and chicken. "Hello Marii-chan! How was the restaurant visit?" asked the woman with a warm smile. "It was really good...but what are you making?" asked the young woman with a curious look at her face.

"I'm making some air angel for Makoto-kun; he needs to get the slime out of his system. I just made some chicken katsu for him to eat" said the Chuunin while she pointed towards a plate with the said dish. He had heard of air angel before, but had never seen it in use. He did let off a smile sigh of relief at the news that Makoto's condition wasn't nearly as bad as he was fearing it could have been.

She poured some of the warm liquid into a bottle before she put it in the fridge. "I'm going to bed. Have a safe trip home senpai" said the male brunette with a raspy voice. He started to slowly make his way towards his own room, leaving Kininata, Marii and Hikari in the kitchen.

'It seems like the medical skills have definately been passed down in the family. I hope that Makoto gets well soon, considering the sound he was making with that cough.' He said sympathetically, looking off towards the young man before he entered his room. Memories of himself being in far worse states of health flashed in his mind, taking a little of the concern from his mind. 'By the way, thankyou for the restaurant reservation. Best meal Ive had in weeks, to say the least. You and your family have been very kind to me while I have been here.'' He bowed respectfully to her, and then to Marii.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"It seems like the medical skills have definately been passed down in the family. I hope that Makoto gets well soon, considering the sound he was making with that cough" said the male.
"He will; air angel is an elixir that will dissolve the slime and will speed up the recovery. I hope Makoto-kun gets well too" said the older female. She noticed that the spray bottle was gone...her son had probably taken it with him.

'By the way, thank you for the restaurant reservation. Best meal I've had in weeks, to say the least. You and your family have been very kind to me while I have been here" said Kininata before he bowed towards both of the women.
"You are welcome; I thought you and Marii-chan wanted to spend some time together. She's old enough to pick her own boyfriend and I would have known if you weren't good for her" said Hikari with a smile.

"It's almost time now. You can go packing and I'll make a small bento* for you on the way home. Don't worry, I'm often prepared bento's for myself and my teammates earlier in my carreer" said the younger female.
She saw that there was some rice left and started to boil it. "Are there any chicken left?" asked Marii while she tried to find her old bento box.

"I believe I have some left inside the fridge" said the older woman before she went downstairs with the chicken katsu. "Thanks" said the young woman and opened the fridge.
She laid all the three strips into the box while she kept an eye on the rice. 'I wonder if there are any vegetables left' thought the Jounin while she looked at the shelves. She found an apple and decided to slice it up in some smaller pieces.

Just a minute later, the small portion of rice was ready to be put in the bento. 'Rice, chicken, sliced apple and some pickled plums. Perhaps I can boil an egg too; this is not enough for an adult man' thought the female.
She boiled an egg and laid it into the bento. 'I suppose we can buy something to drink on our way to the gates' thought the brunette...it was still 20 minutes left until they had to be there.

The young woman went downstairs with the bright green bento box in one hand. Once the young man came down, she would give him the box. "I thought you wanted something to eat on your journey...you can keep the box or send it to my grandparents" said Marii.
"I thought we could buy something to drink on our way to the gates. It should not take more than 10 minutes to get there and it's almost 20 minutes until we have to meet the ANBU" said the female.

[Exit after Kininata posts]

Bento = packed lunch. Usually consists of rice, fish/meat and one or more pickled vegetables.

[kininata]

"You are welcome; I thought you and Marii-chan wanted to spend some time together. She's old enough to pick her own boyfriend and I would have known if you weren't good for her" said Hikari with a smile. He couldn't help but grin back at her for the compliment - considering her reputation from when she had been of Ame, that was about as good as he could ever expect.

"It's almost time now. You can go packing and I'll make a small bento for you on the way home. Don't worry, I'm often prepared bento's for myself and my teammates earlier in my carreer" said the younger female. 'I appreciate that. I'll be back shortly.' He said to her and gave her a quick, polite kiss on the cheek before making his way to his temporary room.

He entered the room and looked down at his pack - it hadn't been touched while he had been out, which alleviated his remaining worries. He opened the pack and started organising its contents to allow for the bento to be placed inside for the journey. After that, he set to the side the change of clothes he would wear for the morning and then tied it all up before heading back downstairs to check on the women in the kitchen.

He came downstairs to see Marii holding the box in her hands. "I thought you wanted something to eat on your journey...you can keep the box or send it to my grandparents" said Marii. 'I'll probably send it back after I've settled down back home. Though I will probably go to see your grandparents anyway, tell them how their daughter is doing.' He replied to her, and took the box carefully from her gentle hands.

"I thought we could buy something to drink on our way to the gates. It should not take more than 10 minutes to get there and it's almost 20 minutes until we have to meet the ANBU" said the female. 'I think one last wander to grab something is a great idea, Marii. Though Ill probably just stick with water. I find it pretty good for keeping me going better than anything else, and it's handy for alot of other things on a trip too.'

He moved up beside her, and then together they headed out of the household to go grab some drinks before heading back out to the gates for his escourt.

[Exit]

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

[Enter]

A 'clank' could be heard when the female unlocked the door. She had just taken off her jacket when her youngest child appeared.
"Grandma! Grandpa! Nice to see you again" greeted the guy with a huge smile at his face.

Ryota had changed quite a bit in the last six years thanks to the phase called puberty. The previous 14-year old chubby Genin was now a 20-year old Chuunin. He had grown to a solid 6'1" with a sturdy frame to match.
The guy had more defined facial features than earlier plus some stubbles. But Kininata would still be able to recognize him since his face was much the same.

"Hey. You look kinda familiar" muttered the male as he looked at the newcomer. "He's Marii's boyfriend remember? Now, why don't you help your grandparents with their luggage?" suggested Hikari.
"Sure" replied the male as he picked up the bags with ease.

"You will sleep in Makoto's room. He's moved out, so he is fine with that. My parents will sleep in Marii's room" informed the woman.
She then showed the younger man the room he would stay in. It was a medium sized bedroom painted in pale cobalt blue and had a window facing the grounds.

A bed with slate gray bedsheets was located at the right while a desk and a chair stood at the opposite side. Behind the door was a bookshelf with a cupboard at the bottom. Two bright blue towels laid at the bed for him to use.
"Makoto-kun will visit us tomorrow. I'll have the dinner ready in an hour" informed the Chuunin.

[kininata]

"Grandma! Grandpa! Nice to see you again" greeted the guy with a huge smile at his face.

That can't be Ryota... he's a giant. He bemused as he saw the tall, solid-built young man greeting his grand parents. The facial hair was there, the adult look - it was hard to believe this was the kid he saw years ago.

"Hey. You look kinda familiar" muttered the male as he looked at the newcomer. "He's Marii's boyfriend remember? Now, why don't you help your grandparents with their luggage?" suggested Hikari. Kininata nodded at him and wore a face that showed he sahred his sympathy over bag duty.
"Sure" replied the male as he picked up the bags with ease.

As Ryota took the bags, Kininata could't help but let out a surprised sigh. 'You're looking pretty good there Ryota. Keep up the work.'

Hikari turned to address Kininata. "You will sleep in Makoto's room. He's moved out, so he is fine with that. My parents will sleep in Marii's room" informed the woman.

She then showed the younger man the room he would stay in. It was a medium sized bedroom painted in pale cobalt blue and had a window facing the grounds. A bed with slate gray bedsheets was located at the right while a desk and a chair stood at the opposite side. Behind the door was a bookshelf with a cupboard at the bottom. Two bright blue towels laid at the bed for him to use.
"Makoto-kun will visit us tomorrow. I'll have the dinner ready in an hour" informed the Chuunin.

Kininata nodded and put his bags down next to the bed. 'Thanks, Hikari. I'm going to get a little rest before dinner, but I should be there on time,' He said said softly, pulling out a simple wash kit and placing it on the side. He gave Hikari a moment to leave the room, then closed the door.

He was a little disappointed to not hear that Marii would be here. He guessed she had her own place, away from the family, while she was in her position. He guessed it would be expected, given that this village had so much more behind it than Rain. He moved to lay down on the bed, closing his eyes to remember what Marii looked like. Her hair, her eyes, how her skin felt.

It wasn't long before the hour passed by, and Kininata had changed. He made sure he wasn't anything that would clearly mark him as a rain ninja, yet he was still staring at his family Haori. He was still deciding if he wanted to wear this outside of the Kino residence or not - a decision he could leave for later.

He stepped out of the room, garbed in a simple beige gi and black shirt, wearing a dark red jacket over the outfit. There weren't any markings, clan family or otherwise. His hair was now tied into a complex triple knot hanging just above his shoulders. 'Hey everyone, sorry I've not been a talkative guest. It was a long trip.' He spoke as he saw everyone, giving them a bow. 'Thanks for letting me stay here for now. Its greatly appreciated.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

'Here we go...' thought the female as she chopped up the food. Her parents were probably having a rest or using the bathroom. Hikari laid the chopped up celery in the boiling kettle after putting in the carrot.
The woman then went downstairs and knocked on the bedroom doors. "Dinner is ready in ten minutes!" announced the Chuunin.

She went back upstairs to set the table when she saw an ANBU setting the table. The female smiled. "Masao...good to see you" told the blonde.
"Nice to see you too. I'm glad to finally see someone I don't work it or have to ask the same question ten times" replied the male as he laid the plates on the table.

He then removed the cutlery from the drawer while the woman filled a glass bottle with water. "I need to change to my civil wear" told Masao after he had set the table. Almost on cue, the Amegakure trio came up the stairs.
"Hey everyone,sorry I've not been a talkactive guest. It was a long trip" told the younger male.

"Thanks for letting me stay here for now. It's greatly appreciated" finished Kininata as he gave them a bow. "You're welcome Kininata-san. Let's sit down" told Hikari. Her parents sat at the opposite side of her. Some steps could be heard as Ryota entered the room with his father.

Kininata would have no problem recognizing Marii's father. But he had clearly aged in a different way than his son. His short hair was charcoal gray hair while his oblong face had more wrinkles.
If the younger man looked closer, he would see that the man had more pronounced circles around his eyes. He had clearly lost some weight too.

"Nice to see you two again. How're you doing?" greeted the Jounin as he gave his in-laws a hug. "We're doing quite well, thanks for asking" replied Kumeko.
"I'm quite fine. But you don't look too well Masao-kun" told Satoru in a frank voice.

"Work has been getting to me. And who is - wait a minute. You look familiar" muttered the male when he saw the foreign Chuunin.
One could almost hear the wheels churning inside his head as he observed the male. 'He can't be a relative of Hikari. They don't have any redheads there' thought the gray-hared man.

'He looks too old to be a friend of Ryota. And I don't think he can be a friend of Makoto either. But maybe...THAT'S IT!' realized the man.
"Nice to see you again. I'm afraid I forgot your name" told Masao after giving his guest a small bow in greeting.

[kininata]

"Nice to see you two again. How're you doing?" Masao greeted the Jounin as he gave his in-laws a hug. "We're doing quite well, thanks for asking" replied Kumeko.
"I'm quite fine. But you don't look too well Masao-kun" told Satoru in a frank voice.

"Work has been getting to me. And who is - wait a minute. You look familiar" Kininata was a little sad that he wasn't recognised, but then again it was a long time since he was last here, and given the work he was doing it wasn't entirely unexpected. There was then that moment of familiarity.
"Nice to see you again. I'm afraid I forgot your name" told Masao after giving his guest a small bow in greeting.

Kininata bowed back. 'No need to worry about that, Masao-san. It's Kininata.' He said, and then joined the rest of the family at the dinner table. 'It's good to see you again. Since it's been a long time I was last here, it's expected you might not remember me entirely. I'm hoping to change that in the near future.'

He started eating the meal with the rest of the family, and while it wasn't his own, he felt happy and comfortable. It brought back the good memories he had of his own, and while there were moments he could have jumped in, asking questions and getting involved with the conversations they might have, he wanted to let them happen. To just experience that family life again vicariously.

After a while though, he did have a question to ask. 'So what's Marii's schedule like these days? I imagine you don't get to see her as much as you used to now.' It wasn't the question he really wanted to ask - he wanted to know when he cold see her - but this was her family. He needed to respect that, especially as he's the guest here.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"No need to worry about that, Masao-san. It's Kininata. It's good to see you again. Since it's been a long time I was last here, it's expected you might not remember me entirely. I'm hoping to change that in the near future" replied the male as he sat down at the table.

'Now I remember. The last time he was here, Marii told me he was her boyfriend. Looks like they're still keeping in touch. He he - it almost seems as if history repeats itself' thought the older man. He sat down opposite to their guest.

Both of the seniors told their extended family about what was going on in Amegakure. Ryota was not happy to hear about it and neither was Masao. "So what's Marii's schedule like these days? I imagine you don't get to see her as much as you used to now" inquired Kininata. Both of the parents glanced at each other quickly before looking at their son.

"She is quite busy nowadays. But Marii is more involved with running the village rather than missions. She completed her education at Enrai university last year as well" started the older male.
"However, Marii makes time to see us once or twice a week. Especially during the weekend when we have less working hours" informed the woman.

Marii had told both of her parents that she wanted to tell Kininata about her Raikage position. She knew that he had a rather unfortunate experience when he was in a similar position himself. But Kumogakure no Sato was a richer village that now had a less corrupt council than Amegakure.
Another important aspect was that the woman was a 28-year old Sannin, not a teenaged Chuunin. Being from an old shinobi clan with numerous connections certainly helped too.

[kininata]

Kininata listened to the brief details the gave her about Marii's life now, and noticed they weren't talking about her Raikage position. He could understand that - he had spoken a few times with her about his own experiences as Amekage. His time in that role was brief, and some might describe it as disastrous. He did remember a few things that went well, and there was a lot of respect he received because of his reputation of not only surviving his position but everything after that.

He nodded in response to their words and leaned back in the chair. 'Well, I'm sure Marii is having a better time of her position than most would.' He took a sip of water, and looked to Masao for a moment. 'I imagine you're incredibly proud of her,' then directed his following words to everyone else, 'all of you. Being made Sannin and being Raikage. It's an amazing achievement for anyone. I can't remember many achieving both of those titles in my lifetime, unless I've been out of the loop for that long.'

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

"Well, I'm sure Marii is having a better time of her position than most would" told the male. He took a sip of water, and looked at the older male.
The honesty in his jade green eyes did not go unnoticed by Masao. Especially considering that they had an audience that were close to Marii.

"I imagine you're incredibly proud of her, all of you. Being made Sannin and being Raikage. It's an amazing achievement for anyone.
I can't remember many achieving both of those titles in my lifetime, unless I've been out of the loop for that long" stated Kininata. The oldest female there shook her head.

"I don't think there are many who're still alive that still have those titles. There was one in Konohagakure who had that title. Think it was one of the Hyuugas.
And then was the woman in Takigakure. But I must say that I'm very proud of my grand daughter" informed Kumeko before she took a sip of water.

"That's true - me and Masao are beyond happy for her. She's in a position makes it easier for her to interact with people from other countries. That reminds me - we have sorted out the bathroom situation.
The men can use the bathroom at this floor to avoid embarrassing situations. Me and okaa-san will use the bathroom downstairs" told the younger woman.

"Makoto will come over tomorrow at 10 AM with Hinata. We're going to meet Marii at the Raikage tower at 2 PM tomorrow sharp. We'll get lunch there, but make sure to bring your ID.
I've washed your kimono Ryota. I'm sure you can borrow one from Makoto if you need one Kininata-kun...you two are nearly the same size" finished Hikari as she looked at him.

"Thanks for the stew Hikari-chan. I'm going to bed now. Sleep well Masao-kun and Ryota-kun" told Satoru.
His daughter just managed to stifle a laughter. Hearing her 53-year old husband being referred to as 'Masao-kun' was a bit unusual.

"See you tomorrow Hikari-chan" muttered the Amegakure Chuunin as she went to bed. She nodded before she started to clean the table together with her son.
After saying good night, the woman went to bed. She could not wait to see what would happen at the family ceremony.

[kininata]

"Makoto will come over tomorrow at 10 AM with Hinata. We're going to meet Marii at the Raikage tower at 2 PM tomorrow sharp. We'll get lunch there, but make sure to bring your ID.
I've washed your kimono Ryota. I'm sure you can borrow one from Makoto if you need one Kininata-kun...you two are nearly the same size" finished Hikari as she looked at him.

"Thanks for the stew Hikari-chan. I'm going to bed now. Sleep well Masao-kun and Ryota-kun" told Satoru.
His daughter just managed to stifle a laughter. Hearing her 53-year old husband being referred to as 'Masao-kun' was a bit unusual.

"See you tomorrow Hikari-chan" muttered the Amegakure Chuunin as she went to bed. She nodded before she started to clean the table together with her son.

Kininata opened his pack to find his old Kimono. A dark blue garment, with silver thread marking rain drops, and a grey material on the shoulders and upper torso, with curves and lines reflecting cloud shapes. He also had his red haori, bearing his family symbol as well as an addition of his own - a mark that indicated hermit, wrapped around the markings for rainfall. The haori was a new addition, but it was reflective of his attitude these days.

He went to sleep, his clothes laid out for the morning. His sleep was restless, however - he was nervous about seeing Marii again. It had been a while since they last saw each other, and while he knew how they felt about each other, her position in Kumogakure no Sato made any relationship complicated - never mind one involving him.

In the morning, Kininata managed to sneak out of his room quickly to shower and return to his room. Then he stared at the mirror. Ah, what the hell. The hair can go. It gets in the way more often than not. He quickly used his Mizu Bunshin to replicate a couple of copies of himself. they took kunai from his pack and cut down his hair to just above the shoulders then quickly put the weapons away and dispersed. He garbed himself in his kimono and haori, arrange his hair, and went into the main room of the house.

He would greet the first member of the family with a smile, nod and a good morning phrase. He was eager to see Marii.

[Marii K. Kazeraikou]

The next morning.

Both of the older Kino family members were up. They had read the newspaper as well as making some breakfast. Their daughter was in the shower while the oldest man in the house had taken out his kimono.
Today, the extended family were going to meet up with Marii to have their photo taken. It was a photo that would be in their album as well as the village records.

Hikari was the first one to meet the younger male after putting on her kimono. Her houmongi was baby blue with white flowers. The obi was pale beige and had a matching flower decoration on it. "Good mo-what happened to your hair!?" muttered the woman, her turquoise eyes wide with wonder. Her husband looked equally surprised.

Unless - no. Her father would have let her know if someone had sneaked in since he was already awake. "Makoto-kun just arrived" informed Kumeko as she entered the kitchen. Her houmongi was in cool lilac shade while the obi was light orange. But unlike her daughter, her houmongi had butterflies on it instead of flowers.

Steps could be heard as the second Kazeraikou son entered the scene. Makoto had aged as well in the last six years. Firstly, the 24-year old was 5'9" with a leaner building that resembled his Amegakure relatives.
His cool brownish blonde hair was cut in a tapered hairdo that revealed his more angular facial features. The guy had nearly no facial hair though.

"Hey...you look quite familiar. Aren't you dating my onee-san?" inquired the Jounin. His cerulean blue eyes looked at the familiar man in wonder.
"That's what she said" muttered his brother as he entered the room. His roundish face had a wide smile on it.

The older guy rolled his eyes while adjusting the sleeves of his slate gray kimono. His brother had chosen a deep green one while their father had picked a navy blue one.
"Good to see you're here Makoto-kun. Are you all ready to leave?" asked Satoru. He had chosen to wear a deep turquoise kimono that most Amegakure elders wore.

"I think so. Looks like everyone is dressed to impress" said Masao with a smile at his face.
Standing side by side, one could see that he had passed on his long arms plus his long feet to his sons. It was a telltale sign of the Kazeraikou heritage.
"All right then - let's go" stated the Chuunin before they left.

[Exit Kino and Kazeraikou family]

[kininata]

"Good mo-what happened to your hair!?" It seemed that both Hikari and her husband were surprised by the change of appearance. 'I needed to cut it anyway at some point. It wouldn't look right otherwise. Your houmongi is very nice, bu the way.'

"Makoto-kun just arrived" informed Kumeko as she entered the kitchen. Her houmongi was in cool lilac shade while the obi was light orange. But unlike her daughter, her houmongi had butterflies on it instead of flowers. Steps could be heard as the second Kazeraikou son entered the scene. He looked better compared to last time, taller, and certainly leaner than before. He'd worked really had in the last few years.

"Hey...you look quite familiar. Aren't you dating my onee-san?" inquired the Jounin. His cerulean blue eyes looked at the familiar man in wonder. "That's what she said" muttered his brother as he entered the room. His roundish face had a wide smile on it. The older guy rolled his eyes while adjusting the sleeves of his slate gray kimono. 'Well, it could be worse, Makoto-san. Good to see you again. And you,' Kininata said, looking at the young comedian of the pair, 'that was terrible.'

"Good to see you're here Makoto-kun. Are you all ready to leave?" asked Satoru. He had chosen to wear a deep turquoise kimono that most Amegakure elders wore.

"I think so. Looks like everyone is dressed to impress" said Masao with a smile at his face.Standing side by side, one could see that he had passed on his long arms plus his long feet to his sons. It was a telltale sign of the Kazeraikou heritage. "All right then - let's go" stated the Chuunin before they left. This was going to be a good get together.

[Exit Kininata]