Kinomi No Toshi

[Azure]

Kinomi no Toshi

Berry Town

実 町 街

[in Ruins]

Population: 47 0

Affiliation: Neutral

Shinobi Status: On the rare occasion of a shinobi being raised in Kinomi no Toshi, they choose whether to ship them off to the Country of Fang or to the main Konohagakure no Sato Resistance. But bing such a small town, the NCIA aren't as interested in it as normal places.

--

Nestled in the south of Konohagakure no Sato, lays a town, of a small population known as Kinomi no Toshi. A small town, usually forgotten by the NCIA, but a quaint little abode to a small dosage of dwellers. Some tourists come on vacation to this small little town to enjoy the delectable fruit known as the Amaisawa berries. No ninja are currently known to be stationed or live in the town, but there hasn't been much care over it. What is a secret in this small little town usually stays as such until the keeper finds their grave.

The town itself is surrounded by many trees and bushes, where trees are not located a berry bush fills its place, usually. There is a sole rocky path leaving the town and coming to it, surrounded in shade most times because of the tree's leaves and branches. The town's economy flows off the harvest and production of the berries to be shipped around the world.

Despite the lack of the population, there is one inn in the town, family run of course, a bed and breakfast.

Edited August 8, 2010 by Azure

[Baromosa]

After eating the very nutritious breakfast, Baromosa decided to take a stroll through the town. "Hey Jin, want to come with me. Taking a nice walk would be nice." Baro asked softly but didn't really care, looking around just for the sake of it was really the point. Starting to walk before Jinsoku was really ready, he walked down the small winding rocky path, looking over the nice peaceful trees. Ignoring everything else Baro looked for any bird he knew and for new types that might be hanging around. 'I wonder if the city itself is as nice as the surroundings.' Baromosa thought to himself, seeing how the birds flocked around certain berry bushes in particular. Once they were closer to the actual town, he stayed closer to Jin so they would be safe in a pair. "Anywhere you want to go to first?" he asked him quietly, noting that there wasn't a lot of places to get lost in anyway. "I wanted to go somewhere, maybe an Inn or market later to get some general information."

Words in Post: 177

Edited September 17, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

Jinsoku woke up with a yawn. He looked around and saw his teammate eating his breakfast already. The man who he asummed to be his new sensei left with only a few words. He didnt really pay attention too wel, but understood what he ment. He rubbed his eyes and went over to his own bowl of oatmeal. He started to dig in slowly and couldnt help but enjoy the berry flavor of the breakfast. He finished it quickly, almost giving him stomach cramps. He sat there and heard Baromosa ask if he wanted to take a walk with him. He thought that might be a good idea. Anything but sitting around doing nothing.

He waited a minute, dispite the fact that his teammate left him. He was in no rush, even though his partner obviously was. He stood up and stretched a few times, getting the feeling that had been lost thanks to the previous night's running. He waited to get fully stretched before walking after Baromosa. Even though he had started a bit earlier, Jinsoku seemed to walk a little faster. He thought that Baromosa must have slowed a bit to wait for him. It was good teamwork, now he knew that at least his friend was nice enough to wait up. "Thanks for waiting up a little." Said Jinsoku sincerely as he got next to Baromosa.

As they approched the town, there seemed to be more and more bushes around. He saw berries that he recognized. They were Amaisawa berries. As a kid, when he had wanted to be a chef, he read a book that had pictures of differnt plants. These berries were in it. He remembered them for their pretty color. He smiled a little uncontrolably. It quickly faded, but the feeling stayed. It was the feeling of him missing the days before Konoha was taken. He quickly shook them out of his head, thanks to the question by Baromosa.

He shook his head. "No...I dont care really" Finding out information was always a good thing. "Dont mention anything about what we are though. Ive heard the NCIA isnt around here, but that doesnt mean that these people wont rat us out." He didnt want to trust too many people. If you trusted everyone you met, eventually, you'd have somone betray you. He didnt want nor need that.

(Word Count=393)

[Baromosa]

"Relax, I just want to get to talk to people. Maybe hear something interesting." Baro said softly, trying to be much more discrete with his words and his thoughts. Putting himself into the background, Baro walked on one side of the street with a gentle smile on his face, his eyes very calm and almost sleepy from the very simple town around him. As he walked he noticed how the sun shined a dull morning light around people who simply moved about their daily business. 'This is somewhere I could fit in quite nicely... no out of town concerns and very friendly atmosphere.' he thought to himself and strolled along until her saw a group of kids playing a game of hide and seek. One smaller kid seemed to have quite bravely climbed the top of a shed and was laying completely on one of the pointed sides out of view from the other children. His hair was messy and everywhere like Baros', which made Baromosa smile thinly to himself before chuckling a little bit about how much fun kids could have chasing each other.

After a few minutes turned into several more, Baro decided to stop watching the kids and find that Inn he had wanted to before. It wasn't long before he located the single bed and breakfast in the small village, and he slowly walked inside to sit at a small table in the corner. It was a bit darker in the building, but had a nice snug and homey quality that redeemed itself from it's simple wooden furniture and nice red curtains. Baro contented himself with looking at the window, once again looking at the towns folk, but mostly took an interest in the children. 'It's as if they are cut off from the rest of the world.' He thought again and smiled politely when the owner came over to him to wait on Baro. "Good morning." Baromosa said softly and nodded before asking about a small cup of orange juice and if there was anywhere to buy small trinkets and things.

Words in Post: 346

Individual Total: 523

Combined: 916

Edited September 17, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

Jinsoku had watched Baromosa go into the inn in town, but didnt follow. He said that if they split up, they would gather information twice as fast. He had ran off before Baromosa could answer and had dissappeared down a few streets. Baromosa hadnt followed him for what he could see. He breathed a sigh of relief and continued down a street.

He wanted to be alone right now. His memory of the berries had sent his mind in a very distracted direction. He didnt know why, but he missed Konoha more then he ever thought he would. It wasnt home sickness that he felt, but more around the lines of missing the past. He wished that the war hadnt started and ended with the defeat of Konoha. He wanted the outcome to have been different. He wanted to find a spot that he could sit in that wouldnt be very public, but be close to town. He needed to gather his thoughts.

He found a tree on the outskirts of town and with no one looking, quickly climbed it. He still had to use his hands and couldnt use chakra to climb yet, so if somone saw him, they wouldnt think that he would be a ninja. But he wanted no one to bother him and he hadnt left a trail, so only a very good ninja could find him. He climbed to about the middle of the tree before sitting on a particular wide branch. He lay his head back against the trunck and let the sunlight that came through the leaves play across his face.

He remembered his first day of the Academy. He had walked in to the grounds to find others of his age playing. He was a little afraid, but his parents werent there that day and he would have to find comfort on his own. He had walked over to a tree and sat under it. He wanted the bell to ring so he could get to class. Being out in the open with a lot of strangers like this made him tense. Back then he had been quiet shy.

He was praying quickly for the bell to ring when he felt a leaf hit him from above. He looked up to see a pair of eyes looking back. There was another little boy in the tree. He looked shy too, but dispite that, he said 'Hi...' Quietly. Jinsoku responded the same. The two started to talk a little and eventually the other child helped Jinsoku up into the tree. He had learned that this other boy was also on his first day. The two quickly related with each other and soon became friends. The bell rang seconds after and they went inside...

Jinsoku felt a little sadness again, having remembered this. Him sitting in this tree reminded him of that day, because it was so similar to this one. Him having climbed the tree must have also brought it back. He realized that he had been up there more then fifteen minutes and that he should probably climb down and try and find out some info on the town. He quickly desended and went back to into town, hoping to find out somthing.

(Word Count=541

Total=934)

[Baromosa]

Learning that there was but one single general store where occasionally a trader from another town would set up shop, Baromosa thought about this and shot the breeze around with the owner as they sat around. The owner wasn't busy at all and looked like he enjoyed the company for once. "You don't say? Maybe I could find a good pair of gloves." Baro said to himself a loud and smiled at the owner politely. "You wouldn't happen to know if there were any traders stopping through?" he asked and nodded his head when he was told there wasn't today. "Thanks friend, I'll see you around." Baro said and shook hands before he stood up to walk out. Just as he did that a pretty young girl of 16 walked down the stairs on the Inn, wearing a light blue kimono and long, dark hair that smoothly rolled down her shoulders. Stopping him in his tracks Baro smiled at her and bowed his head, making her giggle softly. 'What a nice girl... all the way out here.' he thought and said,

"Excuse me, ma'dam, I didn't know you were here. Surely I would have thought to bring something sweet for someone as pretty as you. Would you care to come with me to find some chocolate?" He asked cutely, smiling softly and trying to act gentlemen like. To his surprise, his see-through ploy worked and the young girl took his arm and looked right into his intense brown eyes.

"Lead the way kind sir. My name is Lily." she said with a small blush and a giggle. "What's your name?" she asked with wide eyes and put a hand on his chest to embarrass him. Blushing himself Baromosa answered, "Baromosa, Kinamoto Baromosa at your service. You may call me Baro." he said softly and smile more at Lily. 'She really is pretty, I wonder why she decided to come over.' he thought to himself but walked with her and held her hand as she held his arm.

Words in post: 337

Individual Total: 860

Combined Words: 1794

Edited September 18, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

Jinsoku had been walking around for what seemed like hours, but had only in fact been minutes. He had walked around town three times already. He didnt know what he was looking for, well besides some one who looked like they knew somthing. He had gotten some info already, but it had only been about the town, nothing about the NCIA being anywhere around here for awhile. This had worried him a little, because if they hadnt been seen for awhile, then they would be back soon. He hoped that today wouldnt be the day they do come back. He wouldnt be surprised though, remembering that they had killed and NCIA memeber last night. He just hope they wouldnt miss just one patrol man.

As he was walking, his toe hit somthing. It sounded like a piece of metal. He bent down and picked it up. It looked like a piece that would go onto a headband. Like the ones that the ninja wore before the war. He saw no one with those on anymore, except the NCIA once in awhile. He looked it over and placed it on his head. It was a good fit! In fact, it was almost perfect! This kinda surprised him though, what were the chances of this. He had wanted a headband protecter for awhile, but the one he had was his dad's and it was at his home right now. He had hid it so if there was any scouts that came to thier home, then they would miss it.

He walked over to a tree nearby and took out his kuni. He started to chisle the sign of the Leaf in it. It would take him awhile, but he was pacient. This was somthing he had wanted for a long time. He had memorized the shape of the symbol when he was little, now if he could only get it to look good enough. He sat there, under the tree with his attention to the little piece of metal. Even if a war started around him, he probably wouldnt notice it. He was going to finish this, and he would make sure of it.

(Word Count=362

Total Count=1296)

[Baromosa]

Letting her take the lead in the end, Baro and Lily ended up walking together at a really slow pace. Coming to where most of the towns people bought there food and odds and ends, Baro smiled and pointed to where he wanted to go and whispered in Lily's ear, "You know people will start talking if you cling to my arm so much." She looked at him with a giggle and moved a bit closer to put her head more on his shoulder. "I wouldn't mind that." she said with a pink blush across her cheeks.

'This is so... unexpected. A little too forward but she's so pretty. This could be nice.' Baromosa thought to himself and let his thumb stroke her hand in his affectionately. "Just making sure." he said softly and walked through the small little side street, getting smiles and disapproving stares alike from the scattered people that were in the market that day. "We'll be the gossip for weeks." Baro muttered getting another giggle from his female companion. Looking over the wares he had hoped to find something that he liked but didn't see anything worth buying him or his new friend. "So Lily, What do you do around here?" Baro asked and pulled them into a more secluded area behind one of the buildings in someone's tree grove.

"Oh, nothing much. I'm the eldest daughter so father naturally wants me to marry..." she prompted nonchalantly and still looked around at the trees as she stayed close to Baro. "I feel a little cold." she complained and put her head into his chest. Baro naturally put his arms around her to rub her back before removing his vest and offering it to her. "Please, take my vest. I should have realized earlier." he said softly and slid it over her thin, pale shoulders. "Oh Baro, your so sweet. Are you sure? The morning air is so brisk." she said and blushed a deep red as she squeezed the ends of his vest together and held them to her chest. "It's no problem Lily. I'm more then glad." he said softly and smiled friendly to Lily. "Oh Baro, thank you." she whispered and quickly kissed his cheek before taking his arm and looked away down to the grass embarrassed.

Words in post: 383

Individual total: 1243

Combined Words: 2639

Edited September 19, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

"There..." Jinsoku anounced quietly to himself. "Done." He looked at the forhead protecter and smiled at his handiwork. The shape of the leaf was a little jagged in one or two spots, but it looked almost perfect. He brushed his hand over the metal to clear the pieces of metal still on it that had been cut away. He took his shirt and tryed to shine the metal up a little. It gleamed a little in the sunlight. He fished in his pocket and drew out a brown piece of strong leather that was cut to fit his head. It was a bit long, but he thought it would look cool as a headband. He positioned the piece of metal right in the center of the band and looked at it. If he found the right type of fastenings, this was going to be a sweet headband.

He stood up. He was going to that market he had passed earlier. They might have some good fastenings there He thought as he headed for the market. He was looking his headband over. He remembered his first day after school and running into his house...

(Sorry I didnt mention this before. Grey means flashbacks for me)

He had come home out of breath that day. He was so excited to tell his parents what he had learned. On the way home, he had even made a little headband for himself out of some red cloth that he had found. It was far too large for his small forehead and it slipped down past his eyes when he bounced too much. He didnt care. Right now, he was a ninja. He was doing kicks and punching wrong, but he didnt care, he was having fun. He even tryed to kick the sliding door in when he got home, but bounced off and fell on his butt.

His mother came to the door to see what was up and saw him on the ground. He got up and brushed the dust off his clothes. He smiled up at her. 'Hey mom!, guess what?' He said, 'What?' She answered kindly. He pointed to his headband. 'Im a ninja! I graduated on the first day!' Of course, this was a lie, but his mother smiled anyway. 'Really!?' She said in mock admiration. 'Well then, why dont you have one of these?' She held up her headband. He looked at it and ran his hand over the metal. He had seen it before, but hadnt payed attention to it. Now that he saw it upclose, he was in awe of it. He knew it was a sign of a ninja, and was a little jealous.

'Hey mom?' He asked when he got inside 'Can I have you headband? You could say you lost it and get another one.' She shook her head seriously. 'When your ready, youll have one.' He sighed and walked to his room. He wanted one then, but knew that it would be usless to argue.

Jinsoku reached up and touched his headband, the same one he had had on that day. He smiled, that thing had been old. But his thoughts of that vanished when he turned his head and saw Baromosa with a really pretty girl. He just saw her kiss him and he couldnt help but say somthing. "Hey, Baromosa. Didnt think gathering information required getting cozy with a girl." He was still at the age where he was kinda sickened by kissing somone. So, he had a 'ew' look on his face, but just a small one. He was getting to the age where he understood it a little.

(Word Count=609

Total=1905)

[Baromosa]

The girl blushed a bit more but smiled softly and looked over at Jinsoku a bit behind Baro's broad shoulders. "The town isn't all that big, and this happens to be Lily, the eldest daughter of her family." Baro smiled and nodded towards Lily. "Lily, This is Jinsoku. He is one of my friends." he said cheerfully and looked over his partner, trying to find what was misplaced and his eyes became serious when he saw the newly forged head protector. "Well, Jin. Would you care to join us? Maybe we could retire somewhere cozy to eat." he suggested but really what he wanted was to get Jin alone and satisfy his curiosity about the new piece of equipment. 'Why would he want to make something like that now of all times.' he thought and considered it for a moment before dropping the matter and looked at Lily with soft brown eyes.

"It was nice meeting you Jinsoku-san, I hope your mission goes well." Lily said politely and bowed her head before she kissed Baro's cheek and whispered into his ear, "If you are still here tonight, join me back at the Inn on the balcony. Just say Lily sent you." Quickly the blue kimono adolescent girl was gone happily, running off surely to tell the other girls about her little 'date' with Baromosa. Sighing softly Baro giggled and walked with Jinsoku. "So, Jin. Nice headband. Where did you get it?" Baro asked and looked it over again, still suspicious of what it might do for their futures. 'We could get in trouble eventually, I shouldn't even keep mine on me.' Baro thought and remembered where he had hidden it in his vest that Lily was wearing. 'Shit....' he swore in his mind, regardless of how shinobi were accepted he didn't wish to lose his Hitai-Ate.

Words in post: 306

Individual Total: 1549

Combined Words: 3554

Edited September 19, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

He didnt say anything to the Lily girl. He just gave her a look that said, 'Girl, leave'. He wasnt in the mood to deal with this right now. If Baromosa was this irrisponsible, he might get them in trouble. He didnt want fifty NCIA agents swarming them. Especially in a town where they could be surrounded easily. And unlike the night before, the agents wouldnt be scouts. They would be fully fledged chunin, and maybe Jonin. He really didnt want to get caught in that.

As the girl departed, Jinsoku looked toward Baromosa and started to walk with him. He had caught the last part about the mission and stopped quickly. He turned Baromosa to face him with a shove to the shoulder "What did you tell her!?" He asked, quietly, but harshly "You told her who we are?!" He turned around, already knowing the answer to be yes. He gripped his head. Even if he had just told her about the mission, they could be in trouble. "We got to go." He said quietly. "If she tells anyone, we're in big trouble.

Then Baromosa asked somthing about the headband. At first Jinsoku didnt answer him, but he took a breath. "I made it. I was bored and I found a slip of metal...I found out some stuff before I did though. What'd you find out, besides that girl's waiste size?" He was still mad that Baromosa couldve told a total stranger what they were doing in this town.

(Word Count=250

Total Count=2155)

[Baromosa]

Looking at Jinsoku like he was a mad man, Baromosa yelled under his breath at him. "Idiot! Is it not obvious by our appearance enough we are who we are. And then you go and make a frickin headband announcing the fact and get mad AT ME for being indiscreet. In case you didn't know, the NCIA didn't set up shop." he told him but cut himself off from his ran quickly and grabbed Jin by the arm to pull him aside. Once they were in a alley between two buildings Baro took a breath and cooled down just a bit. He couldn't believe how excitable his partner was, but even more so Baro was surprised at how much he flew off the handle from what Jinsoku said.

Finally getting the words Baromosa sighed softly and said, "Ok ok, I'm sorry. But look, relax. We can rest here a while, there's no danger. She was being polite asking about the mission, since she assumed you were a more experienced and probably important person." He said and let go of Jin, letting him have some dignity back. "So where that head protector if you wish, but it's not going to be life or death. Just pray to god we don't have another 'incident'. Loud arguments like that could be bad." Baro said and smirked as he came to his last thought. "And I don't know her waist size quite yet, she's really shy."

Giving Jinsoku a chance to speak, Baromosa leaned against the house and looked at him more friendlily and tried to relax to get a better feel for their surroundings. Seven people had seen their little bought, but none seemed concerned at all with the affairs of teenagers so Baro was grateful for that. 'I need to keep cool. That and meet Lily after, I wonder if I could get her something as a gift.' he thought to himself, Baro's eyes staying his normal soft brown texture and smiling.

Words in post: 330

Individual Total: 1879

Combined Words: 4134

Edited September 19, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

When Baromosa was done, Jinsoku culdnt believe what his partner had said. "Listen Baromosa..." He said quietly, but swiftly. He didnt really care if Baromosa was calm now, he wasnt going to let his partner be stupid. "...it doesnt matter how I look. I dont carry my weapons in the open, so Im not the one who needs to worry. As for this headband, I didnt plan on wearing it. Its for another time." He paused to catch his breath.

Once his breath was back to him, he took another and started again, making sure to be quiet and slowlyy talk so that Baromosa would understand him. "And I acually gathered some information around here and guess what?" He said, giving him a second to answer, which obviously wasnt enough time for anyone. "The last five ninja who came here were attacked by NCIA. The man I talked to said that it was the villagers who told them. It seems that the NCIA come here every week or so. The people of this town tell them any information on ninja around here, and in return, the NCIA dont stay here for more time then they need to...not like they would anyway, but the information moves them out faster." He breathed a little once more and turned as if to leave the alley. He didnt care if Baromosa followed or not.

He turned his head back to address his partner. "Listen...Im leaving this town right after I get some fastenings. You should come too. I dont trust that person you were with at all. If she asked about the mission, then dont you think there's a reason. Even if there isnt for that, how do you think she knew you were a ninja. Ninjas arnt the only ones to carry kunis and shurukens...If you go to meet her again and she turns out to be bad, dont expect me to help." He walked down and out the alley. He put the headband in his pocket and moved on to the market. If Baromosa got himself killed, that would be one less distraction for him. To be honest, so far he really didnt care to much for him. Jinsoku was cocky, but Baromosa seemed to take to to the 'stupid' level. He needed to listen to reason.

He shook the thoughts out of his head and continued down the road, hoping he wasnt right about Baromosa's girlfriend. He said he wouldnt help, but if Baromosa was going to stay, then Jinsoku would have to be there as well. Thats what being a Leaf Ninja's all about. Help thouse who need you. He knew this and continued.

(Word Count=444

Total Count=2599)

[Baromosa]

Baromosa thought for a moment about what Jinsoku said before dismissing it as illogical. 'He may have collected good information, but he's too young. And he assumes much.' Baro thought, exaggerating his age in his mind. Smirking softly he chuckled to lighten the mood around him and left the alley, heading away from Jin down the opposite side of the street. 'I'm meeting up with Lily if there's nothing more important to do. This is just a nice, small town, perfect for one night's stay at least. The people here don't look like they want trouble, so I won't cause any.' Baro continued in his mind, talking to himself as he walked. The sun was still illuminating the town quite sunny and he smiled into the sky as he walked until almost tripping over an older man. "Oh, sorry. Excuse me." Baro said brightly and nodded to the man before stepping back a bit and moved around him. The stranger didn't seem to mind and smiled softly back before going around him. 'Well, he was nice.' Baromosa commented to himself before beginning to walk again.

As time passed Baro ended up standing around talking to the people around the market. Lily wasn't around anywhere, but he thought it was absolutely delightful to be able to relax here and talk to new people. They seemed almost at peace with themselves without realizing they were peaceful. It was just natural, at least that's what Baromosa thought about how they acted. Eventually he felt hungry though and left them to go find Jin and decide on how to get dinner. "Jin? Hey, Jin!" Baro called out, loud enough that in a town like this how could he not hear him. "Maybe he did leave already." he whispered to himself and wondered where Jin could be. 'In an hour If I don't find him I'm looking for Lily. She seemed so nice.' he thought again and sighed softly. The wind felt nice and cool but Baro's hunger bothered him a little more as time passed. 'Enh, It's not that important. I can wait.' he decided, his mind drawing him to the idea of ditching Jin for Lily, but forgot that thought when it occurred it might be rude.

Seeing a rock by his feet Baro stopped to pick it up, forgetting to listen for Jinsoku's call. It was very small, and fit in his grip, but looked rather flat and coarse like sandstone. Whatever it was Baromosa thought it felt really nice n his skin, rubbing it back and for a few minutes. Then the thought hit him. "Oh no, I was going to get Lily something!" he exclaimed and put the rock in his pants pocket before dashing off back towards the market area of the town. 'I'd like to get her a rose... maybe a necklace?' Baro thought and debated what could be considered an innocent gift. 'Chocolate.... no. Maybe, ugh.' he grumbled to his mind as he looked and searched over the market. "I want it to be perfect." he whispered with a small smile, getting very romantic over such a small encounter.

Words in post: 522

Individual Count: 2401

Combined Words: 4900

Edited September 20, 2007 by Baromosa

[acillies45]

Jinsoku walked down the street toward the market. He had been thinking a little about Baromosa. ...He better know what he's getting into...If he gets killed over a stupid thing like a girl, Im going to be embarrised to be called his ex-teammate. He was mad because he knew why Baromosa didnt listen, and it pissed him off a little. There was only one reason why he could possibly not think about his answer more and that was because he thought he was better then Jinsoku because of thier age difference. That was a mistake. He didnt care how young he was, it didnt matter, because he was being a lot smarter then Baromosa. He knew that that would turn into a problem, he would have to solve it soon. If he didnt, he would be treated as an underling. He clinched his fists at the thought. "No way...no way hes going to treat me like that..." He said quietly to himself.

He finnally got to the market and looked around. He didnt know if there was any metal or leather workers there. He thought that it would be more likly to find a leather worker, based on where this place was located. He looked around and finnally spotted one. He felt the headband in his pocket to make sure it was still there, it was. He smiled slightly. It felt cold against his skin, but knowing it was there made him feel a bit better. He didnt know why this was exactly, but just the thought of him being a ninja calmed him. It made him know that he didnt have to work hard every day to accomplish his goal.

He walked up to the leather worker's stall and looked at his wares. There was nothing he needed right now from him. He walked up directly to the man. "Excuse me, sir?" he asked. The man looked up. He was older and balding slightly. He was a chubby man, but he was strong underniethe the fat. Leatherworking must be more of an exercise then I thought... Jinsoku thought mentally. 'What would you like young man?' He asked cheerfully. Jinsoku took out the forehead protector and showed him the side that didnt have the leaf symbol on it. "I need leather to fit in here. Small stripes, but strong enough to hold onto it enough so it doesnt break off." The man looked at them and nodded. 'Yes, I got some scraps that you can have.' He stood up and waddled to the back of the store. He came back with eight long pieces of leather. He handed them to Jinsoku. 'You dont have to pay anything...' He said as Jinsoku took out a few coins. '...they are only scraps. Jinsoku didnt argue, he just said "Thanks mister." and he bowed a little. The man shook his head. 'Not at all. Anything to help the leaf village.' He said, winking. Jinsoku started a little but the man said nothing more, not even when he was questioned. He just chuckled and went back to his work.

Jinsoku went to the path that he and Baromosa had entered in. He sat under a tree and started to work on his headband. He would wait for a few hours and if Baromosa didnt come, he would either look for him or leave. He wondered though, how had that man known where he had been from...he hadnt shone him the leaf symbol...he pondered this as he worked on his headband, but got no logical answers.

(Word Count=591

Total=3190)

[Baromosa]

Finally seeing someone who must be some sort of amateur flouriest with a vase of roses, Baromosa made a small squeak seeing them looking for beautiful with red velvet petals and the mystic of importance around them. Baro bought just one single rose and walked towards the Inn with it calmly, feeling quiet at peace that everything could go so smoothly in such a little slice of tranquility. The sun was starting to go into the western part of the sky and turn more golden. Soon it would turn red as it set, but by then with any luck Baro could be taking his new lady friend to dinner or something. "If only we were somewhere larger, I don't even think I could take her out anywhere.... so I know what I can do." Baro giggled and just hoped his cooking skills were up to the task of his romantic evening with Lily.

Walking into the small little Inn Baromosa quickly said, "Lily sent for me." The middle aged Inn keep chuckled a bit before he nodded and pointed up the stairs. "Try the last room on the left." he muttered and gave Baro one of those eyes that says 'I know what your up to.' Baro nodded and flashed a polite smile before walking briskly up the stairs. Putting the rose behind his back, he walked to the last door on the left side and knocked. A girl made a small squeak in the room before Baro could hear Lily's voice say, "Come in." Baro froze for a momentary second as he thought what could happen to him. It all flushed away when he forced himself to put his hand on the door frame and slide it open.

"Lily?" Baro asked and smiled seeing her where a different light red kimono with white floral patterns spiraling down the fabric. She smiled at him happily and ran over to greet him by putting her arms over his. "Oh Baro! It's nice to see you." Lily said her cheeks going a soft pink and her eyes a sparkling brown.

"I brought something for you." he whispered softly and brought the rose from behind his back. Taking it gratefully Lily giggled and smelled the rose. "Oh goodness Baro, it's lovely. Thank you very much." she said softly and made cute eyes at him from behind the flower. "I'm so glad you like it Lily. I wanted to see you smile like that." Baro told her and put his hands over her arms to hold her softly close to him.

"I'll go put it in water." She told him quickly blushing a bit before pulling away slowly and got a vase by the nightstand of the bed. She looked very graceful as she moved from the small table where the water pitcher stood and always made small, delicate motions that captivated Baromosa's attention. "Lily, why did you ask me up here?" Baro asked softly and walked over to the balcony where Lily joined him after a moment. She was quiet for a few moments and just took his arm. "To have you up here with me." she admitted with a pause. Her hair was slightly wet as she had bathed before he had arrived, and Baro could smell her perfume like lilacs. 'She must have been very lonely to like my little line when we met. She seems so shy, I just want to know more. She's like a delightful mystery book.' Baro thought to himself and smiled at Lily.

Words in post: 587

Individual Words: 2988

Combined Words: 6078

Edited September 20, 2007 by Baromosa

[Azure]

It hadn't been long since Jinsoku sat beneath the tree and fiddled with his Hitai Ate, before a young woman appeared, in a springy step in his shadow's occupation. Her braided bright orange hair allowed her to stand out, momentarily distraction the looker from her thin physique, wide cerulean eyes and thin lips perched in a smile, generally. "By any chance, did Soujiro send you here?" The riddle deepened, the fog of mystery became thicker with a woman, picking out Jinsoku out of every person in the small town, a few might have very well been visitors themselves, but him- of all. And to continue, addressing the enigmas man whom sent them to the town. ?Her voice was light and cheery, but what secrets could be unearthed from her lips, why did she know Soujiro, a man who stood in the haze of lonesome. Why she was not concerned with a ninja in the peaceful town, posed another set of questions.

[acillies45]

Jinsoku was a little startled and immediatly hid his headband in his pocket. The woman knew Soujiro?...To be honest, he couldnt tell whether or not she was asking about him, or trying trick Jinsoku. He turned a little red, because to be honest, the woman was beyond beutiful to him and he was resisting asking her out and telling her everything he knew, but he couldnt trust anyone and knew it.

He calmed down a little and his face grew back to normal color. He was still figuring out to say, when he looked away and at the town. "Its poleit to tell somone their name and the reason behind asking about a person." he said cooly. He wasnt trying to be cool, but he wanted to be carful. One wrong move and he could be dead. He moved his hand over one of his kuni, just in case.

(Word Count=149

Total count=3339)

Edited September 21, 2007 by Jinsoku Kazekobushi

[Baromosa]

Staying close to Lily to watch the horizon, he liked the fact she wasn't afraid to open up to him even though she seemed so shy and innocent. It was very attractive to Baro, and like never before he seemed very comfortable around a girl. Lily was starting to relax more too, liking how Baromosa was very calm even after she had made her small confession. She placed her head on his shoulder, Lily's sleek black hair falling down Baro's back and her warm cheek pressing into his neck. "Why did you give me a rose?" Lily asked softly, looking up at Baro very gently like a little girl.

Baro smiled at her for a moment before turning to face her better to let her stand up on her own. "I thought you would enjoy it, are they something you like?" he asked knowing the answer was yet even before she nodded softly and pressed the side of her face up against his chest. "Oh Baro, this is just so unexpected. How ever could I meet you in a town like this, don't you live far away?" Lily asked him, her voice going high and wondering. Still taken in by Lily's youth and shy charms, what affection she gave him Baro took to heart. "I was just passing through after I left my home. I don't know where I'm headed but I'm sure if this is any measure, that it will be beautiful when I get there." he said finally putting his arms around her and holding on softly since he was taken back by how close she was already.

"You barely know me though. Let's talk a bit, what does your family do here?" Baro asked and moved away from Lily to sit on the foot of the bed. She walked in front of him and smiled before sitting down with him as well. "My father owns this bed and breakfast, as did my grandparents." Lily told him softly, letting her sparkling eyes pour right into his. 'This is bad, she had me totally under her spell.' he thought and was happy to look at her and keep up a small conversation. Words passed easily between them and soon Lily was looking like she was a bit too comfortable. "Baro-kun, do you have a place to stay tonight?" she asked completely forgetting about Jinsoku. Baro thought for a moment and shook his head. "Unless Jin found somewhere, I doubt it. But there are rooms here, I'm sure in a small town he'll find his way back here. Which means, I should stay here with you." Baromosa said brightly and made Lily's smile get that much wider. "Really? Oh that would be great Baro-kun." Lily replied and put her hand on Baro's shoulder. "But really, if you need a place this is my room, you could stay here out of the cold." she whispered seductively and blushed a pink as she leaned into Baro and gave him with widest brown eyes that wrapped him up more then he had ever known a women to.

Words in post: 514

Total: 3502

Edited September 21, 2007 by Baromosa

[Azure]

"Me? Well my name is Yochi Namiko. But you still haven't answered my question. Has he lead you here to visit this little town of ours?" Her voice was still like a melodolic chirp to the young boy's ears. There was still an engimas wrap around this girl and Soujiro for that matter, how did he play in to all this? Was this just an ordinary town, forgotten by the NCIA? Or perhaps, was it something more.

[acillies45]

Jinsoku was getting nervous. He didnt want to betray what Soujiro had told them to do...but it was just come here wasnt it? He hadnt given any orders to not betray thier whereabout, or if he had, Jinsoku hadnt payed much attention. Now there was a very pretty girl standing there infront of him and he didnt know what path he should take. She would continue to ask or get angry at him if he didnt answer, but then again, if Soujiro found out, then he would get angry ...But Soujiro doesnt have to find out... He thought in his mind.

Finnally Jinsoku nodded "Yeah, he told us to come here." He said finnally. Now he would have to see what this girl was about. He didnt want to have to hurt her, but if she went to the NCIA and told everything, then he might be forced to. "Whats it to you?" He asked, his hand gripping a Kuni on his belt a little tighter.

(Word Count=166

Total Count=3505)

[Baromosa]

Baromosa looked into her eyes feeling even more overwhelmed, fearing what might happen with a women who was ready to be so forward with him so soon. He placed his hand over hers and the other of Lily's cheek making it blush even deeper red under his strong fingers. Lily's skin felt like it was well taken care of even in this small village, and her eyes looked as a star burst of hope. "Thank you Lily, that would be really nice." Baro whispered softly, trying to keep it polite and friendly. "But doesn't this seem a little fast. What would your father say?" Baro said to try and persuade her to think it through but it was no use. 'Maybe she's on the rebound.' he thought and felt her move into his chest and push him back on the bed. Lily now had a hand on each of his shoulders, clinging close and looking up at him with her insistent eyes. "Don't worry, my father's probably sleep. He won't catch us." she cooed to him and closed her eyes, resting on Baro's chest.

Eventually giving in, Baro wrapped his arms around Lily and held her there, his warm chest making her heat up to his temperature and get drowsy, her smile growing comfortable and relaxed. "Comfortable?" He chuckled softly and Lily just nodded in contentment. "Perfect." she murmured and grasped onto his his shirt more. Its white fabric pulled tight across Baro's chest and Lily could smell his manly scent cover everything, including her. "I like your scent. It's like... a pine wood fire." Lily told him and started to move high so she was laying next to him. They both laid back in the bed and after awhile Lily started up a gentle conversation. "Oh wow, did you really escape them?" she asked excitedly, taken up by Baro's tale of bravery. Her small hands wound themselves in his hair and squeezed him when Baro got to the dangerous parts.

"Yea, we ran and made our way here yesterday." he admitted to Lily, completely ignoring Jin's good advice. "I have to say, I didn't expect to tell anyone all this. It just feels nice letting someone know though. You really feel safe with me don't you?" Baromosa asked her getting and excited if nervous nod in response. "Yes Baro, I don't know. Something made me just reach out." she whispered and said, "Baro-kun? Do you like it here with me?" she asked softly, biting her lips and looking into his eyes. Baro could feel her hands move to his arm and get tighter. "Yes I do Lily, you're very sweet. Thank you aga-" Baro was in mid sentence before Lily hugged him and squeezed all the air out of his lungs. "Oh Baro-kun! Thank you thank you!" she said happily and used a lot more strength then Baromosa thought Lily was capable of. "Your .. wel ... come." He gasped between what air he was able to breath in.

Words in post: 500

Total: 4002

Edited September 23, 2007 by Baromosa

[Azure]

"My, aren't you just a nosy little one. It's just for me to know." She said to him with a wink and a smile, gently turning, her voice traveled back, walking its way to his ears, cuddleing them so. "Why don't you go find whoever else came with you and come to the middle of the town, at the fountain, okay? Don't worry, I won't you." She said with a light chuckle at the end of her statement. By her looks, she could do any kind of hurt to a shinobi, outside of emotional pain. Walking back in to the small town, her body disappeared from all visible sight.

[acillies45]

Jinsoku debated with himself to follow her or not. She didnt look dangerous, but looks were deciving, that much he knew. He would have to be ever so careful if he didnt follow her. If she reported him to the NCIA then he would be in danger. She told him to go and get Baromosa, even if she was lieing, he wouldve gotten him anyway. He was mad at him, but he would still need some help, least they were attacked.

He stood up and started toward the village. He looked to see if he could see the woman who had talked to him, but it was as if she had dissappeared. He didnt look too long, on account he would have to get to Baromosa quickly. He searched around a bit, avoiding the fountian, least it was a trap.

He looked for about an hour, with no sign of him. The only place he hadnt looked was the Inn. He had a hunch that he would be there. He walked down the street looking for the inn. Finnally, he came to it and looked around it from the ground. He couldnt see anything. So, he decided to ask if his partner was there.

He walked in and went to the counter. "Has a boy called Baromosa come here?" The man behind the desk said that they couldnt give away information on customers. Jinsoku nodded and slipped the man a few coins on the counter. The man told him the room and Jinsoku nodded and walked out saying "Thanks sir." He said on his way out.

Across the street from the room that Baromosa was in, Jinsoku climbed up ontop of a building across the street. He held a rock in his hand with a note telling Baromosa to meet him at the fountian. It also said to hurry. As soon as he got onto a good spot on the roof, he tossed the rock, smashing a small hole in the window. He saw Baromosa and Lily in there, so he knew there was no mistake. As soon as the rock went in, he jumped from roof to roof, heading to the fountian.

(Word Count=363

Total=3868)

[Baromosa]

"Who the hell?" Baro complained dully and moved a bit to see that a rock had came through the window. Comforting the frightened Lily he patted her neck and kept her close to him. "It's nothing, I'll check it out." he whispered quietly and smiled to Lily. "Oh Baro-kun, be careful." Lily told him, pulling on his sleeve before curling up on the bed. Her face was a little disturbed by the curiosity but most shied away from what had happened.

Baromosa walked over to the floor and bent over to pick up the small rock, finding a paper note attached. Reading it quickly, Baro gathered what he already knew, Jin was bugging him. "Damn it, if he wanted to meet me all he had to do was call or something. It's a small house." he complained but took a breath and regained his composure. "Lily?" He called, turning behind him. "I'm sorry, I'll have to take up your offer another time." he said softly, putting a nice smile on his lips before going over to kiss her hand. As his lips brushed on her knuckles, Lily giggled softly and blushed a slight pink again. "Anytime Baro-kun, hurry back if you can." she offered, running her fingers through his head one more time.

Afterwards Baromosa stumbled down the stairs with a pretty grumpy attitude but wasn't overtly rude and didn't say anything or planed to. By the time he had walked out the door, into the street and searched for the fountain, he had spotted Jinsoku first. "There he is, Mr. Secret agent." Baro said in a slightly sarcastic tone but atleast was sounding playful not mean. "So, what's up?" he asked and put his hands on his hips, looking around like it was a waste of time as far as he knew.

Words in post: 303

Total: 4305

Edited September 24, 2007 by Baromosa