After a Long Day...

[Seishuku]

Arms stretched up high, reaching towards the darkening sky of pinks, purples, blues, and blacks. A few stars sparkled out, the last rays of the sun fighting to keep light at bay. The moon shone down gently over the village of Suna, the night just starting to become. A sigh escaped the mouth of the arm's owner, and they lowered. It had been a long, and extremely tiring day. Sei could barely keep walking, her eye drooping as she walked through the town. It wasn't even a normal time for one to sleep, but her body urged her to find a good tree and take a damn nap.

Itoe followed along his master's side, golden orbs peering up at the tired Genin. The girl was running all day, trying to awaken her muscles for whatever was to come tomorrow. Giving a small whimper of comfort, Itoe, nudged his master's side lightly with his muzzle. He needed to make sure nothing would disturb her during the night, she needed her sleep.

Sei smiled slightly at Itoe's nudge, patting him on the head. "C'mon boy, I think I remember a good area by the lake." Itoe nodded his head, following his master to where ever she took him.

To reach where they wanted to rest for the night however, Sei had to pass through the main part of the village. She really hated going through the town, she didn't like meeting the people. They always looked at her funny, like she had some sort of contagious disease. Well, maybe she'll get lucky and no one is out there.. yeah right..

[Yumi]

These sunsets were never going to wear thin on the Cloud Jounin; so many colours filling the sky against clouds that formed differently to the constant storms from her land. Exiting from the ramen house later than others would have, Yumi rolled her head to stretch her neck. It had been a long day and the company she had found over the last couple of days was more than enjoyable, however different Reiji and Miura were to her.

For now she sat on a bench in the street, her travelling pack at her feet as she watched the remainder of the colours sink beneath the horizon.
"...Lovely," she sighed with a soft smile to herself. Well, she supposed she had better get some shut eye as the Lightening Jounin had said she would be round bright and early to help Miura wake Reiji up. She chuckled inwardly at the two characters she'd met.

A deep sigh escaped the blonde-haired women as sat in silence for a while, enjoying the humid air on her fair skin. It would be nice to camp out tonight. She never could sleep outside usually back home; got too cold at night. Sensitive ears prickled however before she could stand to leave the area at soft footfalls followed by paw steps. Someone was coming. Yumi sat up straight expectantly toward the noise of someone approaching through the streets. She enjoyed greeting those from the town, even if some didn't apporve of the outsider being here.

[Seishuku]

"Dinner? I dunno Itoe... We don't have much money, we might have to skip the meal tonight.. Sorry boy.." Sei heard her stomach growl and she gave a tiring frown. Perhaps she should find herself a job one day... One day meals wasn't going to sustain her and this training of hers... Sighing, she glanced down at her friend, face lighting with apology.

Itoe nodded at Sei's words, understanding completey. He understood the small peices Sei called money was important in her life, and it was the reason he could eat. In fact, the 'money' seemed very important.. He couldn't let her waste on his growling stomach.. Perhaps he would find some scraps nearby...

Sei kept walked with her friend, glad they hadn't come across anyone just yet. But, just as she thought they were going to be able to cross the village without any weird glances, Sei suppressed a groan as she saw a figure watching her up ahead. Damn it all... she could never get through a day peacefully.

As the two came closer, Sei realised that the woman watching her was not one she had seen before. Sei slowed in her steps, then paused. Itoe paused at her side, glancing up then turned his attention to the woman. His ears perked forward, sensing she was a new comer to this area. Sei frowned, and started to keep walking, though Itoe stayed, sniffing at the air at the woman.

[Yumi]

A red headed girl came into view as dusk finally settled into night. Yumi's eyes smiled as she saw she was a Genin and had an ivory dog in tow. Yumi's smile faultered slightly as sshe saw the painful looking scar across the girl's right eye which appeared to have ben blinded guessing by the glazed look it had.
The poor thing.

The Jounin continued to smile and nodded her head politely in greeting, but the blonde woman was suddenly distracted as the Genin's pet paused to sniff at her curiously.
"Hello there," Yumi's soft voice whisped into the night as she held her hand out carefully for the dog to get a good sniff at her, "What a beautiful dog."

She looked up at the girl whom had paused at her pet's behaviour and smiled softly.
"You're very lucky to have such a lovely companion," she gave one of her signiture smiles where her eyes were practically squeezed shut and scratched the white dog behind it's ear after he had inspected her.
"I'm Iino Yumi from the Village of Cloud."

[Seishuku]

Sei paused as she realised Itoe was not by her side, seeing him still by the woman behind her. Rolling her eyes, she walked back to the two, eyes focused on the dog who was trying to distinguish the human before him. She had never seen Itoe so interested in someone before.. Perhaps this person would be an interesting character, or just another annoying person on the streets...

Itoe sensed something different about her definately. She was not from this village, and it intrigued the dog. As she held out her hand, Itoe glanced up at her quizically, and licked it, wondering if that was what the woman was looking for. His ears perked forward as the woman spoke. Her voice was so calm, so warmly.. Maybe he was drawn to her sense of kindness..

Sei sighed as she stared at Itoe. She nodded, coming at Itoe's side. There was no escaping talk now.. "He is a nice friend to have around..." she stated flatly, her remaining on the dog. No eye contact.. maybe Sei could go freely soon then... Cloud village.. Sei glanced up. "So you are a stranger.." Itoe glanced up at Sei's words, ears forward.

[Yumi]

Yumi's blue-grey eyes warmed as the stoney red-head turned and spoke to her. Yes, her soul was troubled. One could tell by the way she walked.
"Oh, yes I suppose that would make me a stranger to these parts," Yumi nodded in agreement, "Although I am enjoying my stay here. Your sunsets are breath taking. We rarely see the sun where I am from with the constant storms."

And that was evident with her skin. It was tinged pink on her shoulders and cheeks where it's fairness had caught the sun. The young woman infront of her seemed alot more familiar with the heated weather here however. A little slim for a Genin though...
"Well, I must say," Yumi's thoughtful gaze was tranformed again into a gentle smile, "It has been very nice to meet you and your pet, my dear. Perhaps I could treat you and your companion here to some ramen if you would allow me to meet your Sensei tomorrow. I'm making it my goal to meet as many Jounin as possible while I am here. I've only met one so far."

She hadn't caught her name, but Yumi wasn't going to press the child. She seemed rather indifferent with conversing to others.

[Seishuku]

Sei nodded and glanced towards the direction they should have been going.. Itoe, you hungry crazed dog... "I suppose they're nice.." Sei answered quietly. She had never really noticed, too preoccupied with other things to stop and watch the sky. Not like it was anything special, just a sunset..

Her gaze moved back to Yumi as she heard something about food. Itoe as well, heard the word and his golden yellow eyes lighted up at the sound. He glanced towards Sei, in his mind hoping she would take the offer. He hated going on for a day without food. Besides, his little Genin needed her strength for tomorrow.

"Why do you want to meet the Jounin?" Sei asked, eyebrow rising in suspicion. Itoe growled lightly as Sei's stubbornness. Here they were, about to recieve a free meal for once, and Sei was ruining it. Such trouble Sei caused sometimes, her pride overtaking her needs, like this for example. However, Sei ignored her irritated friend. She wasn't sure to trust this person or not.. The last time she met a stranger...

[Yumi]

The girl's curiousity was expected, as was the mistrust in her voice. Still, that didn't mean her tone did not disappoint the Cloud Jounin. Many others from this village had distanced her for concern she was here to spy on their secrets to life and ninja techniques. That was fair enough; others had and would in the future no doubt. Only Yumi knew of her sincerity for a peaceful visit to all lands and a goal to narrow the gaps between each society of these lands.

"Why would I like to meet them?" she echoed the question, "Well, I would very much like to share knowledge and teachings with fellow Jounin. The world has become very closed minded when it comes to learning from others it seems, but I suppose with those doing evil in the world, this paranoia is to be expected..."

Noticing the sudden seriousness in her voice, Yumi immediately shook those houghts away and smiled at the girl before standing with the natural race of a Jounin.
"Forgive me for rambling, my dear," her swirling eyes glanced down at Itoe before returning to her, "Now, are you considering my offer, or should I let you be on your way?"

[Seishuku]

Sei crossed her arms as she listened to Yumi. Perhaps it was only out of curiousity and the wellbeing for her pupils, but it sounded like spying to Sei. At the last line, Sei felt her heart skip a beat. She was ready to go now.. As soon as she nodded her head in indication she wouldn't take the offer, Itoe growled even louder. He grabbed the end of Sei's outfit and stared at her hard.

Sei glanced down, glaring at the dog. "Itoe.." she said calmly. Itoe kept his moutch shut on Sei's outfit, his eyes peircing up at Sei. He trusted Yumi, and Sei needed to learn to listen to him. His animals senses were able to detect whether others were evil or not, and Yumi only gave off a warm glow. He would not let Sei make a mistake like this.

Sei sighed, ushering Itoe to let go. "Alright Alright..." When the dog let go, Sei walked towards Yumi, nodding her head. "I suppose I have no choice.." she said quietly. She reached her hand out. "Kawazoe Seishuku." Itoe beamed behind her, a dog like grin crossing his features as he looked at Yumi.

[Yumi]

Yumi's eyes widened slightly as the Genin turned to walk away, but the disappointment in this decision did not last long and was replaced with surprise as the girl's pet stepped in. Th blonde woman tensed for a moment at hearing the animal growl at her owner but soon relaxed when she heard the girl mutter his name disapprovingly.

"It appears so," Yumi chuckled awkwardly as the dog named Itoe convinced his master to stay through force, "Thankyou for your assistance Itoe, and it's nice to meet you Seishuku."
The taller woman took the Genin's hand gently, shaking it briefly before releasing it, "You may call me Yumi f you so wish."
Another friendly smile was delivered with her preferred name and the Jounin reached down to heave her pack onto her shoulders.

"Well, onward to the Ramen House I suppose," Yumi gave a slight chuckle before taking an energetic step forward at having convinced this shadowed character to dine with her, although she wouldn't have been able to do it without the now smiling mutt. The 'stranger' led the way looking back occassionally to smile at the girl and dog in tow. That situation could have gone alot worse, and now even if Seishuku decided to not trust her for the rest of the evening, Yumi truste she would keep her end of the deal and allow her to come along to training with her Sensei and team.

Entering the Ramen House, Yumi selected a table at random and slumped into the chair, sliding the pack from her shoulder with a tired sigh.
"Take a seat, my dear," Yumi motioned to Sei, "Order whatever you please, you look famished. Itoe too. You must be training hard."

[Seishuku]

Sei nodded and waited for Yumi to lead the way. She glanced at Itoe with another glare, in her mind saying 'I'll get you for this.' Itoe merely stared innocently at her before turning his attention back towards Yumi. At last, a meal they both sit down and simply enjoy... He hated waiting for Sei to have picked up enough dropped change to order a split meal. It wasn't a way to live...

As the three stepped in, Sei stared at the owner who looked at Itoe oddly. She would not let him stay outside as they ate, and the owner saw her stare. He quickly walked off. The townspeople here didn't exactly like Sei's company, either too scared of her or just shunned her... But, it let Itoe stay with her, so it didn't bother her too much this time.

As they sat, Itoe stared at Sei, a feeling of accomplishment washed over him. Hopefully this might get her to gain more conversational skills. He didn't approve of the quiet life that much. Sei stared at him, frowning and shaking her head. What a strange dog.

"Oh.. yes.." She said, mentally kicking herself from her thoughts as she realised she was the guest. "I'll just have the original ramen.. nothing too special.." She glanced down at Itoe. "And he would take anything spicy.." Truth be told, she didn't know what a ramen shop would sell. She didn't sit and eat in restaurants, too expensive for her lifestyle. Itoe bristled a bit as Sei was staying quiet. Sei felt the stare she was recieving from her pet, and gave him a cold eye before adding on. "Thanks."

[Yumi]

Yumi noticed momentarily the look the owner cast in Sei's direction, and didn't make a move to forbid her pet from entering. The Cloud Jounin ignored this almost immediately. Some people just didn't know how to interact with those they didn't understand or relate to. The blonde woman gave Itoe a short pat before scanning through the menu with a sigh.

"If that is what you would like," and she gave an amused chuckle at what was ordered for the dog, "I've never heard of a canine that likes spicy food. Quite a selective taste if you ask me."
Her soft chuckles slowly died down and it was not long before she relayed the small group's order for the owner with a polite smile, offering a hard look at the man when he looked at the group with indifference.

Yumi shook her head with an amused smile at the silly man before taking a long drink of water. This environment certainly made her thirsty.
"Tell me Seishuku," theJounin of Lightning placed her cup down gently, "How long have you been in your team? Have you learnt alot?"

[Seishuku]

Sie shrugged. "Itoe has never been what you call a normal dog anyway..." Itoe beamed up at the two, tail wagging madly at Yumi chuckled at him. Sei rolled her eyes at the hyper dog. Such a silly thing.. Ignoring the man who came to order her food, she kept herself busy by playing with her gloves, sliding them off and putting them back on..

"Just call me Sei." Sei said, looking at her gloves still before glancing up to answer the woman's question. "I haven't been on there long t all... But what did I learn...? Hmm.. that my Sensei hates morning and my companions are hyperactive.." As funny as it sounded, Sei was being serious. It was what she learned so far from her team mates.. That and she didn't really want to talk about their lessons.

"The real training starts tomorrow... so I've been trying to prepare myself for whatever happens tomorrow.." The reason why Sei looked so worn out. "How many villages have you visited so far?" Itoe was ignoring them, but happy Sei was trying to talk. He kept glancing towards the kitchens, his stomach yells urging his mind to wish for the people to hurry.

[Yumi]

"Alright. Sei it is," Yumi felt a swell of achievment at having the troubled Genin respond to her with her preferred name and watched her carefully as she fiddled with her gloves as she spoke. Yumi hated making the girl uncomfortable, but she hardly wanted her to sit there in silence, not helping herself.

"Oh you've just started then? How exciting," a genuine smile etched its way across her face, "I can remember being ridiculously nervous on my first day of training."
Another chain of her soft laughter filled the air about the table before she stopped and blinked at Sei's question. Another large brin curled her lips continuing on from her laughter. Yumi was extremely glad to see that Sei was coing out of her comfort zone faster than expected, and asking questions.

"I have travelled through most villages of the land to reach your Village of Sand," she said thoughtfully, "But I have decided to stay here a little longer due to the company I've met."
She gave a wink and smile, "That and I have some time to kill before I have to return to my own Village for a team to be assigned to me."

Yumi was cut off at that moment as the food arrived.
"That was fast. Thankyou very much," she sweetly at the owner and paid him before looking about at the food they were presented, "Mmm mmm! Dig in!"

[Seishuku]

Yumi's constant smiling and giggling was starting to annoy the young Genin. Sei frowned at Yumi started to chuckle, failing to see what humor there was in the conversation. Hopefully the food would come soon, she wanted to eat then leave as soon as possible.

Itoe's ears perked up and head swerved towards the kitchens. He could smell his meal, and barked from excitement. Sei glanced up at his bark and eyed the food that was coming out. Finally, now to eat and then she was free. Grabbing the bowl that was placed in front of her, she took her chopsticks and started to eat. Itoe was happily chewing on the spicy noodles that was placed in front of him on the floor, pausing as he whined happily at Yumi, his way of thanking her for the meal.

Pausing at her eating, Sei glanced up. "Which Sensei have you met so far?" she asked. It wasn't really like she was interested. She just wanted Yumi to stop staring at her all happy like. It was starting to get Sei on edge at the woman's constant happinness....