chance; first impressions, second glances [open]

[—yuujin.]

Overhead, one could visibly see a murder enveloping the sky. Unlike most flocks, their formation was randomly scattered across heaven's canvas. Its wonder would attract most, for such a number of birds flying at their speed would usually single an upcoming event on mother nature's schedule. It only distracted the viewers from the lone shinobi casually walking along the streets of Mizu amongst the crowd. He didn't stand out too much, but his weapon and attire screamed shinobi. He didn't wear his hood, so his face was revealed.

His destinations were unknown, but it was his routine to walk through the city before heading home. Upon reaching a nearby fountain, its marble statues mimicking the great kages of the past, water would sprinkle upon its edges. Old men of the past...their legacy meant nothing. The slightest hint of a drop would flicker upon Yuujin's eyelid as he lightly closed both eyes and approached the nearest bench. Finding a seat, he would sit, and wait...for destiny perhaps? Though destiny only seemed to bring him problems...

[Sayomi]

Can you hear it?

It's cries?

It's hymns?

It's song?

For what was destiny's true tune? Masumi had traveled further up and to her dismay the damage though still high wasn't as bad as the southern parts. Some parts of this village still laid in tact, though wars callous reach had still met its land and there was no doubt in her mind that it extended further. Like a virus it infected all.

Though the bodies where gone the stanched still lingered, burning the girls nostrils as she cringed, looking at the busy workers who had but one intent in mind.

To rebuild. From their weary foreheads dripped sweat and from their hands the sound of clanging metal perforated. The passerby ran by, carrying crates filled with materials. "seems their wasting no time in construction..." However the change of scenery did her well for the scene of decaying, molded bodies could weigh upon anyone's mind, anyone's soul...

And its weight was heavy, like that of the world.

Of course as she walked upon eyes casually were drawn to her. Masumi's hitai-ate and glowing blond hair was enough to attract anyone's attention. Her clothes were still dirtied from past events, old stains of red adorning her torn sleeved shirt, ripped leggings upon her legs and scuffed shoes. Life had seemed to be hard for her, but Masumi held her head up high-she was a Shinobi of Mizu and would not be ashamed for she knew they'd rise from the sea of blood, from the overwhelming bodies of the dead, and sinking villages of their enemies. They'd surpass it and than beyond.

Coming to a worn marble statue that was chipped, scrapped and missing chunks she saw a boy sitting on the bench, his visage stoic. He had messy unkempt onyx hair, a slender body structure and very rough features. Masumi bit her lip as she approached slowly her eyes never leaving his frame.

"Mind if I join you? As you can see I haven't had it easy...." Masumi spoke politely, her voice soft yet firm. She gave a half wry smile at the boy, the sound of water splashing against the fountain softly played in the backdrop of the girls mind.

[—yuujin.]

Yuujin's mind had drifted off faster than ever. His mind wandered places of the unknown and strategic planning. He wasn't to be taken lightly in any case, though he held his tongue for the most part when things didn't involve him. Helping would change nothing it seemed. He was still a shinobi of this village, but his will had been broken; why continue this useless effort of trying to rebuild what has been destroyed millions of times before?

Her voice broke the silence. His eyes would roll towards her as he listened. Her excuse was rather weak, but he opened his hand towards her seat; as if he owned it in the first place. He then turned his head back towards the fountain. Leaning back into the bench a little more casually, he'd cross both arms and begin tapping the hilt of his blade with his index finger. He figured he'd speak, though of what, he was unsure. First thought

"Sushi..." - yuujin

[Sayomi]

Not saying a word she nodded in appreciation although If she had just wanted to you could have sat down, but being polite was a courtesy not most were offered...at least not anymore in a world that was destroyed.

A world of harsh conditions, and the burning resolve to live.

To survive....

Adjusting the sword upon her back she reached to her side for the last bottle of water she had. It was customary for her to drink plenty of it because of her bloodline limit, staying dehydrated in such a ugly yet beautiful could prove fatal if she was so relaxed. In truth Masumi didn't believe any person was.

Even though the war officially ended there was an unexplainable edge to people now, shinobi and even common villagers. The animals seemed distant as if they knew the impending doom the humans would cause, but the humans themselves where oblivious to such things. Than he spoke, his single word breaking the uneasy silence that followed after Masmui had taken her seat.

"Sushi?"

She repeated with subtle interest, following by biting her lip.

"I..could go for a bite!"

Masumi said lightly yawing, her arms stretched above her, swaying her sun-kissed locks as she looked up at the ocean wave painted sky.
"I wouldn't mind a shower too..." However Masumi kept that last remark to herself.

[—yuujin.]

She was louder than she assumed; at least her scent spoke louder than words. He had no place to remind her of the obvious odor, nor could he complain about it under his own shitty conditions. He hadn't taken a shower in two days, and had no excuse for it either. He quickly slipped both hands into his pockets only to find loose change in them.

"Too bad the sushi I have in mind is too expensive...figure I'll catch something to eat myself" - yuujin

He listened to her, but still made no eye contact with her as he thought to himself about what he would eat for the night. His stomach would growl loudly as his left hand fell to cradle his abdomen for relief. He hadn't ate all day, and really couldn't afford to buy anything to eat anyways. He then looked over to the girl sitting beside him. Her weapon caught his eye first, leading him down a path of curiosity. She didn't seem too much, but even he knew looks could be deceiving. He then showed an expression of concern.

"You look hungry too..." - yuujin

[Sayomi]

Masumi's lips curled into a disapproving smile as her eyes slanted and brows furrowed. Crossing her arms she turned her head so that she was looking directly at him. "So your implying you wouldn't pay for a girl?" It was almost as if she spoke with venom laced within her words.

The sound of his raging belly calmed her to some degree as she let a sigh escape her. "You think?" Of course she was hungry, what was this guy? Dumb? He seemed like the boring type to Masumi, and the boring type well....just didn't quote agree with her usually. Reaching into her pocket she fumbled around for currency however the few coins she mustered to find, weren't enough to add up to a meal of any kind.

Bummed she dipped her head in sadness, her stomach releasing its own cries. "Dammit at this rate I'll starve...." Eyes trailing up she figured he was in the same boat, which meant he was lacking funds. "Maybe we could combine our money and buy something together to split?" Her voice normal once again she re-counted her current holdings.

"Ehhh... I got about 48 ryo...."

The sole act of speaking aloud such a low amount of money almost brought tears to the blonds eyes as her soul upon that moment left her in attempts to reach heaven. When hungry do as the Romans do....

[—yuujin.]

[late responses lol my bad]

He smirked as she pulled out her pocket change. He then did the same himself to see how much they would have put together. 30 ryo wasn't much, but added to hers, they could at least go in half on something to eat. She seemed frustrated by the situation, but he felt a bit of sympathy for her. Reaching over and dropping the money in her hands, he would stand up from the bench.

"This should be enough...lets go." - yuujin

He would then set off towards the place he had in mind. Assuming she'd follow him, he would begin to stretch as he casually strolled through the area towards the sushi shop. He wasn't too curious that he had to know this girl's name, but it would be rude not to give his own name up so that she had something to call him by other than "stranger".

"My names Yuujin by the way..." - yuujin

[Sayomi]

The little money that fell into her hands suddenly grabbed the girls attention as she watched him stand up. Immediately she fumbled to her feet, her eyes wide with dismay as she stood in disbelief. "Of course, lead the way!"

Masumi said enthusiastically, following behind him as he began to stretch. She was excited that she could finally grab a bite, but this boy wasn't the most funnest out of the party now was he? As they walked he finally cut the awkward silence by giving her his name. To be honest she was caught off guard that he actually spoke again.

For a minute she didn't know what to say, but a few seconds passed and she placed her arms behind her head casually as she trotted behind him. "I'm Masumi..." She said softly and nonchalantly.

"So what place did you have in mind for us broke shinobi?"

[Mamushi]

yuujin - 18 exp.
masumi - 22 exp.