Heat Wave (Open)

[Kenchiro]

Heat waves in the desert weren't big news. Considering the high temperatures that were pretty much Sunagakure's daily existence, a cold snap would have been viewed with far more dread, if only because it was so unnatural. Still, at the high point of the day, the sun beat down on Kaze no Kuni with oppressive force, forcing most of its citizens to tone down their daily activities and seek shade.

Among those people was one Kenchiro Nagakin, a Genin who was known throughout the village as a kid of no real remarkable traits. He was on his way home after a couple of routine errands (even ninja had to eat, right?) when he decided to find a spot under the nearest awning to cool down and wait out some of the heat. Unfortunately, the nearest awning happened to belong to a crotchety old man who thought ninja were just another word for thieves. Of course, Kenchiro had done his research; the old man didn't have anything worth more than a few Ryo, and that was if he could go through all the heartache associated with finding someone willing to buy junk. Still, the old man insisted on turning away ninja left and right (which, in a village full of them, must have been a day-long job), so Kenchiro couldn't hope to get any relief from the sun there.

He sighed. There was always the alleyways, even though they often smelled funny and usually were already occupied. Not that Kenchiro had to worry about muggers. Not only was this village a military stronghold (hard to commit crimes when half the population were able to fight back), Kenchiro was more than capable of dealing with any undesirables that might show up. Still, the fact that it could happen was always a pain in the neck.

Resigned to his fate, Kenchiro ducked into the nearest alley and contented himself with watching the world pass him by. It was shaping up to be another boring, boring, boring day in Kaze no Kuni. It was days like this that Kenchiro started doing crazy things, like put in extra training or plot a heist of a nobleman's house in an effort to make off with lavish jewels. Idle hands...