Kejido would calmly and quietly walk across the long bridge leading to the university one of the previous Kage had built. He wasn't sure as to which one but at the very least it was a wealth of knowledge free to everyone. Including the family histories within the clans of the village. Some dating back a couple of hundred years. That had interested him the most. They claimed to have a history on his direct lineage dating back four generations. Before his Grandfather. A proud history involving several members that died in the service of the Daimyo. He would go and receive these names to discuss with his grandfather later. To see if he could stir some memories in the old man. Of course he was early as the professor he needed to talk to wouldn't be out of class later in the afternoon and that was a couple of hours away. Still he had been up late the night before due to some excitement keeping him awake. So as he walked along the cold stone his hand would raise to cover his mouth politely as he would yawn out before stretching. His body only just now waking up just in time for lunch.

He had chosen to wear his specialist uniform. It only had the one white stripe over his left breast but it was enough to indicate his rank. His uniform was pressed firmly with clean creases. Black in color with red shoulder pads and red stripes around his neck and wrists. A row of four copper buttons on each side of his shirt all buttoned up. His slacks were held up by a white belt with a copper seal with his clans symbol on it. Polished black boots and white gloves finished off the look. For some odd reason though he had a kunai in a white sheath on his left hip as if there for decorative purposes. Only the hilt sticking out. Of course he had three senbon up each sleeve but those were hidden. His headband was stitched into his left shoulder carefully marking him as an Iwa nin. In his uniform and with his posture he appeared to be very regal. Straight backed with a solid stride. Even with people passing him in school uniforms on the bridge he still stood out. His silver gaze taking each of them as they passed. Some stared and a couple of girls he winked at before they ran off giggling. He certainly was going to like it here.

Still he ran his white gloved hand through his wild black hair and stepped through the large doors of the academy behind a student while they were still open. A couple of other gents glaring at him in jealousy. He looked good and he knew it so he gave them a thin smile only angering them further. He liked taunting them. Still they did nothing as the noted his headband. Civilians knowing their place. Still he would move passed them and consider his time to kill. He had a couple of hours after all. His silver eyes would take in the cafeteria and its considerable menu. It had a much larger range than any normal school cafeteria. Including the high end items he preferred. He would grin a bit before rubbing his hands and walking into the large area. Stepping down the aisle between the rows of empty tables before stopping some distance from the counter. Crossing one arm across his chest and resting his other elbow on it to stroke his chin. Sharp eyes studying the menu available to him with no concern for price.

609

Sayuri woke up bright and early, sprawled across her three beds and looking for all the world like a lazy house cat. Considering how small she was, she barely took up the space provided by a single bed, let alone three of them pushed together, but she had been told by Harichimo that she could create one giant bed if she had wanted to; so of course she did. Tumbling out of bed she wandered over to the small chest that held her clothing and began rummaging through it. Pulling out a black skirt and a pale blue blouse she carefully laid the clothing out on her bed before heading out to shower and get ready for the day. She spent longer than probably was appropriate in the shower, the novelty of warm water had still not worn off after all this time. When she decided she was more excited by what the day would hold than she was enthralled by the warm water, she exited and brushed out her long white hair. Today she thought she would explore the rest of the University, it was huge after all and apparently her home for the time being, so it seemed prudent to know what was in it.

Quickly getting dressed she would secure her tanto to her hip by tying its sheathe to her belt and strapped the small leather pouch filled with her senbon and kunai onto her right thigh. She hadn’t had very many occasions to use her weaponry, and it didn’t seem likely that she would need to inside the University, however it always made her feel better to know they were there. Walking out of her room she got about halfway down the hall before remembering that she should be wearing her boots. Laughing quietly to herself she would run back and slip on the white, though slightly scuffed, leather boots and tied them so they weren’t too tight around her knees. She liked that they covered most of her legs, it made climbing and tumbling a bit easier on her skin, and had the added benefit of covering most of the scarring on her left leg. Double checking that she had all of her clothing on and had all of her things she left her room once more and skipped happily up the stairs.

It was still about mid morning when she ascended to the main floor and there were few people around. Sayuri waved cheerfully to the woman at the front desk in the lobby and skipped along towards one of the closed doors. All the doors had writing on them, so probably she should have known what she was walking into - but as it was she couldn’t read. And as luck would have it she didn’t need to be able to read to know where she was; a library. There were rows upon rows of books and scrolls. They lined every wall, and there were freestanding shelves peppered throughout the very large room that were also covered with books. She had never seen so many books in one place before and was somewhat overwhelmed as she stood and stared in wonder at the many beautiful texts.

After what seemed like an eternity of marveling at the parchment and leather surrounding her, an older man came up to her and spoke in a hushed tone. “Did you need any help dearie? You look a bit lost.” He chuckled as he spoke to her and gestured towards one of the bookshelves. “Looking for some exciting books? There’s stories about fencing and fighting. Torture, revenge, giants, monsters. Chases. Escapes. True love, miracles!” The older man got more and more excited as he spoke, and his excitement was infectious. Sayuri all but forgot that she couldn’t read and followed the man over to the section he was pointing at. Giving her a wink he wandered away humming a tuneless song and leaving her to stare at the many books lining the shelf. Without thinking she reached out and grabbed a small green book and sat down on a nearby chair, curling up and opening the book to the first page. There was a picture which she was glad of, a woman probably around her age in a long gown standing near the sea. And then of course there was writing, and Sayuri’s heart sank a little. She spent a good while studying the text, and throughout the whole book she did manage to find a couple of words that she knew, which cheered her somewhat. After a while though her stomach became the only thing on her mind as it growled in protest of her unintended fasting. Closing the book and placing it back on the shelf she looked around for the man who had spoken to her, not seeing him she said a quiet “Thank you.” to the air and left the library.

Looking around she saw that many students were coming and going, and based on how hungry she was she assumed it must be lunch time. She considered going back down to the floor she was staying on, but today she had decided to explore after all and went instead to the cafeteria on the main floor. It turned out to not be as crowded as she was dreading that it was, and so she slipped into the room and sat down at a table. She had never eaten at the cafeteria before and so she waited for a server to come by, assuming that this would be much like a restaurant.

936

Kejido was still considering what to order when he glanced over his shoulder to look around. He didn't want what anyone else was eating but something magnificent instead. He enjoyed the privileged life afforded him from being born into money. Allowing himself to simply partake in the every day grub of the masses in public simply seemed intolerable. Of course his eyes widened and he smiled as he noted that wouldn't be too hard. Most of the people around were sticking to traditional dishes. Of course he had nothing to be concerned about. These were students. Most here because the schooling was free. They had to budget out their meals. Majority of what he saw around him was a simple range of rice cakes or ramen. Some here and there had a bit of fish or some barbecued pork but that was the limit of what was available to them. He could let down his guard here and perhaps even impress those around him with a mediocre dish. Outclassing them was a thing of ease. He certainly would enjoy their jealousy over something he found common in his every day life. He could save the masterful dishes for when he was celebrating something.

That was until he let his sharp silver gaze cross the room to a wonder entering within the halls. Immediately the air seemed less dull and he was taken aback. As if the grey stone halls were now the pearly whites of a holy place. To him she was like the Sistine chapel of women. Her snow white hair falling about as her strides took a bit of freedom and grace. He couldn't help but take a sharp intake of breath and slowly let it out. Oh but he wouldn't allow himself anymore to simply skate by above the heads of the others. He had someone to impress now. Still he was surprised when she simply took a swat and looked around. As if she was unsure of something? Was she planning on meeting someone else here? No one seemed to do more than take notice of her. No one had the balls to approach her. If she was waiting on someone he only had a small window of opportunity. He had no way of knowing she just didn't know you had to order from the counter. Besides if all the others would simply look away instead of approaching her, he couldn't help but to show off his pride and charisma.

He would turn back to the counter and noted the chef waiting on him with a raised eye brow. No one else was in line as the lunch between classes was almost over. He would smile in return before stepping up. Reaching into his pocket before pulling out the coins needed for the expense. Respectfully setting them down since he didn't wish for the cook to sabotage him. One must always show respect and gratitude to those making your meals. He ordered two dishes of lamb chops with a balsamic reduction and a side of fried sweet potatoes. With that his payment would be taken and he would be given a small sheet of paper with the number twelve on it. With that he turned and noted the girl still sitting alone. He would smile and collect two cranberry juices his meal came with before turning and walking to her table. Standing across from her as he would smile his most handsome smile. His silver eyes searching for eye contact. He knew after all that most the eyes in the room were on him. He was basking in it.

"Pardon but I seem to have accidentally double ordered. In order not to trouble the cooks would you perhaps mind sharing a meal with me?"

1244

Sayuri was deep in thought when she suddenly heard a voice from above her. She jumped slightly and looked up into silver eyes and for the briefest of moments she felt at home in those eyes until she realized they were not the same as the ones she had been imagining. She had been thinking of Konoha and the adventures she had had there, as well as the people she had left behind. She had heard people, mainly children, speak of something called ‘homesickness’ and she had never known what that meant. Now she thought she did. It was a hollow aching in her heart every time she thought of her friends and how they were not with her. It wasn’t quite the same as mourning, because her friends were alive and well, but it hurt her all the same.

Now though the only thing she could think about was the very handsome man standing in front of her holding two glasses of juice. It took her a minute to process what he had said, as she sat there looking him over. She had been expecting a server or a chef to come up and ask her for her order, but this man seemed to be neither of those things. In fact he didn’t quite look like he belonged here at all. His clothing was impeccable, neatly pressed and if not brand new, taken care of so it would appear so. During her time in Konoha she had developed an appreciation for finer things, and the man who stood before her currently had an appearance that screamed ‘finer’. Glancing around she could see that several people in the cafeteria were looking in their direction, she assumed because the man was standing and not sitting. With an awkward smile she motioned at the seat across from her. “Please sit down, everyone is staring. I didn’t mean to be rude or anything, I was just. . . uh, distracted. And yes, I would love to share a meal with you. I was waiting for a server to come around, but I suppose they’re busy. It is lunchtime after all.”

She would wait for the handsome dark haired man to sit before continuing in her tirade of speech. She was glad to have some company as she had discovered that sitting quietly in a room full of people was not something she was especially good at. She enjoyed being quiet well enough when she was outdoors, for short periods anyway. More often than not she ended up carrying on long conversations with the moderately attentive wildlife. Tugging at her hair gently she would continue speaking with an excited tone. “I’m Sayuri by the way, sorry I didn’t introduce myself right away. I’ve only been here at the University for a short time and other than my teacher I don’t really know anyone. Do you, uh, go here? Are you a student I mean? I’m not really sure how to ask that question properly.” She would pause and look down at her lap for a second before continuing, she was certain there was a proper way to start a conversation with someone you didn’t know. But if there was, she didn’t know it. “What are you doing here? Or I mean, what are you studying? I’m sorry, I’m really not trying to be rude, I’m just nervous is all. Not that you make me nervous!! Uh, I’m not good with. . . speaking. To others.” A fierce blush would spread across her cheeks as she chewed nervously on her lip waiting for his reply. She hoped that she hadn’t said anything truly horrible and that he would at least stay for lunch. The last thing she wanted to do was offend him.

640/1576

He smiled as she seemed rather startled by him being there. It was a pleasant surprise that she hadn't noticed and that on top of being attractive she was also shy. Guys like him certainly like getting to toy around with girls like that. Afraid to exit their shell. There was a whole other side of the world to show them and it was so worth while. Partying was just one aspect of it. Normally shy girls once they came out of their shell were immensely more interesting than girls who thought they were tough shit from the get go. He found they could get annoying quickly. However a shy girl meant he had more of a chance of sticking around than the haughty ones thinking themselves too high to reach. It was a rather pleasing surprise. Still the mention of waiting for a waiter made him chuckle. He would set down one sweetened cranberry juice in front of her and sit across from her with his own. His silver eyes studying her a moment as if seeing if she was just being sarcastic with him. However her words seemed genuine to him so he would sit forward and speak gently. His voice like silk on the ears.

:"My dear this is a school cafeteria. There are no waiters. Its a first come to the counter first served I'm afraid."

He would smile as he sat back and took a sip of his juice. Careful not to spill it on his spotless attire. He would consider it a good thing that he had arrived when he did. It saved her face that someone else had ordered for her instead of having to get up later as if she had just discovered how it all worked. Still she would seem to get passed the initial nervousness of their meeting and introduce herself. So she was a student here with one teacher at least. It appeared she hadn't been here long as she had mentioned. He was satisfied with his timing. His eyes studied her to see if she was playing him but if she was she was doing it rather well. Still she continued on a moment. Inquiring if he was a student which almost caused a scoff that he reigned in. His schooling had been done within the clan of course. Still she continued to ask what he was doing there before rambling on odd apologies and reasons. An eye brow would raise before he would reply.

"Well Sayuri-san, I am specialist Heishi Kejido. A member of the village and part of the rank and file of the village as well. As for coming here, this school holds a lot of genealogy from the village. I was hoping to look into it. It also holds an assortment of dishes from each village. My pallet has been wishing to savor a few. Exciting isn't it?"

He would grin and tilt his head. Those silver eyes seemed to be looking through her outward appearance and studying her. As if sitting across from her was a military game. Some sort of strategy where she was the opponent and he had to conquer the distance between them. He had revealed he was a shinobi of the village and his clan now. Even his rank. Which was only appropriate for his clan members when they introduced themselves. It was taught since the academy. Still he would scoot his glass slightly away from him and fold his gloved hands on the table before continuing. "If I may ask what is it you study and where are you from?"

1851

Sayuri smiled with relief as the man holding the two cups of juice sat down across from her. She was not enthusiastic about people looking in her direction, and as a cup of juice was slid across the table to her she promptly picked it up, happy to have something to focus on. She sipped at the cool drink while she listened to Kejido’s introduction and answers to her many questions. The juice was sweet and just a tiny bit bitter, a fitting distraction. She was glad that this man had explained to her what this place was, she was often confused by the way things were supposed to work in different social situations. And as luck would have it, he had saved her from sitting here patiently for hours, growing all the more hungry as she did so.

He introduced himself as Heishi Kejido. Kejido was a nice name she thought, she wasn’t sure what a specialist was, or what genealogy was for that matter, but his name she liked. As he began talking about food she would perk up, this was something she did know about. Food was one of her favourite things, so a smile would creep back over lips as she began imagining all the different foods that she could end up trying while she was here. “It is exciting! I’m very excited to get to try food from some of the villages that I haven’t been to. I bet there’s all sorts of tasty things here.”

She was beginning to feel more comfortable in the man's presence, at least now that they were talking about something she understood. Thoughts of sweets and different types of teas were spinning through her mind as she would pick up her juice again and sip at it happily. She almost forgot that she was in a room filled with strangers. As he asked where she was from and what she was studying her forehead would wrinkle a tiny bit as she contemplated how best to answer the question. It was never as simple as she hoped, that question. She was also mildly embarrassed by the answer to it. He looked like the type of person who didn’t need anyone to help him read, or write. With a small sigh she would set her glass down and spin it gently in her hands for a moment before finally looking up into Kejido’s silver eyes and replying in an almost defeated voice.

“Before here I lived in Konoha for a time, not very long of a time I suppose. Before that I lived in Kumo, or well, more like in its mountains. I never actually lived in the Village. As for what I’m studying, well I uh. . . I’m learning well, everything I guess, from one teacher.” She would duck her head a bit lower as a scarlet blush spread across her cheeks. “Like how to deal with money and writing and reading and things like that.” She was almost certain that her answer would be the end of their conversation. Most people she had found were not overly understanding when it came to her lack of education.

538/2114

Kejido would smile as he sat across from her. She seemed almost simple. Yet it was far from a bad thing with her. It screamed of an innocence that almost everyone he knew had lost at some point. Almost a child like sense while being aware of the adult things around her. It was encouraging to meet someone of that sort. He was a soldier after all and he needed something worth protecting if he were to truly be at his best. Still child like wonder aside she certainly didn't have the face or body of a child. Oh thats right, Kejido had snuck a look here and there with the subtlety of a cat that didn't seem to care about the mouse toy when anyone was looking. For him that was all this first meeting was. He didn't intend to court her really or be the kind of monster that tried to bed her and took away what made her special. No, it was far more simple than that. Her company was valuable to not just himself but everyone who noticed her. He was laying claim to that valuable time while no one else in the room could. Still she would mention the food excitedly and he would be unable to stop a slight smirk on his lips. Speaking in return.

"Well this first dish is a local Iwagakure recipe. Though you won't find it outside of a chefs kitchen usually. I promise you that. "

Still when he asked what she was studying there was a moment of uncomfortable silence. An art history major perhaps? They tended to just be using the school for a home and learning very little. Or perhaps she was doing something impressive like studying law and was just too modest to not be embarrassed by something so prestigious. He would watch her all the same keeping his face as a practiced and gentle smile. Whatever the reason she seemed to be holding it back for the moment. Still her answer was something he found rather surprising and unique. She had never had a formal education it seemed. This world was indeed still a magical place for her. Filled with wonder and no one having been able to defeat her sense of joy and imagination. She was a token of what man should esteem to be. Open to learning but also open to understanding how the world worked behind the veil of magic. As if in the eyes of a young girl still. However she looked so pathetically defeated that his chuckle might of sounded like he was about to make fun of her. Instead his voice carried across gently to her. Filled with amusement.

"One must never believe their own culture so superior to another that they can gain nothing from it. You my dear may not have been raised as many here were but your eyes have no doubt seen beauty we have become blind to. Oppressed by our own ideals of what is proper. If you are to learn than let it be because you have chosen to do so. However if I may, Do not doubt your own value in a conversation in the slightest. To feel wonder is to feel life flowing through your heart."

He would smile still but his thoughts were interrupted by a heavenly smell. Meat seared in a lovely balsamic reduction and the smell of hot sweet potatoes. Oh how heavenly the scents. He breathed in as it drew nearer and let his eyes close a moment. While the taste would be heavenly the scent was all part of the presentation. Watering his mouth before it even arrived before his eyes. As he opened them there stood the chef smiling to the both of them before placing a plate before each of them and a fork and steak knife with it. Kejido looked down at his plate to note three perfectly cooked squares of lamb with the bone removed. A light sauce on them so it barely drizzled onto the plate. Next to them but kept separate were four sweet potato balls still steaming hot from the deep fryer. Each one browned almost perfectly. The chef would bow before excusing himself with a bowed head from Kejido in thanks for the meal. It looked wondrous. Still Kejido would lift his glass to her as he seemed to nudge it upwards in a toast. Smiling over the brim of it.

"To the first of many meals. May each be as wonderful as the last."

2612

Telling a complete stranger her failings when it came to her knowledge was difficult enough. But as Kejido chuckled her heart sank. Come now silly duck, you knew that this might happen. Sayuri could feel a lump beginning to form in her throat, and the old familiar stinging behind her eyes as tears threatened to spring forth and share her misery with the world. She had been doing so well she thought, in keeping her emotions in check. There had been a few hiccups here and there, but overall she cried and yelled considerably less than she had done a year ago. Now though she was finding it difficult to calm herself down. She knew that no matter how hard she worked she would always be behind everyone else, it was infuriating and left her near hopeless in regards to her future. It was not even that she felt Kejido was being cruel, she had just come to accept that she was less than. That acceptance however did not make it hurt any less when she chose to think on it.

Had it been anymore than a moment, she might have buried her face in her hands. Both as a result of her abject humiliation and the woe in her heart. As it was however the gentle laugh turned into an incredibly kind and inspiring speech. Though sparkling tears blurred her vision, she would lean forward as Kejido spoke. The pain she had just a heartbeat before felt now had morphed into excitement and joy. She had never considered that she might know things or see things that others could not. Or perhaps it was not that they couldn’t see them, but had forgotten how. Her eyes began to clear as she blinked and the tears that clung to her lashes fell silently down her cheeks, their cause all but forgotten. “You know, I’ve never thought of it that way. I always assumed that I had nothing to offer because I didn’t know the same things as everyone else. I guess I know a lot about climbing. And how to survive outdoors. Those things might be useful to someone I suppose.”

Her train of thought was cut off by the delicious smell of their meal approaching the table. She wasn’t entirely sure what it consisted of, but its aroma was divine. She noticed Kejido’s eyes close as he breathed in the scent of the dish. She was glad to see that he seemed to appreciate food as much as she did. As the chef placed a plate and cutlery in front of her, she would smile happily up at him. “Thank you so much! This looks amazing!” She wanted to dig in immediately, she wanted to know what the bits of meat and orangish looking things tasted like. Seeing Kejido raise his glass, she held hers aloft and smiled back at him. “I can’t imagine meals more wonderful than this! Thank you for sharing it with me Kejido.”

She would take a small sip from her glass of juice before placing it back on the table. Resting her forearms gently against the edge of the table, being careful not to have her elbows touch the surface, she retrieved her knife and fork. Placing her knife in her right hand and her fork in her left, she would slice a small square of meat away and bring it to her mouth. This was the part she enjoyed the most, the very first bite. There was no real difference in the first bite to the last, however somehow the first one always tasted the best. While she slowly bit down on the tender meat a satisfied sigh sounded from her throat. She was not disappointed, this was every bit as delicious as she had imagined it would be. Taking the time to chew and swallow, she would let out another soft sigh before looking up from her meal towards her current companion. “You mentioned genealogy, and I’m afraid I don’t know what that is. What are you looking for exactly? I don’t mean to pry, I’m just curious.”

698/2812

He would listen to her response to his words as she seemed to only just now realize her worth. One might rarely realize it but most of the shinobi that attended the academy came from a very urban based lifestyle. They weren't use to the wilds and when first introduced to missions that had them stuck in the woods for an extended period of time they were usually so far out of their comfort zone it made the mission far more dangerous for their team. Having just one person accustomed to surviving the wilds made the mission that much simpler. Knowing what to eat, where to walk, creatures to avoid and how. So many aspects she was perfect for. He had to admit his own experience with outdoor life was limited to perhaps a couple of well stocked exercises with hiking. He might be from a different field from her but as she did he had his own uses as well. None that he needed to reveal in that moment though. He was satisfied in letting her revel in the moment. Giving her a minute to truly appreciate her rare skill set for perhaps the first time. After all people deserved to feel good about themselves.

Still their food had arrived and Kejido would give his toast. She would lift her glass to his and together they would toast the food. He knew people were leaving as they had enough of his success in the moment. His food was heavenly while theirs was at this point unsatisfying. It was behind her back but he noted three rather nasty looks in his direction. For him that just mean his efforts were successful. Getting into their heads while not being blatant about it. They all could easily tell now how he was the alpha in the room. It wasn't about power and the ability to force others. It was just how he carried himself. To his own views he was simply superior socially to all of them. Still he would listen as she spoke up. Commenting on the meal after happily thanking the cook. Someone who was more than happy just to have a decent meal to serve and to have people enjoy it. Still he would reply to her words. His voice soft as he looked over his glass at her. Such a sweet girl.

"But of course. Who would choose to eat alone when there are friends to be made?"

She would drink from her cup before setting it down and he did much the same. Still he noted how she collected her fork and knife and it surprised him. She held it as if she had some experience with fine dining. More finesse to her grip than the average way a brute held a fork. It almost matched his own. She certainly was a unique one. Her mixed skills were unexpected. His own fork cut a smaller slice of meat for himself and then a small chunk of sweet potato. Placing them both stacked on his fork. Crisp mixed with the juicy meat. Idly he dipped them in the sauce left over from the meats juices before placing the moderate sized bite into his mouth. The taste was stupendous. As if his mind could think of nothing else and he had to keep any sounds it threatened to produce to himself. Still she would speak again as he chewed and he would swallow before setting down his utensils and dabbing at his mouth with a napkin. Speaking only when it was appropriate to do so. A practiced matter of good manners.

"Genealogy is the search of ones blood relatives both living and gone. The Heishi clan has a great deal of pride regarding their own history. However it is up to each member to look into it for themselves to truly feel closer to our ancestors. If was wish to learn from our past we must first be willing to search for it and acknowledge it."

3281

Sayuri was surprised at Kejido’s answer. She hadn’t realized that there was actually a word for the thing she had been doing nearly her whole life; looking for her family. Every day she got to learn something new, and this one was a quite the piece of information. She wondered how much further she might have gotten in her inquiries if she had simply known the word genealogy. She also wondered why Kejido was looking for this information. He said that it was part of his clans traditions that they look for it themselves. But if you had a family, wouldn’t these be things you already knew? Or did his family not speak of their histories? She was terribly confused and her brow would wrinkle as her eyebrows drew closer together; pondering the things he had said.

“So you’re here to learn about your family then? Do you not. . . I don't mean to sound uncaring, but wouldn’t your family already tell you that? Do you not have a family? I’m not really sure how clans work, I’m sorry.”

She blushed fiercely while looking down, unsure if she had gone too far. Her heart went out to Kejido, if he really didn’t have a family it must feel awful for him. He seemed so thoughtful and kind, she couldn't stand the thought of him having a pain like that. Though had she been paying attention, she would have realized that this was not a sad affair for him at all, but rather one that he held a good deal of pride in. She would pick up her fork again and eat more of her meal, more out of politeness now than hunger. The food was remarkable, but it was no longer at the forefront of her mind. After consuming a sizable portion of the meat and fried potatoes she would look up again at Kejido, a determined smile on her face.

“Well, if you need to learn about your family, maybe I can help? I’d also be interested to know about your ancestors. And your clan, seeing as I don’t have much knowledge of clans to begin with. What do you think? Want to go on a family learning about adventure?”

She would push her plate away from herself reluctantly as she waited for his reply, and then immediately change her mind, eating the last few morsels left on the plate. She was never one to waste food, knowing how difficult it was at times to obtain it. She drank her juice quickly and then smiled again, feeling almost impatient and fidgeting with her hair. She was hoping that he would say yes to her suggestion, she enjoyed having something to do. More than just enjoyed, she almost needed something to do. She had far too much energy, she’d always been told as much. At this point she was fairly certain that if someone suggested it she would run around the University until the sun went down.

511/3323

Kejido would cut into his own meat as the juices poured out and he enjoyed the heavenly smell. Stabbing into it with his fork he would bring it to his lips and take down the piece of meat. Careful to control himself and enjoy the meal. It was a tasteful thing to enjoy he supposed. Still this was just the kind of food he was accustomed to when not out on some training exercise or another. He would stop on the last bit of meat though as she returned with an inquiry. He would chew and swallow as she questioned on why his family hadn't just told him their own history. It was a common question he assumed but one he felt needed to be addressed. He would take a drink of juice to wet his pallet down after the bite and then dab at his face with a napkin. Settling himself properly before deciding to fully reply. He supposed after all that not every individual would see the need for clan tradition after all. Most certainly he wouldn't hold it against her. So when he spoke it was in a calm and collected tone with a smile to follow it.

"It's perfectly fine my dear. Not everyone can know the inner workings of the clans around here. Especially something as simple as family traditions. Naturally I have heard the stories of our greatest ancestors and their accomplishments. However this is a right of passage for our youth. Learning all we can about our lineage and learning from it. I suppose its supposed to embolden a sense of pride in us. Tedious as it may be it is simply tradition."

She would set about eating and he would smile a little before collecting the last morsel of meat from his own plate as well. A pity it was all gone. Still as he chewed it and swallowed he would take the fried sweet potatoes and begin to stir them in the left over meat juices. The flavored grease soaking into the potatoes before he would begin to finish those as well. Enjoying himself immensely. However he was quickly becoming rather full. By the last potatoe it was almost a chore to finish it. He did have tasks to get to that day though. As such he couldn't spend all day with a pretty girl and a decent meal. Perhaps another time when he didn't have a schedule to keep he supposed. Still she would speak once more as she suggested joining him on his adventure. Once more he would pause to swallow, clear his pallet with some juice and dab his lips again until all the stains were gone. With that done he would push his plate away from himself as all of it was gone. Her question was troubling in itself. So he would reply with a sorry expression and a gentle tone.

"I am afraid this tradition has us go alone on that particular journey into our history. Still this has been a wonderful conversation. However I must regrettably be on my way as I am expected. Do forgive me."

He would smile while still fully understanding he had likely just disappointed her greatly. Still he would raise himself from his seat to bow his head to her. Collecting his plate and juice before moving over to the proper disposal area. Sliding the empty plate and juice into it before looking over his shoulder at her. What an interesting woman. Perhaps less educated by normal means than the rest of them but still her own level of fascination. He would take a deep breath and sigh before turning away from her once more. His legs carrying him to the arranged meeting place. He had a full belly now and new thoughts to consider. She was like a girl from his books. Raised by nature in some way and gradually becoming accustomed to the world made by her own kind. It seemed rather lonely but he was sure if she wished to later she would find his clan compound and seek him out. An interesting idea at that. Still his legs bound him up the stairs two at a time as he was eager to learn more of his particular heritage. His Grandfather was impressive enough but he intended to rise even higher. Perhaps future generations would look to him.

Exit thread
4017
Training lightning clap C rank jutsu 1000/1000
Forgetful fog C rank jutsu 1000/1000
Summon the calvary 1000/1000
and vipers bite 1000/1000
17 wc remaining

Sayuri was relieved that her questions hadn’t seemed to offend Kejido. She felt that she may have actually made a friend rather than scaring him away. Since she had decided to live here in Iwagakure she felt that it was probably important that she make friends. She had had a couple of friends when she was in Konoha, but with a new Village and no hope in sight of seeing her former friends she was determined to become invested here in Iwa. With that thought in mind she listened carefully to what Kejido had to say about his clan’s traditions. She found it interesting that they were encouraged to research their family history on their own. It was what she had done for the last few years, and in truth she wasn’t any closer to an answer for her own questions. It might help if she could read, since it seemed that Kejido was going to be primarily using the University’s library resources. And it might help even more if she knew where she could even start. As it was she didn’t even know her family name, and she could only imagine that that would make things all the more difficult.

When he refused her offer of help, she was a bit disappointed. She was enjoying the time that they were spending together and was saddened to see it end. She did understand though, sometimes tasks were meant to be carried out alone. She had spent so many years doing everything alone that she understood that better than most. With a small melancholic sigh she turned to Kejido and nodded. “I understand Kejido, it was wonderful to be able to spend time with you however. I hope you find what you’re looking for, and, uh. Well, if you’re sticking around maybe we’ll run into each other again.” As he left she turned her mind away from her current dark thoughts of loneliness and concentrated on her plans for the future. Or at least the future as it pertained to the rest of the day. She still had to go do some training with Harichimo and she still had plans to climb the statues downstairs. With a giggle she cleared away her plate and brought it to the same place she had seen Kejido take his just a few moments prior. She dusted her hands off, and made her way towards her floor in the University, content with the pleasant company and the delicious meal.

424/3747

{Exit Thread}

Stat Training:
STR B-2 > B-3 900 words + 225 ryo
SPD B-1 > B-3 1700 words + 425 ryo
REA B-2 > B-3 900 words + 225 ryo

247 words discarded