Takeshi was on a short vacation after doing missions non stop for months. It was good to get a real break for once, so he decided to take a peaceful stroll around the village. He found himself at the market district in no time, it was getting close to noon, so the market was starting to get crowded. It was around this time when the vendors decided to put most of their stuff on sale, so it was the perfect time to get something for almost nothing. Takeshi was wearing his casual clothes, nothing but a white tank top with some gray sweats and slippers. His forehead protector dangled around his neck like a necklace, and his red hair shined brightly in the sunlight. Around him, people moved quickly past and towards him. Some even got annoyed at how slow Takeshi was walking, but he didn't really care, he was just relaxing. Takeshi kept his slow pace with the wind causing his long hair to move slightly in the breeze. There wasn't a care in the world right now, it was just a good day, and Takeshi was enjoying every bit of it.

"Can you go to the Market District and get some groceries, Niko?"

That question rung inside Niko's head while he entered the Market District. Looking down at his grocery list that was given to him by his father. He had to get bread, cheese, sugar, tomatoes, lettuce, apples, oranges, and bananas. It wasn't a very extensive list. A lot of the items could be bought at the same vendors. His father gave him more than enough Ryo to buy everything, and was even nice enough to suggest Niko get a bite to eat while out and about.

As soon as his head turned to the left, Niko saw the vegetable stand. He greeted the merchant and proceeded to buy some lettuce and tomatoes. Not knowing the vendor's name, even though being sent to do groceries for his father an innumerable amount of times, he said his farewells to the man. Placing the purchases in his backpack, he proceeded on his task to buy groceries.

Looking around for another merchant who had items he needed, he spots a familiar face. A male with flowing red hair. There was no mistaking it, that was Takeshi Uzumaki. He hadn't seen him since they went on a mission to deal with a bunch of arrogant and washed up Genin awhile back. He was still occasionally pondering about the reason why he was selected for the mission, trying to figure out if he was being considered for a promotion already in his Ninja career.

Takeshi places both of his hands in his pockets once again, pauses for a moment, then states “Some of the higher ups in the village think you have some talent, after all, they do keep tabs on all of us ninja of the village. So they assigned you to this mission with me as a sort of...evaluation of sorts.”

Deciding to dwell on it later, he walked over to the Uzumaki and said "Hey, how's it going Takeshi? Long time no see."

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As Takeshi was lost in his own thoughts, he heard his name being called. At first, Takeshi wasn't sure who called his name, the market place was pretty loud, and other people were calling names as well. Some even sounded similar to Takeshi's, or at least the very first part of his name. He looked around completely stopped in one place while people still moved about their daily business. People still moving around, all of it kind of confused him in a way. Due to the inconvenience he was to most of the people, and to him self, he moved closer to one of the vendor's stalls. When he got closer to the stall, the vendor at the stall was trying to sell him some fruits. He kept holding up some orange in Takeshi's face for some reason. It took several repeated times of saying no in different ways before the vendor finally let up. Of course he got agitated for the simple fact of Takeshi standing over his stall for no apparent reason.

Takeshi rubbed the back of his and smiled awkwardly at the vendor. Then he turned to his right and saw a familiar face. It was the guy he had done a mission with, but for a brief moment, Takeshi couldn't remember the guy's name. Takeshi remembered the guy's name within a few seconds, but this of course wasn't one of Takeshi's finest moments.

Takeshi held his hand out for a handshake. Hey Niko, how you been man? It's been awhile for sure.

The red-haired young man turned around and stood there staring at Niko. He immediately knew "He must've forgot about me. Whatever, if doesn't remember me, I'll go on with my business."

After a few moments, Takeshi replied "Hey Niko, how have you been man? It's been awhile for sure."

"I'm doing fine. Before we coninue, let's go sit down somewhere to talk and get out of people's ways."

Niko motions Takeshi over to a table at an open restaurant "I'll pay for anything you want here."

Both of them sat down and Niko immediately began to continue the conversation.

"I got assigned to a Genin squad. It's a drag, yet it's not a large deal. I have this guy named Tatsumaru Uchiha as my squad leader, also some guys named Rinshi Hyuga and an Aburame named Sojiro as squad-mates." He pauses for a moment, looking around for a waiter. "They seem decent. They may grow on me after awhile. So, how's it going with you?"

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Takeshi while sitting down at the table, he listened to Niko talk about what has happened with him since their mission. Takeshi was a little surprised by the fact of Niko getting assigned to a squad. Even though the squad thing wasn't something to be surprised about, it was more of Takeshi being able to hear about squad life. Takeshi never had a squad, so he found it interesting how they worked. In any case, what really caught him off guard was the people he was assigned with. For one he had Rinshi on his squad, who was and Hyuga. Something that Rinshi never told Takeshi about, but he also had an Aburame on his squad. Takeshi has never met a member of that clan, and never really wanted to, Takeshi had a severe fear of bugs. Then as a sensei, the had Tatsumaru Uchiha, something that Rinshi told him already. It still amazed Takeshi to think about it, he wanted to meet Tatsumaru one day.

Then Niko asked Takeshi what has he been up to since they last met. Well, I've been ranked up to Special Jounin, not really something to be proud of. I'm really only a Jounin in practice, or some kind of apprentice. Other than that, I haven't been doing much, other than training and doing missions. This is really the first vacation I've been able to have.

When he got done talking a waiter came by and took their orders. Neither of them ordered anything expensive, just something to tide them over until dinner. They continued their small talk while they sipped on the drinks the waiter provided.

Takeshi now taking his turn on updating Niko about recent events "Well, I've been ranked up to Special Jounin, not really something to be proud of. I'm really only a Jounin in practice, or some kind of apprentice. Other than that, I haven't been doing much, other than training and doing missions. This is really the first vacation I've been able to have."

Niko gives a slight laugh. Then while giving a faint smile, he responds to the Uzumaki's situation "A Jounin in practice? Haha. Being a Special Jounin is cool, I guess. My observation of the rank is that you have a specialty and you have to develop a bit more before you're considered elite. Regardless of that, it sounds nice to have a decent rank. Me myself, I'm just a Genin for Pete's sake."

After the quick exchange, both of the young men order some light food to tide them over until dinner-time. The Waiter then brought water to both of them, sipping on their drinks, they awaited one another to continue the conversation.

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The day seemed long for the Senju as he had awoken early in hopes of completing his new technique out in the small south forest grew weary of the rigorous training he had bestowed upon himself. Before he realized it, it was lunch hour and the sun was at its peak if the day. Covered in cold sweat he removed his black jumpsuit and bathed in the water of the pond before changing in his spare clothes and headed back to the village. Upon his arrival, he had noticed that the sales were on in the market district. He thought of any necessities he would need for his evening meal but the ingredients were still needed and so he ventured into the markets in hopes of finding his list of items.

He came across many stalls of fruit and vegetables, crops of all sorts and finally the stall with meat that he had longed for. He paid for the beef they had on sale and some leek from the nearby vendors before making his way back to his home. His stomach began to growl and could almost be heard on top of the crowds that passed him by. He felt slightly embarrassed but let on that only he could hear it despite the children looking at him oddly as he placed his hand over his stomach. 'Maybe I have should have something while I'm here...' Sousetsu thought to himself reassuringly. Within his sights he noticed a restaurant that seemed like a rather nice idea to stop by and see what they had to offer.

Before long, he arrived and noticed a few of the customers. Some were faces that he had ran into before, a neighbour of his whom he waved at accompanied by a smile, and two fellow Leaf shinobi to which he nodded to. He sat opposite them as the waiter came over and asked him what he would like for an order. He sent the waiter on his way for water and a sandwich while he waited for his return, joining his hands together as they rested before his mouth and gazing out at the crowd of the villagers.

It was a sunny day in Konohagakure. The bright sun shone bright through Rinshi's window, today Rinshi deided to take the day off . Rinshi was in the small training room that his father used to train him as a child. Rinshi wore his regular attire in the training room: Navy Blue Ninja Sandals, Black Pants that came just below his knees with 1 pockets on the rear and one on each pant pocket, Navy Blue shirt (similar to Genin Sasuke), Black fingerless gloves with metal plating on the forehand, and his Hidden Leaf Headband wrapped around tight in a knot. Along with his fingerless black gloves with reflective metal plating with the Hidden Leaf Symbol engraved on both.

As he adjusted his gloves correctly he took a look at the clock it read 8:40 am. Rinshi awoke at 6 and did not realize he had been in the training room for so long. Rinshi walked downstairs into the kitchen and approached the fridge. As Rinshi opened the refrigerator door, on the 3 shelves evenly space apart, he saw nothing. Rinshi hung his head at the sight, as he said aloud, ”Damn! I forgot to go grocery shopping.” Rinshi closed the refrigerator door and decided he would go shopping in the market district.

Rinshi walked up the stairs to his bedroom to retrieve his black and blue messenger back that hung on the back of his door. Rinshi threw it over his head and let it hang to his side. Rinshi walked down the stairs to the front door. Ryo in his back pants pouch, bag around his neck, he walked out the door. Rinshi's street he lived on didn't seem busy for a Saturday then he remembered that Saturdays are the markets bustiest days. Rinshi with a shrug didnt mind he would be in and out and only needed enough till Friday. Rinshi shoved his hands in his pocket and began walking in the direction of the Market District.

Rinshi arrived to the market district some minutes later, the streets were packed. Rinshi maneuvering through the crowds was being bumped constantly, he finally arrived to the family vendor that sold fruit and placed an order to be delivered to his home, ”Hello sir, I need a dozen green apples and a tray of strawberries.” The man rung the order up, as Rinshi pulled the Ryo from his back pouch. The man then handed Rinshi a sheet of paper telling him it would be delivered by 2 pm. Rinshi nodded, and proceeded down the street.

Rinshi still searching for a meat vendor was redirected to a pair of familiar faces at a Restauraunt. Rinshi immediately recognized the first one, Niko, the white-haired, very skilled Genin on his squad. The second, Takeshi Uzumaki, an red-head boy not much taller than him and an extremely skilled Ninjutsu user. Rinshi decided to approach them to greet himself his 2 friends.

Kami looked at himself in the mirror, he overlooked himself and suddenly smiled shortly after. He made a promise to his parents that he would try to make as many friends as he could, but he was always too busy training in the woods or spending his free time reading books. But today would be the day he actually tried to make friends, and where's the best place to look? Well, where was the best place to look? Kami stared at himself in the mirror wondering the same exact question.

He looked into his wallet and thought he may as well treat himself, he would be bound to run into someone. He decided he might as well go to the marketplace, he knew that ninja from all over the village ventured here in their free time just to pick up things, essential to live, just to meet and eat together.

He walked into the place, noticing the people around him. He felt a pit in his stomach. He didn't know where to start or where to even begin, but he did notice a few ninja across the way. Why not give it a shot, be spontaneous he thought, people will like that right? He always had a habit of trying to be social the way he saw the characters in his book do it, they always seemed to have a big group of friends and simply for the reason of being unique.

He walked up to the table and sat right down, saying nothing and just staring across to the others like it wasn't even an issue that he sat down. It was probably the nervousness that the people wouldn't like him and simply tell him to leave, and speaking would have only made it more embarrassing.

Takeshi sat at his table sipping on his water while he continued his conversation with Niko. They talked about techniques they had learned, or some that they were working on. They went on with this small chat while the smell of the restaurant slowly faded away. There wasn't too many people in the restaurant, maybe being a total of five people. The market outside was still as busy as ever, and from where Takeshi was sitting, he had a good view of what was going on outside. People were still walking up and down in a high traffic situation, he even saw some elders walk faster than Takeshi ran. As Takeshi was bouncing his attention between Niko and the events outside, he saw and unfamiliar face amongst the crowd. Takeshi didn't know everyone in the village, but he had never saw this guy before, or at least never in person. As the guy walked closer, it was clear that he was in the Senju clan. Takeshi found this out because of the clan symbol on his shirt. It wasn't anything big and flashy, but it was enough to catch Takeshi's eye.

Takeshi only knew one other Senju named Owydelu, so he was familiar with how the clan symbol looked. It was a design that looked cool, but Takeshi preferred his clan symbol more. In any case, the guy walked into the restaurant and nodded at him and Niko. Takeshi did a slight nod back, but kept his eyes forward instead of watching where he sat because that would be creepy. Right after the Senju walked in, he saw a familiar face making his way through the crowd. It was Rinshi Hyuga, and it seemed as if he saw Takeshi and Niko. He was making his way to the restaurant when something unexpected happened. A random guy came from out of nowhere and sat right next to Niko. Takeshi didn't know how to react to the situation at first, and thought the guy was just trying to start something. However, Takeshi found that this wasn't the case when he looked at the guy's face. He looked as if he was nervous, this was even more supported by the fact that the guy was tensed up. So instead of telling the guy to leave, Takeshi held out his hand across the table and with a smile introduced himself. Hey there man. My name is Takeshi, what yours?

He smiled to himself in victory, thinking to himself that it wasn't as hard he originally thought. He outstretched his hand to meet his and shake it, replying to the man "My name is Kami, Nice to meet you." Kami looked across the table smiling toward the others. "Nice to meet you all in fact."

Kami wasn't terrible with social interactions, he just found himself getting more comfortable than he should have at times. When the waiter came he ordered himself a drink, a tea to be exact. The situation arose at times when Kami would always ask this one familiar question, "Anyone like tea?" he turned this situation into his little gathering of strangers.

Before they could continue speaking to one another personally, a young man stepped into the restaurant. On his shirt, it had the symbol for the Senju clan. The Senju nodded to Niko and his compatriot, and they followed suit. He then sat at a table opposite of them. Out of the corner of Niko's eye, he noticed the new face give his order to the waiter and then place his hands together, staring outside the restaurant, watching the world go by.

Niko thought humourously "I thought I had already seen all of the damn Senju in the village, I guess he may be an exception."

Taking another light sip on his drink and observing the area around him, he sees Rinshi. A Hyuga who is a part of his Genin squad. He turned his head a dnoticed Takeshi and Niko just sitting down inside the establishment. He came over to greet himself to the pair. It seemed that the Uzumaki and Hyuga knew each other. Rinshi sat down next to Takeshi. Not making much of it and feeling a bit parched, he then took a large gulp of his beverage. 

Next a black-haired boy came into the restaurant and sat next to Niko. A little perturbed by the action, Niko awaited to see what the boy would say or do. He was pretty tense, so it must've meant that he was quite nervous for some reason. Niko assumed he'd find out soon enough.

Making the first move, the red-haired Uzumaki held out his hand across the table and with a smile introduced himself. "Hey there man. My name is Takeshi, what yours?"

The nervous boy shook Takeshi's hand and smiled himself, replying "My name is Kami, Nice to meet you." Pausing a moment to look at everyone at the table "Nice to meet you all in fact."

When the waiter came back to get the new boy Kami's drink order, he just asked for a cup of tea. After doing so he asked the rest of the boys "Anyone like tea?"

Niko responded "Not much of a tea drinker myself." Taking a sip of his ice-filled water. "I usually stick to drinking good ol' water."

Being a little blunt to the new face, possibly coming off as a bit rude, he turned his head and asked "So, why exactly did you come over and introduce yourself so randomly? I'm not really against you joining us, I'm just a bit curious." 
 

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Sousetsu watched as the many villagers past by the window in search for the items on their shopping list no doubt. He seen the odd child running wild while the parent would be purchasing goods from the store across the street while others were scolding their offspring to settle themselves and behave. The Senju remembered his childhood and it was not like that at all. He obeyed every order, listened carefully to what he was told to do, a born ninja some would say. It was all about respect for your elders in the little world that was Sousetsu's. He had heard the faint words regarding Sousetsu by one of the ninja from the table opposite, although he couldn't tell if it was an insult or was just a simple question of who he was. He looked over to see the fellow ninja for a brief moment before being redirected to a new shinobi that took a seat beside them. The young shinobi had asked if anyone would like tea to which Sousetsu's eyes widened slightly.

He removed his hands from covering his face as the waiter had took his order of tea and asked for anyone else who would like one. Sousetsu raised his hand slightly, "I would like some tea, one sugar and some milk, please." Sousetsu said rather hastily. He did order water also, but tea was such a delightful little treat. Of course, he did draw attention to himself when he asked over to the waiter from his own separate table but kept a grin on his face for the majority of the time. He then began tapping the table in a rather rhythmic tempo, creating an upbeat song of percussion while waiting for his order. Before long, his sandwich and water had arrived. He nodded to the waiter and gave thanks before he lifted the sandwich from the plate and took that first bite. The shear flavours and elements complimented each other in which Sousetsu began to chew even slower as his mouth filled.

He continued to look outside but then realized how odd he would look if people seen him eating and staring. He turned back to look blankly at his table and swallowed the mass of food that resided in his mouth. He took a smaller and more mannerly bite and gazed over to the table once more. They were once two and now they were four. It must have been nice to run into friends. Sousetsu, on the other hand, had little people to call his friends. He was too busy with missions or training most of the time and only came across one person in which he could call friend which was an Inuzuka by the name of Hideo. They had done some missions together but also spent some time in the hot springs on their days off. He had a fond connection with Hideo's dog also. He took a sip of water as he ran through his memories of nostalgia and began to smile to himself with the pleasant memories and nostalgia running back to him.