Ahh, this sure was a hard day... Oh man oh man... Ashi was walking back from her rough, but still kind of fun training day at the Fissure training grounds. Completely exhausted and starving, all she wanted to do right now was to get her ass back home and stuff her face with all sorts of wonderful food! Her parents were probably freaking out; nobody heard from her since last night, and she didn't even leave a message as to what she was doing and where she was going. But she didn't quite care, all that matters now is to get strong enough to be assigned on a squad and to help out her village however she can, while in the meantime getting stronger and stronger in order to become a chuunin, and eventually a jounin, surpassing her father! Still, Ashi could feel her weakness. Sure, she has started to improve her Yinton and all that, but if someone would just throw her in a fight right now Ashi would be almost completely helpless. Aside from the occasion spar back in the academy, she had zero combat experience, which was definitely a big problem. But hey, no need to worry about that right now, it's not like she's going to be forced to fight for her life, right? She's still a genin, the typical missions for her have the danger level of a pink butterfly having a tea-party with a purple baby panda.

And so Ashi walked, passing through the Bazaar, Iwagakure's main marketplace. It was kind of late already, so not many people were left, and there wasn't any of that typical lively shouting. But among the remaining booths was one selling books, which Ashi just happened to pass by. A large pink sign drew her attention, saying "50% off", and pointing down to a basket with only two books left. Ashi checked them out; one was a large, colorful children's book about a chicken, and the other one... A beginner's strategy guide to combat. The books had her curiosity, but now they got her attention. An old lady, sitting behind the booth noticed the young girl's interest, and seeing Ashi's forehead protector knew she was a shinobi. So she spoke to her, in a quiet but loving and soothing voice, reminding Ashi of her deceased grandma: "Say child, you interested in this book? For you, only 5 ryo." The lady smiled afterwards, revealing what was left of her teeth. Ashi was surprised by the voice, and she quickly looked up with a confused look on her face, turning it into a smile almost immediately. Ashi responded with a playful voice, even if playful was the last thing she felt like at the moment: "Yeah, sure. Here you go." Ashi handed over some ryo from her pocket, and went on with her trip home while looking at the book. What a lucky coincidence...

Wordcount: 490

The unforgettable training at the Fissure Grounds had concluded, and everybody had parted ways. With his training concluded he now had to head back to the village for his day job at the bookstore. It was a small booth that Kurai worked on occasion. Now that he thought about it, he was already late. Making his way to the booth, Kurai had stopped to get something to eat. His coworkers were normally very laxed when it came to Kurai being a tad late anyway.

WHERE IS THAT DAMNED KURAI???!!! HIM AND HIS 'IF YOU'RE GONNA BE LATE, MIGHT AS WELL BE LATE' MOTTO HAS GROWN TIRESOME!

The angry clerk, cheered up as he saw a possible customer. The clerk made sure to straighten up the attention grabbing pink sign that notified all passerbys of the 50% off sale. Seeing the arrival of customers always seemed to brightened the mood of the booth, no matter how frustrating Kurai makes it with his tardiness. After offering the young lady the sale on books, she accepted rather promptly and went on about her travels.

Kurai finally arrived. With the young lady still in earshot, the clerk yelled. KURAIIIIII!!! YOU'RE LUCKY WE JUST HAD A CUSTOMER OR I WOULD FIRE YOU! Fortunately for you I am now in a good mood, the customer was a lovely young girl with a great taste in literature. A rare sight these days. Kurai dismissed the "greeting" of his coworker, as it was the norm for Kurai. Peering out in the evening village, he saw that the girl that had just shopped from the booth had stopped. As if she had heard a familiar name. Looking at her back, something struck a familiar chord. His train of thought was derailed by the smell of the food that he was holding. His eyes skipped over to the clerk, and with a smile, would you like some, there's plenty?



Training: 322