Morning. The sun being its ascension, rising from slumber to take its rightful place on the stage as it’s counterpart, the moon, making way for it to do so. With the rising of the sun, it’s warm voice touched the far corners of the world, waking up the slumbering audience with a soothing tone. Birds and other diurnal animals were the first woken up, they beginning their morning ritual of singing along with the Sun to wake up the rest. Their nocturnal brethren, at the start of the singing, scurried away to their homes - allowing themselves to be lulled by the music. People, those having to get up early for work, groaned in annoyance in how quickly a new day came and in laziness in not wanting to work, but begrudgingly they got up and started their day - envying those who didn’t have to wake up as early as they did.

While a majority of people were complaining about their lack of sleep, on the seas surrounding Mizu no Kuni, there were many who haven’t slept more than a few hours a week. The sailors, crews, and captains the ships and boats running through the open sea didn’t have the luxury of sleeping must - having to always be on the look out for pirates wanting to make a quick buck, the weather, it’s ever changing presence, and having someone to steer, kept many of them from meeting the sandman. It’s one of these ships that Nanashi managed to find passage on - after paying the captain a hefty amount for a ticket.

Silver hair, reaching the small of his back, whipped around furiously - the wind and speed of the boat causing such thing to happen. Saltwater mist sprayed on the deck, the ship crashing through the waves with ease. Guanyin, Nanashi, having woken up sometime during the night had wandered throughout the cabins below the deck, making small talk with any other passenger that was up at the time, before finding his way up to the deck and mingling with the crew and captain. Their conversations weren’t seriously, some of the men and women(surprisingly apart of the crew) thanked him for his deeds during the Seven Bell incident, with a few of them mentioning that he saved them or someone they knew, while others were about none important topics.

“We will hit land soon.”, the Captain’s voice echoing across the deck, receiving a nod from Nanashi and some of the braver passengers who decided to venture onto the deck.

As they were nearing land, his thoughts began to drift back to why he decided to make a trip to Mizu no Kuni. Having only recently been signed as the instructor of a genin team, Nanashi had gotten wind of a shinobi from Kiri named Nozomi, who had participated in the recent Chuunin Exams that he watched. Though the kunoichi did end up losing to a Kumogakure Shinobi, it matters little to him, however, her appearance did. During the Seven Bell fiasco, he vividly remembered saving a child who not only looked like genin Nozomi, but also had the same name. He never gave much thought about what happen to the child after he rescued her, but seeing someone sharing her looks and name got him curious. He began to wonder what happened to Nozomi. How was she? Did she become a shinobi? Is she even alive? With those thoughts, Nanashi made up his mind to make a detour before heading back to Iwagakure.

“Thank you,  for riding Lady Log.” the captain said, ushering the people off the docked boat.

Nanashi had finally arrived in Kirigakure no Sato, but unlike last time, this wasn’t because of war.

---

626

When you grow up somewhere with very little in the way of friends, and what family you have barely acknowledges you, sometimes it gets difficult to find ways to pass the time. Nozomi always found occupying her time to be a difficult endeavor. However, she tended to always go back to her old haunts. Despite her lack of ability to swim, the water of Mizu no kuni was very calming and relaxing. When it was day time, she liked to go and visit the docks, sitting just near the edge of the water, and watch the ships sail in and out. The mornings were especially beautiful, because the sun rose just to the point where it hit the water at a strange angle, lighting up the world around like none other.

Not to mention the salt, the smell, the sea. It was fresh, invigorating, and great. A hard thing to describe, but the smell and feel of salt water always freshened her mind. Woke her up in a manner of speaking. While she was still recovering a bit from the rigors of the Chuunin exams, still upset at having made it to the semi finals only to be unable to fight, and then lose in such a way to her own girlfriend, there wasn't much rigorous activity she was allowed to do, so this was one of the few moments in her life when she could actually relax and do nothing.

Nozomi sat at the edge of the dock, playing with the tanto she had bought after the chuunin exams, admiring the way the light struck the blade and dazzled off it, the water playing patterns into it. Kirigakuran mornings sure were a thing of beauty. "Kaekio." Nozomi said, almost whispering the name, as she thought of beauty. It was an automatic reaction to her. The other girl was on her mind quite often, but seeing her would be impossible for a while. After all, Kaekio Ryuzoji was the pupil of the Raikage in the land of Kumogakure. It wasn't easy for her to readily up and travel to Kumo. Not yet anyways. Soon though.

A docking boat by the name of the Lady Log broke Nozomi out of her thoughts. The young blonde shifted her gaze to the passengers who were docking and scanned over them a few times. And although she didn't see the flash of purple hair she was hoping -against all odds- to see, she did notice a flash of silver hair, and a face that she'd be hard pressed to forget. Her heart skipped a beat. Leaping to her feet, Nozomi made her way swiftly down the docks, heading towards him and stopped, looking up at the man. Her eyes, their usual vibrant blue with green dots and a ring (an unknown part of the condition that affects Nozomi and makes her easily recognizable to any who know her) were trained up to the face of Nanashi, and a small smile played on her lips.

WC: 500

Time was crucial for the silver haired male with him only being able to spend, at most, a day in Kirigakure no Sato before having to board another ship heading back to the mainlands, and then make his way back to Iwagakure no Sato. Reservation for the return trip had already been made, the captain of the current vessel agreed to take Nanashi’s back, it is not being an inconvenience because of a scheduled trip the following day. Ritsuka , the captain, also mentioned it would be a couple of days before another cruise ship would be heading towards the mainlands - with many others going to the smaller islands located around Mizu no Kuni, and some of the western territories. In short, Lady Log is Nanashi’s only way back home, therefore, he couldn’t extend the trip longer even if he wanted to. Not like he planned to, even though he does have another clothing and personal items sealed on his person for a week or so. A single day should be sufficient in finding any information about Nozomi, and checking on her well-being, if she was alive that is.

Ever present morbid thoughts of the girl’s mortality skirted just below the surface of his most conscious thoughts. Fueled not by doubt, but logic only born through experience, they, the thoughts, whispered the ‘what ifs’. Being a shinobi for an extensive amount of time, and having some experience before becoming one, Nanashi knew saving someone doesn’t always mean they lived happily ever after. There are times where the person you saved end up dying months, weeks, or even days later. There are times where they suffer from some psychotic break, if the situation in which they were saved was traumatic enough, taking their own life mere moments later or sometime down the road. Not being able to handle whatever they witness or been a part of. Survivor syndrome, a mental condition occurring in a person who believes they done wrong by surviving a traumatic event while others have lost their life, also plays an important role. He has seen this and more throughout his shinobi, and non-shinobi, career.

Whenever the thoughts tried to breach his conscious thoughts, they were met with force, being pushed back below the surface of Nanashi’s mind. Although, the morbid thoughts might have the truth within them, Nanashi wanted to believe that they were wrong. That the girl he had saved was still alive. That the girl at the Chuunin Exams was the one that he saved all those months ago.  Believing she had made it through the fire Seven Bell brought onto Kirigakure no Sato, coming out of it stronger than ever. He wanted to believe that she survived and was doing well.

. Wearing a dark, midnight blue Kimono, a skin tight black shirt underneath, black ankle-length hakama pants barely touched matching getas, reinforced steel bottom, levitating his height of 6’3” by an additional two inches, making him seem 6’5”, and finally a midnight blue obi , tied tightly around the waist, kept everything together. A black eyepatch covered his left eye - it being obscured by his long hair. Walking off the ship, a light ocean breeze greeted him and the passengers; it’s cold touch caressing their exposed flesh one moment and gone the next. Imposing, that’s what some might think upon seeing Nanashi among the passengers though their opinion might change after seeing him talking with those around him. While he was indeed imposing, Nanashi was still approachable, and many are able to see that.

As the crowd around him dispersed, those whose he were talking to going their way, Nanashi saw something that gave him slight paused. Alone, yellow serpent-esque eye stared at the pair of vibrant blue ones with three green dots and ring as Nanashi processed who exactly was in front of him. A woman. Blonde Hair. And those eyes, he could never forget her eyes. . .

“Nozomi?”

It seemed the one that Nanashi had come to look for was alive and well, but more importantly. . .standing a front of him.

---

690(1316)

Dare she believe it? Could it possibly be that this was Nanashi? Nanashi Guanyin, the shinobi that had saved her life when she was a genin, before the Chuunin exams, before she'd gotten strong, before she was even a competent fighter. During the war of the Seven Bells. The Seven Bell's fiasco. And then he said it. Her name. Of course this was Nanashi. She hadn't been mistaken. A smile lit acrossed her face as she bolted forward and hugged the man in front of her. "Gosh, Nanashi! What are you doing here? It's been freaking forever! How could I ever forget the face of the person who saved my life!" she asked, letting go and stepping back.

Locking her eyes with his once again, Nozomi tilted her head slightly, giving him a once over. They had both aged quite a bit from the last time they'd seen each other. Well, perhaps. Nozomi didn't know if he'd watched the Chuunin exams. Grinning, Nozomi gestured to herself. She was wearing a flak jacket and kirigakure headband, although it was around her neck out of sheer laziness. "I'm a Chuunin now, actually. I placed as a semi-finalist in the Chuunin Exams, and could have won if I wasn't placed against my girlfriend in my last round. It threw me off. But whatever, I still got a promotion, and now I'm living on my own, cause my dad disowned me, but you remember how my family is about honor and fighting and stuff." she shrugged. It still hurt a little bit, but she'd been getting over it. Being on her own was great for the most part, just kind of lonely at times.

Clearing her head of that, though, Nozomi waited for the response and reaction of Nanashi. She was excited to see someone she knew that actually cared a little bit about her. At least she hoped so.

WC: 316

It was unexpected - the hug - but nevertheless welcomed. Strong arms replicated the action, wrapping around Nozomi, embracing her in a welcoming embrace before falling back to the waist side. It was her - Nozomi. If the hug didn’t concern it for him than the words she spoke did. Standing before Nanashi was the young girl, he saved all those months ago. During the time where Kirigakure no Sato wasn’t in a state of peace, but under seized by a tyrant and his men. Images of the day he met and saved Nozomi played through his head, reminding him how things could have been different if he didn’t listen to his gut feeling amongst the carnage that was the invasion. A simple detour, change in plans, after having completed their objective led Nanashi to finding and rescuing the woman before him.

A small but noticeable smile graced his features “ I came here to find and check up on you. After saving you back then, I questioned what happened to you afterwards. However. obligations elsewhere kept me from venturing to Kirigakure, so I couldn’t find out myself. But when the Chuunin Exams came around, I watched a Kiri shinobi named Nozomi participate in the exams and during exceeding well. I wondered if that Nozomi was the same one I saved, and if she even remembered me. So, after they ended, I decided to make a detour in Kiri instead of returning to Iwagakure. And now I’m glad I did. “, during the exams he had an assumption that there was a connection between the Nozomi participating and the one he saved, but because he couldn’t confirm it then do to obligations of being the new sensei for a team.

Now knowing the person a front of him was Nozomi, Nanashi took a moment to give her a once over - like she was doing to him. A girl no longer, Nozomi had become a beautiful and powerful Kunoichi. He noted the subtle signs of a shinobi coming into their own, no longer bounded by innocence and naivety like most genins, no longer needing someone to teach them the basis, being able to do so themselves, and no longer questioning what they wanted out of life. Advancing from genin to chuunin is a considerable size leap - both mentally and physically - and Nozomi seemingly handle it well. “Congrats on making Chuunin. So, the Kumogakure kunoichi you fought is your girlfriend? Seem like these Chuunin Exams repeated last year.”, the last statement being referring to something similar happening in the exams prior to the most recent ones.

Finding out her father disowned her, Nanashi schooled his features, not allowing his true feelings about that to be known. “Yeah, I remember meeting your family back then. I didn’t particular like them - mainly your father.”, never one to mince words on certain topics, Nanashi hoped he didn’t offend her with his statement or the one he is about to make “Family who puts tradition above their own children is not a family. Seems like you are doing well on your own. Enjoying the new rank and the responsibilities? Have you given any thought on what you want to do now that you’re a chuunin?” he asked, gesturing for Nozomi to walk with him.

---

552(1868)

Nozomi nodded, listening as he spoke. It made sense, his wondering. If she'd saved somebody's life, then of course she'd wonder at how they were doing. And she understood the busyness that a shinobi would encounter, stopping them from being able to go out and find answers. The Chuunin Exams would have also served as a great reminder to any of the people in the war about those times. This generation of shinobi were the ones following the war after all, and it had affected many lives. Nozomi grinned. "I suppose I did do exceedingly well in the Exams, didn't I? Semi-finalist isn't too shabby of a title, although I would have preferred being called the winner. But no, I'm glad you stopped by too. It was lucky for you. I spend a lot of my time at the docks. The water is peaceful, and I like watching the boats. Kirigakure is a big place. It might have been difficult for you to track me down otherwise." she explained.

"I mean, I enjoy being a chuunin. It's been treating me well. My training has been pretty intense, and my missions even more so. I've taken down some tough opponents, and trained some of the academy students. I've heard talk that I might be promoted soon enough, but that's just speculation right now. I wouldn't mind if I wasn't to be honest. I enjoy my work, I enjoy being a Chuunin. And yeah, she is my girlfriend. Kaekio Ryuzoji, the student of the Raikage. Kind of ironic, I suppose. I mean, Gin is my sensei. So there's that. And what do you mean? Did a couple have to fight in the last Chuunin Exams too?" she asked.

"I mean, not many people personally like my father's way of doing things. But as a clan leader, he has to do what he views as best for the clan. And he's a stark believer in bringing back the Bloody Mist. I'm more passive in nature. But he's always wanted our clan to be a top tier, militant clan. No emotions, pure fighting ability. I wasn't cut out for that life style. My father did me a blessing in that regard. He could have forced me to adhere to that life style, but instead, cut me loose, to pave my own way. It took me a while, but I understand it now." she offered a small smile. "Anyhow, now that I'm a Chuunin, honestly, I just want to teach. I like working with the academy cadets. It's relaxing, not too dangerous, and I can help pave the way of the village's future."

The more she thought about it, the more Nozomi was unsure of what she really wanted to do. Sure, she was content with being a teacher, but at the same time, she wanted something more. "I mean... I don't know, I also thought of just leaving to explore and visit new places. I've been in Kirigakure my entire life, minus the Chuunin Exams. Maybe it's time that I went out and discovered the world? So I've a few ideas, but nothing's concrete yet."

WC: 521

It wasn’t surprising to many that Kirigakure no Sato had an excellent showing during the Chuunin Exams, with the semi-finals being comprised of mainly of their shinobi. They holding three of the four available spots. Their success could be contributed to their Kage’s approach to the country, apparently having a more active role within the country, unlike the other kages. He personally never met the Mizukage before, not even during the Seven Bell’s war, only being able to meet some of the commanders then. Maybe one day he will have the chance to meet the woman who’s leading the country into prosperity.

But getting back to the point at hand, indeed, some did contribute Kirigakure’s performance in the Chuunin Exams to the Kage’s work. While that might be true, Nanashi believed that the war also played a role in the village’s strong showing. War, not matter the person(s), changes everyone who it touches. Some people come out stronger, and others break from the stress of the situation. Those in Kirigakure did not break, the war changed them, yes, but instead of weaken them it made them stronger. It’s only after been tempered by flames does one have the chance to become stronger - Kiri shinobi at the Exams showed this.

“Yes, you did exceeding well. Not many could have made it that far in the Exams during their first time, however, you made it to the semi-finalists. Making that far showed many how strong you are.”, giving out sincere compliments were becoming easier to him, no longer finding the need to give compliments without sincerity. “Indeed Kirigakure is big. Think you will be up for showing me around today?”, he asked, having wanted to explore Kirigakure when it’s not ravaged by war. The last time he was here, Nanashi could tell that the place was beautiful and he wanted to see for himself.

Being happy for the woman’s accomplishments and growth, he listens as she spoke about her adventures and experiences as a Chuunin. The prospect of her getting promoted again caused a smile to tug across his visage. So, Ryujozi is the last name of the woman Nozomi fought. He didn’t know much about the Ryujozi clan, only hearing rumors through various sources, and seeing how some of the sources could be inaccurate their words being taken with a grain of salt, and that there was one in the run-in for Raikage. From what he saw of fights, Kaekio was indeed skill, and her being the Raikage’s student only solidifies the fact. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on him, Gin, the former Kazekage and now sensei of Nozomi, is rumored to be in a relationship with the Raikage. The students were following the steps of their teacher, so it seemed. “A couple? No. But the two finalists were indeed close to the point one could say they were a couple. And just like you, Taigen Kichirou, forfeit in his fight with Tenmei.”

Idiotic is the word coming to mind regarding Nozomi’s father. Lunacy could also work for it took a lunatic in wanting to revive the Blood Mist era. Reading historical accounts of Kirigakure’s most bloodiest era, the amount of people lost and the amount of damage was simply unfathomable. It really took a special in wanting to bring that era back. Although he is younger than Nozomi’s father, Nanashi questioned the man’s intellect in wanting to bring back an era known for its bloodline genocide. It made no sense in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, his ambitious didn’t bother Nanashi, and won’t unless they get out of hand.

“You would be an amazing teacher. I, on the other hand, couldn’t teach academy students, not because I can, but rather, I’m not suited for it. “, he admitted. While it was nice to see Nozomi wanting to teach, Nanashi noticed something else, uncertainty

“If you want my opinion, I would say go and explore. There is a big world out there with many mysteries and wonders. You get the chance to meet others that differentiate from those here. You will learn new things, and become stronger and wiser. “

---

715(2583)

Nozomi grinned. "I suppose you're right. I guess I'm just that talented, huh?" she joked. Her morale had really improved since seeing Nanashi again. After all, it made her happy that someone that meant a lot to her had stopped by just to check in on her. Since Kaekio wasn't writing back, maybe it wasn't that she didn't want to, but instead that she just couldn't. Nozomi hoped that Kaekio still had feelings for her. If she didn't write back soon, then Nozomi would be forced to take a visit up to see her. And nobody wanted that, right? "I mean, I could show you around sure, but then again. Kiri is big. I only know a little bit of the area I live in, apart from that, I only vaguely know some of the other areas. I just know how to get lost and make my way back. Head towards the sea line."

Nozomi was taken aback. "Wait, Tenmei, as in Kirigakure's Tenmei? She fought in the last Chuunin exams? And won? Wow, Kiri is a stronger village than I thought, to have won one year, and then had three semi finalists the next. And if I had fought Kaekio seriously, then perhaps I could have been the winner of..." Nozomi broke off. No. No point in dwelling over the past. Kaekio had won, and Nozomi wouldn't take that away from her. She had deserved it.

"I haven't met Tenmei, but I wanted to. I would have like some pointers about the exams, any hints or advice she could have given would have been cool. But I suppose those days are behind me. After all, I'm almost on my own. I'd heard that a long time ago, back when someone was promoted to Chuunin, they became a leader of their own, officially leaving the squad they had been assigned to as Genin. But I like it now. I like still being with Gin. It's nice. Even after I'm a jounin, or special jounin, I think I'll still consider myself part of Team Gin." Nozomi said wistfully, as she walked next to Nanashi.

"I mean, I'll probably have a squad of my own, if I don't decide to travel. Or I'll continue doing the academy teaching. But if I have a squad of genin with me, I might do some out of Kiri missions. To let them experience the world too, you know? I've been teaching genin basic skills and training them in my off time, teaching a course over at our training grounds. Some of them show promise, some of them don't. I have a new batch coming in a week. Can't wait to get to meet them. It's nice. I'm content."

WC: 453

Nanashi matched Nozomi’s grin with one of his own and chuckled at her remark before making one of his own “Yep. Talented enough that they should hand you the title of Sannin. “ Sometimes have passed since he openly joked with someone else, other than those who he grew up with or around. The feeling of joking with someone he barely knew, not having the chance to find out more about Nozomi after he saved her, was a refreshing and welcoming experience. A man who is clinically, not technically, known to have sociopathic tendencies and an aversion for conversation, only striking up a conversation in order to maintain a facade of normalcy around others.

Normalcy is something his life had lacked throughout its entirety. Who can say they grew up not only in a predominant female Geisha house, but also was a Geisha for an extended period of time? There ain't many who can say that their childhood was filled with activities that's in some cases a pedophiliac and a psychopath wet dream? Sex and violence and murder were two common occurrences in Nanashi’s childhood. Just as one breathe air, so was the aforementioned activities happening on nearly a daily basis. And Nanashi was exposed to this throughout his childhood and teenage years before leaving for Iwagakure no Sato.

The lack of normalcy, at least in the eyes of others and Nanashi when he witness the lives of those in town, caused him to develop a mask, mirroring the personality traits of those outside of the Geisha houses, blending them together till they formed the facade he wears today. However, if you wear something long enough then you will eventually become like it, and that apparently is the case for Nanashi. Some of the traits had leaked and messed with his original personality, changing it to something not resembling its former self. Was it good or bad? That has yet to be determined, leaving those who recognize the changing with bated breath.

“Yeah, she did. She fought against a Konoha nin, Taigen Kichirou. Even though there’s a lot of speculation on the well-being of Kichirou with some saying that he was poisoned before the match, it probably wouldn’t have mattered much for Tenmei was just too powerful and experience for a genin who only recently graduated from the academy. Indeed, Kirigakure is a strong village, probably the strongest if the Chuunin Exams gave any indication. “ placing a comforting hand on Nozomi’s shoulder, Nanashi spoke once more “The past is just that, the past. Dwell on it long enough to take wisdom from it and move forward with said wisdom.”

“Yep. Once you become Chuunin, you had opportunities to lead genin squads on low-rank missions when their Sensei wasn’t available at the time. I did my fair share of them during my tutelage under Iwa’s Head Medic, but not many due to my duty as a medic taking priority over everything else.. You are just like me, no matter what rank I am or what others say, I will always be a part of Team Jugo,”. The infamous of Team Jugo was known quite well in the past with their Jounin sensei, Jugo Tei, turning rogue, killing two of three students, with Nanashi being severely injured but the only one alive. The actions of Tei is still talked about till this day in Tsuchi no Kuni with some wondering what caused the woman to ‘snap’, and others believing it was just her Jugo mentality coming to fruition

As they walked, the docks were getting further and further way “That’s a good idea. Allow them to experience the world outside of Kirigakure. There is a whole world of different cultures out there waiting to be an experience. It will not only give them much-needed experience but also get them out of their comfort zone many genins have. Even though you are just a Chuunin, you have the makings of being an excellent Sensei. “, Nanashi spoke.

“There is no need for a grand tour. I’m only here till the ship leaves in a couple of hours. So, how about you take me to your favorite place to eat? I will pay?”, he asked, wanting to get to know more about the woman he saved.

---

724(3307)

Her smile faltered as Nanashi pointed out that he would have to leave soon, and wouldn't have time for a tour. That was really a shame, but it meant that she couldn't waster anymore of his time either, so she sighed and thought. Favorite place to eat? Nozomi pondered the question for a minute before lighting up. "I don't want you to pay, I've got money and I owe you for saving me still. Oh, I know this fantastic place not too far from here! Sea food of course, but it's my favorite by far. The sushi is to die for!" her smile faltered once again as she caught herself. "Urm, I mean, not that you're going to have to die for it..." she mumbled out, blushing slightly. She had been admonished in the past about using such exaggerations, and telling a shinobi they should die for food seemed a bit unprofessional. Still, she didn't think he'd mind too much, she was just covering her bases. She didn't want Nanashi to think ill of her in any regard. Besides her sensei, Gin, she didn't really have anyone she particularly looked up to other than him, since he was the one that had saved her life all those years ago. If he ever was disappointed with her....

Breaking that train of thought so as to not freak herself out, Nozomi took off at a jogging pace to the restaurant she was talking about before. It was a smaller one with less people who openly attended it, so there were usually seats openly available, and it wasn't far at all, only a few blocks away actually. The travel time was only about a minute or so.

Before the pair was a sign marked 'Codzilla: Huge Fish'. They were known for having large servings of whatever it was that was ordered, as one of the chefs there was a Hoshigaki who swam deep to get the bigger fish that evaded most fishermen. They prided themselves in serving only the biggest of fish, and their sushi rolls were easily twice as big as most. "Table for two!" she said, and they were led towards a seat almost immediately. With menus placed in front of them, Nanashi and Nozomi were left alone to figure out what they wanted. "Go ahead and order whatever. My treat, I can't thank you enough obviously." she said. She didn't need to look at the menu herself, she always ordered the same thing, and the servers already knew what she wanted. "I think everything they have here is fantastic, but my personal favorite is the Lobster, Crab, Shrimp sushi rolls. Huge shrimp, giant lobster bits, all topped with a fine crab meat. Plus, it's sushi!"

What she neglected to tell him was the cost of the meal, it was quite a hefty one, but she didn't mind. She had plenty of money from her missions, and didn't really have any real obligations to spend it on. Not that he was going to necessarily get that, but her favorite was of course the most expensive item on the list. There was plenty other of options to choose from.

Looking at Nanashi, Nozomi once again beamed her bright smile at him. She knew they didn't necessarily have a lot of time, but this hour or so would have to do. And it certainly wouldn't be the last time they'd meet either, she was sure of it. Next time, though, she might have already become a Special Jounin at the current rate of her growth. The thought was kind of scary to her, but also brought in a new realm of challenges for her to overcome.

WC: 617
TWC: 2407