Shirayuri walked back to the center of Kirigakure. There was a fantastic ramen shop downtown that she frequented after her auditing sessions. Food always tasted better after one's spiritual needs were taken care of. Except Shirayuri wasn't really here after religious business but rather shinobi business, or something close to it. She had met and spoken to the Mizukage who had decided to train her. The goth had also met a young man who was eager to prove himself. He seemed friendly enough and Shirayuri figured it would be nice to get to know him over some food. The ramen shop was quite typical with a serving front with stools and a workplace for the chefs. Shirayuri sat down and ordered an vegetarian ramen. It wasn't like she had something against eating meat but the Time of Arraignment was near. The Church had decreed that during this special period no member of the Church could eat meat in addition to a host of rules. The Time of Arraignment was not due to be celebrated for several more weeks but the various priests and priestesses within the Church were known to begin adhering to the restrictions far earlier. The Time of Arraignment was a mourning period as it called on the faithful to meditate on the fall of humanity and its descent into vice.

It was a glum period and it would keep Shirayuri busy but for now she figured she could place her studies as a ninja first. She patiently waited for her new companion to sit next to her and make his order. Then she'd ask him a question:

"So when did you graduate from the Academy?" she hoped it wasn't too rude and blunt. The last thing she wanted to do was accidentally insult him by implying she thought him a recent graduate. She was more interested in seeing if he knew any of her siblings.

Sukoshi arrived in the centre of Kirigakure and followed his new found friend into a quaint ramen shop. His first impression of Shirayuri was that she was reserved and quiet but that was the part Sukoshi liked most. He hoped that by speaking and getting to know her that maybe some of that will rub off onto him. Sukoshi knew he didn't have a filter from his brain to his mouth, he also knew that this could land him into some hot water when being a shinobi. Also in the back of Sukoshi's mind was the thought about the new corporation he had just joined. It was only new but he felt that they had the ideals that he wanted to uphold as a shinobi, his mind quickly flashed an image of his new Iron Falls jacket that he had placed neatly on his bed before travelling that day.

Quickly snapping out of his daze, he watched the beautiful kunoichi be seated and order a vegetarian ramen before asking him when he graduated from the academy. Sukoshi sat in the seat next to Shirayuri impressed at her choice of ramen and also relieved he didn't have to smell meat. He also ordered a vegetarian ramen then turned to face Shirayuri.

"I've been out of the academy for only a short time. I lack an attention span when it comes to being in a classroom. But seeing all my classmates graduate and me stay behind still being the same class clown really drove me to graduate this year." Sukoshi admitted feeling slightly embarrassed at confessing that to Shirayuri. "How long have you been out of the academy for? By the way I'm really impressed by your choice in ramen it pains my heart so much knowing that the meat in things could of been one of my friends from the forests around here."

Shirayuri listened to Sukoshi as he mentioned that he was a bit of a class clown. She did not judge him from his proclivities regarding learning and knowledge. Everyone needed different amounts of motivation to achieve their highest potential and so she didn't think there was any reason for him to be ashamed. Shirayuri placed a hand on their shoulder and spoke to him with the same sincerity she would a member of her flock:


"Its okay everyone works at their own pace."


When he asked how long ago she had graduated now it was Shirayuri's turn to be embarrassed. She removed her hand from his shoulder and started eating her ramen. The young girl didn't look directly at him. He mentioned that he was pleased that she wasn't eating meat. She didn't have the heart to tell him that today was an exception. Normally she had no problem eating meat but due to observing certain religious rules she wasn't eating it at the moment. Either way the odd silence had to come to an end and so after slurping a few noodles, Shirayuri turned towards her companion with a red face and mumbled:

"Six years......"

The truth was that Shirayuri was a brilliant kunoichi. She had graduated the academy at the age of ten but she had been complacent for so long that she remained as a genin for six long years. It was a source of embarrassment for her as she wanted no part in the violence, pressure, and responsibility that came with advancing in the ninja world. Her Church was in the process of motivating her but if there was anything she had learned from the Mizukage it was that the drive had to come from within.

Hearing Shirayuri say those few words and a simple touch made Sukoshi feel something he only ever felt with animals, he didn't know whether it was acceptance he felt or something else but he couldn't help but smile. But he noticed that when it came to answering his question about leaving the academy she seemed to close up for a second, taking her hand from his shoulder then came a mumbled six years  from the young kunoichi. Sukoshi could clearly see that it caused Shirayuri some embarrassment very much like how he felt about his years in the academy. So quickly he gently grabbed Shirayuri's hand and placed it back on his shoulder and wrapped his arm around her waist for a quick embrace before looking at her and replying. "Like you said everyone works at their own pace and everything happens for a reason. Before the death of my parents my mother used to tell me that the best fruits always fall last, I never really got what she meant by that but I know that she wanted me to feel better about always being last at school. Maybe you could get better use of it?"

Sukoshi smiled hoping that he could at least make Shirayuri feel somewhat better. But he knew that dwelling on things like this never end well, if anything effect the future negatively. He took his arm from around her waist and started eating his ramen again when it dawned on him what could make Shirayuri feel better. "Hey I know that it may not be the best time but I was thinking after we finish chatting and having lunch would you like to maybe have a friendly spar? To be absolutely honest, and this stays between me and you, but I'm terrified at the thought that my first fight will be against an enemy shinobi that might possibly kill me and I haven't really got anyone to do it with that isn't walking on all fours." Sukoshi let out a nervous laugh suddenly realizing what he was admitting to someone. "What I'm trying to say is it would be nice to have someone I know in my corner and I'm sure another one in your's wouldn't be a bad thing."

Telling someone that he was actually scared let alone terrified was something very rare with Sukoshi he never let anyone know that but there was something different about Shirayuri something he couldn't put his finger on yet but he felt as though he could tell her anything without judgement being cast. He continued to eat his ramen giving Shirayuri some time to think.

Shirayuri was startled by the sudden move of physical affection. It wasn't that she disliked being hugged and comforted but she never expected it to come from someone outside of the Church. As an auditor, she worked with many of the faithful and all of them were extremely thankful of her service as a priestess yet outside of that role most people overlooked her. They assumed because of her silent and sullen nature that she was either haughty or anti-social and so this was the first time she experienced affection from a non-believer in quite some time. The shy girl blushed and was comforted by Sukoshi's kind words. Apparently he had lost his parents but before that they had parted a significant piece of wisdom to him. There was a lot of truth in the lesson as often the greatest geniuses took the longest to blossom. The Church of Latter Day Rising Mist taught that patience was of the highest virtues born of a sound mind. It was great to hear her religious truths echoed by someone of a different background than her.

"Thanks...I'm sorry about your parents. I'm sure they would be proud of you"

Loss and grief were painful emotions and Shirayuri spent a significant amount of time healing such trauma. She wanted to invite Sukoshi to Church but that would be a bit too forward. For the time being she would merely express her gratitude and continue eating her meal. Sukoshi then suggested that they have a friendly spar so as to sharpen their skills. Shirayuri could use some allies outside of the Church and figured it would be a wonderful opportunity to try out some new strategies. He was candid with Shirayuri in that he wasn't particularly strong or a seasoned warrior which was fine because neither was she. She ate her meal and replied with a warm smile:

"That sounds like a wonderful! I could use some practice as well, I haven't really honed my skills so you don't have too much to worry about"

Shirayuri had always preferred reading and studying to direct combat but she could not deny that lately the desire to be a superior shinobi was boiling in her spirit. It was probably the Osada Clan genes kicking in.

Sukoshi listened as Shirayuri thanked him and showed her sympathies towards his late parents, he couldn't help but notice the beautiful kunoichi blush during their quick embrase which made Sukoshi start to get butterflies in his tummy. His mind quickly flashed back to memories of his parents upon mention of them and Shirayuri's reassurance that his parents would be proud of him made Sukoshi start to tear up a little and smile at the same time. He was always striving to impress them with his summoning skills and even though he showed great potential in summoning he could never seem to be able to find a summon species to sign a contract with. He thought it's funny how life works like that as soon as your purpose is gone your goal is met considering recently he had signed a contract with the lions. He quickly wiped his eyes as Shirayuri continued talking taking Sukoshi up on his offer to have a friendly spar admitting that she too could do with the practice and reassuring him that they were on par with combat skill. This made him feel better knowing that he was not alone, confirming that he wasn't the only one on genin level that wasn't completely honed yet. "Thank you that really means a lot to me. They were pretty chill people so even if I was a complete and utter failure they would still think I was stronger then the Mizukage. No one could ever be better then their little beast could be where I picked up my attitude from." Sukoshi nervously laughed. "And I'm sure your a fine kunoichi I can sense it and when we are both Jounin we can look back at this little spar and laugh maybe even give rememberance of it with another spar to see how far we have both advanced?"

Sukoshi continued to eat from his almost empty bowl, he could feel the excitement start to swim through his body as he neared the end of his bowl. But he wanted to get to know Shirayuri more before they started, he wanted to know what motivated her, her background, goals and ambitions but he didn't want to over flood her with questions. He found it hard to put trust into people after the surrounding circumstances with the death of his parents but he felt he could trust Shirayuri, it was just a gut instinct but his mind wouldn't be satisfied until he heard the answers to the questions. So after a final spoon of broth he stopped eating and turned to Shirayuri. "So tell me a little about yourself." Sukoshi said brightly while smiling at the young kunoichi. "Do you have any family in Kirigakure?"

It was nice having supportive parents. Shirayuri received a lot of love from her family but it was usually attached with high expectations. They also weren't thrilled that their eldest daughter had joined what they viewed as a cult. She tried not to let that thought bother her and she merely smiled and nodded as Sukoshi talked about then sparring in the future. It was a pleasant thought but she knew that it would take a lot of work to reach that level of strength. However, by the grace of the Mizukage's training that day may come a bit sooner than expected.

"Yeah I'd like that. Our students might even be rivals"

When he asked about her family she assumed he had never heard of the Osada Clan. Shirayuri slurped some noodles while nodding her head. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin and answered verbally in the affirmative:

"Yes. I have two older brothers, a young brother and a younger sister. My parents are pretty strict since we're all part of the Osada Clan but they're good people. I don't see my older brothers as much as I used to since they're busy on missions and taking care of my younger siblings can be a pain. Its a lot of responsibility but I wouldn't have it any other way"

Shirayuri really meant it to. The Church was awesome but her family was hers and would always be hers. She wouldn't trade them for the world and since Sukoshi lost his own parents she couldn't help but feel thankful that she had yet to witness a death in her immediate family.

He listened as Shirayuri suggested that possibly even their students could be rivals at a later date, he couldn't even imagine himself being good enough to teach others but it was an exciting concept to think about. He wondered to himself what type of sensai he would be and what amazing signiture jutsu he would have in the future. The kunoichi continued explaining that she had some older and younger siblings and that she was part of the Osada Clan and it suddenly dawned on him. He knew he had heard that name somewhere before remembering back to what the Mizukage had told him, was maybe this future Sannin Sero Osada related to Shirayuri? "I've heard a little about the Osada Clan they possess the Boil Release technique correct? You have a pretty noble bloodline running through your veins. Is it possible that you are related to the Sero the Mizukage was speaking of? " Sukoshi asked pondering whether or not this was the reason Lady Mizukage suggested Sero in the first place. "I've always wondered what the Boil Release technique looked like I guess I get front row seats for my first time viewing."

Sukoshi respected that Shirayuri took on a lot of responsibilities with her family but it wasn't only that but the fact that she seemed to enjoy it and wouldn't change a thing spoke greatly about her character and level of matureness. It made him somewhat jealous that he couldn't seem to grasp the concept of growing up, it seemed foriegn for him to act in such a responsible way. He would sometimes spend all night laying in bed worrying whether or not he would ever be able to be responsible or mature. Yet it was a double ended sword because on the other hand he didn't want to waste what little time he had on this earth being conformed into how he should behave. He knew the real truth and that was that death lurks around every corner, especially when you least expect it. Sukoshi wanted to have fun all the time the only reason he didn't was because the urge to be a hero and someone people looked up to made him slot in times for respectable behaviour. "Also this really interests me about other shinobi but what is you nindo your ninja way? I believe that if you truly are going to be successful as a shinobi you must hold onto your nindo no matter what others say about it but it also tells me a lot about the person themselves and whether they stick to it as they progress through the ranks."

Shirayuri hadn't met Sero personally but the name sounded familiar. The Osada Clan was pretty large and she was much more focused on attending to the needs of her immediate family. Although Shirayuri did not doubt that many in the Clan knew who she was due to her close affiliation with the Church of Latter Day Rising Mist. She considered the name for awhile before delivering her answer:

"Sero...It sounds familiar. I've never met him personally though. But if he's an Osada you can rest assured he's a hard worker". Shirayuri was surprised that Sukoshi assumed she had mastered the bloodline but unfortunately it was not so. "My skills with Boil Release are rudimentary at best, I have a long way to go. I avoid using it because it can cause permanent damage to someone and I'm much rather end a fight with as little harm as possible. That's why I specialize in Genjutsu"

It was then that Sukoshi brought up the subject of the Nindo or Ninja Way. Each shinobi tended to have a Nindo that governed their actions as a warrior and it was assumed that most genin had their own even at such a young age. Shirayuri had spoken to Ayakashi in the Bloody Cemetery about this exact subject. Ayakashi mentioned that it was not enough to fight to preserve and protect the Church as it was just a physical institution. Her faith and the principles of her religion were not so immediately extinguished so it was better to fight for that which could not be destroyed so easily. Shirayuri considered Sukoshi's question and gave a truthful answer:

"My Nindo is to always fight for and protect the Church of Latter Day Rising Mist. I will preserve it not only as an institution but its teachings and principles from this day until my last day. I will heal the minds of the sick and enlighten the lost so that they can ascend to reach their maximum potential. I will fight for peace, mental wellness, and the unlimited progression of the human spirit"

Shirayuri had a soft voice but even so Sukoshi would likely be able to hear the resolve in her voice. She was fierce in her devotion to the five tenets of faith that made up the religious espoused by the Church. Shirayuri was curious as to what Sukoshi's Nindo was and she asked not only out of politeness but genuine wonder.

"What's your Nindo?"

Sukoshi felt slightly embarrassed as Shirayuri explained that she heard of the name but has never met Sero, realizing in that moment that the Osada Clan was quite a big one in Kirigakure. She went on further to explain that she had not yet mastered the Boil Technique yet and in general tries to avoid using it as not to injury the opponent too critically. It was refreshing to Sukoshi to met a kind and nuturing shinobi like Shirayuri and he respected the fact that she did her best to not cause any permanent damage during battle, even if that concept was hard to grasp for him. In his mind it was hard to fathom why you would show mercy to someone who would cut your throat the first chance they had. This made Sukoshi feel two overwhelming emotions at once, one was a sinking feeling in his gut thinking of what may happen to Shirayuri in the battlefield if she were to show mercy to an opponent and the other an overpowering feeling to protect the beautiful kunoichi.

He looked up and shot her a smile and quickly looked away as he listened to Shirayuri explain her nindo than asked what Sukoshi's nindo was. He had overheard the most part of her nindo when she explained it to the Mizukage earlier that day and was happy to hear that it matched what she had told the Lady Ayakashi. Remembering not exact words but more so a reaction the Mizukage had to Shirayuri's nindo he didn't quite understand why it was not a good enough nindo. Thinking to himself that his was quite similar. But he wasn't going to second guess the Mizukage judgement she had wisdom far beyond anything he could imagine. By the tone that Shirayuri had in her voice he knew this was something of great importance to her and wasn't going to say anything that would shun her beliefs. "I admire your kind nature Shirayuri I'm just concerned about people taking advantage of that. Never ignore a gut feeling. Your nindo is a very noble one I would expect no less from a kunoichi like you." a massive grin spread across his face as he gave Shirayuri a thumbs up and continued. "I have a confession, I actually overheard some of your nindo from when you were speaking to Lady Mizukage and was seeing if you would tell me the same. I don't want you to see this as a sign of mistrust I've just never really trusted the human race. From past experiences I've found that people are only who they want to show you. This proves that you are like me and have no masks to hide in the shadows."

He paused for a moment, his face turning slightly red hoping that Shirayuri did not take offence to anything he had just admitted. Sukoshi then looked up and continued. "My nindo is to become a hero of Mizagakure. I want people to recognise me and want to be around me. I want to be someone with great power because with power I can defend the things I truly love in this world. I also want to become one with my summons and to become a Crow Sage. I want people to feel safe in my presence but I honestly don't want to become to Mizukage. Too much responsibilty for me." Sukoshi nervously laughed.

He was never embarrassed about telling people his nindo it was something he was proud of, something that made him get out of bed everyday and nothing anyone could say would change his mind about it. Some may of seen it as pig headedness but Sukoshi saw it as integrity to a promise he made to himself. Much similar to what he assumed Shirayuri did with her nindo. "How are you liking the ramen?" Sukoshi asked making some small talk thinking that maybe Shirayuri might feel a little intruded upon if asked too many questions of a personal nature.

(I'm so sorry, I've been mustering up to post for awhile now.)

Shirayuri wasn't surprised that Sukoshi had been listening in on her conversation with the Mizukage. She was glad that someone was on her side in the sense that he also wanted to be a hero of the village. Someone that people could look up to and was there in times of need. Shirayuri decided that he would make an excellent addition to the Church but she didn't want to be pushy as far as recruiting went. He mentioned he didn't want to be Mizukage because of the responsibility and she gave a small laugh in response.

"Hahah, I agree I don't know how Mizukage Ayakashi does it"

It was nice that someone shared her opinion on the subject of responsibility and virtue. Shirayuri was always happy to help but she was wary of taking on more than she could chew. Then again, since she had become a Priestess she learned that the human mind was a powerful thing. What may seem like a burden now could be just what the doctor ordered in the future. Shirayuri tried not to rule anything out but huge titles like High Shepherd or military ranks like Saanin were too much to bear for the moment. When Sukoshi asked about the ramen she replied

"Its pretty good, I think I'll eat here a lot more often"

The bowl was almost finished. She had learned from a young age that a lady never cleaned her plate completely. The Osada Clan was a traditional family and so she had been habituated to carry on its tradition. She was wanted to finish it off but she was restrained by years of etiquette training.

As the Shirayuri replied Sukoshi couldn't help but realise a look of longing on the teens face as she looked into her close to empty bowl. "I agree it was very good!" Sukoshi agreed rubbing his satisfied belly.

The excitement was starting to build inside of Sukoshi as the waiter came by inquiring if they were done with their bowls. He passed his bowl to the waiter and looked at Shirayuri, "So are you ready to begin our spar?" Sukoshi grinned. "From what you told me this should be a pretty even match, almost a stale mate. Perfect for our first matches against other shinobi."

Despite the fact he knew he was safe and nothing was going to seriously hurt him, he couldn't help but still have  butterflies in the pit of his stomach. He only really knew the jutsu he learnt at the academy but he had one advantage up his sleeve. If it wasn't for this fact he wouldn't feel so confident about the spar. He reached over and grabbed some napkins from the dispencer, scrunching them up into a ball he wipped his mouth and started licking his fingers. Before remembering he was in the company of a lady. A particulary beautiful one as well. He quickly wipes his hands on the napkin and smiled at Shirayuri. Sukoshi stood up and gestured to see if Shirayuri wanted a hand to stand up.

Sukoshi's parents always made sure that he was always courteous and polite to everybody around him. As of late he had thrown everything they had taught him out the window in a rebellious phase he was going through but when it came to Shirayuri he had seemed to of found them again. Sukoshi just summed it up to be her being beautiful and his hormones being through the roof but he wasn't completely one hundred percent on that being the case. "If you are ready to leave you can choose the location of our spar." Sukoshi offered with a warm smile, hand outstretched towards Shirayuri."How are you feeling about the spar?"

(I'm going to pick up the posting I swear >.< )

Shirayuri allowed the waiter to take her bowl and she contemplated if she was ready for a spar. She was humble and wasn't ashamed of losing but at the same time she didn't want the Church to be perceived as weak. She giggled a bit as he made a show of wiping his hands in a more gentlemanly fashion than most patrons of a ramen stand. She could tell that he fancied her a bit but as a Priestess it wasn't proper for her to relish being the object of someone's affections and in all honesty she felt little in the way of romance. Shirayuri stood and thanked the shop owners for the mood.

"I know just the place for a good spar" She said with a smile. "Its going to be fun" she added. And with that Shirayuri led the way to where they would spar.