A frigid wind blew throughout the village, the cloak of night causing the desert's usually scorching ambience to do an utter shift in the opposite direction. The various shops that lined most of the streets were dark and closed, the exception being the numerous "night-life" locations that either dotted different places about the village or filled some of more "main" districts. Though he was a peruser of some of these places, mainly the more red-light ones, Zaiaku was not out for such luxuries tonight. Wearing nothing but a bed-sheet over his usual clothing to keep him warm, he was walking down one of the more deserted streets in-order to avoid any attention. His face was contorted into an expression of deep thought, his brow furrowed and eyes looking straight ahead at nothing in particular.

His thoughts kept bring up about the idea of Aiden and how he was doing. It'd been a few days since the young man left for Iwagakure, leaving Zaiaku alone with himself (and his family). For the most part, they knew nothing of what happened. Both tried their best to act normal, playing off their newfound silence as them thinking about their duties. Despite their facades both Jinhue and Yorokubi seemed to know that something wasn't right. Neither confronted the duo, however, either out of respect or not knowing how to bring it up. Because of this, Zaiaku couldn't help but constantly think about the bathhouse incident and what Aiden had said. He let out a shakey sigh as he rubbed his hands together for warmth. It was nights like these he wished he knew katon.

As for where he was going, Zaiaku made the decision that he'd go to Kirigakure. To his family and the Administration he said it was for training and gaining experience, while to himself he constantly repeated that he needed this to clear his mind. It was quite a long way to the Mist Village, having to cross a good portion of the desert and then an ocean to get to it. Luckily he knew of a group of merchants that constantly moved about the nations, selling various things such as food, weapons, scroll, and jewelry. Zaiaku had met with them days prior and worked out a deal. Since they were heading to Kirigakure next, Zaiaku would pay them two times. One initially to ride with them to the coast and again upon entering the boat to get to Kirigakure.

Reaching down he groped at the sack of ryo which hanged from his belt. He made sure to bring extra for when he arrived in the village. After all, he didn't want to have to scrounge for ryo just so he can sleep in a bed rather than an alleyway. Looking up, he found himself at one of the village gates. He didn't really notice which at the moment, simply knowing that this was the rendezvous point. Before him was a long caravan, pulled by oxen rather than horses. Multiple people stood about, chitchatting in the cold while others were in the carts that were connected front to rear to each other.

Walking forward, he let out a grunt to signify his presence. With mere glances the traders simply nodded, one of them motioning to someone inside one of the carts to come out. Zaiaku reached inside his sack immediately, grabbing and fiddling about the right amount of ryo as the man emerged. He had tan skin and what seemed to be a derivative of a Fu Manchu. He wore an open vest, white pants, and cyan sash around his waist which held a scimitar. If memory served him, Zaiaku would believe that his name was Arechi. Both stood there in silence for a moment, neither saying a word. Even as Zaiaku's large hand revealed itself from his makeshift cloak with a lot of ryo.

His eyebrows rose as he saw the money and, upon taking it from his hand, Arechi silently counted it. Once done, he let out a simple nod and turned around back to his cart. With a large exhale Zaiaku began to follow until a familiar face came storming towards him. "You!" The young man said, his arm broken and eye still slightly bruised. "Do you know what you even did? My boss nearly killed me for that little stunt you did in the bathhouse!" A cold sweat ran down Zaiaku's brow as he realized that this was receptionist on the day he and Aiden went to the bathhouse.

"Sorry..." He said, trying to sound humble and not agitate the little man. He was honestly surprised he and Aiden weren't apprehended for the damage they caused. "Sorry? Sorry!? My pay got cut in half because of you! The only reason I didn't report you two was..." He tried to meet Zaiaku's eyes but simply couldn't, his eyes turning away each time. "Was....uh..." Zaiaku looked at the injured receptionist in confusion, unsure of what he was trying to get at until an idea popped into his head. "You're scare of me, aren't ya?" He asked with a sigh, figuring he shouldn't be surprised at such a revelation. The man's face looked in disbelief for a moment before shifting to look of anger. He didn't deny it, however. "Look man," Zaiaku started as he reluctantly pulled out and counted some ryo in his hand before giving it to the crippled worker. "just take this and pretend nothing happened, alright? We'll try not to fuck shit up next time." The man simply blinked, unsure of what to say or do aside from accepting the ryo and just awkwardly walking off.

"So much for havin' extra." Zaiaku said to himself as he made his way back to the caravan, not at all excited for the several day trip.

WC: 991/600
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