Don't lose her again, romance, talk to her; these were all things he wanted and things he feared. Kenji knew that Ooame and his "politics" would never let her live; he seemed nice on the outside, but when it came to the clan and their reputation he was as ruthless as wild animal. Kenji took a knee to regain himself after such an unusual exchange; Kenji wanted to fight someone, preferably Bokuden. He had gotten too sentimental and he wanted badly to reverse the ambiance. But he knew that would appear childish and irrational. Kenji unsheathed his katana and laid it beside him. "Thank you, Misoka and Bokuden for your understanding." Kenji cleared his throat, "Anyway, what's this I hear about a tournament? That's all people have been talking about." The tournament that was being raved about interested Kenji and he was wondering if he could enter it.

Misoka agreed with Bokuden, encouraging Kenji to go and speak to this girl himself before involving his clan. After she finished speaking however, Bokuden noticed the expression on her face change. They sat in silence for a few moments as Misoka's mind seemed to wander towards something else, something concerning. Bokuden stepped towards Misoka who was standing in front of him, between he and Kenji, and placed his hand on her shoulder as she seemed to come to. "You okay?" Bokuden asked her, raising an eyebrow out of curiosity.


Kenji seemed to respond well to their words, thanking them for their understanding and taking a knee. He then drew his sword and laid it at his side, a gesture that Bokuden found curious, before proceeding to ask about the tournament. Bokuden paused for a second, forgetting that Kenji did not actually grow up in the village. Still, he was surprised that Kenji was unfamiliar with the Ryuzoji clan's annual kenjutsu tourney. "It's nothing you need concern yourself with. It would be best if you avoided it all together, it won't bring you anything but problems."

She hadn't expected anyone to notice her short mood change, but Bokuden was more sensitive than she gave him credit for. As he laid a hand on her shoulder, Misoka flinched out of surprise, being pushed back to present-time. "Y-Yeah, I was just in thought." She couldn't look him in the eyes, worrying that he might see her secrets spread across her face. Of course this was ridiculous.
But still, how good that she chose to let these thoughts go for now. They didn't exactly provide her with positive feelings. She swallowed, regained her smile and finally met Bokuden's gaze. "Thank you."

Then she looked back to Kenji, glad he appreciated their advice. When he asked about the tournament, Misoka was confused he didn't know the details. Wasn't he a Kumo-nin as well?
Bokuden answered him, but to her surprise, he described it as a waste of time.
Hoping he wouldn't be mad at her, she dared to ask,"Is it true that your clan is hosting the tournament? Jishin said something like that... At least participants gain a spot in the finals if they defeat you."

Before Kenji spoke Misoka seemed to be in a trance; Kenji was prone to drifting off so he didn't make much of it, but giving the context was what made it quite interesting. Kenji was too caught in getting the attention off of himself so he flung out the question about the tournament and when he did Misoka after being consoled by Bokuden was back on earth. Bokuden advised Kenji to stay away from the tournament; Kenji didn't mind, he didn't care too much for spectacles unless he was involved. And had too much on his mind, and too much to do to bless the tournament with his presence. The blue haired ninja was confident that his skills in whatever type of competition it was surpassed anyone that was in it.

Then Misoka said, "Is it true that your clan is hosting the tournament? Jishin said something like that... At least participants gain a spot in the finals if they defeat you." A grin came onto his face; Kenji knew that his clan was skilled in Kenjutsu and possessed a natural affinity for Lightning; he had gathered that much from his clan leader that is in frequent communication with the Raikage. But, even Ooame notified him that other than that not much is known about the source of their abilities. All Ooame knew or could tell him is that their sensory abilities far surpasses the ability of the Chikara Amulet. "That wasn't sound Kenji thought." Kenji had an idea, he wanted to know to what extent this guy could "sense". Kenji wouldn't make a sound... that damn wolf. Now that Bokuden had a personal bodyguard he would never be able to find out the mechanism behind his sensing. Kenji would stick with super sensitive hearing for now. As he sulked on the ground under the shade of the tree he awaited Bokuden's response to Misoka's question.

Misoka turned to Bokuden and inquired further about his clan's involvement and his own in particular, much to Bokuden's chagrin. He pulled his hand back from her shoulder and turned his head away from her gaze, thinking of how he could possibly explain what this whole thing was about without revealing too much information. "Yes, this tournament is held by the Ryuzoji clan every year. About my involvement, it's complicated. But it is true that my defeat is essentially instant clearance into the final round of competition. However engagements involving me are far less... civilized. As far as the tournament itself, it is thrown by my clan as a means for swordsmen from all over to test their mettle against the best. It was once a small affair, with invitations being extended only to the most talented of warriors, but has since expanded to be an open competition. With that expansion came the week long festival that now accompanies the tournament that draws these crowds. But once again, I strongly suggest you not concern yourself with the tournament itself." It was now Bokuden who was avoiding Misoka's gaze. There was far more to this event then either of them realized and even an utterance of the true intentions of the tournament would put Misoka at great risk. She already had one clan to worry about, as did Kenji apparently, but Bokuden could make sure she was safe from them in Kumo. He could make no such boast if it was his clan that now targeted either of them.

Bokuden clearly felt uncomfortable talking about that subject. While it might very well be cruel to allow death matches against the Ryuzoji members, the tournament itself didn't seem objectionable. If she was a Kenjutsu user, she would definitely appreciate the chance to test her skills there. Why did Bokuden disapprove of it that much?
Misoka regarded him thoughtfully, but then again she didn't want to jump to conclusions.
So she only threw a glance at Kenji's sword and said,"Aw, what a shame.. you wanted to participate, didn't you? But Bokuden probably knows what he's talking about." Misoka paused for a moment before turning her gaze on Bokuden,"The reason why you disapprove... is it because the tournament is more dangerous than it looks like?"
She already knew that it could end in death for Ryuzoji members, but what about the regular participants? It wasn't uncommon that you often had to face the chance of dying in shinobi tournaments, but could it be that the chance was higher in that competition?
Other than that, she couldn't think of a reason why Bokuden was against it.

Kenji also leaped out of his sitting position at Misoka's words, "Aw, what a shame.. you wanted to participate, didn't you? But Bokuden probably knows what he's talking about." He composed himself and decided to let the incenuation that he wanted anything to do with a tournament associated with Bokuden go. "It's best if I didn't participate; not only do I not have the time but I don't have the tissues for the tears and blood that would come at the expense of losing to me." Kenji said in a smug tone; denouncing any beliefs that he wanted to be in such a trivial event. Kenji would hear if Bokuden responded to the question Misoka posed.

Kenji stood up and walked away from the tree with his katana sheathed; he took out a pad and began to jot down things, which was his intention for coming here in the first place. He stood there for a while before retreating back to the shade. He made sure to list the general ideas of the topics he wanted to write about so it would trigger the rest of his ideas later on when he had more privacy. When he returned he was sure if Bokuden had answered Misoka he would've done so by now. He was in deep thought and was not able to make out anything that was going on as he assumed he would be able to. Kenji pulled out two granola bars twice the size of the one Bokuden knocked out of his hand earlier. These treats were coated in a rich layer of chocolate with a fusion of strawberry and blueberry at its core. "Want one?" He looked at Misoka and Bokuden

"The reason why you disapprove... is it because the tournament is more dangerous than it looks like?" Misoke asked. It appeared that she wasn't just going to let the subject go. Kenji made another foolish comment which Bokuden chose to ignorent it was more convenient for Bokuden to keep Kenji ignorant anyway. Bokuden finally turned back to face Misoka and answer her question, "More so then you could possibly imagine." Bokuden's voice was cold and foreboding as he spoke, his gaze unwavering and stern. Kenji began making some noise off to the side, but Bokuden never looked away from Misoka. The stern look in his eyes faded to one showing distinctly more concern. He hoped that his last comment would be enough to dissuade her from prying further.

Bokuden's unwavering gaze along with the cold undertone in his voice was enough to make Misoka nervous. The heck...? She let her gaze drop, slightly flustered.
She wasn't stupid so of course she got the message. Bokuden only confirmed her assumptions: The tournament was dangerous, in what way he wouldn't tell her, though. Still, Misoka kept the information she had gathered so far in mind. She knew that the tournament was closely linked to Bokuden's clan - could it be that Bokuden didn't like his family? Well, she could very much relate to that.
"I'm sorry. It is none of my concern," she apologized, throwing a side-glance at his stern expression. "This was impolite of me."
Although her apology was sincere, Misoka's curiousness had not yet subsided. Part of her now felt even more tempted to see the tournament and form her own opinion. But no way she would tell Bokuden about this.

It was then that Kenji bumped in, offering them two of his granola bars. As Misoka lay eyes on one of the snacks, she could no longer deny the hunger flaming up inside her. She hadn't eaten anything today so Kenji was like a lifesaver in that very moment.
"Oh, yes please," the girl replied in the calmest voice she could muster. "Thank you."
Carefully, she took one of the granola bars and tore the wrapping off it before taking a bite.
..Delicious.

Kenji's closed his eyes with a slight smile on his face as she took one of the granola bars. "The girls love granola bars" He thought to himself. He unwrapped the other and began to eat it. He was only able to endure two bites before he succumbed to the delightful mixture of flavors. Kenji made no noise but his face couldn't hide his satisfaction with the snack. Kenji didn't hear anything of what Bokuden said in response to Misoka's question, and couldn't care less. It seemed if his answer "scared" Misoka. Bokuden was staring at Misoka before she walked over and accepted Kenji's offer.

Bokuden was aware of his vast stash of granola bars and if he wanted a meal supplement... Kenji had just the granola bar for him...O_O "Coconut Raisin". Kenji doubted that Bokuden would ever make such a request; plus he usually had some food of his own. Kenji finished his granola bar; and directed a rather personal question towards Misoka. "So, Misoka, I can't imagine... a beautiful girl like you, without a significant other, either here or from your home village. Guys are probably cutting each others heads off just to hold your hand." Kenji didn't mean to pry, so he presented the question playfully so she wanted feel embarrassed. He wasn't trying to interrogate, a simple "yes" or "no" would suffice. Kenji didn't necessarily have any intention on asking her out, but he was just curious, "I apologize if the question is inappropriate or offensive." Kenji said as he tilted his head slightly forward.

Misoka apologized to Bokuden, flustered by the sudden seriousness of his reaction. Bokuden felt bad that he reacted so harshly, but he had to bring the topic to a close. Misoka reached over to Kenji and accepted his offer of a granola bar. Kenji then felt it necessary to ask a rather personal question "So, Misoka, I can't imagine... a beautiful girl like you, without a significant other, either here or from your home village. Guys are probably cutting each others heads off just to hold your hand." Bokuden raised an eyebrow at the comment, it was the type of thing that Bokuden normally wouldn't give a second thought. It was perfectly understandable that Kenji would show interest in Misoka, after all Bokuden did. Besides, Misoka was free to do whatever she wished. It shouldn't have concerned him at all... right? Bokuden said nothing about the comment and looked away from the two, listening for her answer and pretending not to be interested.

Satomi sat herself down in the shade and responded to Kenji's question. "Don't be shy Kenji. When has something being inappropriate ever stopped you before. It certainly didn't earlier," Satomi mused in a sarcastic tone. Best. Partner. Ever. Bokuden thought to himself as a grin formed in his face, out of the view of Misoka and Kenji.

Kenji's question had completely taken her by surprise - after the talk about the tournament, this seemed quite far-fetched. "Oh..haha..well.." Her cheeks flashed red. "There have been guys who were interested, I suppose..But to tell the truth, I've never had a boyfriend before." She thought back to her former team mate's love confession, his shy attempt to kiss her and how she had rejected him so quickly. Back then, her fear of men used to keep her away from any love relationships or serious feelings on her side. She almost felt sorry for all the boys who had fallen for her in the past, trying so hard to lure her out of her shell.
Now things were different.
She feigned a laugh and said in a joking voice,"Well, it's not like I have a choice. My clan is very possessive of its female members."
Misoka wasn't sure if they would suspect truth in her joke, but she felt better not telling lies. Furthermore, she didn't want to raise Kenji's hopes in case he had asked for a specific reason (and of course he had Latika!). No-one deserved to get dragged into her clan issues.

Kenji's curiosity about Misoka's love life was quenched and he learned that she never had a boyfriend. Her clan was supposedly very possessive of its female members; Kenji did not feel the moment was right to inquire about why her clan was the way it was. Kenji began to think about his romantic endeavors, he never really recovered from "losing" Latika. When she "died" he avoided intimacy all together; but he had encountered quite a few girls recently that showed interest and he was considering treading in unknown waters. But now that Latika was back he didn't have a clue what he wanted.

Misoka seemed like a nice girl, but also quite timid. Kenji had many questions he wanted to ask, but they had just met and he wanted their relationship to unfold gradually and didn't want to seem too pushy. "Well, I've heard crazier reasons for girls not having romantic relationships. Like, one girl had an extra toe; to me... that's not a reason for you to not date a girl. And one girl from the farm I grew up on was the prettiest girl I'd ever seen; turned out she had a mole the size of an apple on her back." Kenji displayed the approximate size with his right hand. Kenji shook his head at how shallow some people could be. "Some people can be so shallow. But I have to ask; do you have an eleventh toe or a giant mole?" Kenji let a small smile surface while leaning forward as the question was obviously a joke; an effort to alleviate any awkwardness or tension. It appeared all three of them had things about them or their history that they didn't want people to know about; or at least hesitant to tell people about.

Bokuden was surprised when he learned that Misoka had never had a boyfriend, it almost seemed like an impossibility. Surely there were plenty who tried, did none of them interest her at all? Or was it perhaps something more than that? What Misoka said next however, was more curious still, "Well, it's not like I have a choice. My clan is very possessive of its female members." Bokuden immediately turned to face Misoka when she said that. She might have convinced Kenji with that remark, but her laughter couldn't hide the intent behind those words from Bokuden. There was a distinct difference in the smile of someone who was happy and one who was feigning happiness to appease the crowd. Bokuden immediately recognized that difference when Misoka spoke. Those words might have been true, but that laugh was a cover up.

As Bokuden processed what she said, he began to piece together what he knew about her in his mind. The reason she was travelling alone like this, or at least his hypothesis as to why she was, became clear. There was a look of sadness in Bokuden's eyes as he looked up to lock eyes with Misoka. "Possessive of its female members... so that's it, huh?" Bokuden muttered to himself in almost a whisper. He did not mean to say it out loud and upon realizing he had, he immediately began hoping that no one else heard him. He was sure at least that Kenji didn't, he had immediately began going on about... girls with extra toes and giant moles? The comments were obviously made in jest. They weren't particularly funny as much as they were bizzare, but Bokuden was happy to have something taking the attention away from him at the moment.

Kenji went on talking about extra toes and moles while Misoka kept the half-smile glued on her face. To tell the truth, Kenji's joke wasn't exactly funny, more grotesque really to imagine the extraordinary 'flaws' of girls he had dated before. Come on, an extra toe? Still, she was glad Kenji made an effort to keep the light mood and he didn't seem to suspect anything of what she went through in reality.
As her mind wandered for a moment and she didn't pay as much attention to Kenji's words, another whispered sentence came to her ears.
She turned her head, looking straight at Bokuden with a half concerned, half surprised expression. Did he have an idea of her true reasons for coming here? She quickly regained her innocent smile, turning to Kenji again to answer.
"I don't, at least none I know of." A brief chuckle, but she didn't even feel like laughing. Most of the Karisumas were flawless with porcellaine skin and bright eye and hair color. In her clan, beauty was nothing special - quite the contrary, beauty was one of their main goals. Sometimes Misoka felt like an animal, specifically bred for appearance. "But I agree. There is always more to a person than meets the eye."

The joke failed miserably; he wasn’t surprised. It wasn’t his best effort but the thought seemed to be appreciated. Anyway, Kenji had done what he wanted to do, yes he planned to stay after completing his notes to relax; but the current atmosphere didn’t lend itself to such. With everything on his person that he had on when he came, Kenji was ready to exit the exotic and mysterious area of The Durian Tree.  “Well, I’ll spare you guys of anymore peculiar rants because I have several. Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you Misoka; I hope you continue to enjoy your time here and I hope to see you around.” Kenji then slowly and painfully turned to face Bokuden, “Bokuden. Satomi. I’m sure our paths will find a way to cross.” With his hands in his pockets he left Durian Tree.

[EXIT THREAD]

Apparently dissatisfied with the reaction to his joke, Kenji decided it was time to depart from the group. He politely said his farewells to Misoka before reluctantly turning to Bokuden and forcing out as polite as a goodbye as he could and then he was off.

"I'll be heading off as well," Satomi yelled out as she began to walk away, "I'm heading back to the house to get some food."

"Alright, I'll see you there later," Bokuden responded as Satomi exited the area. "Errrr... sorry to get you involved with all of that. Kenji can be a strange kid, but he mostly means well... I think," Bokuden said to Misoka while letting out a slight chuckle. He broke eye contact with Misoka and glanced away for a moment without saying anything before continuing. "Misoka," Bokuden said as he returned his gaze back to her, the smile now having faded from his face, "There is something I would like to talk to you about, but this probably isn't the place to do it. Could you meet me tonight after sunset at the top of the Tower of Heaven? It is the enormous, unfinished tower in the village, you can't miss it." Bokuden smiled once again before continuing, "I'll bring dinner if that's okay with you."

"It was nice meeting you too, Kenji," she replied with a smile and watched him go his way. Now there were only Misoka, Bokuden and his wolf left - at least she had thought so until Satomi announced she would go and have some food at her place.
Misoka called a "Bye" and then turned to the only person staying with her. Although she generally felt at ease with Bokuden - he was someone she could quickly warm up to - there was now a kind of awkwardness between them. She wasn't going to lie: It did make her a bit nervous to be alone with a guy. Still the small smile placed on her lips, she threw a glance at him, wondering what she should say to end the silence. But only a moment later, Bokuden broke her to it.
He said her name, making her look up to him, and then ... Her eyes widened. What was he saying? Had he just invited her to meet him.. tonight - alone - Tower of Heaven! Woah, woah, hang on. What was it he wanted to tell her which couldn't be done right now?
She soon realized that she'd been staring at him for a bit too long and quickly composed herself.
"Um..Sure." Misoka answered hesitantly and replaced the surprised look on her face with a thin smile. She shouldn't already jump to conclusions and question Bokuden's good intentions. He wasn't going to hurt her or anything... and even if that was the case, she hadn't been training all her life for nothing. Her earth element might be useful against his lightning skills... Okay and there she was being suspicious of him again. She would never make any friends around here if she didn't learn to put trust into them, at least a little bit. "Dinner? This would be very nice, thank you. I'll be there then."
Then she picked up her backpack and nodded to Bokuden friendly. "I'm sorry, but I need to go now. I still have to do some shopping. Don't want to starve to death." She let out a small laugh. "I'll see you then, Bokuden."
After one last smile towards him, Misoka went away, her mind still trying to figure out what the Ryuzoji boy was going to tell her. What was so important?
Well, she would find out soon enough anyway.

[Exit thread]

Misoka's attitude changed a bit once Kenji and Satomi left. It was subtle, but there was a distinct change in the air once they were alone together, there was no doubt about that. Misoka seemed taken aback by Bokuden's request to meet him later that night. Remembering back to her saying that she had never had a boyfriend before, he wasn't so surprised by her reaction. His request must have seemed very forward to her, just as his offer of his hand to her was during their first meeting. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable, but this meeting was necessary. Despite her obvious hesitation Misoka agreed to meet Bokuden at the tower that night, to which he smiled once again before saying his goodbyes. There was nothing left to do now, but wait until that night.

[Thread Closed]