An Ordinary Evening (Takeo)

Upon entering Kirigakure Natsuru busied herself with her errands she needed to run before presenting herself to Takeo. She bought some thoughtful gifts before taking a hot bath in a private bath house. Natsuru was not one for public bathing, having grown up wealthy enough to afford private springs. She freshened herself up and had her clothes washed and dried to better her appearance. Certainly after the hike and boat ride she had gone almost two days without a bath, but when traveling one had to sacrifice some comforts. At least now she had the opportunity to preen herself. Natsuru wears black combat boots which cover both feet securely and tightly providing comfort and protection. This is matched with a pair of dark gray steel shin guards. The shin guards covered the tops of her feet all the way up to her lower knees. This was matched with a pair of black stockings which covered her feet and extended above her knees. Although made from cloth they were somewhat thick and provided minor protection. Natsuru wears black undergarments which are concealed by a long, black loincloth which extends just to the sides of her knees on the front and back still providing suitable coverage. Around her right thigh she wears a simple, small black leather belt. Attached on the belt is a dark gray lacquered scabbard sized for a tanto. Another black belt is worn around her waist which serves to hold her quiver located around her back side. This belt is accompanied with a hip pouch above her rear and a katana on her left side, the scabbard design mimicking that of the tanto.

A mesh, sleeveless undershirt covered her body as a set of riveted mail is worn over the undershirt. As her primary top she wears a simple black leotard fitted to her body type. Naturally, her mail shirt beneath her top extends slightly down her upper arm adding some additional protection. On both hands Natsuru wears a pair of long gloves which extends just below her elbows made with the same material of cloth and quality as her stockings. These are backed by a pair of soft leather arm guards protecting her forearm and back hand leaving a small soft part on her wrist still allowing flexibility and a pair of leather combat gloves with metal plating on the backs of the hands. Her bow is worn across her chest with the front of the bow between her bosom and the string running across her back, the natural properties of the bow clinging itself to her body. Over her torso is a black cloak that extended down to the backs of her knees with a down hood, the mantel thick and well-insulated.

Natsuru has very fair skin with an almost ink-like navy blue hair, which matches her eyes in the same regards. Her hair runs down her back inside of the cloak's cover down to her rear end with a few bunches of hair touching down her breasts. Standing at 5'11 she has a very slender frame which maximizes her role as an archer giving her a statuesque vibe. Alas, a highly decorated Indian-style necklace made of silver and ruby was worn around her neck resting atop her chest serving as a relish for the stunning Kunoichi.

Leaving the springs carrying two wrapped presents in her hands she made way to a flower store purchasing a bouquet of colorful, fragrant flowers. She left the store holding the flowers against her bosom while her free arm embraced the gifts. Just one more stop... She motivated herself, heading towards a local sushi joint. She was by no means encumbered by the load. She was eager to see Takeo again after what felt like a year. Natsuru was the kind of woman to give and provide instead of demand. She sat at one of the empty tables inside the establishment waiting for her order to be carried out. Natsuru was a bit indifferent with sushi. It was simple, fresh, and tasty while not exactly complex. Kumogakure and Kirigakure were somewhat similar diet-wise. Both having plenty of ocean, fish was fairly common. Natsuru knew for certain Takeo was a fan of seafood, so she figured sushi would be the best choice.

Having her goods set on the table she daydreamed for a bit with her chin resting on the back of her wrist. I wonder how Shimiko's first date went...come to think of it, I don't recall seeing much of Sakata. But then again I can say the same for Shimiko and Ryuko. Those two are busy participating in that stupid tournament. I figured Sakata would be a bit more proactive to claim the deed to his clinic I had put together some time ago. Her thought expired trying to stay focused on where she was now. Deep down Natsuru was a bit nervous to confront Takeo how she planned. She was unsure if he would be eager to see her, or if he was too busy to give her his time. Natsuru was not unfamiliar with being at the bottom of a priority list, but losing Takeo would be a huge hit.

The buzzing in her mind was cut off by a bell ringing and the counter person calling her number. Two large styrofoam containers were placed in a clear plastic bag. Taking them from the man and thanking him she made her way to Takeo's known address. Following the path to the front door she'd lean in to press the doorbell with an extended finger from full arms. She held both gifts in her left arm and the flowers in her right. Held in her right hand was the plastic takeout bag from the handles. The doorbell would echo through Takeo's home, hopefully alerting him of her presence. If failed Natsuru would assume he would be at the Mizukage Complex.

Natsuru Stuff:

Provisions Consumed:

The doorbell prompted a response to Takeo who actually wasn't too far from the door. Most likely on the couch in his living room. As the steps thudded closer to the door the doorknob turned and what Natsuru was revealed with was a familiar face. Natsuru had changed her appearance since their last meeting. The Senou's inky, almost navy blue hair was back to its true color: a mellow lavender. During her fit of depression and low motivation her hair became almost greasy and neglected resulting in its condition. She grimaced widely seeing Takeo's face once again. Natsuru was rather comfortable around Takeo given how much time they spent together during their last visit. She felt they were comfortable enough with each other to disregard the "new relationship facade" and be real with each other.

She was invited in, which she marched towards the living room and set the goods down onto the coffee table while removing a lot of her gear, namely her bow, sword, and cloak. She'd set them close to the door and hang her cloak on a coat rack if present. "Well, lets just say Kumogakure didn't exactly roll out the welcome wagon. Figured I wouldn't waste my time over there sticking around." She said straightforward. Between her "friends" ducking her at every corner and Kumogakure's plan to invite Honiko and her associates inside the village was beyond her. She felt it was unacceptable to try and justify letting the Society within Kumogakure. Was Nariko bribed? Or did she cower? Either way she displayed weak leadership and put Kumogakure at risk including herself. After being put in such a good mood she did not want to stress herself trying to deal with what was going on in Kumogakure. So instead she made her way back to a place that made sense.

"So I wanted to come back to Kirigakure where I know I will be safe until things settled down over there. Anyways...I brought sushi! Help yourself~" She said patting the spot on the sofa next to her. Natsuru would work to take the trays out of the bag and flipping open the both of them. She selected a variety of sushi from rolls to nigiri and sashimi. It was clean power food. Great to have after training. The wasabi and ginger were separated by the typical plastic grass divided so they weren't touching the food or each other. She was even provided with plastic cups of soy sauce which were filled when packaged.

Natsuru settled down in her position as Takeo shut the door behind her. Takeo was questioning whether Kumogakure was busy or not. It wasn't a surprise to her that he overlooked what she meant and she didn't blame him for it. But it was in that moment she felt it was best to be direct instead of beating around the bush. "Well, it's more than that. Kumogakure seemed to have been a bit too open with who they let in. I caught Honiko and her gang sticking around the interior of the village for quite some time. For whatever reason we let them in for God knows what. I didn't exactly feel safe in my own village as you would imagine. One of Honiko's associates, Nozomi, is particularly interested in my life." Natsuru would finish setting up the sushi trays by then. "I don't know if it was the result of cowardice of leadership or greed from a bribe. I didn't care to stay around for too long."

Takeo would seat himself next to her on the couch, which Natsuru scooted closer so her thighs were pressed firmly against his. She smiled warmly at Takeo's closing statement letting her know she was and will always be accepted in his village. It was kind knowing he genuinely cared for her safety and well being. He was like a friend she never had, though clearly they were more than just good friends. Before she had met Takeo her friends consisted of Shimiko and Ryuko. She liked to think she was still on good terms with Ryuko, though she could not help the awkwardness with her love confession which Natsuru generously shot down. Her and Shimiko were never on good terms and lately she has been considering if they were even "friends" at this point. Given how little contact she has had with Shimiko and how distant they were to begin with it was easy to forget they had anything at all.

But in all honesty, Natsuru did not feel any pain leaving Shimiko behind. Even when they were at their "peak" she always seemed happier without that crazy blonde nearby. Natsuru would reach for a piece of tuna nigiri and dab it in the soy sauce. Picking off a piece of wasabi she'd smear it across the flesh before popping it in her mouth and chewing. It seemed bland at first but was a good burst of flavor. It tasted better knowing it was healthy for her, too. She'd lick her fingers to get whatever pieces of rice and soy sauce remained and then pat her lips with a disposable napkin. "So anyways, what have you been up to lately? Busy busy as always, I assume?"

Natsuru nodded as Takeo agreed with her regarding Honiko being let even a few licks within the village. Had they forgotten she torched one of the Land of Lightning's towns to the ground murdering the women and children within? It was an action Natsuru could not stomach. To no surprise, Takeo had not changed much. Seeing as they had only been away for a month she did not expect much to have happened. Natsuru was about the same. Aside from what was happening in Kumogakure she had not changed much. She spent her month back in Kumogakure planning and not socializing with her friends, who she dared call them that. Ryuko and Shimiko have earned their title as old colleagues back when they were students under Nariko who even then she seldom remembers actually training with. Wait a minute...did we even train as a group? The Senou vaguely recalls a short session in the spring time with Nariko, but in the end most of her strength was developed on her own. In fact, her entire legacy was her own work.

Natsuru would grab a napkin and pat down her mouth after her most recent piece of sushi. Natsuru ate until she was...less than satisfied. It was enough to crush her hunger for the most part, but still space in her stomach to where she was not full. Overall she ate roughly eight pieces leaving quite a bit in both trays for Takeo. She would place her used napkin on the top part of the Styrofoam tray before standing up. "I'm going to get our bath ready, okay?" Natsuru would trail off assuming Takeo had no problems. She was decently comfortable in his house given the time they spent together before. She'd guide herself to the bath room and turn on the hot water. And I can't forget this... She giggled reaching into her sleeve to retrieve a small vial filled with a lavender colored liquid. As the water filled halfway she'd empty the vial into the water as the water falling from the spigot naturally churned the bath tub mixture.

Natsuru would work to strip herself down to her bare body as the bath finished filling up to three-quarters of the way before she'd turn the knob shutting the water off. The air was filled with a sweet scent. Pleasant and sharp to the nose coming off as floral yet fruity. The bath treatment was beneficial to the skin as well working to restore it from dryness. Some soap suds floated on the surface of the purple color water with steam emitting from the surface. Cautiously she'd put one leg in. Her first impressions were, well, hot. It was a bit uncomfortable at first, yet her body quickly adapted to the heat as it also worked to slightly cool the temperature. It was relieving as she pulled her head back dunking her hair in the water to her scalp before lifting her head back up. When Takeo joined her the water would have cool down just enough so it was still hot, but comfortable to adapt to.

It didn't take long for Takeo to join her in the waters. As he steeped in the water Natsuru made an effort to slide her way behind Takeo. She'd wrap her arms around her man's chest from under his arms and pull him in close letting her breasts work like a pillow for his back. As he began to talk Natsuru would remain silent and work on cleaning the boy. Pulling her hands across his body she worked her way up his back and neck where she finally reach his hair. Her supple, feminine hands stroked his hair from his bangs to the back caressing his forehead and side of his face while doing so. Her wet hands gradually worked to style his hair back making it easier to clean. Takeo was a fairly clean man. Given how insanely sharp her perception was upon arriving he had only the faintest smell of sweat, which was now all wasted away. His hair was soft and feathering which showed he took care of himself, but not obsessed with his appearance.

Reaching the bottle of shampoo she'd squirt some in her hand. Cupping a few drizzles of water in the boy's hair she began working the product in. He mentioned her own city in efforts to have her add to the conversation. While she massaged his scalp she spoke as her eyes trailed off to the window gazing outside. "My parents are very successful merchants from the main land. When they settled in Kumogakure they continued their luxurious lifestyle. I guess you could say Kumogakure's people live 'normal.' They get to eat three times a day and have stable housing, as simple as it may be. But my experience with the common people is very little. I've only visited one of my friend's house, but her family was also wealthy. Kumogakure is large, but not as big as Kirigakure. This place has developed beautifully. It's hard to believe it's just a military base." Natsuru had massaged his scalp for nearly two minutes before gently guiding his head back to where it rests upon her bosom. it would be far enough to where it was partially submerged in water where she could work water over it while still keeping Takeo's face in air.

All of the soap would be worked out of leaving Takeo's hair pure. "The truth is, I kinda wish these places were military cities. They offer so much to the people but are plagued with war and conflict. Like now, some jackass from another village could come to Kirigakure and go berserk with no real motive other than 'You are from another nation' or 'I want your stuff for my village.' I know crime is inevitable, but major movements of war and politics are just...annoying." Natsuru's hands rubbed the man's bare chest, washing while appreciating his masculinity. He toned with subtle muscle growth, but nothing too distinguishable. She preferred her men this way as they appeared more natural to some meat head jacked up on testosterone.