Shopping After Graduation

Fresh from her Academy graduation, Akiko wandered through the market streets. Her newly earned Kiri headband gleamed around her waist as she window shopped. She had wandered off on her own after the ceremony, a mixed result of her introverted tendencies and the anticipation for the supplies she could now buy as a Genin. Despite her accomplishments at the Academy, Akiko still wanted to train harder before her first mission. To do that, she needed the right tools — though without much interest in weapons that left her with sealing.

Wanting to expand on what she could with her Fuinjutsu, Akiko quickly stumbled upon the perfect calligraphy shop full of variously designed scrolls and colorful inks. The shopkeeper was a kindly old man who was a bit skeptical of Akiko’s interest until noticing her headband. He then quickly showed her the best inks and parchments for crafting seals, but Akiko had no clue where to begin. Instead, hoping to someday afford something more extravagant she held back from spending all her money in one place only purchasing the basics for her continued training in seals. In total she only grabbed a couple scrolls and the basic beginners brush and ink but it was enough for her to make mistakes and train with.

Returning to the street, Akiko was struck by the sunset’s glow over Kiri’s Market. The fading light blurred the slowing bustle in warm hues as the evening mist began settling in. Might as well grab a snack.. Akiko thought to herself as an almost dreamlike assurance settled over her, You would’ve loved the grades I got mom.. I miss you. Now a bit more withdrawn but still absorbing the beauty, She continued down the streets grabbing some cheap takoyaki and window shopping as she made her way through.

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After finishing up her food, Akiko makes her way back through the market streets towards home when she spots a few former classmates of hers, now Genin as well. As they stood about, laughing and showing off the kunai and other tools they had just bought, Akiko smiled wondering if she'd be assigned with any of them. Before Akiko could shy away, one of the boys noticed her and called out, “Hey Akiko! We were looking for you earlier, c’mere!” Akiko immediately blushed a color not dissimilar to her blazon Uzumaki red, but reluctantly joined the other newly made Genin managing a wavering, “O-oh, sorry..”

Whilst not usually this shy, Akiko was caught at a strange moment and unfortunately her demeanor showed her anxiety. Her peers quickly noticed and tried backtracking their excitement, “I mean, just that we missed you after the ceremony. Have you been getting your shopping done for missions?” Despite their efforts Akiko remained a deep red and managed to get out, “Yeah.. Just scrolls though.

"Well.. we’re just about to head in here if you want to check it out with us?” He says, motioning to what seems to be a shinobi themed convenience shop. With some Ryo to spare Akiko forces a small smile and nods to the group, “Sure.. thank you.” before following and joining them inside. As expected the interior is a mix of almost anything a shinobi might need to start out, including very similar scrolls and inks at a discounted price. This is what you get for rushing into purchases Akiko, Thinking to herself as she deflates and moves on to the next shelves.

Curious about the medicines they can now buy as certified Genin, Akiko browsed
through some strange smelling and looking items until finding the pellets. Remembering them from the Academy, she browsed the properties settling on one in particular that might make the difference between stabilizing an injury or failing to save a comrade. She also picked up some ration pellets in case she found herself in a difficult situation far from home soon. As she was checking out, an explosive tag behind the encounter caught her eye. Enticed and wanting to understand the seal better she added it to her total, surprising her peers by not grabbing a single ninja bladed weapon.

Now thinking about her father and the darkening sky, Akiko wanted to return home in time to greet him after his duties and give him the good news. No he hadn’t had time to attend her graduation, but that was normal for Akiko and she felt no less due to it. Almost as stealthily as she escaped the graduation afterparty, Akiko slipped out of the store only offering a quick smile to the boy who had invited her inside to join them. Now running with excitement and free of that social interaction, Akiko’s feet slapped against the dewy streets as she disappeared into the nightly mist on her way home.

[Exit]

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