Naruto Saigen Roleplay

Tsuki stirred, as an uneasy sensation settled into her stomach. She blinked slowly, eyes fluttering open, noticing Yoshinori’s peaceful face just inches away from hers. She smiled warmly, brushing her fingers along the curve of his cheek slightly, loving eyes kissing him good morning. Morning? She blinked again, noticing how the room didn’t lit up like it should’ve. She winced, slowly turning around to look at the alarm clock on the bedside table. It was only four in the morning and yet it felt like her insides were turned around. With a silent huff, and much to her displeasure, Tsuki slid out of her lover's grasp, gently, making sure to take every precaution to not wake him up. Bare feet making close to no sound on the ground, she made her way to the bathroom, splashing some cold water on her face and neck, only to dip her head down, supporting her weight with her hands on the sink.

The feeling was violent, gut turning. And the night was going so well! Why now! She re-called the dinner she practically didn’t eat and whispered something under her breath, placing her hands on her eyes and letting out a frustrated sigh. She side eyed the toilet, grimacing again and turning her eyes away. Maybe if she drank some water… But even the thought of that made her wince again. ”Alright, alright, Tsuki, breathe.” She pointed her finger at her reflection in the mirror, and started to deeply inhale and slowly exhale a few times to gulp down the violent feeling.

She slowly knelt down, resting one hand on her stomach and the other on the sink base, leaning her forehead on the cold porcelain to cool herself off. Minutes ticked and she found herself extremely sleepy, turning her head slightly to the door to come back to the warmth of Yoshinori, and yet just as she thought she could, she felt sick again. ”...Please?” She asked her stomach and then closed her eyes, her eyebrows knitting as she winced again.

Before long, Tsuki fell asleep on the bathroom floor, leaning to the base of the sink. What an interesting start of the day.

Yoshinori stirred with a faint furrow in his brow, his body instinctively reaching for the warmth that should have been beside him. His hand met only the cool sheet, empty and undisturbed. A quiet unease bloomed in his chest as he sat up, eyes adjusting slowly to the pale light filtering through the curtains; just past 6:00 a.m., soft and gray. He scanned the room, searching for her, the absence of her presence making the space feel oddly hollow. Only the opened bathroom door stood out against the stillness.

Two long strides carried him across the room, his bare feet silent on the floor. As he gently crossed through the threshold, his concern crystallized into something deeper. There, curled near the base of the sink, was Tsuki. Small, fragile, and clearly unwell. A soft frown tugged at his lips as he crouched beside her, careful not to startle her. Without a word, he slipped his arms beneath her and lifted her into his embrace. She was warm, but her body felt too light in his arms. He held her close, her head resting against his chest, and a quiet realization struck him as his gaze flicked briefly to her stomach. The subtle changes were still invisible but he knew they were there.

A sigh escaped him, half worry, half resigned amusement. "Not even here yet, and already causing trouble," he murmured under his breath, the corners of his lips twitching upward despite himself. He carried her back to bed, tucking the sheets around her gently as though she might break if he wasn't careful. If she stirred, he hushed her with soft touches, brushing her hair from her face and pressing a tender kiss to her forehead until she drifted back into sleep. Only when she was settled did he rise, slipping into a simple set of black morning clothes with quiet efficiency. His movements were fluid, precise. He disappeared out of the room like a shadow, a man on a quiet mission.

The free breakfast downstairs had never seemed so vital. He vaulted the stair railing with silent grace, landing in a low crouch before rising to his full height and striding into the open dining area as though he hadn’t just dropped two stories. His eyes swept across the room until they found what he needed; an assortment of toasts, spreads, and warm morning tea. He moved quickly but deliberately, assembling a plate with lightly browned toast, a generous spread of peanut butter on the side, and a cup of ginger tea. With one final glance at the table, he turned and headed back upstairs, disappearing up the stairwell with a quiet urgency.

Back in the room, he eased the door open and stepped inside, his eyes immediately drifting to the bed. “Tsuki?” he called softly, voice low and full of warmth. He crossed the room and set the plate and cup gently on the bedside table, careful not to disturb her. With quiet reverence, he moved to the window and drew the blinds tighter, cloaking the room in gentle shadows to let her rest a little longer in peace.

Tsuki stirred again, only to be hushed back to sleep with soft kisses, and she peacefully drifted into sleep, a smile lingering on her face. She slept, undisturbed, before she heard his soft voice again, her eyes fluttering open once more. Slowly, she propped herself up, holding the sheet around herself and beamed at the sight of him. ”Good morning, you… Sorry, I-... Wait.” She looked around, patting the sheets, and then as the realization came to her, her gaze softened, looking up at him again. ”Thank you…” She said with a warm voice, extending her arm for a good morning hug. She sneaked a kiss to his cheek as he pulled away.

She was about to say something, when her stomach rumbled and a blush painted across her face. Taking the tea cup with her both hands she sipped slowly, watching Yoshinori like he was a work of art just being there, existing. ”We’ll have to leave soon… Oh, wait, eat!” Tsuki leaned over, balancing on her other palm and placing the cup down, spreading some peanut butter on the toast with ease. Holding it out to him, she sipped her tea again.

”So we have to leave in… About an hour, to help prepare Momo’s stall. As she said our job is to guard the goods, shouldn’t be too demanding of a task. If all goes well, we might even get another glimpse of Suna later.” She looked up to the ceiling, in thought, and then back at him. ”...I think.”

Yoshinori smiled, the expression softening his features as he slid back into bed beside her, the mattress dipping slightly under his weight. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm gently around her waist, drawing her close into the warmth of his chest to fulfill her quiet request for a hug. Her presence against him was comforting, grounding. He let out a contented sigh and playfully scrunched his face as she leaned over to press a soft kiss to his cheek, the gesture drawing a small, amused sound from deep in his throat.

“It’s nothing to apologize for, love,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing as she sipped her tea. The simple act of seeing her eat and regaining a little strength eased some of the worry that had been quietly gnawing at him since the morning. When she reached out with a piece of toast slathered in peanut butter, his eyes softened further. He took it from her fingers with a chuckle, though not without gently nudging her hand. “You first,” he insisted with quiet affection. “Then I’ll eat.”

As she took a bite, Yoshinori relented and followed suit, chewing thoughtfully while watching her out of the corner of his eye. A thumb swept across his lower lip to catch a stubborn smear of peanut butter, which he cleaned away with a casual flick of his tongue. Still, his gaze lingered on her a moment longer, his expression fond and just a little protective. “You’re going to sit there and look radiant beside her while I guard the stall,” he said firmly, a quiet protectiveness edging into his voice. Finding her curled up on the bathroom floor that morning had left more of an impact than he’d let on, and it showed now in the way he watched her so closely. “Two beautiful women working together? That kind of charm will have her sold out before midday and the faster that happens, the sooner we get to wander.”

He polished off the rest of the toast and leaned over, brushing a crumb from her lip with his knuckle before reclining back against the pillows with a soft exhale. “An hour, hmm?” His brow arched with a smile playing at his lips. “I don’t think we’ll need all that time to get ready. Maybe we take the long way there and stretch the walk out, stop somewhere quiet before it gets too busy?”

He paused, eyes drifting over her content expression, and let the silence settle warmly between them before offering, more softly this time. “Or… we could just stay here a little longer. Go back to sleep for a bit, just the two of us.” His arm tightened gently around her, anchoring her against him like a silent promise.

She offered him the second half of the tea, taking the leftover toast and chewing on it, thoughtfully. Her gaze caught his and she smiled to herself, looking away and placing a hand over her mouth as she chewed, a rosy color appearing on the tops of her cheeks. She was about to take another bite when he offered to guard the stall alone, her eyebrows knitting in confusion. ”Excuse you, Yoshinori Tei? I’m a kunoichi. I will do my end of the job.” The words carried a playful tone, appreciation in her gaze. She was not about to be difficult.. Maybe just a little bit.

She offered the remaining toast to him, his knuckles gently brushing over her lips, making her freeze for a second. She smiled shyly again, blinking slowly at him as her hand found his, their fingers sliding between each other like they’re supposed to. As he pulled her closer, she hummed in thought. ”As much as sleeping in sounds great… I’d much rather make our way there slowly this morning, rather than rush. Besides, I think a walk might help.” Breakfast did a great job in helping but her body was slowly adjusting to every change, and more than ever, she felt it in her abdomen muscles.

Tsuki leaned in, as if sharing a secret. ”Momo says the commercial area was haunted… We can ask her more about that too.” And with that, along with a soft kiss to his temple, she rose from the bed, slipping into her usual gear. A thought passed her mind, thinking that she should push in for another promotion before… She’ll tell him, talk with him, later. Now Tsuki was focused on the promised morning walk, a little giddy with excitement.

“A nice walk it is then,” Yoshinori hummed, the sound low and content as he leaned into the idea. His voice turned into a soft laugh when Tsuki’s eyes lit up at the mention of ghosts lurking in the district. The excitement in her expression was infectious, and he couldn’t help but smile at how unbothered she seemed by their last brush with the supernatural. That night had been a tangle of chaos and spirit-fueled adrenaline so their recent stretch of peace felt hard-earned.

Her lips pressed against his temple in a tender kiss, a fleeting but grounding touch before she slid out of bed and began to dress in her usual shinobi gear. He watched her for a quiet moment, memorizing the familiar rhythm of her movements, before letting out a small sigh that signaled their relaxed morning had come to an end. With a slow stretch, Yoshinori rose from the bed and began pulling on his own gear. The warmth outside was already pressing through the windowpanes but he didn’t complain. It was nothing compared to the thick, clinging humidity of home.

“I guess that means we’re doing a little ghost huntin’ today,” he teased, offering her his hand as they stepped out of their room together. His fingers wrapped around hers with an easy, affectionate confidence, their palms fitting together like puzzle pieces. The lobby was already buzzing with activity, a sharp contrast to the quiet stillness he’d experienced earlier when he’d slipped down to grab her breakfast. He was extra grateful for the foresight now, brushing a kiss against her knuckles before gently tugging her along. On the way out, he snagged a pair of chilled juice boxes from a passing attendant and handed one to Tsuki with a grin.

The dry desert heat met them the moment they stepped outside, the sun stretching long across the sandstone streets. It was hot but at least here, the air was dry and open, not heavy with the damp weight of Fire Country air. Yoshinori tilted his head toward the district, indicating their general destination, and then gently guided them in the opposite direction to begin their slow, scenic loop. The morning breeze offered little relief, but it tousled Tsuki’s hair just enough to make him glance over with quiet fondness. Their steps fell into an easy rhythm beside one another, and the city around them slowly began to unfold.

It reminded him of Konoha in some ways, particularly how people bustled about, but it lacked the ever-present pressure of home. The architecture was unique too: arches and sharp edges like Iwa, but with splashes of color and carved detailing that felt almost Sunagakure-esque. It was like a strange, blended child of the great villages, nestled into the desert. As they passed a small square, a glimmer of light caught his eye. His gaze shifted to a stone fountain at its center, water glistening in the sun as locals tossed coins into its gently rippling pool.

Yoshinori glanced sideways at Tsuki, one brow raised in curious amusement. “Well, now I need to know what all the fuss is about,” he said with a playful grin as he tugged her hand and veered toward the fountain.

”Ah, watermelon, your favorite! Tsuki pointed out, smiling at the small juicebox in her hands. She swiftly added the straw, her hand finding his, while the other held the sweet juice. "I don't think it's just a ghost or a ghost at all... Although there are theories. I'm not exactly sure now. We'll see." She chimed besides him, talking about everything and nothing at the same time. She didn't even look where they were going exactly, just followed his lead, happy to be here, together. Stealing a look here and there she noticed that his hair was in the way of his eyes. "I can help you cut it, if you'd like... Um. Not that you need it. Just-, Just to be more comfortable."

Her eyes took in Suna in the morning, the buildings, architecture, seeing it again through different eyes now. Pointing out cats, and other clearly obvious things, like that roof needs to be changed and those flowers are pretty on the balcony. Everything and nothing. Just sharing the space of existance. Tsuki suddenly stopped, throwing now empty juicebox into the trash can. Inevitebly, the echoes of last night still resurfaced from time to time, and while she could've done it in their hotel room, she behaved. And yet! Curiosity started consuming her. She took a step closer, looking up at him with a guessing gaze. She tiptoed, sliding his shirt to the side just enough to see the very evident bite mark.

Tsuki blushed, returning to his side and staying silent for a moment. Both of their attention was grabbed soon after, the fountain not far from their location a clearly tourist attraction. "O! Let's go, let's see then." She gently pulled his hand eith both of hers as they walked up to the fountain, noticing people saying wishes and tossing coins. Some wished for health, others for wealth, a kid wished for an icecream, and Tsuki rummaged through her back pocket, taking out two coins, one for her and one for Yoshinori.

Handing him his coin, she held hers clasped under both of her hands, thinking very hard with her eyes closed. Her wish was barely a murmur, asking to keep them both safe, as she gently tossed the coin in, waiting for Yoshinori to toss his. As he did, she took his hand again. It was reassuring to have him close, she wished it was so easy everywhere. That was her goal. Even if the time was ticking.

"Momo was very... Drunk last night. I hope she's okay today." Tsuki looked around, and then back at him with a sigh. "As handsome as my date is... Duty calls."

Yoshinori followed as Tsuki tugged him along, a grin playing at his lips as the two wove through the small crowd gathered around the fountain. It was an unassuming thing, stone-carved and simple, but its waters glistened like glass, reflecting the rising sun in soft golden hues. Around its edge, villagers stood in quiet reverence, whispering wishes into their cupped hands before casting coins into the clear pool with practiced, almost ceremonial flicks of the wrist. He slowed as they reached the edge, curiosity stirring in his chest. Each voice he caught carried something different: hope for love, protection for family, courage for a decision not yet made. The weight of those unseen desires filled the air like incense.

Then Tsuki nudged something into his palm. He looked down, surprised to see the warm press of a coin between his fingers and then to her. She already had her eyes closed, hands clasped tightly before her chest as if she were whispering to the universe. The early morning light caught the curve of her lashes, and Yoshinori’s grin softened into something quieter, more reverent. For a brief moment, he just watched her. Then, eyes slipping shut, he lifted the coin to his lips. A hundred wishes vied for space in his thoughts, laughter, peace, a future without regret, but only one rose to the surface and stayed.

Keep Tsuki and the children safe, no matter what.

He pressed the whispered prayer into the copper, warm from her hand, then flicked it toward the water with a practiced motion. It arced cleanly through the air and landed with a soft splash, sinking to rest beside hers at the bottom. Yoshinori lingered a moment, gaze following the ripples before he exhaled quietly. “I did wonder where you two disappeared to last night, before I was… preoccupied,” he said, his voice edged with wry amusement. His thoughts drifted back to the sharp, blurry flashes of his unexpected altercation in the bathroom. Honestly, he was still surprised he hadn’t ended up more drunk. Maybe the cactus vodka had been the smarter choice after all.

He shook the memory off and turned to her again, his expression warming. “We’ve still got some time before we meet up with her,” he said, reaching out and threading his fingers through hers. “Let’s stop and grab her a treat? Something sweet to start her day off.” They began walking again, hand in hand, the heat rising around them as the quiet rhythm of the morning resumed.

"Preoccupied..." She mirrored his tone in a tease, a smile making its way up her lips. "You mean fighting a guy while being intoxicated and exiting the restroom as the casino hero?" She followed this with a soft chuckle, her face lighting up. "...I'm so glad you're mine..." She added under her breath, as they began walking again, the suggestion of something sweet making her mood even better. She watched how the corners of his mouth lifted, her heart fluttering. Before he could look at her, she turned her eyes away, still a little shy to admit how much she was actually staring at him all the time.

"I found her on the balcony with the man from the first game. She was barely standing so I just brought her home. When I returned, you were already victorious." She began to talk again, leaning a little closer to his side as the crowd around them tickened. One thing she couldn't deny was how safe he made her feel, even when they first met. Her hand tightened in his, not only to stay close but to speak of appreciation. It was a wide world out there and yet she was very content being by his side.

It didn't take long for them to reach the food hall, as it was written in big letters on the entrace of the street. Many, many vendors, stalls and people catching a late breakfast. Tsuki couldn't see it all through the crowd but lucky for her, she had a trick up her sleeve. Scanning the area with her first jutsu of the day, she beamed and announced she found something, gently pulling on his hand and guiding them through the crowd. "I think you'll like this too... Let's go, Yoshinori." With a turn here and there, she led them to a chocolate fruit stand. All you needed to do was pick a chocolate dripped fruit. She stood there, contemplating which ones Momo would like, and settled on some banana slices on a stick with cooled off chocolate coat, picking some orange for herself and patiently waiting for Yoshinori to make his pick.

Yoshinori's eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering in his gaze as Tsuki explained. The man who had been lingering near Momo, the same one who had cornered Yoshinori in the bathroom, had apparently seen them as easy marks, freshly arrived and too relaxed to notice a threat. His jaw tightened at the thought. "That was him? I should’ve kicked his ass harder," Yoshinori muttered under his breath, his grip tightening protectively around Tsuki’s hand as they made their way through the bustling crowd.

Still, he followed her lead, letting her steer them with a purpose he didn't yet know. Her voice held a hint of excitement when she mentioned finding something that would interest him, and curiosity tugged at the corner of his smile. He didn’t expect much but when they finally reached the stall, his expression lit up. Chocolate-covered fruit. Simple, but perfect.

While Tsuki picked out some orange slices for her and chocolate covered bananas for Momo, Yoshinori zeroed in on the chocolate-dipped strawberries. His inner child and sweet tooth both rejoiced. He reached out, selecting his own share just as Tsuki juggled their selections carefully between her hands. Yoshinori slid a few ryo notes from his pocket, offering them to the vendor with a polite nod before turning back to her.

With their little treasure trove of sweets secured, the couple pushed their way out of the crowd and into the quieter street leading toward Momo’s stall. Yoshinori popped one of the chocolate strawberries into his mouth, the richness of it melting across his tongue. A grin bloomed instantly across his face. "Great pick, love," he said, swallowing and brushing a bit of chocolate from the corner of his mouth with a knuckle. His eyes flicked down to her, mischievous affection twinkling in them. Seeing both her hands full, he selected another strawberry and held it up near her lips.

"Open up," he teased, voice low and warm as he offered the treat with exaggerated patience. "Your hands look a little full."

She saw the strawberries and was almost certain he’d pick them but didn’t overstep. It was more like a small win in her head that she knew but at the same time he was free to pick whatever he wanted; when he eventually picked the strawberries she smiled to herself, holding her and Momo’s desserts. Getting out of the busy street was refreshing and they walked a more narrow path to Momo’s stall, Tsuki holding the food in her hands like a treasure, careful to not damage anything. They stopped for a moment, her eyes lifting up to Yoshinori’s and then back at the strawberry near her lips. Without much thought, she bit into it leaning in slightly, her eyes locking with Yoshinori’s. ”Ohhh, these are good...” Tsuki chimed, taking another bite and licking her lips to make sure there was no chocolate around them.

”Here, try mine too,” Somehow managing to extend the orange slices too, she held one for him to try as well. With that, and a faint blush on her cheeks, they continued to walk. The commercial area seemed a little different than the normal Suna streets – a little more run down, older, some of the shops clearly posed as working, while layers of dust and sand inside told another story. There were many stalls there, although most of them were still empty, waiting for their vendors. Tsuki looked up at him, a small smile on her face.”In three, two, one…”

“Tsuki! Yoshi!” Echoed through the street, as Momo was waving her hand up in the air, walking towards them. “Oh, I’m so glad you’re here, it’s been so boring… Almost none of the vendors are here yet, and my plan is in shambles!” Tsuki greeted Momo with a nod, noticing the sunglasses on her face but deciding to not mention anything. It was a rough night for her, that much she knew. ”Your plan, Momo?” She asked, curiously, extending the banana slices to her friend, which she gingerly took, taking a bite already. “Oh, thank you so much! Yes, my plan. Come,” Leading them to her stall, Momo continued to speak. “You see, this is not about selling only, there will be people from all over, and I need to be on my best behaviour to make some ties with the bigger families. No offense, Tsuki, but the Hyuuga alone practically covered all of my fees. They are the big fish, y’know?” They approached a carefully selected selection of fabrics on the stall, and Tsuki made note of how well it was prepared – cleaned well, the colors adjusted by placement to make each other pop, certainly presented by skill that was generational. “Anyhow, all this yapping and I didn’t even tell you the story of this area. So, as you can see, it’s not the place you’d expect something like this to be held, right? This area in particular is a very good spot for business – close to the center of the city, just far enough to do your shopping in peace, food hall is just nearby, and yet, each shop that opens here eventually goes bankrupt.” Momo did a dramatic pause, slipping another slice into her mouth. “Well, some people believe it has to do with a spirit that haunts the businesses, others say that it’s too hidden, the area I mean… Some blame the owner of the bar at the end of the street, he’s the only one who kept his place alive. I don’t know, anyway.” Tapping her fingers on the stall she leaned in just a little, as if revealing the punchline of the story. “What’s interesting is that all of the buildings here are connected with the same water pipe system except for the bar.”

Tsuki took the story with a grain of salt. She took a look at the street again and then back at Momo and Yoshinori. Not voicing it but still curious, she put the two and two together why an event like this would be held here. Perhaps the city wanted to revive this area, one event at a time.

Yoshinori beamed with quiet pride when Tsuki bit into the chocolate-covered berry and then went back for the rest. There was something utterly endearing about the way she indulged in simple pleasures in the way it made his chest feel a little lighter. He reached over and plucked an orange slice from the container in her hands, tossing it into his mouth. The burst of citrus, mingled with rich chocolate, danced over his tongue before he swallowed with a content hum. "Have I mentioned how perfect of a pick this was?" he said, licking a bit of orange juice from the corner of his lip, his voice playful and warm.

Their stroll continued at a relaxed pace, filled with snippets of easy conversation. But then Tsuki began counting down aloud. Yoshinori glanced at her curiously only for realization to settle in as her countdown landed squarely on the arrival of their very spirited companion. Momo barreled toward them with infectious energy, immediately taking Tsuki’s attention as she launched into rapidfire chatter. Yoshinori chuckled under his breath and fell a step behind, letting the two walk ahead. He polished off another chocolate-dipped strawberry and contentedly watched them, a quiet fondness flickering in his gaze.

As they reached the stall, he let his attention drift over the goods Momo had laid out and nodded absently as she gave her enthusiastic tour. But when she mentioned everything being on the same water line except the bar his expression darkened slightly. His thoughts began to churn, the investigator in him immediately connecting dots, measuring risk, and mapping possibilities. He cast a wary glance at the nearby public facilities. Between him and Tsuki, he didn’t expect any surprises they couldn’t handle… but being attacked in a bathroom once was already one time too many. He exhaled through his nose in silent exasperation and found a shaded spot nearby, positioning himself where Tsuki could easily join him.

Vendors were slowly beginning to set up, the atmosphere sleepy beneath the climbing sun. Yoshinori, his appetite satisfied but throat dry from the heat, stood and stretched with a quiet grunt. His gaze flicked toward the bar, the only structure still running on a separate system. That fact lingered in his mind like a whisper of trouble. "Anyone thirsty?" he asked casually, brushing a hand over the back of his neck as he glanced between the girls. He leaned over and absentmindedly pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I’ll grab us something cold." And with that, he slipped into the crowd, his tall frame weaving through the bustle with quiet purpose toward the one place that hadn’t yet raised red flags… but might soon.

If Tsuki had a tail, she’d wag it when complimented twice on her choice for dessert. Her gaze softened and she looked away with a satisfied look on her face. Momo chatted her ear off, and Tsuki felt herself zoning out, her attention now somewhere else, probably in his raven hair, caught and taken. While Momo was still talking to herself, more than them, Tsuki slipped beside Yoshinori, breathing out slowly. The heat was building up faster than expected. ”Hiding from the sun?” She asked, much more enjoying the quiet company of him rather than her friend now going off about the most popular colors of each year.

Tsuki noticed the street getting busier, standing in the shade with her back straight, guarding the goods that Momo brought. Where there were a lot of people ready to buy something, opportunists also lingered, so she kept her eyes peeled just in case. A soft kiss landed on her cheek and she looked up at him with a smile on her face, her eyes following Yoshinori as he departed. She watched him up until he disappeared at the end of the street. “You really like him, don’t you?” Momo’s chatty voice brought her back to reality and she turned her head slowly to her friend, thinking for a moment. ”Oh I don’t think I like him… What I feel there’s no word in any language.” Her eyes trailed back to the spot she last saw him, a content smile forming on her face.

”Besides, Momo-” “COME COME! Best silk in the whole Wind Country.” Tsuki shut her lips with a slow nod. People were getting interested in Momo’s supply and she had her own job to attend to. She stood there like a statue, eyes focused on the people passing by.

Yoshinori weaved through the crowd with an ease born of experience, slipping between bodies and stalls with quiet efficiency. When he reached the entrance of the bar, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, blinking against the dim, cool light. It was more of a restaurant, humming with the lazy energy of a well-loved local haunt. The soft clink of dishes and the comforting murmur of early conversations filled the air, the scent of cooked meats and toasted bread still lingering from breakfast service. He winced sympathetically at the thought of such long hours; open from morning to night without reprieve. Must be brutal.

Scanning the room, he caught sight of a newly vacated stool at the long wooden counter and slid into it just in time to beat a hovering couple. The wood was worn smooth beneath his fingers, the lacquer faded from years of loyal elbows. To his right, two unfamiliar men glanced sideways at him, likely clocking the shinobi attire or perhaps simply noting his outsider presence. He offered them a polite nod and they returned to their breakfast and conversation.

He waited patiently, eyes skimming the shelves behind the counter until the bartender passed by. Timing it just right, Yoshinori flagged him down with a short, raised hand. The man was built like a retired wrestler; thick forearms, tanned skin, a sandy beard, and sharp, cool blue eyes that studied Yoshinori with a mix of curiosity and practiced disinterest.

“Three juices,” Yoshinori said easily, offering a faint, polite smile. “Lemon if you’ve got it. Something cold.” The bartender nodded wordlessly and turned to fill the order, the sound of crushed ice and clinking glasses a temporary soundtrack. Yoshinori leaned his forearms on the counter and glanced around casually, tongue running across the back of his teeth. His tone when he finally spoke again was light and curious, perfectly feigned for a traveler passing through.

“This place always this busy?” he asked, giving the bartender an easy, lopsided grin. “I’m kind of surprised I haven’t heard of it before. Everything around here’s got such a polished feel to it, it’s almost hidden in plain sight.” He let the compliment land with enough sincerity to invite conversation, hoping the man behind the bar might let something useful slip.

Elsewhere, a young thief lingered at the edge of the crowd, her sharp eyes drawn to the gleaming silks cascading like waterfalls from the edge of a vendor’s stall. The fabric shimmered in the sunlight, crimson, gold, cerulean, all tended by two women whose beauty rivaled that of their wares. A mischievous glint danced in the girl’s eyes as she tugged her hood lower over her brow, shadows masking her features.

She moved with feline grace, slipping through the tide of bodies with practiced ease. Her fingers, nimble and precise, darted out to snatch a bolt of silk in a single, fluid motion. The fabric disappeared beneath her tunic just as effortlessly as it had left the stall, her heartbeat drumming a steady rhythm of exhilaration in her chest. Without looking back, she darted away into the bustle of the market, her cloak catching the breeze like a banner of mischief as the crowd swallowed her whole.

The bartender started pouring the juice, eyes flickering to Yoshinori. He was silent at first, then gave a nonchalant answer, one clearly practiced. ”Yeah, well, we’ve been in business for long. Nothing hard work can’t achieve. He slid the juiced to Yoshinori’s side, throwing a kitchen towel over his shoulder and resting his hands on his hips before a tired sigh escaped his lips. ”We’re overworked. But I can’t really-... His eyes shot to the men sitting by the table, who were now staring at the bartender behind Yoshinori’s back, and the bartender stuttered something incoherent, waving his arm and letting it go.

The men stood up, joining Yoshinori by the bar from both sides and leaning in. ”So… A tourist? Clearly a shinobi. Mission? One prompted, playing with his lighter. The other snickered, clearly missing some teeth, and watching Yoshinori closely but not as close as the other man. ”What’s your rank, mm? Looking for a job? We pay better than the mission registry.” The other spoke again, now lighting a cigarette.
. . .
Tsuki was very focused on her task at hand, before Momo pulled her in to show some of the new stock. She tried to gently refuse her friend, remind her, that this was not a hang out but a mission, and yet Momo didn’t listen. She silently cooperated, nodding her head and not rushing her friend and while Momo turned around to retrieve something from a box behind her, Tsuki did the one mistake she shouldn’t have done – she turned her back as well, leaving the stall unguarded, just for a moment. A moment too long.

When she looked back, the stall was essentially the same but something was missing. Tsuki was about to ask, parting her lips and turning to Momo, when the girl herself screeched, and there was no time to waste. Using her eyes, she scanned the immediate surroundings, grimacing at the fact that there were so many people here that she’d need to figure out a way to find the most likely suspect. With a swift move, Tsuki took to the roofs, giving herself a better vantage point.

It didn’t take too long to find the girl passing the crowd, though. Tsuki’s eyebrows knitted – a hood? But why? It’s so suspicious. The girl was quick but inexperienced in the art of thievery, at least, that’s what Tsuki deduced. She started walking, the walk quickly turning into a run when the girl cornered the bar Momo was just telling them about in the morning. Tsuki jumped down, taking the corner herself. ”Wait, I just want to talk,” She called out, almost bumping into a man-wardrobe just around the corner. Tsuki quickly took a few steps back, noticing the girl peeking out from behind the man. Pale eyes darted back to him. ”Good morning, um, I just-” ”Mia, is this woman giving you trouble?” ”Oh, no, I was-”

”Should we teach her the way of the desert?”

Yoshinori’s brow arched with practiced patience as the barkeep’s expression faltered, words crumbling into a stammering mess that only stirred more curiosity. Still, he offered a polite nod and slid the ryo across the polished wood of the counter, deciding not to press just yet. His next dilemma came in the form of three drinks and two hands. He was just beginning to puzzle it out when fate, ever a curious trickster, gave him an opening.

The two men flanking him stood and began to speak way too casually, too quickly. Yoshinori didn’t interrupt. He let them talk, leaned back against the bar with an easy calm, his demeanor disarming even as his eyes sharpened. Their words danced too close to contraband and backroom dealings. In a district plagued by theft? That wasn’t just coincidence, it was opportunity. "Vacation," he began smoothly, his answers coming in clipped, confident succession. "Special jounin. I might be, depends on the pay." He flashed them a cool, knowing look, just enough interest to hook them without commitment. "What did you have in mind?"

Elsewhere in the bustling market, a petite shadow flitted through the legs of unsuspecting passersby. The young thief clutched the hidden bolt of silk beneath her tunic, the thrill of the chase sending her heart racing. She cast a glance behind her to see no pursuers. A smug grin tugged at her lips as she darted around the corner, light on her feet and basking in her minor victory.

But her celebration was short-lived. A gust of wind preceded the pale-eyed woman’s sudden descent from above, her hair a raven banner caught in the breeze, her form landing gracefully like an angelic spirit of the desert. The girl skidded to a halt with a startled yelp, only to turn and bump right into another figure that appeared. However, this one she knew. The cocky smirk returned as she clutched the silk bundle close to her chest, wide eyes glimmering with unspent tears. Her voice rang out, high and plaintive. “Help me, nii-san!” she cried dramatically, a tiny, triumphant spark in her eyes convinced they were about to pull off the perfect getaway.

The man chuckled, slowly exhaling, the cigarette falling to the ground as he stomped on it and gestured to the barkeep to clean it up. He did so without much ceremony, it was an everyday encounter, surely. Taking a broom, he was quick at work while the man leaned on the bar again. ”Well, we can’t have the district revived now, can we? Bad for business.” He began, taking another one from the pack with a quick flick of the wrist. The other one echoed him: ”Yeah yeah, bad for business, bad for business.” The main one shot him a look, shutting his partner up with one sharp gaze. In his eyes, Yoshinori had no ties to Suna, and was ready to sell out. Too many before him had done this already, besides, shinobi were easy to scare with some official pushes and pulls. ”I need you to create an opening for us, a distraction of some sort. Nothing much. 200 ryo?”

The man tapped the bar, impatient. There were a few facts at play here. For one, the streets were busy with hundreds of people, visitors, tourists, merchants. There was also the fact that there was a considerate amount of luxury goods in the street. Every building in the street was also connected by the same pipe system, while the bar was not. Whatever plan was at work, it will be loud.

The man was about to answer something to Yoshinori, when the loud sound of the window shattering was heard, glass shards falling on almost every surface at the bar.
. . .
Tsuki slowly took her fighting stance, her eyes zeroing in on the meaty man before her, almost twice as tall. When he charged first, Tsuki almost got confused how quick he actually was. She barely missed his kunai, which cut just the ends of her hair, barely anything but she still saw them fall to the ground. She started retreating slightly, taking steps back and redirecting his attacks, especially the ones which came from the hand with a kunai, in the back of her mind connecting the dots that this was not just a thug from the streets. They fell into rhythm, when the girl stood there, watching, almost crying.

Her gaze turned to the girl for a split second, and the man before her took the opportunity to grab her by the hand, sending her to the nearby wall. She tried to curl her legs in time, her elbow shattering the glass from the impact. Pushing herself off the wall, Tsuki now saw the man’s chakra network. Taking the momentum, she tried to hit them but the amount of meat and muscle prevented her from targeting the tanketsu points precisely, and she had to take another step back, just in time to duck, before a fist came in her way.

Someone was missing. The girl! She kicked the man in the stomach, barely moving him before a puff of smoke appeared just in front of her. ”A… Clone?” Hurrying on her feet, she started running towards the now fleeting girl.

Yoshinori remained silent, leaning back just slightly on his barstool, eyes half-lidded in disinterest as the sleazeball in front of him kept talking. The man barely paused as he flicked his still-lit cigarette butt onto the ground, forcing the bartender to step around it without a word. That small needlessly cruel act told Yoshinori more about him than any story could. He kept listening, piecing things together while the man’s partner chimed in, contributing all the charm of wet sandpaper. Yoshinori’s cocky smile was slow and deliberate as he finally responded, voice low and unimpressed. “200 ryo? Heh, I thought you were gonna offer something worth my time. Didn’t realize I was talking to the errand boy.” His tone dripped with challenge, but his eyes were sharp. These two were definitely involved in whatever was choking the life out of this district, but he wasn’t sure if they were just hired muscle or something more.

Then came the sound of shattering glass. Heads turned. Yoshinori’s snapped around to the window just in time to catch a flicker of black hair slipping away from view. His pulse quickened. Tsuki? He downed his drink in one swallow, grabbed the other two cups, he had paid for them after all, and strode toward the commotion with the rest of the curious crowd. At the window, he let out a low whistle at the damage, though his eyes were already scanning for where she'd gone.

He glanced back over his shoulder, the cocky smirk returning. “Clock’s ticking, boys. You’d better make your pitch before something more interesting pulls me away.”

The more desperate of the two snarled. “I’ll double it.” Yoshinori paused, one brow raised. The man fumbled inside his tunic, withdrawing a rolled map and spreading it out across the bar like it was some kind of treasure scroll. His breath smelled like sour beer and missing teeth. The map detailed the plumbing of the district: lines feeding every building but this one. The bar’s supply was separate but there was an access point nearby. “You make a scene,” the man said with a leer, “we go shopping, get a little inventory for... resale.” He gave a toothless grin, pleased with his own cleverness, and shoved a bundle of ryo across the bar. “Easy score.”

Yoshinori eyed the money, sighed, and finally gave a noncommittal nod. “Guess I’m in.” But his mind was already elsewhere.

Mia’s little legs pounded against the packed earth as she zigzagged through the crowd. The stolen bolt of silk bunched awkwardly beneath her tunic, slowing her just enough to add a thrill to her mad dash. Her breath came in shallow gasps, but her grin stayed wide. She could hear the chaos of the distraction that big brother had provided. Perfect timing. With a practiced twist, Mia ducked beneath a half-fallen wooden plank and squeezed into the narrow alley behind the shops. No guards. No vendors. Just quiet.

Her eyes landed on the manhole cover and left it just barely ajar. She slid into the sewers without hesitation, the silk still cradled to her chest like a beloved toy. Home was just a few turns away. Or so she thought.

Tsuki again chose the route on the roofs. It just seemed like a better call than mingling through the crowd and thanks to her doujutsu, it was easy to see the girl. Increasing her speed, she opted for stopping the girl in her tracks by jumping right in front of her, and yet as she was about to, a flock of birds flew from one of the more narrow streets, stopping Tsuki in her tracks for just a moment. Her hands flew to protect her face and she closed her eyes for just a second. A second too long! The veins around her eyes popped again, her gaze searching for the girl.

Spotted! Tsuki smiled – never run from a tracking ninja. She darted forward, making her way to the alley, only to be stopped by a wooden plank. Tsuki ducked, belly crawling under the plank and finding herself in a narrow alley. Deadend. Her eyes trailed downward to the manhole, completely closed now. Clever, definitely not the first time she had to run here – question was if for the same reason. Sliding a kunai out, Tsuki positioned it just right to try and lift the big metal lid and with a grunt, opened up a way for herself to get in. Quickly descending down the ladder, Tsuki found herself in Suna’s sewage system.

For someone not of her position, the smell might have been alright but she quickly placed a hand over her nose, grimacing at the horrendous and invading scent. Continuing forward, she took notice of the sand – footsteps, many of them, tracing pathways in and out. It was dark in the tunnels, fortunately, not for her. She continued walking, searching.

It took all the will in the world and all of her ninja training to not scream when a rat ran out of one of the passageways. She froze for a second, trailing the rat before it slowed down and flopped on its side. Dead? She knitted her brows, walking over to inspect. Still breathing… Asleep? Tsuki turned her head to the side, confusion blooming in her brain. There, at the end of the dimly lit passageway stood carefully placed gas containers. The metal material caught the light and Tsuki carefully approached, hovering her shirt over her nose, when her eyes widened. Sleeping gas? For what… The pipes?! What-

”How unfortunate.”
. . .
The men nodded and the more stupid one clapped his hands. ”That’s great, boss, we will need to gather all of them in the middle and then we can release the ga-”
”You fucking idiot, SHUT UP!” The other one punched him on the top of his head, turning his eyes to Yoshinori. ”Make sure you do it in the middle of it.” And with that the man whistled, walking out of the bar. The bartender was already making his way to the door, catching the whistle like a well trained dog and turning the sign from “open” to “closed”, while a few others appeared from the backrooms – kitchen, restroom, small lounge area. These were clearly misfits, one lean like a stick, the other so short, barely reached a barstool and all of them made their way outside, walking in different directions.

Whatever was happening here, was clearly in the plans for a long time.

Yoshinori weighed the roll of bundled ryo in one hand, thumbing through the bills as the two thugs continued speaking. His eyes flicked up when the duller of the two began to spill a bit too much, the kind of overeager confession that made Yoshinori pause mid-count. He arched a brow, filed it away, then resumed counting with deliberate calm. When they finally turned and left, Yoshinori chuckled under his breath, tucking the cash inside his shirt. Amateurs. Hadn’t anyone taught them basic protocol? Half now, half later. Paying up front meant they were either desperate… or scared. The latter possibility interested him more than the former.

His gaze drifted through the bar, and he spotted another figure peeling off into the crowd with hood up, too cautious to be casual. Another cog in the machine. With a sigh, Yoshinori abandoned the remaining drinks and melted into the shifting flow of bodies. His eyes followed the rogue to a shop's edge, where the man began to position himself. The heavy pull of his hood, the way he scanned the street. It all screamed premeditation.

Moments later, Yoshinori dropped into the alley behind him with the quiet grace of a shadow. He struck fast with one arm over the man's mouth and the other locking around his throat. The man barely had time to tense before his body slumped. Yoshinori hushed him needlessly, then eased him down to the ground. The temptation to end him right then and there buzzed like static beneath Yoshinori’s skin. But no. Answers first, blood later. He yanked the cloak free, and as it slipped off, a gas mask tumbled from the folds. Yoshinori caught it mid-fall, brows furrowing as he examined it. Interesting. He slid the mask into his weapons pouch and shoved the man’s unconscious form behind a dumpster, burying him in shadows and refuse.

Emerging from the alley, he scanned the street with new eyes. If they’re using gas, this wasn’t just a petty job. Something bigger’s coming. He had to create enough noise to ruin their timing. With a leap, he climbed atop a stack of crates in the center of the street and cleared his throat. “Come one, come all!” he bellowed, voice cutting over the crowd like a bell. “Firesale! You heard me right! Silver at firesale prices!” He glanced down and grimaced. Cutlery. Of course. He plastered on a grin anyway. “Silver cutlery! Fancy enough for nobles, sharp enough to slice shame clean off your table!” That got a few heads turning. Yoshinori raised his arms, beckoning more.

Meanwhile, deep beneath the street, the assailant from before crouched in the tunnel’s tight darkness, watching the woman who had dropped from the sky like a star. She had followed the thief, Mia, straight into the sewers. He had tried to stay far behind, avoiding confrontation. But when she turned the wrong corner, straight toward the supply cache of sleeping gas canisters, dread had curdled in his gut. Now, there was no choice.

“How unfortunate,” he drawled, voice echoing off the damp stone walls. His sick grin gleamed in the low light as he emerged from the shadows. “Now we definitely can’t let you go.” Fear skated down his spine, but he pushed it aside. Here, in the filth and dark where he felt most at home, he had the advantage. He drew a kunai; old, nicked, and stolen from a dead shinobi. He turned it in his fingers, trying to look calm, confident. But his grip trembled, just slightly. She had bested him before. And now, standing between her and the truth, he had no more room to fail.

Tsuki’s gaze slowly trailed to the old kunai. Trembling fingers. Maybe, just maybe she could talk him out of this, maybe there was still something good inside this person that could change the course of what seemed almost inevitable. She raised her hands, parting her lips and yet he charged, leaving no room for discussion, her instincts making her lean to the side slightly to avoid the impact. A series of punches, kicks, all blocked to the best of her ability but still taking a toll on her body. When she blocked a kick, she almost missed the punch coming her way, so she ducked, hearing the stone wall behind her crack.

For her, this was something she could’ve avoided. For him, this was a matter of life and death and the stakes started rising faster than she expected. She tried blocking his tanketsu points from the back, somehow, someway, at least a hand, but the precision was off like the last time. He growled, like a person who spent too long in the dark, and her eyes widened, only to narrow in focus a split second after. The clunking sound of kunais followed, both of them now using weapons. Where she lacked strength, she had speed. Just as she was about to kick him away, her leg caught before ever lifting up, catching Tsuki off guard.

Sand?...

The girl stood there, staring at her with angry, hate fueled eyes, clutching the silk to her chest. A wet sand snake was curling up her leg, and the first thought that came to Tsuki’s mind was – how did I not see her? Nor him, following me? Her wrist was grabbed, and she found herself flying across the passageway, smashing into the gas supply with a sharp hiss. She tried to move her legs, stand up, fight, every inch of her body screaming, and yet she was locked in place with only her hands to help her. In that split moment she flashbacked to the gruesome laboratory, Yoshinori telling her with burning eyes to follow the trail, and it almost looked like a light bulb turned on in her head. They were cornering her again, and Tsuki quickly trailed the sand snakes with her eyes, noticing a chakra pulse. Clever! Just a little chakra, and the wet clumping sand does the rest…

She hit both of the snakes with her fingers, releasing herself from the grasp, her mind going rapidly on what to do next. This would be a long fight, and something told her she couldn’t spare the time, not now. She side-eyed the gas container beside her. Risky… But worth it. Tsuki waited for the right moment, just as they were near. Grabbing one, she smashed the top on the wall. Gas came out with a loud hiss, as she targeted the forming cloud at them both, making them both shout, the sound morphing into a coughing fit soon after. A very slight grin appeared on Tsuki’s face before she too started to cough, trying to hide her nose and mouth.

Both of them were now on all fours, when the girl fell to her side, fast asleep. The man, however, held on for longer, trying to grasp something behind his coat. A mask! Tsuki took a step further, her legs giving out on her, as she fell on the hard ground. Using the angle of her arm, she shielded her pathways, crawling to the man, trying to grasp the mask before he did, as her vision started fading in and out. Everything blurred, she saw double, the mask in his hand, which she slapped away just in time but not far enough. His fingers extended, and Tsuki, desperately, pinned his hand with her kunai going right through his palm. She grabbed the mask, placing it on her mouth and nose and inhaling deeply.

She laid there, on the ground, just for a moment to catch her breath, her gaze tracing the stone ceiling.

The crowd surged toward the stall where Yoshinori stood, chaos bubbling as strangers shoved and scrambled over one another. The vendor’s voice rose in vain protest, screeching over the mob, "Nothing’s on sale! Nothing!" But the damage had already been done. The spectacle had taken root and the attention was sucked from every other stall on the street. Exactly what Yoshinori needed. His eyes swept the crush of people below, watching the commotion unravel. But then he caught a smaller figure down the way: Momo. Her face pinched in confusion, her small hands clutching the edge of her display. Guilt punched him in the chest, but he held fast to the decision. This wasn’t about one vendor. This was about the whole district. Ending this operation meant protecting all of them, including her. Still, the guilt didn’t fade.

He kept the performance going until the real shopkeeper finally wrestled control of the crowd, shouting down the ruse as cries of “Scam!” and “False advertising!” took over. Yoshinori gave them all a cheeky, unapologetic grin and bowed theatrically atop the stall’s overhang. That’s when he saw them; his two stooges from the bar, panicking in a nearby alley. Flailing arms. Furious pointing. Everything falling apart. With a single flick of his wrist, Yoshinori dropped a smoke bomb at his feet. The world exploded into haze and coughs, and when the smoke cleared, he was gone. The rooftops welcomed him again, his sandals whispering over tile as he sprinted toward the criminals. They hadn’t moved far, just far enough to start shouting at each other in desperation. He landed between them with a silent thud.

Both men jumped back, startled, then immediately began pointing fingers. Mostly at him. “You call that a distraction?! The cannisters didn’t eve-!” That was all Yoshinori needed to hear. His fist shot forward and cracked against the ringleader’s jaw with explosive force, sending him tumbling into a mess of dented trash cans. Blood and teeth followed. The man tried to rise babbling through a swollen mouth only for Yoshinori’s foot to send him crashing back down.

The second thug let out a squeal of panic and bolted, feet slapping wet stone as he made for a nearby manhole. Yoshinori didn’t stop him, instead he just chuckled darkly and followed. 'Let’s see where you lead me, rat.' The manhole scraped open just enough for the thug to disappear into the dark below. Yoshinori dropped in after him. The sewers were dank and dim, lit only by the shafts of sunlight from above. Footsteps echoed ahead, panicked and fast, and Yoshinori stalked behind at a patient pace, his movements near silent.

The man started calling out, his voice rising in desperation. “Help! Someone! She’s here! Something’s wrong!” Yoshinori’s eyes narrowed. She? The trail led him into a wider alcove, where the man skidded to a stop and screamed. Their enforcer lay slumped on the ground. The little thief was unconscious, a small, limp shape curled beside the man’s legs. The thug took a sniff and frowned. “What’s that sme-”

He didn’t finish. His eyes fluttered. His knees gave out. And as his body slumped sideways, Yoshinori caught sight of her. Tsuki, wearing the gas mask. She knelt among fallen enemies and leaking canisters, chest rising slowly, hands braced to keep herself upright. But she was struggling. Even the mask couldn’t completely stave off the effects after being inside this long. Yoshinori’s lungs began to burn. The sweet scent in the air was deceptively gentle, lilac and something medicinal, but he could feel the fog crawling into his head.

Without hesitation, he pulled the mask from his pouch and slipped it over his face. Clean oxygen rushed in, clearing the edges of his vision. He made his way to her side, dropping to his knees, his hands immediately moving to check her pulse, the mask, her skin. Still warm. Still breathing. A shaky breath of relief escaped him. Then her eyes, visible through the mask’s lenses, fluttered open to meet his. Yoshinori smiled, soft and rueful, brushing a strand of damp hair from her face.

“Fancy meeting you here,” he murmured.

She didn’t know how much time had passed but it wasn’t long, because she could still hear the faint sound of a manhole opening. Her eyes were closed now, lats bits of conscious mind focusing on something real – the coldness of the stone beneath her, the sound of herself breathing, the faint sound of footsteps… Footsteps? She had to get up, right now, but it became increasingly more difficult to peel her eyes open. The line between sleep and awake has begun to blur.

A familiar touch brought her back, her eyebrows knitting together in the confused state. This was the best view to wake up to, no competition. She exhaled, a soft chuckle escaping her lips, closing her eyes again for a second in the wash of relief. She found his hand and placed it on her chest, just because her lips were covered with the mask. ”I’m so glad…” She breathed out again. Then suddenly, Tsuki’s eyes turned wide, a glimpse of panic hidden behind the pale lavender orbs. ”Yoshinori! They have sleeping gas here, it’s a whole thing, oh god, and Momo, we left Momo!” She tried to get up, almost falling back again but he was quicker in helping her.

She turned her head to the girl, leaning on Yoshinori. She didn’t say it but her eyes trailed to his with a worried look. Taking her with them was the best chance to gain more information if they needed some but it will also cause a lot of ruckus and possible trauma for the kid. Despite her better judgement, Tsuki still took the girl, all three of them making their way out of the sewage as fast as possible. As soon as they reached the alley again, she threw her mask off, coughing and trying to grasp the fresh air as much as she could, with her hands placed on her knees. ”Just when I thought we will have an easy mission, we embark on a new adventure,” she said, her head still dipped down but he could hear the smile in her voice. ”...Wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

She finally straightened her back, checking Yoshinori for any wounds or signs of struggle, taking notice of his pink knuckles. She bit her lower lip, looking up at him with a curious expression, before the girl, who was leaning against the nearby wall, caught her attention again. She was still asleep, mumbling something under her nose.

Yoshinori crouched in the damp shadows of the sewer, eyes scanning Tsuki as best he could in the low light. He nodded as she explained about the gas canisters. “I know,” he said quietly, a small sigh escaping him. “I heard all about it from our friend here.” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder toward the unconscious figure he’d chased into the sewers. “Momo’s safe. I saw her by the stall; confused, but safe.” When Tsuki moved to stand and stumbled, Yoshinori immediately stepped in and caught her without hesitation, steadying her before she could fall. He held her for a beat, just to be sure.

Then he turned and crossed to the remaining canisters. With quick, practiced movements, he drew a kunai and punctured each one just slightly enough to ruin their effectiveness without detonating their contents. Hissing gas leaked into the sewer air, but it was no longer a threat. By the time he turned back, Tsuki was cradling the small thief against her chest, and they began to run through the disgusting, rat-infested tunnels. When they reached the open manhole, Yoshinori laced his fingers and boosted her up, then vaulted out behind her, landing lightly despite the lingering fatigue.

The fresh air was jarring, a rush of clean oxygen that made him immediately tear off the gas mask. He breathed deep, then exhaled with a mix of relief and exhaustion, the lingering sewer stench still clinging to his clothes. He chuckled as he looked over at her. “As long as it’s with you, I’d face anything.” Yoshinori glanced toward their small hostage and crouched beside her. He was about to pull out the wad of bills when he caught Tsuki’s look and relented, letting her check him over despite the faint pout on his face. His grin returned quickly when she noticed his bruised knuckles. “Punched a guy and made four hundred ryo,” he said casually. “It’s been fun.” He reached into his shirt to retrieve the bundle of cash but the small figure on the ground stirred. Yoshinori leaned closer and snapped his fingers gently in front of her face. “Hey, hey, kid, wake u-”

The girl’s eyes snapped open in panic, and before he could say anything else, a handful of sand smacked him straight in the face. “Gah!” He recoiled, coughing and blinking rapidly as sand lodged itself in his lashes and mouth. “Little bastard's got an arm!” When he could see again, he spotted her curled tightly into the corner of the alley, arms drawn around her knees, eyes wide and wild. She clutched more sand in her tiny fist like a second grenade.

”You punched a guy and-” She cut herself off, an amused smile appearing on her face. For a second she thought she’ll need to practice her i-don’t-know-anything doe eyes to the ANBU officers when they come looking for her husband. ”Payment upfront?” She asked, the amusement still lingering in her tone and when he nodded, another soft chuckle escaped her, as she came closer to him, getting ready to crouch beside, when he received sand into his face. Tsuki gasped, kneeling and gently wiping the sand around his face and mouth, careful not to touch his eyes to avoid any damage. Her touch was soft, her eyes worried for a moment. ”You’ll need to blink out the rest, baby…” She said softly, making sure to get all the sand off before her own eyes trailed to the girl.

She was scared, the poor thing. Lost. Merely just a child that mingled with the wrong crowd. It never comes from good life, and that made her find sympathy in her heart. Tsuki stood up, slowly taking a few steps closer, her hands in the air just to ease the panic. ”I just want to speak, okay?” She asked carefully, crouching a few meters before her. She waited, patiently, the girl shrugged into herself, her small fist tightening around the sand in her hand, and Tsuki’s gaze softened. ”I’ll let you keep the silk… You could wear it as a scarf. It would be a great protection from the sand too.” With that the girl’s eyes widened, and she looked around, then leaned in slightly, sand still in hand. The little thief darted her gaze to the manhole then back at Tsuki. ”Don’t worry about them… They’re asleep. Like you were. They will wake up with time.” In Tsuki’s mind there was no use in adjusting the girl’s moral compass, not now at least. The hood over her head slipped, revealing bright pink hair, and Tsuki thought how adorable she really was.

Rummaging through her weapons pouch, she took out one of her kunai, the girl’s eyes immediately locking in on it, as she raised her hand with the sand in it. ”I’ll give you this to protect yourself. But you have to promise me, that you’ll think twice before making a decision to attack somebody.” Tsuki knew she wouldn’t. You can’t save everyone in the world but it in this case, it didn’t cost to try. She held out the kunai to her, the girl slowly approaching her. It was like making a deal with a cat. Everything else happened in an eyeblink. The girl took the kunai and lifted it up to stab Tsuki but she was already ready, and gently held her wrist up in the air. ”I’m sorry. Goodbye, Mei.” With a quick jab of her fingers to the back of the girl’s neck, Tsuki knocked her out. Before she could fall, Tsuki took her in her arms and stood up with a sigh.

”The man in the sewers was her brother. I assume they are from the same crowd… Where did the others come from?” She met Yoshinori’s eyes, turning around to face him.

Tsuki’s gentle fingers brushed the clumps of sand from Yoshinori’s face, her touch soothing where the rough grains had temporarily blinded him. He blinked rapidly, trying to flush the grit from his eyes, but they stung fiercely, and he could barely keep them open. Of all the things he expected to be the worst part of this mission, getting sandblasted by a tiny thief hadn’t made the list. Still squinting, he worked to clean the rest of the sand from his skin, flinching slightly as more slipped down his cheeks in itchy rivulets. He wanted to say something to warn Tsukibut didn’t dare break the moment. Any sudden sound might spook the thief or disrupt Tsuki’s advance.

When the girl suddenly lunged for the kunai, Yoshinori’s body tensed, instincts screaming to move until Tsuki struck like lightning. In a blink, the kunai clattered harmlessly to the ground, and the girl crumpled, unconscious, brought down by pinpoint Jyuuken strikes. As Tsuki swept the girl into her arms once more, Yoshinori’s expression darkened slightly. So much chaos, so much danger; all for material goods. He sighed, brushing the last stubborn patch of sand from his neck.

“Think so?” he muttered as another grain tumbled from his hair, and he shook his head with a soft huff. “Not too sure... but I’ve got a feeling business around here might pick back up after all this. Once we let the locals know what’s been happening behind the scenes.” His tone lightened as he dug into his shirt and retrieved the wad of ryo he’d lifted off of the men. He held it up with a lopsided, sand-streaked grin. “Lots of ice cream in our futures.”

But then his smile faded into something more thoughtful as he looked back toward the alleyway from where they’d come, and the memory of the riotous crowd at the market drifted into focus. A crooked laugh slipped from his lips. “...Though maybe I should take her and let you two beautiful ladies meet up with me later,” he added with a chuckle. “I might be a bit... let’s say, infamous on the streets right now.”

He stepped closer, arms extended to take the unconscious girl from Tsuki. As he did, he leaned in to steal a soft kiss, managing it despite the awkwardness of blinking through the lingering sting of sand, and followed it up with a truly terrible wink that was more of a twitch. And with that, he vanished in a blur of motion, leaping to the rooftops with the small thief in his arms. His silhouette slipped across the skyline, weaving through sunlit alleys in search of a patrol ready to hand over both the girl and the information about the gang planning beneath the city’s surface.

Tsuki shook her head slightly, smiling at him. Why when she leaves him alone he comes back with a lot of cash, she didn’t know – and maybe it was best not to question it. However, the grin on his face and the way he looked at the street did seem curious. Tsuki tilted her head to the side slightly. A conversation to have when coming home, perhaps. She took a look at the girl again and gently slipped the kunai under her belt. She did say she will give it to her, even though the girl failed Tsuki’s test. Yoshinori’s hands slipped under the small body, their hands touching just for a moment and a kiss, needed and reassuring, landed on her lips. It was a brief moment but it lingered as she savoured it while watching him carry the girl, and disappearing. She smiled, and felt sand grit between her teeth, which made her laugh to herself and the alley walls.

The walk back was not far – Momo seemed so confused near her stall. She ran up to Tsuki, catching the girl by her shoulder and shaking her. “Tsuki! Your boyfriend,” Fiancee “went crazy! He started selling cutlery,” Probably just creating a distraction “What is going on?!” Tsuki gently placed her hands on Momo’s arms, putting hers away. ”Momo. I need you to listen very carefully,” She slowly let go of her arms and inhaled, focusing on what to tell Momo and what to leave unsaid. ”we were in the middle of something that could’ve caused a lot of… Damage. Yoshinori and I took care of it. The rest is left with Suna officials.” With that, Tsuki rummage a little in her mission gear, producing some ryo to Momo. ”I know this is not all I owe for the silk but I’ll give the rest back to you in Konoha. Or sooner. Okay?” “Put that away, consider it as a gift. Besides, the color will compliment your-... Tsuki, are you defending child thieves again?” Momo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. Tsuki blushed and waved her hands in front of herself, chuckling uncomfortably.

With a look at the stall, she noticed how empty Momo’s was. It was a success on her end, at least from the earning, although, not much bonds were formed due to all the fuss of the behind the scenes. The street was a little more empty now, the afternoon sun casting a glow on them both. “Speaking of… Where is he? Is he okay?” ”Yoshinori will handle… He’s, um. Good question. I’m sure he’s not far behind. We can start packing up, if you’d like.” And with that, they both got to work, Momo deliberately putting the silks away slowly, catching a few buyers using the tactic. Neatly folding each piece, Tsuki closed the last box. Momo was beginning her teary eyed bit about how much she will miss her and that they will meet again very soon and Tsuki leaned in to the usual ritual, nodding politely and reassuring that they will, in fact, meet again.

Yoshinori practically flew across the rooftops of Suna, scanning the streets below for an official patrol but the stubborn sting of sand in his eyes made the task more frustrating than it should’ve been. He squinted against the glare, blinking rapidly, and just when irritation started to edge into real discomfort, the soft babble of a nearby fountain caught his ear. He veered toward the sound and dropped down into the square below. A few startled gasps rose from the surrounding crowd, but he disarmed them easily with a crooked smile and a breezy, "Training mishap, nothing to worry about!"

Cradling the unconscious thief a bit more securely in one arm, he stepped to the edge of the fountain and dunked his head into the clear water. Cool relief rushed over him as he blinked furiously beneath the surface, chasing out the grit. With a sharp breath, he lifted his head, water streaming down his face, and sighed as the sting finally faded. Another reassuring grin was tossed toward the still-staring civilians before he kicked back into motion, springing to the rooftops once again. With his vision finally clear, he spotted a Suna patrol on the next street and dropped down to intercept them.

Flashing his Konoha headband, he explained everything; how a group of thieves had used the local water system as cover, how they’d stockpiled sleeping gas in the sewers, and how the girl in his arms had played her part. The patrol listened intently, their expressions hardening as they processed the gravity of what he'd uncovered. The older of the two nodded sharply. "We’ll check it out. Good work."

The younger took the thief gently from Yoshinori’s arms, cuffing her with chakra-binding seals. Yoshinori watched the child being led away, something unreadable flickering in his eyes before he shook it off and ran a hand through his longer hair, slicking it back out of his face. With his hands finally free and his mission complete, Yoshinori set off to find Tsuki and Momo.

When he rounded the corner, he spotted them just as Momo was starting to pack up her stall. Tsuki stood under the sun, moving with quiet grace and care as she sorted supplies and folded leftover cloth. The sight stopped him for a moment, warmth blooming in his chest. Then, with a lazy saunter and a grin playing at his lips, he made his way forward just as Momo lifted her bags and began to walk off. Yoshinori slipped up behind Tsuki and snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her close against him. He dropped his head to her shoulder, his smile pressing into the curve of her cheek as he whispered, lips brushing her skin:

“Boo.”

Tsuki just waved Momo off and yawned, her hand covering her mouth. What a day… And it wasn’t even night yet. She was about to stretch, when familiar arms pulled her in, and still, she jumped, an incoherent sound escaping her lips with a blush soon to follow. Tsuki gently slid her hands through his arms, leaning her cheek to his head, them both sharing a long awaited embrace. ”How did I not see you coming… Not just you,” she said with a sigh, staying at the same spot. It was warm and safe. ”I actually didn’t notice others trailing me too. That’s not very… Good for a jounin, don’t you think? Once we get back, I’ll go training.” She declared with a determined nod and they shifted, Tsuki now beside him, her hand finding his with ease.

They started walking, not really having any direction in mind just yet. She replayed the day in her head, thinking of everything, her mind lingering on the girl. If the world was different, maybe she could help her, somehow, someway… Or maybe it was just her instincts kicking in. Leaving that thought as it were, she noticed that they were taking a more distant road, with just an occasional passerby here and there. ”I’m so tired of people…” Tsuki admitted silently, looking at him from the side for a second. She stopped and without much thought, slowly wrapped her hands around him with a slight squeeze, hiding her face in his chest from the outside world. ”I just want to be with you, it’s so relaxing and fulfilling.” This day was harder than the other ones, with a different morning routine, and all the action they had to go through. It was taking a toll.

Tsuki looked up, and her lips parted to say something else but her gaze caught on the sand sitting on his hairline and she smiled, gently wiping it off. ”Let’s get you in a shower. The sand is everywhere.”

Yoshinori had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing at the noise Tsuki made when he snuck up behind her; it was adorable, and he’d absolutely tease her for it later. The grin on his face faltered slightly, though, as her tone shifted to something more serious. “Training sounds like a good idea,” he agreed, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. “Besides, I still haven’t shown you what I’ve been working on.” They fell into step beside each other, their fingers lacing together effortlessly, like puzzle pieces always meant to fit. With the chaos of the day behind them, Yoshinori let himself breathe, his shoulders finally relaxing as they strolled through the streets. The market was winding down, most stalls closed or in the process of being packed up. As they passed the bar, Yoshinori cast it a pointed glare.

The path home looped them through the district they’d first wandered that morning, though now the air was cooler and tinged with the stillness of early evening. The sun dipped low, bathing the buildings in amber light. Yoshinori caught Tsuki watching him, her eyes soft, and slowed to a stop just as she stepped into his arms and pressed her face into his chest. A wistful smile tugged at his lips. He held her close, his arms tightening as he swayed them gently in place. He dipped his head and pressed a kiss into her hair, breathing her in.

“I get it,” he murmured, voice low. “Some days, most days, I wish we just lived in a cabin in the woods. Just us. No missions. No threats. No one but each other.” His chest rose and fell with a quiet sigh, and then a small chuckle escaped him as he looked down at her. “You're right, let’s head back,” he said, his fingers finding hers again. “I desperately need a shower plus we don’t have to check out until noon, and our train doesn’t leave until even later. We can sleep in, maybe grab brunch.”

”I’m glad you got this all figured out, I really am.” She said, and leaned backwards just a little to catch a glimpse of his face. ”Let’s go.” Tsuki took his hand again as they continued their walk, falling into comfortable silence again. It took some time to reach their hotel, the sun was already setting and just as they were about to enter, Tsuki put her palm to her forehead, as if remembering she forgot something. ”Maybe if we hurry… Gosh,” she looked around, a little panicked. ”follow me, I’m sorry, this will have to be a little quicker than I would like to… But I really want you to see before we have to leave.” She held his hand with both of hers, hopeful eyes reflecting the setting sun.

She turned around and started to jog, looking back at him through her shoulder to make sure he was there, and as she did, Tsuki darted forward, catching his hand just in time mid-jump on the roof. From there, the two shadows of Konoha ninja jumped from rooftop to rooftop, rushing somewhere Yoshinori did not yet know. It didn’t take them too long to get to the outer wall and she frantically looked behind her, checking the sun. Raising her hand, she measured the time of setting with her fingers and frowned, looking up the big wall. ”C-Chakra feet…” She stuttered out between pants, and with a nod, they both ran up the wall.

She stopped, catching her breath just for a moment, the sun was in perfect position. Tsuki exclaimed victoriously between catching her breath, and placed her hands on his shoulders, gently turning him to the view she wanted to show.

Dunes. Golden, glimmering, sand dunes, illuminated by the orange sun. The true beauty of the desert, the thing this was all about. Loving life, being happy you are alive and taking joy in everything. Saying hi to cats you encounter on the road, tossing a coin in a fountain while whispering a wish, basking in the sun and sharing your secrets with the moon. And running like crazy with burning eyes just to catch a glimpse of the setting sun, shyly hiding away behind the dunes, in Suna.

Yoshinori raised a curious brow when Tsuki took both his hands in hers and, without a word, tugged him away from the hotel doors they’d nearly crossed. There was something mischievous in her eyes, a glimmer of excitement that made it impossible to refuse. Whatever surprise she had planned, he would follow her anywhere. Their feet lifted from the street and onto the rooftops in fluid motion, bounding across tile and sandstone as the sun dipped lower behind them. Yoshinori kept pace just behind her, the city falling away in a golden blur until they neared the edge of the village where the towering wall that encircled Suna rose like a silent sentinel.

Without a word, he nodded and felt chakra surge to his feet as he began to climb. The ascent was slower, more demanding, and by the time they reached the top he was coated in a light sweat, chest rising with exertion. He paused, catching his breath, only to furrow his brow as Tsuki gently turned him around. And then, he understood. The entire desert stretched before them in breathtaking majesty, a living ocean of gold beneath the melting hues of sunset. The village below shimmered like a mirage, rooftops and winding streets drenched in soft amber light. Beyond the walls, dunes rolled into forever, kissed by fire and twilight.

Yoshinori's lips parted slightly, stunned into silence by the raw beauty of it all. For a moment, he simply let himself get lost in the moment and let the view etch itself into memory. Then he turned, slowly, his gaze falling on Tsuki. She was radiant in the sunlight, her hair catching the wind, her eyes reflecting the last fire of the day. And in that moment, he loved her more than words could hold. “Thank you,” he whispered, voice full. “I love you.” He leaned in, and with the desert wind curling gently around them and the world wrapped in gold, he kissed her; tender, slow, and unspokenly grateful for every second they had.

Tsuki melted into the kiss, her hands gently resting on his cheeks, as they both pulled closer to each other. Her hair caught between her lips and she pulled away just a little, smiling, whispering she loved him too, before their eyes met and their lips met again. Before long, they both watched as the sun hid, he held her close to his chest, her back leaned to it so they both had the best view. With the last rays of sunshine, Tsuki gently lifted his hand to her lips, and placed loving kisses on his rosy knuckles, kissing it better.

The run was worth the view but most importantly, it was worth the way Yoshinori’s face caught in awe. One thousand million times worth it. She’d do it again in a blink, when she had the chance again.
. . . At night, when they laid in each other's arms, Tsuki couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. She gently traced the outline of his face, his eyebrows, lips, watching him sleep in peace and safety. It didn’t take a sensory shinobi to notice how much Suna officials were patrolling the city. They did something right again, together, another adventure to place in the chest. She let out a long sigh, cuddling up closer and finally closed her eyes, sleep slowly taking her too.