[Social] Kokichi Mikimoto, Yurai Kaito

[Deleted User]

The crisp breeze of the Leaf Village swayed through the streets elegantly dancing over shopkeeper doors and gently caressing the sun baked walkways. The smell of Ramen, the playful giggling of children, made the scene truly at peace within itself. Mikimoto appeared existing a supply store, its door ringing as he existed carrying two small clear white bags in his left hand. He had recently finished his first official mission as a Genin, it entailed the capture of multiple Lizards of a pet store that had gotten out of their cages and began to wreak havoc on the owner. Taking advantage of the down time between his next assignment, Mikimoto chose to do some grocery shopping. As he paced onto to the streets his senses being bombarded with heavenly smells from restaurants, he could not help himself but be at peace.

Becoming a Shinobi was Mikimoto way of becoming like his father, respected, loved, and appreciated for his moral ethical standings. He took the time to pause and reflect on his life up till now, and with each step on the sun baked pathway the road ahead became that much more clear. Not much of a social individual Mikimoto always hated that fact about himself, creating excuses for reasons why he did not have one decent close friend, for reasons unknown. At first he blamed it on his hard work ethic that granted him little to no leisure time. Then he excused himself and simply assumed because of his exemplary marks as a student the others thought less of him, a geek, a nerd, an overall awkward person. The reality was that out of his classmates few were respected more than he was. In two years Mikimoto graduated the Academy with the respect of his instructors as well as classmates. He was considered a hard working individual who respected everyone he came across and treated all with the utmost sincerity. Still the fact remained unless Mikimoto wished to remain alone he had to make new acquaintances, how else would he be able to defend and lay his life down for a village he had no connections to.

Shops aligned as far as the eye could see on adjacent left and right hand sides. Their wooden frames gleaming as the suns yellow rays shone down painting shadows in corners, low bearing posts, and illuminating hidden alleyways. Pacing on forward Mikimoto could not help but notice another youth like himself on the pathway, best of all by the apparent Leaf Shinobi headband that hung loosely around his neck he was a Ninja as well. This was the chance Mikimoto had hoped for, a chance meeting with someone he hadn’t known but hoped to change that.

In an attempt to strike up conversation Mikimoto calmly approached the youth, smiling soothingly with heartfelt sincerity in his voice; “Nice weather were having today, wouldn’t you say?” pausing before introducing himself, “My name is Kokichi Mikimoto I could not help but notice the headband your wearing there and thought id say hello, how are you.” Pausing yet again in eager anticipation for a reply from the stranger with his name and following conversation.

[Grand Theft Bandit]

Kaito took a quick glance from the corner of his eye to see he was being approached. He attempted to hold a solid stature, but as the genin got closer he could only mutter under his breath, "Shit..Not again..Can't people just leave me alone?" Kaito could have been in his own world before the Ninja had approached him so calm and smooth. He took his best opportunity to keep walking as elegant as possible in hopes that Kokichi would leave him alone. Kaito did in fact speed up and keep walking, but he took notice once more that the Ninja was seemingly following him in an attempt to either strike up conversation, or was failing at being inconspicuous. As the ninja spoke over towards him, he listened to every word: "Nice weather we're having, wouldn't you say?" and, "My name is Kokichi Mikimoto I could not help but notice the headband your wearing there and thought id say hello, how are you.”

Through quick analyzation he was able to come to the quick conclusion that Kokichi only wanted to converse with him. He spun on his heels and surveyed the mans looks, and saw that he was pretty dressed up. Kaito was left feeling a little one-upped, but obviously he knew those weren't the mans intentions when approaching him the way he did. Kaito was about to speak when he noticed he hadn't really seen the weather today, and inconspicuously looked up to see. It was in fact sunny outside, and the cool breeze had left him pretty content to be outside for once. Kaito realized he was standing there awkwardly over-thinking every possible scenario for the man to walk up, and had forgotten completely to engage him in conversation.

He opened his mouth to speak, but his voice cracked under the pressure and Kaito was left with a straight face teetering a frown. With more 'oomph' he attempted to speak once more, and with success made out a couple of sentences, "It is nice..isn't it?" and as the ninja had nudged towards his head-band he continued his conversation as the other ninja had went, "Yeah, that's my head-band..I just recently graduated, actually. I feel like I've seen you before, actually..maybe not. Oh, pardon me, I'm Kaito Yurai, if you don't already know." and with this he was just about finished, content with how he had conversed with the ninja.

[Deleted User]

Not realizing that he had made his new acquaintance uncomfortable by his approach Mikimoto began to recall how awkward he was at social techniques, this was an evident example to this fact. The stranger seemed like he did not wish to be bothered, however Mikimoto could not take back his words, had he could maybe he wouldn't either way. At first glance it seemed as though the stranger was ignoring Mikimoto simply pacing forward as he followed in toe behind. Almost in a stalking manner, though that was far from his true intention. To pass time or merely give Mikimoto something else to focus on besides being rudely ignored, the boy began to run over the strangers features. His clothing was minisculely unique, he wore a tight gray shirt, and pants that were similar to sweat pants, but were tightened on by a belt at the waist. He was indeed stylish and looked "cool" to Mikimoto who had a more professional look about him.

Suddenly after following for several steps the stranger spun around abruptly. Mikimoto came to a halt staring on at the stranger, his smile still drawn cross his face. However he could tell that the stranger was offset by his attire, examining each stitch of cloth as if Mikimoto was royalty. His analytical gaze was a bit off putting to him as he took great care of his appearance, and others more than often took it as being too posh or thinking he was better than anyone. Could not have been any wronger. After running down Mikimoto with his eyes the stranger broke contact and stared upward as if to now only realize where he was, before coming back down to reality awkwardly.

The conversation was about to begin Mikimoto would have his first social interaction for some time now. It was imperative that he not seem too desperate. Listening carefully for what the stranger was saying Mikimoto committed his name to memory, Kaito Yurai. Noticing how Yurai coughed haphazardly clearing his throat Mikimoto reached into his left hip pouch and pulled forth a Survival Canteen, filled with regular spring water. Its metallic surface gleaming under the bright suns glow. As he offered the drink to Yurai with an outstretched arm he spoke again with sincerity. "Here have some of my water it should clear your throat" Pausing as he handed the drink over, "Well it is a pleasure to meet you Kaito Yurai, I to have just graduated from the Academy. Come to think of to think of it I have seen you around before, last time I saw you was at our class Ninja Profile Pictures. I almost didn't recognize you from far away. Shame its taken us this long to get better acquainted. I unfortunately didn't have many friends back at the Academy, but now I am looking to change that, make more time for things not relating to training or work." Pausing once more as if to return the drink to his left hi pouch, "I have an idea, have you eaten yet? I haven't whats say we both try this steakhouse here, its on the direct path to wherever we both were headed? I would very much enjoy that opportunity Yurai."

Bringing the conversation to an end on his part Mikimoto patiently waited for a response, today as turning out to be a great day.

[Grand Theft Bandit]

Kaito smiled at the generosity of the man, taking the canteen to his throat he gulped down as much as possible, but just enough so he wasn't taking advantage of the offer. As he was clearing his throat, he noticed the man was obviously thinking about something. Regardless, he handed over the canteen again and began to clear his throat once more. Kaito could only seem to break out a smile on his face as the man continued to converse with him and be the most friendly out of other people he had talked to. Most of all, Kaito had liked the way the man carried him self. Mikimoto not only had a professional feel to him, but Kaito found him to be very respectful and well kept. He was becoming a little more able to talk now that he had approved of this person, and with a smile on his face he continued to speak as well "I knew I've seen you before!" with a decently wide grin on his face Kaito pondered the day for Ninja Profile Pictures. He continued, "It is a shame, isn't it?"

Kaito was finally glad he met someone that he had liked, and didn't instantly judge him for his lack of social ability. He thought to him self silently, "At least this Genin took the time to get to know me, and I'm getting better at talking to people.." and as soon as he heard steak house, his mind abruptly stopped and his stomach began to twist and turn like a knot. Kaito quickly threw his hands to his stomach to quiet the loud rumbling of his stomach, and looked up and mustered up the strength for a smirk and quiet giggle. Placing his hands back at his sides he opened his mouth, "I'm not going anywhere in particular, and to be honest..I'm starved. So where to again, I didn't quite hear? Ah..actually..lead the way!" Kaito excitedly said with a smirk, but clenching his shirt as the hunger began to erupt in him once more.

Waving his hands for Kokichi to lead the way, he smiled and thought, "Today's a pretty damn good day so far."

[Deleted User]

Latching down his hip pouch after returning the Survival Canteen Mikimoto smiled on at Yurai, pleased that the water worked to clear the man’s throat. Pausing for a moment Mikimoto realized he had many things in common with him just at first glance. Yurai seemed socially awkward something he could relate very much to. Among the many qualities that Mikimoto came to respect in others he found many of them Yurai had. The Genin seemed to be confident in himself, Mikimoto admired that. It was his belief that timidly shy people who could not muster up the courage to pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence never really got far in the world. Growing more fondly of this new acquaintance the list went on. Yurai would surely be a great friend. Judging by his character, accepting a drink from a stranger, not only that even when bothered still respectful enough to converse; when apparently not wanting to be bothered with. These qualities dictated to Mikimoto that Yurai was indeed willing somewhere in his heart to make a friend as well.

Mikimoto was not one to judge anyone on first impressions however Yurai struck him as a kind person, loyal to those whom gave him a chance not simply brush him off as an awkward person. Noticing how Yurai reacted to the though of food and steak, at first Mikimoto thought the Genin was allergic to meat. He quickly realized this was not the case as Yurai agreed to the steak house breaking out into laughter. The two were quickly growing closer even sharing a moment of joy in a laugh. With each passing moment it seemed the remnants of being complete strangers began to wash away and their pasts, presents collided into now. Catching his breath from laughing hard Mikimoto replied to Yurai as he whipped a slight tear from his eye. “Neither am I going anywhere. I know of a nice Steak House nearby. I never ate there before but I always wanted to, and I can’t think of a better person to experience this with.”

Following Yurai signal to lead the way Mikimoto paced on forward. Tilting his head to the side slightly he chose to take advantage of the walk ahead to get better acquainted with Yurai. “So tell me a little about yourself. What are some of the things you like to do Yurai? We have a block or two to go before we arrive at the Steak House.”

[Grand Theft Bandit]

[OOC: Just for future reference, his first name is Kaito.]

Kaito had grown to like the person he had just met, and was glad he decided to talk to the person before completely tuning them out. However, Kaito used to have lists of scenarios just specifically created to avoid human interaction. The worst of his own he figured, was when he pretended to be deaf and not respond to anything. He smiled over at Mikimoto, nodding vigorously. For once he was able to relate to someone, and get to know them as a friend. As he continued talking about how there would be 2 miles left, Kaito zoned off and began thinking about his new friend. His throat began to grow raspy as he talked again, and he definitely felt it, but he discarded the feeling and shrugged it off attempting to mask his raspy voice with a more normal one. As he heard steak house, he immediately got reminded of his hunger and his stomach began to tighten in a knot again. He could only grip his stomach and sigh as the next onslaught of questions were thrown in his direction, leaving him hardly speechless.

“So tell me a little about yourself. What are some of the things you like to do Yurai? We have a block or two to go before we arrive at the Steak House.” his voice rang out in his ears, "What do..I like to do? I don't really have anything in particular besides study..I guess I should make some stuff up. Anything to stop a new friend from judging me." Kaito smiled, turning his head a bit and looking in Kokichi's direction. "Well...think of something!", and another awkward pause later he opened his mouth and began talking, "Well, when I'm rarely not studying I like to survey the town and go and 'taste' the world. Being outside is a really good chance of pace for me, considering I'm always 'locked up' in my room all day. I thoroughly enjoy the outside, and I love a good bowl of ramen. I'm not the pickiest person in the world, but I do have my likes and dislikes much like many people.." and then he noticed he was rambling, and shut his mouth immediately. "That wasn't so hard, I didn't even make any of it up..So this is what it's like..talking to someone like normal, it's pretty fun."

Kaito then looked up, brushing the hair out of the tips of his eyes, "What about you, anyway? I feel like I've been talking about my self all day!"

[Deleted User]

Noticing once more as Yurai throat began to get agitated Mikimoto removed the Survival Canteen from his pouch again and handed it to Yurai. Not since he left home on his journey on becoming a Shinobi had Mikimoto felt this at peace within himself. Leaving any semblance of a social “normal” life behind with his mother at the Inn the young boy promised himself he would not rest until he became well known and respected, like his father. Looking skyward up at the shifting clouds high above Mikimoto began to fade into black, his thoughts sporadic at best trying to uncover his past to make sense of the present. He held himself to a high standard of a moral code. These commandments were created the day he departed home and never turned back. They guided him his every action and every movement toward the future. He was on a quest to become like his father, respected, renowned and vital asset to the community as a whole.

Mikimoto smiled on as Yurai spoke of himself, his impressions on his new friend grew and grew more likable. The resemblance between the two became strikingly apparent. Yurai seemingly was buried in his studies much like Mikimoto was and is. The one aspect to Yurai that continually made Mikimoto see himself in the once stranger, was the awkward pauses. This was refreshing for once Mikimoto did not feel like an outcast, a freak better at books than with people. He knew from then on that Yurai would accept him as is, Mikimoto found a friend he could truly be himself around. An invaluable thing to find.

His steps pacing forward the pair moved at a steady. Elegantly shifting through side streets and turning corners toward their final destination. Mikimoto listened on as Yurai explained himself being sure to commit the information to memory. Then came his turn the young Genin was to reveal information about himself. “There isn’t much to say I’m afraid, Yurai. You have a far more interesting life than my own here.” Letting out a shallow laugh before continuing on; “Other than training and fulfilling my duties as a Shinobi one of my leisure activities is exploring philosophical principles and ideals. I would be more than happy to share some with you one day.” Switching from his left hand Mikimoto began to carry the two bags of supplies in his right hand. “I suppose the most fascinating thing to date that’s happen to me is the fact that I just completed my first mission as a Genin and am supposed to be sent out very soon my second one.” “How are you adjusting as a Shinobi Yurai?”

[Grand Theft Bandit]

[OOC: Sorry..it's still exams for me and I can't post. I'll get back as soon as possible, but I'm really intent on not failing another class!]

[Deleted User]

[OOC: No worries it'll always be here best of luck on your Exams Amigo ]

[Grand Theft Bandit]

[OOC: I'm back, thanks for the luck wishes. ]

Kaito listened to the question, that after said had repeated in his mind constantly. He wondered to him self, "How...am I adjusting?" and as the question boomed in his head so did a answer out of his mouth, before he even had time to question it. Kaito opened his mouth, spilling a little bit more of the canteen down his throat to clear it. The genin blinked and spoke to his friend, "I..was always..more of a test taker. I wasn't quite as prepared out here. I was never, "Street smart"..either. It's the trouble of applying what I aced in class. I just barely passed the physical tests, I'm surprised I did." With that, he grew silent once more pondering everything. He genuinely was hungry, though, and desperately needed food. Just the thought of it again made his stomach grumble, and his smile became an apparent frown. Kaito began feeling his stomach, for no reason what's-so-ever, maybe just reassurance that it was attached to his lower chest still.

"I haven't even completed a single mission, yet." he said, as he looked down at his feet. Kaito wondered completely if he was actually even going to get to do a mission in his life time, each time he walked up to the door to get a mission he would just hurry away. He couldn't even tell if it was him being scared, or he just was supposed to be some farmer out in the distance and not really a ninja. "I got this far, I suppose..so why am I so worried?" Out of things to talk about, he threw out the first question he could, "How exactly did your mission go?" "I've been dying to hear about how missions work, to be honest." In full honesty, he was really considering a mission as soon as possible. Kaito really needed to step up in his ability as a ninja, and sitting at home and reading was no way to do exactly that.

Yet, the ninja kept walking. Currently he was going to go get some food with his new found friend, his /only/ friend. This was a good way to start, Kaito figured, and he pondered about how maybe his mission would go as he listened completely to his friend's mission, if he would even share how it went. A few things had to change at this moment, how he was a ninja, and how he talked to people.

"I'm really starting to enjoy my self, for once..maybe."