Private A Chance Meeting

[Nakano Karasu]

The sun had gone down and it was getting late. Karasu who had been training with shurikens knew she should be getting back home soon. She got all the remaining shuriken from the target bullseye. She was proud that she did very well. She saw her improvement and knew she was getting stronger. She looked around to make sure none of the shuriken were left behind on the ground. Once she was satisfied she turned to leave. A noise could be heard through the bushes. She wondered what it could be. She slowly walked over to the bushes but she didn’t see anything. “That’s weird, I could have sworn i heard something.” she said

She turned back to head home thinking maybe it was just a small animal. She was in the forest of Kitsune Park so that made sense. She knew there were small animals all around. It’s not like she was startled or anything just more curious. She took a few steps and heard another noise but this was in a different area than previously. Again her curiosity got the better of her and she went to look. It sounded as if something was shuffling through the bushes. She again thought this must be a small animal just running about. She looked and saw a silhouette of someone that was not very big. She couldn't make out who it was so tried to investigate. She thought she heard a voice too but it wasn’t clear. The closer she got she could hear footsteps as if someone was running. When she walked through the bushes she finally saw what she was looking for.

A boy and a small wolf pup were in the forest. Maybe the boy was taking the pup out for a walk. She didn’t know but she got closer to hopefully be noticed by them. She was not one to go up to people but she thought the pup was so cute. It’s white and dark greyish marking made Karasu smile. She never had a pet of her own so whenever she saw someone else with one it made her feel all warm inside. She was even closer now “Um hello” she said hoping the boy heard her. She had a soft high pitched voice which made people overlook. She waited to see if the boy would respond.

WC: 392

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou had been out exploring the park with his pup Kashikoi. There was so much that he had to learn and he was eager to begin training. He had been watching the girl who he recognized as a classmate. She had been practicing with the shuriken and she looked to be pretty good at it too. He had been just sitting there watching and remembering back to when his father would practice in their village. The thought made him happy at first. That was until he remembered the cursed bandits who had ripped his life away from him. Remembering the bandits made him clench his fist in anger. Some day he would see those bandits again and they would answer for what they had done. Kashikoi sensing his boy's anger licked at his face and whimpered a bit. Jirou stood up and after stuffing his hands in his pockets, his head down and Kashikoi by his side he started to walk back towards the village and the rundown shack that they called home this week. He didn’t have enough for an actual apartment. He used what money he had to keep Kashikoi and himself fed. It was about this time that he heard a soft, yet high pitched voice call out. He couldn't even imagine it was for him. Jirou looked around to see if there was anyone else that the girl might have said hello to. There was no one else around except himself, Kashikoi and the shuriken girl from earlier. Stopping in his tracks, Jirou motions for Kashikoi to sit. Unsure what else to say Jirou said quietly back to her, "Errr... hello."​

WC: 275

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu heard the boy say hello to her. She remembers now that she had seen the boy at the academy but they had never met. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to startle you. It’s just I heard something and went to see what it was. I guess it was you and your pup.” she said looking at the pup and smiling. “He is really cute. Is he one of those ninja dogs I heard about or is he a pet?” she asked. Then realized that she hadn’t even introduced herself. “Oh how rude of me. I’m Nakano Karasu. I saw you at the academy. We are classmates.” she said, her tone a bit excited.

“I was just out here doing some training. I need to get stronger so I train every chance I get. “ she said, realizing she was probably talking too much. She rarely talks to people she doesn’t know. But she had to admit the boy was cute too and though normally shy around new people Karasu was being more interactive. Her body language would shift about showing she was a bit nervous. Everything around them was getting darker now that the sun had finally gone completely down and there was no trace of the horizon that sunrise gave the Hokage Rock. The air was becoming a bit chilly now that nightfall had arrived. Karasu shivered slightly then had her hands rub her arms trying to keep warm. Why didn’t she bring her jacket. She thought to herself as she stood there looking at the boy and the wolf pup. “What’s your name and your pup’s name?”

She walked a bit closer hoping she could pet the wolf pup. She loved his markings and the pup did seem friendly. As she got closer she noticed the blue in the boy's eyes and blushed a bit but put her head down immediately so he wouldn’t notice. The last thing she wanted was to embarrass herself. She didn't want to make the boy run away. She knew boys could be awkward with girls if they knew they liked them. So Karasu straightened up as she walked closer and reached out to put her hand on the head of the wolf pup to scratch his ears. She hoped he would let her.


WC: 381

 

[Raijin Jirou]

In the entire time that he had been in the leaf village Jirou didn't think he had said as many words as the shuriken girl before him said to him at this moment. At first he backed up a little somewhat taken back, but when she introduced herself he moved back forward a step and would answer her, "He is my family and my companion in our ninja training. He is not just one of those ninja hounds. He is rather my brother. My mother gave him to me on my sixth birthday. She used to tell me that if I trained hard then one day I might even become a Beastmaster. That was before..." He stops suddenly the look on his face becoming sullen as it usually did when he thought back to his life before the bandits. Not wishing to show this to the shuriken girl his right hand goes up to rub the back of his neck and he manages to smile to her, "It is very nice to meet you, Nakano Karasu. I am Raijin, Jirou. You can call me Jirou if you like. This is Kashikoi," he adds motioning towards the wolf pup. At this point Kashikoi has already started sniffing at Karasu's feet and was trying to tug at her shoe so that he might have a good chew.​

Jirou sees what Kashikoi is doing and looking down towards him he says to her somewhat embarrassed, "I am sorry. Kashikoi likes chewing on shoes. It helps him to get to know the person. It also means that he likes you. If you bend down slowly and hold your hand out with your palm upwards, he will let you pet him. He only bites those who he sees as a threat to me or to his family." Watching to see how she approaches Kashikoi would determine his future interactions with Karasu. The fact was that he was glad that someone had approached him. He had been feeling lonely since entering the Academy. Perhaps it was seeing the others being dropped off and picked up by their families. It made him remember a bit too keenly what he and Kashikoi had lost. Someday though he would be a strong ninja and he would bring those bandits to justice. How many other villages had they attacked since that time. He had to wonder. How many others had they killed or left orphaned. He had to be strong and he must become stronger with each passing day.​

He saw Karasu rub her arms and did notice that she had come with no jacket. His jacket was warm even though he was wearing a thin cotton shirt beneath it. Without hesitating he takes his jacket off and holds it out for her to put on, "You did not bring a coat. You are welcome to wear mine if you like. We should head back to the village, before it becomes any darker. I... erm need to head home... to my parents. I am sure they will be very worried." It was a small lie, but he would rather she not know that his parents were dead and he lived in one of the older buildings of the village. His hesitation, however, might give him away. He had never been very good at lying. Hoping to cover himself he adds, "I will walk you to where you live if you like." He was in no real hurry to hurry to where he and Kashikoi were staying this week. He was enjoying talking to someone his own age who seemed nice. He wondered what she might think of the nickname 'Shuriken Girl' though he decided he maybe shouldn't ask that just yet.​

WC: 619​

[MFT]

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu heard the boy speak as she stopped her hand not wanting to make the pup afraid. The pup came up to her but instead of allowing her to pet his head he started to chew on Karasu’s shoes. He was even licking her toes. She laughed at the pup then listened to Jirou say that Kashikoi was his family and brother, also that he got the pup when he was six years old. He was going on about being a beastmaster but suddenly stopped. He looked a bit sad to Karasu then the boy introduced himself and his pup.

“Nice to meet you Jirou. You can call me Karasu if you like” she looked at Kashikoi who was still chewing on her shoes and licking her feet. “Nice to meet you too Kashikoi. “ Jirou mentioned that Kashikoi likes to chew on shoes and it’s his form of affection and that he likes someone. She smiled then did what Jirou had said to see if Kashikoi would let her pet him. She kneeled down and put the palm of her hand upwards toward the pup. “Hey boy, you are so cute and sweet. I wish I had a pup just like you. You’re so beautiful and your fur is probably warmer than I am now.” she chuckled hoping that the pup liked her. She was still cold but then Jirou offered his coat to wear. She smiled then said “It’s ok I was about to head home since it was getting dark. I know my dad will be worried about me if i don’t get home soon.” Jirou mentioned his parents would be worried too but something in his body language told her that something was not quite right. She hoped he was ok but didn’t want to pry on personal matters. They did just meet. Kashikoi did seem to take a liking to her and she petted him playfully before she stood up.

“Alright I will take that offer of you walking me home.' she said with a smile on her face. She thinks that Jiirou and her will be best friends. She had Hinata as a best friend but having another would be even greater. She started to walk with Jirou and Kashikoi in tow. “I live with my dad and also my friend Hinata who didn’t have anywhere to live before. I know how it is to not have a home and have someone taken from you forcibly. It’s the worst feeling ever. So my dad who is really nice allowed Hinata to stay. “ She looked at Jirou and said “I guess you have both your parents still. You are lucky. Cherish them everyday. She said with a smile. “It’s a cruel world and I wouldn’t want anyone to suffer the way that I had. “ She reached behind her back and unsheathed her sword. "This is Hageshi Seigi which means fierce justice. My father made it for me. He is a weapons specialist. The purple gem in the middle of the hilt is from my mother. She is no longer in this world but every time I swing this sword it will be with her memory.” The tone of her voice was sadness but Karasu’s eyes were filled with determination.

[WC: 543]

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou listens to what Karasu says while she pets Kashikoi. Since she declines the offer of his jacket he keeps it on his hands deep in the pockets. He is admiring the sword thinking how it reminds him of his father's sword. "I am sorry about your mum but at least you have something from her to remember her by." Jirou had only the jacket that he was wearing that had belonged to his father and his pup Kashikoi who had been a gift from his mother. He felt badly that he had lied and told her that his parents were at home waiting for him. He really wished that it was true. He just didn't want her or anyone's pity. Instead he says to her, "Yes I am very lucky. I cherish every moment that I ha.. had.. have with my parents." It had slipped out but he hoped she would not notice and that he covered the slip up well enough. "Anyway we should be getting home. I don't know where you live. So if you could lead the way that would be great." ​

While they walked through the narrow lanes of the village street, Kashikoi stayed right by Jirou's side occasionally moving away a little to mark a tree or a bush while they walked. Jirou actually felt happy while they walked and said, "Maybe we can train together some time. You are pretty good with those shurikens, Karasu. You must have been practicing a lot." He can't help but wonder how her mother died but he is not so sure he should ask her about that. They did only meet today after all. He could not help but wonder if it was bandits who killed her mother and reflexively his fist clenches, "I want to be a great ninja like my father and mother." He knew that for that he would need to train hard. Then some day those bandits would pay. As they continued to walk Jirou relaxed and picked up Kashikoi. He was getting hungry and so was Kashikoi. Both of their stomachs could be heard to be rumbling. Looking embarrassed Jirou says to Karasu, "Sorry about that. My stomach is saying it is hungry. After we reach your home I will head home straight away. Maybe we can meet up tomorrow, if I am not grounded that is for getting home so late." He smiles to her though in his eyes the truth could be read easily enough. There was no one waiting at home for him and just enough food for him and Kashikoi to eat tonight. Tomorrow he knew he would need to see what he could do about getting more food. For now though he just wanted to enjoy the walk to her home. He was a little happier in the thought that he might have a friend his age and that was enough. Kashikoi sensed his thoughts and licked his face.​

WC: 492

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu started to walk home with Jirou and Kashikoi. When Jirou responded about cherishing every moment with his parents Karasu caught his wording as if he slipped up. Had? She thought to herself then she heard him say have correcting himself. That gave Karasu another odd feeling about Jirou. It was as if he was hiding something. She wondered if it had to do with his parents. It seemed every time he mentioned his parents his body language even his words were awkward. She led the way to her home. It was a bit of a ways away from the kitsune park. She was glad for the company. There was a silence for a short time then she turned her head when she heard Jirou mention training together. She grinned when he complimented her on her shuriken training. “Thanks but I'm just average at best with shurikens. I still need to train more with my sword to get stronger. “ she replied back then added. “I don’t mind training together. I think that would be greater. We can get stronger together.” her smile widened.

She listened as Jirou mentioned he wanted to be a great ninja like his parents. “So do I” she nodded then pet Kashikoi as the wolf pup walked close to her. Jirou picked up Kashikoi which made Karasu smile even more. “Aww he is so cute. I’m glad you have him.” She heard a noise which sounded like hunger. She glanced at Jirou who mentioned he was hungry and that he would eat when he gets home. There it was again. This time it was in the eyes. Karasu could see that Jirou was not being completely honest. She looked down on the ground as she walked. She was thinking that maybe Jirou doesn’t have a home or parents. She wasn’t sure if it was one or the other or both. She did know that something was off when it came to his parents. She always was good at reading people.

Karasu knew that look of not wanting too much information to be had by others. She did it often herself whenever she arrived at a new village including the Leaf Village. She looked up at Jirou as they arrived at her home. “Well this is my home. “ she said. It was not a very big home but they had extra rooms. “Would you like to come inside and eat something? I can muster up a few things for all of us. My dad wouldn’t mind. He loves company. “ she said to Jirou as she petted Kashikoi.


[WC: 430]

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou silently cursed himself for being a terrible liar. Had he really wanted to get caught? He knew that he didn't want anyone's pity. Besides it was his own business. He and Kashikoi had become used to their living arrangements even if it meant shifting on a weekly basis. He was used to traveling light anyway. Sure it got a bit lonely at times, but he didn't want to have to rely on anyone else. Wanting to change the subject as Karasu pointed out that they were nearing her home Jirou said after having been pretty quiet for most of their walk, "We should definitely train together. We can help each other become that much stronger. I think that you just might be my first friend at the Academy." He smiles widely happy about the prospect of having someone to train with. He wasn't sure if he should call her friend yet and he hoped that she wouldn't mind that. He hadn't really made any friends at the Academy yet. In order to have friends that means you have to talk to others. Jirou had to admit that he was better at talking to Kashikoi than he was to other people.​

​

When Karasu invites him to stay for dinner Jirou's demeanor shifts to one of discomfort. He was hungry and the offer was very tempting. Still he certainly was not one to take advantage of their friendship in this way. He stands up straighter and smiles to her, "Thank you for the offer. I really don't want to put you to such trouble or take any of your food. It wouldn't be right. Please tell your father I said hello though. I really should be on my way now. Maybe we can meet up tomorrow at the Academy and share lunch?" At least it wasn't a lie when he said he should be on his way. He felt better saying that and he could leave without saying too much about his situation. He wasn't even sure if he would tell her yet. That was something he needed time to think over.​

​

He could feel the warmth of the home from where he was standing. He knew it was time for him to leave as he smiled to her adding, "It was very nice meeting you today and walking you to your home. I will see you tomorrow at the Academy. Thank you again for the offer." Unless he is stopped by her he would continue down the road.​

​

​

WC: 416​

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu smiled at Jirou who mentioned that she would be his first friend at the academy. She knew how it was like to not have any friends. Now she has two. “Well i only made one friend at the academy though i have met other people. I can’t really consider them a friend just yet. Still, I would be happy to be your friend. I don’t need many as long as I have true friends. I’m sort of a misfit so if you don’t mind hanging out with someone who doesn’t normally fit in?” she looked at with a sly smile.

She looked at Jirou wondering why he was turning her down. Maybe he was embarrassed. She just made friends with him and that’s the last thing she wanted to do to him. “Are you sure I mean it would be really nice to have you stay. I am a decent cook and I don’t get to invite many people over.” she said hoping he would change his mind. He seemed like he didn’t want to intrude. “You really wouldn't really be intruding at all. You will find that my dad is a great guy. He can’t walk but that doesn’t bring him down. He is still able to do things. We are new to the village and like I said I only made one friend beside you. “ she said but it looked like he wouldn’t take her offer.

She looked at him and it seemed the air got chillier as the wind picked up. He said his good and Karasu gave a weak smile then said “It was a pleasure meeting you and Kashikoi.” she watched as he started to walk down the road. She started to go into her house but something was bugging her. She opened the door and went inside but she came right out. She decided she was going to follow him to where his home was. She wanted to make sure her new friend was ok.

[WC: 332]

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou hesitated now feeling a bit guilty like maybe he should have stayed, especially when she said he wouldn't be intruding. He paused as though going over in his mind what he should do. After a few moments he finally decided it might be best if he just went to where he and Kashikoi were staying this week. Jirou looked over his shoulder thinking he saw someone behind him. Picking his pace up he continued walking towards the abandoned building where he and Kashikoi were staying. As he rounded the corner he broke into a run making his way through several turns and winding lanes towards the other side of the village where he finally arrived at a decrepit old building that looked like it was in need of many repairs. If there was someone following him he was pretty sure that he may have lost them in one of the many lanes along the way. There was a small alley on the side and he entered inside the building through an old metal door. It was anyone's guess what this building may have been used for in the past, but for now it was the home of Jirou and Kashikoi. There was no electricity so Jirou lit the lantern setting on the table. Using the propane stove he had found and an old copper kettle, Jirou filled the kettle with bottled water that he had taken from the Academy. He set the kettle on the stove and lit the stove to heat the water. He had tea and ramen for him and beef stew for Kashikoi. There was a mattress on the floor where they both slept. They didn't have much but at least they weren't taking from others. That was something at least.​

Jirou thought he heard something or someone outside and Kashikoi started barking and pointing to the door. "What do you hear boy? Is there someone there?" He picks up one of his kunai holding it out while asking, "Who is there? Speak up. I am armed." Jirou waits for an answer. He is there waiting for long enough that the kettle starts whistling loudly. Jirou quickly walks over to turn the stove off and returns to standing near the door holding the kunai out in front of him, "Show yourself. I am not afraid of you."​

WC: 390

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu took a few moments before going back out of the house so she wasn’t noticed. Jirou and Kashikoi were a distance away. She did see Jirou look back for a moment but Karasu quickly hid by a building. ‘Where was he going?’ she thought to herself. This part of the village was a bit shady. She continued to follow him as he sped up his pace. Good thing her clothes were dark and hard to see at night, though her hair being white would be noticed but she learned to take cover and not be noticed at the academy which is one of the basic rules for a shinobi.

She was trying to keep up as she kept going from road to road. One could easily get lost. She figured that Jirou and Kashikoi must have been running to make sure no one was following them. She knew he was trying to give her the slip. It worked and Karasu was around a bunch of abandoned buildings. It was cold and she shivered a bit. ‘Where can he be?’ her mind was wondering as she looked in several windows to see if anyone was in there. She thought she saw someone in one of the buildings but it was too dark. ‘Could that be Jirou?’

She went inside and it seemed that someone was camping out here. She heard a noise in a room and she went to see who was there. She was very quiet. As she was walking around someone grabbed her arm behind her. Natural instincts kicked in and she swung around and kicked whoever it was before running trying to find the exit. She heard a voice say “No you don’t there pretty one. You are in my territory now.” She turned and saw a bum looking at her with crazy eyes. She ran as fast as she could away from him. She found the exit and started running not knowing what direction she was going.

The young academy student ran knocking into a trash bin. She saw a building that had a flickering light inside. She ran to that hoping she could get help. The bum was right behind her and he caught up to her. She screamed as the bum now at her side grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth. She heard Jirou’s voice but she couldn’t yell back. Her arms were restricted so she couldn’t use hand signs. She felt something hit her hard on her head. “Jirou” she said in a muffled tone before she blacked out.

[WC: 428]
[MFT]

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou heard what sounded like someone knocking over a trash bin just outside the door to his place. Had he been followed? He didn't think so at least not until he heard his name called out. That sounded like Karasu he thought. Jirou and Kashikoi looked at each other briefly before deciding to go outside and confront her. When he looked outside the door he saw the darkened silhouette of a man standing over Karasu's motionless frame. Was she dead? He narrowed his eyes to get a closer look, his nostrils flaring to catch her scent. She did not smell dead, but she had either passed out or been knocked out. That much he could tell. His fist clenched as his mind worked at how to get the rather large man away from her. This was not going to be easy as he knew a bandit when he saw one. His mind flashed back to another fateful encounter with bandits. This would not be like that time. He was determined that it would not be. He would not be hurting his friend. Not here and not this night. As he calculated the distances and the various scenarios quickly in his mind, Jirou made the decision to try exactly what he had in mind. It was risky but worth a shot. It may also very well be the only shot that he would get at this.​

Heading outside the door Jirou called to the man and said, "Get away from her right now!" The man spun around with surprising quickness for someone so large, his mouth having formed into a great snarl that showed many rotting teeth, "Go back inside brat. This does not concern you. You do not want to cross me." Jirou stared at him his Kunai drawn with Kashikoi standing beside him as he said, "She is with me and this very much concerns me." Without a moments hesitation Jirou and Kashikoi appeared to charge right at their opponent. It was only at the last moment that Jirou dropped down and slid to the right much like a player sliding into home plate. Jirou slid right past the man's left ankle his kunai striking the man's achilles tendon. At the same time Kashikoi bit down hard onto the man's right ankle drawing blood and eliciting a loud cry of pain and rage as the man dropped to his knees his left leg having collapsed from the deep wound to his achilles tendon. It had worked. Jirou stood up quickly and balling his hand into a tight fist he struck as hard as he could at the man's nose in the hopes of knocking him unconscious. Blood streamed from the large man's nose and after cursing, "You brats. I will ki...," he collapsed fully to the ground. Kashikoi was still growling and had not let go of the man's bleeding ankle when Jirou called to him once the man had landed flat on his face, "Off, Kashikoi. Heel." Kashikoi obediently went to Jirou's side, sat down and waited like the good boy that he was. Jirou knelt down beside Karasu and tried to wake her up saying, "Karasu wake up please. I am here. Please be all right. We need to get you home before this guy wakes up. He is going to be really mad. I am so sorry you got hurt. It's all my fault," he could be heard whimpering while he tried to get her to come around. He felt so badly for lying and felt somehow responsible for her getting hurt.​

WC: 595​

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Before Karasu opened her eyes she could hear someone calling her name. She also felt like she was hit by a tree on her head. She was groggy. She slowly opened her eyes and it was blurry at first but she saw someone in front of her. She was also being licked in the face. Her vision became clearer and Kashikoi came into focus as the wolf pup continued to lick her face. She wiped her face then petted Kashikoi. “Thanks boy” she said softly. She sat up and saw Jirou next to her. She then turned to look at the bum laying on the ground.

Despite the pain in her head the events that happened started to flood back to her. She looked at Jirou. “You protected me.” she said in a grateful tone. She got up though a bit woozy. “Thank you Jirou for protecting me. He got behind me and I was not able to do any hand signs. “ she brushed herself off then peered Kashikoi. “Thank you too Kashikoi. You are a good boy.” she said smiling. Karasu looked around then back to Jirou. I was worried about you. I knew there was something you weren’t saying. So I'm sorry I did follow you. Only because I was worried. “ She looked at the abandoned building before looking back at Jirou.

“I know you don’t have anywhere to go. I been there and I understand. I don’t know what happened to your parents but it’s obvious that you are alone. I know we just met, but I feel like I’ve known you forever yet there is so much to learn. There is an extra room at my home. My dad would allow it because we already did that with a friend of mine. We didn’t have a home for the longest so we open our doors with open hearts to those who are in need of a place. Where I grew up outside of the Hidden Cloud Village, the villagers feared us and burned our house down. My mum was still inside the house while my dad and I were able to get out. My mum died as my dad and I were being beaten and tossed out of the village. We went from village to village and every time it was the same thing. We weren’t wanted. We were attacked by bandits on the road and my dad got crippled. We were lucky that the Leaf Village found us and allowed us to stay. You don’t have to be alone. It sucks being alone. “ She held out her hand to Jirou. “Please come home with me.” her big blue eyes were watery as tears formed and tears started to fall down her face.


[WC: 456]

 

[Raijin Jirou]

Jirou was relieved when Karasu finally came to. He heard what she said about bandits attacking and crippling her father, "I couldn't let anything happen to you. You are my first real friend here besides." His fist clenched when he heard what she said about the bandits and he relayed to her his own story, "My village was one of the villages outside of the Hidden Cloud Village. Bandits came and destroyed the village. They killed my parents and would have killed me except me and Kashikoi jumped in the rushing river water that was higher then usual due to heavy rains. I remember that clearly because the ground was real muddy as I ran with Kashikoi in my jacket." His face looked pained as he looked down both from remembering the events and also from the shame that he had lied before, "I am sorry I didn't say that before. You are right. We live here alone. Usually we just stay to ourselves and no one bothers us. I can't afford an apartment yet." ​

​

Jirou looks at Karasu taken back when she offers him a room in her home. No one had ever offered that to him. Even when he had been traveling through the countryside until he ended up just outside the Hidden Leaf Village. He was visibly moved and his voice broke with emotion, "I... I know what it is like to not be wanted and to be ignored by villagers. No one helped me when I was traveling from where I washed ashore until I arrived just outside the Hidden Leaf Village. I had to stay in the hospital until I was recovered enough and the Hokage decided it was okay for me to stay. Please don't cry," he says when she starts to cry. His hand started to reach out to her but hesitation and uncertainty made him stop. He looks back to the place where they had been staying and then to her again. It would be nice to actually have a room that he didn't have to keep moving from every week. He never felt safe either and he had a hard time sleeping with one eye open. Looking towards Kashikoi and also wanting him to be safe as well he makes the decision and reaches his hand out to take her hand in his, "It would not be right if I didn't help out. So maybe I can also give something to help you and your father as well. Would that be all right?" Jirou did not not want to take advantage in any way. At the same time something inside him made him feel like this was right. Was it destiny? He didn't say it out loud but he also felt very comfortable around Karasu, "We should leave this place before this guy wakes up. He is not going to be very happy and I would rather not be here. Let me just get my backpack. I don't have much." Motioning to Kashikoi he gives a hand command for him to stay, "Stay and Watch, Kashikoi. Just going to get our gear." After a short time later Jirou returns to where Kashikoi and Karasu are standing, "I am ready."​

WC: 538

 

[Nakano Karasu]

Karasu smiled when Jirou said he wouldn't let anything happen to her. She even blushed a bit at it too. Then Jirou opened up about his life with his family and what happened to them. Karasu listened with sympathetic ears. ‘He must have been close to the village she was from. They were from the same country, just different villages. ‘ she thought as Jirou continued talking about his life. She felt bad as she heard about the bandits. Karasu wiped her tears as her big blue eyes grew big when she learned how Jirou and Kashikoi jumped into the river to survive. “You were really brave.” she said as she listened.

Jirou apologized for not telling the truth. He confirmed what she had already had thought that He and Kashikoi were all alone. He mentioned how he was in the Leaf Hospital and he got permission from the Hokage to stay. “That’s what happened to us. We were in the hospital too and the Hokage allowed us to stay here.” she replied back Just then Jirou reaches for her hand which is still reaching out to him. She took his hand and squeezed it then she hugged him tight. “We will help each other. We will be each other's family. I know it won’t be the same as the one you lost, but we all have suffered and can relate to each other. “

Jirou went to get his backpack as Kashikoi stayed with her to stand guard to make sure the bum didn’t wake up. She did go and check the man’s pulse. He was still alive and she knew he would be waking up soon. This is the last palace she wanted to be when he did wake up. She saw Jirou come back and say he was ready. She turned to him and smiled “Great let’s go home.”


[WC: 310]

[Topic Exited By Everyone]