Another afternoon in front of the tea house [OPEN]

[Osuteno]

As the sun was setting, Koji Osuteno took his usual seat in his favorite tea shop. When he was allowed to move out of the orphanage he immediately arranged to rent a small place right above the shop. The old man and woman who ran the place were delighted to have the quiet and polite 8 year old as a tenant since he had visited almost daily since he was four, quietly eating dango and sipping his tea. He often attempted (key word) to mock assassinate ninja that visited the establishment with his toy kunai, which was often good entertainment for those watching and the targets that would often play along.

Yes, Osuteno has had many great memories of stories told to him by passing shinobi who he idolized, but now it was finally his turn. Soon he would start his own path to becoming a ninja at the academy.

Currently Osuteno had his brand new kunai and shuriken set in front of him and was reading the handbook while eating his dango. While still expressionless, he was humming to himself in excitement over meeting his new teachers and classmates. He found himself too full to eat the third plate of dango and put the plate to the side of his table possibly to take back upstairs and eat later, and ordered a fresh pot of tea.

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Kirei Zoro & FuwaFuwa-sama​

Zoro and his canine companion walked the streets of the Susukino District. The day was drawing to a close, and the boy wanted to find something to eat before it got too late. As he passed a particular tea shop, Zoro heard the sound of someone humming. The blonde child's eyelids fell as he listened to the tune. The soothing sound drew Zoro in, leading the ten-year-old into the shop. He stopped before a purple-haired child who seemed deep in concentration, reading a book on the tools before him. Zoro's gaze shifted between the weapons and the boy before finally taking a seat without permission. "Weapons on the table seems quite unsanitary, if you ask me." Of course, the red-eyed boy didn't ask Zoro, but he didn't care. He rarely kept his thoughts to himself. Zoro's brown eyes found a menu and he examined the contents. As he did so, the shih tzu that Zoro entered with took a seat at the table as well. FuwaFuwa-sama leaned close to his master, as if he was trying to read over the blonde boy's shoulder. "How does curry rice sound FuwaFuwa-sama?" *bark* "One bowl or two?" *bark bark* "I know, silly question. Small, medium, or large?" *brar-bark* "Yeah, I guess we shouldn't eat too much before bed. Small it is."

After that exchange, Zoro ordered two small curry rice bowls. He folded the menu and placed it neatly on the table. Kicking his legs, as his feet didn't touch the ground, Zoro finally introduced himself to the new boy. "Kirei Zoro by the way. And this is FuwaFuwa-sama." The shih tzu woofed a greeting. The blonde child brought a hand to his chin and tilted his head. "I don't get why you are reading a book on kunai and shuriken. All you do is throw them." Zoro didn't understand the intricacy of projectile weaponry, nor had he ever attempted to learn. He much preferred the elegance of his trident.

Soon Zoro's order was delivered, and two bowls of curry rice sat before him and his dog. "Alright FuwaFuwa-sama, hold out your paws." The canine did as he was told, and Zoro made a hand seal. Holding his palm a small distance from his dog's mitts, a light jet of water sprinkled on FuwaFuwa-sama's paw pads. After doing both front paws, Zoro used his jutsu to wash his owns hands. Together, the two patted their hands dry with a napkin. Feeling sufficiently clean, Zoro picked up his chopsticks and began eating. Miraculously, FuwaFuwa-sama was somehow avoiding getting his fur messy while he ate. Between a bite, Zoro addressed his human table companion again. "Are you a new student or something?"

[Topic Entered w/ iNPC]

 

[Osuteno]

Osuteno closed his book and simply looked at his new guest with a blank expression for a few minutes while he made himself comfortable, commented without waiting for a reply and began eating. He finally closed his eyes and nodded twice as if he had come to a decision after much deliberation.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Kirei-san, FuwaFuwa-sama." He marked each name with a small and polite bow towards its owner. "I am Koji Osuteno, a new academy student." The purple haired child took a moment staring at the blonde as if considering something again. He once again closed his eyes and nodded twice then proceeded to remove the tools from them table and placing them to the side. As he poured a cup of tea and offered it to the newcomer he said, "While the tools are new and unused they will not always be so so I should avoid making any habits. As for why I am reading about them, it is because they have a variety of applications and techniques available in their use. More advanced techniques even allow their use for defensive maneuvers."

Osuteno offered a small smile along with the tea. "Did you know that originally the kunai was a multipurpose tool for gardening and masonry? The simplicity and efficiency in its design along with its cheapness to make allowed for ninja to use them as tools for combat whether for distraction or killing. Many of the first ninja were not soldiers, but peasants and craftsmen. Our trade was one of humble beginnings but with ingenuity and creativity they developed techniques utilizing the tools of their former trades be it the farmer's kunai, the craftsman's wires and puppets or the fisherman's nets and trident." Osuteno then picked up the plate he put aside earlier and held it towards the blonde still holding the small and polite smile. "Would Kirei-senpai or FuwaFuwa-sama care for some dango?"

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Zoro was impressed by Osuteno's polite response and introduction. Score one! Two more and he's in. The blonde had created a system to making friends. Any person who could rack up three positive points from Zoro would be labeled a friend. Anyone who was dirty got an automatic fail. Osuteno poured some tea and offered it to Zoro, who accepted it with a slight bow of his head. Score two. This kid's on fire. However, the purple-haired boy began what sounded like a lecture, giving facts on projectile weapons. Zoro yawned as the kid spoke, but didn't interrupt. He figured he'd humor the new student.

Zoro's ears did perk a bit when Osuteno mentioned tridents, but the lecture seemed to end on that note. The kid then offered his remaining dango to Zoro, addressing him as senpai. Score fifty-million. Zoro looked to FuwaFuwa-sama, who shook his head. Zoro returned Osuteno's smile, though his was more expressive. "No thanks, but I like you. We're friends now. Best friends. Make a note FuwaFuwa-sama." The shih tzu used its flat snout to place a clean napkin before Zoro. He pulled out a pen and wrote on it. 'Koji Osuteno, best friend.' The blonde signed underneath Osuteno's name, then shifted the napkin to FuwaFuwa-sama. Zoro wet the dog's paw and it stamped the napkin. The boy nodded to himself in satisfaction before neatly folding it and putting it in his pocket. "Oh, do you want one too?" If Osuteno accepted the offer, Zoro would repeat the process. If not, he would simply shrug it off.

Growing a bit more curious about his new pal, Zoro began to question. "You know a lot of stuff. Do you live in the library or something? Or are you some kind of super genius? It would be cool to have a super genius friend."

 

[Osuteno]

While Osuteno's small frame and face remained unchanging as he watched Zoro and FuwaFuwa make a note of their new best friendship on the inside he was beyond delighted. His body just couldn't visibly express more happiness than it currently did. Instead, almost reflexively to the need to show more happiness Osuteno hummed his little tune as the two documented the occasion. When asked if he would want one also he nodded as excitedly as he could... Which means closing his eyes and nodding twice while still humming his tune. He had a spare picture frame upstairs it could go in.

Osuteno's small polite smile turned into a small embarrassed frown and his tune ceased when asked if he was a genius."Oh no I lectured again. I am so sorry Kirei-senpai, FuwaFuwa-sama." He punctuated each name with a bow. "I am sorry for acting so full of myself. It's just..." Osuteno gave the whole tea shop a sweep with his eyes, a small smile returning to his lips. "Ever since I was four I have been coming to this tea shop, not only because Ojiisan makes wonderful tea and Obaasan makes great food, but because ninjas came here a lot. They are and have always been my idols. They would take the time to play ninja with me and tell me stories about their missions. I want to be just like them." While his smile remained the same, Osuteno's eyes seemed to become fiercely serious. "I strive to learn all I can through constant study and application of that knowledge through training. I want to become a powerful shinobi in order to one day stand beside my heroes and protect this village." Osuteno's smile became more neutral and his face became as intense as it could get. "I want to one day stand tall as the Raikage and stand beside my cherished comrades in order to protect this land that I love." Osuteno held that serious and determined look for a few moments until the words he declared to his new best friend and the gazes from many of the patrons staring at him sank in.

Osuteno had a small problem now. His face had relaxed to its completely polite and neutral expression but was unable to express just how embarrassed he was. He closed his eyes and thought about it before nodding twice. He then hopped down from his seat, took proper sitting position on his knees (making sure he wasn't in anyone's way), gave the wood floor in front of him a good wipe down with a cloth he had on hand, bowed down, and began repeatedly slamming his head into the ground and spouting off apologies for his arrogance and disturbing everyone's meal. All while his face had only managed to make it to a small embarrassed frown.

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Zoro cocked an eyebrow at his new friend's constant need to hum, but he didn't complain. The blonde always did have a soft spot for music. When Osuteno nodded his desire to have a copy, Zoro smiled. Good, he would have lost a point if he didn't want it. Repeating the process, Zoro handed the napkin to the purple-haired boy. Osuteno frowned when Zoro mentioned the genius part, and he fretted over lecturing Zoro. The blonde waved off Osuteno's apology. He didn't mind all that much. At least getting lectured was clean business...sometimes.

Soon Osuteno began to speak of his past, his present, and his planned future. Zoro crossed his arms and kicked his legs, seeming bored but still listening. The conversation had gotten deep, perhaps too deep for Zoro to fully appreciate. "Raikage...wowie. You've got hiiiiiigh hopes. But I guess since we're best friends now, I should support you how I can." As Zoro said this, he noticed Osuteno lowering to the floor. After dusting off the ground, the boy began to slam his head onto the floor panels. Zoro stared in bafflement for a moment before rising from his chair. He grabbed Osuteno's shoulders to prevent him from whacking his head into the floor again. "Hey hey hey! Friends don't let friends bash their brains out!" Zoro lifted the purple-haired boy from the floor, which was surprisingly easy considering the young boy's frame. "But kudos for wiping the floor first."

Staring around the shop, Zoro's eyes caught sight of a staircase. The blonde walked towards it, motioning for FuwaFuwa-sama and Osuteno to follow. "You sound like you live here. You live here, right? I want to see your room. Let's go." Zoro placed a foot on the stairs, and could probably only be stopped by an adult. If he wasn't stopped, he'd wait at the top for Osuteno to lead Zoro to the room.

 

[Osuteno]

The little purple haired boy didn't resist when he was pulled up to his feet. He simply nodded when asked if he lived here and was surprised as Zoro made his way to the stairs. He gathered his stuff and rushed to catch up to the blonde waiting at the top of the stairs. He nodded to the left and led Zoro and FuwaFuwa down the hall until they arrived at another staircase. The went up it and turned immediately to the right where Osuteno unlocked his door.

The inside of the room was spacious with a desk and bookshelf in one corner, a bed in another, and a kotatsu in the middle of the room. Osuteno gestured for his guest to make themselves comfortable as he made his way to the desk and put the friendship napkin in a picture frame. After closing his eyes and nodding twice he brought out a bowl of citrus and placed it on the table. "I apologize for lacking means of entertainment, I have never had guests before. Please feel free to borrow any book off the shelf or ask if you need something." The boy offered a humble bow before seemingly becoming a bit nervous. "If I might ask, could you please tell me about yourself and FuwaFuwa-sama, Kirei-senpai?"

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

After walking up another flight of stairs, the boys finally reached Osuteno's room. The purple-haired boy unlocked his door and led them in. Zoro looked over the room, a smile on his face. So many kids his age were messy, leaving their toys lying around, tracking in dirt, having clothes strewn everywhere. However, Osuteno looked to have quite an organized room, albeit an empty one. Zoro sat at the kotatsu and watched as his new friend framed the napkin. Weird, but I like it. Sixty points. The boy returned with a bowl of citrus, and did the usual welcoming speech. Zoro shook his head. "I like your room. It's beautiful." To Zoro, clean and beautiful were synonyms. Zoro pat FuwaFuwa-sama, who had taken a seat next to him, while eying the bookshelf. He wasn't much of a reader, but the blonde did find certain subjects interesting.

Osuteno bowed before asking Zoro about himself, and ten year old paused to think. He wasn't sure if Osuteno wanted to know about his past, his future, or perhaps his personality. Finally deciding to answer a little of everything, Zoro gave a smug smile. "Well, as I'm sure you know, I don't like dirt. Elegance and cleanliness are my favorite things. Um... I used to be an Inuzuka, but my family was disgusting, so I disowned them. Now I live in the dorms with the other kids. They're pretty gross, but some of them are okay. As for what I want to do..." Zoro stopped to think for a moment. He had never given it much thought. He was the kind of kid that just lived in the moment. The future was for another day. At last he spoke again. "I guess I'll just help you do what you want to do. In stories, best friends always help each other...or become mortal enemies..." Zoro frowned for a moment before shrugging. "But I'm sure we will always be best friends. The friendship napkin is proof of that." Zoro smiled at Osuteno before standing up abruptly. He walked over to the bookshelf and examined it. "So what kind of stuff do you read? I hope it's not all about projectiles."

 

[Osuteno]

Osuteno felt something unusual for the briefest moment when his new friend mentioned he had disowned his family and though he didn't notice it himself his usual serene face took on an annoyed expression. By an annoyed expression, his face was serene as normal but his left eyebrow raised by a millimeter. Osuteno had no name for the feeling and it passed quickly enough so he simply shrugged it off as a hiccup.

Osuteno began to feel embarrassed again when Zoro said they were best friends. He glanced over at the framed napkin and smiled as much as his face could manage. The embarrassment intensified as Zoro said he would help the purple haired boy achieve his goals, which reminded him of the horrifying experience that had just occurred downstairs. He was going to have to leave by rooftop for a few days. There was no way he could dream of looking the owners or the other customers in the eyes in the foreseeable future. He would have to wait to return home by nightfall too.

As Zoro walked towards his bookshelf asking about his books a thought began tugging at the edge of Osuteno's mind. "Well, I have all the basics such as basic books about ninjutsu and taijutsu and the various styles and biographies about masters of various styles." The thought began tugging harder at his mind. "I also have a lot of books dedicated to projectile combat, water jutsu and medical techniques because those are my interests. I also have various encyclopedias over subjects ranging from the histories of various countries to the various clans around the world." The thought was intensifying but he still couldn't place what it was about. "I also have plenty of fictional and non-fictional stories about famous shinobi and their adventures. I even have books about cooking and nutrition. If you are interested..."

Then the horrifying thought reared its ugly head. Laying on the shelf, without being placed properly like the rest of the books, was a manual. A koinoichi regular at the cafe had given Osuteno the manual saying it was a book about specialized shinobi restraining and interrogation techniques. Without thinking Osuteno began running forward, becoming a purple blur. When Osuteno had discovered the true nature of the book he quickly resolved he needed to dispose of the text but couldn't bring himself to throw a book away. He had meant to find a place he could anonymously donate the book to but got caught up in his studies.

He got to the bookshelf and swiped the book right before Zoro, but his sock covered feet kept sliding across the wooden floor instead of stopping. He began to fall backwards and lost hold of the the book which flew up into the air. His eyes opened further in horror as the book began to open up to reveal its contents. It smacked into the ceiling fan and landed on the table, opened up to a page where it showed a method for restraining an unclothed woman with rope... [Wc:508]

 

[Tanuki Rinko]

Zoro listened as Osuteno listed off all the books he had. After he mentioned the encyclopedias, Zoro's head bent back. "Snooooore." The blonde was intrigued by the water jutsu though, so upon seeing a book with such a subject, Zoro grabbed it. Osuteno also mentioned fictional shinobi stories, and Zoro nodded his head. Now that's what I'm talking about! 2 points. However, the purple-haired boy ruined it by saying he had books on cooking and nutrition. Shrugging at the boy's boring taste in literature, Zoro scanned the spines for the fictional stories.

However, in a flash Osuteno grabbed a book before Zoro. His momentum, however, caused the host to fall back. The book he held ended up on the table open. Curiosity getting the better of him, Zoro trotted over to look at it, completely forgetting to help Osuteno up. What Zoro saw...he couldn't explain. He was appalled, yet he couldn't take his eyes away. The woman was just so...clean. He didn't really understand the rope part, but his mind didn't care to figure it out.

Eventually he pulled his eyes away, his face a bit flushed. A goofy, yet embarrassed grin spread on Zoro's face. "Well, you might want to keep that hidden from now on. You never know when an adult may come to visit." Coughing to release the odd tension between the two, Zoro pointed his thumb to himself. "But we're best friends, so I won't tell anyone." *bark* "Yeah, or judge you. At least the lady was beautiful." This brought the image back to Zoro's mind, and he scratched his hair. "You know what, I think we should call it a day." *brark* "Like FuwaFuwa-sama said, it's getting late." Holding the water jutsu book up, Zoro made his way to the door. "I'll borrow this one. Why don't you come visit my room next time? It's room K3 at the academy dorms. It doesn't have any naked pictures, but it is really clean. You'll like it." Zoro opened the door and waved goodbye to his new best friend. Things were definitely going to be more interesting around the village...and possibly awkward.

[Topic Left Unless Stopped]

 

[Osuteno]

Osu, still laying down in the floor, just hid his face in his hands and nodded as Zoro-senpai and FuwaFuwa-sama took their leave. He was so embarrassed he simply couldn't bring himself to react. After they left Osu stood up an went over to the table. He picked the book up and put it in his bag so he could dispose of it when he went out the next day. He looked at the framed friendship napkin with a sad smile. He had a new best friend... who thought he was a pervert. The thought greatly depressed Osu. But he would definitely work to clear up this misunderstanding the next time he visited Zoro and FuwaFuwa. He turned off all but his desk lamp and studied in bed till he fell asleep

[Topic left/Fin]