In the early hours of the morning, when the first whispers of dawn caressed the sky, Hikari Suzume emerged from the quaint wooden door above the noodle shop. The cool air of the village greeted her, carrying with it the subtle aroma of freshly cooked noodles that mingled with the scent of dew-kissed leaves.
Dressed in a simple, unassuming kimono that flowed gracefully with each step, Hikari embodied an air of serenity and poise. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with delicate silver pins that seemed to capture the very essence of starlight. A soft, woven sash secured a small pouch at her waist, though her collection of ninja tools was limited.
As she descended the narrow staircase, the wooden floorboards creaked gently beneath her steps. Outside, the village was still draped in the calming hues of twilight, as if time itself paused to savor the tranquility.
Upon reaching the ground floor, she entered the noodle shop with a quite gracel, as if she moved between shadows and light with equal ease. The rhythmic clinking of cooking utensils harmonized with the rustle of her kimono, creating an intimate symphony of daily life. Behind the counter, she greeted the other employees with a warm smile and a quiet nod, exchanging pleasantries as she prepared to take on her role as a diligent worker. They knew each other, and shed told them a good time in advance that her life would soon change. She was much better at cooking noodles than she was a genin. This would change.
Throughout the day, Suzume attended to the customers with an understated elegance, delivering bowls of steaming noodles and delicate tea with hospitality and humility. To her it felt like a farewell, so better do it well. Though she may not have reached the heights of a fully-trained ninja, her dedication to the village and its people was unwavering. And she would prove it.
Closing the door behind her once at home, she would go to her nightstand, and on it were two headbands. She'd pick up the one without a strike through it and look herself in the eyes before putting it on and turning to the mirror.
