Hey Look, A Falling Man [Tsubaki]

[Samejima]

"Not full-blooded ones, I think they're... Less conscious, y'know what I mean? Haven't met a full one, but anything I've ever heard about them was bad so I'm not exactly looking out for 'em, hahaha," Shrugging it off as if she didn't believe in the existence of actual demons, Naoki carried on walking and considered her next question. "Mmhm, got special pardon on the grounds that I help out in the liberation of Sunagakure. I mean, I guess I did sorta help, but I just didn't feel like I deserved the title of genin quite yet... so I ended up heading back in there after working up the money to get in for some classes." The thought of those days was enough to get her to grin at the failures she experienced in there, with trouble manifesting a clone and resisting genjutsu in general.

"Besides, genin-level missions aren't normally dangerous, I didn't even know how to use ninjutsu that well when I started out on some of mine. Oh hey, I think there's mission available for students too, if you wanted to try some out? Genin missions aren't too different from those in any case, so we might be able to try some out in the same general area!" She turned back to Tsubaki at this point, wanting to try and catch any and all of the slight gestures that would indicate an inclination towards one side or another. For one thing, observing that quick thinking on the field would be beneficial. For another, Naoki found that it was nice having someone along when doing missions. Makes it all much less exhausting.

"So um... about food, and level of spicy? Ah say, what kind of food did you like back before you moved here?" Food was a nice subject to talk about. Plus they still had no destination at this point.

 

[Kazumi]

As they continued on their way, Tsubaki's attention seemed to float to and from the conversation. Most likely wouldn't have noticed, but the fact that Naoki seemed to be paying particular attention might have tipped her off. Even so, she nodded along as Naoki spoke and began to make handsigns of her own in reply. "I do not think I would be ready for that. I appreciate the offer, however.' Another affirming nod of appreciation would follow as Naoki lead them around the corner towards their ultimate destination. "I would only slow you down, for certain."

A few moments of silence followed before Tsubaki began to gesture once more, which did nothing to alleviate the lack of talking... "I can handle most any kind of food. I would like to believe, at least. Traveling around a lot, one tends to simply eat whatever the local fare is. Aside from the meats of course, those are substituted out for some preferable alternatives." Another quick nod and Tsubaki would look back towards Naoki, as if silently asking that question back onto her traveling companion.

 

[Samejima]

"Ahh not at all, two heads is better than one! But I guess you did just get here, building up confidence really does need time. Either way, offer's on the table if you ever feel up to it!" Naoki nodded, as if mirroring Tsubaki as they rounded the corner to reach the street that housed that ramen place. "Food huh... I eat pretty much anything, can't really watch what I eat when that's the only thing available, hahah!" she attempted a joke at her own expense. Mm... Should I try and make the topic something a little more relatable? Ahh, maybe her attention's just more on studies and stuff, might be better to leave her be for now... We're almost there anyway I think- oh, right on cue~

It opened somewhat recently but it's already gotten a reputation for being rather good for value. She would've tried to peer through the doorway but it was far simpler to just snap her fingers a few times to realize the place wasn't as crowded today. "Awesome, looks like there aren't too many people today. This place is pretty good, though it opened up within the last... month or so? The owner comes up with the weirdest ramen flavors... Let's see, this week's special is... whoa!" Being able to read the sign outside did wonders for her dilemma - the special was curry ramen. I bet it'll be like a party in my mouth! Turning back to face Tsubaki, she asked, "How do you feel about kitsune udon? The one here's not bad as far as I remember, they've even got corn in there to add even more sweetness to it." Head tilted slightly towards the doorway, she waited expectantly.

 

[Kazumi]

Tsubaki nodded her understand and appreciation of the offer, but she doubted she would do much more than slow the girl down. Unless the job had to do with flower arrangements, or something equally mundane, it would simply result in Naoki needing to slow down to make sure the elder girl did not get in over her head. Then, as Naoki attempted her best take of humor, Tsubaki actually smiled and covered her mouth as if she were chuckling. "We are strict vegetarians, both my mother and father. It has always seemed cruel to eat something that feels pain. Plants do as well, but not in the same way as animals."

As they arrived, the older girl stood there politely and patiently, her hands clashed together just below her stomach as Naoki rambled on. She may not always say the most interesting things, think though what she says, or understand everything, but no one could say that Naoki does not speak enough. A tinge of amusement piqued at the thought of how no one would notice her own silence with Naoki in the room. "As long as they leave the naruto off, I am sure I would enjoy it." Her last sign shifted into a gesture for Naoki to lead them inside, should she desire to.

 

[Samejima]

"Ohh, never really thought of it that way... I guess unless one kills it themselves it'd be impossible to make sure it was killed without pain..." Naoki pondered it a little. Maybe she'll feel a bit better about eating fish now. Not that she hated the things but... she hates the taste of the things. Either way, "Unless vegetables get a lot more filling though, I don't think I'd be able to survive on them. That's pretty cool how you can anyway! No meat then..." There were meatless ones right? Regular shoyu ramen without the pork for example? Hmm... I guess ramen almost always has some other form of protein in it, but for the most part you can just ask to exchange said protein with an egg or something. Unless she can't eat eggs either? Uuuugh, I wanna ask but I don't know if it'd be right here... She decided to shut it for now, but one other thing stood out. "So I guess your brother doesn't eat meat either huh?" Small talk was hard to make.

"You can pass them over to me if you want! There usually aren't too many on it, she doesn't like the taste of naruto on kitsune udon either," Naoki had apparently learned this somehow, possibly by asking for more of them at one point. She stepped in and waited for Tsubaki to enter before sliding the door shut and plopping herself down on one of the stools in front of the counter. An elderly yet energetic old woman looked over and recognized the blindfolded blue genin. "Naoki-chan, back for more already? I've got a steaming bowl of this week's special, it's been a big hit!" Said blue girl seemed to physically grow by a centimeter or two, straightening up when she heard the news. "Really? Great then, can't wait to try some! Ah, and one bowl of kitsune udon too please!" If Tsubaki had said anything about not wanting the naruto on there at all, she'd also make a mention of this to the shopkeep, but otherwise it seemed like the rest of today would go well. Naoki turned in the swivel stool to face Tsubaki, patting the closest open seat.

[Topic Concluded]