Starring:
Date: January 25, 2017
Summary:
Zankuro takes Cherii to a place where he hopes she'll be able to do some cooking, but some significant things end up coming out along the way…
"Cherry-Red Hippo"
Marketplace [Konohagakure]
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The entrance to the marketplace is barred off in the evenings but during the days access can be granted by entering a bright red colored archway. A huge multi colored marketplace filled with just about anything ranging from fresh vegetables, fruits and fish to even a selection of different types and colors of spices and seasonings. A giant area dedicated completely to the sale and distribution of all things one might need to prepare a decent meal.
The marketplace isles are filled with women seeking and finding ingredients for the evenings supper and men looking for some interesting objects of food to eat. Although mostly cooking necessities are found here, the small odd areas or two provide places where snacks can be purchased and consumed. The marketplace has a brilliant display of colors in all directions ranging from the roofs, the colors of the walls and the matters of interestingly colored spices.
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When Zankuro made mention of knowing a guy that might settle kitchen arrangements, he… kinda, sort of, maybe, possibly forgot to include how long it could take to reach their destination. It wasn't purposeful on his part. Not at all! It just so happened that the information slipped his mind. So what if the better part of the day was wasted just trying to reach their destination? Who cares! At the very least it had not been entirely without any sort of entertainment. Albeit, namely of the sort that involved an impromptu tour that included some sometimes seemingly needless deto — shortcuts. Yes. Shortcuts. All of which conveniently placed them out of the path of a particular group of girls that kept popping up along the way.
"And… here… where~~ The Market Place! Or… *whew*… as some like to call it…. the… the Akimichi… personal hunting grounds." A hunched over Zankuro says breathily after spending the last few minutes ushering and rushing Cherii along through the last stretch. Even with the afternoon growing late — or possibly as a result of it — the market place is a bustling hub of activity. What folk are not shouting in regards to low prices or fresh goods are instead making demands at the few stalls about for first pick.
Cherii takes a while to notice there's anything peculiar about their path. She's got a new friend, she doesn't care if they're taking the scenic route! n.n Although the hurriedness starts to get to her eventually. c.c; If it's enough to make Zankuro breathe heavily, it's enough to get Cherii pretty wiped. x.x "Haaa…Zankuro-san…I…I dinnae mean…tae sound unappreciative…but will we be reachin' yer friend's place soon?" n.n;
"… Huh?" Zankuro looks up with a bemused expression, and then back in the direction of the greater populace. "Oh… Yeah… *clears throat*… He's about… Hmm… should be about anyways. Where is that bastard?" He replies, though the last question is muttered as he looks about the area. "There! You see that big guy?" Zankuro points to the other end of the market place.
His words were an understatement. Even from so long of a distance and throng of people passing through the area, Zankuro's "friend" stood out like a sore thumb. The man towered over the majority even while hunched over what — judging by the rising smoke nearby — had to be a grill of some sort, wore a shirt and apron as loud as Zankuro's own, and reflected the sun like a mirror with the tan hide he called a scalp!
"Annnd he's work'n… ok… no pressure Zan. Just go up, spit the play, and things will be A-ok." Zankuro said underbreath while gesturing off-handedly.
Cherii looks over to the hulking chef. His movements and the sun-browned dome speak to Cherii of his dedication. :o It should be interesting to meet a culinary expert like that, although… "Erm, do ye know if he has an oven, and an icebox? I'll nae be able tae make cheesecake wi' a grill, ye ken," Cherii murmurs. X) Of course, maybe she could think of something else to whip up with the ingredients she has that would work well with a grill. Cherii glances aside while they approach Zankuro's friend. Strange, some of those faces out there in the crowd look familiar…not like she really knows them, but she's somehow gotten used to seeing them…as a group, even. -.-a Oh well.
"Pfft! Ar-are you kid'n me? Course he does! There ain't no self-respect'n Akimichi out there who doesn't have the full set… Well, there was that one guy, b-bu-but anyhow! Just trust me. My boy Akihiro will have what we need. He'll only need a little 'convincing' is all." Zankuro says grinning, though the corner of his lips kept twitching during it.
As if self-aware of this flaw, Zankuro is quick to gently attempt to coax Cherii along with a hand at her back before stepping forth to take the lead. Whatever reason the young man has to be nervous blinded him to anything but those ahead of him. "Yooo! Akihiro-senpai! Remember me?" He calls out after they get closer, waving his hand back and forth in the air. At first there is no reply from the giant, what with all the orders being thrown about from the small gathering near his stand. But eventually, he does take notice of the waving tropical T and his equally brightly dressed companion, scowls, and then yells while brandishing a spatula, "Zankuro! I thought I told you not to come back around these parts!"
Ah, Akimichi…another name from Cherii's preparatory studies. :o Not as prominent as Sarutobi, but a backbone of the Hidden Leaf, with a reputation for stout strength. At least they have a legitimate excuse to be portly. e.e; Cherii walks forward with Zankuro, expecting a warm greeting from Zankuro's 'friend'…only to find things aren't as Zankuro described. o.o "Er…are ye sure ye've got th'right person?" c.c;
Meanwhile, a certain knot of girls is meandering closer. "So then I told him, my Dad won't let me date anybody below the rank of chuunin. I was just trying to let him down gently, but now he's determined to get to chuunin as fast as possible, and I'm kinda worried he'll get himself killed if — waitasec, didn't somebody just shout 'Zankuro'?" =.=
Zankuro could only chuckle nervously at the question. It also didn't help that his so called 'friend' absent-mindedly began bending the rather sturdy looking spatula in hand with just a thumb. "Well? Speak up! I ain't got all day!" Akihiro asked, emphasizing his point by slamming the spatula down at the stand. By which point only the brave, nosey bodies, or those determined to see their order fulfilled decided to linger by the stand.
Sadly, Zankuro belonged to neither of those groups, if only out of fear. "Li-li-listen man. Ya… you can't be still mad over that 'incident' from last time, can you? I-I-i thought we were sq-square on that." Seeing the glare from Akihiro refuse to lessen, Zankuro gulped audibly and raise his hand for a placating gesture, only to stop at another familiar voice.
One that was far too close for comfort, seeing as how he immediately began looking about the area in an almost frantic manner. "Shitshitshit — Listen, Aki-san *the man glowering depends*… Akihiro-sama. Whatever it is you think I still owe you I'll pay. But can we please discuss this at the 'Kitchen'? Please!" Zankuro pleads in a rush, eliciting a confused brow raise in return.
Cherii's starting to get clued in that she has a rather notorious escort. c.c Not that she intends to ditch him, he's been plenty nice to her…but it does make one wonder. At any rate, maybe she can help out. "Beggin' yer pardon fer the intrusion, sair," Cherii says, bowing, "it's just that Zankuro-san here told me what a fine chef ye be, an' I'd be fair honored tae make a few dishes under yer expert guidance. I'm a ninja chef meself, ye see, visitin' from Iwagakure on diplomatic duties. Kamizuru Cherii be me name, 'tis a right auld pleasure tae make acquaintance o' th'famous Akimichi culinary artist." n.n
The girls are gradually moving closer, peering around in their hunt. "Are you sure you just didn't mistake that huge guy with the loud shirt for him? It looks just like the kind he wears." "No, I heard his name — listen, there it is again!" "I kinda think you're right, but it's hard to tell, sounded like some weird accent."
Akihiro is slow to let his focus slip from Zankuro. Which no doubt calls the Sarutobi's true character further into question. However, a fine bit of flattery captures the giant's attention quick and then some! "Hmph… *sighs heavily*… Well shucks, mam. I'm not that famous, but I 'preciate the vote of confidence… Even if part of the reason came from a questionable source." He states, going from blushing and struggling to maintain his composure to downright glaring at a nervously grinning Zankuro.
"But I'll tell ya what. How about we forget about that bad start earlier, and try again back at the Kitchen. Once I get things settled here. Sound good to you… two?" He asks with a broad smile, only for it to turn into a small frown. "Zankuro? What's wrong with you man? I know things ar—"
"Great! Fantastic! Awesome! We'll meet you there! Okay? K — Bye~" And with that, Zankuro is back to gently trying to usher Cherii along in an direction. A direction conveniently away from the gang of girls shifting dangerously too close to the group. Or so Zankuro hoped to initiate, but fate is often fickle. c.c
Yay! All that practicing in front of the mirror Cherii did to increase her non-existent Charisma stat actually came in handy for something! n.n Cherii smiles gratefully and opens her mouth to cordially thank Akihiro, but winds up having to rush it out over her shoulder as Zankuro pushes her along. "Er, thank ye kindly sair, be seein' ye soon!" The girls from whom Zankuro is trying to get away spot him for a brief moment over the sea of faces. "Ah, there he goes!" "Forget it, he's too far away now." :P "Looks like he got some chubster to actually put up with him." "She must be desperate." e.e
Fortunately Cherii didn't hear any of that. She's still a little nonplussed by Zankuro's behavior, though. "Zankuro-san, I dinnae mean tae make a fuss, but ye're actin' a skosh queer." c.c
With a weary shake of his head, Akihiro grudgingly returns to placate the lingering patrons and close up shop. Meanwhile, a scowling and very flushed in the face Zankuro continues to usher Cherii along until certain the duo were out of ear/eye shot of the girls. Even then, instead of explaining the situation, he quietly let her go to take point with his head bowed far enough for brown locks of hair cast a shadow over his eyes.
"Sorry.." He muttered, breaking the silence almost two minutes later if Cherii does not do it. "Sorry… Heheh… Didn't mean to worry you! I just got so excited about the prospect of taste'n some lovely treats from a beautiful ba-geeaa — LADY! Th-that I just couldn't help myself!" He turns to say before flashing a forced grin meant to reassure. "P-plus, we did lose a bit of time already, so I-I figured — why not kick things up a notch!"
Cherii takes a few steps ahead after Zankuro stops, but doesn't go very far. After all, she doesn't know precisely where they're going. c.c She turns around after a moment and watches Zankuro expectantly. At first she thinks he's catching his breath, but then she realizes there's no way he'd be fatigued if she isn't. Is he looking at something? Cherii doesn't see anything of interest down there. Maybe he's not feeling well. o.o
Just as Cherii's starting to lean forward for a better look at Zankuro's face, he finally speaks up. Okay, so…he was hurrying because he was excited…but he just spent two minutes staring at the ground. c.c Cherii sighs. "If ye say so, Zankuro-san."
"'Course I say so!" He puffs out his chest and bops it with a fist. "Just leave it to me! We'll be there in no time." And it really does not take them that much longer to reach the front of the restaurant. Traffic remained a little hectic in the area, but most were seemed content to get to where they were going over worrying any patrolling officers about potential free-for-alls in the streets.
"Here we are! The 'Red-Eyed Hippo'! I know she ain't much of a looker on the outside, but I guar-an-tee the kitchen is one of the best the Akimichi — NO, in KONOHA!" He expresses, nearly smacking Cherii in the process of whipping his arms out wide. "Honestly, they could probably even expand their business, you know? Start some chains, fix up the title, and maybe even spiff up the sign if they weren't so determined to be so stingy with their recipes." He adds after folding his arms, and shaking his head in exasperation.
"And honestly, who even came up putting the chunkiest side of a great, big cherry red HIPPO on the sign?" He asks, gesturing up sharply at the rather unmissable sign.
Cherii follows along contentedly until they reach the restaurant. Finally, a place to do some cooking. n.n It's surprising how much Cherii misses that, just from being on the road and not having much opportunity for it. And in a kitchen, Cherii feels just a bit less inadequate. People smile at her and appreciate what she does in there. So even though it's not familiar to her, this is like coming to a home away from home, a safe pl —
Nah, the universe decides, let's throw her a slap to the face. :P Cherii flinches as Zankuro points out the sign with a blatant symbol of what she hates most about herself. X{ Cherii's arms slide across her gut and clutch miserably. "Aye, disgustin'," she mumbles.
Zankuro nods along in complete agreement. "Just terrible!" He exclaims, shaking his head. "… Aww, well. Guess we can count ourselves lucky that the place seems closed for the day. You wouldn't be-LIEVE some of the crazy names they got for their orders." With that, Zankuro off-handedly motions for Cherii to follow this time, eventually resulting in the ambassador being led around the back. After taking one last moment to look around the alley, the Sarutobi knocks in quick succession on the shop's rear entrance. Even the heel of his foot is put into action for the weird password chain.
However, whatever answer was expected never comes about. "Huh…. Guess his brother ain't practice'n at the moment. Looks like were gonna be stuck out here for a bit, Cheers." He says.
Cherii follows quietly behind Zankuro, only half paying attention to what's going on. She's trying to forget about the hippo sign, but of course, trying to push something out of your mind is like trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. u.u; It takes Cherri nearly a minute to realize Zankuro just made up a nickname for her. "…Cheers? Y'mean me? Ah, hehe, that's…funny, Zankuro-san." How fitting. u.u Cherii lets the awkward silence drag on for a little while, then speaks up again. "Say, Zankuro-san…d'ye suppose these folks know much aboot weight-loss aspects of dietin'?" Cherii chuckles faintly. "Nae, I saeppose that's a foolish question." X}
Zankuro grins toothily and awkwardly rubs the back of his head. "Not the best one to date, I'll admit. But, I'll… keep work'n on it." He chuckles weakly, and then looks off to the side. Although content to wait in silence earlier, the small break threw the Sarutobi. So much so, in fact, Zankuro folded his arms across his chest, began tapping his foot, and his face took on a pensive look. There had to be something he could be said to break the silence. Just… Something!
"Wha.. Huh? Uhm… Well, yeah." He pauses for a moment, and then waves his hands about in a panic. "N-not that b-be-being a foolish question! Far from it, my Lady!" He chuckles nervously. "But… yeah… The Akimichi Clan got that whole weight gain and loss thing down pat. Heck, part of the reason why I'm as thin as I am was because of… well, to be honest, it was an accident! Honest! Anybody would'a made the same mistake in my position back then." He says in somewhat of a rush. "…. *clears throat*… They do. But, why do ask?"
Cherii looks at Zankuro with a furrowed brow. "Why? Because I dinnae LIKE bein' a great big cherry-red hippo, o' course!" DX Cherii turns away and smacks a fist sideways against the wall, leaning against it. "I've been tryin'…lookin' fer low-fat foods, pickin' up my taijutsu trainin'…but none o' it's made much difference so far. There's just got tae be somethin' I'm missin'! Otherwise I'll…" Cherii calms herself and takes in a deep breath, then turns back around to give Zankuro a searching look. "Ye say ye werenae always this thin. What happened?" :|
Completely and utterly shocked, Zankuro can only stand there like a statue as Cherii vented her frustrations; only to unfreeze at perhaps the worst possible moment. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up a second! I… I need to…" He trails off from there with an audible gulp and hands held up in a defensive manner.
"L-look. As I said, that whole thing was an accident. Ac-ci-dent! One that nearly got me killed. Twice! In one week!" He exclaimed. "Its also the reason why my buddy Aki was — still is pissed at me. And this was over two years ago! Maybe even three, I think?" Zankuro pauses to start stroking his chin, but stops abruptly with a heavy few headshakes. "An-anyways! I was laid up in a hospital for nearly a whole month after that mess." Zankuro says wearily. "Now… what's this bout you being a… a hippo? Where's that even coming from?"
Cherii stamps her foot. "Ye said it yerself nae ten minutes ago! Dinnae try tae deny it!" >.< He wasn't talking about her of course, but asking a distraught woman to make sense is a doomed approach. ;) "I'm a broasted butterball! It's a blasted disgrace, as a ninja and as a woman! Now tell me what happened tae ye! I'm nae aboot tae kill meself, but maybe I kin figure somethin' oot from it!" >8[
One would think that being something of a mother's boy might by of some use to the poor Sarutobi at the moment. Sadly, this is not the case! If anything, he straightened out after getting hit by the second surprise, dug in his feet, and became determined to resolve things! Somehow…
"You're NOT some butterball, and I did NOT call you a hippo! I was talking about the sign. You know, the one we saw just three minutes ago." He makes a sweeping gesture off to the side. "And I can't tell you what happened because… because… it's complicated. Maybe Akihiro will be able to tell you when he gets there, but… I can't, and I won't." He states firmly. "Now stop talking crazy, Cheers. Because you're not any of those things. And whoever's been telling you otherwise deserves a swift kick in the butt."
Cherii folds her arms and looks away dejectedly. She's already seen Zankuro's tendency for flattery, so his words don't hold much weight for her. "Fine. I'll wait for him," she mutters. And…that's about the end of the conversation for now. c.c
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The entrance to the marketplace is barred off in the evenings but during the days access can be granted by entering a bright red colored archway. A huge multi colored marketplace filled with just about anything ranging from fresh vegetables, fruits and fish to even a selection of different types and colors of spices and seasonings. A giant area dedicated completely to the sale and distribution of all things one might need to prepare a decent meal.
The marketplace isles are filled with women seeking and finding ingredients for the evenings supper and men looking for some interesting objects of food to eat. Although mostly cooking necessities are found here, the small odd areas or two provide places where snacks can be purchased and consumed. The marketplace has a brilliant display of colors in all directions ranging from the roofs, the colors of the walls and the matters of interestingly colored spices.
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When Zankuro made mention of knowing a guy that might settle kitchen arrangements, he… kinda, sort of, maybe, possibly forgot to include how long it could take to reach their destination. It wasn't purposeful on his part. Not at all! It just so happened that the information slipped his mind. So what if the better part of the day was wasted just trying to reach their destination? Who cares! At the very least it had not been entirely without any sort of entertainment. Albeit, namely of the sort that involved an impromptu tour that included some sometimes seemingly needless deto — shortcuts. Yes. Shortcuts. All of which conveniently placed them out of the path of a particular group of girls that kept popping up along the way.
"And… here… where~~ The Market Place! Or… *whew*… as some like to call it…. the… the Akimichi… personal hunting grounds." A hunched over Zankuro says breathily after spending the last few minutes ushering and rushing Cherii along through the last stretch. Even with the afternoon growing late — or possibly as a result of it — the market place is a bustling hub of activity. What folk are not shouting in regards to low prices or fresh goods are instead making demands at the few stalls about for first pick.
Cherii takes a while to notice there's anything peculiar about their path. She's got a new friend, she doesn't care if they're taking the scenic route! n.n Although the hurriedness starts to get to her eventually. c.c; If it's enough to make Zankuro breathe heavily, it's enough to get Cherii pretty wiped. x.x "Haaa…Zankuro-san…I…I dinnae mean…tae sound unappreciative…but will we be reachin' yer friend's place soon?" n.n;
"… Huh?" Zankuro looks up with a bemused expression, and then back in the direction of the greater populace. "Oh… Yeah… *clears throat*… He's about… Hmm… should be about anyways. Where is that ****?" He replies, though the last question is muttered as he looks about the area. "There! You see that big guy?" Zankuro points to the other end of the market place.
His words were an understatement. Even from so long of a distance and throng of people passing through the area, Zankuro's "friend" stood out like a sore thumb. The man towered over the majority even while hunched over what — judging by the rising smoke nearby — had to be a grill of some sort, wore a shirt and apron as loud as Zankuro's own, and reflected the sun like a mirror with the tan hide he called a scalp!
"Annnd he's work'n… ok… no pressure Zan. Just go up, spit the play, and things will be A-ok." Zankuro said underbreath while gesturing off-handedly.
Cherii looks over to the hulking chef. His movements and the sun-browned dome speak to Cherii of his dedication. :o It should be interesting to meet a culinary expert like that, although… "Erm, do ye know if he has an oven, and an icebox? I'll nae be able tae make cheesecake wi' a grill, ye ken," Cherii murmurs. X) Of course, maybe she could think of something else to whip up with the ingredients she has that would work well with a grill. Cherii glances aside while they approach Zankuro's friend. Strange, some of those faces out there in the crowd look familiar…not like she really knows them, but she's somehow gotten used to seeing them…as a group, even. -.-a Oh well.
"Pfft! Ar-are you kid'n me? Course he does! There ain't no self-respect'n Akimichi out there who doesn't have the full set… Well, there was that one guy, b-bu-but anyhow! Just trust me. My boy Akihiro will have what we need. He'll only need a little 'convincing' is all." Zankuro says grinning, though the corner of his lips kept twitching during it.
As if self-aware of this flaw, Zankuro is quick to gently attempt to coax Cherii along with a hand at her back before stepping forth to take the lead. Whatever reason the young man has to be nervous blinded him to anything but those ahead of him. "Yooo! Akihiro-senpai! Remember me?" He calls out after they get closer, waving his hand back and forth in the air. At first there is no reply from the giant, what with all the orders being thrown about from the small gathering near his stand. But eventually, he does take notice of the waving tropical T and his equally brightly dressed companion, scowls, and then yells while brandishing a spatula, "Zankuro! I thought I told you not to come back around these parts!"
Ah, Akimichi…another name from Cherii's preparatory studies. :o Not as prominent as Sarutobi, but a backbone of the Hidden Leaf, with a reputation for stout strength. At least they have a legitimate excuse to be portly. e.e; Cherii walks forward with Zankuro, expecting a warm greeting from Zankuro's 'friend'…only to find things aren't as Zankuro described. o.o "Er…are ye sure ye've got th'right person?" c.c;
Meanwhile, a certain knot of girls is meandering closer. "So then I told him, my Dad won't let me date anybody below the rank of chuunin. I was just trying to let him down gently, but now he's determined to get to chuunin as fast as possible, and I'm kinda worried he'll get himself killed if — waitasec, didn't somebody just shout 'Zankuro'?" =.=
Zankuro could only chuckle nervously at the question. It also didn't help that his so called 'friend' absent-mindedly began bending the rather sturdy looking spatula in hand with just a thumb. "Well? Speak up! I ain't got all day!" Akihiro asked, emphasizing his point by slamming the spatula down at the stand. By which point only the brave, nosey bodies, or those determined to see their order fulfilled decided to linger by the stand.
Sadly, Zankuro belonged to neither of those groups, if only out of fear. "Li-li-listen man. Ya… you can't be still mad over that 'incident' from last time, can you? I-I-i thought we were sq-square on that." Seeing the glare from Akihiro refuse to lessen, Zankuro gulped audibly and raise his hand for a placating gesture, only to stop at another familiar voice.
One that was far too close for comfort, seeing as how he immediately began looking about the area in an almost frantic manner. "**** — Listen, Aki-san *the man glowering depends*… Akihiro-sama. Whatever it is you think I still owe you I'll pay. But can we please discuss this at the 'Kitchen'? Please!" Zankuro pleads in a rush, eliciting a confused brow raise in return.
Cherii's starting to get clued in that she has a rather notorious escort. c.c Not that she intends to ditch him, he's been plenty nice to her…but it does make one wonder. At any rate, maybe she can help out. "Beggin' yer pardon fer the intrusion, sair," Cherii says, bowing, "it's just that Zankuro-san here told me what a fine chef ye be, an' I'd be fair honored tae make a few dishes under yer expert guidance. I'm a ninja chef meself, ye see, visitin' from Iwagakure on diplomatic duties. Kamizuru Cherii be me name, 'tis a right auld pleasure tae make acquaintance o' th'famous Akimichi culinary artist." n.n
The girls are gradually moving closer, peering around in their hunt. "Are you sure you just didn't mistake that huge guy with the loud shirt for him? It looks just like the kind he wears." "No, I heard his name — listen, there it is again!" "I kinda think you're right, but it's hard to tell, sounded like some weird accent."
Akihiro is slow to let his focus slip from Zankuro. Which no doubt calls the Sarutobi's true character further into question. However, a fine bit of flattery captures the giant's attention quick and then some! "Hmph… *sighs heavily*… Well shucks, mam. I'm not that famous, but I 'preciate the vote of confidence… Even if part of the reason came from a questionable source." He states, going from blushing and struggling to maintain his composure to downright glaring at a nervously grinning Zankuro.
"But I'll tell ya what. How about we forget about that bad start earlier, and try again back at the Kitchen. Once I get things settled here. Sound good to you… two?" He asks with a broad smile, only for it to turn into a small frown. "Zankuro? What's wrong with you man? I know things ar—"
"Great! Fantastic! Awesome! We'll meet you there! Okay? K — Bye~" And with that, Zankuro is back to gently trying to usher Cherii along in an direction. A direction conveniently away from the gang of girls shifting dangerously too close to the group. Or so Zankuro hoped to initiate, but fate is often fickle. c.c
Yay! All that practicing in front of the mirror Cherii did to increase her non-existent Charisma stat actually came in handy for something! n.n Cherii smiles gratefully and opens her mouth to cordially thank Akihiro, but winds up having to rush it out over her shoulder as Zankuro pushes her along. "Er, thank ye kindly sair, be seein' ye soon!" The girls from whom Zankuro is trying to get away spot him for a brief moment over the sea of faces. "Ah, there he goes!" "Forget it, he's too far away now." :P "Looks like he got some chubster to actually put up with him." "She must be desperate." e.e
Fortunately Cherii didn't hear any of that. She's still a little nonplussed by Zankuro's behavior, though. "Zankuro-san, I dinnae mean tae make a fuss, but ye're actin' a skosh queer." c.c
With a weary shake of his head, Akihiro grudgingly returns to placate the lingering patrons and close up shop. Meanwhile, a scowling and very flushed in the face Zankuro continues to usher Cherii along until certain the duo were out of ear/eye shot of the girls. Even then, instead of explaining the situation, he quietly let her go to take point with his head bowed far enough for brown locks of hair cast a shadow over his eyes.
"Sorry.." He muttered, breaking the silence almost two minutes later if Cherii does not do it. "Sorry… Heheh… Didn't mean to worry you! I just got so excited about the prospect of taste'n some lovely treats from a beautiful ba-geeaa — LADY! Th-that I just couldn't help myself!" He turns to say before flashing a forced grin meant to reassure. "P-plus, we did lose a bit of time already, so I-I figured — why not kick things up a notch!"
Cherii takes a few steps ahead after Zankuro stops, but doesn't go very far. After all, she doesn't know precisely where they're going. c.c She turns around after a moment and watches Zankuro expectantly. At first she thinks he's catching his breath, but then she realizes there's no way he'd be fatigued if she isn't. Is he looking at something? Cherii doesn't see anything of interest down there. Maybe he's not feeling well. o.o
Just as Cherii's starting to lean forward for a better look at Zankuro's face, he finally speaks up. Okay, so…he was hurrying because he was excited…but he just spent two minutes staring at the ground. c.c Cherii sighs. "If ye say so, Zankuro-san."
"'Course I say so!" He puffs out his chest and bops it with a fist. "Just leave it to me! We'll be there in no time." And it really does not take them that much longer to reach the front of the restaurant. Traffic remained a little hectic in the area, but most were seemed content to get to where they were going over worrying any patrolling officers about potential free-for-alls in the streets.
"Here we are! The 'Red-Eyed Hippo'! I know she ain't much of a looker on the outside, but I guar-an-tee the kitchen is one of the best the Akimichi — NO, in KONOHA!" He expresses, nearly smacking Cherii in the process of whipping his arms out wide. "Honestly, they could probably even expand their business, you know? Start some chains, fix up the title, and maybe even spiff up the sign if they weren't so determined to be so stingy with their recipes." He adds after folding his arms, and shaking his head in exasperation.
"And honestly, who even came up putting the chunkiest side of a great, big cherry red HIPPO on the sign?" He asks, gesturing up sharply at the rather unmissable sign.
Cherii follows along contentedly until they reach the restaurant. Finally, a place to do some cooking. n.n It's surprising how much Cherii misses that, just from being on the road and not having much opportunity for it. And in a kitchen, Cherii feels just a bit less inadequate. People smile at her and appreciate what she does in there. So even though it's not familiar to her, this is like coming to a home away from home, a safe pl —
Nah, the universe decides, let's throw her a slap to the face. :P Cherii flinches as Zankuro points out the sign with a blatant symbol of what she hates most about herself. X{ Cherii's arms slide across her gut and clutch miserably. "Aye, disgustin'," she mumbles.
Zankuro nods along in complete agreement. "Just terrible!" He exclaims, shaking his head. "… Aww, well. Guess we can count ourselves lucky that the place seems closed for the day. You wouldn't be-LIEVE some of the crazy names they got for their orders." With that, Zankuro off-handedly motions for Cherii to follow this time, eventually resulting in the ambassador being led around the back. After taking one last moment to look around the alley, the Sarutobi knocks in quick succession on the shop's rear entrance. Even the heel of his foot is put into action for the weird password chain.
However, whatever answer was expected never comes about. "Huh…. Guess his brother ain't practice'n at the moment. Looks like were gonna be stuck out here for a bit, Cheers." He says.
Cherii follows quietly behind Zankuro, only half paying attention to what's going on. She's trying to forget about the hippo sign, but of course, trying to push something out of your mind is like trying to pull yourself up by your bootstraps. u.u; It takes Cherri nearly a minute to realize Zankuro just made up a nickname for her. "…Cheers? Y'mean me? Ah, hehe, that's…funny, Zankuro-san." How fitting. u.u Cherii lets the awkward silence drag on for a little while, then speaks up again. "Say, Zankuro-san…d'ye suppose these folks know much aboot weight-loss aspects of dietin'?" Cherii chuckles faintly. "Nae, I saeppose that's a foolish question." X}
Zankuro grins toothily and awkwardly rubs the back of his head. "Not the best one to date, I'll admit. But, I'll… keep work'n on it." He chuckles weakly, and then looks off to the side. Although content to wait in silence earlier, the small break threw the Sarutobi. So much so, in fact, Zankuro folded his arms across his chest, began tapping his foot, and his face took on a pensive look. There had to be something he could be said to break the silence. Just… Something!
"Wha.. Huh? Uhm… Well, yeah." He pauses for a moment, and then waves his hands about in a panic. "N-not that b-be-being a foolish question! Far from it, my Lady!" He chuckles nervously. "But… yeah… The Akimichi Clan got that whole weight gain and loss thing down pat. Heck, part of the reason why I'm as thin as I am was because of… well, to be honest, it was an accident! Honest! Anybody would'a made the same mistake in my position back then." He says in somewhat of a rush. "…. *clears throat*… They do. But, why do ask?"
Cherii looks at Zankuro with a furrowed brow. "Why? Because I dinnae LIKE bein' a great big cherry-red hippo, o' course!" DX Cherii turns away and smacks a fist sideways against the wall, leaning against it. "I've been tryin'…lookin' fer low-fat foods, pickin' up my taijutsu trainin'…but none o' it's made much difference so far. There's just got tae be somethin' I'm missin'! Otherwise I'll…" Cherii calms herself and takes in a deep breath, then turns back around to give Zankuro a searching look. "Ye say ye werenae always this thin. What happened?" :|
Completely and utterly shocked, Zankuro can only stand there like a statue as Cherii vented her frustrations; only to unfreeze at perhaps the worst possible moment. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Back up a second! I… I need to…" He trails off from there with an audible gulp and hands held up in a defensive manner.
"L-look. As I said, that whole thing was an accident. Ac-ci-dent! One that nearly got me killed. Twice! In one week!" He exclaimed. "Its also the reason why my buddy Aki was — still is **** at me. And this was over two years ago! Maybe even three, I think?" Zankuro pauses to start stroking his chin, but stops abruptly with a heavy few headshakes. "An-anyways! I was laid up in a hospital for nearly a whole month after that mess." Zankuro says wearily. "Now… what's this bout you being a… a hippo? Where's that even coming from?"
Cherii stamps her foot. "Ye said it yerself nae ten minutes ago! Dinnae try tae deny it!" >.< He wasn't talking about her of course, but asking a distraught woman to make sense is a doomed approach. ;) "I'm a broasted butterball! It's a blasted disgrace, as a ninja and as a woman! Now tell me what happened tae ye! I'm nae aboot tae kill meself, but maybe I kin figure somethin' oot from it!" >8[
One would think that being something of a mother's boy might by of some use to the poor Sarutobi at the moment. Sadly, this is not the case! If anything, he straightened out after getting hit by the second surprise, dug in his feet, and became determined to resolve things! Somehow…
"You're NOT some butterball, and I did NOT call you a hippo! I was talking about the sign. You know, the one we saw just three minutes ago." He makes a sweeping gesture off to the side. "And I can't tell you what happened because… because… it's complicated. Maybe Akihiro will be able to tell you when he gets there, but… I can't, and I won't." He states firmly. "Now stop talking crazy, Cheers. Because you're not any of those things. And whoever's been telling you otherwise deserves a swift kick in the butt."
Cherii folds her arms and looks away dejectedly. She's already seen Zankuro's tendency for flattery, so his words don't hold much weight for her. "Fine. I'll wait for him," she mutters. And…that's about the end of the conversation for now. c.c
