Sweat glistening from his forehead Kioshi sits down
underneath a tree. His hands shake as he pulls out
his shinobue from his backpack and brings it to his
lips. He begins to play a low mornful melody as
his body noticeably relaxes.
Two Ichiros stop on a branch at the outskirts of
the field as the gentle sound of music floats to
him through the trees. Taking account of of the
field, Ichiro notices a young shinobi sitting under
a tree playing to himself.
The melody becomes more intense as Kioshi loses
himself in the notes flowing from the wooden
instrument.
The second Ichiro quietly continues forward and
leaps down into the field. Approaching the young
shinobi cautiously, Ichiro says as he waves a
friendly greeting, "Hello there, that's a pleasant
tune you're playing."
Kioshi startles sending a harsh skreech through the
flute before lowering it. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't
see you coming," Kioshi says in a hushed voice.
"You're Ichiro, correct?"
Ichiro bows politely, "I am, I am. It would appear
that I've developed somewhat of a reputation around
Uchuugakure. Who might you be? You play quite
well."
Returning Ichiro's bow Kioshi replies, "My name is
Kioshi. I'm a recent graduate of the ninja
academy. As for my playing thank you. I enjoy
playing the flute and am glad to hear others enjoy
it too."
Ichiro flashes a friendly smile, "I see, I see. It
is a pleasure meeting you, Kioshi-san. What
circumstances see you playing your music in a
practice field?"
"I...I'm just taking a bit of a break from
practicing," stammers Kioshi. "I get a bit too
wrapped up in it sometimes, and I find music helps
calm me down. What about you? What brings you to
these parts?" Kioshi inquires quickly trying to
change the subject.
Ichiro nods understandingly as a second Ichiro,
wearing a large sword across his back and two
katanas on his hip, lands next to the first. The
new Ichiro waves his hand and the first one
shatters into a puddle of water. Smiling, Ichiro
says, "Sorry, had to know what you were up to
before I showed myself. I'm here for some training
and a meeting with my team."
"Oh, do I need to leave?" ask Kioshi has he begins
to put away his shinobue. "I wasn't aware that
anyone used this field. It is always empty when I
come here."
Ichiro replies, "No no, it's fine. They won't be
here for some time still. Besides, your playing is
quite pleasant." Ichiro stretches his arms as he
says, "actually, if you wouldn't mind playing a bit
more, I'd like to go take a nap over there and I
think some pleasant music would ensure a peaceful
sleep."
Halting his packing Kioshi looks up at Ichiro. "I
wouldn't mind at all. Is there anything you would
like to hear in particular?"
Ichiro forms several handseals before water swirls
out of the air near him and takes the shape of a
new clone. Ichiro says, "Whatever you'd like to
play would be nice, I'm sure." Ichiro bows
politely and smiles before walking over to a nearby
tree and sitting against it, followed shortly by
the clone who proceeds to keep watch as Ichiro
relaxes.
Thinking for a moment Kioshi finally settles on a
song as he brings the shinobue once again to his
lips. A light melody slips out reminiscent of
spring and bird song.
Ichiro nods along to the melody for a brief time
before slipping into a pleasant sleep while his
clone remains vigilant, but smiling at the light
music.