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Chapter 11

11

Akira walked slowly, and held her basket in the crook of her arm as her eyes wandered through the numerous shops and stalls. It was a bright morning in Nadeshiko, and as planned, she's out in the marketplace to do some "shopping".

Her eyes glanced at the basket in her arms, noting the vegetables and fruits she had bought to make it appear she's nothing but a civilian tourist, looking for the best bargain on fruits and vegetables. She craned her neck, as if trying to see past the growing crowd.

"Excuse me, miss? Are you lost?"

Akira looked up at the tall, broad-shouldered man towering over her. He had brown, cropped hair, large brown eyes, a strong jaw and a deep voice. His chest and arm guards along with the distinct saber on his left hip affirmed her suspicions that he's of the military units of Nadeshiko.

Feigning uncertainty, Akira sighed. "I'm--I'm afraid I am. I can't seem to remember where I... Gomennasai..."

The man smiled at her, an upward lift of his lips. "Well, lucky you, I happen to know this place like the back of my hand. You're a tourist?"

Akira frowned internally at the casual tone of his voice, but not wanting to blow her cover, she opted to go along with the shy but slightly flirty facade. "Yes I am." She faked a giggle. "But how did you know?"

"It's not always a pretty girl walks along the streets of Nadeshiko no Sato," he replied, a flirtatious glint in his brown eyes. He offered his right hand. "My name's Midori Riku."

"Hideki Aisha," Akira replied softly, accepting his hand and exposing more of her wrist, letting the loose sleeves of her kimono pool down to her arms. She feigned a blush afterwards.

"Nice to meet you. And where exactly do you want to go?" Riku smirked.

"I'm just actually walking around, looking for shops." Akira averted her stare. 'C'mon just ask me already,' she muttered in her head.

Riku's smile widened. "I know a good souvenir shop, and a cheaper place to buy fruits. Do you mind if..."

"No, no, I don't mind. That would be great, Midori-san," she replied brightly. "Arigato gozaimasu."

"You're most welcome. And no need to be so formal with me. Just Riku-san is okay."

Akira forced a blush on her cheeks, which made her look even more charming to the oblivious soldier. If, basing on the look on his face--the bright smile, the widening of his pupils, the facing of his trunk towards her and his slight forward lean--is to be judged, it's absolute fact that Midori Riku had unknowingly fallen into Akira's trap. Her subtle display of shyness mixed with slight flirtatiousness and confidence made a deadly mix, which Riku was already waist deep in the moment he allowed Akira's deceptively beautiful face and slender form to catch his eye.

She knew he was watching her the moment she walked into the busy marketplace--saw him perched lazily in one of the village's outposts and simply watching the civilians. She made sure she caught his eye, pretending to ask for directions, smiling coyly at the shop keepers who greeted her, and walking in a way that showed off her dark blue kimono and of course the subtle sway of her hips. The moment he followed her with his eyes and stepped off his post, Akira knew she had him twirled around her finger. It was only a matter of minutes before she completely had him under control.

As she walked timidly beside Riku, Akira wondered how her 'husband' was doing with his own sleuthing.

~~~~~~~~

Neji deactivated his Byakuugan and activated his Henge no jutsu. Slipping out of the alley's darkness, he joined the crowd of fishermen and tourists alike as he walked along the busy street. It was almost midday, and the town was in full swing, what with the preparations for the coming Fish Festival.