Maki let slip a smile, shaking her head, "Ninja don't often grow old."<br/><br/>He proved her point just a moment later, explaining how the clan came to take care of him in lieu of his natural parents. The Jounin listened as he recalled how he learned the technique. It was a natural desire, to become closer to one's father like that. She could sympathize...<br/><br/>She rubbed her hands together as he spoke, the salve helping relieve some of the pain on her palms. There was merit to his words. The Mibu were the most physically powerful of the Tani Clans, a good match for the stealthier families of the village. All the knowledge in the world was useless without the raw power to take advantage of it- and brute strength without precision was just as worthless. Maki smirked when he chided her about everything's purpose and looking at things from all angles.<br/><br/>The older woman looked into the water herself, chuckling as he spoke, "A harem, ah?" She tilted her head to the side incredulously, "You know, there aren't not many guys your age that would be complaining about such a thing."<br/><br/>She sighed, "It's not so unusual, Tashi. Worrying about the other sex can be... a distraction." Keiji came to mind, another sad recognition of how their little jaunts together was ultimately impossible. "Some Shinobi live their entire lives intent on nothing but the mission before them. Others marry only out of an obligation to pass on their bloodlines or to contribute to the village's strength."<br/><br/>"I would have expected you of all people, having served under the Daimyo himself, would understand that we are... ultimately weapons. Mere instruments to the village." She offered her hands up and shrugged.<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Inside the inn was crowded, the first floor was crowded with tables full of patrons in merriment. From the entrance, she could see the second floor within the large main room, a few more tables on one side and the rooms on the other.<br/><br/>She counted at least two dozen people inside, young and old, fit and thin. They were looking for a tall and thin man, with dark hair that was showing his age around the temples. Before she could spot him, Yasuo caught her gaze.<br/><br/>He made no effort to greet the other two, not even a nod of admission to their precense. Yasuo was a serious boy, the youngest member of their team but still very competent. He was fair, even effeminate, and his pale brown hair was tied back in a pony tail, though he eschewed the forehead protector and other obvious signs of his ability. He wore a simple grey tunic with boots and gloves, a shark-tooth necklace hanging upon his chest and a large bag around his waist connected to a shoulder strap.<br/><br/>Yasuo was sipping on some tea, but looking at where his eyes were focused past, Jun quickly found that the target was on the second floor, by the balcony that had all the windows she saw from outside. The old man was surrounded by young people, two boys and a girl that seemed utterly smitten with the rather stoic wandering nin as he enjoyed a bowl of ramen.<br/><br/>Their team mate situated himself by the stairs, presumably hoping that their prey would eventually come back down that way. Though with Jun and Suzume there, now they could cover the other exits. An old woman approached Jun, eyes shut as she scrunched up her nose.<br/><br/>"No dogs allowed." She said in a shrill tone. "Ah!" Suzume cried out, scratching her forehead, "We're sorry, ma'am. Just... give us a minute?" She drew closer to Jun, saying more quietly, "So whad'dwe do, Jun-hime?"<br/><br/>Things were getting complicated already.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body">Genjutsu check to recognize the technique.</div></div>