[center][h1][color=Gold]Akio Tendou[/color][/h1][/center]

"That's perfect Shouken, you've saved us a lot of time and work for sure." Akio said with a smile at the younger Chunin. A store owner was likely to hear good bits of gossip and hearsay, and with them being a family friend, they'd definitely be more open to share. Her planning was interrupted, however, by Aoi's saddling up behind her and wrapping her arms around Akio's waste for a close embrace. The touch was far from unwanted, but Akio's face couldn't help but get flushed in slight embarrassment by the Harlequin actions, mostly because any signs of affections in public between the two made her feel somewhat uncomfortable. Unfortunately, Aoi was quite the opposite more often than not, and the Tendou just went along with it as long ad there weren't that many people around. 

"Well one of us has to think things through." Shesaid with a joking chuckle as she followed her into the trees, though it died down as she saw a look of worry on her partner's face. Before she could ask what was bothering her, Aoi volunteered the reason in the form of a question. Akio waited until her partner had finished speaking before speaking her piece.

"No, not even a little bit. You've earned the position and are deserving of it, cause not only are you great with people and able to really connect with your team in a way I'd pay to see Yamato even attempt with his, but you've got good instincts, a good head on your shoulders, and the guts needed to lead a team into some hairy situations. I'd follow you anywhere, Aoi, and would trust you with my life, so don't you ever doubt that for a second." Akio gave her significant other a light flick to the forehead for even considering the notion, before a familiar feeling took hold of her. Holding Aoi back from her next leap by grabbing hee hand, she'd pull the girl back in for a quick, but extremely passionate kiss, before whispering something in her ear. "Besides, ranks aren't a true indicator of skill, and while I'm sure the day will come where I join you among the Elite Ranks, I woukdn't mind too much if I were to stay a Chunin for the rest of my life, as long as I have you."

It was at this point that two things would happen: Akio would remember that they weren't alone(something she tended to forget when her impulses took hold) and Rin came in seeking . . . relationship advice? Normally, Akio would be a very bright shade of crimson right now, but the Reikan's question currently took up all the space in her mind. Not just because it was odd, but also because it seemed like an odd thing to hear from her. [i]Why would she care about somethung like that, is it really the first time she's met a guy who wasn't a horney little pervert? I mean, you'd think there'd be at least one.[/i]

While it was clear Akio wasn.t being direcrly addressed, she was already too intriqued in the reason behind it that she felt giving her own advice would help her in discovering the cause of this complex.

"Well, if you ask me, it's either because he's shy, was raised right by his mom to not be a horney lil' shit, he has a girlfriend already, or was focusing on the mission. He's clearly affected though, so if you're really so eager to get him, it shouldn't take too much more effort, unless he's already involved of course." Akio continued to study the Reikan for a few moments longer, before continuing. "Whatever you decide to do, just be sure to keep your focus on the mission, okay?"

After saying her peace, Akio would continue on ahead at a sedate pace until the others caught up, her mind turning as she tried to think of the reasoning and possible causes for the girl's behavior. As she was wrapped in her thoughts, she'd begin chewing on a strand of her hair, a quirk that presented itself whenrvernshe was thinking about something with a greater level of focus than usual.

[@Savato]

[@Altered Tundra]

[@Assassin]