[table][row][cell][color=orange]Eri Takeda[/color][/cell][cell][color=orange]“No matter what, someone is depending on you.”[/color][/cell][/row][row][cell][sup][color=#2E2C2C]_______________________________________________[/color][/sup]
[img]https://i.imgur.com/D0ggIy2.png[/img][/cell]
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Even with the extra hour she’d taken to do her hair and makeup, Eri was on her way to training ground 17 with plenty of time to spare. She didn’t even have to do any setup for her test. It was a routine drill, something she’d done with dozens of batallions before. She was pretty sure a bunch of school kids could handle it. She’d certainly had to work with the occasional adult who’s intellect rivaled that of a pre-teen - and in her opinion, plenty of adult ninja were even dimmer than that. 

But Eri had her own secret trial to take, before she could run her genin’s - and she was glad there was plenty of time to do it. Plucking up her courage, she traced a path through Konoha square, past vendor stands of musty paperbacks, sweet-smelling meat buns, and freshly cut flowers, to a place she knew well. She only hoped it hadn’t moved in the years  she’d been gone.

But then she saw it- a red and gold Taiyaki stand, with a big wooden fish on top bearing the words ‘Kintaro’s Taiyaki’ in peeling gold lettering. And as soon as she recognized it,  it recognized her - the little old man running the stand gave a start and called over to her.

[color=red]“Eri-chan, is that you? You’ve grown up!”[/color] Said the little old man.

[color=orange]“Heh, yes, it’s me.”[/color] She said, a bit bashful. She looked around the stand, but didn't see the person she was looking for. Still, she was happy to see an old friend. [color=orange]“How are things?”[/color]

[color=red]“Oh, business is business. Have you seen Kintaro yet?”[/color]

[color=orange]“N-no, not yet.”[/color] Eri bit her lip. Was it that obvious she had come to see him? 

[color=red]“Oh, well you should! He’s married now, you know? And two kids!”[/color]

[color=orange]“O-oh.” [/color] 

[color=red]“Ah, you should come by for dinner!"[/color] The old man continued, oblivious to Eri's paling face. He placed a heap of taiyaki in a box as he spoke. [color=red]Mama-chan would love to have you, too. We hardly ever see our son these days, but you are here, visiting - it’s an occasion! I’m sure he’d love to see you, too. You two were such good friends.”[/color]  

So that was how it was. Eri promised to come by for dinner sometime, and the old man foisted the box of sweets on her before she left.

She headed to the training grounds and tried to clear her head. It felt like her makeup was running, probably due to steam from the Taiyaki pans. She felt stupid for wearing makeup and fixing herself up, but she had to stay optimistic. Kintaro wasn’t the only man in Konoha, after all. She’d just put him out of her mind.

Ahead of her, a great fireball erupted from the trees!

Eri took position behind a rock and sensed out the source of the fire. It appeared there was a genin at the training grounds - no, wait, another explosion, two genin? Yes, two children were, for some reason, blasting the hell out of the training ground. Had some jounin sent them on a path of destruction? It was a bit early for self-motivated teenage delinquency. She’d have to shoo them off the training ground before…

Suddenly she realized where they were. Training ground 17 was just ahead. These weren’t delinquents - they were a highly motivated Uchiha and an equally energetic Suna exchange student. And, as of today, they were Eri’s responsibility. 

Avoiding detection, Eri moved closer to observe her new wards. She’d reveal herself when it was time to begin their training. For now, she was happy to have some time to observe. Self control was definitely going to be one of the early lessons for these two, but she was glad to see their spirit. To her recollection her genin teammates had rarely arrived on time to anything, and pretty much never early. 


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