Author Note: Konnichiwa *bows* Welcome to a special love story of Rioichi Cooper, Creator of the Spire Technique and Master Sushi Chef, where he meets possibly the love of his life.

(Also pardon any weird things going on like at the beginning, this is my first trying to be Japanese poetic or whatever that Rioichi seems to have a tendency to done.)


_Chapter 1: First Sight

Rioichi PoV:

'Its been said that knowing when ones in love is when your heart blossoms like the sacred cherry blossom at the start of Spring. But being young and ignorant can cause love to be blind and unsure whether its real or not. Before I was such trouble, but what I became today wouldnt been possible if not for a special someone known as Gin Kitsune, the Silver Fox.'

It was a cold winter morning, Rioichi shivered lightly as her perched to the top of his sushi place gazing around at the village below. Looking to the clouded sky as it soon began to snow.

"I guess there wont be any fishing today..." Rioichi sighed. "No fish no business. Might as well see what everyone else be doing in town if its snowing."

As he jumped down to the main roof of his sushi shop he stopped realizing some kids running around playing as the snow began to get heavy. In the bunch of kids he realized a silver fox the kids seemed to been adoring.

"All right, you all be careful and stay close." She said in a caring voice."Watch your step, the snow will cause a few slippery spots. I dont want you want you slip and get hurt."

"Too late for that." one the kids snickered.

The silver fox walked over to a small shiba girl and picked her up. "You all right there, Miya?"

The girl nodded and looked up to Rioichi. He freaked lightly and hid as the silver fox glanced up as well.

"Lets all head back and start today's lesson." She said and the kids groaned.

"Yes, sensei." they continued to groaned and followed her.

Rioichi peeked and watch her leave son flinching to the call out of his name.

"Rioichi... I know you're here. so you better show yourself. I dont want any trouble this time." Said an old gray fox, who just so happened to be the silver fox's father.

Rioichi slowly came down and smiled to him innocently, soon he just bowed to be more respectful. "You wish to see me, sir?"

"I've been noticing a few things going on and they lead straight to you. You have a great reputation with your sushi, but not into general personal space. There's been complaints at Madam Geisha's that someone been sneaking in there. I better its not your tail." He said.

"Tama-sama, I promise you I wouldnt do such a thing." Rioichi said and turned away with a cocky smile.

"Rioichi... I do not wish to treat you as a criminal. For a low-life stunt like that you really should learn better." Tama added and his eyes rolled away scratching his cheek with a small blush. "Besides a free show once in awhile doesnt seem too bad."

They both snickered at each other soon both jumping to a clear of a throat and eyes glaring at them.

"I thought I heard you father... But I'm sure mother would like to hear what you said again" said the silver fox and she walked over. "Hm? A friend of yours?"

"In a way he's a friend. He runs the sushi shop here, the young and fabulous Cooper Rioichi." Tama introduced. "Rioichi-san, this is my daughter, Naomi."

Rioichi and Naomi bowed to each other.

"Its a pleasure to meet you, Rioichi-san." Naomi said looking up at him.

A blush suddenly striked across his face he stepped back trying to hide it.

"I better get going back to class. Some the students can be real troublemakers, they been talking about some ninja thief wondering around town and been climbing nearly everywhere." Naomi said and walked off.

Rioichi sweatdrop knowing that it was probably him she was talking about. Guessing that means he better keep out of sight a little more.

Tama nudged Rioichi playfully, snickering. "I see that blush across your face. You're starting to have feeling for her, huh? Like to see you try to impress me, Rioichi-san. If you want her heart. There's been many other's who are liking her as well and NONE have been good enough. Also... she's kinda hard to please.. So good luck, my boy."

Tama patted Rioichi back a little hard in confidence for him to try. Rioichi merely gulped unsure on how and what kind of a mess he just got into. It was going to be a LONG winter... But the thought ran in his mind of how beautiful Naomi was, he never could shake the thought off her even as he slept. Could it be that he found love? Or was it a living dream? How was he to impress her as well her father? Can he even manage this love and the thief he is? And when will he have to tell her his secrets.