Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

The streets were full of villagers and their children, apparently leaving from where he and Kyu were currently headed. So, it's that time again, Sei thought. A part of him was envious as he watched other children and their parents heading home. The adults had just registered the next batch of academy students, but Sei was more preoccupied with the smiles on their children's faces and the way some of them embraced their parents. He let out a heavy sigh and continued to follow their escort to the Hokage's office.

He must have been wearing his sadness on his sleeve because Kyu grabbed hold of his arm in what seemed to be an attempt to cheer him up. Sei could not stop the slight grin on his face and decided not to worry his companion. She had enough to deal with.

When they finally reached, the Hokage's building, they were stopped by two chuunin guards.

"State your business," the first one demanded.

"Orochimaru found the blond kid at the gate with this girl. He told me to bring them to see the Third and have him decide what to do with her."

"The Hokage is currently in a meeting and cannot be disturbed." An irritated look crossed the boy's face. He should have just ditched the escort and taken Kyu straight to Tsunade.

"However," the guard continued, "she'll have to be taken into custody. We can't have outsiders roaming around freely." He stepped towards Kyu, but Sei moved himself between them with a threatening look on his face. The guard was taken aback by this and was about to say something when he was interrupted.

"I don't see any need for that," said a female voice from behind Kyu. "I'm sure little Sei is more than capable of protecting the village from such a dangerous looking girl."

When Sei looked behind him to see who had spoken, he was relieved to see it was Utatane Koharu, one of the Third's old teammates and a well respected shinobi of the village. She was in her mid-thirties and had auburn hair, which she wore in a bun. Koharu was known for her love of children and the guards knew they had no authority to go against her wishes. Still, they had a job to do, and neither wished to be blamed for not trying.

"Koharu-sama, even if she isn't a threat physically, she might be a spy from our enemies. You know we can't take such a risk," the first guard pleaded. Koharu was not paying attention. She was too entranced with Kyu, and acted very much like an overgrown child herself.

"She's so cute!" She said as she pinched the girl's cheeks. Kyu was obviously bothered, but was not about to show it to the first person outside of Sei who stood up for her. "What's your name?" Koharu asked and Kyu answered.

"So Kyu-chan, can you tell me where you're from?" Kyu did not answer this time.

"Um, she can't seem to remember anything except her name," Sei answered for her. "I wanted to take her to see Tsunade-neechan to see if she can help."

"Then I guess you should get to it. It is getting late and the two of you need your rest. Tell Tsunade to take care of her until I can schedule an appointment for her."

"Thanks, but…" Sei pointed a finger at Koharu's hands, which were still pinching Kyu's cheeks.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

x x x

The two of them were once again walking about the village, this time escort-free. He was carrying his sweater under his arm with the animal fur he found her with wrapped inside. The fur was very unusual and he was afraid how some people might react to it. Sei had not forgotten his promise to feed her, but his budget was limited and he would have to feed two mouths instead of just one. He looked at Kyu who was still walking behind him holding on to his shirt so they would not be separated.

"Kyu, what kind of food do you like?"

"I don't think I have a favorite. I'm sure whatever they serve at the house I'm staying in will be fine."

Sei considered it for a moment. Tsunade's mother was indeed a decent cook and if it meant feeding Kyu without hurting his wallet, all the better. Then the thought crossed his mind that she might not be home. The woman had a habit of visiting her friends and gossiping the night away. If that was the case, then Tsunade would be cooking, and the last time that happened, he and her younger brother, Nawaki, had been hospitalized. Sei could not put Kyu such hell, even if it could save him a few bucks.

"No, I think it would be a good idea to eat somewhere else." Kyu seemed puzzled and was about to ask what he meant by that when something caught her attention. Letting go of his shirt, Kyu bolted down one of the streets at an incredibly fast pace. Shocked, Sei did his best to keep up, part of him afraid that she might indeed be a spy. He was also amazed that he had to push himself to keep up.

When she finally stopped, the two of them were in front of a small restaurant. The main sign read Ichiraku Ramen, with a smaller one reading Grand Opening. Tugging at Sei's shirt, Kyu pointed inside and said, "I'm so hungry and this place smells so good. Can we eat here?"

This statement only added to his confusion. How could she have smelled the aroma of the ramen stand all the way from the Hokage's Office? There were not many people in the village with such a keen sense of smell and it made Sei wonder what other surprises she had in store.

Sei checked his wallet and looked at the prices, letting out a sigh of relief when he saw he could afford to feed them. His luck seemed to be changing for the better. When the two of them walked in, they were greeted by a man wearing white, who looked to be in his late teens.

"Welcome! I was afraid I'd have to close for the day without a single customer. What can I get for you two?" said the enthusiastic chef.

Seeing that Kyu could not make up her mind, Sei decided to order for the both of them. "Two barbecue pork ramens, please," he said to the chef.

"Coming right up. The name's Sojiro by the way. It's a pleasure to meet you."

The two waited silently for a bit as they watched him. The young man seemed genuinely happy having customers, Kyu seemed pleased that she was about to satisfy her hunger, and Sei was glad that the meal would not be sucking his funds him dry. However, Sei was tired of awkward silences and decided to chat with the young man.

"Sojiro, are you the only one that works here?"

"Yup! My father and I had planned to own and run the store together, but he passed away recently."

Both Sei and Kyu were about to apologize for bringing up such a painful memory, but Sojiro interrupted. "You don't have to apologize. The old man lived a long and happy life without any regrets. Even when we found out I couldn't be a ninja, he never showed any signs of disappointment."

"Aren't you glad that you don't have to worry about fighting and dying in the war?" Sei asked. The young chef thought about it for a moment as he continued to prepare their meals.

"I guess a part of me is relieved that I won't have to die on the battlefield," he said, "but knowing that the people I grew up with are risking their lives for my safety makes me feel like I should be with them. What have I done to deserve this type of protection?"

Sojiro may not have realized it, but he had just given the blond boy a lot to think about. Sei sat their quietly thinking about what he had just heard, when the young chef decided to brighten the mood.

"Hey, don't worry about it! I've yet to meet a ninja of this village who doesn't see the importance of his or her job and even if I can't help them the way I'd like, I can still do my part to help the village. Besides, if you eat with those frowns, the Ramen won't taste as good," he said with a smile as he set the two bowls of ramen in front of them.

"Itadakimasu!" both Kyu and Sei said in unison.

Sei looked over at Kyu when she had her first taste and was surprised at what he saw. For the first time since escaping the river, Kyu was smiling, and the smile never left her face as she continued eating. When they were finished, Kyu let out a satisfied burp, quickly covering her mouth to hide her embarrassment.

"You seem to be a natural born ramen lover! So, how was it?" the eager cooked asked.

"It was the best meal I've ever had! Thank you so much!" Kyu said happily.

Sei was content that she was happy, but found it hard to understand her enthusiasm. Sure the food was good and satisfying but he did not think it was something to be so excited about. Then again, finding out something about yourself after losing your memory is definitely something to be excited for.

There was a loud noise and everyone turned to look at Kyu. Apparently, her stomach was not satisfied with only one bowl. Sei did his best not to laugh like he did the last time and ordered another bowl. Sojiro refused his money, saying it was on the house and when Kyu was finally satisfied, the two waved goodbye to the kind young ramen-maker.