They depart for the East lands to keep their movements inconspicuous and their presence untraceable.
The Akatsuki leader did not fully divulge the next phase of instructions, but there are subtle indicators of another imminent tailed beast sealing.
When Rin and Tobi make for their meeting point, they are interrupted by the sounds of hurried footsteps and the sickening tone of a sweet, dulcet voice.
"Tobi!"
He halts and faces a flustered looking waitress, who is instantly taken aback by his maskless visage.
There is a component of astonishment that sweeps her gaze, followed by an audible gasp. The sound is a suppressed shriek of excitement that pierces the atmosphere with spite and unpleasantness. And in that same moment, Rin notices another woman, perhaps the waitress's companion, hovering somewhere behind with a very smug look on her face.
"Tobi, is that you?"
The waitress blinks in puzzlement, then cautiously closes the gap between them to better scrutinise.
Tobi does not answer, but a small smile tugs the corners of his mouth.
"It really is you!" she exclaims.
"Who is he?" The companion asks.
She stares at Tobi with progressive curiosity and admiration.
"My future husband," the waitress replies, "What a nice surprise, aren't you one sexy hunk?"
She reaches for his face and gently strokes the scarred side in a sickeningly suggestive movement.
"Is this the masked man you were talking about? You sure know how to pick," the companion nods approvingly, "And this must be-" her eyes flicker at Rin without interest.
"The stupid slut," the waitress says without taking her watch from Tobi.
Tobi, however, does not give the slightest regard towards either women. His expression is distant and glassy.
"So Tobi, why don't we get away from here? The air is so much fresher back at my place," the waitress suggests.
She leans in and encircles her arms around his neck.
The action breaks his trance and he turns to her. There is almost an element of composed vexation to his expression, as if he is about to say something unpleasant but is consciously restraining himself.
"I don't think so," he says slowly.
He pries her arms away.
"What do you mean?"
The waitress stares anxiously.
"You're about twenty-five years too late," he gazes intently at Rin.
"The slut? You'd pick her over me?" The waitress shrieks incredulously.
"I'd watch your language if I were you," he says coldly.
When he moves from the waitress, she instantly drops to the ground.
"It's not fair! I like you too!" She shouts.
Her fists pummel heavily against the wooden floorboards.
At this point, the companion swiftly moves to her side, muttering words of reassurance whilst sending contemptuous scowls in Rin's direction.
"Let's go," Tobi says.
"But what about-" Rin starts.
"Do you want to push this situation?" he interrupts pointedly.
And he takes her hand and pulls her from the dramatic commotion.
"But she is so upset."
"I resent your kindness at times," he answers reproachfully, "She'll hurt you if you stay here long enough."
"How do you know?"
"Did you not see the hysteria?"
"Are you going to stop her if she hurts me?"
He is looking puzzled, as if he finds the question uncomfortable.
"I don't feel the need to hurt civilians so it is better to withdraw from imminent problems before things escalate," he replies pragmatically.
She does not answer, but she gets the feeling he may not be entirely truthful.
"Rin?"
She breaks from her speculation.
"Sorry I…you are right, let's go now," she says.
"Yes, before she starts chasing me again."