"How did I get here again? Oh, that's right. I traveled all the way to Konohagakure with no plans of housing, food, or clothing."
Ririshī had led Gaara straight to a small café, where he supposed the man had intentions of him working here.
"You might know Choji; his father and I go way back! Anyway, the man owns this here Bakery and I thought you might enjoy working here. It's not too hard, it's run by great people, and cute girls are regulars!" Ririshī's eyebrows practically performed a jig on his forehead as Gaara's face resembled a ripe strawberry.
"Thank you, Mr. Ririshī. It looks very…homey." Gaara attempted at another grateful smile for the man that was helping him out so much.
"No problem; now go get 'em, tiger!" he yelled as he shoved Gaara through the doors, knocking over several sweaters that had been hung on the spokes of a coat hanger in the process.
"I'm so sorry." Gaara apologized while a hand offered its strength to helping him to stand.
"No problem," Shikamaru smiled. Though, his happiness transformed into surprise when Gaara lifted his face, "Gaara? I didn't know you were in town."
"I-um, I just got here." He noticed Shikamaru's pineapple-shaped hair, taller stature, forest-green apron and the wooden broom clutched in his hand. "Do you work here?"
"Yeah, my parents made me get a job. It's rather a drag, actually."
"Is there an opening?"
"You're in luck; the old man was just complaining the other day about being short-handed. I can take you to him if you want." Gaara nodded at his offer and Shikamaru waved his hand for him to follow as he walked behind a green curtain. "This is a nice kitchen, too."
"Are you sure you want a job, here? I mean sure, you're capable but you're the Kazekage."
"In all honesty: I have to take this job."
"Alright, whatever floats your boat." Shikamaru smiled weakly and yelled through his cupped hands, "Boss! We have an applicant!"
"Applicant?" Bellowed a low voice excitedly, "I'll be out in a jiffy!"
A large man with artistic paintings sketched on his kind face emerged from what seemed like a tiny office of some kind. His long, spikey red hair sat under a jonin's headband and his apron bore the enlarged symbol of the café.
"Oh! It's so great to have a new employee!"
"You're not going to ask him any questions?" Shikamaru sighed.
"Oh alright!" the man frowned in thought, placing his hands on his hips. "What's your name?"
"Gaara."
Are all of your arms and legs functioning properly?"
Gaara nodded.
"Do you like food?"
Gaara nodded.
"Okay: last question. Can you start today?"
One more nod, the man was sold and Gaara got his second vigorous handshake of the day, "You're hired! Yiko!"
A girl, also wearing a dark green apron, glided into the kitchen with a tray of multiple coffee mugs in her hand and a pen attached to a notepad in between her slender fingers. Her shining, black hair dangled from a ponytail and cascaded all the way down her back. Her silver eyes shone with calming excitement as she set down the coffee and took her place next to her fellow worker. "Yes, Uncle?" the girl's words were sweet yet edgy in a discordant clash of personality.
"I want you to meet Gaara, he's our newest employee starting today and I'd like you to show him the ropes."
"I'm okay with doing it, but I think Shikamaru's been working here long enough to where he can manage to train the new guy." Yiko said casually.
"I've only been here for a few months; I don't think it'd be a good idea." Shikamaru explained bluntly.
Yiko whispered to Shikamaru, "Hey; I'm trying to help you out."
"I don't need help; I can do this on my own."
"You're so stubborn! Just accept it as pay for the custard dumplings." Yiko placed her fists on her hips.
"You're dumping work on me, how is that pay?" Shikamaru frowned.
"Knowing you, you could use the extra work!"
"I don't need a lecture from you!"
"You want to fight, Pretty boy?"
"Maybe we shou—"
"ENOUGH!" Their employer shouted, "You'll both be training Gaara. Now, I have to finish some financial work in my office. Hop to it!" And with that final command the man disappeared behind the office's curtain.
"Mr. Akimichi!" called Shikamaru, "The work day's over!"
The man wobbled out of his office scratching his elongated mane as he squinted at his watch.
"I suppose it is. Clean up the kitchen and you're free to go home."
"You got it, Uncle!" Yiko beamed.
"That reminds me! Yiko; drink coffee before you get here." Choji's father uttered.
"You got it, Uncle." She moaned as she shuffled to Shikamaru, "Dishes or counters?"
"Counters."
"Cool." Yiko smiled weakly at Gaara, "You can go home now if you want. Just be here by 5:30 AM tomorrow."
With that Gaara took his leave.
"See you tomorrow, Gaara!"
He turned to see Yiko and Shikamaru waving at him with calm smiles resting on their lips.
He gave them a wave and a smile in return; it felt good.