Chapter 324: Cloister

v. to confine in retirement; seclude

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"You cannot be serious!" exclaimed Kankuro an explosive sigh punching out of his mouth as he turned in time to watch Kagome entering the main tatami room.

"What's wrong with this?" queried Kagome, an edge to her tone, as her fingers unconsciously traced the pleats of her green skirt. Her yellow pack was stuffed and her newly purchased bow and quiver was slung securely over her shoulder.

"Baki! Come on! Talk some sense into her!" shouted Kankuro an arm thrown dramatically over his eyes as he walked backwards towards the low table.

Kagome raised an eyebrow as she looked over at Baki's silent figure. He was tucked comfortably under the table with scrolls stretched out in front of him, but he raised his head to brazenly meet her gaze.

"Kagome…" Baki started slowly, thoughts swirling in his visible eye, "today requires more… subtly then you currently present."

"Yeah! You're going to be killed if you go around with a weapon!" hissed Kankuro.

"In order to survive the day, you will need to appear defenseless," explained Baki kindlier.

"What would you have me do then?"

Kankuro smiled vexatiously as he began the process of carefully hiding weapons all over Kagome's person.

The morning of the Chuunin Exam found the team eating a final meal together. Kagome yawned as she contemplated her schedule for the rest of the day. She had been intentionally ignoring all her responsibilities as the Kazekage's secretary since she had gotten here. She knew that she was there for appearances sake, as the High Council and Hokage had already arranged everything.

"I've been thinking Kagome," Kankuro started out gingerly. He fidgeted briefly with his chopsticks before sitting up straight, "but you shouldn't come to the arena."

"But then I won't be able to watch you?" Kagome responded slowly. Her eyes blinking slowly as she looked towards Temari and Baki who's tight lips appeared to be agreement.

"He's right Kagome," said Temari, "it won't be safe for you there. Nowhere in the city will be safe."

Baki remained silent, but he nodded in agreement.

Kagome swallowed roughly as she looked between the three of them. If she was in the Feudal Era she would have argued with them but this new world of ninja played by different rules. Kagome might have various weapons hidden throughout her person, but her powers had no effect on humans.

"Where will I go?"

Kagome felt a twang of disappointment strike her heart at her banishment from the exam, she had been looking forward to cheering on her found family.

Her heart heavy, Kagome aimlessly took in the effervescent market district. Civilians and ninjas alike roamed the area while merchants shouted out sales pitches to heckle customers into buying their wares. With nowhere to go she allowed her feet to decide her path. Slowly the village streets transformed around her from bustling activity to reverent ancient cobblestone. Her gaze wandered from the houses built reminiscent of feudal era's style before drawing towards the passing civilians who silently bowed a greeting then hurried on their way.

Kagome's eyes caught on the high plaster walls of a derelict compound. Curiosity sang in her blood and a shiver ran along her spine as she made a slow advance towards the compound's gate.

The compound seemed to be abandoned. No sounds echoed from the antiquated houses and no movement reflected in their smudged windows. She eagerly turned her head, inquiringly taking in the missing planks and the paint that peeled off the doors and signs. Her trek only halting in front of a trail of orderly red torii.

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