Back in Black

"WHAT A FUCKING RIDE HUH?!" Zento spoke out loud. His back on the ground and looking into the sky. Thinking of all the events that have unfolded in his life. His past, the man he use to be, the man he's becoming. Life was a funny thing. Much never goes as planned, you're always having to change what you're doing for reasons that aren't under your control. But we keep moving forward. Growing every day. At that moment, zento felt the weight of his world on him. Burning into him. Quickly looking and smacking his chest. He was actually burning. The steaming food hurt a bit as he wiped it all off. Looking in the direction he flew from. The doors still wide open from his favorite restaurant. Apparently life lessons aren't worth cash to them. 

Getting back to his feet, zento looked around. The sun setting. Almost time for the night life of this village to show itself to him. "A night on the town. That's what I need." He spoke to himself. Reaching into his sleeve and pulling out his old fan. Cooling off his chest a little and enjoying the breeze. Walking through the downtown area, zento put his fan away and walked over to a fruit cart. Looking at them and laughing. He remembers this old cart. The thought of taking his own food from it crossed his mind. But he put the fruit away and continued his walk. Zento could go for a drink and a snack of some kind. Making his way to a stand that he could smell the freshly cooked meets. Grabbing himself one and handing some cash. The thing he could have done at that restaurant hole on the wall. But fuck those people. Taking a bite, the food was incredible. Reaching to his side, zento grabbed his bottle of sake. Taking a big drink. It was time to cut loose. Have a night to remember.

Whether it was his recent change he went through or the fact that he felt rather lonely now that his good friend had to leave the village for a while, Ichigo didn't know. Fact of the matter was something caused the Drunk to be in need of whatever would be able to keep his mind off of things and both of those involved the same man, Noboru Kaito. The red haired Jounin was responsible for handing him a gift, or at least that's what most people would consider the crimson eye that Ichigo attained. Having bonded over drinks and many talks the two of them were able to form a friendship, one that most likely was build on sake and the same fate they shared. 

That being said, the scarred man made his way through the streets of Kumogakure in search of some form of entertainment. As usual Ichigo would walk around dressed in his sleeveless black robe, casual yet comfortable. His headband slightly adjusted over his right eye, the one now possessing the 3 Tomoe Sharingan, as a means to hide the fact he had acquired a power like that. Of course the Drunk knew all too well it would be near impossible to keep something that obvious hidden for the rest of his life, but for now he figured to wait just a little bit longer before letting it be known.

As he passed by multiple food stalls, Ichigo decided it wouldn't hurt to grab a bite now that he made up his mind about making the best of his day. And what better way to enjoy himself with something delicious as the meat they were offering? Grabbing the attention of the owner by raising his hand before pointing a finger at what he'd like to order, the Drunk noticed another individual having the same idea as he did. "Ah yes, nothing better than a bottle of sake to go with some great tasting food" he would say in response to the man reaching for the liquor kept in his side.

(WC: 343)

The night had descended on the village as Ryu strolled through the streets, his trusty pet Taco at his side. Ryu had just completed his latest mission and then returned from his home to the village to take in some relaxation. Ryu wore a knee-length pair of black shorts and a t-shirt with the Nara clan logo emblazoned across the back, his headband strapped around his forehead. Taco energetically ran from interest point to interest point around him, the stall owners in the street used to his face peering up at them. Ryu approached a stall he frequented and leaned on the desk in front of him, he ordered a snack made primarily of meat from the stall owner and handed over a few ryo. There were two other people next to him partaking in snacks and drinks similar to him, one of them stood out to him, he felt like he had met the person before, but could not place where.

The usual pang of anxiety he felt at social situations tugged at the outside of his mind, but he pushed it away, "One moment of courage" he thought to himself. "Hey there, how's it going?" he tried to keep his voice level and not show any nervousness. At that moment Taco came running up from wherever he had been begging for food, Ryu slid off a section of the meat from his snack stick and tossed it towards the dog, he leaped into the air and caught it in his mouth and then began to viciously chew it.

WC: 260

Zento took another bite out of his treat. Watching someone approach him. Smiling as he spoke. A new friend. Extending his arms in joy. His free arm extending over the cart and annoying the man running it. "Hello! It's nice to see others enjoying a fun night out." Taking his arms back to his side and taking another bite and reaching for his bottle. Holding it up for a second..about to make a toast until noticing a second person showing up. More people for a fun night. This one seemed friendly enough. Before he could speak, he noticed the dog. Zentos eyes lighting up. "WHO'S A GOOD BOY?!" He yelled. Reaching into his sleeve pulling out a second treat from the cart and tossing it to the dog. 


"Alright new friends!" Quickly pulling both arms around the two new friends shoulders and pulling them in. A giant smile on his face as if he was surrounded by old war buddies. "Here's to a night we'll never remember." Taking a big drink, Zento took his arms off of them and properly introduced himself. "The name is Zento. It's nice to-"  before he could finish, "THIEF!"  The man yelled. Zento jumping like a child who just got caught by his parents. Reaching at the wrists of his two new friends. "Introductions later. RUN!"  He said bolting out as fast as he could hoping they would be right behind him and quickly reaching a stop. More food carts and games. A festival? Zento laughed seeing he got away from the angry cart salesman. Taking a victory drink from his sake. Tossing the bottle to the man who introduced himself first if he was there to take a drink for himself. Sharing sake was always a good bonding experience. And having some new friends to hang out with surely seemed like the time to share sake with them.

Ichigo's order arrived at the same time the stranger replied to him. "Agreed. It's more fun when you can share it with others" the Drunk smiled in turn. Even though he never met the man, he could notice a familiar sense of camaraderie coming from him. Not that a feeling like that was something out of the ordinary in Kumogakure, for some reason more often than not people in the village were able to hit things off without needing too many words. The same thing happened with Kaito where the two of them simply bonded over a couple of drinks and formed a friendship fairly quick. 

By then Ichigo had already accepted the food he ordered earlier when the owner came to deliver it. A couple of seconds after his first bite another person had joined them, one who was accompanied by man's best friend. Seeing how loyal the dog was made him start to think whether or not it was time for him to find himself a companion of his own. Not much longer after all three men stood next to each other the friendly individual would call for a toast, looking as he was about to formally introduce himself. Only before he'd be able to do so, the owner of the cart suddenly identified Zento as a thief, which then caused him to grab both Ichigo and the other shinobi, urging them to run and follow behind.

Once they made it safely away and stopped being chased Ichigo would catch the bottle of sake that Zento threw at him. "Cheers my friend. Mind telling us what that was all about?" After he took a swig from the liqour Ichigo in turn handed it to Ryu, assuming the man and his dog made it out as well and followed.

(WC: 300, TWC: 643)

Ryu smiled as the friendly person at the bar handed a snack to Taco, which he willfully consumed in a single bite. Ryu had not even received his order when the call to run and an arm on his wrist. Ryu did not resist and took off with the other two, Ryu was not used to this sort of behavior, but he also had not been around people enough to know if it was serious or not. Ryu was handed the bottle of sake, another first. He sipped from the bottle, not wanting to be rude to his new acquaintance. Ryu then also cupped his hand and poured a small portion into his hand and lowered it so Taco could drink out of his hand. Ryu smiled at the dog as he expected some sort of reaction, but apparently, the dog did not mind the drink, Ryu thought less of it himself, although he did not show it.

As Ichigo questioned what the dine and dash was about Ryu kept his mouth closed, not wanting to add to the questioning, he did, however, introduce himself to the other two "I'm Ryu by the way" he widened his face into an awkward attempt at a smile at the same time. Taco after ingesting the alcohol took off somewhere and began investigating some unknown sight or sound. Ryu handed the bottle of sake back to its original owner.

WC: 236
TWC: 496

Zento smiled at the new found friends. His eyes looking at the one questioning what the commotion was about earlier. Lifting his hands up and shrugging. "No idea what you're talking about." He spoke as if the events never unfolded of him not paying for the second treat. Looking over at the one with his dog. Pointing at him. "You never told us your name. What was it again"  his attention looking to a loud crowd around a bunch of tables with people. A few spots open going to the table that him and the others could sit next to him at. Unsure what was going on. Quickly trays hit their table full of mugs filled to the brim with alcohol. As a man spoke loudly. "OK NOW LETS START UP OUR DRINKING CONTEST. FIRST PRIZE GETS A FREE SHIRT, NAME ON OUR WALL AND FREE FOOD FOR A MONTH!"


Zentos look became serious. As if on a mission behind enemy lines. His tone matching the look. "D-did you say free food?" The man raised his arm up. Slamming it down to start the drink. Whomever drank the most won huh? Let's do this. Quickly grabbing his glass and slamming it down. Drinking as fast as he can and quickly downing the first one. He didn't even know how long he had. Just drink. Zento kept slamming them back. Quickly making his way to the third one. In total his tray had ten cups to go through

Zento could feel it though as he got into his fourth drink. The alcohol starting to take it's affect. His cheeks getting rosy and moving side to side. His pace slowing down but going strong. But the time he got to his eighth mug, he felt he couldn't go on. To much in his stomach and just stared into his cup. He couldn't do it. Darkness swarming all around him. His body feeling like his was in the abyss.

Was he going to fail here? No. Not with so much on the line. Free meals is what this man gets out of the bed for. What he must protect is the most precious. The food of this place he's never been to before. Explore the unknown! That's what life his about. Slamming his free hand on the table. He wasn't going to-


"TIME! WE HAVE A WINNER!" A man on the other end of the area standing in victory. Being surrounded by people congratulating him. Standing in disbelief. Then the attention was now on the three of them. "Um, who are you? I don't recognize your faces or at the buy in with 600 ryo." His eyes grew big. Makes sense they couldn't just do this for free. Putting his hand up and pointing at himself. "Who am I? I am the man who will change the world and explore the unknown!"he proclaimed. However, none of those words came out. Instead was a drunken mess of english. Getting confused looks, the first actual words came out. "Cheese it!" Quickly throwing a smoke bomb at the table. The area filling with smoke as he quickly turned to run but the bunch he was sitting on was connected to the table. Quickly tripping Zento and slamming his head on the ground. Crawling out of his containment. He laid on the ground and slowly made his way to his feet. The smoke clearing and him surrounded by what appeared to be the bouncers of the bar. Six of them to be exact. Zento jumping up and down and putting his arms out ready for a fight and looking to see if the others were ready to join in or left him behind.

Without an actual explanation and with acting like nothing happened the man going by the name of Zento would lead both Ichigo and Ryu to a table that still had some open spots left. A big crowd had gathered, making the Drunk wonder if there was a special occasion going on. "A drinking contest? What's next, a wet T-shirt contest?" He'd look around to make sure there were no kids nearby, already looking forward to the events that would play off in front of him. Ichigo noticed not to be the only one interested as Zento's demeanor underwent a change, even more so when the man heard the magical words, free food.

"Could it be? Another drunk?" Ichigo was getting hyped by the thought of a fellow lover of liquor. So far only Kaito and himself could be considered as appreciators of alcohol, but it seemed they would soon be able to add Zento to their little club. He watched as his companion chugged one mug after the other, completely absorbed in the atmosphere and drinking contest. His state of amusement caused Ichigo to focus mainly on the spectacle playing off in front of him rather than his own glass of alcohol. Not that he particularly minded, for some reason witnessing Zento going on a spree was also rather fulfilling. 

Still going strong til the alcohol seemed to get the better of him, Ichigo's new drinking buddy was suddenly about to declare himself to be the ultimate victor first. Before getting the chance to do so the Drunk could hear a victory cheer coming from a bit further. The festive atmosphere suddenly took a change for the worse as their attention turned towards the three men. "600 ryo? Ehm, it was his treat?" Ichigo pointed at Zento who by then seemed to have invented a new language as unrecognizable words started coming out of his mouth. Ichigo noticed the man was about to make his exit if it wasn't for him crashing down head first after throwing a smoke bomb to cause some confusion.

Once the smoke had started to clear up, the Drunk noticed six bouncers had surrounded Zento, clearly not happy with the stunt the three of them pulled. "Welp, there goes my wet T-shirt contest" he said as he slammed his chair on one of the men's back, breaking and splintering it in the process. "You owe me a show" looking at Zento as he threw away the broken piece of wood.

(WC: 415, TWC: 1058)

Ryu followed Zento and the other Kumo nin into the second location, apparently, there was an event happening, Ryu could feel his first gulp of alcohol starting to affect him. Since this was Ryu's first drink he did not know to sip in moderation, or how much it would take to affect him. Ryu's eyes widened as the table they found themselves at filled with drinks, Ryu watched as his new friends consumed the alcohol at a furious pace, he assumed that was just how it was done and tried to follow suit. Ryu had finished his second cup of the drink by the time a winner had been announced, as he dropped the cup to the floor his vision began to swim, and he felt his equilibrium skew.

600 ryo, Ryu thought back to a conversation he had with his father about making friends, paying was a sign of respect among new acquaintances. So Ryu took out his wallet and started to count out notes as the smoke bomb was thrown, the smoke shot all over the table and surrounding area "Wow this is a weird sensation" Ryu said obnoxiously loud, thinking that it was all part of being drunk. He continued to count out money as the situation devolved behind him. He then left the money for what he thought was all three of them on the table, however, instead of paying 1800 ryo he handed over 180 ryo. Standing and turning Ryu then took in the sight behind him as the fight had started and Ichigo had smashed a chair over one of the bouncers "A Fight, now this is something I know about" Ryu said with a small smile on his face, he counted out 12 enemies, but sometimes he saw 18. Ryu charged at the closest one that had not been dealt with, he appeared to be using some form of technique where he fazed in and out of his vision, unbeknownst to Ryu this was just the effect of the alcohol. Ryu lifted himself off his feet and attempted to dropkick the closest bouncer but harmlessly sailed past him and landed painfully on his back behind the group of bouncers.

WC: 366
TWC: 862

Zento stumbled around. His arms up ready to fight the first one coming to him as he heard to put on a show. A show he wou- Zento stumbled over onto the table as a mean right hook took him onto it. Blinking quickly as his mind snapped back into what was happening. The blood pumping and watching a second guy grab Zento by his arms and try to hold him down as the first guy came to punch him in the face. Zento moving his head to the side as the bouncers fist hit the table. Kicking himself up off the table and bringing himself in to kick the first guys side and push him away. Bringing his knees to his chest and rolling backwards onto the one holding him and kicking him. Pushing him off and watching the first one come back. Spinning with the help of his hands with his legs in the air. Slamming the back of his heel on the bouncers jaw

Getting back to his feet, Zento turned to throw a punch at the second one. Only to stop as the liquor showed up again by firing out of his mouth and all over the bouncer. Taking the moment of shock to punch the bouncer in the throat and shake off the vomit on his fist. "How do you like THAT water style huh?!" He spoke proudly. The other one coming at him as Zento reached into his sleeve. Pulling out his fan and pushing aside the blow of fists. Hearing the crowd cheer for the fight. People making bets on which side will come out on top. Zento slammed his fan into the gut of the bouncer. Dropping his second one. Feeling proud until another one grabbed him from behind. In that moment, one of the other bouncers kicked Zentos pair of stones. Time standing still and the feeling of needing to take a shit took over. His head dropping and feeling a hard punch from some brace knuckles. 

Taking his head back as fast and hard as he could, Zento smashed it into the one holding Zento and breaking his nose. Letting him go and then getting a little angry at this point. The man going for another swing and Zento smacked it away and using his open hand to quickly jab into his throat and grab his shirt. Moving one foot behind him and tripping the bouncer. Slamming him to the ground. Catching his breath and sitting on the edge of the table. Holding his fist up in victory. Looking to see how his new friends are doing.