Changes (6)

Ren walked through the store observing all the different items. He had to admit it was all really cool to marvel at. However, he finally found something that really piqued his interest. Sitting in a small wooden box in the back was a type of ninja mask that covered the bottom half of a person's face. It was metal and it was engraved with the design of a dragon's maw on it. There were also some air holes for oxygen in it as well. It had adjustable leather straps with a metal snap together clip. The inside of the mask itself also some filters of sorts. He assumed were for protecting against types of smokes and toxic gas a ninja could encounter. Inside the box he also noticed additional metal pieces, implying the mask could be altered to properly fit. Faces of all sizes and shapes without issue. It was perfect in Ren's eyes.

He grabbed the mask and its box and took it to the register with Naruto in tow. He placed the box on the counter and the cashier nodded his head in understanding. Once the final price was rung up Ren grabbed his wallet and pulled out the needed funds. Thankfully, his mother had started giving him an allowance a year ago. He had saved it all and even did some work in the flower shop for some extra money. After seeing that he had plenty for a mask, a stray thought entered his head.

"Hey Naruto, you want anything?" He asked his fellow blond.

Naruto was taken aback by the sudden question. "Ummm…. No that's ok, I don't want to mooch off of you."

"It's not mooching if I'm offering Naruto, so go ahead a grab something." Replied Ren.

Feeling like there was no point in arguing about it. Naruto quickly went to the back of the store and returned a moment later with a pair of goggles. Placing it up on the counter, it was quickly rung up and paid for. A few moments later both boys walked out wearing the new items.

"Thanks a lot for the goggles!" Exclaimed an excited Naruto with a wide grin.

"No problem at all." Replied Ren with his recently purchased mask on his face. Fortunately, the mask was also designed to not hinder his speaking at all.

The two boys wandered through the streets some more. Ren noticed the stares and behind the back whispering gong from various villagers as they traveled together. Ren ignored this as much as possible and noticed Naruto doing the same. Eventually, they came across a music shop, which jolted a memory of the young Yamanaka's past life.

"Hey Naruto, I'm gonna check something out in here, really quick." Spoke Ren.

His fellow blond gave a slight nod of understanding and Ren entered the shop. Ten minutes later, Ren walked out with a brand new metal ocarina hanging off his hip. It was grey in color with splashes of black. In his past life, Ren had been a huge fan of a particular video game series. Which inspired him to pick up the instrument and actually became quite skilled with it.

'I wonder if I'll be able to learn to cast genjutsu with this as Tayuya does with her flute? He mused mentally, thinking about the kunoichi of the sound four. 'At the very least it will be nice to have this as a hobby again to kill time with.'

"Whoa!" Said Naruto eyeing the instrument. "That's cool! You plan on using it to cast Jutsu with?"

"Hopefully I can learn too. If not, then it will be a fun hobby to have." Was Ren's simple reply. Looking around he noticed it was around mid-day. "Hey, Naruto want to grab some lunch with me?"

Naruto perked up at that suggestion. "Heck yeah! What'cha thinking?"

"How about Ramen?"

Naruto suddenly looked at Ren like he was a messenger sent from the heavens.

"That's perfect! I know just the place too! Come on follow me!" Spoke Naruto with lots of enthusiasm as he began to lead the way. Ren following right behind. After a few minutes of travel, they had arrived in front of 'Ramen Ichiraku'. Which came as an absolutely zero surprise to Ren. Though he had to admit to himself he was very much interested in trying the place out. For how incredibly hyped up it was during the series from what he could recall.

"Ta-da!" Announced Naruto with a wide grin. "Welcome to the best ramen shop in the whole village! Nothing can beat this place!"

"Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go eat." The Yamanaka replied.