A night out in the Red Light District

Kotetsu stretched his arms over his head, feeling the weight of the past four weeks of brutal training under Kosuke's watch. His muscles were sore, his body aching in places he didn't even know could ache. But he had earned this brief reprieve. Kosuke was off on a mission, leaving Kotetsu with a couple of nights to himself. But, of course, there was no way he'd spend it alone.

Izumo was the perfect candidate for a night out, especially after all the grueling weeks of training and duties. So, Kotetsu had made the call, and now the two of them were on their way to the shinobi bar in the Red Light District.

The streets were alive with a certain kind of energy. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol and cigarettes, drifting through the night like an intoxicating fog. Neon signs flickered, casting an eerie glow on the worn-down buildings and narrow alleyways. Prostitutes leaned against the walls, their painted smiles trying to lure in anyone who had a little too much liquor in their system. Bar girls strutted past, their eyes scanning the crowd for the next customer, and shady figures loitered in the shadows, looking for an easy target.

Kotetsu walked with a sense of purpose, his hand in his jacket pocket, his head slightly tilted to one side as he surveyed the bustling scene. "Ah, the Red Light District," he muttered under his breath. "You know, it's funny. You'd think that after all these years, the novelty of it would wear off."

Izumo, walking beside him, snorted. "That's because you've never had a proper night out here. You've been too focused on training." He grinned, his tone light but excited. "Tonight's gonna be different. You're with me now, so I'm gonna show you how it's done."

Kotetsu raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, I'm sure you are, Izumo. Just remember, I'm not here to be your wingman. I'm just here for the drinks."

People in the fandom always question why characters don't get stronger or try to be the Hokage. Their is many answers to that question my dear friend. Its why your not a millionaire, its why you don't have that fancy office with a view like that bastard frank. Simple they get in their own way. In the end of the day though these people might be ninja's with extraordinary power, their still people. Who all have curtain vices, weaknesses, and own personal problems. With shinobi all having more problems and dirtier vices than the average joe on the street. 

Gambling? Got plenty of those not named Tsunade. I heard Choza Akimichi almost put the clan into bankruptcy because of his dirty little habits at Shinobi Poker.

Deadbeats? Hey look isn't that a member of the Uchiha policemen with a woman of the night. So much for his oh so mighty tone he takes with the rest of us. With him now all tired out by his favorite girl he's too ashamed to bring back to the clan.

Alcoholics? Heck that's most of us past the age of sixteen here. I hear Inoichi Yamanaka was a terrible drunk, with you able to learn all their clan secrets if they by his side after dark. Making Shikaku Nara stay by his side always when they drink.

Sex-addicts? Look around. That's half the men from the Hyūga men as that clan was born closet perverts. After all theirs a reason they're own buildings have special seals making it impossible for their eyes to see through the walls. Because in the past they would spy on each other in the shower and got caught. Heck they can't even use their own Dojutsu if not in a spar. Back in the day you want to tell me Hinata wasn't looking through Naruto's clothes while she was stalking him. The poor girl was a child when she did it and never questioned her actions.

They reached the entrance of the bar, a dimly lit place with a heavy wooden door and a faded sign that read "The Silent Blade." The neon lights from the street bounced off the dirty windows, casting a garish light inside. Music and laughter spilled from the open door as they stepped in, and Kotetsu felt a rush of warmth and familiarity.

Inside, the air was thick with the smell of smoke and liquor, and the low murmur of voices mixed with the clinking of glasses and the occasional laugh or shout. A few patrons, most of them shinobi off-duty, were scattered around the bar, their faces tired and worn from the stress of their jobs. The bartender, a middle-aged man with a scar running down his cheek, nodded at them as they entered.

Izumo grinned wide and led the way to a corner booth, where the table was already littered with empty bottles. Kotetsu slid into the seat across from his friend, leaning back and scanning the room.

"Now, this is the kind of place I've been telling you about," Izumo said, clearly enjoying himself. "Where else can you get a drink and a show all in one?"

Kotetsu raised an eyebrow, looking over at the women by the bar, chatting and laughing with various customers. Some were dressed in skimpy outfits, others in casual clothes, all with a kind of practiced grace that was impossible to ignore. But Kotetsu wasn't really here for the "show." He just needed a good drink, a break from his endless training, and maybe a bit of fun.

A bar girl approached them, her smile bright and eager. "What can I get you boys?" she asked in a voice that was both friendly and practiced, the kind of tone you learn to perfect in a place like this.

Izumo leaned forward with a grin. "Two of your strongest drinks, and keep 'em coming."

Kotetsu held up a hand. "I'll start with something lighter," he said, not wanting to end up completely smashed before the night was over. "Just something to take the edge off."

Izumo shrugged. "Suit yourself," he said, looking more than eager to down whatever came their way.

The girl nodded and walked off, and Kotetsu leaned back in his seat, taking a long, slow look around the room. The laughter of a nearby group of shinobi echoed in the distance, and the low hum of conversation filled the space. He could tell this was the kind of place where people came to forget their worries. The dark, comfortable atmosphere allowed them to relax and shed the tension of their work lives. Kotetsu had to admit, the vibe was a welcome change from the rigid discipline of his training.

"So," Kotetsu said, breaking the silence as he leaned toward Izumo. "What's been going on with you, Izumo? You haven't been training much, have you?"

Izumo snorted and leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. "Nah, I've been busy. But you know how it is—gotta balance work and play. Besides, I don't need as much training as you do." He winked, clearly enjoying the jab. "I'm a natural."

Kotetsu rolled his eyes. "Yeah, sure you are. Keep telling yourself that."

Izumo chuckled, then turned his attention to the bar, clearly distracted by something—or someone. Kotetsu followed his gaze and saw a girl sitting alone at the far end of the bar. She was a little older than most of the others, with a confident air and a smile that was less practiced and more genuine. Her eyes met Izumo's, and Kotetsu could see the shift in his friend's demeanor.

"Ah, looks like you found someone," Kotetsu said with a knowing grin. "Gonna make your move?"

Izumo turned to him, looking a little flustered. "Nah, I'm just… uh… I'm just seeing if she wants to talk. No big deal."

Kotetsu's grin widened. "Sure, sure. Just don't do anything embarrassing. I'll be here, enjoying my drink."

The bar girl returned with their drinks, and Kotetsu picked up his glass, swirling the liquid inside. The strong smell of alcohol filled his nose as he took a sip. It was smooth, with a subtle burn that settled nicely in his stomach. 

As the night went on, Kotetsu leaned back in his seat, allowing the conversation with Izumo to flow naturally. The two of them bantered back and forth, exchanging stories and laughs. But Kotetsu couldn't help but notice the subtle tension in the air, the kind that always seemed to surround a place like this. The pressure of being a shinobi, the weight of their responsibilities, and the ever-present threat of danger—it was all still there, lingering in the background.

But for now, Kotetsu didn't think about that. He focused on the present, on enjoying the time off. Tonight was for relaxing, for forgetting about everything else.

Kotetsu sat at the bar, nursing his drink, watching as Iruka strolled through the door with a slightly dazed expression on his face. His eyes were already half-lidded, and there were a couple of noticeable lipstick marks on his cheek—clearly signs of his prior interactions with some of the more *influential* women in the streets. 

As Iruka walked in, the atmosphere shifted immediately. The bar girls, some of them ex-kunoichi, perked up. They had a sixth sense for spotting someone with a little extra cash—or someone who was too drunk to know what was going on. And Iruka, with his slightly unsteady gait and the glimmer of an filled wallet ready to be empty, was the perfect target.

Kotetsu couldn't help but smirk as he took another sip of his drink, watching the bar girls swarm him. They fluttered around him with practiced grace, leaning in close, whispering sweet nothings, and offering coy smiles. It didn't take long for Iruka to lose himself in the attention, giving out little chuckles as he attempted to keep his cool. But it was clear from the way he kept glancing at his wallet—still tucked safely in his pocket—that he had no idea what he was walking into.

"Iruka's gonna be *broke* by the end of the night," Kotetsu muttered under his breath to Izumo, who was sitting beside him. Izumo chuckled, shaking his head, clearly enjoying the show.

Kotetsu leaned in, watching as Iruka fumbled with a drink being passed to him by one of the girls. "You see, these aren't the regular civilians. These women? They're ex-kunoichi. They know how to play the game."

Izumo raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Ex-kunoichi, huh? What's so different about them?"

Kotetsu's smirk deepened. "These girls? They don't need to sleep with you to drain you dry. They'll lead you on, make you *want* more, and once they know they've got you hooked, they'll milk you for everything you're worth. And if they do sleep with you? You're giving them everything you've got, and then some."

Iruka, blissfully unaware of the trap closing around him, laughed a little too loudly at something one of the girls said. Kotetsu watched in silent amusement, fully aware that, by the end of the night, Iruka would probably be another story for the bar's regulars. Not only would he be broke, but he'd likely leave with a *lot* of embarrassing stories to tell—and none of them would involve the true cost of the night.

"That guy's in for a rude awakening," Kotetsu muttered.

Izumo took a swig of his drink. "Guess you can't really save him, huh?"

Kotetsu shook his head. "Nope. Some lessons are best learned the hard way." 

Izumo laughed, and Kotetsu couldn't help but chuckle along with him. It was always amusing to watch Iruka's escapades, even if it wasn't the smartest thing to let him wander around the Red Light District. But who was Kotetsu to stop him? It wasn't his wallet being emptied. Still, he'd be ready with some advice for Iruka tomorrow. 

For now, though, it was back to watching the spectacle unfold.

The night stretched on, with the low hum of the bar's conversations blending with the clinking of glasses and the faint thrum of music in the background. Kotetsu and Izumo continued talking, but it was clear Izumo's attention was divided. His eyes kept flickering toward the older woman who had caught his attention earlier—an attractive, confident-looking lady who seemed to know how to handle herself in the chaos of the Red Light District.

Izumo tried his best to act casual, but Kotetsu caught every subtle glance, the way Izumo's eyes would dart back to her whenever she laughed or made eye contact. Kotetsu couldn't help but smirk, knowing exactly what was going through his friend's head.

"You know," Kotetsu said, leaning back in his seat with a knowing grin, "I can tell you're still thinking about her."

Izumo flushed, trying to look offhand about it. "I—I'm not thinking about her," he stammered, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean... maybe a little, but I'm not gonna talk to her. There's no way."

Kotetsu raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? You sure? 'Cause you've been staring at her for the last half hour. Not exactly subtle."

Izumo's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "No! I'm just... looking, okay? It's... it's nothing."

Kotetsu rolled his eyes, knowing full well that his friend was hopeless when it came to matters of the heart. He leaned in, grinning like a devil. "You know, there's another girl you're always talking about."

Izumo froze, looking suddenly defensive. "Another girl? What are you talking about?"

Kotetsu didn't miss a beat. "Shimada."

Izumo's eyes widened comically, his mouth falling open in shock. He nearly knocked over his drink as he lurched back in his chair. "H-how'd you know?!" he asked, his voice pitched in surprise.

Kotetsu stared at him like he was genuinely asking this question. "Are you serious? You've been talking about her for weeks now. It's not exactly a well-kept secret."

Izumo's face was now the color of a ripe tomato as he stammered out a response. "I—I'm not... it's not like that! I just—I don't—"

"Uh-huh," Kotetsu said, clearly enjoying this. "Sure, buddy. You act like a love-struck schoolgirl around her. You get all nervous and blush, and your voice goes up two octaves every time she's near. It's honestly kind of adorable."

Izumo looked as if he wanted to crawl under the table and hide. He slouched down, trying to shield his face with his hands. "Shut up, Kotetsu," he muttered, thoroughly embarrassed.

Kotetsu chuckled, pushing his luck further. "Honestly, you've got to stop being so obvious about it. You should just go over there and talk to her already."

Izumo shook his head violently. "No! I can't—"

"Come on," Kotetsu interrupted, leaning over and grinning. "You know you're just gonna keep thinking about it, right? I'm serious—go. Talk to her."

Izumo looked like he might faint, but Kotetsu wasn't backing down. With a nudge, he gave Izumo a gentle push in the direction of the bar where the older woman was standing. "Just do it. I'll make sure to save you a seat."

Izumo hesitated for a moment, before looking back at Kotetsu with wide eyes, a final trace of doubt lingering. "You really think I should?"

Kotetsu flashed him an encouraging grin. "Yeah. Just go for it. Worst case scenario, you'll be back here with a funny story about getting rejected. But you'll never know if you don't try."

Izumo bit his lip, clearly still conflicted, but the thought of the "what ifs" pushed him forward. With a deep breath, he finally pushed himself out of his chair, taking slow, nervous steps toward the woman.

Kotetsu watched his friend go, shaking his head and smiling to himself. "Good luck, love-struck idiot," he muttered under his breath.

With Izumo off to try his hand at romance, Kotetsu turned his attention back to his real business for the night—saving Iruka's wallet. The poor guy was still surrounded by the bar girls, laughing awkwardly as he was slowly, but surely, being drained of his funds.

Kotetsu stood up, cracked his knuckles, and started walking over. He wasn't about to let this travesty continue. Iruka had been too generous with his wallet, and Kotetsu wasn't going to let it suffer for any longer. He walked with purpose, a wicked grin on his face, as he approached the lamb being led to the slaughter.

The girls didn't notice him at first, caught up in Iruka's easy charm and their eyes locked on his wallet like it was a golden ticket. Kotetsu, however, was not about to let that happen. He had no intention of letting Iruka get any further into debt—or end up with a ridiculous tab.

"Alright, enough of this," Kotetsu muttered to himself, a glint of mischief in his eyes as he swiftly approached the group. He tapped Iruka on the shoulder and, when the younger man turned, Kotetsu grinned.

"Time's up," Kotetsu said, pulling Iruka away before he could give out another yen.

Iruka, now properly pulled back to reality, blinked at him in confusion. "Kotetsu? What—?"

"No more. It's time for your wallet to stop suffering," Kotetsu said with a wink. Iruka's face twisted in confusion as he was led toward the exit.

Kotetsu knew he wouldn't be thanked for it, but honestly, it was for the best. Iruka was too generous with his money, and Kotetsu had no intention of letting him walk out of here looking like a freshly plucked goose.