With Kouji

"I'll take you up on your offer," you say to Kouji, noting that his wife seems to want to say something but not sure whether to you or his husband. In the end, however, she keeps quiet. Perhaps something is wrong with the whole thing here, you think to yourself, deciding to investigate further.

"Excellent," Kouji says a smile. He then gestures towards his wife. "This is my wife, Rikako. She will show you around the village." The village head bows a bit. "I’m sorry, but you know how it is. Rikako, please take care of Naruto as I will be busy with the village matters."

Slowly, as if reluctantly, she bows toward you. "Please let me be your host."

"Please take care of me," you reply back in a more formal speech than you’re comfortable with. Please take care of me"

"Oh, before I forget, please bring Naruto around for dinner tonight,"

"I will," she answers before addressing you once more. "Come, sir Naruto. Let me show you around the village before showing you our house," she says.

"Naruto," you insist.

"Very well," she acquiesced.

The two of you walk slowly among the slightly subdued atmosphere. As you are walking behind Rikako, you take the advantage to study her profile. Slim built, height up to your eye level. Her hair is brunette, shortened to around shoulder length but tied in a bun behind her hair to prevent it from impeding her work, whatever it is. She is wearing a modified yukata that reaches just below her knees in what seems to be adapted for easy movement, and from what you observe around the village, is the type of dress most of the women wear. Even though she looks like she’s double your age, Rikako is an attractive woman, if you’re to be honest.

Not comfortable with the current silent situation, you decide to talk. "What is that dinner your husband was talking about?"

Rikako stops. "It’s a celebration as we’re thankful to have survived the attack." She smiles a bit at you, the dimples making the smile more profound. "We’re very grateful for your help."

"You too?"

She put a hand on heart. "I do too."