-Mizuki-

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the bustling streets of Konoha. The village was alive with the energy of Market Day, a weekly event where vendors from all over the Land of Fire gathered to sell their goods. The air was filled with the mingling scents of freshly baked bread, sizzling skewers of meat, and the sweet aroma of fruit. Laughter and chatter echoed through the streets as villagers haggled for the best deals, children darting between stalls with wide-eyed wonder.

.
.
.

I deadpan as I find myself going shopping with Sai... It's been a day since the meeting with Tsunade-san and meeting the creepy guy and Sai.

-Flashback to a few minutes ago-

"O-onii-chan, are you sure you don't wanna come with us? We're gonna buy the things we need before we leave tomorrow" I ask while placing my handkerchief and wallet on my light green sling bag, watching my brother as he continues to snore away into lala land.

To be fair, it is currently six in the morning- I let out a small huff, wondering if it's time to move out of our home... It's kinda tight around here already and we can't keep continuing sleeping on the same old small beds. Even Onii-chan is sleeping on the floor now.

"Mhhmm" Onii-chan mumbles in response, turning away from me to sleep longer. I made my way to the door and left the house, immediately greeted by the bright rising sun.

As usual, it's currently Market Day! My favorite village event. I turn my way towards the street, shocked as the village is more packed than the last Market day I went to.

A shiver runs down my spine, as I suddenly feel like someone is LITERALLY right behind me-

"Good Morning, Mizuki" A light familiar voice greets me, making me jump in fright as I quickly turn around to face a smiling Sai. I stumble back in fright before getting caught by him as he lead me down the stairs.

'What a weirdo...' I thought to myself as he just stood there in front of me with the same old smile.

"S-so... n-nice day?" I started with a greet, I can literally feel my smile twitch a bit as he just stares at me.

"I just wanted to meet one of my new teammates before we leave for the mission" He simply explains with a smile .

WHY ME?!?!?!?!?

-End of flashback-

"I-is there anything that you will be needing for the trip?" I ask him as we squeeze through the crowd, I was grabbing his wrist, pulling him near me since there were some intense bargaining all around.

One moment we pass by a vegetable bargain, the next moment they were selling cows and chickens....

"Nothing really, I just wanted to tag along" He simply says in a monotone voice while I drag him around. We pass by the Ichiraku Ramen shop and saw a huge line forming as well, thinking that maybe today is meant to be a homemade food type day. Sai was holding my groceries , maybe around three to four bags on his free hand.

"Selling fresh cuts of meat for 5,000 yen per 2 kilo!" One of the vendors screams out, immediately making my head turn in the direction of the screaming lady. I immediately pulled the quiet Sai with me as we went through the sea of people.

"S-SIX KILO!" I exclaimed while raising my hand as more people starts to push me around the round, slightly annoying me.

Next thing I know, Sai appears from the crowd with a huge bag of meat and the same smile, looking at me with a monotone gaze, not a single thought behind those dark eyes.

"T-thank you," I say with a small bow before we continue with our shopping.

-3rd Person-

Sai couldn't help but wonder who this... Mizuki is. She wasn't in the record or anything, as if she was purposely hidden from the database of Konoha. Who is this lady and what's the reason behind the hidden identity? He wasn't aware as well that there were three of them on the team, he was informed that there were Naruto and Sakura.

He continues to stare down at the wondering red head, the weight of the newly bought goods slowing him down a bit. He didn't really plan to follow her the entire day, but he was wayyyy too curious about why she was not on the files; he spent the entire evening last night finding information about Mizuki but there was nothing.

As the sun continues to rise, they continue to walk around. Mizuki continues to look at her very long list of things to buy before they leave. She wants to restock, clean the house, get better appliances like fridge and stove and she wants more room in the house. They already went to a neighborhood carpenter, requesting the house to be renovated and expanded. Just earlier, Mizuki bought a bigger fridge and a stronger gas stove as well, which will be delivered oncethe renovation is done.

She also plans to drop all of the things she bought today at Hiruzen's home as he literally got a freezer room...FOR WHAT-?? Bro probably can't even chew meat...

"How many more things do you need to buy..?" Sai asks with a deadpan as Mizuki continues to check out all the things brought today with a hum.

"N-not too much now, maybe around 50 more items" She says with a squinted eye, making she that she does the forget any of the items.

Mizuki glances at him, trying to suppress a smile. "Y-you know, Sai, it's okay to show a little enthusiasm. It is Market Day after all."

Sai turned his head slightly, meeting her eyes with that familiar, unreadable expression. "Happy to hear that," he replied in a flat tone, his voice devoid of any emotion.

As they pass by a stall selling sweet dango, Mizuki's eyes lit up. She tugs at Sai's sleeve, pulling him toward the stand. "L-let's get some dango! My treat."

Sai blinked, following her without resistance. "If that's what you want."

They stopped in front of the stall, where an elderly vendor greeted them with a wide smile. Mizuki quickly picks out a selection of the colorful skewers, handing over a few coins before turning to Sai with a soft smile.

"Here, try one," she offerz, holding out a skewer to him.

Sai accepted the dango, examining it with mild curiosity before taking a bite. He chewed slowly, his face remaining impassive. Mizuki watched him closely, waiting for some kind of reaction, but as usual, there was none.

"It's good," Sai said, his voice still flat.

Mizuki couldn't help but sweatdrop, shaking her head again. "Sai, you are the most difficult person to read. But I'm glad you like it."

Sai merely nodded, continuing to eat the dango in silence. They resumed their walk, the market swirling around them in a vibrant blur of color and sound. Mizuki felt a sense of contentment as they moved through the crowd. Konoha was her home, she felt a deep connection to the village and its people.

Both Sai and Mizuki didn't expect to be.... grocery besties? Well, they didn't really talk to one another but she liked the odd company.

~~

The day continued on, the sun dipping lower in the sky as the market slowly began to wind down. With their purchases complete, Mizuki and Sai headed back toward the village center, their baskets full and their hearts light.

"T-thanks for coming with me today, Sai," Mizuki said, glancing at him with a smile.

Sai nodded once, his expression as calm as ever. "I'm happy to help."

=+=+=+=+=+=+=

Welp! That's a small chapter dedicated to Sai and Mizuki!!

What do you think about Sai and his intentions? You guys think he's actually genuine or is he just going to be using Mizuki?

😳😳😳😳
ANYWAYS

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, lemme know your thoughts and suggestions!

Bye potatoes

Stay fab!🩷