Naruto started, "I did it. You two now have to do the same."
Raito's face dropped into horror.
"She accepted?!"
"Yep. Hehe! So who are you all gonna ask out?"
Sakura was completely lost and so she asked, "What's happening right now?"
Naruto said, "Well, Raito said I wouldn't be able to ask Hinata-chan out. So I did, because I can't let Raito be right about that. The other part was if I did, Sasuke would ask someone out and so would Raito. It's their turn, hehe."
Sasuke groaned, "Why must you have done that?"
Naruto stayed grinning, "Because, you weren't winning this. Go on! Go find your dates, you've got two days."
Raito groaned and got up, "Fine, I ought to go bother some random girl now."
"Wait! Also, Kakashi-sensei said that they will be conducting the Chunin ranking ceremony tomorrow. It's in combination with Dato."
Raito nodded and waved his hand as he headed out. He was going to use that as a front to do what he wanted. Which was to buy himself a new chokuto. He'd won a lot of money by betting on Naruto in the exams. He was going to use the money.
As he walked through the room into the new courtyard, he heard footsteps behind him. He turned to find Sakura approaching quickly.
"Raito! I need your help with something."
"What do you need?"
"I want to convince somebody I like them. But I don't… I don't know how to do that subtly."
Raito's face grew into a deadpan, "And you chose me?"
Sakura flushed, "Well yeah. You know how to be secretive, so I was just wondering. I also wanted to help you find this girl in return."
"Come with me. I need to buy a chokuto to replace the one I lost in the battle."
The two friends walked through the village, it was a cold night. The wind occasionally bit at the skin. Sakura followed Raito as he went from store to store, trying to find a very good sword. They discussed the boy Sakura wanted to talk to and Rai.to tried his best to give advice.
It was as the sun was finally setting in Konoha that Raito came upon the blade he needed.
It was a really small shop. At the front, the owner's daughter sat watching the two shinobi hanging out.
"I'm just gonna get this. 5000 ryo right?"
"Yeah. Would you like a sheathe?"
"No, I've got one. Thank you."
The girl gave Sakura an odd look. One that Sakura realized was one of questioning. She wanted Raito and thought the two were something. Sakura gave her a thumbs up, surprising her. Raito did not seem to notice any of it.
"Of course, what's your name ninja-san?"
"Raito Arashi. You're the owner's daughter I assume?"
"Yeah, I'm filling in for my older sister, Mitsuro. She should be here soon!"
As the girl said that, Raito handed her the money and heard the jingle of someone entering the store. Raito turned. The girl was beautiful, even Sakura had to gawk. Black hair came to her waist, and her eyes were a golden orange. She wore a black and golden Kimono with two tigers fighting one another.
Raito was truly surprised by her and sheepishly smiled. Sakura elbowed him, reminding him of the secondary mission. Raito remembered and wiped the smile off his face. He had no idea how to talk to a girl he was genuinely interested in and so stood there.
The little girl said, "Mitsuro-chan! This ninja just bought a chokuto from our store! I think it's one of the ones you made!"
Mito smiled at her sister and picked the little girl up. Raito heard the sounds of metal against metal and tensed. However as a wave of heat hit them from the open door leading to the back area, he understood.
"Really? Okay Ina-chan." Mito turned and asked, "What's your name sir? You're from Dato?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah. I'm Raito Arashi and I'm from Dato."
Sakura saw a glance from the other girl and nodded slightly.
"I'm Mitsuro Hosono. This is my father's shop. You should come by again, or you can custom order if you'd like."
Sakura saw this as her chance, "You should do that, I'll leave you to do that. I better head home."
Raito's face tensed but he replied, "Of course. Have a good night."
She'd left him all alone with two people he did not know. Mito smiled softly and approached Raito.
"Come I'll show you around the back of the shop. You ought to know how the shop works."
Aku stayed in the front. Her job was done. She'd found her sister a potential match that would not be scared of her. Raito however did not know he was supposed to be afraid.
Raito followed the girl into a dark room with an open roof. A large man was dipping a blade into the water. He looked at it and grinned. He was blue haired, and with yellow-gold eyes. He was an intimidating figure, large forearms and a moustache.
The man turned as he heard footsteps and looked at Raito.
"Ninja-san! I'm sorry I didn't meet you out there. It's an honor."
Raito scratched the back of his head and said, "No need, good sir. I've visited over fifty stores, and this blade is the best I've found."
Raito pointed to his back.
The man smiled and said, "Really? I'm glad!"
"It's good to meet you…"
"Kibaru! I'm Kibaru, ninja-san. I see you've met Mitsuro. Well now, I've got to go back to this work."
Mitsuro, getting the cue, dragged Raito out of the room and back up front. Raito followed her, and that's when he realized her grip was strong. He remembered then that the little girl had said Mitsuro had made the blade on his back. Raito stopped and grinned. This was his perfect chance to do exactly what he needed to.
"Mitsuro-chan. Would you like to go out with me on a date? I think you're really pretty, and you're clearly really strong."
Raito felt every word. He grinned larger than he'd ever done before.
Mitsuro grinned, "Really? I'd love to! You're not creeped out by strength?"
"Oh no! I think it's really cute. You should train… with me if you want."
Mitsuro smiled and said, "Yay! I'd be glad. Can we train tomorrow?"
Raito nodded and said, "After I'm done helping the construction workers with the village. I can't do it in the morning, as I have a prior engagement."
"Sounds good Raito-kun. Also, what day are we going out?"
"Tuesday night. My friends and their girls will be there too, if that's okay."
"Sure, that's fine!"
Raito grinned and followed the girl to the front of the shop. They parted ways, and Raito returned to the Embassy.