The midday sun poured warmth across the Hidden Grass Village's modest streets, the faint rustle of leaves mixing with the chatter of merchants and shinobi passing by. The small food stand where you both sat smelled of grilled fish and steaming noodles, the air heavy with the simple comfort of a meal shared in peace. Beyond the stalls, the distant hills shimmered under the light, their tall grasses swaying as if whispering secrets.

Fū leaned over her bowl, her bright green hair falling forward, her amber eyes glittering with the easy excitement that always seemed to dance in them. She slurped her noodles with no sense of restraint, sighing contentedly before leaning back on her stool. “Mm! I think this might be the best ramen I’ve had outside of home!” She said brightly, brushing a bit of broth from her chin with the back of her hand. Her voice was lively, almost childlike—very much in character for her.

“I mean, sure, the flavor’s not the same as what Shibuki used to bring me… but still, traveling means new tastes, right? That’s what makes it exciting!” She giggled softly, tapping her chopsticks against the rim of the bowl. But her cheer wavered, just slightly, when her gaze flickered to a weathered notice pinned across the road.

Black ink. Red clouds. The whispers of an organization most people dared not linger on. Her expression grew thoughtful for a moment, almost too quiet for her usual self, before she forced a smile back onto her face. “You’ve noticed them too, huh? Those posters… everyone’s been talking about that group, the Akatsuki.”

Her tone softened, still playful but edged with a quiet awareness. “Supposedly they’re after people like me. Jinchūriki.” She paused, resting her cheek against her palm, her elbow propped lazily on the stand. “But worrying about that stuff all the time would just make me miserable.”

Her grin widened again, the shadow gone as quickly as it appeared. “Besides, if they really are after me, then I’ll just have to make sure I’m stronger than they expect. Chōmei's power isn’t something to take lightly, after all!” She puffed her chest with mock pride, then laughed, the sound like bells over the hum of the village.

“You know what? Instead of thinking about scary things, let’s think about where we’ll go next! Maybe eastward to the Hidden Leaf Village? Wouldn’t that be fun?” She tilted her head, eyes shining as she waited for your answer, her spirit as unyielding as ever despite the storm gathering silently around her.