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"I kid not. But I have good news."

Kenjirou sipped his ramen broth, then placed the ramen bowel back on the counter. He was quiet a moment, before a smile broke out on his face again

"I have saved much money on my life insurance by switching to Gecko."

Of course he was kidding. Just as she showed affection for him, he returned it. Knowing she knew he woulden't be even this light hearted with anyone else, probably.

Kenjirou making even this small of a joke showed a great deal of openness on his part, seeing that most of the time he barely even raised either corner of his mouth.

"Speaking of money, what do you want to eat?"

"Despite your age, and actions, I have faith you will lead this village well. And besides. As odd as it sounds..."

Kenjirou took a big gulp of his noodles, then lowered the bowel again after assuring he was sated for the moment. Even in this stool, his posture was straight and tall. Though he did not show off with his good posture, it was just his way. To be well composed, without being obnoxious about it.

"Well, I told you about how I was like at your age, correct?"

Kenjiou was not entirely sure if Cerbi had ever heard his story. If he had told her, he might have forgotten.

Cerbi was oblivious to the guy spying on her, as she was staring intently at Kenjirou. "I'm glad you do have faith, atleast there's two or three people," she laughed, greedily slurping down her noodles.

Once she finsihed it in break neck speed, she turned to Kenjirou once again. "I don't dont think you've given me the pleasure. You gonna tell me? Were you a troublesome little brat? Or an old stiff?"

"..."

Kenjirou's face grew serious once more, at the memory of his troubled child hood and adolescence. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, as he thought as to how to best explain his past, in a simple manner. Details were meaningless, unless she asked for them.

"As you know, my family's duty has been to be the Hokages personal body guard, for several generations. The position can only be taken by the head of the family, who must be male. I was the third and only son to my father. My father..."

Kenjirou bowed his head a moment, quietly silencing the feelings that came along with the memory of his father. He lifted his head, as he started again.

"Beat my mother and I. I was always forced to be better. Perfect. Hate, and rage, was all that I knew. My mother was always kind, and compassionate. One day, I had enough, and challenged my father to a duel. I won, but I killed my father. I felt no shame in ending such a horrible man. Though, I had still betrayed my family. They would not make a traitor like me head. I was asked to commit seppuku, but refused for I still felt no shame. So, I was kicked out."

Kenjirou looked over towards the east, staring a moment as he continued his story.

"I lived in a cave while attending the Ninja Academy. I devoted myself, heart and soul, to the way of the sword. I studied very hard, and for a long time, till I was able to master my hatred. I returned to my family to find that my sisters had born no sons. And my mother, to atone for the dishonor I had brought upon my family, committed seppuku in my stead. Seppuku, by the way, is ritual suicide one commits to restore great dishonor. It is a Samurai tradition my family has held for generations, seeing that we are descendants of Samurai. I was moved by my mothers compassion, bravery, and kindness...that's why I devote my very soul to Konoha."

Kenjirou turned to face Cerbi, nodding solemnly as his eyes met with hers once more. There was that deep calm in his presence again, though with a hint of sadness to it. Despite his great control of his feelings, thinking of this story still saddened him every time he remembered it.

"To atone for my dishonor, and so that I may return to my family and take the position of leader. To repay my mother...the reason I trust you, and have faith, and loyalty to you...is in an odd way, you remind me of my mother. And my sisters. I don't know what it is, but you do."

Kenjirou was un-used to talking this much about himself, in fact, he was not used to speaking more than a few sentences at a time. It was a bit awkward, but he had summarized the story as best he could.

Kenjirou nodded, then replied

"Death is the only truth in this world. Pain, and joy, transient and as fleeting as life itself. When one is joyous, one should not let their excitement lead them to foolishness. When sad, one should not be distraught with sarrow."

Kenjirou gave his advice to Cerbi, hoping for once she'd take it. He lifted his ramen to his face once more, finishing off the rest of it, before he lowered the bowel back onto the counter. Letting out a content sigh, he stood up, his left hand falling back onto the sheath of his sword. He paid the ramen vendor, then grabbed the umbrella in the corner.

"Are you ready to leave Cerbi?"

Cerbi nodded, giving him a huge smile, she kept the chopstick sticking out of her mouth and stood up. She decided she would munch on it, as she needed something to craze her chewing craze.

She walked outside and stretched. But as she thought about what Kenjirou said, she shook her head again. "Y'know, you sound like an old man spouting out this advice," she laughed softly at her bodyguard, he sure acted older than he looked. "And I dont think that. I think you should be as happy as you can be and enjoy the moment. I mean, I like the change, I like having a real smile instead of the constant fake one I wore as a kid."