Araki had noticed the ship catching up from behind long ago. He simply could not be bothered to open his eyes and see who it was.
So he had heard not only the snide remarks from the three Sunagakure genin later on, but even Pakura's laughter from the very beginning.
It could not be helped. The wind carried far too much information.
But...
When he heard the Sunagakure brats actually mocking Mist Village shinobi for their looks and makeup, Araki felt that, as Kirigakure's standard-bearer of good looks, he could no longer remain silent.
Sure, Kirigakure people did look somewhat unrestrained, but how much better were you people from Sunagakure?
You spent all day under the blazing sun and howling wind, leaving your skin rough and weathered. On top of that, you wrapped your faces like mummies and painted them full of greasepaint.
And you had the nerve to mock Mist Village shinobi for their looks and makeup?
Araki opened his eyes, sat up, bent down to grab Samehada from beneath his deck chair, then lightly leaped onto the Land of Wind ship's railing.
Resting Samehada on one shoulder, he swept his gaze across the deck. His sword-sharp, icy stare made Baki and the other two shudder, as though they could already see themselves pierced through the heart by an arrow.
At last, his gaze settled on Pakura, dressed lightly with her hair tied into twin buns.
"Kirigakure jonin Araki."
Pakura met his eyes and stated her own identity.
"Sunagakure jonin Pakura."
"Has Sunagakure also decided to participate in these Chunin Exams?"
It sounded like Araki was asking a pointless question. Their ship had come all this way, so what else could they be doing if not attending the Chunin Exams?
Yet Pakura answered cautiously. She shook her head. "We