"Yeah, maybe," Ginta echoed. Who was this guy? What Inuzuka did he know who wore an eyepatch? What Inuzuka did he know, period? There was Tsume, of course. And a few others he'd run into every now and again, but... The eyepatch had to be the key. Damned if he could figure it, though.

The mystery Inuzuka looked a lot happier, at least. Masao was definitely, by contrast, not happy and probably not going to wait around much longer. He looked over his shoulder to give Masao another apologetic shrug and encouraging smile. He'd just make as graceful an exit as possible, try to mend any hurt feelings, and then the back rooms called. Yes.

Masao's answering eyebrow raise was not entirely encouraging.

Ginta turned back to the Inuzuka. "Look, I'm really sorry. I usually have a much better memory," he started. The Inuzuka turned toward him, and that's when Ginta caught sight of that ear. What was left of that ear. His mind spun at light speed, as all the tumblers clicked into place and the lock sprang open.

Inuzuka. Eyepatch. Ruined ear. Kind of clueless. He did know one, albeit one that was usually a whole lot furrier and four-legged.

"Kuromaru? What are you doing here? Where's Tsume?"