Touchy, touchy... Well, that was worth keeping an eye on.

"Changing the topic to something you think will make me squirm? That's kind of a rookie-interrogator tactic, Asuma," Ginta laughed. "I think the ANBU thing kind of balances out the queer thing. I mean, if I get killed off early, they can mourn their losses and pretend I left a weeping girlfriend behind. My grandmother tries to set me up with marriage meetings every month or so."

He tossed the coin in a high arch, snatched it out of the air, and shoved it back in his pocket.

"Kimonos and stuffy parents and photographs and everything. Usually I try to make sure I have a mission come up the night before the meeting's scheduled. You'd think they'd get a hint. Grandfather got it, he wasn't stupid. Course he told me I had an obligation to the family and all that shit, but shit, I breed koi. He did, too. I told him if he wanted more Sakamoto get, all he had to do was find a few suitable breeders and donate the genetic material."

His laugh turned bright and brassy, and he kicked a rock out of the path.

"Old man hit me. Can you believe it? His own grandson!"