[ Shinobu's thanks is returned with one in kind as Kisame expresses his appreciation for her generosity. Mentally, he notes that he'll have to move faster and pay next time. (It doesn't strike him as odd that he is already planning for a "next time." Then again, he's grappling with quite the revelation.) He sips his tea slowly, savoring the familiar flavor; it's a perfect match for what it knows, and it takes him back to countless teashops in his own world.

Shinobu would fit right into his world, he thinks, though he wouldn't wish such an ugly place upon her. Then he catches his own thoughts, incriminating in the wake of that knowing look, and pulls himself away from such musing. ]

Oh, yes, very similar, [ he says with a smile once he lowers his cup. ] I'm not a connoisseur, but I can't taste any difference at all. Strange, isn't it? I would have expected at least a slight variation.

[ His gaze drops to her cup, taking note of her grip on it. ]

What about yours, Shinobu-san?