[ Uhh, maybe Minato wanted them to go look for the stuff they need together? Blah blah hanging out, blah blah social link and all that?? ]

Yes, I'm the same way. [ But usually his projects involve revenge and self-sabotage, so, you know. This is probably the healthiest option. ] Once I seriously dedicate myself to any task, I accept nothing but my very best.

[ A friendly wink, and then: ] But, sewing was but a matter of necessity to me, so you will have to excuse me for not knowing what each stitch is called.

[ In... French? Yeah, he's going to file that as a joke, probably. ]

Hmm, thank you. [ He accepts the proffered materials with an easy smile, running a finger along the needle. It's a little rusty, but as long as they don't prick themselves, this should do-- no tetanus shots available in this place! ] I assume you at least know how to thread a needle?

That would be fine with me.

[ He puts away the needle and spool of thread in his chest pocket and makes a move to leave the area, though he does make sure to wait for Minato to catch up. And, in the meantime: ]

Ah, but-- a sewing club, really? [ A little unusual for a guy, but there's no real judgement in his tone. If anything, he's curious. ] You didn't mention anything about that before. I don't think my meager skills can compare.

[ A male friend, also from the sewing club? It sure starts to sound like Minato has a wide range in his social circle... ]

Ah, that may be true, but as a member of a sewing club, that means you must have the basics down. That will make my task a lot easier-- and this project more successful, too.

[ Probably very quick, too. A good way to ease him into this whole "hanging out with a friend" business. ]

[ Akechi offers a small laugh at Minato's initial response, then takes a closer look at the bundle of fabric. ]

Really? That was rather fortunate, to have found it all in a single place! [ WELL. As fortunate as it gets, probably, to find a bunch of moldy, colorless fabric... ] I thought we would have to scavenge quite a bit for materials, so I was pleasantly surprised when you told me you had it all readily available.

[ Ah... Teasing... Who does that remind him of, again...? ]

Or, we could leave that up to any new members we can recruit. That kind of task is usually handled by the rookies, correct?

[ Is he teasing back? Is he being absolutely serious? Who knows! But that's what Futaba says, anyway!! ]

I'm not sure I would call it a club, exactly. [ Since, you know, they're not at school? ]

But, in order to make this project a reality, we are probably going to need more hands. There is only so much the two of us can do, I'm afraid.

[ But he wouldn't be opposed to a club, either... He's never been in any... ]

[ It's not wrong per se, but it makes it sound like an after school activity!

On the other hand, he wasn't particularly against the term, either, so the random offer to name their project does catch him off guard. ]

What I would call it? [ A moment to consider this, then he tries: ] Hmm... How about a secret society?

[ A secret society of Manly Men who exchange tips on sewing and possibly other domestic affairs, yes. It sounds like a plan.

(He's paying back teasing with teasing, but if Minato takes it seriously, well...) ]

[ Now, wait a minute!! ]

President? This project was your idea, in the first place, so wouldn't it make more sense for you to be the leader...?

[ Plus, he doesn't really know much about sewing...!! ]

Ah... [ SIGH. ] Very well. If there is no other way, I will take charge.

[ Even if it's something as ridiculous as a secret sewing society. ]

And, in that case, I suppose our first order of the day would be to get you started on hand sewing, wouldn't you agree?

[ Good thing it seems like they're finally approaching the gardens, then. ]

[ It's his goddamn need to please people. This is how hey got himself into this mess. ]

Hmm, it does. [ He nods, though in truth, it doesn't make a difference to him. But, if it makes Minato happy... ] If you like it, perhaps we could make it our headquarters.

[ ... maybe he should be careful with the kind of jokes he makes around this guy, but what's done is done. Still, he looks around, picks what seems like a good spot to sit and waits for Minato to join him. ]

So. Shall we get started?

[ ... ah, yes. He'll make a mental note not to joke so much around Minato, lest he wants to keep playing along with progressively more ridiculous ideas. ]

Very well. Let's see...

[ That said, he dives through the pile of fabric, instinctively sorts each piece into three piles: tops, bottoms and potential scrap material - aka whatever is too worn out or torn to even be recognizable. At one point, he ends up with a shirt in hands and, after a quick inspection, decides to show it to Minato. ]

Oh, look at this one-- the sleeves are tearing off at the seams, but this should be easy enough to fix. And-- [ A quick tug, then another. ] --it looks like the fabric is still in relatively good condition. It should be a good place to start.