[Kawai Niko]

Hiroi, Ayame

[Age]: 45
[Status]: Single; Widow
[Orientation]: Heterosexual
[Residence]: Konohagakure
[Affiliation]: TBA
[Alias]: Mama Ayame

[Traits & Persona]:

Buxom and boisterous, Ayame has endeavored with great resolve and eventual success to manage one of the most prominent eateries in Konohagakure. She has great appreciation and reverence for food and has a strong belief that strangers gathering to sit around a table for a meal is one of the better ways friendships and bonds are created. Her incredibly outgoing persona makes it easy for her to meet and approach new customers each day. She is often described as giving every individual she comes across a feeling of being welcomed and wanted, especially if the face is one she's met for the first time. Although she runs a thriving business, money has never been of high importance to her. It has become more of a hobby which she happily gets payed for.

[Background]:

• Born to family of Shukuba laborers in midst of the Second Shinobi War. Family decided to move to Konoha during rise in demand of workers to help with the war effort and sought to make it their new home.
• Grew up with immense fascination with the lives of shinobi and read avidly about them. Was able to make friends with many young shinobi and academy students her age who encouraged her to try her hand in becoming one. After a year of shinobi training, she deemed herself unable to keep up and knew she would not be a skilled ninja.
• Worked many years doing a myriad of jobs as a laborer, seeing most efforts going to help shinobi out of the country. In adolescence, met Akimichi Maro who was particularly keen on praising her for culinary skills while volunteering at a shinobi workhouse. Budding relation begins shortly thereafter.
• Opportuned with the chance to visit city of Kyoso with Maro. There she learns of the city's intricate spice trade and how to incorporate it into her cooking. Acquires great skill in making Ramen and other meats.
• Marries Maro and decides to open business of her own named, "Ayame's Ramen". Starts off a bit slowly, but becomes more successful with trial and error. Becomes a place to go not only for food, but a place to meet and chat people up. Ayame works to brand restaurant to be inclusive of shinobi. In a matter of years, becomes one of Konoha's landmarks.
• Husband dies in failed A-rank mission, leaving her without her strongest supporter. Momentarily closes shop in mourning and remembrance, but pushes herself to continue having known his love of her cooking. Includes more of his favorites on the menu.
• Invited to exhibition cook-offs to promote chef's Konoha's restaurants and consistently crowned winner. Rivals attribute it to her friendliness, while others confirm her cooking is simply superb.

[Trade & Specialization]: Sole Specialization: Trade [Chef]