Looking at the corpse in front of her, Kiyomi scoffed. ''They are an annoying bunch. But we need to get a moving.'' She told Hayate. There was a grim expression on her face as she cleaned her blade on the clothes of the person she had killed. Turning around, she sheathed the silver katana back in the scabbard on her back. ''You did it quite nice.'' Kiyomi said before she began to move, towards the east.

Bowing his head slightly in thanks, Hayate moved out to follow Kiyomi. "Do you think that will have been enough to buy us some time?" He glanced at her before looking back in front of him. Hayate really had no idea what to expect with this place that they were in. Despite his lack of knowledge he felt confident that they would be able to accomplish their mission. So far the resistance against them hadn't been too tough.

''Not sure. Best to make some distance and then formulate a plan.'' Kiyomi answered back. She was wondering about that as well. The attackers were more or less genin leveled. So not a real threat. And that was what worrying her actually. They were not send to kill them, but to lure them out to reveal something about themselves. ''Stay on guard. I smell something... Or rather somebody.'' Kiyomi warned Hayate. The scent was strange, as she had never smelled that kind of scent before. It raised the hair on her neck as she realized that the fight had just began.

Sensing Kiyomi growing more cautious, Hayate scanned the area around them. He hadn't spotted anything, but he thought he could detect something... something he couldn't quite make out. Readying himself for anything, Hayate's senses were on overdrive. Nowhere near the level of Kiyomi's enhanced senses, but he felt something dangerous around them.

Kiyomi ordered with a handsignal that they should stop. ''Its very close.'' She whispered as she looked around. With each passing second she could feel her senses tingeling that she should try to run away, as the scent became more and more foul. Now Hayate could likely smelled it as well. It was a weird, but horrible smell. Before she could react, a big badger charged and swept some trees aside as the beast tried to maim with his right claw at the two. Cursing, Kiyomi quickly flipped backwards to try to avoid the slash.

Stopping beside her, Hayate thought he detected a faint smell. A terrible smell. As the massive creature slammed through the trees towards them, Hayate cursed and leapt high into the air, narrowly avoiding the giant claw. Pulling out two kunai with explosive tags, Hayate spun in the air and threw them towards the beast, aiming towards its eyes. He landed on a branch and pulled out several shuriken, waiting to see what the beast would do. Glancing to make sure that Kiyomi had landed safely as well.

The beast snorted, causing a strong wind that deflected the weapons. In fact, the explosions caused it to become angrier as it started to growl. Landing on her feet, Kiyomi quickly placed her right hand at the hilt of her katana. She narrowed her eyes as she was sure that this was more of the welcome party she had expected. ''Seems we now really get something on our level.'' She mumbled before she noticed something. A bit of smoke was forming on top of the head of the badger, who glared at the two in front of him. Slowly the smoke was taking shape of a man, who was wearing black clothing, a hood and a mask. This reeks of trouble. Kiyomi noticed that the person glanced more in her direction and already could forsee what the plan was.

''Hayate, you take on the person. The badger will be dealt with. Keep low on your abilities. This is just a little taste.'' Kiyomi ordered as she noticed the badger was rushing forward again, trying to clawing at the two.

As the man appeared on the head of the massive budger, Hayate realized what was going on. "Would you like me to summon Kuromu?" He asked over the earphone communicator. Locking his gaze on the man, Hayate threw his shuriken towards him, hoping to draw the man's attention. Seeing the badger charge towards them again, Hayate leapt away, attempting to gain some distance.

The shuriken phased straight through the main as if he wasn't really there. Kiyomi mumbled a curse as she barely managed to avoid to not be clawed by the giant animal. The claw slashed through the earth and caused rocks, dust and debris to be launched into the air. ''No, keep it on a minium. I just need to-'' She said, but had to move again as the badger tried to stomp on her. With a quick leap backwards, she managed to avoid getting hit. The masked man briefly glanced at Hayate, but clearly the latter wasn't seen as a real threat. Kiyomi seemed to be the main focus for now.

Seeing the man pass him over as if he was nothing caused Hayate to grin wickedly. I guess I'll just have to impress him, won't I? He thought to himself. Leaping from his perch, Hayate landed on the badger's back. Plunging two kunai into its skin to maintain his purchase, Hayate pulled himself up. Pulling out two more kunai, he threw them towards the man. The first kunai had a flash tag attached, and the second one had an explosive tag. Hayate shielded his eyes as the flash went off, and then looked to see what had happened to the man.

Though Hayate managed to stab the badger, the kunai did little more than to irk the beast to attack in a more fericous manner. Hiding behind a big tree, Kiyomi ducked as the claw slashed the tree in half. Rolling away, she managed to keep avoiding to get hit by the beast. Realizing that she was getting driven back, she already had an idea on how to pin down the badger, Literally. Her attention was however caught as she noticed a explosion that caused the badger to whine as it went off on his head. Once the smoke had cleared, the man was nowhere to be seen.

''Out of the way ant.'' The voice of a man was heard behind Hayate as a fist was about to slam against the head of Hayate if he wouldn't try to block or dodge it.

The man's fist connected solidly with - - A chunk of wood that fell down and off the side of the badger. Hayate had used the Body Replacement technique and now stood directly behind the man. Holding a kunai in his hand he thrust it towards the man. "You should never underestimate your opponents." He said, plunging the knife into - - nothing?

Hayate started to hear a low laugh. "That's some advice you should take yourself kid." The man said, turning to face Hayate, the knife still held through the middle of his body. "Any last words?" His look slowly changed to one of puzzlement as Hayate grinned. "Yeah. You should really pay more attention." Hayate turned his wrist so the explosive tag that he'd attached to the kunai was visible. The tag lit up and exploded, blowing up Hayate's shadow clone and detonating inside of the man.

The real Hayate stood perched on a tree above the action, waiting to see if his plan had worked.

The explosion caused the man to vanish as the smoke prevented any sight on it. It also caused the badger to growl and then suddenly slash from the right towards Kiyomi. Who had been distracted as she had caught a glimps of Hayate being in trouble. Just in time, she managed to jump back, but her back hit something solid. A tree was standing in the way. The eyes of Kiyomi widened as she saw the claw coming towards her. Pulling out a kunai, she tried to defend herself as the claw slashed her and the tree. Dust prevented sight of how she was doing while out of the smoke, the masked man re-appeared on the head of the badger. ''That was one.'' He mumbled before looking and trying to see where Hayate was hiding.

Hayate's sight of the man was lost in the smoke, but he saw the man reappear at the head of the badger. As the badger launched itself forwards to attack, Hayate noticed that Kiyomi was stuck. Leaping from his perch he realized that he was nowhere near close enough to block the badger's attack. He would have to trust that Kiyomi could protect herself. Turning his attention back to the man, Hayate tried to formulate a new plan. Clearly the man had a way of making himself partially intangible to avoid damage. If Hayate had the option he would summon Kuromu to make use of his Wind Release and see if he could destabilize the man. But, Kiyomi had instructed him to find another mean of eliminating the threat, and so Hayate kept to the shadows, attempting to find a new way to get rid of the man.

Damage proof!
Music for the battle.

Out of the dust, lightning started to crackle. It created a menacing sound as Kiyomi's transformation jutsu had worn off. Blood was seen on her clothing as the sharp claws of the badger had managed to go through the clothing and mesh armour underneath it. Furthermore, the mood of Kiyomi was very low as she looked with a pissed off look in the direction of the badger. Scoffing, she straighten her back a bit as she ran her right thumb over the cut that was on her stomach. Some blood dripped on the ground due her action, but she paid no attention to it. ''I am going to make you pay for that.'' She hissed as she spread out her footwork and started to weave several handseals.

Placing her right hand at the ground, nothing seemed to happen. But the badger slowly turned darker as something blocked out the light. With a crash, something big landed on top of the badger. Big fangs, claws and a huge amount of fur made a loud growling sound as it started to attack the badger. Kiyomi watched how Ger, her and Hiron's personal summoning, started to fight with the badger. The summoning technique that Kiyomi had performed gave Ger the advantage as the badger seemed to be badly hurt. While it still was putting up a good fight, it was clear that Ger was going to win. ''Where is that prick?'' Kiyomi mumbled as she looked around, also wondering where Hayate was.

Hayate heard the massive bear before he saw him. Smiling despite the situation, he watched as Ger fell from the sky and landed on the badger. Well that would even the odds a little. Seeing Ger meant that Kiyomi was also okay, as it had to have been her who summoned the bear. Moving swiftly between the trees, Hayate stuck to the shadows, his long black cloak helping him blend in. He had lost sight of the man and kept an eye out, wary of traps. Hayate's mind was working furiously, trying to form a plan to destroy this ninja who could apparently avoid all damage from physical attacks. This would be much easier if he could use his clan's abilities, or his dragon. But... he had made a promise, and despite the situation being quite intense, Hayate did not yet consider it to be life or death, and thus, he did not need to rely on those options. Rounding another tree, Hayate sent a message to Kiyomi via the communicator. "Sensei, I have lost sight of the enemy nin. Do you have eyes on him? Also... are... are you alright? I saw the badger attack you." Hayate's concern was evident in his voice as he asked her how she was faring. Knowing Kiyomi, she probably wasn't in any bad shape, but he could not help but want to make sure.

Kiyomi heard the question of Hayate and she briefly checked on herself. Slowly the cut was stopping to bleed and it was just one long on her stomach. She would attend later to it. Focussing the chakra of Matatabi to patch herself up wouldn't be something she could do in such a fight. Certainly not with an enemy that was nearby but not in sight. ''I am done fine. Don't worry about me.'' She replied as she glanced in the direction of the two giant animals fighting. Dust was wiped up and Kiyomi couldn't barely see who held the upper hand. The sounds indicated that Ger was more growling than whinning, unlike the badger. However, the foul stench of the badger made it hardly possible for Kiyomi to sense where the enemy was. That was kind of annoying. ''I don't. Can't sense him either. Stay on guard.'' She ordered, though aware that Hayate was likely aware that he shouldn't lower his guard. Placing her right hand on the hilt of her katana, she looked around. Quickly she rolled over the ground, avoiding several kunai that struk the place she had been standing. Getting up on her feet, Kiyomi quickly drawned her katana as she noticed several more coming towards her. ''Check the right. You approach him and try to flank him.'' Kiyomi ordered as she deflected the incoming projectiles.

Hearing Kiyomi's order, Hayate leapt into action. As he moved through the shadows, hopping from branch to branch, Hayate thought he saw a shadowy figure ahead. Moving closer, he kept a high guard up. It appeared as though the shadow was moving, and as he watched, Hayate could make out several small projectiles flying away from the figures position. Got you. Learning from last time, Hayate decided not to try a direct attack on the enemy's body, instead he aimed for the branch below his feet. Pulling out another kunai with an explosive tag, Hayate threw it at the branch, watching as it exploded, separating the branch from the tree. He stayed back a distance, waiting to see what would happen to the man, and wanting to remain cautious, just in case this had been a trap.

The masked man seemed to hear the kunai coming, but it was too late for him to throw a kunai and deflect the thrown weapon of Hayate, It struck the branch just below his feet and as the man glanced down, the explosive tag went off. Kiyomi also saw the explosion and narrowed her eyes, squinting to see if she could notice anything. ''Nice one.'' She mumbled, through the earphone. But as the smoke of the explosive was settled down, the man was standing on another branch, dropping himself to the ground. And not even a scratch. It piqued Kiyomi's interests as how that was possible as annoyed her. ''You got to be kidding me. New plan. I am going to set up a barrier and then you need to strike.'' She instructed Hayate as the masked man charged towards Kiyomi. He drawned a long tanto and started to attack with fast and strong swings. Managing to deflect or dodge the fast attacks, Kiyomi noticed an opening. As she ducked under a swing, she lashed out herself. The silver katana however just phased through the man. The eyes of the girl widened as she then was kicked backwards.

Managing to skidd to a halt, she frowned. What did just happen? Her attack was performed perfectly. But it seemed that her sword just went through nothing. Only the soft sound of a something poofing was heard. But she thought that was the clothing that had been ripped by the silver edged blade. ''This is going to be annoying.'' Kiyomi took a defensive stance as the man charged once more towards Kiyomi. Trying to keep defending herself, she also tried to lure the man to turn his back to Hayate so that her student could surprise their opponent.

As Hayate dropped to the ground, he saw the enemy attacking Kiyomi. Moving forwards swiftly, he watched as she got the upper hand, until her blade passed right through thin air instead of impaling the man. "I suppose I should have mentioned that this guy can apparently phase himself in and out at will."[b] He spoke quietly through the communicator. He had noticed something this time. As the man made himself partially intangible, Hayate noticed that a small part of him appeared to grow misty, almost like a vapour or smoke. He was too far away to make it out clearly, but he was starting to form an idea.

Making sure to stay as silent as possible, Hayate approached the enemy. Whispering through the communicator he spoke quickly to Kiyomi. [b]"If you can force him back away from you, even momentarily, I have an idea that may end this." Even as he spoke he began forming hand seals, hoping that Kiyomi would be able to move away from the enemy nin.

Hearing Hayate, Kiyomi wanted to grumble that it wasn't that easy as it would sound like. But her attention was focused on not getting sliced or cut up by the weapon of the masked man. Deciding to follow up with Hayate's plan, the girl managed to keep up with the man and instead of only defending, she started to become more offensive. If stabs to the stomach and such wouldn't work, then she would try it on a different way. As the man raised his arm for a hack, Kiyomi lashed out. Pouring a little bit of chakra through the silver, it casted to blind the man and giving an opening for Kiyomi to finish her strike. ''Gotcha!'' With a fast strike, the katana sliced through the arm, looking like it had cut off the arm. But then she noticed what it was. Smoke.

His hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants, Hiron was simply waiting for one of his students to arrive. Standing near a ramen shop, Hiron was dressed in the usual jounin outfit, a little straw tugged in the corner of his mouth. With the lovely weather and little amount of clouds in the sky, Hiron had taken a position in the shadows, leaning against the wall with his back. While he seemed to wait, while looking calm around, he was actually thinking about something. But he would wait till one of his students would come to the meeting place.

Making his way through the streets of Konoha, Shikaroku looked around at the people. They all seemed so preoccupied, going about their daily business. A part of him wished things were that easy for him, that he could simply focus and not rely on the damned meds. Shaking his head sadly, Shikaroku kept moving. He was supposed to meet up with Hiron-sensei and he did not want to be late.

Approaching the ramen shop that they were supposed to meet at, Shikaroku looked around for his sensei. Spotting the jounin lounging against the wall, he made his way over. "Good afternoon Hiron-sensei."

Hiron looked up when he heard the voice of his student. ''Same to you as well, Shikaroku.'' Hiron calmly replied back. Pushing his back from the wall, Hiron briefly rolled his right shoulder as he brought his right hand out of the pocket of his pants, to scratch his neck. ''I take it you're doing well since the mission?'' Hiron asked, as he then half turned around, beckoning the genin to walk with him.

Falling into step with Hiron, Shikaroku thought about the question. It was an easy, harmless question, and yet Shikaroku hesitated. "Well enough I suppose sensei. How about you?" Shikaroku wasn't very used to small talk, and it wasn't something he had ever thought he would be having with Hiron. The man seemed to be the epitome of serious, befitting his nickname.

''Been the usual. Spent some time at home, with the wife and kid.'' He answered the question. Still talking a rather calm and almost polite manner. Still walking, the streets weren't that bustling as they weren't near the more busier quarters of the city. Heading to a restaurant, Hiron glanced in Shikaroku's direction. ''Do you like to grill?'' He asked, in all of a sudden.

"That sounds... nice I'm sure..." Shikaroku responded as he mentioned staying at home with his family. Cursing himself for how awkward he sounded, Shikaroku looked down. As Hiron asked him if he liked to grill he looked up. "I do... Were... were you wanting to grill?" He wasn't sure how to take this side of Hiron. It seemed nice, in a sense, and Hiron seemed sincere, but Shikaroku remained a little wary. He hadn't known his sensei for very long, and one could never be too careful.

''Over there.'' He nodded towards the restaurant. It was one he was familiar with. A rather nice place to grill. Nearing the place, Hiron briefly sought through the pocket of his jacket before pulling out his wallet. ''I will treat us both for now.'' He mumbled as they would enter the place. Asking for a place, they were lead to a place, though the restaurant had no other customers at this time of the day. Sitting down in the bench, as on each side there was a bench. With a table, in which there was a grill build in, Hiron sighed. ''So, I think you wonder why I called you alone and not the others. Right?''

Staring up at Hiron from across the table, Shikaroku pondered how to answer. He had indeed played through a million scenarios in his head, not many of which seemed probable. But he had managed to think of a few that seemed to make enough sense. Finally, he spoke quietly, his voice calm. "I assume it is because I am the least experienced member of the team. I am also the newest, and we have never worked together before. I would assume that you wanted to talk to me alone in order to make sure that I understood how things work in your team. And to find a way to make sure that I am not a weak link in the team." Locking eyes with Hiron, Shikaroku wondered what the man would say.

Hiron listened to the answer of Shikaroku. ''Heh.'' Hiron seemed to make it himself more comfortable as he leaned back in the bench. Looking at the grill, he answered back. ''In some way, yes. You're the least experienced member. But I am not saying that makes you the weakest. Masami is also new, but she had her fair share of sensei's before. But that isn't the purpose of this meeting.'' He said, looking up. ''You might realize it now, but the introduction of the team was a short one. I already know what I need to know about Masami. You on the other hand..'' Hiron made a gesture with his right hand, as if he wanted Shikaroku to talk now. ''I would suggest to tell me something about yourself.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku looked away briefly. So Hiron wants to get to know me huh? He thought to himself, before turning back to look at his sensei. Formulating his answer properly, Shikaroku spoke. "I am assuming that you have already had a chance to read my file. So there is not much about me that you don't already know. I suppose this is a more polite and personable way of asking though, so I shall do my best to be forward with you. What is it you want to know about me Hiron-sensei?"

''You're good at analyzing, but you are making a mistake here.'' Hiron slowly smiled as he leaned forward, on his side of the table. ''I haven't read your file. Like some, I don't expect that a file will give me the informaton I will need. I am more of a person that wants to see how somebody else operates. I want to know who your really are. What are you hopes and dreams? What do you expect from me as your sensei? Such things.'' Hiron explained, before leaning back once more.

As Hiron mentioned that he hadn't read his file, Shikaroku's eyebrows rose up briefly in surprise. "Then it seems I owe you an apology Hiron-sensei. There are not many that I know who choose to take such a route. I am afraid though that I must apologize. You may not have read my file, but I did my research on you. Nothing too personal Hiron-sensei, but I wanted to know the man I would be training under so that I had a better opportunity to conduct myself accordingly. So you see, from what I have discovered about you, it seems that this is a little unusual for you. Most other information that I have found says that you generally prefer to keep to yourself. Not that I mind of course, I am just a little curious is all." Realizing that he probably talked to much, Shikaroku paused, holding his tongue. It was not like him to speak this much, nor did he want to get off on the wrong foot with his new sensei. Staring back at Hiron he grew an apologetic expression on his face. "I am sorry sensei. It was not my right to pry, and I apologize for my tone. You wanted to know about me, so I shall tell you a little. Please understand that there is not much to tell. I am a relatively simple person. I want to become strong enough to protect this village, and to protect the people that I care about. I do not have dreams of becoming the Hokage or such, as I believe that there are many better suited to such positions than myself. I also don't have any aspirations of becoming the strongest shinobi in the world or anything. I just... I just want a simple life. As for what I want from you, I am not sure honestly. I suppose if I am being entirely honest I would say that I hope that you could help me find a way to focus better, and to not be a weak link in the chain. I want to become stronger, but I also want to be able to rely on myself, and only myself." His thoughts quickly shifted to the meds again, but Shikaroku bit his tongue. He wasn't ready to bring them up, not yet.

"I am probably not the most ideal student, and for that I apologize. I am not looking for glory, nor am I looking to impress anyone. But I will do my best, of that I promise."

Staying silent the whole time, letting Shikaroku finish his story, Hiron slowly raised his eyebrows as he responded with the same polite and calm tone. ''So? I am not the most ideal sensei. If you did your homework well, you already have figured that out.'' Hiron said. He then rubbed his chin as he started to think what he could say more. To be honest, he was a bit surprised that Shikaroku had done some research on him. Most genins just went along with assumptions. It earned the boy some good point with Hiron. ''And that goal is the same as mine. Don't worry, if you do your best then you're already there. Just trust me now and then. It will be fun in time. I think I can maybe even promise you that.'' Hiron said, smiling faintly.

Surprised that Hiron was not angry with him, Shikaroku remained quiet. Bowing his head slightly, Shikaroku looked Hiron in the eyes. "Then I shall trust you sensei. Thank you." He was still confused as to Hiron's friendly attitude, but at least now he felt a little more comfortable around the man. It would truly be nice if things got to the point where they could be called fun. Shikaroku knew that for him that probably meant he'd have to still be reliant on the meds in order for that to happen, but the thought itself was still nice.

''I hope you will. After all, its my task as sensei to guide you. A guide you can't trust is not going to work.'' Hiron said back. Noticing a waiter coming to their table, Hiron ordered some sake for himself, but would let Shikaroku order for himself. Looking around, Hiron then would wait till the waiter was gone. ''So, now we have rounded that talk up a bit, what do you think of Team 9 so far? Other than the name I have managed to get with them. Just your own opinion.'' Hiron asked.

Ordering a water, Shikaroku pondered the question. "I think that it is an interesting mix. We have to sensory nin that both show a lot of potential for combat capabilities. As of this moment I think that we need to train a lot in order to develop proper formations, and to work on our teamwork. While Mia and Masami are both very skilled in my opinion, I feel like we could use their abilities in combination to achieve much greater effects." He paused as he began to feel a slight numbing sensation at the back of his head. Focusing like this was difficult, especially when he was on the meds as he was now. Shaking it off, Shikaroku tried to continue. "I think you will be a more than capable leader for us Hiron-sensei. I just hope that I will be able to do my part to make sure this team is as successful as it can be. With the proper training and preparation I feel like we could be a very strong team indeed." His tone was entirely matter-of-fact. There was no trace of bragging or arrogance, Shikaroku was simply stating his thoughts as honestly as he could. He just hoped that Hiron still wanted to hear them.

His view on the team was one that made Hiron briefly smile. Though he didn't say it, he thought of it in the same way. But for Hiron it was both interesting as nice to see somebody thinking in some similiar fashion regarding the team. ''I feel the same way about it. Though you might consider me as a capable leader, it depends on you and the others. If somebody isn't willing, I will just go with those who want.'' Was his reaction. ''That and I also want to talk further about your medication. I have read some notes about it in your profile, but are you willing to further making the situation clear to me?'' Hiron asked. Though he was aware of that his genin took medication, he was trying to see if his student was already open to discuss such things with him.

Hesitating, Shikaroku locked eyes with Hiron. His first thought was to deny it, or to say it wasn't a problem... But, Shikaroku had been honest so far, and Hiron had also been honest with him. Lowering his gaze, he wondered where to begin. "I... I had hoped that you wouldn't have to find out about that. It, it is something that I am rather ashamed of." Managing to bring his head up and lock eyes with Hiron once again, Shikaroku began to explain.

"As you are probably well aware, the Nara clan is well known for their strategic genius, and their intelligence in analyzing. I... I have so far failed to live up to that name. When I was young, my family tried to get me to study and practice strategy games that were supposed to help me grow more intelligent. I found it incredibly difficult to focus on anything for any length of time... My head would start to hurt so badly that I couldn't do anything, and so I distanced myself from all of that. My parents just thought I was lazy, and they thought that I would grow better as I got older." Taking a breath, Shikaroku realized that his explanation was a little long winded and he did not wish to bore Hiron.

"I failed them, and I failed my clan. I do not know why, but I still to this day get the most intense migraines whenever I try to concentrate. The medication that I made... it is the only way I can dull the pain, but it comes at a bit of a cost. It makes me less effective in some ways. I can't think straight when I am on it, I pretty much am reliant on just following orders. It blocks me from focusing on anything specific, and so I lose any strategic value that I may have previously held. But it takes away the pain... And that is all I can do at the moment. I wish there was another way, truly I do." His face was filled with regret and self-loathing. Shikaroku had to look away, for fear that Hiron would think of him the same way that Shikaroku thought of himself.

Letting his student speak and tell the story behind the medication, Hiron waited a bit more. The waiter came back with their drinks and Hiron ordered that they would grill. Once the waiter was gone, Hiron thought one more time about his words. ''My clan is rumoured to be a shinobi clan, filled with elite shinobi. And if you believe the rumours, all of them have white hair. Why? Cause it is because people are stupid.'' He told Shikaroku. ''I am not some kind of wise ass as most sensei's. My code of honor and manners differ from other sensei's and so far they had some results. Both good and negative. That said, you shouldn't worry about that you're a failure to your clan. Instead, look in the mirror and wonder if you're a failure to yourself. So far I see, you're a kid that tries to reach a goal but just needs to overcome a burden that keep chasing him.'' Hiron said. Pouring some sake in his glass, his eyes stared at the alcoholic drink. ''You know, I keep seeing more of myself in the kids these days. I am not sure what is up with that, but let me tell you something else.'' Picking up his drink, Hiron turned his gaze back to Shikaroku.

''In my team, there are winners or losers. The difference between the two are simple. If you give up and start to see yourself as a failure, you are one. If you keep on driving yourself forwards, I will be calling you a winner. I hope that I will never have to say that again. You're a member now of Team 9, like it or not. And with that, you're now my student. If you did your homework well enough then you already know. I like winners.'' Placing the glass to his lips, Hiron grinned as he took a sip.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku considered his words. They made sense, but a part of him still wasn't sure whether or not he could call himself a winner. He would not give up, of that he was certain, but... The pain... sometimes it became too much, and in those times, Shikaroku wasn't really in control of himself. Glancing back at Hiron, he took a sip from his own drink. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. Your words are kind, and honest. I want you to know that I will never intentionally give up. But sometimes... sometimes I almost can't control myself. It is those times I fear the most. I do not want to put my teammates at risk, but I cannot guarantee that I will not. I just... I hate this burden Hiron-sensei." Shaking his head, he took another sip. "You saw me while we were taking down the turtle. You saw how ineffective I was. I tried to do it without using the meds, I tried to make a plan, to focus on executing it... But then the pain came back... I almost lost my hold on the thing, during a simple training excercise I almost failed. And all of that is because my body betrays me." Shikaroku's head dropped again. Anger and shame filled him in equal measure.

Hiron heard the emotions in the voice of his student. With the waiter coming back with a plate of meat to grill and the other requirments, Hiron thanked the man as he told him that he would be able to do it himself. Silently he started to light up the grill as well putting the plate with some of the meat in front of Shikaroku. ''Doing your best would suffice for now. As with your trouble, I think I know a person. There is only one condition I think that will come up.''' Hiron said. He knew that they had to wait a bit till the grill would be warm enough to prepare their dinner. ''We will need information of your body. Blood, structure and such. This means you will be examined several times. Though I think there might be a better solution, you will face more pain. For a short time. Are you prepared to face that if it means you'll suffer less from those headaches?'' Hiron asked.

Looking up, Shikaroku's eyes widened. Was Hiron being serious? He studied the man for a moment more. From what he could tell Hiron was being serious. "I would give anything, do anything for this thing to go away. But... how is that possible? I have looked through my family's medical books, I... I don't know what exactly is causing this thing, but I haven't been able to make a cure. Do--do you really think that this can be fixed?" He hated that his voice was now filled with a dim hope. Shikaroku did not want to sound needy, or like he was begging, but he could not control it.

Placing a piece of meat on the grill, Hiron answered the question. ''Only one way to find out. I have seen Chang doing things that no other medical nin has done before. I think we just need to examine more than your family medical books. The problem isn't there.'' Hiron had almost said that he had the problem, but he decided against it. There was no need to do that as it was already something they both were aware off. ''But first, don't worry about it, kid. Enjoy your meal first.'' Hiron told him, the grin replaced with a friendly smile.

"Thank you sensei. Truly... this means a lot." He looked at the food that Hiron had started to cook. It smelled amazing. Glancing back at Hiron, Shikaroku spoke. "I don't tell many people about my problem. Most people don't understand... and those that do usually tell me that I need to stop trying to be a shinobi, that I will only end up failing. You-" Hiron raised his right hand to make Shikaroku stop.

''I am not a wise guy, nor one that follows others. I do believe that as your sensei, I am needed to offer guidance and help. Even if that means that I need to understand something others can't.'' Hiron told the boy, taking another sip of sake. Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku smiled. It was a genuine smile, and it felt strange on his face. "How long have you been teaching Hiron-sensei?" He suddenly asked, changing the subject.

For once, he couldn't form an answer directly. Not a serious one, that was. ''For too long!'' He suddenly started to laugh. Though briefly, he found his own answer quite amusing. ''But to be more serious, I haven't counted the years. I reckon that I have been teaching since my 19th. Since I am twenty-two now, that are three years. Three years...'' Hiron stared at his glass. Much had happened in those years. A lot of genins had been under his care. Some of their faces were more easy to remember than others. He sighed. ''Sorry, I sounded like an old fool. But I do have some experience to back my rank up as a sensei. Why you ask?''

"It just seems like you have been doing this a long time is all. You are certainly wiser than you let on." Shikaroku let out a small laugh, realizing that it had been a long time since he had done so. "Have you enjoyed teaching? Or rather, do you enjoy it?" He asked.

''Now and then, I had. I have experienced all kind of students.'' Leaning back, he thought of several. ''Once I had a kid that was unstopabble. He so full of energy. It was just crazy. Even managing to creep in my house and causing some mess. Heh, he was a good kid.'' Hiron briefly seemed to become silence. There were some details he had left out about that student. The Fox Bull. That was his nickname. ''I will become independed! I will become better than everybody else.'' The voice of the past briefly sounded through Hiron's mind. Taking another sip of his glass, filled by sake, Hiron continued. ''Also a Hyuuga. Garu Hyuuga. He was one of Team 9's best. So far the youngest person to become a chuunin, at the age of ten. He was able to learn at a good pace and even making me sweat when he and I sparred.'' A grin crept on Hiron's face. ''Yeah, I sure had my share of teaching. And I have enjoyed it.''

Smiling, Shikaroku thought it was a good answer. He stayed silent for a moment, just thinking. "Have you ever had any students fail you...or fail themselves?" He finally asked, a little hesitant at first. Shikaroku wasn't entirely sure that he wanted to hear the whole answer, but it was important. At least to him.

''Full of questions, are we?'' Hiron slightly amused asked before he would answer the question of Shikaroku. Only a damn fool would miss the point of the question the Nara had asked. It was however a question that Hiron wouldn't need to think long about before he would have an answer. ''I had several genins that I had sent back or made them resign from duty. Some died in action.'' Hiron calmly told Shikaroku. ''I have learned that as a sensei, there is one important rule. Don't get too soon attached to your student. It may sound cruel, but lets assume you will die in the next mission. There is another genin waiting to join ranks, replacing you. I even can be replaced tomorrow and then you will be having another sensei. Though, you can see that as how it's an individual success or failure. I can go further more about what my view is on a team's success, but I don't want to risk to keep on talking all the time.'' Hiron politely finished. He wasn't sure if his answer would help his genin. But that wasn't up to him, but Shikaroku's decision.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku accepted that. "Sorry for consistently asking questions Hiron-sensei. I... I am not usually so invasive." He hoped that the jounin was not upset with him for asking such personal questions. He wanted to learn, and Hiron seemed like a good person to learn from. Reaching over, Shikaroku grabbed a piece of cooked meat and popped it into his mouth. Chewing, a smile came to his face. It was delicious. "You know, you're not a half bad cook Hiron-sensei."

Hiron grinned as he also picked up a piece of grilled meat. ''Guess who is the cook in my household?'' He asked, but he wasn't joking around. Placing the meat in his mouth, he chewed on it After swalling it, he spoke again. ''Once you're on your own, than you will learn how to cook. Or know where the good places are for a meal.'' Hiron joked. He noticed that there wasn't any tension between them, which was good. ''Though I am better at training taijutsu and such than cooking. Sorry to disappoint you there, kid.''

"If that is true then you must be a taijutsu god!" Shikaroku joked briefly. It felt odd to be joking around like this, especially with one whom everyone called Hiron The Serious. But, it also felt good. Shikaroku felt like he could trust Hiron, something he hadn't been able to do with any body else for a long time. Grabbing another bite, he tossed it in his mouth, savouring the flavour. "I want to be good at something..." He said simply. His voice was not sad, nor was he looking for pity. It had just come out unexpectedly.

Simply continueing to eat a bit, Hiron had heard the last sentence of Shikaroku. But he didn't react to it right away. In his opinion, Hiron thought that it was too early. Kids that were good at something at an early age would sometimes have a harder time to bloom when others were doing that. ''Just give it some patience. Try to survive first and then try to become good at something.'' Hiron replied back as he raised his glass again.

It made sense. Shikaroku thought as he grabbed another bite. Finishing it off with a sip of his water, he looked out the window for a moment. "Thank you for taking the time to talk with me Hiron-sensei. It wasn't something that you had to do, but I appreciate it."

Emptying his glass, Hiron placed it on the table before he poured more sake into it from the bottle. ''It is something I had to do. Not because I am your sensei, but because I think I can't get to know you from just training and reading some paper that has some details about you.'' Hiron answered. If it wasn't for his polite tone, it would look like he was cold about it. Which wasn't also the case. ''And sometimes you just need to talk about something to then figure out what is troubling you.'' Taking another sip of sake, Hiron sighed.

The words were true, and it brought Shikaroku a sense of warmth knowing that Hiron actually cared. He hadn't really known what to expect when Hiron had asked him out here. But he was glad at the outcome. For the first time he had hope, hope that he might be able to get rid of the burden that always held him back. The thought of that pain being gone... It was a better feeling than Shikaroku could ever describe. He ate in silence, enjoying his meal and the company.

Taking up another piece of meat in his mouth, Hiron decided to ask something. So far the conversation had gone well and they had even talked about something that could be seen as something very personal. The amount of progress they made was more than he had anticipated at first. ''Do you know the game shogi?'' Hiron asked, curiously. There was a reason why he had asked that, but he figured that Shikaroku likely knew about it with his past. Though Hiron had a different idea on how to play it with his student.

At the mention of Shogi, Shikaroku looked up, his eyes widening slightly. Of course he knew of it, Shogi was one of the few games of strategy that he was able to play without the migraines kicking in. Somehow he managed to get lost in the game to the point where he would forget about the rest of the world. It didn't feel like focusing when he was playing, it instead brought him a strange sense of peace. "I do know Shogi. It is actually one of the few games I enjoy... Though, I have not really played against many people... Do you play sensei?" Shikaroku asked, hopeful that maybe they would be able to play sometime.

''Not often. But I do like playing it when I am needed to think about something. If you want we can play in a bit.'' Hiron suggested as he took a sip of his sake. It was good to know that he could distract his student with a game of shogi, as it was the main goal of his suggestion. Maybe the bonding too as Hiron was starting to see some potential in his newest student. ''Though I am not that great in shogi, just so you know.''

Shikaroku's eyes brightened further as Hiron suggested they could play later. When the jounin mentioned that he was not that good in shogi, Shikaroku let out a small laugh. "I think you will still be able to teach me a thing or two. I have not really played with many opponents, so my experience is a little one-sided." He smiled and took another bite of his food.

By hearing his student saying he could still learn a thing or two, Hiron also laughed briefly. ''Well, that is my job. Teaching you things. Only if they are useful, that is up to you.'' Hiron said back as he also took another bite of his food. ''Also, I will need to arrange some training. Your fighting style is vastly different from Masami or Mia's style. Though I have an idea for that, but its for later.''

"I consider any form of learning to be useful." Shikaroku responded with a smile. Hiron had piqued his curiosity when he mentioned that he had an idea for Shikaroku's fighting style. He had always known he was a little different when it came to fighting, but he only hoped that it wasn't going to be a burden to his team at all. "I am sorry if my fighting style does not work well with this team... If, if there is anything I can do to change that then please trust me when I say that I am willing to change whatever I have to in order to fit into this team." He realized that his voice sounded a little sad, and he avoided Hiron's eyes.

''Change? Sorry?'' Hiron repeated with a hushed tone before he shook his head lightly. Sighing, he looked up to Shikaroku. ''You are also in need of more faith in yourself, kid. You fit in perfectly with the team. The test showed that. I wasn't in need to say to you all that you would need to work together to bring down the turtle. While I had to do that with one of the most strongest formations of Team 9.'' Hiron said to Shikaroku. Xinsai, Mia and the Fox Bull. He still could remember that team formation. ''I think you should have more pride in your abilities as I think you will become good. We will just work on that insecurity of yours as well.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku took a long moment before looking up. He knew that he lacked faith in himself, it was something that made it difficult for him to reach his full potential. Shikaroku always held himself back, it was easier than taking a risk in front of everyone and failing. There was a part of him that knew he had potential to be stronger, and to be better. But that part of him was overshadowed by the pain and humiliation caused by his migraines. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. I will try to have more faith in myself. If you say that I fit in with the team as is, then I shall do whatever I can to make sure it stays that way."

''I know you will.'' Hiron said back with a friendly tone. Raising his glass, filled with sake, towards his student, a grin was placed on his face. ''I say, welcome to Team 9, Shikaroku Nara.'' The jounin then placed the glass on his lips, emptying the sake with one go. A brief chuckle escaped Hiron as he then filled his glas again.