It was five hours ago, from when the training with Aiko-Sensei and Koike, a seemingly dissapointing training on her end. Which was why, Yukara was determined to train more with Aiko Sensei in private and surprise her by showing up at her house, her dedication would surely impress her sensei. Humming a song that was stuck in her head as she headed to where Aiko lived with a frilly smile on her face as some people here and there stopped to stare at her. Once arriving at Aikos home, she knocked on the door and crossed her arms in a firm manner as she waited.

She had sat all this time on the couch. Leaned forward, her head being supported by her hands. Miharu had been kidnapped. He was gone. No trace or what so ever. Nobody that wanted to explain it to her. The red haired woman felt something that she hadn't felt for quite some time. It was really painful, but also comforting. Like some sweet treat that had a bitter aftertaste. Anger and revenge. She knew these two feelings all too well, but had always despised it. Two feelings and emotions that had nothing that really interested Aiko. Leaning backwards as she clenched her fists, the woman would now however change her opinion. She would seek out the culprits that had captured and kidnapped her nephew.

While she was about to think more about her newest goal, Aiko heard something. Somebody knocked on her door. Sighing, she stood up and proceeded to walk to the door. Opening it, she was midly surprised by seeing Yukara. For a moment, Aiko forgot what she had just decided and brushed some strands of red hair aside. ''Yukara? What brings you here?'' Aiko asked.

"Aiko-Sensei, will you train me one on one? You know, so Koike wont get in the way of anything, he does get in the way a lot, I mean he should be a Chuunin now, there is obviously something wrong with him if he failed the Chuunin exams!" Yukara said, matter of factly. Her chin set a stubborn angle and her lips were pressed together in a tight line as she looked at Aiko-Sensei expectantly. She would do whatever it took to prove that she was better and was ready to do so whenever the oppurtunity presented itself.

The woman silently looked down on Yukara. Her left hand was clenched in a fist. It even trembled briefly before Aiko managed to control herself. ''We can go. Follow me.'' She told Yukara. Not even wearing her jacket, Aiko actually didn't care for it at the moment. Usually she wanted to make sure she could be recognized as a Konohagakure nin, but now she wasn't thinking about it. Walking in a relative calm pace towards the training fields, that were nearby, Aiko would say something. ''Koike should indeed be a chuunin, but he has a reason why he kept failing.'' Aiko suddenly said, her tone being cold and harsh.

Nodding as Aiko-Sensei said they could go and following her towards the training fields, she was glad that her sensei was allowing this time for training. Upon hearing what she said in that tone, made Yukara stop for a breif moment but she quickly caught up and shrugged, she personally did not think there could be a valid reason for failing the Chuunin exams. "Well, he better figure out the problem he has with failing because I dont want him holding us back" Yukara said evenly. Even though, if anything, she was the weak link at the moment.

It happened faster than both would even realize. The sound wasn't that hard, but for Aiko it was like an explosion from close. Her left hand went out and slapped hard against Yukara's cheek. With a cold stare, she looked at the young girl. ''Don't speak ill of others if you aren't aware of the reason.'' The left hand of Aiko wasn't trembling. She slowly lowered the hand that clenched into a fist. Luckily there wasn't anybody around them. ''I have read your profile and though you're the newest addition to the team, I hope that is a mistake you will never make. Don't judge others if you have flaws yourself, Yukara. There is no bigger kind of arrogance or ignorance. Both things I despise. Understood?''

Her cheek stung as she stared wide eyed at her sensei, shocked and in utter disbelief of what just happened. It hurt, the pain of the slap went deeper than her skin as it felt like her role model already disliked her on the first day. Her eyes watered a bit, but she angrilly wiped the water away and glared at her sensei. "There is no reason to fail the Chuunin exams" Yukara replied, her own tone of voice was cold now. Her anger and dislike of Koike was strengthened as her determination to be better than him and Aiko Sensei both was also strengthened. "I hope my profile told you I will do whatever it takes to be better than everyone, if I am arrogant then you should punish Koike for the same" she added bitterly, it wasnt hard to tell that she resented her team mate.

Aiko frowned. The cold stare didn't vanish. ''You talk like you know what it is to stand there. In an arena of the Chuunin Exams. Like you know who somebody is, just by looking and meeting them for several hours. Does your arrogance know any boundries?'' Aiko asked, her tone growing even colder. Narrowing her eyes, she crossed her arms. The anger she had felt before was slowly trying to find its way back while Yukara was really testing out Aiko. ''What do you know of people, Yukara? What can you possible say about failure if you don't have the knowledge of how such a failure happened? That is ignorance at its purest. Something that will cause you to fail and never to reach your goal.'' Aiko paused. ''Your goal is to become better than me, wasn't it? To become even stronger or deadlier than I am right now? I will predict something. You're somebody who will not even grow or ever see a glint of their goal. All because of the arrogance and ignorance. Take my words if you have any slight form of intellect and never even start this again.'' Turning around, Aiko would start to walk again. She briefly was regretting to talk to one of her students like that. But Yukara had really pushed the limits.

"And you talk like you know me, you do not. To have have everyone think that you are a fool with a pretty face, no one takes you seriously. To be right about something but everyone just laughs and when someone says the exact same thing, only then do they listen. It is not easy, it is far from easy. Dont pity me, I dont want your pity, I want your respect and Koike gets in the way of that" Yukara said firmly. She was angry, hurt and upset. All she wanted was for her sensei to respect her and even that seemed impossible at the moment. Taking a deep breath, she clenched her fist and looked her Sensei in the eyes before saying "lets train already. I didnt take the time to seek you out to have a not so nice chat about arrogance and ignorance."

Aiko stopped as she looked over her shoulder. Waiting till Yukara was finished with talking. ''I talk like I know myself. That is all that you should know.'' Aiko said before she would continue to walk towards the nearby training field. Her tone hadn't changed a bit, but at least she didn't seem to show any sign of anger or wanting to slap Yukara. Reaching the field, Aiko asked her student a question. ''What do you want to train?''

"Well, I lack in offense jutsu. So I think that we should start there, but you are a wise sensei, you might know better for me" Yukara said, with only a hint of sarcasm. She watched her sensei carefully as if she were observing a rare discovery of sorts, then again, Aiko- Sensei was an interesting person.

''You indeed do.'' Aiko said. Placing her hands on her hips, Aiko looked at the grassfield in front of them. ''You showed that you can use genjutsu, but how much do you know about genjutsu?'' Aiko asked her student as she walked a bit further more to the center of the field, her face blank and void of any emotion.

Pausing, she thought , about what was asked. Genjutsu, poison to the mind that needed a trigger of sorts to be used. "What I know, is that unlike Ninjutsu or Taijutsu, Genjutsu targets the enemies mind. Making them think or believe something or makeing them see illusions. It needs some sort of trigger, like eye contact or sound to be cast but it can be dispelled by distrupting the flow of chakra" Yukara said in a uniform text book tone. Her eyes were distant as she recalled what she was taught, before blinking and looking to her sensei for more instruction.

''You're wrong and right.'' Aiko said. Her tone was less cold and more calm. Turning around to look at Yukara, Aiko raised her eyebrows. ''Genjutsu needs some form of trigger and are indeed illussions, but it can be dispelled by disturbing the flow of chakra? Are you certain of that?'' Aiko asked, making it look she wanted to be sure. Like she was sure that the fact wasn't true and making Yukara naive. Even while it was actually true.

" Are you telling me that the teachers at the Academy are lying to everyone? Maybe you should go inform them of correct way to dispell a genjutsu," Yukara said, her eyes narrowed at Aiko. A slight smirk on her lips as she tilted her head a bit to look at Aiko a bit differently, Yukara did not think the teachers lied but did not want to argue with Aiko either. "What do you know about Genjutsu?" she asked.

''I am telling that you need to think further than what you have been taught.'' Aiko said. She again placed her hands again on her hips. ''And what I know about genjutsu? Enough to know that you're wrong. Very wrong. But if you want to see why I am right, we can test it out right now. The choice is yours.'' Aiko propossed, a smile slowly appearing on her face as she would wait for Yukara's answer.

"Then by all means, explain to me what is right," Yukara said, glad to see the small smile that was appearing on her face. "I think ill pass on the demonstration, but thank you for the offer," Yukara said, politely. Her eyes seemed to hold some mischeif in them as she watched Aiko-Sensei gleefully. If she wanted to be able to think like Aiko-Sensei then she would have to pay attention more than she already was doing so, so long as she was not being told that she was arrogant.

Aiko was silent for a moment. ''I think you won't get it until you have seen the demonstration. Other than questioning my knowledge or experience, I still say that you're wrong. If the Academy teachers taught you that disturbing your chakra flow will erase a genjutsu, than they are wrong. They then forgot something to mention.'' Aiko told Yukara. She waited for a moment. ''Pain is another traditional way to break out of a genjutsu. And some genjutsu can't be broken in either ways.'' Aiko told the young girl.

"Well the caster of a genjutsu has to change the general flow of chakra in you so you get trapped in the genjutsu, then maybe not really disturbing but correcting your flow of chakra?" Yukara asked, wincing as Aiko-Sensei mentioned the demonstration again. She was adamant about showing how it worked, with a sigh, she nodded when Aiko-Sensei mentioned that pain was another method of dispelling a genjutsu. But she was unsure of what she said next, if sometimes either way did not dispell the genjutsu, then how did one go about getting out of it? "How would you get out of one, if neither way worked? she asked.

''Dead.'' Aiko simply replied back as an answer on the last question of Yukara. The smile still was present as Aiko waited to let the word have some impact on the girl. Then she continued. ''Changing the flow of your victim's chakra isn't the only way how to get them trapped into an illussion. How can you dispell a genjutsu with disturbing your chakra flow if the genjutsu is part of your chakra flow? Then there is no escape from it, in theory. Or do you think that is wrong?'' Aiko asked.

Dead. That word rang in her mind like someone was shouting it over and over again, although she would never admit to it out loud but she was afraid of dying. Just like she was afraid of failure. "I dont want to die, Aiko-Sensei," Yukara said in a small voice that shook slightly. She had a hard time focusing on what was said after that, but managed to get the basics. "I dont know..." she replied, as she shifted uneasily on her feet.

As response, Aiko only nodded. ''Nobody that is healthy in their head wants to die just like that. I shouldn't and don't like to scare you, but always know that everything you learned behind a desk is just theory. And in the field it sometimes work differently than you have learned in your books.'' Aiko told Yukara, on a more polite tone. ''But I think I should teach you something instead of tutoring you only on the dangers of genjutsu. It just depends on what you desire to learn today. I can try to teach you either nin or genjutsu.''

Yukara listened in silence, still a bit freaked out about possibly dying in a genjutsu. "Of course, I know that," Yukara said, puling herself together. When she thought about what she wanted to learn, she already knew some genjutsu so it would probably be beneficial to learn some ninjutsu with Aiko-Sensei. "I think that Ninjutsu would be a good idea, we could expand on Gen another day," she added after a moment.

''Very well. I have read in your profile that you have the Water element. Like most Cho's do, so that means I can try to teach you something with that nature.'' Aiko said. ''With the last perfomance, I think we both agree that you could use more offensive techniques than a defensive one. But don't think there is anything wrong with knowing how to defend yourself. That is something that is more important than how to defeat somebody.'' Pausing, she thought about what technique would benefit her student. It had to be offensive and yet something Yukara could learn.

''I am going to teach you the technique that is called Water Prison. It is something simple in theory. Here, I will demonstrate it for you.'' Aiko said as she would create a water clone. The water on the grass and what seemed from the air was formed together into a water clone. Weaving the handsignals slowly for the technique that she would pass on to Yukara, Aiko's left hand moved towards the water clone. From a few inches, she would keep her hand still. Then it went fast. Water started to surround the water clone, forming a barrier around it as the dome was begin to fill with water. ''As you see, the technique is most used to pin down an enemy. It can also drown them, thus being quite deadly if your opponent isn't able to move due the pressure that the water dome puts on them. Any questions?''

She watched the demonstration, paring it to the name of Jutsu that Aiko-Sensei said. Water Prison, it had a nice name. Watching as the water completely surrounding the water clone, it was simple in theory, was what her Sensei said. "So what makes it not easy in the field?" Yukara asked, eyeing the jutsu as she thought it over. Recalling the hand signals in the order that they were done in, a very slow pace, most likely so that Yukara could see them easily.

''Capturing somebody in it.'' The water clone became water as the dome would loosen up and fall on the grass. Turning to her student, Aiko placed a hand on her hip while gesturing to the water with her other hand. ''Most shinobi are trained to have some good reflexes. That means you need to be able to sneak up them, like an ambush. Or any other way to get close and able to perform the technique. That is the biggest problem the technique has. The range.'' Aiko explained. She thought what more she could tell about the technique. It wasn't one she used very often. ''The other problem is that some can actually counter it while you have them captured. The pressure and strength of the technique is based on your mastery of the Water element. A foe that is able to overcome the pressure can surprise you in return. Not to forget that you can't really move that freely around. The dome only remains there if a clone or you yourself will stay and keep it intact. Otherwise it will just loosen up and turn into a puddle of water.''

"I need to be able to keep up with my opponent and make sure I master the element of water, do you have any suggestions?" Yukara asked. Despite her condescending tendacies, she did have a serious side to her and one that got her where she was now. At her current level, she would need to do a lot of work and practice if she wanted to sucessfully perform the Water Prison Jutsu like Aiko-Sensei could. "Can you demonstrate again?" she asked.

''My suggestions would be to keep working on it. Mastery over an element is a lot harder than what most people think. Though training chakra control might help it.'' Aiko then turned around as she would form the puddle of water back into a water clone. Again, she would weave the handsignals in a very slow speed. All so that Yukara could see what handsignals were required for the technique. Stretching her hand out, the water around the clone formed into a dome. ''Want to try it yourself?''

"Sure thing, Sensei!" Yukara said, putting her hands in the right positions to perform the handsignals. Again, she recalled the handsignals that Aiko-Sensei showed her in the demonstration and at her average speed,she began to weave them. Mimicing the actions of her sensei, but not towards the water clone or the dome, towards Aiko-Sensei, it would not be a big deal to her. As the dome began to form around her sensei, she watched the reactions of her sensei as she watched the dome.

A bit surprised, Aiko only turned her head towards Yukara. The water she had released was now used by Yukara for the same technique. Only not aimed towards the water clone, but towards her real self. Aiko didn't seem to panic or worry about the fact she was now trapped in the water dome. But it did made her wonder why Yukara was aiming techniques at her. First when they met she had tried to plant a genjutsu on Aiko. Now this. Next training session, Aiko would take it on a different route. The water clone grabbed quickly the wrist of Yukara and pulled it away, freeing the real Aiko.

Soaked and looking with a frown, Aiko spoke to Yukara. ''That was interesting, but yes. It is a start.'' Glancing at her wet clothes, Aiko returned her attention to Yukara. ''It just takes some practise before it will become effective enough to trap a strong opponent in it.''

A bit gleefull, she did not even blink as her wrist was grabbed by the water clone, breaking the jutsu that had Aiko-Sensei trapped. Yukara watched, the surprise was obvious, but it did surprise her that her sensei seemed so calm about it. "Indeed, it is a start. Practice can be arranged and it will be strong enough to trap someone like you in it one day,"Yukara said.

As expected. Brushing a few strands of red hair out of her face, Aiko sighed. ''If you want to challenge me, you can do so later. To be honest, I am not really interested to spar to see who is stronger.'' Aiko said. Even while she found Yukara's confidence a good trait at times, it was a bit bothersome that she really kept aiming at her. Next training would have to be different. Aiko wasn't going to be happy if Yukara would suddenly try to launch a more offensive technique from a close range. ''I think that you should rest. Soon we will have a team meeting and likely a mission as well. Unless you have any questions at the moment.''

"We should train separately from now on, we can get more done this way and things wont get in the way,"Yukara said with a smile. She did not necessarily want to challenge Aiko-Sensei, but she would need to show that even as a genin, she would be a formidable oppoment. "Aiko-Sensei, you should go rest too. You look a bit wet to me, she said, a slight smirk on her lips as she was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet.

''You don't say.'' Aiko slowly said. Not one for to talk back, Aiko would slowly turn half around. It was however a bit surprising that Yukara wished to train alone. That and hearing her student saying that she didn't want things get in the way. It was a weird way to word things, but Aiko would let Yukara have her decision. ''I will send a note soon on when and where the next meeting will be. Take care Yukara.''

"Alright, Aiko-Sensei. Make sure to dry off now, you dont want to catch a cold or anything. I will be waiting for this note, you take care as well!" Yukara said before running off towards her house to tell her parents all about training. Maybe even demonstrate what she learned for them, soon the training feilds were out of sight as she rounded a corner.

Sitting on a chair, the nice weather was great to sit outside. Dressed in her casual outfit, Kiyomi however wasn't looking that happy. With a rather calm expression, there was no signal of a smile or a glint in her eyes. After ordering a glass of sake and managing to convince the waiter to get her one, Kiyomi tried to make it herself comfortable. The conversation she had before was still stalking her in the back of her mind. But it was all for a good reason why she would do it. Waiting for the person she had invited to share a drink with her, Kiyomi already started to prepare herself. Nothing of her inner thoughts or emotions would reach the surface today.

Ezuri was happy to be up and running again, his leg was roughed up pretty bad but it healed faster than expected and exceptionally well too. Not too long ago he received an invitation from Kiyomi-san to meet her at a cafe at the outskirts of town. Ezuri wondered why she invited him; maybe it had something to do with the Guardians? If so, then why didn’t she choose Azumi as their place of meeting? Ezuri thought about the teahouse, he never got a chance to actually visit it. The young Hyuuga woke up from his thoughts as he approached his destination. He saw Kiyomi-san sitting on the terrace already. He took place across of her, not sitting down yet "Good day Kiyomi-san" he greeted her cheerfully "you invited me to come here?"

He had come after all. At first she had thought he wouldn't show up. A friendly smile was appearing on her lips as she nodded. ''Yes I had. Come, sit down.'' She said it in a very friendly tone as she patted at the chair next to herself. The waiter came back with the glass, filled with sake. ''What would you like to drink, Ezuri-kun? My treat.'' Kiyomi asked, speaking in a voice that was a bit higher pitched than normal.

Ezuri answered her smile with one of his own and sat down next to her, a bit nervous though. He did not know why he was here and did not know if he should relax or be on guard due to her friendly tone. She was very nice to him and her voice sounded... Cuter, than before "Thank you, I would like some Gyokuro please"

After the waiter took the order and walked away, Kiyomi briefly took a fast sip of the sake. Putting the glass down, she then turned her head to Ezuri, still smiling. ''So, I heard you were on a mission. How was it?'' She asked, still sounding as before. Instead of sitting straight up, she was leaning a bit towards Ezuri, her eyes shooting a curious look in his direction.

As Kiyomi engaged in small-talk Ezuri finally relaxed a bit and told her about the mission he had with team 7 and Hayate; "Our mission was to eliminate a small bandit camp that threatened the village. It went pretty well until he got shot down by a slinger and broke both my shin bones in one leg" He grimaced, thinking back about to intense pain "I just got back from the hospital, my leg healed up quite nice, but Kensuke is not very happy with my performance" Ezuri grinned a bit awkward, he just hoped that Kensuke would not stay mad at him for too long.

Kensuke wasn't happy with his performance? Having been under the teachings of Kensuke, she knew all too well how harsh he could be, showing no mercy with his teachings. But it was something that had saved her many times when she had wielded her blades. ''Don't worry... cutie. He will not stay mad at you if you show him your best!'' She said, still leaning forward. ''Besides, Kensuke is a nice person.''

Did he just call him 'cutie'? There was a small pause in her voice. He didn’t mind being called like that, especially not when a pretty girl did say it. Ezuri straightened his back "Then I'll do my best next time and I shall make him proud" laughed Ezuri. He also leaned a little in to Kiyomi "Yeah I think he is a nice person too and probably a very good sensei as well"

''That is the spirit.'' She responded. Turning her head, she picked up her drink and held it in her right hand. ''So, what do you like to do in your free time? I mean, there isn't much I know about you.'' Raising the glass to her lips, she took a sip while locking her gaze with his. After the sip, she broke it only to put her glass back. The sake was of decent quality. Not so good as Hiron and Keiko's favorite, but it wasn't that bad at all.

After Ezuri said that he took some swigs of his sweet flavored Tea. it was better than most tea-places around here, he hoped the tea at Azumi's was as good as it was here. Ezuri's smile brightened as she cheerfully said; "that’s the spirit." where after she continued with asking what he liked to do in his free time "I mean there isn’t much I know about you" Well, that goes for you too , thought Ezuri. His eyes found hers and it was hard to look away, her eyes seemed to draw him in, a small blush crept up his face and eventually he looked just slightly the other way "I like to train, either polishing up my techniques or raising my Stamina, endurance and strength. If I'm not training I like to enjoy Tea or read. What about you, what do you like to do in your free time?"

That was an easy question she could answer. Looking at her glass, she started to answer back. ''I like to read as well. I have tried to draw, but unlike Kensuke-san, I haven't got any talent for art.'' She said, realizing that Ezuri likely didn't know that Kensuke drew things in his free time. ''Other than that, I am often training on my own. Or attending to my other duties. I really don't have any hobbies or much free time.'' Kiyomi answered, which was the truth. But it didn't really bother her that much that her free time was limited. It was the price she paid for her work. ''What kind of things do you like to read?''

Ezuri listened attentively and nodded from time to time "I mainly scour the library of the Hyuuga mansion for Jutsu scrolls, I want to learn as much techniques as possible, I'm currently trying to learn Mizu Hari but it doesn’t go very well yet. Ezuri took a little sip of his tea and savored the taste "Other things I like to read are history books and books about other nations and far away places, either fictional or real. The bijuu also fascinate me." little did Ezuri know that he was talking to a jinchuriki. By lack of knowing anything else to ask he redirected the question she asked him back to her.

That last one caused her to freeze. It wasn't noticeable for somebody that didn't know her very well, like Ezuri. But it would have been a clear sign to any person like Hiron, Keiko or people that had been very close to her. ''Bijuu, hmm?'' She asked as she raised her glass, taking a sip. Sighing, she threw a frown in his direction. ''Why are you interested in them? Many people just think they are either demons or weapons of destruction.'' That and most information that could be found in the libraries were nothing more than tales, myths or stupid hogwash.

"well, It's a large part of our history. I also think that they are not as bad as everyone think but if they are and I ever need to fight one to protect the village I like to know what I'm dealing with. That and I just like the tales" the latter sentence made him blush a little because that was of course not why one would read such a thing. "don't you think its important? I'd love to see one sometime, although not from too close"[b] added Ezuri quickly.

If she thought it was important? For a moment, she was laughing inside her mind. Of course, she was a jinchuriki after all. But laughing him out for what he asked would be rude and not that friendly. Briefly her eyes looked up as she started to answer back, like she was seriously giving it some thoughts. [b]''It is something I find very important. Though it depends on what you mean.'' Looking at him, she had a playful smile on her lips. ''Do you mean knowing our history or how to fight against one? Cause else I could easily reveal you the Nibi.'' After saying that, she poured more effort in keeping something hidden. Matatabi had caught the words of Ezuri and truth be told, he wasn't at all fond of his words. Still managing to keep the Beast inside of her, Kiyomi waited for his response.

Ezuri was happy she shared his opinion. "knowing our historyis the first thing. Of course I rather never face a tailed beast. If the stories are true they are ridiculously strong, but I also believe they are not that bad... maybe," Ezuri chose his words carefully and hoped she would not laugh at him "maybe we can even befriend them..."[b] Then Kiyomi-san said something that made his visibly flinch. [b]"S-show me the two-tails? B-but how?"

''Simple, cutie. I am the Two Tails.'' She said, joking about the serious situation. Leaning back, she giggled very briefly. ''Besides, who can befriend a weapon of mass destruction? Are you thinking you can befriend a katana?~'' She said, in a more teasing manner. The growling inside her mind was something she could ignore. And luckily could keep contained inside. She wasn't going to cause a scene with Matatabi right in a public place.

Ezuri was shocked but managed to laugh a little when she started to giggle, although a little awkward. He almost believed her, but her cutie giggle made him think twice. ''Besides, who can befriend a weapon of mass destruction? Are you thinking you can befriend a katana?~'' said Kiyomi-san. "Now you are just mocking me" pouted Ezuri "also, Katana's are no living things, I'm sure the bijuu are more than just weapons right?" Ezuri said, taking a swig form his tea, emptying the cup with it.

''Who knows?'' She said back. Kiyomi wasn't really intending to give any information or secrets away regarding the Tailed Beasts. Not many were aware of some facts that were known to her and she would keep it that way. Having learned that people always used their opinion to influence a fact, Kiyomi wasn't eager to see the same happening with the things about Tailed Beasts. ''But what is your opinion of your team?'' Kiyomi asked, subtly switching the subject.

Ezuri was happy that she changed the subject although her question was a little tricky, if he spoke badly about his teammates or Kensuke, would she rely the information back to him? "I think they are all capable Shinobi, I like Kensuke-sensei, he is strong and reliable. We have the shy Inuzuka girl with her ninken Arashi. Shisen was her name if I remember correctly, she is very shy and her dog is very protective what makes it hard to come close to her, she even bit Hayate. He is nice too and somewhat stronger than us but that is to be expected because is way more experienced, then again he is not really a member of team 7" answered Ezuri her question taking the save road, although everything he said was very much true.

It somehow made her feel happy and proud that Hayate was seen as a stronger person. But she was needed to push emotions away. It wasn't a time for to think about them or even experience them. They were in the way. ''That sounds wonderful cutie, but what about you? Have you been able to show your strong side?~'' She asked, almost like she was swooning. The slightly higher pitched voice was back as she seemed to focus her attention back on him.

Me? Ezuri though about this for a moment. He did get cornered and broke his leg. He decided to tell her to truth but polish it up a little. He looked up into her beautiful eyes again and his voice decided to stop working for a moment. When he found it back he said; "Well, when we got down from the trees I killed some of them pretty soon, but apparently I attracted a lot of attraction. my best kill was probably staggering the man with an elbow in his stomach before crushing his airways with a jyuken shotei attack. Then I spun around and formed a water clone while jumping up into a tree. I fooled almost all of them, every. Single. One. Except for the slinger that broke my leg. After that I couldn't do much but providing ranged support for Shisen and Hayate." Ezuri told her with a lot of enthusiasm, it fading out over the course of his story "at least we finished the mission successfully, but Kensuke had to step in to make sure it did so"

After listening to his story, she could only form one thing from it. He had messed up. No wonder that Kensuke wasn't that happy. ''I think that you might need to ask Kensuke-kun some training then. He may be tough, but he is the one who managed to train me. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have won that many battles.'' Kiyomi responded back, still with the same manner of speaking as before. ''That and you shouldn't worry too much, just try to follow orders and it should be fine.'' Kiyomi said, gently poking his shoulder.

Ezuri felt happy with the advice and reassurance from Kiyomi-san but he could not shake of the feeling that she thought he messed up as well as Kensuke-sensei did. Why else would she say this, but Ezuri managed to laugh at the little push to his shoulder. It really felt nice to talk to her and have some Smalltalk. He enjoyed her company and hoped she enjoyed his. "I think I can manage to keep myself standing next time, without having to rely on Kensuke-sensei and my teammates as much as i needed this time"

''Just relax. Besides, do you see any of them here now?'' Kiyomi asked, raising her right eyebrow as she asked the question in a rather amused voice. Supporting her head with her left hand, she tilted her head a bit to the left. ''Well?'' The playful smile returned on her lips as she finished the asking sentence. Wrapping the fingers of her right hand around the glass, which still had a bit of sake in it, Kiyomi didn't take a sip of yet.

Ezuri looked at her as she spoke to him and didn’t fell her subtle movements. Was she... flirting with him? Ezuri started blush and felt like he could not speak so he just shook his head and managed to get a barely audible "No" out of his mouth. ''Well, are you alone then?'' Kiyomi asked, trying it again. Was it that hard to pick up? Deciding to try it differently, she straightens up and pouted a bit. ''Well?'' Where was she getting at, well he was not alone, she was here with him, he shook his head again "No" this time it sounded a little more confident. Ezuri smiled a bit, he let her take the lead here, not sure what to make of the situation.

''So I am not somebody you would notice. Great to know.'' She said, sounding offended as she raised her glass and emptied it with a tug. She had thought her hint that she was here was clear enough, but now that didn't work, she thought of trying it the other way around. ''And I thought you wouldn't mind a date with me.'' She scoffed, looking the other way.

"No that’s not-" started Ezuri but Kiyomi kept talking "wait this is a-" Ezuri started to blush heavily and looked down "I am so, so incredibly sorry, i do not know that this..." He tried to find the right words, eventually he looked at her again and apologized again "I'd love to have a date with you, I do notice you and I'm sorry I didnt catch on earlier"

''So that is it then. A date. You got to take me out somewhere.'' She turned around, with the playful smile adoring her lips. Leaning back in her seat, Kiyomi raised her eyebrows. ''I don't like sushi or anything sweet. But I will let you come up with something. I am free over two days from now. You may decide where we meet and how late, but not my home.'' Friendly summing up the things, Kiyomi giggled. ''Aren't you eager for it, cutie?''

Ezuri was happy she was giving him a second chance, two days from now, that gave him enough time to come up with something good. "alright" he said "I'm sure I can come up with a place you'll like, why don’t we meet up at Azumi around noon? He didn’t respond to the question if he was eager for it because it was clear she was mocking him again there and instead just smiled at her, brightly.

''Azumi is the place then.'' She said. Getting up, she seemed to dust off her lap before glancing at his direction for a one last time. Winking, she then walked away. ''Don't be late!'' Walking away, the playful smile vanished quicker than snow under a desert sun. The bright green color of her eyes turned into a darker variant as she continued to walk away.

Ezuri also stood up, not sure what the right course of action was as of now. She winked at him and he smiled "I won't" he called after her and looked at her as she walked away, her hips slightly swaying. Ezuri sighed a relaxed a little. He messed up, again, but he was given a second chance and he would make up for it for sure. The day was still young and Ezuri decided to check out Azumi as he didn’t do that yet and see if he could become a member of the guardians.

Naoto's response, saying how whomever is able to get the bell should get it if there was a second bell, brought a small nod from Kumoga as they kept moving ahead. "Let us just work together so that one of us can get it, then." The comment was idle and unneeded, but she had to say it, she felt. Although her team-mate's apparent eagerness to kill did disturb the girl slightly, especially if that giggle was anything to go by.

Kumoga's comment lead Naoto to nod in agreement, taking in the sights around them. She suddenly turned to Kumoga excitedly, and smiled broadly, "What are those spider web things, anyways? They're so cool!" She asked quickly, ignoring the formalities of names and titles. Naoto suddenly seemed very childish, wanting only to know more about the people around her.

A question about herself? It seemed harmless enough, despite how... odd her ally seemed to be. "Well... They're unique to my clan and aren't too different from those on a spider, through the use of chakra I can start spinning webs without any fuss, it doesn't take a lot to use either. But these are naturally occuring to the clan now, older members used to have to acquire them through extensive surgery." Maybe that was enough of an explanation, she didn't want to get into too much detail after all, it might get boring hearing the intricacies of these things.

All the while when the girl were talking, Takeshi followed them silently. He was very happy about getting one of the bells and was now focussed on helping the two girls out when getting theirs. It was not his intention to eavesdrop but he could not help overhearing their conversation. Naoto's giggly and sudden display of childish interest and playfulness was really cute in his opinion. Kumoga on the other hand turned way more serious than she looked in the beginning. Takeshi did not know either of them well enough to form a stable opinion but for now he decided 'cute' and 'friendly' were good words to start with.

When Kumoga mentioned surgery, Naoto perked up, obviously more interested then before. "What kind of surgery?" She asked simply, taking note of Takeshi following them. He seemed to be lost in thought, but at the same time attentive to his surroundings. Naoto wasn't very good at multi-tasking, so this interested her as well, and without realizing it, began to stare outright at Takeshi. Her eyes held vague interest as she studied him, scanning up, and down his body carefully, as if looking for weaknesses. It didn't seem threatening, just like it was a nervous habit.

Questions about the procedures used? Kumoga didn't quite understand what went on back then, so she thought for a moment. "Uhh... Well I didn't learn much about how it was done, but it was bodily modifications to allow use of the glands implanted in their fingers and the base of their spine. It's all more than I know, really."

"Glands, huh?" Naoto said switching her attention between Takeshi and Kumoga quickly. She seemed to run out of things to stare at on Takeshi, so she instead turned her attention forward. She felt like they were getting closer, so she wordlessly reached for her wazikashi, unsheathing it with practiced ease. Her footsteps seem to disipate into the sounds of the forest, as she became more careful with her walking.

Takeshi thought Kumoga's power and how it worked mighty interesting, the one moment he focussed back on his surroundings he saw Naoto looking at him, taking up his whole posture. The unusually tall genin had to blush a little, never had a girl so obvioulsy looked at him. he cracked a small smile, something that most of the time fends off a stare. Naoto did not look at his face but still focussed her view back into the direction they were going. Takeshi saw a hint of light, they appeared at the edge of the forest where they left off to find Kakashi and found Tora-sensei standing in the same spot they left her.

Kumoga nodded briefly. "Indeed, you would need to ask an elder of my clan, but I strongly doubt they would be willing to impart such knowledge to an outsider." Hopefully that would put a lid on Naoto's curiosity for now as they would arrive out at the training field where Hatake-Sensei and Kakashi were. "We got the bell, Sensei, Fujiwara-san has it."

Smiling as her students approached her and informed her that Takeshi has the first bell in her possession, Tora nodded before speaking "Thats good to hear. I was a bit fearful that Kakashi might've tried to take a bite out of you, but you did well. Now, for the second bell." She said and pointed at the tree behind her "Naoto and Kumoga, since you two do not have the first bell in your possession, you will be racing up this tree to retrieve the second bell. You will find it tied to the highest branch. But I feel the need to warn you that some branches are more fragile than others due to the tree's age, so be careful with your steps. Takeshi, you will stay here. I wish to give you a different kind of task." She said and looked at the three young genin who stood in front of her.

Kumoga's direction towards the elder of her clan for more information, and the unlikeliness it would be obtained, got through to Naoto pretty solidly. Kumoga might have known more, but Naoto wasn't going to force her to tell her about the pretty webs, and their history. Kumoga personally announced that Takeshi had gotten the bell. Naoto nodded in agreement, and listened closely as Hatake-sensei first praised them, then went on to explain the second part of the challenge. Since Kumoga, and herself, lacked a bell they would have to climb the tree and retrieve the second bell from the highest branch. Naoto took note of the part about the branches being fragile, beginning to come up with a plan as she studied the area around the tree, taking note of nearby foliage that could assist in climbing.

Takeshi smiled brightly as Tora-sensei praised her team to manage getting the first bell. Takeshi let it rang a little to clarify its presence. He couldn't have done it without the help of the two girls, espicially Kumoga's webs came in handy, he smiled at the two girls as if he were to say Good job you two. He turned back to Tora-sensei as she annouced the second part of theri assignment, which was to retrieve a bell from a treetop. Takeshi got pumped and was about to say he would help the girls as Tora-sensei siad she had something different in mind for him. So he stood idly by awaiting further orders after nodding in confirmation that he understood what she said.

The second part of the task, climbing the tree to the highest branch and getting the second bell? That seemed too easy, even with the warning of fragile branches. "...Everything is not as it seems, yes, Hatake-Sensei?" She would suddenly ask with a sideways glance. "Then we should be ready for anything." Immediately afterwards she threw a comment to Naoto, a secondary warning as Kumoga approached the tree and placed her hand on the trunk, then placing another and she began her own climb, using a technique of her clan to make the fine hairs on her body akin to that of a spider's and enhancing her grip.

"You could say that." Tora said to Kumoga before looking at her climbing in her own, unique way. Deciding she was going to be interesting to teach, she turned to look at Takeshi "Take out your bell and then focus your chakra on it. I want you to try and make it ring without moving it from between your hands. This means you need to stay perfectly still. It is a test for me to see how well your chakra control is." She said, and gave him a smile which was supposed to tell him it is a fairly simple test, while it wasn't.

Naoto noted Kumoga's warning, feeling that this tree was some sort of illusion, meant to grab their attention, and distract them from the real problem. So Naoto walked around the tree scanning the trees around it for something that would make climbing easier. When she saw a nearby tree with low hanging branches, she had an idea. She walked over to it, and pulled herself up onto the branch, before scanning the area around her. She repeated this proccess a couple times, reaching the top of the tree she had chosen, before making a short leap to another nearby tree. Unfortunately she missed the branch she was aiming for, and crashed into a branch below, barely holding on. The branch striking her knocked the breath out of her, causing her to gasp for air, before her lungs finally decieded to work again. After she felt ready, she began climbing this new tree branch by branch.

Takeshi looked at Tora-sensei with a bewildered look on his face. He had quite a lot of chakra but his control had some space to improve. He took a seat on the ground and crossed his legs. He laid his arms across them, his hands cupped together with the bell in it. Takeshi took a deep breath and closed his eyes whereafter he remained completely still, focussing all his thoughts on the bell in his hands. Chakra flowed around in his body and Takeshi tried to direct it directly towards the bell while the two girls were furiously trying to get the second bell out of the rigged tree.

Kumoga's ascent was quick thanks to her technique, being careful to watch for the weak branches, not that she needed them. But without warning one of the tags that Tora had planted was set off by her approach due to the chakra being used, and it went up in a bright flash that utterly broke the girl's concentration, not to mention temporarily blinding her with it. In the loss of concentration she couldn't grip the tree any longer and started to slip, quickly becoming a fall as she let out a brief shriek of shock and began trying to grasp for the branches she couldn't see. Although as luck would have it she collided with one and hand enough of a chance to grab it. "...I never expected that..." A groaning complaint escaped her, clinging to the branch and waiting eagerly for her eye to readjust so she could begin her work again.

Hearing a blinding tag go off above her, Tora looked up to see Kumoga just barely catch a different branch. Enjoying the sight of one of her student's quick reflexes, she decided that she will let those two go all the way to the top before going to see who got the bell. She moved to look at Takeshi again, who was now doing as he was told "Try to visualize the bell and the small marble within that makes the ringing. That should help." She said and moved slightly closer to him before sitting down on the ground with her legs crossed and closing her eyes.

Naoto saw a burst of light on the other side of the tree they were supposed to climb, and blinked surprise, wondering what had caused it. "Maybe Kumoga used some sort of jutsu," She reasoned to herself out loud, before proceeding with her plan. Naoto kept climbing, quickly reaching the top of her current tree. After taking a short look around, she found that the easiest path would be to jump from the tree she was on to the tree with the bell on it. If she succeeded she would only have to climb 10 feet to get to the bell! Naoto grinned, feeling accomplished as if she could already hear her sensei's praise. Naoto began measuring the distance, before making the leap to the nearest branch, and immediately triggering an explosive tag. The explosion deafened her, and threw her back the way she had came, causing her to fall for what felt like an eternity, before she came to her senses, and reached out to grab a tree branch. She caught herself, but the force of her fall pulled a muscle in her left hand, making her cry out in pain and let go of the branch. Luckily she landed on a branch that was right below the one she had grabbed at. She slumped back against the tree, her eyes growing wet from the pain.

The one male genin of team Hatake sat on the ground but had a hard time concetrating because of the screams of his teammates, the sound of the explosions and the flashes of light that came with it. The chakra flow in his body came to a standstill and flowed back into an idle state. Takeshi sighted while his eye muscles tightened. He graoned softly and shifted his weight around before relaxing again. He heard the word of Tora-sensei encouraging him. Takeshi shut out the world around him and slowly breathed while all sound ceased to excist and total darkness evelopped him. His thoughts fowed to the bell, he could see the bell laying in his hands. shining, silently waiting for his chakra to reach it. Takeshi sat completely still he looked tranquill, one with nature. The genin releashed his chakra directing it slowly but steadily through his arms to the bell and eventually succeeded to let it ring ever so slightly, but Takeshi was not satisfied yet, he would not stop untill he would et it rang loudly! those thoughts broke his chakra flow for a moment before Takeshi poured all of his chakra through his arms towards the bell.

"Trapped branches.... Will need to keep a look out for any hints of those, or test myself.." Kumoga pulled herself up onto the branch, however wobbly it was and paused, looking up and down the tree as she held a hand out and slowly spooled some of her webbing out. "How about.... you?" She flicked her wrist and whipped the webbing up into the air, letting the wind carry the threads over to the branch she was looking at and they wrapped lightly around it. Nothing. That was very good, so with her safety confirmed this time, she quickly flung out her other arm to send more webbing up to the branch so she could pull herself up via climbing it. Once upon that branch she tested her method again and flung fresh, chakra-laced webbing to the next branch she picked, which exploded upon nearing it. "Proximity traps, maybe? But that would mean I cannot even get close." Kumoga inwardly spoke after flinching, a reactionary attempt at protecting herself. She'd continue this method then, of loosing her webs to test the branches, and once deemed safe, she'd continue her climb. It was a slightly tiring procedure, and would of course take time, but she was sure she had plenty of that.

Opening one of her eyes to look at Takeshi, she could see clearly he was focusing very well. Perhaps even too well, as she heard a small ring and then nothing. Moving to her knees, Tora approached Takeshi and looked at him "Open you eyes. Now." She said, and sounded serious and concerned, as if he might've done something wrong. She also slightly feared that if he used too much chakra, then the small marble inside the bell had been forced outside the bell and lunged itself into the flesh of one of his hands. She had already seen it happen before, at her own team training. And when she examined the hands, she could already spot the small marble, which went inside his left hand's palm. She then begin pressing next to the marble gently, doing it slowly and as least painfully as she could make the small marble leave the tiny wound.

Naoto began mentally beating herself up for not seeing it coming. The branches were trapped, and she hated that she didn't think about it earlier. She looked down at her left hand, where she could still feel her wrist throbbing. She tried to move it, but that led only to more pain. Naoto sighed, accepting that she would have to climb with one hand, knowing she would not make it quickly to the top of tree as easily as she was planning before, maybe not at all. Resigned to her fate, Naoto began her upward journey once again, using her right hand alone to climb the branches. It was a good five minutes before she made it to the spot she had been at before, though this time the branch she had jumped before was barely a stump on the tree. Naoto scanned the branches near it, and drew a kunai, immediately throwing it at the branch. A flash of light burst from the branch, temporarily blinding Naoto for a few seconds, and almost making her fall again. She now better understood the obstacles in front of her, and also knew what the earlier burst of light had been. She inwardly hoped that Kumoga had been injured as bad as she had.

Takeshi surged chakra through his arms into the bell, it rang, hard but short. he tried again and again but no sound come out "Open your eyes. Now." Tora-sensei's voice resounded in his head, breaking his concentrating and bringing him back to this world. He looked right into Tora-sensei her worried face. Takeshi followed her gaze to the tiny wound on his hand. His eyes grew big, the surprise greater than the pain. The bell had an exiting hole and apperantly the marble buried itself inside his hand "how..." started Takeshi but quickly grinded his teeth as the pain overwhelmed the surprise as Tora-sensei was craftily removing the marble out of his hand. The young genin hoped he passed the test...

Kumoga's ascent continued mostly uninterrupted as she loosed webbing to test for trapped branches and then climb higher, on the other side she could hear Naoto still working and briefly saw the flash of light that she'd just set off. There wasn't much more to go, it seemed, she was already quite a way up the tree and all she'd suffered was a little bruising from her first fall. She wasn't sure what Naoto's state was, but she felt concerned, like maybe she had been slowed down by something. Although for all she knew Naoto was fine and that she should keep climbing anyway, just to be sure one of them got to the bell before anyone grew tired. She began once more with her method of climbing, although she was running out of sturdy branches, as several had snapped when she pulled on them.

After a bit more of pressing on Takeshi's hand, the marble came out and Tora took the bell and marble and placed them in her pocket. She looked at the tiny wound "You are lucky its that small. If you put any more chakra into it, then you could've ended up breaking one of your fingers." She said and looked at him, letting go of his hand "You used too much chakra on the bell. You did not need to use too much. Next time, try to focus on the flow of your chakra instead of the quantity. But we will train more on that. For now, I want you to tell me if you know what chakra nature you have." She said and gave the three a glance for a moment, hearing a few small branches falling down and softly landing on the ground around the tree. She wondered for a moment how far up they have reached so far.

Testing the branch below her to support her weight again, she began going around getting to the top of the tree a little differently. Naoto ran, and made a long leap to the shot stump, instantly wrapping her arms around the trunk as far as she could reach. She whimpered in pain from using her left hand, but she was still proud she made it. Next she turned to the branch she had thrown a kunai at, and jumped at it, barely grabbing it with her right hand alone. Using the force of her jump, she swung herself around, on on top of it. Looking up, she thought she had an idea, but it was far flung, and she doubted it would work. Even so, Naoto had to try, but first she had to get closer to the top. She looked around, and spotted a branch in close proximity, but before she could jump for it, she realized what that would entail. Inwardly laughing, she unsheathed a kunai, and threw it at the branch. It stuck into the tree's flesh easily, not reacting in the least. Naoto sighed with relief, knowing if it would have been trapped she wouldn't of been able to avoid its effects. She jumped to the branch, testing it to hold her weight before continuing.

Takeshi rubbed a little over the small hole in his hand, surprisingly enough it did not bleed. His chakra heated the marble inside the bell so the blood vessels were immediately scorched closed. He looked up at Tora-sensei who asked him a simple question, he smiled slightly "Mizu no Kaze" he answered. Water and Wind. "Kekkei Genkai, Yukiton". Takeshi looked at the two girls up in the tree and felt proud of his teammates process, they were doing good. He stood up and stood next to Tora-sensei, the difference in length with her was smaller than with the most people he knew.

Kumoga's time-tested method of climbing was at a loss with the lack of branches nearby, but she spotted one near the top that she was sure she could reach if she tried hard enough. She flicked the webbing up once more and caught the branch, tugging on it gently before she felt confident enough to swing herself up. As before it worked like normal, until she reached the apex of her swing, wherein the branch suddenly exploded from a tag with the shock-wave of the blast throwing her violently off-course and into a brief flailing fit as she tried to find something to catch. Falling more or less the whole way down she caught a branch by loosing as much of her webbing as she could in the time she spent scrambling for safety and swung down, slamming into the trunk with a yelp and slowly spooling more web to put herself safely on the ground. She'd caught the branch too far from the tag and failed to realize it would go off... That was a foolish mistake to say the least, exposed skin was peppered with splinters from the exploded branch and she was certain that must've been the worst, although her ribs were extremely sore from that impact with the trunk. Although now she had to start again from the very bottom, so with as straight a face as she could, she started once more to climb to the top, just trying to follow her previous path.

As Naoto continued her plan, she slowly climbed higher towards the top of the tree, making sure to test every branch. When she was about 8 feet from the bell she stopped, and looked carefully at it. This was going to be the hardest part of her plan. She knew she didn't have the strength to make it to the bell by climbing, so she could only do one thing. Naoto took a shuriken from the pouch on her side, and began to focus. If she did this incorrectly, it could make the bell fly into the distance, never to be seen again. Naoto took the risk, and threw her shuriken carefully, though her first throw was a long ways off. It spiraled off to he right of the bell, uselessly. She frowned, and tried again, this time with the opposite result, leading the shuriken to stick into the tree next to the bell. After a few more failed attempts Naoto got lucky, and cut the string of the bell, causing it to begin to fall. She made the small jump to an adjacent branch, and caught it. . . Then slipped. Naoto fell quickly down the tree, but reacted fast enough to grab a branch not to far down. Unfortunately, not only was the branch trapped, but the force of the fall dislocated her right arm, causing her to shriek again. She fell again, hitting a branch with her back hard. Her senses dead, she scrambled to hold onto the branch, not even being able to breath. Slowly her senses returned, and she looked down at her left hand. The bell chimed softly, and Naoto groaned. "I did it," She mumbled emptily, before looking to see how much farther she had to go down. It wasn't too farther, so Naoto dropped to a nearby branch. Soon she was standing on the ground her right arm laying limply at her side, her back bruised, her left wrist already swollen and pulsing. . . and a ball in her hand. Naoto had done it.

From where Kumoga was on the tree, she saw Naoto make the daring attempt at getting the bell, the tenacity of the girl as she held onto it even after being hit by a trapped branch, along with a no doubt jarring fall... It surprised her to say the least. But as soon as she saw that Naoto had the bell, Kumoga let out a sigh and began descending on her web to touch down on the ground safely once more, she was worn out after all of that. When accounting for the previous encounter with Kakashi though, she felt she'd lasted rather well. Now that Naoto was on the ground as well, Kumoga silently stood and awaited what Hatake-Sensei had to say about it all. Having barely noticed whatever Takeshi had to do during her trial and error in climbing, Kumoga assumed that those with the bell got the same task, she wondered what she'd have to do herself.

Watching as Naoto came down, Tora quickly noticed the girl had a dislocated shoulder from the way she didn't use her right arm. She took a moment to see Kumoga come down as well before giving them both a nod "Both of you did well. I will first quickly take care of Naoto and then give you my final instructions for the day." She said and then moved to kneel next to Naoto and grab her right shoulder with one hand and the arm with the other "This is going to hurt, I'm not gonna lie, but try to not let the pain get to you. I'm gonna push the arm back into its place at the count of three." She said and then made her hold over the shoulder steady "One...Two...Three." Upon finishing the count she would quickly push the arm back into its place, wishing to ensure that Naoto would go back home the best condition she could be. She then moved back a bit from Naoto and saw she appeared to be fine, and then she turned to look at Kumoga, who she noticed had a slightly injured skin with several splinters. She took out a small medical kit and opened it, taking out a small tweezer and beginning to take out the splinters gently one after the other "This will just take a moment." She said as she continued to take those out.

Takeshi stood beside his sensei seeing the two girls go for the bell as two lions for their prey. Kumoga had developed a slow but steady and safe way to go up while Naoto took a lot more risks but her approach was way faster. Takeshi kept rubbing over the little wound in his palm, it itched like hell. Still he wondered how that could have happened, at the moment he wanted to ask Tora-sensei he heard a small shriek followed by a yelp and other sounds that one could hear if someone fell out of tree, exactly what Naoto was doing. Takeshi felt bad for his teammate, she was quite roughed up. Tora scurried over to Naoto to help her with her injuries as Kumoga slowly let herself down from the tree using her webs. However, she too did not come off unscathed. The boy walked up to the girls and agreed with Tora-sensei that they did a good job. He looked at Kumoga for a second the only one who didn't have a bell "don't worry" he said. Slowly but steadily he was opening up more to them but he still remained silent for the most part. Even while he understood that the girls treatment was more important he did feel a little sting that Tora-sensei did not react to his answer on her question. as if anyone had a snow release!

Naoto bowed her head thankfully when Kumoga and her were complimented by Hatake-sensei, but flinched away when her sensei came closer to put her arm back in into place. When Tora started explaining what was going to happen, Naoto nodded in understanding, letting out only a slight whimper as her arm was put back into place. Hatake-sensei then moved on to get splinters out of Kumogo's hand, which Naoto watched with interest. After Hataka-sensei finished, Naoto looked down at the bell, then at Kumoga. She forcefully grabbed Kumoga's hand and dropped the bell into it. "You deserve it, after all. . . Leader," Naoto said simply, the slightest smile on her lips. She wondered to herself if this act of kindness would make Kumoga more willing to bend to her wishes in the future. Naoto wondered if this would be the best first step to fully manipulating her team. Only time would tell.

Kumoga quietly stood there, watching and waiting for Hatake-sensei to finish tending to Naoto's injuries as best as she could by relocating her shoulder. And once she was done it was Kumoga's turn, although she flinched briefly when she approached and began working, letting out a repeated utterance of "ow ow ow" as she plucked the splinters out... It wasn't that it hurt much, but it more reactionary, and in general she was quite sore from the ordeal. Although without warning Naoto approached and put the bell in her hand, stating that she deserved it more, the small kunoichi wore a shocked expression before offering it back to her. "N-no, you were the one who got it, not I..." Being called leader really put the pressure on her without trying, she didn't want to be a leader. "It was just an idea that happened to work, nothing leaderly about it."

After finishing taking out the splinters, Tora watched with curious eyes as Naoto approached Kumoga and told her that she deserved the bell, as she the leader. Kumoga tried to deny that by stating it was an idea that just so happened to work. Standing up, she took a couple of steps back so she could have a clear sight of all three genin "I think I can safely say that all three of you passed. I should let all of you know that we will go on a mission soon enough, but first I wish to have a one on one sessions with all three of you. I will send you a message prior to the one on one session with you, and I can tell you it will be within the next 48 hours." She said and gave Takeshi an apologizing look "Sorry for not responding earlier, Naoto and Kumoga just caught my attention, but what you told me is very interesting. I will talk to you more about it during our one on one session." She told him before looking at all three of them again "If any of you have any questions regarding the mission itself, those will have to wait until the briefing. But you can ask me anything else." She finished speaking and waited to see if anyone else had anything to say.

Takeshi smiled as Naoto offered Kumoga the bell and said she deserved it. In all honesty Takeshi felt both of them deserved it, all three of them did. too bad there wasn't a third bell. As Tora-sensei told the three genin that they passed Takeshi had to smile brightly, he was happy that he did and that Naoto and Kumoga did too. Tora-sensei explained what the plan was, about a mission and a one on one session before she apologized to Takeshi about not responding earlier, it made him feel a little better. He had no further questions and thought about what to do in preparation of their one on one session.

When Kumoga forced the bell back upon her, she cursed in her head. "So close. . ." She thought to herself, abandoning her plan till later. There'll be plenty of oppurtunities, she was sure of it. When Hatake-Sensei said they all passed, Naoto again bowed her head respectfully. She went on to inform them that there would be a mission soon, but before that one on one training sessions within the next two days. Naoto blinked in surprise, as she hadn't even thought about that sort of thing. "I hope the missions aren't too early in the morning, with my dad out of town," She muttered. Although it was a lie, after all her father had been home for a while now. Hadn't left the same spot for a week.
Naoto took the bell back, which Kumoga was thankful for, she didn't want to feel like she owed someone for something they did. But to cut that thought short Hatake-sensei said that she was going to have a one to one sessions, explaining that they would also be having a mission soon with the sessions being within 48 hours of now. "Is there nothing more for us to do this training session then, sensei?"

"This training session is finished Kumoga." Tora replied, before looking at Naoto "The missions will take place whenever they need to take place. If they require us to retrieve something within the night, we shall operate in the dark. If they want us to gather information in a crowded village in the middle of the day, then we shall do so. I do not know exactly when the mission will be, but I will let each of you know at the end of the one on one sessions. I hope I was clear Naoto." She said, sounding both cheerful and serious. She then gave them a wave of her hand "You are all dismissed. And Kumoga, you are the first one to get a one on one session. It will be in the evening, at 6 afternoon, right here. Don't be late." She added and then gave all three a smile.

Takeshi listened carefully to Tora-sensei when she explained the way missions were to be done to Naoto. As she dismissed the three genin, Takeshi bowed slightly in a way of saying goodbye. He pulled up his scarf, covering his mouth and nose before turning around and leaving, greeting his two teammates with a single wave of his hand as they went into the other direction. He was looking forward to the one-on-one session with Tora-sensei. But first its time to get something to eat thought Takeshi as his belly rumbled.

Hatake-Sensei's response spurred another head bow of thank you, as her number on priority was being polite at this point. When Naoto, and the others, were dismissed, she bowed her head one last time before departing for her home. She was definitely excited to shine during the one-on-one sessions with Hatake-Sensei, but she needed to do the laundry before she could start day dreaming. Naoto started jogging home at the thought, eager to get the chore done.

Kumoga nodded slightly upon being told that the training session was over, then she listened to Hatake-sensei's answer to Naoto's question and the dismissal of the team. So when they had a mission they were to do it regardless of what it entailed, that wasn't a problem to her at all, really. Although she did look a tiny bit worried when she was picked for the first one to one session, but she nodded in confirmation. "Understood, sensei. Six in the afternoon today." It turned out that she was the last one to go as well, as her two team-mates had already left.

Watching as all of her students left the arena, Tora closed her eyes and let out a small sigh. Luckily for her, it seemed like teamwork wasn't something she will need to work too much on. But she will need to work on several other things, but before beginning to think on what she will need to work on with each student, she opened her eyes and then walked away from the arena, intending to plan her one on one sessions more carefully at the comfort of her apartment. She whistled a small tone as she walked away, vanishing into the streets of Kiri.

Time: Towards the beginning of the war with Sunagakure.
Location: Konohagure

Settled on a bench with his hood up, Natsuki stared into the bustling bazaar, eyeing the passersby with a neutral expression. His robes bleach white with the majority of his ninja gear not concealed on his person. Looking up over the buildings and large tents of the bazaar, Natsuki couldn’t help but stare up at the carvings of the two Hokage into the cliff side. He was in Konohagukure, on R&R (Rest and Relaxation). Having time to himself wasn’t something he was used to, but he definitely didn’t want to waste it. He figured he would try to get a cup of tea and think over the rest of his day. Ask a local where a nice place to relax would be. As he was about to stand up, a large shadow cast over his small bench. Looking up, he saw the frame of a Leaf shinobi. Judging from his body language, hands on his hips and a sneer on his face, Natsuki concluded this wasn’t going to end well. “You lost, Kumo pig?”

Natsuki sighed and brushed off his robes. “Not really… though I was wondering if you knew a good place to get a cup of tea. Seeing as you are here, care to make a suggestion.” He said with a small smile. The man standing over Natsuki cracked his knuckles and Natsuki’s smile faded. “Yeah… I can think of one. Back in Kumogakure.” Natsuki sighed again and looked the man in the eye. “Are all leaf shinobi as charming as you? Anywho, I guess I could just head to the park…” Natsuki said as he tried to slither out from the man’s shadow. “I think not…” The man said cracking his knuckle.

[Around the corner at a café.]
Picking up her teacup, Azusa stared blankly at a small scroll, skimming over every other word. As she took a sip, she heard the sound of struggle around the corner, but decided to ignore it and continue drinking. She began to hear the sound of hurried footsteps coming toward her, so she decided to look up. Her glance was met by a man in white robes rushing pass with two leaf shinobi chasing him. As he noticed her look up, Natsuki smiled widely, with his eyes shaded from his hood. Azusa only saw the white smile peak out of the hood of the man before he rushed past and leapt onto a rooftop. Azusa sat slightly surprised, but decided she would have to ignore it and continue reading. A few minutes passed by and Azusa continued to sip her tea and read her scroll, not really paying attention to her surroundings. “Is the tea any good?” Natsuki said with a smirk, settled in the chair across from Azusa. Startled, Azusa spilt some tea onto herself, before setting her cup down and grabbing her napkin. Raising his hands as if to surrender, Natsuki couldn’t help but smirk at the cute little jump. With a sigh, Azusa stared up at the hooded man with an irritated look, whole she tried to dry off her lap. “I’ll pay for that…I sware.[/ b] Still glaring at him, Azusa slapped her napkin down onto the table and motioned for the waiter. [b]“You’d better…” She said in a low voice intentionally looking away. All the while Natsuki eyed her intently.

After a short pause, the waiter slipped by the table and could feel the awkward atmosphere. “W-what would you like miss?” He said hesitantly. “I’ll need another tea, and get me a piece of cake.” The waiter chimed in with another question. “What kind, miss?” Azusa glared at him and spoke sharply. “Surprise me.” Chilled to the bone the waiter turned his attention to the hooded man. “And you, sir?” Natsuki smiled up toward the man and removed his hood as he spoke. “I’d love a coffee, plenty of cream and sugar.” He said happily before looking back at Azusa. The waiter slowly backed away and rushed away as soon as he figured he was out of sight. “Well isn’t this a shame…” Natsuki said looking over Azusa’s shoulder. Azusa, not really amused, looked back at Natsuki briefly and barked out, “What?” Natsuki smirked and got up slowly. “They’ve caught on…” Calmly lifting up his hood, Natsuki stared down three leaf shinobi across the street.

Lifting Azusa’s cup and taking the small plate beneath, Natsuki quickly set the cup back down in front of Azusa and took a defensive stance. Azusa looked behind her with an confused look only to see the leaf shinobi quickly pull out kunai and throw one in Natsuki’s direction. Natsuki darted forward and knocked the kunai off course with the small plate. As Natsuki came into range of the closest shinobi, She made a large lunge with her kunai, aiming for his chest. Natsuki quickly worked his way inside her arm and grabbed the wrist with the kunai. Lifting the smaller female over his shoulder, Natsuki hip-tossed the woman aside while putting pressure on the wrist and disarming her. Using the twisting momentum Natsuke threw the small plate toward the black haired man farthest away from Natsuki. Natsuki then made a quick role toward the largest of the bunch, with a hammer affixed to his back. Natsuki quickly grabbed his leg and lifted it up, trying to knock the man off balance. Falling backwards the man only saw the man in the white robes rush by toward his black haired ally. “Mitsukuni!” The small girl said as she got up and darted toward Natsuki. She began to make handseals as Natsuki got in range of Mitsukuni. Slide tackling the black haired man, Natsuki quickly flipped over and darted over to the face planted man. Putting a knee into the spine of the man, Natsuki pinned the man to the ground, quickly putting the kunai to his throat. “Shiro!” Natsuki recognized the voice, and quickly looked up. Natsuki saw Azusa standing up from her seat with the female shinobi standing beside her. As Natsuki began to lift his hand off the kunai, Natsuki noticed his shadow extending toward Azusa’s. As he looked back up at her face, Natsuki could only see a black and white blur of eyes and fangs rushing toward his face.
[End of Flashback]

Jolting forward from his bedroll, Natsuki looked around only to see the tree he slept under and the small field before him. It was sprinkling lightly and small droplets of water were hanging onto the small blades of grass as a small breeze rolled across the field. With a sigh, Natsuki lay his head back down on his bedroll pillow and looked up at the tree. Thinking and listening.

Sitting behind her desk, Asami was reading something. It were reports of some teams that had been sent out to the Sky country. Nothing really interesting. Just some reports on how their vassal was doing. Putting the reports done, she would sign one of them that the Raikage should read. The other four weren't really interesting enough. Heading on to the next small pile of paper, Asami started to read something about a merchant that wished to hire in a team of capable shinobi. Asami only was a bit irritated. Placing it on the pile for the Raikage, as she wouldn't make a decision for that. What had irritated Asami was that the merchant demanded a team of jounins. For a trip that was in an area that never really had any outlaw trouble. Now that she actually thought of what was irritating, was that she was expecting somebody. Nobody really special in her opinion, but she figured that with the right time, the person would become very special.

Kamiria made her way slowly into the building she had been called to. Without focusing, she had to feel her way around, but she was used enough to doing this that she could get around, if not too quickly. She was a little apprehensive about coming here; Asami Sanosuke wasn't exactly known for her pleasant demeanour. But Kamiria didn't think it was a good idea to turn down a meeting with the Raikage's second in command. She managed to make her way to the door, and made her way in. "Excuse me, I believe you were expecting me, lady Sanosuke?"

Looking up, Asami had a frown on her face. Like she had eaten something sour or at least something that had happened and wasn't to her liking. But then it seemed to change. It became somehow, friendly. ''You are here. Good.'' Asami said. ''Come here. Kamiria, no?'' Asami asked. She eyed the blind girl. She had read the profile of the genin. Not really somebody that you could call a prodigy. Or anything that would catch Asami's attention. But that was also the whole purpose of Asami calling the genin to her office. Leaning forward, she kept smiling. ''Want something to drink? Or perhaps something to eat?''

Kamiria was a little surprised to hear the offer of refreshments. She certainly hadn't been expecting to be welcomed in a polite fashion. She didn't hear any apparent sarcasm in her voice either, so she assumed it was a genuine offer. "No thank you. I would rather not take up any more of your time than is necessary." She hoped her declining wouldn't be taken the wrong way, but she was still a little uncomfortable here. "If you don't mind, I would like it if we could get straight to business."

Though Asami had not expected anything else than that the girl would rather be gone than to stick around, Asami raised her left eyebrow as the girl told she would rather head straight to the point. Leaning back in her seat, Asami stayed silent for a moment. ''Fine with me. It is very simple. I have a personal mission for you. And only for you.'' The woman then looked to her right, reaching for something with her right arm. She would then place the object she had picked up on the table. It was a kind of knife. ''You are using sensory technique or a form of, to see what is around, don't you?'' Asami asked.

"It's what I use when I need to, yes." She replied. Her words seemed to infer that such sight might be necessary. So she began to focus. As her vision began to clear, she could already make out Asami and the table they sat at. Kamiria then noticed the knife in the middle of the table. She had heard Asami place something down, but she didn't know what it was. But she could make out the shape, and she was well aware of what a knife was. "Is there something important about this knife?"

''It is a normal knife. Meant to stab something. Either something that is bothering you or what you need to do in order to protect your village. A pretty nifty tool, if I have to say myself.'' Asami said, clearly not directly answering the girl's question. ''It is just a gift from me to you. Take it. I promise that it nothing bad.'' Asami said, placing her right hand on her chest. There was a warm smile on Asami's lips as she seemed to wait for the moment that Kamiria would pick up the knife.

Kamiria couldn't help but feel a little weird about this. She figured anyone would realise a Shinobi wouldn't have much use for a normal knife, since they carried around plenty of kunai and shuriken already. But Kamiria assumed that Asami knew what she was doing, and so she reached out to take the knife.

And she carefully gripped it by the handle, and took it over to her own person. "T-thank you, lady Sanosuke." She still felt a little awkward about this gift. "Will you explain the mission you mentioned now?"

After Kamiria picked up the knife and thanked her, Asami became quiet for some moments. She was staring at the girl in front of her. Then suddenly, Asami started to brief the genin about her mission. ''You will be assigned to join a certain team. I think you will like it very much. One of the team members is an old aquintance of you, I believe. A chuunin with the name Niji? Though she has little to do with the mission. It is rather about your sensei.'' Asami said. She paused, wanting to make sure she wasn't going too fast for the genin. Every detail was going to be important for the girl. ''I need to you to be in that team and if I will give a sign, you will stab the man. With the intention of killing him.''

Kamiria was delighted to hear that she would be on a team with Niji again. Yet, she also had wondered if she would be better off not being protected again. Her desire was to be independent, and not a burden on anyone, least of all Niji. But before she could consider this too much, she heard talk of their Sensei. She hadn't had much to do with Kazuma, but it was still curious that he would be the subject of the mission. And after the short pause, she was rather concerned about what Asami requested that she do. "Uh...I'm not sure how I feel about that. Has he done something wrong? And, really, why isn't this a job for someone more important?"

''Cause wouldn't you expect a chuunin or another jounin to be more dangerous? You're fragile. Not high ranked and certainly in many situations not strong enough to face the man. He could kill you if he would like it.'' Asami bluntly stated. ''This may sound cryptic, but just know that his past isn't clean. He has been doing a good job so far, but I have my own reasons why I am giving you this mission. The Raikage is currently too busy with more important extern situations, but he is aware of this.'' Pausing, Asami eyed Kamiria again. It was actually very interesting what was happening now. So far she knew, this girl had little connection to her future sensei. Only connection they had was Niji, but Asami had decided it would be more fitting if Kamiria would receive this mission.

"Um, yes, more dangerous because they actually have a chance of succeeding....." Kamiria trailed off into a whisper because she was beginning to feel VERY uncomfortable with this talk. It was as though she was being thrust into high level intrigue all of a sudden. "I....I assure you I won't help him if he decides to do something wrong, but....." She really didn't know what to say. This all just seemed plain beyond her. "I just.....I don't think I'll accomplish anything. You know that. He knows that. We all....." She trailed off again, finding it very difficult to continue speaking.

She was frowning again. But Asami patiently waited till Kamiria was done. Or at least gave an idea that she was done talking. ''You think? Lets be honest here. Who sees you as a danger? I don't. Does that means I am safe now? I am not the one holding a knife at the present. You also answered my question from before. You are blind, but can use a sensory technique. People tend to behave differently around blind, mute and people who have such conditions. They think you're weaker because of that. I beg to differ.'' Asami paused. She was hoping that Kamiria understood now why she had been granted the knife. Why Asami had picked her out from the other genins for this mission. ''Besides, you're a kunoichi. Betrayel on the orders of your superiors and other acts like these are what you are supposed to do. All for the better of the village. Understood? This isn't going to be a picknick, but if you want to protect the innocent villagers against an ex-criminal wouldn't you at least attempt to do something about it?''

She could see the logic. Asami's suggestion was that his guard would be lowered, and that he would never expect for her to turn on him. Perhaps she was simply overstating the gravity of the request. Asami likely expected nothing, but was more giving her a warning. Asking her simply to be prepared. She didn't know the specifics of Kazuma's past, but if there was a problem, it would mean she would have to face him. She took a while to compose herself, though she still wasn't quite okay with any of this. "Okay.....okay. I understand. I will do what I can in the event he turns out to be an enemy. I'll try my best, lady Sanosuke." It was all she could promise. "Is there anything else?"

Shaking her head, she realized only too late that the girl wouldn't likely see it. ''That would be all for now. I will request an update now and then. Only what you need to do is to keep this silent. Nobody, but I mean it, nobody is allowed to learn of this. If they do, I am forced to take measures to it. I wouldn't like to do that, but it is required in the better good for the Cloud.'' Asami said. ''If you also ever feel like talking about this, I would recommend to pay the Raikage a visit. He might help you a bit better with talking about it.'' Asami said, a slight hint of either sarcasm or envy in her voice. It was hard to tell as was only a brief moment that Asami's tone had changed. ''Any questions?''

"No, I think I understand entirely." Kamiria did actually have many questions flying through her mind, but the thought that was playing on her mind the most was an intense desire to leave this place quickly. "Thank you for your trust in this, if nothing else, lady Sanosuke." On that note, she made for the door. Upon exiting the building, she felt she had to sit down. Just there, on the street, and take a moment. She did not like this, one bit. Especially with talk of "taking measures" in the case anyone found out about this. There was no good that could come of this situation, she was sure of it. After some time, she gathered herself up, and headed home. But this would play on her mind for some time.....

Waiting for Hayate, Kiyomi was dressed differently this day. Wearing a short dark blue shirt with a dark brown vest, she had her hair loosely. It reached and rested mostly on her shoulder, but there were some strands of hair in front of her right eye. Furthermore, she was wearing a short skirt with some dark red and black pattern, A black panty and normal sandals, she waited patiently on their meeting point. In her right hand, she held a beanie, instead of the regular bandanna that was once of Hiron. ''Hmmmhmmmm.'' Humming, she kept looking around, wondering what was keeping Hayate.

As he came around the corner, Hayate's jaw nearly dropped. He had seen Kiyomi standing, clearly waiting for him, and he had stopped in his tracks. She was stunning. Checking himself for the hundredth time that day, Hayate wished that he had some nicer clothes. Making a mental note to save some money for that purpose, he forced himself to keep walking towards her. Hayate was already late as it was, and he wondered if his trip to the gardens before heading out had been worth it.

Walking up to Kiyomi, Hayate smiled warmly. Pulling out the small arrangement of flowers that he had gathered from the gardens of Azumi, he held them out for her. "These, uh... these are for you Kiyomi-chan." He blushed slightly, hoping that she wouldn't find him childish. "My apologies for the delay."

Finally he showed up, causing her to smile. As he pulled out a small arrangements of flowers, Kiyomi was surprised by the gesture. Taking it with her left hand, she looked at them with a genuine happy look. ''Aww, Hayate. How sweet of you!'' Looking back at him, she still held a smile on her lips. ''So, are you ready? You look cute.'' She said, in a more teasing manner to make it clear she was just joking around. But partially she meant what she said. Still holding the flowers with her left hand, she waited for his reply.

Blushing a little more profusely now, Hayate looked down briefly. "Thank you Kiyomi. You... you look beautiful." He raised his head a little, and offered her another smile. Reaching out he took her free hand in his. "I am ready when you are." Hayate was excited, he had never been to a carnival before and he wondered what it would be like.

Giggling, she had put on her beanie on her head. It was dark grey one that made her bright hair color stand more out. Wondering where she would keep the flowers, she let him take her free hand. ''Good, then lets not waste any time. I arranged a carriage for us. It was a bit of a hassle to make sure I had some free time and such, but I think two shadow clones of mine will make nobody miss me.~'' She said, making it clear that she had planned this on her own. As she started to lead Hayate away, her head turned around and shot a look at his leg. ''How is your wound?'' She asked, sounding a bit worried.

Looking down at his leg himself, Hayate thought back to the fight with the bandits. "The wound itself is healing nicely. To be honest it doesn't hurt, at least not nearly as much as the humiliation of getting injured fighting bandits in the first place." Looking back at Kiyomi for a moment, he grew an apologetic expression on his face. "I am sorry for letting you down Kiyomi. And for letting Kensuke-sensei down too."

She didn't look at it anymore. Pulling him after her, Kiyomi was leading him to a carriage that was standing an alley. The man that would drive the carriage would be a known figure to both of them. ''You didn't. I have read about the mission and though I am glad you defended the others, I wish you would consider your life to have more worth now and then.'' Kiyomi simply replied back. Nodding towards Kazuo, the silent butler, who made a short bow to both Kiyomi and Hayate, she opened the door. ''Oh wait.'' Turning around, she looked at Hayate with a playful smile. ''Did you wished to open it for me?''

Smiling as he saw Kazuo, Hayate nodded back towards him. Turning back to Kiyomi he couldn't help it as his smile grew larger. "I don't know, it's kinda nice this way actually." He grinned, his tone joking as he gestured for her to enter before him. "After you Kiyomi-chan." Giggling, Kiyomi made a small bow. With pulling up her skirt, lightly with her hands, while lowering through her legs, she nodded. A gracious and femine bow. ''Well, thank you sir.~'' Entering the carriage, she waited for him. There was a light glint in her eyes as she waited for him to enter the carriage.

Letting out a small laugh, Hayate returned the bow. Following her up into the carriage, he turned to close the door behind him. Turning back, Hayate took a seat beside Kiyomi. "I must admit, this carriage is quite lovely. I'm glad it's not pink though..." Hayate shuddered slightly in memory of the Honeymoon suite. Leaning against him, she slowly started to grin as the glint in her eyes started to grow. ''Oh, you find this carriage lovely? I thought you had a different taste.~'' She said in a bit of higher pitched voice than normal. It was one of the habits she had gained when being around with him, with nobody around that knew them. ''But if you like the carriage.~'' Moving a bit away from him, the carriage was starting to move, likely heading to the gate.

Cozying up next to Kiyomi, Hayate felt truly happy in that moment. As she poked fun at his taste, Hayate couldn't help but laugh. "I think my tastes may have changed... just a little." His tone remained joking. "But hey, talking about different tastes, weren't you the one who picked this carriage out?" As reaction, she raised an eyebrow. She had thought she had made a clear refference and hinted something. Brushing the few strands out of her face, who just fell back, she answered back. ''I did. Anyways.''

---

Around two hours later.
In some village, several kilometers away from Konohagakure.''

The door of the carriage was opened by the silent butler, Kazuo, and Kiyomi waited for Hayate to step out first. Already she curiously looked out to the carnaval that was there. From even the distance they were at, it looked really fun and exciting. She also never had visited something like this. Actually, she had never done something that could be considered anywhere near this.

Stepping outside of the carriage, Hayate quickly offered up his hand to help Kiyomi step out. He briefly heard the noise of the carnival in the background but for the moment his attention was focused on the beautiful girl in front of him. Stepping out behind him, Kiyomi spoke to Kazuo. ''Kazuo-san, here.'' Throwing a little bag towards him, the butler caught it with even making his usual short bow in her direction. It rinkled. ''Also enjoy yourself a bit. Oh wait, got my bag?'' As his answer, the butler nodded and offered a small shoulderbag. Again making a bow in both directions of Kiyomi and Hayate, he turned around to attend first to the horses. ''Come, lets go! I am so excited for this.'' Kiyomi said, moving the shoulder bag to let it rest on her left shoulder as she offered an arm.

Happily taking it, Hayate moved close to Kiyomi and began walking towards the festive looking place in front of them. As they walked he smiled happily. "I am also excited! Have you ever been to one of these before?" He had heard about carnivals in the past, but Hayate truly had no real idea what to expect. While they walked, Hayate's queston did surprised her. She had expected he had. ''No, I never have been to those. I did watched them from a distance sometimes during some missions. But they never really appealled to me. However now,'' She began to pull him closer, smiling. ''They do.''

In that moment, Hayate was pretty sure he would find anything appealing, just so long as he was with her. A small flush coming to his cheeks, Hayate grinned. "Well then this will be a good first for both of us... Though... I may have a bit of a hard time paying attention to the carnival." Kiyomi glanced, a bit confused at first by his words. Then she managed to get what he meant. A laugh escaped her as she pulled him closer and placed a kiss on his cheeks. Saying nothing, they started to approach the carnival. There were quite some people walking around as there were many stands. There were bands that played music, children running around and laughing. It all had such a lovely and warm atmosphere to it. Seeing a cotton candy stand, Kiyomi looked at it with a curious look. ''That looks funny, doesn't it?''

A warm flush filled him as he felt her lips on his cheek. Smiling brightly, Hayate held her close as they walked. Turning, he spotted the stand. It had a strange, colourfully fluffy substance that people seemed to be eating. Seeing the smiles on the faces of those that ate the strange food, Hayate grew curious. "It does indeed! Shall we try some? My treat." Pulling Kiyomi towards the stand, he hoped that she would want to try some as well.

''You sure? I can also treat, us both with ease.'' She said, wavering a bit. She had nothing against him paying for it. It was kind of sweet he wanted, but Kiyomi thought it would be better if he would save his money. Unlike her, he didn't had a rich guardian or a place that generated some income next to her kunoichi carreer. It made her giggle inside to realize she was the one that was more than capable of spoiling him than the other way around. At least, that was how it was suppose to go? In that book she had read about...

Hesitating for a moment, Hayate smiled, shaking his head. "I'm afraid I insist. I have been saving a little bit. Besides, you always treat, tonight is on me." He had been saving as much as he could for some time, just so that he would be able to do something like this. While he didn't make as much as Kiyomi, Hayate still wanted to be able to treat her every once and awhile. Walking up to the stand he looked at Kiyomi. "What colour do you think we should try?

Though she wanted to resist, she wouldn't want to ruin the evening already. Deciding to bite her tongue and just go along with what he wanted, she would make sure to transfer some money to his bank acount later. With approaching the stand, she noticed a few kids walking away with the strange treat. It was in all kind of colors. ''Lets go with pink. Shall we?'' She asked, wanting to be sure he would go along with the color as well.

Laughing slightly at the mention of pink, Hayate nodded his head. Ordering a large pink cotton candy from the vendor, he tore off a chunk and handed it to Kiyomi, tearing off another chunk for himself to try. As Hayate placed the strange fluffy food in his mouth, he was hit with an intense sweet flavour. The fluffy candy seemed to melt in his mouth and he briefly closed his eyes enjoying the strange new food. Opening his eyes again he stared at Kiyomi, smiling. "How do you like it?"

It was very sweet. Taking the chunck with her free hand, it was a bit annoying that it was sticky. But she decided to not nag or worry about that. ''It is very sweet. I like it. You?'' She asked back. Noticing a bit at the left corner of his mouth, Kiyomi only smiled but said nothing. Taking another smile bite of her chunk, she pulled him to come to walk with her again. There was so much to see. ''So many stands. What would you like to do now, Hayate-kun?''

"Whatever it is it sure is tasty. But very sticky!" He laughed as he licked his lips. Realizing that he had some at the corner of his mouth, Hayate tried to quickly wipe it away, hopeing that Kiyomi hadn't noticed. He blushed a little, embarrassed. Walking close beside her, Hayate found his eyes drifting around at all of the unique attractions. Looking back at her he smiled. "I am not certain to be honest. There is just so much to do." Glancing around again he noticed a stand that seemed to be a game of sorts. Pointing at it he glanced back at Kiyomi. "That looks kind of fun, what do you think?"

Looking at what kind of stand he was pointing, Kiyomi noticed it was about throwing balls at target to win a prize. It was something they both could relate too, with their carreers expecting them to throw weapons. ''Sure. Lets see and try it out.'' She said, actually sounding enthoustic. Still tugging on his arm, Kiyomi shivered for a moment. It wasn't cold, but she realized that this was kind of a date actually. Their very first one. With a little smile, the little unique smile she had when being truly happy, she walked close against him towards the stand.

As they walked towards the game stand, Hayate felt Kiyomi briefly shiver beside him. He held her a little closer in case she was cold. Hayate couldn't help but think about their time together so far. This was the first real time that they had together where they didn't have to fear for their lives or hide in utter secrecy. He glanced over at Kiyomi while they walked. He couldn't explain how it felt being able to see her happy like this. To know that he was a part of the cause only made him feel more honoured.

As they approached the stall the man behind it called out to them. "Hey look at the cute young couple. How about ya win a prize for the pretty girl? Step right up, three tries. All you have to do is knock over the bottles and you win one of these lovely prizes back here." The man said, pointing towards a large array of stuffed animals behind them. Hayate couldn't help but smile slightly, it was more than likely that Kiyomi did not need his assistance to get one of the prizes, in fact he was more than certain that she would probably out throw him with ease.

Releasing his arm, she took a step backwards. Letting her left hand rest on her bag, she curiously watched how Hayate would throw the balls. Her green eyes gained the glint again, the little smile playfully on her lips. Unknown to the couple, the balls were messed with. As soon as the man gave Hayate the three balls, the third one was altered. It was a bit heavier, filled with a different stuffing. ''You go, Hayate-kun.'' Kiyomi said, hoping he would just have fun.

Stepping up, Hayate grabbed the first ball, holding it in his hand for a moment he stared down at the bottles. This seemed simple enough. Lining up his throw, Hayate took aim at the top bottle and threw the first ball. The ball hit his target spot on and he watched as the top bottle was knocked off. Hayate smiled, glancing briefly back at Kiyomi. One down. But as he watched, the man behind the table walked over and reset the top bottle. "That's one try. Two left." Puzzled Hayate looked back at the man. "Why'd you put it back up?" The man smiled, a little too mischeviously for Hayate's liking. "I said you have three tries to knock them all down. But you have to get them all with one throw, otherwise where's the challenge?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Hayate supposed that the man had a point. Picking up the second ball he decided to aim a little lower this time. He would hit the bottles on the bottom, and then cause them all to topple. Launching his throw, Hayate watched as the ball flew straight at the bottom bottles and then bounced off. The two bottles at the bottom rocked very slightly but other than that they didn't move. He was confused for a moment longer before realizing that the bottom bottles must be weighted. Unhappy that the game was apparently rigged, Hayate set his sights on taking down the bottles with the third ball.

Picking it up, Hayate absently tossed it into the air a few times, wondering what to do. As he tossed the ball he noticed something slightly off with it. It was almost as if the ball would flutter a little as he threw it up, shifting more to the side instead of going straight up and down. Allowing the ball to settle in his palm, Hayate pondered for a moment. So the game was even more rigged than he'd thought. He had already paid the man, and Hayate did not feel like being cheated. Instead of confronting the man however, Hayate had an idea. Reaching subtly into his pouch that contained his clan's alloy, he made it look as if he was just scratching an itch. Pulling his hand back, Hayate had covered a small portion of his palm in the metal, hiding it from the man's sight. Injecting the metal into the ball, Hayate caused it to become heavier, and far more stable. If the man wanted to rig things well then two could play at that game. Grinning, Hayate lined up his target and let the ball fire from his hand. It had enough weight to it now that it had no problem toppling all three bottles. Standing back, Hayate smiled at the man who now looked thoroughly puzzled himself. "How--" The man caught himself, realizing that if he was too confused then it would become clear that something was wrong with the game. Regaining his composure, the man offered the two a fake smile. "That's quite the arm you've got. Pick a prize for your girlfriend, anything from behind me."

Turning to Kiyomi, Hayate smiled. "Well, what would you like Kiyomi-chan?"

Silently Kiyomi had payed attention to the whole unfolding scene. Tilting her head a bit to the right when the man mentioned a challenge, she thought it was a bit odd. But she wouldn't step up and offer to do it. After all, she could already think guess that Hayate wanted to win this for her. Her eyes briefly went to the big sized stuffed animals. One of them caught her attention. It was a big brown teddy bear. Noticing that Hayate was readying himself to throw again, she wasn't looking at the balls, but at his face. Catching herself to stare at him, she looked at the bottles instead, her cheeks turning a bit reddish. But she stayed never the less silent, keeping to observe the situation.

Even she wasn't able to catch the ''scratching itch'' of Hayate. Only when the ball suddenly managed to topple the botles, Kiyomi realized what he had done. In a way she was very happy and wanted to laugh out loud, but she wasn't sure if it was really fair he had used ninjutsu. But he would likely have his reasons for it. ''I want that one!'' She said, trying to not sound too cheerful or happy. As the man reached for the big teddy bear and gave it to Hayate, Kiyomi couldn't restrain the giggle that came out of her. ''Thanks!'' Leaning forward, she would peck him on his lips before examing the big stuffed animal. ''I like it! Thanks Hayate-kun.''

Beaming from ear to ear, Hayate was in a happy daze. "You are welcome Kiyomi-chan. Heck, if that's the kinda reaction I get, I'll go back and win every one of those bears for you." Standing close to her, Hayate also took a brief look at the prize. She had picked a good one. "So where would you like to go next? Do they have any shows or anything here?" He asked, looking back into her piercing green eyes. He could stare at those eyes forever... Realizing that he was staring, Hayate glanced away for a moment, blushing again.

''One is enough.'' She said, briefly laughing. The bear was really big. So it wasn't handy if she would walk all the time with it. Thinking what she could do, she started to walk away with Hayate. Out of the sight of the man of the stand, she made a shadow clone who would bring the bear to the carriage. This left Kiyomi free, instead having to carry the stuffed animal over the whole place. ''I want to win something for you now.'' She said, looking around. There were only so much stands. Seeing not a stand, but something else, she suddenly took Hayate's hand and pulled him with her. Leading him to a kind of attraction. It was a pole with some meters on it. It went to five. Seeing how a boy was wielding, what looked like, a heavy hammer to let it hit a mark, some red dot went up. It stopped at the height of two meters before it went down again. ''Aaah, sworry mie boy, ya lost. No no prize for ya.'' A rather cheerful man said. Kiyomi thought he had a funny moustache. As the disappointed boy, who was almost a head taller and looked broader than her, walked away, Kiyomi stepped forward. ''This seems like fun.''

Smiling, Hayate allowed Kiyomi to lead him towards the strange attraction. As he watched the larger boy fail to get a prize, Hayate couldn't help but smile. He had a feeling that Kiyomi would surprise them. Watching to see what she would do, Hayate folded his arms across his chest and looked on with an amused look on his face.

The man examined the smaller girl. Though Kiyomi had a confident attitude, that could make it clear she wasn't bluffing, her appearance lied about what she usually boasted. This time the man made the crucial mistake for taking her as a girl that just wanted to have a try. ''Little garl, ya may try but ya need to reach this height!'' As a joke, he easily reached just above her head. Some bystanders started to laugh. The smile on Kiyomi's lips faded away. she was aware that she wasn't the tallest. A lot of people had always mistaken her for being weak, due her short height. Only then to often fall for her. As the man grinned and handed her the hammer, Kiyomi waited. Slowly she took out her jacket. ''Hayate-kun, sweety cake?~'' Kiyomi said with a sudden very honeyed tone. Reaching out, still with a smirk on his face, Hayate took Kiyomi's jacket and folded it over his arm. "Have at it Kiyomi-chan. Show them how it's done."

The words of Hayate were only greeted with a nod. Stepping forward, Kiyomi took the hammer and seemed she was having trouble with lifting it up. The man of the attraction leaned against the pole. Crossing his arms, he chuckled and told another joke. ''Know whatte garl? If ya manage to hitte the 3 meter, ya may have two gifts.'' Some bystanders started to chuckle, laugh or giggle. Narrowing her eyes, Kiyomi spread out her foot work. A bit of dust was whipped as she suddenly grabbed the hammer with both hands. ''Tiiiiimmmbeer!''

The hammer hit the ground, causing the ground to tremble a bit as the red dot suddenly was sent flying towards the end of the pole. Trembling, the man had fallen backwards as the pole kept trembling. Sighing, Kiyomi briefly closed her eyes as she then leaned on the hammer a wicked smile on her lips. ''Seeing its on the top, I think I may choose several prizes.'' Looking at the prizes, she tilted her head a bit to the left. ''Hayate-kun, do you see anything to your liking?''

His smile never faltering, Hayate admired how Kiyomi fared with the hammer. She was impressive as always. Stepping forwards he took a look at the prizes. Spotting one in the shape of a dragon, and another in the form of a large cat, Hayate grinned. "Those two are nice Kiyomi-chan, what do you think?" With Hayate looking at the prizes, most were baffled by the feat of Kiyomi's strength. Though she hadn't been honest at all. But it was what they deserved for treating her like that. Calmly standing next to Hayate, she looked at the prizes. They were more diverse than the previous stand. ''I think that might look cool on you. Then we both have a beanie.'' She said, pointing to a black coloured beanie. ''Now, what else?~'' She asked, finding it fun that they could choose more prizes.

Nodding his head at the mention of the beanie, Hayate searched for another good prize. His eyes perused the assortment before finally something stood out. Smiling, Hayate pointed towards the item. It was a medium sized vial that was full of multicoloured sand. When he looked at it it first reminded him of the mission that he and Kiyomi had taken to the Sea Country... The place where everything started. Regardless of all of the negatives, the mission had been the cause of the greatest joy in his life, and seeing the vial now, it was almost too perfect. "What about that Kiyomi-chan?" He asked, a little timidly. He was afraid at first that she would find it unappealing, and he turned to look at her, waiting to see what she thought.

Kiyomi looked at what Hayate pointed at, after which she seemed to be a bit lost in thoughts. ''We will take that too.'' She said suddenly after some moment of silence, with a friendly voice. ''May I have my jacket back, Hayate-kun?'' Kiyomi asked, on a soft but yet very friendly tone. She was actually enjoying herself, spending time like this with Hayate. Maybe they should keep visiting carnavals and playing a dirty game back at those carnaval folk. Meanwhile, the man of the attraction with the weird accent went to grab both prizes for Hayate as he was still baffled by the idea a girl of Kiyomi looks managed to wreck his attraction.

Glad that she had been okay with his choice, Hayate smiled warmly. He held the jacket up so that he could help her put it back on, before offering her his hand once again. So far this night had been perfect, and Hayate had a hard time believing that they still had a fair amount of the carnival to check out. Seeing the look on the carnival man's face as he handed them their prizes, Hayate had to fight hard to surpress a chuckle. Served him right for doubting Kiyomi in the first place. Glancing around, he wondered where they could go next.

Moving her arms into the jacket, she smiled as she took on the jacket that Hayate hold. Turning around, she wrapped an arm around that of Hayate's, looking for something new as well. Suddenly she saw what was just perfect. ''That seems like fun.. for couples.'' She said, saying the last two words with a much softer tone. It was a ride in the love boats, that she was reffering to. Glancing up to Hayate, Kiyomi briefly wondered if he was willing to try that.

Couple... Now that sounded nice, Hayate thought, a smile forming on his face. Looking over to what Kiyomi had noticed, he saw the love boats. He was slightly hesitant for a moment, but even he wasn't sure why. Then, glancing down to Kiyomi, he felt that warm feeling again. "Let's go try it out shall we?" His voice was also soft, and though he had said they should go and check out the boats, he made no attempt to move. Hayate was too busy staring into Kiyomi's eyes.

Those eyes narrowed slightly as they glanced at the boats. It seemed that those who entered them were having fun. Seeing this had been great so far, she decided that they could try it as well. ''Yes, come.'' She finally said, a smile flashing back. Noticing he was staring in her eyes, she stood still for a moment. Then she winked at him, pulling him with her towards the attraction. While they were approaching the attraction, she kept looking at other couples. Softly, her arm that was tugged around Hayate's moved down till her hand held his. Waiting for their turn to step into a boat, she mumbled something. ''This time I won't put you in a sack, Promised.''

As she pulled him, literally and figuratively, out of his temporary trance, Hayate followed Kiyomi along eagerly. He could not help the warm laugh that spilled out as she mentioned the sack. Briefly squeezing her hand, Hayate saw that an empty boat was coming up. Stepping up to it, he moved so that he could help Kiyomi get into the boat, after which he would get in beside her, still holding her hand. "I must say, it is much nicer being in a boat with you and actually being conscious. Definitely a bonus." He playfully nudged her with his shoulder before leaning closer to her.

A light blush started to show on her cheeks as Hayate helped her in the boat. Sitting close next to him, she smiled. ''You think?~'' She asked, looking at him with a smirk. ''I also never heard you complain to be a sack either.'' She stated, with the slightly higher pitched voice. As the boat started to drift, Kiyomi noticed that they would go into a cave. It was lighted by all kind of lamps, in different colors. It gave both an interesting as a very beautiful lightning on both the water as on them both. Brushing slowly the few strands of her hair, behind her hear, she leaned against Hayate's shoulder. ''Hey Hayate-kun..''

Letting out a chuckle as she reminded him once again of his journey as a potato sack, Hayate turned his eyes on Kiyomi when they entered the tunnel. When she brushed the hair from her face, he let out a small sigh. "You know you make it hard when you do that Kiyomi-chan?" His voice was soft, and it sounded more like he was teasing her than anything.

''What do you mean?'' She asked back, her voice also soft. Briefly she turned her head to look up to him. The glint in her bright green eyes somehow seemed to grow by the lights of the latterns in the cave. ''Hard for you to not stare?~'' She asked, clearly teasing him back as well, her smile growing. Staring into her eyes once again, Hayate had to force himself to focus. "Well, that too. But I was going to say hard for me not to kiss you." As he said it, he reached up gently with his free hand and pulled her head towards him. Leaning in, he kissed her. Realizing that this was the first time he had actually kissed first, Hayate trembled slightly.

Giving herself to the kiss, she closed her eyes and tried to wrap her arms around his neck. Her heart skipped a beat and as she felt him trembling, she broke the kiss briefly. Still keeping her head close to his, his lips being a mere inch away from hers. ''It seems its not that hard, is it now?~'' She said, both to his previous statement as well to tease him about being clearly nervous. Placing her lips on his lips, she was starting to lose herself again the kiss. Only to then feel a shock going through her body. As she had her eyes closed, Kiyomi had been able to see the colors of the latterns vaguely. However, they suddenly vanished. Opening her eyes, she noticed that it was completely dark.

Pushing Hayate abruptely away, Kiyomi looked around. They were moving away from the light. Why was it suddenly dark? What was the meaning of this? Her heart that was first jumping, cause of them kissing, was now jumping for some other reason. ''No...'' Her eyes wide open, she still couldn't see any light ahead of them. ''We-We need to go back. N-Now. Hayate-kun... Ha-Hayate-kun.'' Kiyomi started, panicking as she kept looking around. The darkness, the pitch black surrounding that she hadn't experienced for years was suddenly back.

He had been about to respond when she had kissed him again. Lost for a moment in the sheer bliss, Hayate was suddenly wrenched back into reality as Kiyomi pushed him away. At first he wondered if he had done something wrong, and then he realized that he couldn't see. Feeling Kiyomi's panic, Hayate looked around, trying to find a source of light, anything to explain what was going on. Grasping Kiyomi's hand in his, Hayate tried to calm her. "What is it Kiyomi-chan? Can you sense something?" He hoped that her enhanced senses had picked something up, because so far he was still blind. Holding her as close as he could without being overbearing, Hayate wanted to protect her against whatever was happening.

Jerking her hand out of his grasp, she started to breath in an irregular way. ''I don't want to-to.. I need to get away. I-I need to get away!'' She hissed. A flicker of lightning sparked from her right hand before more lightning started to gather around the hand. It lighted the aura around them, letting Hayate see the expression of fear on Kiyomi's face. With her hands free, she made a cut in her left hand. Hissing again, more because the dark returned with the lightning fading away, she wanted to perform some handseals.

As she pulled her hand from his, Hayate felt a fleeting moment of pain. Seeing the look on her face as she arced the lightning from her hands, Hayate realized something. When the lightning faded, he could feel her panic growing. So it was the darkness. It couldn't be an enemy, otherwise she would have reacted by now. Hayate had never seen her like this, and it caused him far more pain than he had ever experienced. Thinking quickly, Hayate searched the pockets of his jacket for his lighter. Pulling it out he flicked it to life, casting a small amount of light between himself and Kiyomi. "Focus on the light Kiyomi, focus on me. I am here. You are okay. We are safe." His voice was as calm as he could make it. Concern still poured from him and he hoped that he would at least be able to calm her down.

She was just one handseal away. One away to summon the Void Rose. Shivering, she noticed the source of Hayate's lighter. Combined with his voice, she didn't finish the last handsignal. Instead, she froze and tried to calm herself down. It was like a conflict inside her head, much like when she had confronted 'Other Lilia'. Only this time, the enemy she was facing didn't show himself. This enemy was way more cunning and deadly. It was nothing she was struggling against. ''S-Sorry. I-I..'' Feeling ashamed, she briefly looked at the cut she had made with her lightning. Blood dripped from the small cut, from her hand in the boat. ''Help me..'' She whispered, trembling as she tried to focus on the little light.

Seeing her like this almost tore Hayate apart. He quickly realized that the lighter would not be enough. "Shh... I am going to help you Kiyomi-chan, I am going to help you but I need you to do one thing for me." As he spoke, Hayate had used his free hand and began drawing metal out of his pouch and across his body. Before he would finish speaking the metal would be almost halfway covering his body. "When I tell you Kiyomi-chan, when I tell you, I need you to release some of your lightning." The metal was crawling up his neck now. Looking Kiyomi straight in the eyes, he could see her fear. "Look at me Kiyomi, focus on me now. I need you to release your lightning now." The only part left exposed on Hayate was his face. He did not cover it for fear that it would break Kiyomi's concentration. As he asked her to use her lightning, Hayate grabbed her hand in his.

Still trembling, she was shocked. Releasing her lightning? ''Ha-Hayate...But it could hurt..'' She felt the cold metal as she tried to seek some kind of warmth of his body, trying to make it herself clear that she wasn't alone. Not alone with the darkness. As if her chakra was more willing to listen to Hayate, a flicker of lightning sparked through the air. ''I-I don't-'' She stuttered, wanting to say she didn't want to hurt him. Some tears were starting to roll down her cheeks, her shame growing.

Feeling the lightning charge through him, Hayate gritted his teeth against the pain. His plan worked however, as the lightning sparked around him, casting more light than his simple lighter had. Releasing the metal around his hand so that he could feel her skin against his, Hayate kept his eyes locked on hers. "You won't, but I need you to use more Kiyomi-chan." The spark of lightning that she had first hit him with was starting to dwindle. Putting the lighter aside, Hayate reached up with his now freed hand. Pulling back the metal on that hand as well, he gently brushed away her tears. His voice grew soft. "Please Kiyomi, focus on me. We can do this together... We can do anything together. But I need you to focus for me. Can you do that?" He still held her cheek in one hand, and her hand in another. Not breaking eye contact for a moment, Hayate waited for the next surge of lightning.

But no lightning came. Slowly calming down, she tried to lose herself in his eyes. But as the lightning faded away, she lost the sight of his eyes. As slowly as the light faded away, the fear started to creep back. ''I can't..'' She first said. A strange feeling entered her system. Something that was familiar. It drove the darkness away as some light started to shine. ''But...'' She whispered. A flicker of a blue flame started to light up in her right hand. It was instead of hot cold, so it wouldn't burn Hayate. Still trembling, she could see his eyes again but soon laid her head against his shoulders. ''I-I am sorry.''

Pulling her close, Hayate held her tightly. "You have nothing to apologize for." He said quietly, gently kissing the top of her head. "I am just glad that I have you back. I..." He stopped himself, and instead focused on holding her. Letting the metal recede entirely, Hayate wanted to make her as comfortable as possible. Feeling some of his body warmth, Kiyomi started to calm down more. Her breathing came regular again, but the feeling that the fear was lurking around her was still present. It was like a shadow that spying on her, waiting for the best chance to strike at her.

I had embraced it... I can't...No.

The thought in her head made her tremble again, a cold shiver running down her body. ''Help me. Please.'' She almost begged as she whispered the words to Hayate, trying to keep the fear away from her.

Using one of his hands, Hayate lifted Kiyomi's head slightly so that he could look into her eyes. "I am here Kiyomi-chan. I will always be here. I will never leave you-- I..." Lowering his head he placed his lips against hers for a moment, a brief moment, before pulling ever so slightly away. "I love you Kiyomi." The words he said, the declaration of love made her look up to him. As he briefly kissed her and told her that he loved her, she was only surprised. Then she opened her mouth, trying to say something back. But it looked like she was more of searching for the right words. ''I love you too.'' Moving her body closer to his, she stared at the blue flame, only to then see there was light coming from a distance. Likely the boat had made a turn. Letting the blue fire fade, she wrapped her arms around his waist, letting her head lean against him. ''I love you too.''

Those words made Hayate forget about the rest of the world. As the boat drifted back into the light, he found himself embracing Kiyomi, almost forgetting the pain from a moment ago. For awhile he felt like he should reply, but he let the silence grow. It felt like a comfortable silence. Wrapping his arm around Kiyomi, Hayate watched as the boat exited the tunnel. When it reached the platform, Hayate reluctantly moved from their comfortable spot and shifted himself so that he could help Kiyomi get out.

Staying quiet, she accepted his help and moved out of the boat. The man who stood at the exit, smiled warmly. Likely he though the dark red blush on Kiyomi's cheeks were due that he thought that they had done what a couple do in such tunnels. However, she was deeply ashamed of what had happened. ''I want to go home.'' She whispered, looking to the ground.

Gently taking her hand, Hayate led her away from the ride and towards an area that wasn't as full of people. Turning so that he was standing in front of her, Hayate used his free hand to slowly lift her chin so that she was looking back at him. "Let's take you home then." Hayate's voice was also quiet, and filled with deep concern. Locking eyes with Kiyomi he spoke. "I am sorry Kiyomi-chan... I..." His voice failed him and he just stood there, staring into her eyes, hoping that she understood what he was trying to say.

Gently, a hand grabbed the wrist of his free hand. ''I.. know.'' She said. Slowly pulling his hand down, she couldn't look at him. Though she felt happy that he tried to understand it and wasn't asking anything, Kiyomi felt bad. ''Shall we go?'' She asked, not moving away from him as she had a hunch that he was likely trying to make her feel better. It was sweet, but she knew better. It would take some time before she would be able to look back at him. That moment when she had saw that pitch black darkness, it was just too much in all of a sudden.

When she looked away, Hayate felt a twinge of sadness. Slowly he nodded his head, before realizing that she could not see the motion. Standing silently for a moment, Hayate looked down too. He wished so badly that he could fix this. Stepping forwards he hugged her. Placing his head on her shoulder, Hayate wanted to say something, something to make everything right... but the words wouldn't come to him. So instead he simply hugged her. Releasing the hug after a few moments, Hayate once again took Kiyomi's hand and began walking back towards the carriage.

Standing still, she closed her eyes as he hugged her. Once he released the hug, she still looked away. Knowing that he was suffering due her made it all just worse. Walking with him, hand in hand, towards the carriage, she spoke again. ''It.. was fun.'' She said with a soft tone. Kiyomi meant the things they had done and seen before the whole love tunnel ordeal. Squeezing his hand, she managed to drive some of the reddish tint on her cheeks away. ''I-I... I love to do this with you.'' She whispered. The carriage seemed to be ready with Kazuo sitting ready. The butler was reading a book, but by the sight that two were approaching, he placed his book away and waited for a word of Kiyomi.

As they approached the carriage, Hayate squeezed her hand briefly. Turning his head towards her and offering a small smile, he whispered back. "Tonight, with you Kiyomi-chan... It has been the best night of my life. Let's do this again sometime, okay?" Hayate wanted her to know that, despite everything that had happened in the tunnel, and even including a bit of it, he had enjoyed himself more than ever before. And she was the reason for that.

A little smile appeared on Kiyomi's lips, but she didn't return an answer. Walking to the door of the carriage, she waited. Though she wanted to open it, she remembered something. His smile widened as she paused at the door. Stepping in front of Kiyomi, Hayate reached out and opened the door. Pulling it open, he gave a graceful little bow. "Milady." He said, waving one hand towards the now open door. Not really in the mood to laugh, she couldn't not ressist to not smile at his gesture. Stepping into the carriage, she waited till he would enter as well. Once the door was closed, Kazuo would make the horses ride. As the carriage started to move, Kiyomi looked outside the small window on her side.

''How are you feeling?'' Was the question that Kiyomi asked, still looking outside. The tone of her voice was soft, but there was a hint that she was serious about her question, likely reffering to what he had seen this evening.

Sitting beside her, Hayate noticed that she still avoided looking at him. Though he still felt slightly hurt, he could at least understand a little. Pondering over her question for some time, Hayate finally answered. "Every time that I am with you Kiyomi, I learn something new about you. I know that it might not always be something good, and sometimes you may even think that it will be something that will push me away. But I want you to understand that it only makes me care about you even more... I meant what I said earlier Kiyomi-chan." He hesitated for a moment. Looking towards her, Hayate grabbed one of her hands. "It pains me to see you like this. But I understand a little bit more about you now, and I love you even more for it."

Love? It made her feel warm for a moment, she wasn't sure if she really believed it. There were parts that she wanted to keep from others. The fact she hadn't expected that Hayate would see this made her actually experience that old fear. ''Hayate, I rather not talk about it.'' She said back. Squeezing his hand, she didn't pull it away as she first wanted to do. ''Not now.''

"Okay." Hayate said softly. He did not like seeing her in pain, but he could also understand how talking about things didn't always help. Sitting there for a moment Hayate allowed a silence to linger. Finally, a small smile crept to his lips. "I gotta say though... that was a pretty awesome shot with the hammer you had. I thought you were gonna make that guy cry."

''Oh, don't start that. Like I hadn't noticed you played unfair at that first stand.'' She said back, trying to sound more cheerful. The big stuffed teddy bear was on the other bench of the carriage. ''But I think we shouldn't go to such things. Else they will jus throw the prizes at us.'' After saying that, she moved closer to lean against him. Closing her eyes, she let out sigh. There was so much she wanted to explain and tell him ,but it felt wrong. Maybe if she would give it some more time, she would be able to do so, but for now she wouldn't disturb him more than he had been already.

Letting out a soft chuckle, Hayate wrapped an arm around her as she leaned against him. "Well, we probably would have played more fair if they had too. But you're right, sooner or later we'd run out of space for all these prizes!" Hearing Kiyomi sigh, Hayate lowered his head and rested it on hers. He stayed there for a moment, not saying anything. "Just know that I will be here Kiyomi. If or whenever you are ready, I will be here."

Not responding, the carriage kept going towards Konohagakure.

---

Around two hours later.
Back in Konohagakure.''

''Thanks Kazuo-san. Would you be so kind to bring the carriage back to Azumi?'' With the butler nodding, Kiyomi looked in Hayate's direction. ''Its getting late, you know.'' She said, looking behind her. Her home was around two minutes walking distance. Though none of the shadow clones had poofed away, so her plan had hopefully worked out fine. ''Tomorrow, we're needed to group at the entrance of the training fields. But..'' Becoming silent once more, Kiyomi wondered if that was starting to become a thing when she was only around Hayate.

Closing the distance between them, Hayate reached one hand up and gently turned her head towards him. "I want to be able to see those beautiful eyes again at least once tonight." He whispered, before moving in and planting his lips on hers. He held her like that for a moment, finally pulling away and resting his forehead against hers. "I really wish I could walk you home Kiyomi-chan..."

Placing her hands on his chest, she waited till he break the kiss. ''Hayate-kun, you know that you can't. This.'' She softly patted his chest with her left hand. ''Isn't real. Remember? We're not together for our safety.'' Kiyomi told him. It was a rather strict rule that they weren't allowed to have a relationship that many should know about. Only a very few knew about it and the reason for it was that it was both for his and her safety. If some enemy wanted to try to see if she would go on a rampage with the Nibi's chakra, than they could try to do that by hurting Hayate. ''Tomorrow. Don't be late.'' Slowly stepping backwards, she didn't broke the lock on his eyes. Staring back, she flashed a little smile in his direction.

Sighing, Hayate nodded his head as she reminded him about the fact that nobody could know. It wasn't that he had a problem with it, as he really didn't have many people he could even tell anyways. It was more that he wished he didn't have to hide his feelings with her around other people. Seeing her smile, Hayate could not help but smile back. She truly was beautiful. "I'll be there... Goodnight Kiyomi-chan. Thank you for tonight."

Turning around seemed to be harder than expected. Slowly turning around, she picked up the big stuffed bear. As she walked away, Kiyomi couldn't help it. Turning around, she gave Hayate another flash of her smile. Kissing the head of the bear, she then turned around, holding the bear with both her arms. While walking, she thought about what she had experienced this evening. Almost, she was eager to turn around again to see if he was still there. To know he was watching her.

Watching as she turned around again and kissed the bear, Hayate's smile widened. When Kiyomi turned again and headed back towards her home, Hayate stood, rooted to the spot. It wasn't until he could no longer see her that he turned back to the carriage. Looking up to Kazuo before he entered, Hayate offered a short bow. "Thank you Kazuo-sama. For everything tonight. It was a pleasure having you as our driver." Stepping inside the carriage once again, Hayate glanced down the road that Kiyomi had walked down. With a sigh, he reached out and closed the door. It had been a good night...

Katsu was taking his weekly walk to the old teahouse, where he and his old, in both the sense of -once- and aged, mentor would go for his meals. There was a glum look on his face whenever he went there, remembering where they'd drink their tea and what stories the old man would tell him, or perhaps make him work in his own unique way. He still had the scrolls in which the poses he'd drawn years ago were. The place was practically empty as it always was at that hour. He stood still at the entrance for a moment and heaved a heavy sigh.

She had just entered Azumi. There was some paperwork she wanted to do, so she had the rest of the day for herself. The personal that had their shift at the teahouse had already started to prepare for the day. Like usual, Kiyomi would first visit the teahouse before heading to her own office. Though it was unusual she came at this hour, Kiyomi decided that it was certainly now a good idea to first get some tea before focusing on the paperwork that was waiting for her. Dressed in her more casual atire, she was waiting for her special order. Mint tea, with some honey in it. Yawning, she leaned on the bar as she drummed with her fingers on the wood.

Upon hearing a sound other than the rustling of the leaves, Katsu flinched and looked around for its source. He saw a girl sitting over at the bar with her fingertips striking the wood, making a basic rhythym. This was a first for the boy, seeing someone of his age at the place that would usually be filled with elder citizens-one could call-. He looked around to see if there was anyone she was accompanying but he couldn't see anyone with her.

One of the personal, a young man, came back with a mug. There was some steam coming from the mug as he placed it in front of Kiyomi. Mumbling a thanks, Kiyomi turned around as she had heard something. However, she wasn't really interested in who it could be, but she was surprised to hear that somebody came that early. And the more when she turned and saw that the person wasn't ''an older person''. ''Good morning.'' Kiyomi said. Her curiousity grew as she quickly examined the boy who had walked into the teahouse. If she had to be honest, she was really bad at guessing age, but he was probably not older than sixteen. Or eighteen?

Katsu froze when the girl spoke. She was definitely around his age, judging from her voice. He hesitated before speaking back, a smile forming on his mouth. "Good morning," he mimicked her. He looked around again, looking to see if he'd missed anyone before. "It's a change to see someone around my age here," he said awkwardly, trying to start a conversation.

Kiyomi had to resist to not giggle. Brushing some strands of hair away, she nodded. ''You can say that. What brings you here? If I may be so rude to ask.'' She added, realizing that it wasn't very polite to start throwing questions in his direction without even introducing herself. But she had already asked it and she could always introduce herself afterwards.

Katsu smiled at her, glad that she had elected to continue the conversation. "Ah... I used to come here with my old master," he said. "I just keep coming every week." The boy thought about talking about the old man but he decided against it, thinking it would be rather repelling. "My name's Katsu," he introduced himself with a smile.

''Kiyomi.'' She replied back. ''So, a weekly patron hmm? What do you think of this place then?'' Kiyomi asked, making a brief gesture with her right hand. She was kind of wondering what somebody of her age was thinking about the teahouse. Now she thought fo it, she hadn't really asked that. Mostly it were just seniors who came here. Though it was fun to talk with them, it was refreshing to see somebody who was a 'bit' younger.

"It's..." He paused for a moment, trying to find the right word. He let out a small chuckle before continuing. "... Rather dull, to be honest." There wasn't a better description for the place, according to him. "I have some fond memories of this place but the rest was just sitting and watching old people drink their tea and burn their tongues." He looked at her with a curious visage. "I'm also wondering the same thing... What brings someone of your age here at this hour?"

She couldn't help it. She laughed he said he found it dull. It was not really something surprising as she thought of it the same way. But it brought a profit as it was now. Many seniors and some other age groups liked how it was now. And Kiyomi wouldn't change it as she was content with the profit that was generated from the tea house. The other thing that was funny, was Katsu's question. ''I am the owner.'' Kiyomi answered back, a smile spreading over her lips.

Katsu stared at her blankly, confused. He pointed at the floor and lowered his head a bit as if asking "This?". He couldn't comprehend why someone like her would own a place like this. The first thought that came to his mind was the possibility that he had either asked the wrong thing or that she had misinterpreted the question. He was tempted to ask why but he didn't want to sound rude. "Huh. I see..." He kept pondering, looking at her, or rather in her direction.

''You look surprised. Why did you think then why I was here?'' Kiyomi asked, clearly amused by the surprise reaction of Katsu. The smile on her lips grew as she then couldn't help it, but she started to laugh again. ''Not that I find it that strange that you reacted like that. It has a story to it however.'' Thinking about it, she then decided to ask Katsu a question, again. ''What makes me wonder is, don't you need to go to school or something like that?''

"Oh... No, I graduated from the academy," Katsu said. "Only recently, but..." He looked back at her, his head not moving but his eyes locking his gaze on her rather than the wall behind her. "Could I perhaps hear the story?" he asked with a hopeful smile. He was quite curious as to why and how a young girl would come into posession of such a place.

The smile of Kiyomi faded away from a moment. So he was a genin, huh? She eyed him quickly while thinking about it. ''That means you're a shinobi.'' She mumbled. Then something crossed her mind. The smile returned on her lips. ''What about an exchange? I kind of wonder now what genins are made of these days. After that I will treat you on the story and lunch. How does that sound to you?'' Kiyomi suggested, taking a sip of her tea.

"What do you mean?" The stupid befudled look returned to his face. He didn't know how to respond to something like this without asking what he had. He really did want to learn this story so he figured he'd agree in the end, but he still wanted to understand the proposition before actually giving an answer. These days... He thought on what she said. Perhaps she was older than he'd estimated.

Now Kiyomi looked a bit confused. Raising her right eyebrow, she leaned a bit back. Making a gesture with her left hand, she started to explain. ''I thought it was pretty clear. You kind of revealed you're a shinobi. A genin, but still a shinobi. I happen to be one too and just want to see what you can do. Not that I plan to be serious or want to prove that I am better. Actually,'' She took a sip of her tea. ''I don't need proof of that. Nobody is beter than somebody else, in my opinion. But what do you say? Just a harmless little spar?'' Kiyomi looked back in Katsu's direction with a warm smile as she waited for what he would say.

"Sure," he said, smiling back. She refered to him as a 'genin'... She was obviously a higher rank than him and there wasn't much of an age difference between them. His smile was confident but he knew that a chance for victory was quite slim, if existant at all. In the end, at least he'd get to practice with someone better than himself.

Putting her tea back on the counter, Kiyomi asked one of the servers if they could save it. After that was confirmed, Kiyomi beckoned that Katsu should follow her. Walking towards the door, Kiyomi reached for the door handle. But then suddenly stopped. Her hand was on the handle, but she turned half around to look at Katsu. ''You never told me your surname. May I know it?'' Kiyomi asked, in a friendly way.

"I... I just didn't think it was important," Katsu mumbled. He then spoke up. "It's Uchiha." He went on to follow her to the door. He really didn't care much for the name. It was just a way to separate people into different groups, sometimes even creating hostility between these people because their names weren't the same.

An Uchiha. Very interesting. Opening the door, Kiyomi waved briefly with her free hand as she kept smiling. ''Don't worry. I was just curious. Mine is Sato-Hon. Not that I care much for clans. I have been taught that one person doesn't resemble a whole group, thus a clan.'' Kiyomi said as she would keep the door open for him. Briefly she glanced at the gardens. It had been some time since she had tried her hands at that. Maybe she could ask the gardener if he would be willing to help her with learning how to plant and take care of the flowers.

Sato-Hon. So she's one of her family members... He continued following her as they walked away from the building. He remembered passing by the training grounds right before each time he came there. "Are we going to the training grounds?" he asked, tilting his head slightly to the side. Nodding, Kiyomi would head to the nearby training field. Luckily they weren't that far from it. It was one of the reasons why she had Azumi being built on the current spot. It was perfect for when members of the Guardians wished to train, with the training fields that nearby. ''May I ask you a more personal question?'' Kiyomi asked, looking forward as she would keep on walking.

Katsu paused before nodding. "Sure," he said hesitantly. If she had to ask if she could ask about something, it was probably something most people wouldn't like to disclose. Though he couldn't think of anything he wouldn't want to talk about. He had very few pressure points when it came to secrets. ''Not just because you're an Uchiha, but do you... are you able to use the sharingan?'' Kiyomi asked, her tone very different than before. It was now more serious and direct instead of the polite and friendly manner how she had spoken before. Turning her head, she looked at him sideways. ''It is not that I don't mind, but I am just... curious. Think that is the closest tihng to describe it.'' Kiyomi told him.

He froze. "Er..." He was one of the few people in his clan at the age of 14 who couldn't awaken, or at least activate at will, the sharingan in his direct family. He continued to follow her, his gaze now locked on the ground in front of him. "No... Not yet, at least." This was probably one of the few things that made him feel insecure about his strength and skill. He sighed and looked up towards her again.

''Don't look like that. You almost look like you're disappointed. Genins these days.'' Kiyomi mumbled the last sentence. She then playfully patted Katsu's shoulder. ''It is a fact that only a certain percentage of Uchiha can awaken their sharingan. And besides, there are a lot more shinobi that are powerful and don't have a sharingan than vice versa. So don't make that face again, okay?'' Kiyomi said, but she thought about something. Not that she would show any hint that some darker thoughts were going through her mind.

He knew that quite well, but that wasn't really what saddened him. He sighed and nodded. "Right," he said, now sounding confident as he smiled. He looked over at the training grounds. And as they approached the field, Kiyomi began to ask Katsu something else. ''So, is it right to assume you also have Fire chakra affinity, like most of your clan?''

He shook his head. "I don't really have much talent using Fire techniques... I end up coughing smoke each time I try using one," he said. "I have a Wind chakra affinity." He sounded almost proud when he spoke about his chakra nature. He saw that they were finally at the field. He wasn't very comfortable fighting in an arena he hadn't visited before and prepared, but then it wouldn't be sparring.

The field was just a grassy plain. Nothing really interesting about it. Kiyomi's eyes gained a kind of glint when Katsu answered her. Turning around, she spread out her arms as she seemed to be excited. ''That seems great to me. To be honest, that means you're the first Uchiha I know that has another affinity than Fire. Interesting.'' Lowering her arms, she seemed to giggle. ''But time to test it out.'' Forming the Seal of Confrontation as she would keep walking backwards, the smirk vanished from Kiyomi's lips.

He mimicked her movements, a calm smile appearing on the boy's face. The smirk would usually annoy most people he sparred with at the academy, allowing him to remain calm and collected during a fight and easily have him analyze the situation. Once he stopped moving back, he waited for her to lower her hand in order to make his first move.

Still holding her right hand up, Kiyomi then only took a few steps back as she eyed how he stood like. He seemed neither too arrogant or confident. Meaning that he wasn't really that open. Which again was a good thing. Forming several handseals at a rapid speed, revealing she was true to her Hon bloodline, she would bring up her left hand to her mouth as she took some breath in. Taking a step forward with her left foot, she would lean forward while spitting out a big ball of fire towards Katsu.

Katsu turned his attention to the edge of the field the moment she changed her posture. He leapt backwards with his chakra gathered at his feet and tossed up two shuriken, clasping his hands together, shooting wind towards the fireball which pushed the shuriken with great speed along with the winds, making it larger and larger. Before the winds had reached the fireball, he had already gotten back quite a bit. He ran towards the side he was looking as the fireball got close and leapt out of its range just as it colided with the ground behind him due to its growth, the smoke covering his movements. The two shuriken he had tossed up were on the ground near Kiyomi, slowed down by the fireball, but they showed where they'd been thrown from.

She kept trying to track of how he moved around. The Great Fireball technique was just a way to see how he would react to such a technique. The smoke covered him from her sight, but she had her own ways on how to keep track of him. Pulling out a kunai, she easily managed to deflect the shuriken. She wasn't sure if he had planned to manouvre in such a way, to hide himself. But it was certainly something smart of him to do. Narrowing her eyes, she seemed to focus on something. ''So what will you do now?'' She asked, making the kunai in her right hand spin around.

A single wave of wind cut through the upper part of the smoke, flying towards Kiyomi. As the smoke itself started to clear, an image of Katsu was standing with his sabre drawn in the middle, where the smoke was least dense. Ducking underneath the wave, Kiyomi was frowning for a moment. That move reminded her of Kensuke Nimatsu. Raising her back, she noticed the sabre he was holding. But the details were hard to see, due the smoke. Then she threw the kunai towards Katsu, surpisingly accurately aimed towards the boy. Using her heighten senses of smell and hearing, she had aimed the kunai at his chest area. ''Better step aside, Katsu.''

The kunai flew through the image and it dissolved. He appeared out of the thicker left side of the smoke and bolted towards the trees. He threw a shuriken towards Kiyomi and patiently made five hand seals, ending with the tiger. He wasn't looking towards the shuriken he threw while he was performing the seals but he calculated that if it wasn't stopped midway, that would be the point where it got close. When he finished the technique, the shuriken split into two. He was hoping to have it at least distract her at the last second.

More shuriken? Kiyomi however stayed cautious. Pulling out six shuriken, she would throw five of them to deflect the five of Katsu in the air. Only to see that the shuriken split in two. Meaning she still had five shuriken heading her way. Running to the left, she held on to the shuriken in her right hand. Lightning crackled in the air, but didn't appear around Kiyomi. Throwing the shuriken towards Katsu, Kiyomi then performed a back flip. Landing on her feet, she would crounch and wait for how Katsu would react and do.

Katsu turned to see what had happened, to see the shuriken flying towards him. He imbued the sabre with his wind chakra and swung it, cutting through the shuriken while the blade left a faint trail behind it. He spun where he was and leapt behind the tree he was going towards. He stuck two explosive tags on its bark and then went to the next one, keeping his eyes scouting for Kiyomi.

Her nose wrinkled as she would stay crounched on her spot. Weaving several handsignals, Kiyomi held on to the last. Nothing seemed to happen, but it could just be that she was preparing something. A smile started to cross the lips of Kiyomi, as she would then slowly raise up from her crounched stance. The green eyes seemed to follow Katsu's position as she turned her head to his direction.

He kept his gaze on her as well. He pulled a kunai from a different pouch and swung it. It had a tag fluttering in the air attached to it with some string. Even though he hadn't prepared earlier, he was always carrying weapons that could be used to confuse the opponent. He followed the kunai with his sabre out. Kiyomi lowered both her hands as she then tilted her head. ''You're kind of... rare.'' She said. The sentence seemed odd. But what more seemed odd was that the kunai suddenly made a turn. It struck the bark of a tree. Pulling out a kunai, Kiyomi threw it towards Katsu. She still didn't made a move, still standing where she stood.

"What the--!? Katsu stopped in his tracks and threw his upper body back, dodging the kunai. He pushed himself back with his feet and landed on his feet, spinning around his hands. He flipped back a couple of times and looked at the kunai. He thought of using the violent wind palm again but she was also a fire user, which could become a problem if he used something like that. He took a couple of rapid steps back and hid behind a tree, now watching her from the bushes, his eye hidden by the shadows.

So he was surprised. Not really a surprise. Then again, it kind of was as she further thought about it. Placing her hands on her hip, she seemed to be waiting for him. ''You are a rare genin. Most would already bore me. You seem to be different though. Though, look behind you.'' Kiyomi said. The kunai she had thrown before was actually on its way back. The pointy end was aimed to hit the back of Uchiha, but the speed seemed to be less than before.

Katsu turned and his eyes opened wide. He tried to dodge it but it grazed his shoulder, pouring some blood. I see... He tossed his sabre on the ground along with his pouch filled with kunai and shuriken. I can still do it. If I get close enough...
"If I may say so... I think that was the wrong move to do," he said, now running at her, performing three quick handsigns concealed by his lowered head. He raised it after the split second and kept running at her with a quick pace.

''Is it?'' Kiyomi asked, tilting her head. She raised her right hand. Narrowing her eyes briefly, there was a smirk forming on her lips. Still, she wasn't moving around or taking any stance. The sabre of Katsu seemed to tremble, before it suddenly launched from the ground towards Katsu's back. Raising her left hand, Kiyomi clenched it in a fist, slightly spreading out her footwork. The kunai from before dropped to the ground, not moving anymore.

Katsu ignored the sabre, continuing to run towards her. The fact that only one object was coming at him would suggest that she can only manipulate one at a time. ...or was she holding back to take him by surprise the next time? He concentrated on his speed, increasing it with each step as he gathered more chakra on his feet. Just as he got close, about 5 meters, the sabre stuck through his back. Smoke rose from where he was. It was the simplest jutsu anyone was ever taught. A piece of wood replaced him but there was something strange with it. Two tags were attached to it that ignited and exploded immediately after they became visible.

Kiyomi had herself prepared to counter what ever he would attempt do when he would be near her. But she was surprised as the blade struck him from behind, revealing some smoke. Then she picked up a scent. ''What the.'' Quickly, she performed several backflips to create more distance with the piece of wood that was carrying some explosive tags. It was hard to figure out how many, but Kiyomi was quite surprised by the tactic. Only one person had ever caught her and managed to defeat her with that. ''Clever little..'' She mumbled, looking around as the sabre dropped to the ground.

Katsu saw that it wasn't a hit, but he was glad with the result. He was now concealed and had several other traps like this prepared while she was waiting for him to do something, probably when she was preparing the technique she used to manipulate the pieces of metal. The explosions were quite flashy. He picked up the kunai she'd thrown back and threw it at her again. He ignited the tag attached to it and clasped his hands together, shooting violent winds towards the explosion, creating a faux-ninjutsu technique, he called it. The flames grew more violent and moved towards where Kiyomi was standing.

Turning her head to look over her shoulder, Kiyomi didn't look that happy anymore. But more seriously. With a series of quick jumps, she managed to keep herself from harm. Her lips curled down as she managed to skid to a halt. Brushing a bang of hair aside, Kiyomi stared in the direction she had picked up Katsu's scent. Her nose wrinkled again. At first she wasn't sure, but then she picked up the scent again. ''Got you.'' She mumbled, pulling out several shuriken. Throwing them towards Katsu's direction, she then started to weave several handsignals before ending with the Seal of Confrontation. Standing still, she seemed to be waiting again for Katsu's next movement.

Katsu turned to the sound of the shuriken cutting through the air and clasped his palms, leaping back. Violent winds flew towards the shuriken, making them spin where they stood, slowing them down and changing their trajectories. He picked up his now heated up sabre and took a strange fighting pose. He swung it as if parrying an invisible blade upwards and a thin wave of air flew at her, cutting through the air. He quickly switched to the second pose where he was holding the sabre over his head.

A kind of blue thin aura started to surround Kiyomi as she kept watch over Katsu's movement. Lowering her hand, she placed both of her hands on her hips as she tilted her head to the left. With a duck movement, she managed to evade the current of air that he had moved towards her. After hearing it passed her, she straighten her back again, watching how he was moving. ''May I ask what you're doing?'' She asked. Maybe he was trying to keep the air currents around him moving? It wasn't the first time that somebody tried to use that to counter the Flying Blade technique. It also made her wonder if he was trying to confuse her with keep switching from poses.

After the pause, he took a deep breath. The excited smile disappeared from his face. In its place, there was a dead serious look. He was almost glaring at her but there was no hostility in his eyes. After the moment passed, his movements became far smoother as he kept slashing the air. The first move lowered the blade from over his had to straight down. While that current was moving, he dragged his foot to the side and pushed himself slightly forward, as if slashing through an enemy, which sent a horizontal current towards her.

Raising her left arm, as she was defending herself, Kiyomi's air seemed to be blown backwards. But the current seemed to be halted by something. Lowering her arm, Kiyomi flexed her fingers before she then formed a fist. With the last current approaching her, she spread out her foot work more before blocking the current with her left hand. A few inches, she was being pushed back before she had managed to stop the current. Flexing the fingers of her left hand, she turned her attention to Katsu. There was a bland look on her face, while she was still standing still.

While she was blocking the currents, Katsu pulled one of the five shuriken on the ground from the time he'd used the shuriken clones using the tip of his sabre, sticking it into its centre and swinging it at her. He had the blade on his other side once he'd swung it to throw the shuriken. He kicked off the ground and spun in mid air, the next current flying significantly faster, proportionate to the difference between the speed of the blades.

Still not moving, the shuriken seemed to be deflect as soon as it came near the thin blue aura around Kiyomi. She then finally seemed to prepare to move, quickly stepping aside to avoid the incoming current. Keeping watch of his movements, Kiyomi seemed to prepare a counter attack, but her eyes widened as she bended over. Coughing, she placed both her hands at her mouth. The thin blue aura faded quickly away as she kept coughing. A crimson liquid started to drip from her hands as her shoulders started to tremble.

Katsu was about to attack again but he stopped himself. "H-Hey, are you alright?" He sheathed the sabre, rushing over. He saw the blood dripping from between her fingers and his eyes opened wide. "We... We should get you to a doctor immediately," he suggested, sounding worried and afraid. Coughing up blood was never a good thing. Was she ill?

Kiyomi managed to raise her left hand. Blood was moving from her handpalm, dripping on the grass. ''Don't...worry.'' Finally she managed to straighten her back as she whipped the blood from her mouth with her left sleeve. Panting, she seemed a bit more pale then before. ''It is just an attack. Don't worry about it.'' She said. Her voice seemed hoarse and irritated. In fact, she was irritated. To have an attack during such an interesting spar. For the first in times, she had managed to find a most interesting genin. ''How are you?''

He looked at her, almost pitying her in this state. "An attack...?" Like I thought... It's because of some illness. He sighed and took a step back. "I'm actually almost out of chakra," he admitted. "Using so many consecutive attacks with that technique is hard for someone like me. It was fun and I learned a lot but maybe we should leave... Are there any doctors at the teahouse?"

''You..'' Kiyomi coughed again, but after the few coughs she looked up. A glare directed in his way. ''Shut... up.'' She ordered him. Slowly the air around them started to become heavier as she was unleashing some Killing intent. It was meant to keep him there. Trying to breath in a more regular manner, she saw no other choice. Slowly her left eye was starting to change from green to yellow. The other reserve of chakra, from Matatabi, was entering her system. It enabled her to resist the pain better. ''Listen closely. You will never talk about this. Get it? I am fine. It just nothing of your... concern.'' Kiyomi said, less hostile than before.

Katsu recoiled and froze when he felt the killing intent. His heart started racing and his eyes opened wide. He slowly nodded when she told him that he was not to mention what had happened. His eyes fell down and he stayed silent as he was told. He looked back up at her after a moment and quietly spoke. "Yes, sorry..."

The killing intent vanished as she sighed. There was some blood on her, but she wasn't worried about that. The second time. ''It is not your fault. Nor because I used too many techniques. I was holding more back than I have done at most times. Just don't worry. It is something that is just a bother now and then.'' She said, trying to not make him worry about her condition. Her hands trembled a bit, but she moved them on her back. With a smile, she tilted her head. ''See. I am fine. Now, how are you?''

Katsu was silent for a moment. "I'm alright," he said. "Just tired." He looked at her again, showing that he meant the words. He only had one wound from the kunai she'd thrown earlier but it wasn't anything to be considered as "being hurt". He studied her face without moving a single muscle, seeing how her expression had changed so much in just a few seconds.

''Good. I think I had promised to treat you on some lunch. Shall we go back then? I don't think I should walk too much for a bit.'' She said. Moving her right hand in front of her stomach, she noticed the amount of blood on it. ''That and I am a mess. Great.'' She mumbled the words, but then sighed. Crounching, she would try to whip some of the blood on the grass as she returned her attention back to Katsu. ''Mind if I ask you a favor, Katsu?'' She started. ''It is something about what I wanted to ask when we were sparring.''

He shook his head. "Not at all," he said. "What do you have on your mind?" He had an almost blank look on his face, though there was a small hint of satisfaction in his eyes. He started to think about what sort of a question she was going to ask, constructing dozens of possible questions in his head. ''Come. I will explain it on the way back. Just one second.'' She wouldn't need to prick her thumb or bite it. There was enough blood on her hands now. Weaving several handsignals, she placed her right hand at the ground. A smoke cloud was summoned and soon something hopped out of it. A rabbit, standing on his hind legs, that was half the size of Kiyomi looked worried at her. But instead of asking, he simply held up something. ''Thanks mister Usagi.'' Cleaning her hands at a napkin, she sighed before turning her attention back to Katsu.

''I want to recruit you for the Konoha Guardians.'' She said. No introduction or other way of explaining like she had done before. Or even a test, like many of the current members had been through. ''I am willing to give you a place in return of a favor. Are you willing to hear more about it? We can talk about it during lunch.''

"Huh?" He stared at her, surprised to hear the proposition. He didn't know much about the organization but he'd heard that its members would become much stronger over time. "I see..." Instead of continuing to speak, he nodded to show that he would come with her to listen. ''Come. We are going to sit somewhere... nicer.'' With some help from her rabbit summoning, she was already heading back. But she waited for Katsu to follow her. Then she started to talk again. ''You had some nice movements. Did your sword master taught you that?''

He followed her and nodded. "Well... He taught me basic sword fighting techniques and a way to create my own style," he said. He pulled out a scroll and unfolded it, letting the papyrus swing. "He would have me draw the basic poses, point out the flaws and make me redraw it. It helps me get an outside look at the way I would be fighting. Any opening I would find that could be exploited, I'd draw a new one to cover it up. That's what I usually did during our times at the teahouse."

She looked interested. Because of her own kendo-sensei, she couldn't have missed that he had a different style in kenjutsu than her. It was different than the way how the Nimatsu clan fought with kenjutsu. But the way how he had been trained was also vastly different from her. At least this manner of training didn't involve him getting bruised, exhausted and hurt. ''Interesting. Your master was a very wise man.'' Kiyomi said. ''I am sorry for your loss. How long ago was it?'' She decided to ask, in a more soft tone.

He paused for a moment, his eyes sliding to the side. "Two years ago," he said. "I was still in the Academy back then, of course." He forced a small chuckle. "It feels like it was sooner, though," he said, his voice sounding slightly more burdened. He shook it away and looked ahead. He continued to speak with a rather cold and distant tone, "But people come and go."

''Hahaha, that is true. Some at a younger age than others.'' Kiyomi said, trying to sound funny. But she realized that the joke was a bit morbid. Well, more than a little bit. It was quite morbid. ''I am not saying you will find any person to replace him, but don't worry. He has done a great job with tutoring you like this. I have trained also some genins, who are starting to show some great promise. I think you will do a great job over time.'' Kiyomi said, trying to cheer him a bit up.

He smiled at her. "Thanks," he said, grinning widely. He kept following her, trying to shake Konoe off his mind, which became harder as they got closer to the teahouse. Thankfully, he was quite skilled at masking his feelings and thoughts with a bright and warm smile. ''Tsk, no need to thank me. I barely have done anything yet.'' She mumbled back. By arriving at the front doors of Azumi, the rabbit summoning briefly went towards the doors as he opened it. Nodding towards the animal, Kiyomi managed to keep walking on her own feet. ''This is the lounge.'' She began. Pausing, she looked at Katsu. ''Please. Come, lets take a seat.'' For a moment, Kiyomi looked kind of exhausted. Settling down on a chair, she sighed. Running both her hands through her hair, she would wait until Katsu had taken a place as well.

He sat across her and looked up at her, listening. He was quite interested in the story she had promised to tell but was also eager to learn about the favor she would ask for. "It's nice in here," he said, smiling. ''Not dull?'' She asked, amused. ''I hope you will find it nice here. If you will accept, then it can become your second home. Most members tend to stay some days here. Certainly after some training. That is what the name comes from. Safe Residence. A place where you can feel safe to become stronger. Or just a place where you can learn how to make other places safer for others. But anyways. What would you like to eat?''

Katsu slowly shook his head. "Nothing. I'm not really too hungry," he said, holding one hand up in front of him. "Thank you for the offer, though." He didn't want to be distracted while she was explaining how the organization functioned, nor did he want anything to distract her while she was explaining how it functioned. Kiyomi stared for a few moments in the direction of Katsu. Turning her attention to her rabbit summoning, Kiyomi requested a mug filled with cold water. She still could taste the metalic taste of blood on her tongue. Not really the best flavour she could think off.

''But anyways. The reason why I have this place is because I want to offer something. I have had many great mentors. I think I've learned quite a lot of things, so I want to do the same back to the genins that can prove their worth. Not just by talent in combat, but I find it more important in how a person behaves. So far, I have the idea you're a fit member becauses you are polite. People like you are getting a chance to learn here at Azumi what I have learned from my mentors. Not just by me, but by other members as well. The Teahouse is actually just a way that I can generate some profit to keep this place running.''

He nodded, showing that he understood. "Also... You mentioned a favor," he said. "What kind of a favor did you want?" He was careful to sound warm and calm, seeing how the question would give off the feeling that he was being impatient, which was partially true. Thinking how she would word it, Mister Usagi already was coming back with the mug with water. Placing it on the table, the rabbit seemed to take a place somewhere else. But even while Kiyomi threw a glare in his direction, the rabbit seemed to do it never the less. Sighing, Kiyomi took a sip of her mug.

Placing the mug down, she felt already better. The taste of blood was gone and it helped to make her feel a bit calmer. ''The favor I want to ask you is very simple. You will forget what you have seen today. It is not something that should be known. By nobody. Those who should know already do. It has nothing to do with your application to the Konohagakure Guardians, but rather a personal request. If you would do so, I would be in your debt.''

"Oh. That's it?" He smiled. "I won't breathe a word about it to anyone. I'm quite good at keeping secrets." He was slightly relieved that this was the favor she'd asked him. Something told him that if he actually refused, that would be the last thing he'd ever do. She briefly smiled when he told her that he was good with keeping secrets. ''Good. Now, do you have any questions for me?'' Kiyomi asked, realizing that there could be things he would want to know.

He shook his head slowly, smiling. "No, not really," he answered simply. He had learned all he thought he had to during their conversation. He leaned back on the chair, his hands on the table, atop one another. ''Okay.'' Kiyomi said. ''I think that mostly concludes it for now about the Konoha Guardians.'' She said. Leaning a bit backwards as well, she decided to switch the subject. ''I have to ask thought. How interested in kenjutsu are you?'' Kiyomi asked. She wasn't planning on tutoring the boy herself as she didn't think she was good enough with kenjutsu to be actually worth to train somebody. Sure, Leo claimed she was, but she only went along with that to not disappoint him.

He paused for a moment, thinking about how he could answer the question. "Quite interested, I guess," he answered. "Kenjutsu is a large part of my tactics and fighting style." The smile on his face widened as he answered. Thinking, Kiyomi looked around. She had an idea on how to repay Katsu back. She wasn't only sure if it would really work, but in her head it seemed a good one. ''I am going to give you a name that might help you further.'' Kiyomi said. Whistling, the rabbit summoning of the girl came hopping as he looked with a curious look in Kiyomi's direction. ''Mister Usagi-san, would you please be so kind to grab a piece of paper and a pen?'' The rabbit nodded as he then quickly hopped away. Turning her attention back to Katsu, Kiyomi thought it would be best to explain what she had in mind.

''I am not sure who is going to be your coming sensei, but I will give you the name and adress of my kendo-sensei. He is kind... blunt. But he is a very good person that taught me a lot. Maybe heard of the Green Falcon of Konohagakure?'' Kiyomi asked, a little playful smile on her lips. She wasn't sure what Kensuke would say if he would hear how much she was actually praising him. Or was going to.

Katsu squinted his eyes, almost as if trying to see something. "I... have. I've heard some vague talk about him. He's a skilled kenjutsu user, yes?" He didn't really socialize with people too much, not being able to receive too much information about the infamous shinobi of the village. He only knew about this man from his old master, hearing the name being mentioned a couple of times.

Placing her left indexfinger on her chin, Kiyomi looked a bit up. That was one way to describe Kensuke. But there was much more to it. ''He is a very skilled kenjutsu user, hailing from the Nimatsu clan. Thought he was now their clan leader after some underground conflict between the Nimatsu and Hon clan.'' Briefly she thought about the moment when Kensuke had told her after a kendo training session that he had killed Katsuro, who she first taught to be her biological father. Back then she had been envious that she never had the chance to do that. Now, it was completely different. ''But he has also been one of the students of the Third Hokage and has achieved other great things. Like defeating several high ranked enemies.'' Kiyomi said, sounding a bit proud. Actually, she had the right to be proud. She had been there when she had seen him fighting against several strong opponents.

He listened carefully, his visage unfazed. He almost looked like he'd frozen while listening to her speak. "I don't think someone of his caliber would consider teaching me," he said humbly. "It would be rude for me to expect him to." Katsu would've loved to be taught by someone like him but to him, it was just unrealistic. Shrugging lightly, Kiyomi replied back in a calm manner. ''It wouldn't be rude at all. He is one of the top members of the Guardians. I also have him hired as kenjutsu trainer for those who are interested in kenjutsu.'' Kiyomi said. She smiled again. ''Besides, he was willing to train me. He is blunt, rough and at times just plain rude. But he does it because he will want to make sure you learn something. And as a genin, I was quite weak. I think you will do fine when you will ask him.''

A genuine smile spread across his face. "I see," he muttered, slightly lowering his head to hide the almost manic smile. He was quite excited to have a chance to be taught by one of the greatest swordmasters the village had ever seen. Glad that she could help, Kiyomi saw mister Usagi coming back. He was carrying the pen and paper in his hand. Taking the two objects, Kiyomi briefly coughed. It was a light cough and only has result that she briefly frowned. ''Sorry.'' Muttering the word, she started to write down Kensuke's adress. ''I am not sure if he will receive any new pupils soon, but I am planning to stop my lessons. I think you might learn more from him than I can now.'' After she had written the address down, she placed the pen down while shoving the paper over the table towards Katsu. There was however a brief disappointment seen on her face.

Katsu reached for the paper, hesitating right before taking it. He read what Kiyomi had written on it over and over again in the brief few seconds, memorizing it. He looked back up at her. "Thank you," he said with a wide, warm smile as he pocketed the piece of paper, stuffing it next to the one with the address of his new jonin-sensei. ''No, thank you. Maybe a new student will do Ken-senpai some good. Just remember to keep listening to him. He is a bit rough around the edges, but he.. he is a very good mentor.'' Kiyomi said. For a moment she was wondering if Kensuke was actually a mentor. Maybe he was more of like a friend? A big brother figure? That was most like it.

Katsu glanced outside. "Oh..." He turned back to Kiyomi and put his fingertips on the table, getting up. "I actually need to go and meet my new jonin sensei," he said. "It was nice meeting you, Kiyomi." As he spoke, he extended his arm for a handshake. She smiled again as she reached out her hand and shook his. ''It was nice meeting you as well, Katsu. We'll stay in touch, cause you have to let me know how your training goes with Ken-senpai.'' Pulling her hand gently back, she placed it on her hip as she kept smiling in his direction.

"Of course," he said. "Thanks again." He smiled back and let go of her hand, moving towards the door. Once he was outside, he performed a couple of handsigns and disappeared in smoke. Sitting back in her seat, Kiyomi looked a bit saddened. Leaning forward, she would slide her arms together on the table. Placing her head on her arms, she stared out of the window. Realizing what she had done, she hoped that Kensuke wouldn't mind it. Katsu seemed at first sight a good person. Besides, she couldn't keep Kensuke for herself. But why was it then so painful as she thought about it? A tear rolled over her cheek, making her realize she had cried often these months. But she couldn't care for that. Ken-senpai....

Kumoga was told not to be late, so instead she took it upon herself to arrive early. It was partially due to a slight eagerness to find out what exactly Tora's one on one sessions were going to entail, but mostly she wanted to leave a good impression by being a bit more than just punctual. She could already see the field and slowed down to a measured walk, now she could see Hatake-sensei and once she stopped, standing just in front of Tora, she gave a small bow in greeting. "I'm a bit early, Hatake-sensei, I hope that's okay."

Smiling to her student, Tora nodded her head "It is perfectly fine Kumoga. I arrived here a few moments before you. Seeing you are here, we can go ahead and get started." She said and then moved to the center of the training field, motioning to Kumoga to come join her as she sat down with her legs crossed "This isn't a test of skill. This is so I can get to know each one of you better, and understand better what makes each of you keep going. Its vital that the leader of a team will understand his team, but I assume you already know that." She said.

Quietly and at her sensei's gesture, Kumoga walked up to join her at the centre of the field and sat herself down as well, sitting on her knees with her hands gently resting on top of them. "I do not know much about leadership, actually..." She admitted, looking a little bit down-trodden with her answer.

"Thats not how I saw it in the training earlier. You were the one who gave instructions to everyone at the beginning, when you were chasing Kakashi. Was that just because you thought it was right at the time? Because things like that don't just show up out of no where." Tora said, and looked at the ground. She took four small stones and place them in front of Kumoga, with three of the stones facing the forth one "Tell me what did you think when you made the plan to catch Kakashi." She said and moved to look at Kumoga.

Mostly, Kumoga watched what Hatake-sensei was doing, placing the stones down as she was. But she listened to what she said and gave a brief nod. "I simply thought it would be possible to capture him using my webs, like a spider would natually capture it's prey, having the other two to assist in chasing and directing him towards the web I made caused for capture to be more likely... I guess I treated it more like I was hunting him instead of trying to get those bells from his tail." She explained, looking at the stones as if trying to figure out why they were even there.

Nodding, Tora motioned to Kumoga to take the three stones "I am going to give you a scenario now. And the three stones that you will control are you and your team. The forth stone is one of a target, one which needs to be captured alive and interrogated. After the interrogation, he may be disposed of. Now tell me how you will capture him, who will interrogate him, and who will be the one to dispose of him, after how you saw each of your teammembers act earlier today. " She said and then straightened up, waiting to see what will Kumoga do in this scenario.

Kumoga picked the stones up and looked at them for a few moments, thinking carefully. "I figure that I would attempt to capture the target myself, with my venom and webbing it would be easier to get him out of the way, but I cannot be sure about the interrogation and disposal... Shiratori-san might be good for the interrogation, but she seems to have a desire to kill more than anything, meaning she may get in over her head and kill the target before getting the information needed. Fujiwara-san was very quiet and, if anything, blunt. Despite that he could possibly work better for interrogation, seeing as he would get straight to the task and be able to control himself, unlike the doubt I have over Shiratori-san. Would it be possible to set both of them onto the interrogation, as to allow Fujiwara-san to stop Shiratori-san if she were to go too far?" As she spoke, she set one stone down first as herself and held the other two stones carefully, one in each hand whilst discussing the thoughts she had.

"You need to do the mission as quickly and quietly as you can without attracting attention. So, you need to think more carefully. Would putting two people on the same task be efficent for the mission?" Tora asked, liking how Kumoga was thinking about all of the options at hand.

"I guess not, going by my impression of Shiratori-san, she has knowledge of the human body like no other on the team, meaning she should reasonably know how and where to apply pressure or to cause pain to. And unless the target was especially hardy or strong of will, they would crack quickly... And that would leave Fujiwara-san for disposal, so long as he was able to find an adequate place to get rid of the body..." Pausing once more, she looked to Hatake-sensei for some form of response to her set-up.

Tora looked at the set up and thought about for a moment "I think the set up is good. Shiratori is indeed the best choice for the interrogation, and the way Fujiwara follows instructions makes him a very good choice for disposing of the body, as he is likely to find a good spot as Shiratori will perform the interrogation. And now I want you to ask yourself this." She said, picked up the forth stone and threw it backwards, where it hit a tree and fell backwards "What would be the first thing you will do if one of them failed in their part?"

Apparently it was a good plan, it was reassuring that Hatake-sensei thought as such about what she put together. Although the option of one of them failing their part brought concern. "Well... were it entailing that hte target was able to escape before they were finished, I would attempt recapture and send a clone to make sure that whomever failed their part is still alive and well." It seemed simple enough, right?

"That is fine and well, but that is not what I meant. What if Shiratori caused the person to die during the interrogation? What if Fujiwara fails to hide the body well enough, and it is found? what would you do then, as you were the one responsible for the mission's failure, as the team leader?" Tora asked, now her voice turned into a bit more serious, and it would become very clear that Tora is trying to lead Kumoga somewhere.

Kumoga was trying to think about it, the role of leadership did mean being held responsible for both successes and failures, and that was something she dreaded, the responsibility. She didn't feel cut out for such a thing, where it was down to her that something did or didn't happen, regardless of if it was actually her fault or not. "I... Do not know, perhaps I would have to find a way to correct whatever caused them to fail. Such as curbing Shiratori-san's appetite for killing. I would have to try and recover the situation as much as possible though, get myself and the other two out of the area to prevent being captured ourselves. As well as accepting the cost of failure when we return." Hatake-sensei's tone of voice was deeply concerning her as she tried to figure out what she was meant to do.

"Those are the right things to do." Tora said and then looked at Kumoga "But as of now, I am not looking for another leader in the team. I will give everyone a chance to lead the team at one point or another, but right now, you need to remember you are in a team. If you go and bark out orders, it is not fine, even if they follow you without arguing. I want that in the upcoming mission, you will talk and form a plan with your team instead of on your own, because they might be able to point out things you will not think of." She said, and then looked at the three stones "You did notice that you hesitated in putting the other two down, and only placed your stone down within a moment?"

What Hatake-sensei had to say about the way she took leadership brought the beginnings of a frown to Kumoga's face, looking down herself as she continued to quietly listen to her. "It is somewhat the reason why I do not think of myself as being capable of leadership, I am too prone to acting alone in favour of having a team to work with. Collaborative efforts are not a strong-point of mine." She paused for but a moment at the question. "That is because I know what I am capable of, having only known Shiratori-san and Fujiwara-san for such a short amount of time I would find it difficult, if not impossible, to know what they're fully capable of. It would take more time to be able to make such a confident decision with those two as I did myself."

Tora smiled again before taking the stone Kumoga placed down and put it in the young girl's hand "How will you ever learn more about your teammates, if you rather bark out orders than to hear what they have to offer. That is exactly one of the reasons they placed you in a team. So you will learn how to cooperate better with others. It may appear like it comes naturally for some, but for most its something that needs to be worked on. Thats why on the next mission, I want to see you not just go and tell the others what to do, but to ask for their opinions, as a beginning. See if they have anything to offer." She said and stood up "We are not done yet, but this part is over. Come." She said and begun walking in the direction of the tree which was behind her.

With the stone she had first set down in her hand now, Kumoga looked up to Hatake-sensei as she explained what was supposedly one of the reasons why she was put into a team, by the end of it she simply nodded in confirmation and stood up after Tora did to follow her to the tree. "What more is planned for this session, if it's not too much to ask?"

Walking beneath the tree, Tora looked up and jumped, grabbing a branch with her hands and then moving to sit on it "What we are going to do now is fairly simple. I want you to tell me about yourself. Family, how went the academy, and your combat abilities. You don't have to over describe anything, but I want to learn to understand you and your teammates better, which means getting to know you better. After you'll describe your life and combat abilities, you may ask me anything about myself. There are some things I won't answer, but most of the questions I shouldn't have any problem with answering." She said.

"Oh, well I am unsure if you've heard much of the Dobustu clan, but the main body of our clan are travellers and unless someone wishes to settle down we pretty much stay as unaffiliated with a specific village, most members of the clan are taught techniques revolving around arachnids. For example my webbing." She explained and showed as she spoke, webbing spooling from the tips of her fingers before she whipped it up to the branch above Hatake-sensei's and with practiced ease, she swung up and landed on the branch.

"The academy was okay, I was very quiet during that though, but I graduated, else I wouldn't be here. I was even part of a team before this one..." The young kunoichi came to a quiet point as she brought that up herself. "But there were a few problems, so I was moved to a new team, which is your one. I would not say I am very combat capable though, at least not in a direct fight, in a fight where I can conceal myself and out-manoeuvre my opponents I am best, but I do have a heavy reliance on my webs sometimes."

Nodding as she listened, Tora looked carefully at how Kumoga created her web with ease and brought herself to stand on the same branch she sat on. The fact she was in a team before this one didn't surprise her, as she did get to read her file, but she wanted to see how much she was willing to share, and she slowly got her answer "Okay. We will work on your combat skills, so I will show you how to turn a direct fight into a fight which suits you, as well as work on how much you relay on the webs. But go on." She said.

"Most members of my clan have special glands that allow us to create webbing from our hands and the base of our spines, as well as these fangs-" The girl showed what she meant, revealing amongst her normal teeth that her canines were in fact longer than normal. "-that have a venom in them to debilitate and nauseate someone we bite, I have been told there is another use for them, but that technique is reserved for when I'm more capable." Now she paused and looked to Hatake-Sensei. "What sort of techniques are you capable of using?"

Smiling, Tora opened her mouth and let out a small stream of water without doing any seals. After a moment she closed her mouth and then looked at Kumoga "I mastered Water and Wind releases. I can also use Shadow clones and you already know that I have a summon who can use shadow clones as well." She said and leaned slightly backwards while holding the branch with both hands, tilting her head backwards to watch a nest of birds with a small sparrow warming its eggs.

"That did surprise me when he turned out to be able to use clones as well... Is there anything that's unique to you? Like my clan and our webs, I do not doubt that there's something you can do that no one else is able to do." Kumoga's curious stare was focused on Hatake-sensei, she'd been given free-reign to ask her sensei about anything, so why not use it to find out what she could do as well? It was metaphorically an eye for an eye, after all.

"Well, lets just say that I have something that I prefer to avoid using unless its extra dangerous or a situation in which I will not have any other choice. But until then, you'll be safer not knowing about it." Tora said and gave her a smile and she moved back to a proper sitting position on the branch "Anything else you'd like to ask before we wrap up this session?" She asked, and already knew who she wanted to have the next 1 on 1 session with, but she will schedule that session for tomorrow.

Now Kumoga seemed extremely interested, despite being told that she'd be safer not knowing she wanted to know more due to he dangerous nature of it. Upon the prompt of any other questions, she gave a small nod. "What sort of things do you do, outside of training and missions? Like hobbies or places you like to go to?"

"Hmm... Good question." She said and did a small flip to hang herself from the branch with both hands "I enjoy taking walks around the village, reading a nice book and talking to people I know. Meeting new people is always nice, but doesn't happen too often, unfortunately." Tora said before letting go of the branch and land on the ground like a cat.

There was a small nod of understanding as Hatake-sensei explained in little detail what she liked to do outside of shinobi work. "I mostly stay at home and spend time with my parents or my spiders." Despite mentioning it, she was sure that she'd already given off a rather introverted impression when they'd first arrived at the training field earlier that day. "I have nothing else I want to find out, Sensei. So I guess this session is over, yes?"

Nodding, Tora gave Kumoga a smile "We are indeed done. It was a good session, and should you ever feel the need to want to talk to me or train, you can always come and tell me. I'll help you anyway I can." She said and motioned to her to come down off the tree "It was a delight learning more about you." She said and wondered if the session would count as good in her student's eyes.

Kumoga dropped from the branch and caught it briefly with her webbing to ease her landing before she bowed slightly. "It was really interesting finding out a bit about you, even if I did a lot of the talking... I will come find you if I need help at all." After that, she flashed a smile. "I will be on my way now, sensei. But I should admit that you have me extremely curious about that thing I'm safer not knowing about, it seems to be a rather important thing if it is so dangerous to just know about."

Tora returned a small bow in return "Well, lets hope you won't ever need to see me use it." She said and then watched as her student walked away from the training field. This was a good session, and it felt like Kumoga, even while she still had a bit of work to do with her, was someone she will get along with. Which was something important for the team. She hoped that Takeshi and Naoto will be the same as Tora begun walking away, leaving the training field as well and then walking in the direction of her house, wondering what she will eat for dinner.

"The ones going to aid the barrier, make sure to be ready to use anything you can to try and make the Yonbi stop in its place." Hoshi instructed, and five other people left the group as they moved faster. After a couple other minutes there would be 8 people on the barrier, and after letting some of the shinobi into the barrier, A few would do earth jutsus, attempting to force the Yonbi to stay in its spot by blocking its legs with an earth sphere that closed around the legs.

The Yonbi was roaring as he raised his hands and started to pound them against his chest. The roar caused the trees to shake heavily by the strong gust that was produced from the roar of the mighty beast. But while he expressed his anger, the shinobi tried to block his legs with an earth sphere. The great monkey looked down, clear anger revealed on its face. With ease, he raised his right leg while the earth broke apart. It was evident that the shinobi were with too less to use a technique that to effectively stop him. And how did they dare to stop him? The mighty four tails! The almighty king of monkeys! Letting another roar, the beast raised his right fist before he would slam it into the ground. The result was that the ground shook so hard that some trees fell. Those who didn't start to vibrate that heavily that anybody that didn't try to focus on their balance would surely fall.

Hoshi watched as the Yonbi managed to easily deflect their attempt at stopping him on the spot, so she hoped the Barrier would buy them a bit more time "Everyone inside the barrier, do not attack the Yonbi! Try and distract him, but be very careful as to where he tries to hit next!" She shouted to them, knowing it was an obvious thing to say, but she knew it was better than nothing at this point. She then quickly turned and ran to Ryoku, Eiji and Kuni, who were still standing a bit of a distance away from the beast "Ryoku-sama, do you have any plan? Right now they are distracting him, buying us a bit of time, but I don't want to risk losing too many lives or any lives, if possible." She said and glanced at the beast behind the barrier.

Looking at Kuni, Eiji couldn't help but feel like this was a bit wrong. He knew that Ryoku had his reasons, and his student already said she was ready, but it still felt like there could be another solution. Moving to look at Hoshi as she spoke, his expression turned into a more concerned one "We should try and lure him to somewhere that we will have an advantage of sorts. Its a very risky move, trying to lead the Yonbi anywhere, but I think thats the best option we have right now. Any ideas, Ryoku-sama?" He asked and looked at the Amekage, while Kuni still stood in front of Ryoku, wondering when will be her time to shine.

The man looked at the threat that was heading to their village. It was clear that they shouldn't let the beast come closer. The legendary tales about the creatures already made him worry, but to see one now in action was just scary. To think such powerful benemoths existed was a scary thought. ''We will lead it back to Amegakure.'' Ryoku said. His voice was neutral, but also full of confidence. Yes, he was scared, but he had faith. Faith in his people and village. His right hand briefly trembled. But he managed to control himself. ''We shall bring him to our home and face him there. The Rain will not fall for even the might of a Tailed Beast!'' Ryoku claimed. Some shinobi around him looked surprised. Some even angry. But nobody said a thing to defile the words of their leader. Ryoku could understand them, but what else could they do? Throw themselves at the Yonbi while he would easily slaughter them? Back near the lake of Amegakure, they had an advantage of the mass of water. If he would be able to use that, he could try to occupy the beast with those who were able to use Water Release. However, their numbers weren't great at all. Amegakure's military force was small and though they had been trained and disciplined, Ryoku did feared the worst. ''Hoshi-san, please inform the troops that you have sent to buy us a bit more of time. Eiji and Kuni. You move back with me to prepare the place where we will defeat this threat.'' Ryoku said, still staring in the direction of the might tailed beast. If they would only had another choice.

The Yonbi noticed the barrier. Squinting his eyes, as like he wanted to be sure if there were any people in it, the Yonbi rushed towards the barrier. The first slam just shook the barrier. Frowning, the beast roared as he glared at the shinobi inside it, before what seemed to be a twisted smirk on his face. Slamming his fists on the ground, the beast lowered his body while opening his mouth. A burst of flames then suddenly was sent towards the barrier, setting trees around it on fire. The beast kept spitting out the flames, literally planning to cook the foolish shinobi in their barrier. While the flames collided against it, cracks started to show in the technique. If it weren't such disciplined forces, it would have likely routed the group already. Not that they had much options to escape the flames that surrounded the barrier.

Hearing Ryoku's orders, Hoshi quickly rushed back to the barrier and saw the Yonbi setting things on fire inside the barrier "Dismiss the barrier! We need to start retreating towards Amegakure, to the large lake next to it!" She shouted to all of the shinobi, and while some were confused, they did as they were told, and soon enough the barrier was gone, and the shinobi who were inside the barrier and started to feel the intensive heat managed to begun rushing towards Amegakure, and Hoshi moved to stand on top of one of the trees and look at the Yonbi "Look over here, you large ape! You want me, don't you?" She said before beginning to jump on the top of the trees in the direction of Amegakure, intending to serve as a moving target for the beast so the rest could escape with as much safety as she could provide.

Eiji was more than surprised. Ryoku wanted to bring the beast closer to Amegakure. That wasn't exactly what he had in mind when he said they needed to lead him to somewhere they will have advantage at, but he also understood what the Amekage wanted to do. He quickly grabbed Kuni's hand and begun heading in the direction of the village, making sure to stay near the Amekage and also gave Kuni a reassuring smile, even though he felt like he was lying to her just by doing so. Kuni sent a large smile back to Eiji, showing that she still had the same attitude as always.

Hearing the sounds of the Yonbi attacking his people, almost made Ryoku turn around and try to fight back. To do what he should do as the leader. To protect his people from harm. But he had to follow his own plan. Pointing at one of the shinobi, Ryoku would give him an order. ''You. Please warn more shinobi. I want a two line defense. One front line where we will need to form up most. Preferably people who can control Water Release. Doesn't matter if they are chuunin or what ever rank. I want every able bodied Water Release user to help the first line. The second line shall prepare the defenses in the city. That means they should evacute the nearby civilians to prevent that they will befall any harm.'' After Ryoku was done, the man nodded and took a sprint, like if death itself was on his heels. Though he had yet to face the Yonbi, Ryoku felt like he had became ten years older. The stress and pressure of his duty was now more than ever heavily leaning on him. ''Kuni. How are you feeling?''

Noticing that the foolish shinobi tried to fall back, the Yonbi produced a sound it hadn't done before. It was his manner of chuckling as he knew that they could run all they want, but they wouldn't escape his divine wrath! None of them would just anger him and run away, unharmed! Raising himself on his legs, the beast was about to attack the retreating shinobi. Until another caught his attention. A vein appeared at the forehead of the divine four tails beast. That lower and inferior monkey called him an ape? He was more than a large ape. He was the divine four tails! The master of knowledge himself. However, one of his tails seemed to head towards Hoshi's direction while the Tailed Beast started to focus back on the larger group of inferior beings. Opening his mouth, he started to spit out balls of lava, that would reign hell on the shinobi. Those who were caught by it, would suffer a painful death. Something that became clear when a few of them started to scream out of pain and agony.

Hearing the tail bring some wind in her direction as it came her way, Hoshi managed to just barely jump over the large tail before continuing to jump between the trees "Is that the best you can do? Because right now you are nothing more than a large monkey who is trying to catch a banana, and you can't even do that! A monkey will achieve something you can't!" She shouted out loud. As the Lava technique of the Yonbi crashed against the ground, 6 shinobi were caught in it, and a couple were scratched by it, but it left a nasty burn where it hit. Those who managed to dodge the attack and those who were only scratched kept moving forward, now spreading out a bit to give themselves a better chance at surviving.

Kuni looked at Ryoku with a bit of surprise upon hearing him talk to her "I'm great, Amekage! It has been a while since I had a chance to have a run with Eiji, so I'm glad." She said, and Eiji couldn't help but feel both happy that she manages to stay the way she always does, but at the same time he was a bit worried that she might've not completely gotten what was about to happen to her "Ekuni..." He said, making the young girl turn to look at him and stick her tongue out "I thought you stopped with that!" She shouted at him.

The girl seemed to be not scared. Was it because she had accepted her fate? Or was it because she was unaware of what would happen? He felt little regret of that he had chosen her to become the new host of the Four Tails. It made little difference in fact. Somebody would have to have to carry what most would see as a burden. Even Ryoku couldn't think of it in any other way. To live as a Jinchuriki. Not that he was sure about how a Jinchuriki lived like. Amegakure had never had one in the first place. All he knew was how Jinchuriki were kept at the village as mere weapons and people to detter enemies. ''Good.'' Was all he said, already focusing on the next steps of his plan.

The beast gave no attention to the small inferior monkey. Like if he would be offended by mere words of such a low life form. The mere thought of it made him laugh as he kept on bombarding the group that was fleeing. Some were already dead, but the beast wasn't content. More had to die. Those annoying ants should pay with their very lives that they thought they could just offend him. Even if these looked different than the ones before, they were all the same. Following the group, the beast caught sight of Amegakure in the distance. Squinting his eyes again, a wicked grin appeared on the face of the beast. He knew that it was a gathering place for those tiny monkeys. Maybe erasing a whole gathering place like that would make him feel better! Yes, it probably would!

Noticing that the Yonbi didn't react to her insult, Hoshi figured she could do something else. She knew it won't have any effect on the Yonbi, but it might be enough to get its attention. Forming a few handseals, she let out of her mouth a rather large Fire dragon which then went and begun circling around the beast's head before attempting to strike its left eye. She then did the tiger seal and shot a couple of fireballs at the Yonbi, to make sure it sees who was the caster and get the attention on her. She then quickly kept moving, now running out of trees, but she was slightly behind the other shinobi, so she figured that if her distraction worked then she would only need to worry for herself as she started to run on the ground.

Three more shinobi died from the previous lava attack of the Yonbi, and Eiji heard their shouts and made a silent prayer for their souls as he kept running. Noticing this, Kuni moved to look in Ryoku's direction "Where do we need to go? Is it far?" She asked, hoping she won't make the Amekage think she is being silly now.

''We are nearly there. Look over there.'' He pointed. The lake was already in sight. And in the far distance groups were being formed. From chuunin to ANBU were grouped together. It was something gave Ryoku a bit of confidence back. Only to think of something that smashed that bit of confidence. Amegakure's military wasn't that big as most villages. How much troops could they muster at most? Five hundred in a situation like this? Something that would be easy to overrun by any other big village military force. Or a tailed beast. ''Eiji. I want you to lead the groups in the right flank. You will first keep the line together, but at my signal, you will start to move forward to focus attacks from the beast's flank.'' Ryoku instructed. He thought of what more he could do. But he wasn't sure what kind of tactics would work against an opponent like the Yonbi.

Waving with his right hand, the Yonbi managed to disperse the fire technique before it would do any damage. Like he would just have such a technique be near him. Only it made him grunt. It wasn't like he was immune to fire. The best comparison that could be made was that it would be like somebody would try to prick an ox with a needle. It would only make the ox furious, but do not so much in terms of damage. With the annoying monkey, who had the nerve to first insult him and then to attack him, running behind the group, he almost would wreak havoc on the group with a more destructive attack. But his mind was set on the gathering place of those inferior live beings. He would crush that place and create despair. Sorrow and fear! While he kept walking towards Amegakure, the Yonbi started to gather chakra in his mouth. He would unleash in a bombardement on the city once he would be in range.

Cursing under her breathe, Hoshi pushed her speed to the limit to allow herself to reach the other soldiers, and she managed to see Ryoku, Kuni and Eiji reach the first line of defence, and there Eiji appeared to split from the Amekage and the young girl to lead the first line of defence. She kept moving forward, hearing the footsteps of the giant beast from behind her. She suddenly stopped on her tracks and turned to look at him, forming a couple of seals before suddenly spotting a water whip which was aimed at the Yonbi's neck, and a water dragon which made its way towards the giant beast's head. Seeing the two jounin's who did this, She wanted to shout at them for doing this without any previous warning and then kept running towards the line. Soon enough she reached Ryoku and Kuni, and the young girl patted her shoulder as the Jounin Commander breathed a bit "I think the Yonbi might be preparing something big. It hasn't attacked in a while now." She said, and Kuni looked at the Yonbi. She thought it looked cute, in its own way.

He stared at the beast. The defences weren't fully prepared yet. But they had to make due anyways. With Hoshi joining him, Ryoku noticed that two jounin went already to try to attack the beast. He could understand them, but it wasn't what they were supposed to do. It was both a waste of chakra and giving the beast their attention. ''Order the troops to stay put until I give the command.'' Ryoku ordered. Though he was a friendly and understanding man, this situation made him stern and harsh. Walking a bit forward, over the water, he placed his hands on his back. The giant benemoth was close. Soon, the real battle would begin. ''May the blessed rain help us all.'' Ryoku mumbled, feeling something rolling down the side of his face. It was sweat. Of fear.

Opening the doors of Azumi, Kiyomi had enjoyed the brief break outside. The attack she had this morning had surprised her though. She could still taste the nasty flavour of her own blood in her mouth. Like it was something that just wouldn't go away. It made her feel a bit sick, but she shouldn't be distracted or stopped by just a nasty flavour. Heading into the lounge, she was planning to go to her office, but she caught the scent of somebody familiar. Coming to a halt, Kiyomi looked around. But just standing in the hall, she couldn't see anybody yet. Walking further more into Azumi, to the lounge, she decided to see who was around. ''Anybody here?''

Ezuri heard someone behind him ask if 'Anybody' was here. Quite a dumb question as there were some elderly around beside him and the silent bartender guy. However the voice of that particular person was one he recognised. His heart jumped to his throat as he slowly turned around to see if he was right. When he saw Kiyomi he gasped "H-hey Kiyomi, um, how are you doing?" what a stupid question, he had seen her just yet... He felt a little awkward. Okay, easy. Lets not mess this up again he thought to himself.

Noticing Ezuri, Kiyomi nodded Then she flashed a smile. ''I am doing pretty good.'' That was one big lie. The taste of blood in her mouth was the prove for herself that she wasn't okay. The cruel fact was that she wouldn't be okay for quite some time. Not that she would ever admit that. ''How are you doing?'' She asked as she nodded towards Kazuo. The silent butler made a bow towards Kiyomi, but kept attending to serve the few present people. For a moment Kiyomi wondered why there were elder people in the lounge. The lounge was more or less for Guardian members, but she would let Kazuo handle it. She had more urgent things to plan and act on.

Ezuri returned her smile with his own. He was glad she was doing well "I'm doing fine too". Ezuri looked around "I was wondering..." He started hesitantly "the time we sparred, around three weeks back, you told me to check out this place for the 'Konoha Guardians', but i cannot really find it... he had to blush a little out of shame, it was supposedly very easy to find if you know where it was. He grinned a little and took a sip of his tea "would you like some tea as well?" he asked her.

Tea. She could only drink a very few flavours of it. Others would just stir up blood and cause her to experience an attack later. But she hide away her envious thoughts that she was limited in her choice. Only to remember that he had asked her something else. ''This is the headquarters of the Konoha Guardians, Ezuri.'' Kiyomi said, giggling a little bit. ''But I have more pressing matters, so no thank you. I can maybe drink some tea after I have rallied Team 2 and 7.''

"yeah, about that" he said "this being the headquarters and all, you said me to check it out and such, but i dont see anything that indicates that." he pouted a little "I wish i could enlist, but if i cant even find them... His attention was soon shifted to another topic as he heard his team number and that Kiyomi was going to rally it with her own "what about it?"

Kiyomi thought about how she should react to that. She had told him indeed to check the headquarters. But not much of the guardians were able to help him. The higher ups of the organization were either ''dead'' or busy. ''I will talk later about your application about joining.'' Kiyomi said. It was a clear hint that she was actually a guardian. It only came to her own attention that she had a waist sash that had the emblem of the Guardians on it. But she shouldn't be distracted. ''I need to send notes to the members as there is a mission that the teams are going to do together within twenty four hours.'' Kiyomi told him.

Ezuri listened to her with his full attention, he did not fail to notice she was one of the guardians. he reacted with a clear 'Ah' to her explanation of why she was rallying the teams. He stood up to as he made a mental note not to screw up this time. Eyeing him, Kiyomi then thought of something. ''You are part of Team 7, aren't you? I need to do some paper work. If I would give you the notes and where you need to deliver them, mind to that errand for me?'' She asked.

"I am indeed a member of team 7" aswered Ezuri with a hint of pride. Kiyomi asked the boy if he were to deliver the notes to the members of both teams so they could meet up at the same place at the same time because she had somethign else to do. he didnt hasitated a moment before he answered "consider it done Kiyomi....-chan? he added hesitantly. "er-hum, you can leave it to me, I shall deliver the notes right away" he was almost on his way already before he realised he didnt even knew what to say to them.

''Yes. One second. Kazuo-san!'' Kiyomi waited while the butler went to grab a pen and some paper. It didn't take the man too long as he came back within two minutes. Muttering a thanks, Kiyomi quickly wrote down on the paper the address of the people. Then shredding pieces of the paper to write the note that the reciever should head to the field number 2 for a team meeting. That done, Kiyomi would offer the pieces of paper towards Ezuri. ''Here you go, Ezuri. Please deliver-'' Coughing, Kiyomi raised her free hand for her mouth. This earned a glance from Kazuo, but it was just a few coughs. ''Sorry. But deliver this as soon as possible, please. Thanks.'' Kiyomi said. Now she was already thinking about the next thing she would have to take care off.

"No problem" recovered Ezuri, taking the notes and bolted out of the door making his way through the city in search of his teammates and the members of team 2.

Sitting in her office, Kiyomi's head was leaning on her right hand. Finishing a report, she sighed. Moving to the next paper, she started to read it while calmly drinking her tea. The earlier meeting with the Uchiha had first occupied her mind. The Guardians numbers were growing. Only she was kind of angry on herself for the fact she had suffered an attack. But it had became less with the new medicine. There was only a very small chance that an attack would occur again, at least that was what she had been told. But the less people knew it, the better. Not that she was scared it would be used against her. Her confidence in her skill wouldn't allow her to be afraid of that.

After some hours, she could feel the sun on her back, the warm rays shining through the window. Laying down the pencil, she raised her hands to rub her eyes. In the corner something started to growl softly. A big bandaged sword shivered, while it continued to produce the soft growling sound. Sighing again, Kiyomi threw the sentient sword an annoyed look. ''I know, I know. But this had to be done. We can go out in a bit.'' She mumbled, while leaning back. Turning her chair around, she threw a look outside. The warm weather would attract a lot of customers for the teahouse. Already there were some couples of seniors walking past the gardens of Azumi to head towards the Teahouse. Staring at the scene, Kiyomi thought briefly of something. Slowly then, she rose up from her seat. The bandaged sword slithered over the ground as she walked around the desk. ''Fine, just stop it already. I am not in the mood to keep patting you all day.'' Kiyomi mumbled as she crounched to pick up the bandaged blade. As a response, it shivered while it was placed in the special made sheath that would allow the weapon to stay at his master's back. Walking to the front doors of Azumi, Kiyomi decided to head to the training fields. Maybe some meditation would do her some good, before she would later think of something to do.

There were crows flying around the training fields. They all turned to Kiyomi and almost stared at her for a moment. They quickly dove back to the ground and a young figure appeared where the black feathered birds collided. He looked over at Kiyomi with an almost excited look in his eyes. He opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it again, not saying a word.

Samehada started to growl, at the sound of a whisper when the crows started to fly around. Kiyomi had already noticed that there were a lot more than usual. Actually, she couldn't remember ever seeing more than two or three crows at the trainingfields. Patting the blade with her right hand, she made it clear that she already was suspecting something. When the crows started to merge, Kiyomi raised her eyebrows. That was something she hadn't seen before. Interested, but also cautious, she noticed a young boy. Probably at her age? Kind of frustrated for a moment that she was bad with guessing people's ages, she tilted her head to the left. When the boy opened his mouth, Kiyomi was waiting to hear what he would have to say. But then he closed it, not saying a word. ''Eh?'' She said. Placing her right hand on her hip, she looked a bit confused. ''Yes?''

The boy straightened himself up, his cheeks turning a light tint of red. He shook his head quickly and spoke afterwards. "N-Nothing! I'm sorry for staring," he said, bowing to apologize. He glanced at her and got back up, making sure to stand up straight and show respect where respect is due. Blinking a few times, Kiyomi flashed a smile before she would continue to walk towards the nearby training field. Passing the boy, she would continue to walk a few more meters. Until she thought of something. Looking over her shoulder, she decided to say something. ''That was a neat looking technique you had there.'' That said, she was already turning around to continue.

A smile curled up his lips as he heard her words. "Ah. It's... It's a technique I created for hunting," he answered, making the tiger seal to demonstrate. "I call it Scattered Body of Crows." The tint of red slowly started fading, still visible on his cheeks. He lowered his hands to his sides, trying to suppress the proud grin on his face.

Turning around, Kiyomi came to a halt. She heard what he said and thought of how to react to it. Already she suspected that he wanted to request of her. Just like it had happened before when she had been at the training fields and somebody approaching her. She already sighed, mentally, by the thought of him asking to teach her something. But as long he hadn't ask that question yet, she would stay polite. ''For hunting? It seems good as a scout technique. Have you made it yourself?''

The nameless boy nodded at the question. "I'm still trying to master it but yes, it is my own technique," he answered. "It still needs some tweaking but it's still pretty useful to creep up on someone or an animal." He seemed quite happy to be talking to Kiyomi for some reason. It could've even come off as strange to most people.

To her it only seemed like he was happy or a maybe cheerful person. ''I have noticed that.'' She said, in a polite manner to not sound like she was trying to make a comment on how he had approached her. ''So, what are you doing here?'' She decided to ask. Kiyomi was avoiding to ask a name as it would lead to a personal talk, where she would likely have to hear his request or why he had approached her. This question, seemed to her, more safe.

"Training," he answered plainly at first. "I was trying to separate the crows as much as I could so that it would be more stealthy. So many of them together attracts attention, huh? I reformed when I saw someone coming." He scratched his cheek as he talked, hesitant to speak out. That made sense to her. ''Yes, it did attracted my attention. But I think it would be great in areas like dense forests or fields where you can hide the crows.'' She told him. Half turning around, she flashed another smile. ''But I guess that I should wish you good luck on training. You can be proud of having such a technique of your own.''

"Th... Thanks," he said, a smile of satisfaction spread across his face. He thought of asking something of her but he thought it would be too much to do that. He knew he still had to train a lot and hard beforehand. He simply stood, watching. Turning around, she would walk to the nearby training field. She wasn't sure about the number, but did that even matter? She didn't think so. After arriving at the field, she noticed that it had a field that was divided in two by a river. There were trees on one side, while the other side had a kind of evulated ground.

Heading towards a tree, Kiyomi's right hand grabbed the hilt of Samehada. Kneeling, she would place the bandaged sword on the ground before taking a meditation sit in the shadow of the tree. Closing her eyes, Kiyomi formed the Dog handsignal, while performing the advanced chakra control training. Meanwhile, she would use her heightened senses to keep watch over the surroundings. She found the sounds actually soothing. Nobody else but her and nature itself.

The boy stopped for a moment and turned to her. After a moment's hesitation, he quickly weaved three handseals, hard to make out. Crows started to appear from his body, almost as if tearing themselves apart from one another. Soon, the body had disappeared along with the chakra. The crows flew over to where Kiyomi had sat, the boy reappearing a few meters behind her. He knew that she would hear the flapping noise of the crows so he simply stood without announcing his presence.

Still Kiyomi kept her eyes closed, while holding on to the handsignal. Slowly, she half open her eyes as placing her hands on her ankles. Looking with a frown in the direction of the boy of before, Kiyomi sighed. ''I think that you have a request, am I right?'' Kiyomi said, with a more neutral tone in her voice. Now looking with a more stern look, she continued. ''You are here to request some training or what so ever? Cause then you're out of your luck. I don't take on more pupils just like that.''

The boy had a determined look on his face, his visage now completely serious. He nodded, confirming that he was there to request training. He didn't move, now almost glaring at her. His feet were placed firmly into the ground. "I think I deserve consideration," he said, the timid tone now gone. The response made Kiyomi look surprised up. She had to admit that he had a nice determined look on his face, but that wouldn't change the deal. She had enough on her head and taking on just anymore pupils without a good reason wouldn't do anybody any good. ''Do you now? On what ground?'' Kiyomi asked, her voice becoming more stern.

"I'm a qualified applicant," he explained, his hands at the ready. "And I know my word isn't enough. I'm willing to prove it to you, even if you would not have it." After his words, there was some silence as they would keep staring at each other. Kiyomi slowly got up from the ground. Dusting her clothes off, she would say a single word. ''No.'' Lifting her head up, she placed her fists on her hips. ''What is so hard to understand about that word?''

"It's easy to understand," he answered, almost snapping. "But it's not acceptable! I won't leave until you accept to train me!" Kiyomi's face didn't change. She stood there, with her fists at her hips while looking with a stern look. ''Listen up, punk.'' She snapped back with a more or less irritated tone. ''I decide who I train or not. I just don't train everybody, got that? Understood? Now scram. I am not interested in small flies that just have developed an own technique. That is nothing special or unique.'' She didn't like to talk like that to another person, but he was pressing it.

The boy now quickly raised his hands, weaving three handseals with incredible speed, his determination fueling his strength. Dozens of crows appeared from behind, quickly flying towards her, almost making him disappear. Afterwards, some smoke rose from behind the crows and a black shuriken flew through them. Lightning crackled through the air around Kiyomi. She had only clenched her right hand into a fist as the violent force was unleashed. ''You..'' Mumbling, she looked around to pick up a trace from the boy. The lightning would keep up a field around Kiyomi, deflecting the shuriken as keeping the crows from her. ''Scram off, punk. This is your last warning.''

The shuriken was grounded, stuck deep into the ground. The boy appeared behind where the crows were and he threw two more shuriken, though not at her. They were sent to her left and right, above her. The surviving crows concealed their location more or less, protecting them as well. The figure had seemingly disappeared among the crows. The shurikens' directions changed, flying towards one another. A string was now visible, connecting the two to the shuriken planted into the ground. The string was thin enough and the speed of the shuriken was fast enough to cut through skin. Some of the crows above her were simply flying above her in circles.

Narrowing her eyes, Kiyomi heard the sound of two objects flying towards her. Turning around, the lightning still kept forming a field around her. The sound of steel colliding against the lightning rang through the air. With the two shuriken falling to the ground, Kiyomi let the lightning fade away. ''So you are now looking to get a beating?'' She asked as she looked around. Samehada slithered over the ground towards Kiyomi, but she didn't pick the shark blade up. Using it against a genin? No way she would do that. Even while hearing Samehada's warning, she already had figured out that the boy had likely become one of the crows. She couldn't pick his scent up. Meaning that he had either went into hiding or turned into one of the crows. Bringing her hands together, Kiyomi slowly started to form several handsignals together to mould her chakra for her next technique.

As she was weaving the handsigns, the boy's figure appeared from behind some of the crows, the color of his blade matching the dark color of the animals as he thrust the weapon forward. Just then, the strings attached to the shuriken tugged from a different side, kicking them all up. The strings tightened and one of them flew to an irrelevant tree, the other two following, though the string attaching the two had lifted behind the boy, flying towards the two together.

Turning her head to look over her shoulder, she caught sight of him. It looked like she was turning around to face him, but she heard the movements of the shuriken also stirring through the air. It seemed to catch her off guard as her eyes flickered to the shuriken when the boy was close. Only one warning would be given for her next movement as it was all just a feint of Kiyomi to be too surprised. She narrowed her eyes to glare at him before she would use let an afterimage get hit by the boy, while she quickly stepped aside and raised her right hand to grab the boy by his shoulder.

As the boy got grabbed, the string of the shuriken pierced through his back, separating his upper body from his lower, but there was no blood. Instead, the body started to deform and turned into several more of the annoying animals around them. As the figure dispersed, the deadly string continued approaching the woman, now with her turned that way, from front.

Now she was genuinly surprised by the surprise of the boy. She had expected to catch the boy and then end this spar, but it seemed that he had a decent trick on his sleeve. With the string approaching Kiyomi, she had no other choice but to focus her attention on it. Getting caught by that wouldn't do her any good as she had seen that it cut through the clone's body. Lightning crackled through the air as Kiyomi formed it around her right hand. With a quick slash, she cut the string in front of her. Flexing her fingers, the lightning vanished away. Realizing she had used both Sparkle and Chidori Current against a mere genin, Kiyomi became more irritated than impressed. Sniffing the air, she tried to track him down by scent, until she had an idea. Crounching, she pulled out a kunai with a blinding tag, waiting for when she would pick up a movement of the boy.

Both of the shuriken flew past the same tree, now stuck into the ground. The boy saw that his plan hadn't worked out too well. He wasn't planning on cutting through her, rather having her jump out of the way to deal a blow in mid air which she probably wouldn't expect. He had to use his final weapon in a different way. For this one, he'd have to get out and see her himself. He leapt out from behind the tree the shuriken had approached and swung one arm towards her the moment he'd seen her. The crows above her flew down towards her.

There he was. She had heard and caught scent of him. Quickly turning around, she then heard sounds from above, but her attention - more a kind of glare- was focused on the boy. Pulling out a kunai, she started to walk towards him as lightning now and then flickered around her. The first crow that came too close to Kiyomi's liking was struck down as the fierce force lashed out. She kept walking in the direction of the boy, spinning the kunai around as keeping her lightning up.

As the crows got into the radius of the lightning, he let out a cry. "Baku!" The three crows exploded, the tags on their backs igniting. The repulsive force of the explosion threw the boy back towards a tree, though he was able to reclaim his balance at the last moment.

The only sound that Kiyomi could make was when she looked up with open wide eyes, full of surprise as she could clearly hear and smell the burning tags. Bringing up her arms, the dust that was whipped up by the explosions concealed the place where Kiyomi had been. Something grabbed the boy by his right leg. The hilt of Samehada wrapped around the leg of the boy, while it let out some kind of strange sound. ''You....'' The sound of Kiyomi came from above as she was standing on a branch of a tree. If the boy would look what was standing on the previous spot, there was some smothered ash of wood. ''You're quite persistent, aren't you?'' Pulling out a kunai, she glared down at him. ''Just give up already.''

He was struggling with the Samehada at first until he heard the words "give up". He shot a death glare at Kiyomi, filled with disgust. He could feel his strength getting drained but he quickly pulled out his black sword, stabbing it at the point where Samehada had started to wrap around his leg. An angry sound was now produced by the sword. It seemed to not like the last action of the boy, about to stab tiny sharp scales into the leg of the boy. ''Let go of him, Sharky.'' Kiyomi ordered. She still glared at the boy, spinning the kunai she had pulled out. ''Go home, punk. I already said no, haven't I?'' While Kiyomi asked him the question, the shark blade's hilt quickly pulled itself back from the boy.

He had his head lowered but his gaze locked on Kiyomi. "I'm not the type to give up in a fight I started," he said. "That means I won't stop until you accept to train me. I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure if it would be appropriate but now it doesn't matter. I started something and I'm going to finish it." Grabbing the kunai at the handle, Kiyomi sighed as she then shook her head. Returning her attention back on the boy, she had a stern look on her face. ''Why should I take you as a pupil? What possibly is the reason why I should do that? Cause you want that? Just because of that? Is that how you go through life? Demanding things, not listening to what the other has to say about? Cause then I am already fearing for any innocent person that doesn't want to cooperate with you. Would you take something from a harmless person, just because you want it?'' Kiyomi asked him in a stern voice.

He sighed and looked up at her from where he sat. "I don't deserve to take something that I don't own. I'm not trying to steal from you. I believe I proved I was worth training when I repeatedly made you use lightning release." His tone wasn't arrogant, simply calm. Scoffing, Kiyomi placed her free hand on her hip as she raised her eyebrow. ''So you think you have pushed me around? That it is a feat to make me use lightning Release? Go back home, punk. You have seen the tip of the ice-berg. That doesn't mean you have yet proven your worth. To me, you can't prove your worth cause you're good in combat. I don't take pupils like that.'' Kiyomi told him.

Pausing, she tilted her head a bit. ''I want students that have a good willpower and are willing to learn. If you already proven your worth, why would you need me for? To get on a higher level? If you're already good enough as you have ''proven'', then why not continue alone and gain the respect of doing so?'' Kiyomi asked.

A smile curled up on the boy's lips, but he tried to suppress it. "I think you understood what I meant well enough. If I were to claim I was stronger than you, I'd have to be standing at the end. If I was arrogant enough to say such a thing, I wouldn't be here trying to prove that I'm worth training. If you simply take what I say out of context, of course you could make it sound like that's what I'm saying but that just means that you understand that I have a valid point." After having spoken, he fully suppressed the smile.

Something passed his face. The kunai had been thrown with a high speed and strenght. Kiyomi raised her eyebrow. ''Clever punk.'' She said on a more neutral tone. Kiyomi thought about it. He had some clever tricks, but should she really take him as a pupil? She had already noticed before that the Uchiha she had met before was also good, but that wasn't a reason why she would ask somebody to become her pupil. ''Why me? There are much better jounins out there that can mentor you.'' Kiyomi said, dropping from the branch to the ground after she asked him the question.

"I..." He heaved a sigh and looked down. "I've... admired you as a shinobi since I was young." He understood how that would sound vague so he continued to clarify. "My name's Tatsuya, from the Common Hon's." Kiyomi looked surprised. A common Hon? Samehada slithered towards Kiyomi, who stood there. Staying silent while the sentient blade produced a soft sound, her gaze became less stern. ''Admired...'' She repeated the word as she thought about it. Why would one admire her? There were so many more people that were more fite to be admired. The Hokages, past leaders and war heroes. ''Jeez.'' Placing a hand on the back of her head, she threw him a disturbed look. ''Why didn't you say that earlier? No, you just had to keep pushing. Now you will make me look bad if I say no after hearing that.'' Lowering her hand, she sighed. ''I still don't get it. Why would you admire me when there are so many better people?''

He smiled warmly. "Probably because you're more relatable for me," he answered. "You're just a couple of years older than I am and you're already a jounin." The smile was almost childish as he spoke. "And since you're from the same Clan as me, even the same branch as me..." Again, Kiyomi became silent. He said they were of the same branch. That meant he did know things about her. It wasn't that big secret that she was the daughter of Ilia Hon. Not certainly when she proclaimed she was the heir of the Lightning Flash. Kiyomi wasn't sure how to react to this all. She liked it that people liked her and admired her, but how was she supposed to react back? Just saying thank you and what then?

''And since we are from the same clan and branch, you want me to take you on as a pupil and help you further with becoming stronger?'' Kiyomi asked. It wasn't that she couldn't understand it. No, she fully understood it. She had done the same thing. Requesting and sometimes demanding from people that they should take her to train her. To make her stronger.

He gave her a confused look. "Is that strange?" he asked, trying to understand why she would ask something like that after everything he'd explained. He heaved a sigh and got up, leaning his back on the tree. "Of course, there's the fact that you're a skilled shinobi too," he added, wondering if she was asking if that was enough of a reason.

''It is strange. Cause it brings me to my next question. Why should I help you because of that? Where was the clan during the time of Katsuro's reign? Where you Hon's when I was suffering his beatings? Where you all when I was imprisoned, just because I was born out of a ''legit'' way? Well? Why should I help another Hon?'' Kiyomi asked in a calm manner. She didn't hold a grugde against other Hon's. But she wanted first to make some things clear. Her decision was already made, but she was giving him the first lesson already. That as long he didn't know details about her, that he shouldn't assume things that fast.

Tatsuya was shocked to hear the question. "Because I'm not asking for your help because I'm a Hon," he answered. "I'm asking for it because you're someone I look up to because you happened to be a strong and talented shinobi who I heard a lot about, since we live in the same area. Should it make a difference whether or not I'm a Hon?"

''No. It shouldn't.'' Kiyomi said. So far the boy was reacting in a manner she couldn't find a flaw in his reasons. She had tried to lure out a reason why she could reject him, but so far he seemed to have genuine reasons why he would want to become her pupil. ''Fine. I will give you one chance. You kind of impressed me before and only one chance is given.'' Kiyomi said. There was a brief pause before she continued. ''However, this means you're on a trial. Understood? I am not accepting you right away as a pupil. So don't call me sensei.'' Kiyomi said. Her tone was neutral, but she had the idea she was maybe too harsh on him. She didn't know him. But that was also the reason why she didn't yet accept him right away. He was still more or less an unknown person to her.

He stood still for a moment, not reacting at all, to anything. After a couple of moments, the child's face lit up, a visage of joy appearing on his face. He nodded, showing that he understood. "Yes, I understand completely!" Tatsuya answered. "I won't disappoint you."

''I doubt that.'' Kiyomi said. She crossed her arms out front of her chest while having a stern look on her face. But she was actually kind of happy to see so much joy. Kiyomi wasn't still sure if he meant it. He admired her? She could only think of one person who admired her, but he had a different reason for it. Actually, that was a different kind of admiration, she knew. ''Now, we are still not done. I am going to give from now one month time to prove yourself. I am not going to explain how you can prove yourself. You have to figure that out yourself.'' Kiyomi said as she produced three shadow clones. The clones would sit down, after taking some distance from her and Tatsuya. Each one of them performed a different handsignal before starting to meditate. ''I still don't know that much about you. Why not start with that?''

His eyes followed the shadow clones for a moment but he stopped when they performed the hand seals. "What would you like to know?" he asked, tilting his head. He felt that the question was rather vague. He could start talking about a great number of things to answer a question like that.

''You decide. The first thing you will learn from me is making your own decisions. I am not your mentor yet, so I can't even decide if you will do so. You need to make that choice yourself, pup.'' Kiyomi said, calling him a pup with emphasis. It was a bit fun to call another Hon a pup. She could remember that Kuni really disliked to be called like that. But traditions were traditions.

He smirked upon hearing the word pup. "Okay, then," he said, smiling. "Let's see... To begin; I'm 11 years old. I like reading and walking in the woods. I love playing shogi." He figured from her previous acts that if he said he disliked something, she might try to do it. "I hate being called a pup! It's degrading," he exclaimed. He looked for a reaction but kept going as he did so. "I find space and time ninjutsu quite fascinating! There are several techniques that could be forged for hunting, but the reason I'd been trying to create that one was because I was trying to understand how those kinds of techniques worked." He paused for a moment, trying to think of what else to say. "Even though I like hunting, I like animals too. I usually go looking for an animal preying on a weak one. Perhaps it's natural for big animals to kill the small ones but if I'm the only one who interferes, there's not really much of an effect on the balance of nature. I just want to save the weak little creature." He thought of talking about how he'd come to admire her but he remembered that he'd already talked quite a bit about that.

Kiyomi listened to what he was telling her. She only briefly smiled when he told her that he disliked being called a pup. It was indeed degrading, but she knew the reason why that tradtion was being kept. Much to the dislike of the ''pups''. The brief mentioning of Space and time ninjutsu caused her to briefly raise an eyebrow. She only knew the summoning technique variations. It reminded her of her failed attempts to create such a technique in that complex field. When he mentioned the last part, about animals, it caught her smiling again. Briefly, but she smiled never the less. ''I hate to break it to you, but I am not going to stop calling you pup. It is not only tradition, but has a purpose to it. But what more can you tell me? I already noticed you can summon crows, but what about a nature affinity?'' She asked him. The fact he was a Hon, meant the chance kind of big he would have the Lightning nature as his affinity. But she knew others Hon who had a different affinity.

A grin crept on his face without him knowing when he heard that she wouldn't stop calling him pup. "It's lightning," he explained. "But... I haven't learned any techniques in that area yet. I never actually attempted to." He was slightly embarrassed about the fact that he had no idea how to use a single jutsu of his affinity.

''That is no bother. It is already a step to know that. But what else should I know about you? I do know you're quite stubborn with some things.'' The last was a remark on the spar and how he hadn't given up on trying to become her pupil. Something that still caused her to be a bit to be confused. Maybe she should ask later why both Leo and Hayate wished to become her pupils, before they were officially assigned to her team.

"I like the word determined," Tatsuya huffed. "I think that's all there is to know about me, really. I don't have much of a story." He stared at her plainly, waiting for what could be another question. Kiyomi started to walk a bit to the right and then to the left. Seemed she was thinking about something. ''Or maybe that is all you know about yourself?'' She mumbled, sounding like she almost made a riddle from it. ''That leaves you to ask questions back. I will see if I will answer them however.'' Kiyomi said, stopping to look at him with a more serious look on her face.

"I don't have any questions," he answered plainly. He was wondering, however, if she was talking about herself when she said "that is all you know about yourself?". Gathering from what she said about her past when asking about why she should help him, that made perfectly good sense to Tatsuya. His answer made her tilt her head slightly. ''Oh? So you are just going to assume the rumors then? Or that you know enough about me?'' Kiyomi asked in a sarcastic manner. She wasn't intending to make a fool of him, but wanted him to think about it.

The boy shook his head. "Of course not. I wouldn't trust the rumours or what someone says about themselves," he said. "The best way to fully understand someone is to do it yourself, without accepting any information given by others' judgements." He didn't understand how what he said sounded like one thing to her and meant something different entirely. He made a mental note to working on how to word his thoughts better when the day was over.

Slowly Kiyomi raised her right hand. Lifting only her index finger, she raised her eyebrows. ''One.'' She said, not anything else. Then she lowered her hand, not explaining what she meant with that. ''I guess that is your own choice. Though that leads to me asking if you would trust me. I have given nothing yet to make you do that, so how are you to learn from me if you can't be sure if you can trust me?'' Kiyomi asked. She felt a bit like what she had read earlier. About a young stubborn boy that wished to learn from an old grumpy monk. If she only could recall how the story was called. Then again, she found the analogy in her head funny, cause she was only probably a few years older than Tatsuya.

"It's not..." He heaved another heavy sigh. "It has nothing to do with trust. You shouldn't simply go off what I told you about myself either. I was probably being biased about some things without even noticing it. It's because that's my judgement. If someone listens to something about another person, they'd think 'that's the truth' because there is no opposing view at first. Once that idea sinks in, it can change what the person would've thought if there was no influence at all. Is it so bad that I simply want to learn more about you myself?"

Again, Kiyomi raised her hand as she lifted her index and middle finger of her raised right hand. ''Two.'' Lowering her hand, Kiyomi placed it on her hip as she smirked. ''No, I think you're even right. But I hope that I ask questions to learn more about you. The fun thing about people is that you can often conclude how they are by how they react. How they word their answers. A more impatient person would question why I keep bother him with questions like these. A person that wouldn't get this lesson would just do whatever I ask. That means the person isn't able to decide for him or herself. Leading to self destruction. Its for those reasons, to name just two, why I don't just take anybody as my student. That and I still believe that there are jounins out there that can be a better mentor than I can be.'' She told him, but the last sentence was nothing more but a mumble as Kiyomi was still frustrated. She was learning more about Tatsuya, but she couldn't figure out why he wanted to become her pupil that badly. By now she was starting to look for the reason by herself. Maybe it was that she wanted to deny that people looked up to her? No, that couldn't be it.

He looked up at her hand as she counted up to two. At first, he thought it was a warning when she said 'one', since she went on to talk about how he might not have trusted her but that wasn't the case. He hadn't said anything that she would react negatively to. His eyes darted to the corners, seeing the clones. He decided to let it go, thinking he would learn what it was soon enough. "Of course, that's a different way of analyzing," Tatsuya said. "But the point is that you're not looking for the content of my words, rather how I say them. That wouldn't really affect your opinion of me as much as simply looking at what I say would."

Kiyomi seemed to ponder on his words. ''You can say that. But then again, I doubt my opinion is of importance. With that I mean that I first need to learn more about you, before I can form a true and not biased one.'' Kiyomi told him. ''Though there is always the body language that also is way to analyze a person. Though so far I have to admit that I still have yet to find something bad about you.'' Briefly, Kiyomi glanced at her clones who still sat down and continued the chakra control training. ''Let me ask you one more question before we will talk about something else. I want to know what your goal is. Not just what you want to achieve, but what you want to achieve with being my pupil. What is it?''

"Surpassing you," he said with a warm smile. "That's what I want to achieve by being your pupil." He knew what the answer would sound like and he could guess what kind of an effect it would create. "It's a goal I set for myself before I think of achieving any other 'life goals'."

A silence came over the field. Like the cold breeze that blew some of Kiyomi's hairs in her face. The bright green eyes stared at the boy who had told his goal. He wished to surpas her. Slowly Kiyomi raised her head to glance at the sky. ''Surpass me?'' She whispered. That really brought back some memories. Wasn't that not the same thing she had told Hiron? That she wished to surpass the Hokages? To make some changes when she would become one? While looking a bit up, to the sky, a sad expression dawned on her face. It had been some years ago since she had claimed that as her goal. Maybe it had gone too fast, cause how much time had she enjoyed to be under Hiron's mentorship? Back then, it all had been easier. Everything had been easier and the world wasn't then not a big scary place. Hiron was back then the strongest person in the whole wide world. But Kiyomi managed to break out of her thoughts as she turned her gaze back on Tatsuya. Now it was a warm smile on her lips. ''I guess that is a nice goal. Will be honest, I am not going to make it easy. I only wonder. Do you wish to surpass me in terms of combat capabilities or more?''

"To put it plainly... I want someone to look up to me and tell me the same things I told you here," Tatsuya said, thinking this was the best way to explain it. "I want people to see me as a great leader and a fighter. I'm concentrating on that one goal right now, and hopefully with your help, I'll start moving on the path to achieve it."

Again Kiyomi raised her hand and lifted up three fingers. ''Three. You have said three things that I once told my first mentor.'' She said, a little smile crossing over her lips. Lowering her hand, she sighed. ''But if that is your goal, I guess I can try to help you. But you need to understand that you can't learn only from me. I have managed to reach this position and developed my combat prowess and leadership abilities because I have been tutored by a group of people I respected. And still respect.'' That made her think briefly of those who weren't actually alive anymore. After a brief pause, she continued. ''But that is enough of that subject today. I think we could talk about your interests. You said that you wanted to research space time ninjutsu?'' She sounded interested, while asking her question.

He was quite surprised when he heard what she said at first. Even if she might still say "You're still not a pupil of mine yet", if this was the case, she had most likely already accepted him. A smile spread across his face once more. "Yes. It fascinates me," he said briefly. He went on after a pause. "Though I'm still finding it difficult..."

''You're not the only one. It is one of the most difficult fields of ninjutsu. I only managed to master a few summoning variations. But after some attempts, I focused on fields that I am better at.'' Kiyomi informed him. ''Do you have any summoning? Other than crows?'' Kiyomi asked. She realized she knew little about him regarding combat abilities as she had not read a profile of him yet. Maybe Hisoka would be willing to let her snoop around in what his profile would show?

He shook his head. "No, I don't," he answered. "I never had a contract with any of the animals for summonings." He looked up at her with hopeful eyes. She noticed how he looked at her, but she couldn't help him with that. She could summon three kind of summonings. First was Mister Usagi, her more personal summoning. The second was Ger, the huge bear that both she and Hiron could summon. The last was a more unique summoning and one that she only could. Unless Matatabi would be sealed inside Tatsuya and he could be able to bond with him. ''I know somebody who can arrange a summoning contract for you.'' Kiyomi began. ''But I can't guarantee anything.'' She decided to say, remembering his hopeful look.

Tatsuya's smile widened. "Is there anything else you wish to know about me?" he asked, remembering how she'd mentioned how she liked collecting information about people. To him, it wasn't a very valid way since reactions can be deceiving. There are some pretty manipulative people out there. ''You already told me that you have told me everything. If you hadn't, then Sharky here would have warned me so.'' Kiyomi told him. The sentient blade shivered briefly when Kiyomi mentioned his name. Sighing, Kiyomi shook her head. ''No, I won't.'' She mumbled, to the bandaged weapon. Turning her attention once more back to Tatsuya, she continued. ''I think I will just see what I can learn more. If I have learned enough during your trial, I will make my decision. If not, then I think my decision will be easy to predict.'' Kiyomi said. But she didn't want to dwell much on that whole trial topic. It was even better to keep avoiding to talk about it.

''I think I am going ahead with saying how your training is going to be. I want you every third day ready and able at Azumi. At 6 AM. No questions or arguments. Not even when you have just came back from a mission. The only reason when you don't have to expect me is when I have more important things to do. But even then so, you shall report your presence to Kazuo, the butler of Azumi. After you have done that, you shall start to train your knowledge in the library. From 6:30 AM to 10 AM, you shall read about the various subjects on history of both the Leaf as other subjects that are related to it. You are then allowed to have a ten minute break, before you will go to the dojo and start to train your taijutsu. Either alone or with somebody else. For now that will be your schedule until you will have managed to pass the first test that I will bestow upon you at a random time. Am I clear?''

She could say all she wanted about how his training was to come later but to him, this was training. He smirked. "Until what time am I to be in the dojo?" he asked. "Just so that I know until when I am to keep training. I wouldn't want to leave too early or too late." Kiyomi waited before she gave an answer back. ''Until the end of noon. After that you can go back home. For now, you shall do this every time in three days. The training will become more intense over time. But I will see if you can handle that.'' Kiyomi told him.

"Then I'll start coming there to train from now on," he said full of glee. He was quite happy with the current situation. If this month would do nothing else, it would definitely discipline him. During the the next month, he planned on coming each day. What's the point of waiting for two days? No, he wouldn't have it. "Thank you!" he said. He anticipated a response like "Don't thank me yet, I haven't accepted you."

''There is little reason to thank me yet. I am still going to make you pay for suddenly attack me. I won't forget nor forgive something like that easily.'' Kiyomi told him. The three clones behind her poofed away as she then sighed. How much time had expired? She felt a bit hungry and that brought up the thought she couldn't eat just anything anymore. Which was very annoying. ''My chakra control training is over. What are you going to do today?'' She asked him.

"Practice my shurikenjutsu," he answered. "I was going to home and read a book but seeing how I'll have time for reading later, I might as well try to get better at this." He pulled out a thin string from his pouch, gesturing to it. Kiyomi looked at the wire. Shurikenjutsu? Thinking about it, what duties did she have left for today? She had to head to meet up with the jounin commander for a briefing. Zakito had clearly mentioned both she and Kensuke should present themselves at his office within two days. Best would be if she would do so today. But she was interested in how Tatsuya would practise his shurikenjutsu. Walking towards a more flat stone, Kiyomi decided to sit on it. ''Go on ahead. I will just watch then.''

Tatsuya was rather surprised at what Kiyomi had done, but he smiled upon hearing her words. He pulled out a shuriken with the thin wire running through the hole in its center. He swung it, launching it towards a tree. It missed the bark by a mile but Tatsuya kept his hand in front of his face as if everything was normal. Leaning forward, Kiyomi let her head rest on her right hand, who supported her head. She kept careful watch over how the boy moved and reacted. By seeing that he had missed the bark, she didn't make any conclusions about it. She already knew some tactics of shurikenjutsu from Hiron. Missing the target was one of them.

He slung his arms to the left, making rapid handsigns. The shuriken returned from around the tree and towards Tatsuya. He tugged on its wire as soon as it got in front of him and snatched it out of the air as soon as it stopped. He then walked over to the tree, looking at something behind it. He lowered his head, disappointed in the result. She said nothing. Kiyomi had noticed he could weave handsignals at a rapid speed. It made her wonder if his speed was better than hers. But that wasn't really important. It was actually fun to see somebody else training instead of training with them or somebody watching her train.

He plucked another shuriken from the tree behind the one he had thrown the one he had on the string. He walked behind the trees and disappeared for a couple of moments. A couple of clones appeared near him. They scattered and he returned to his previous position, this time holding the two shuriken at the same time. Raising her head, Kiyomi wondered what Tatsuya was up to. She only hoped he wasn't trying to impress her. She wasn't one to be fast impressed by people. Not in terms of combat anymore. Anyways, the sight of the clones made her wonder what he would do with them.

He flinched and froze for a moment. After that, crows left the top of trees, signaling that the clones had dispersed. He had somewhat of an idea about where what tree was, where what obstacle was. He chose his targets and swung his arm, thrusting the two shuriken forward. They whizzed through the air and one of them separated from the other behind the tree and landed on a target made with a kunai. The second one struck the border of the target. He kept doing similar exercises, trying various challenges that could be applied in different situations during combat.

For some time Kiyomi kept watching how he practiced his shurikenjutsu. It was both amusing as interesting to see him train. With her own experience, she was however dragged in some memories. Slowly she could see a younger version of her trying to get good at shurikenjutsu. Of course, she tried less complicated challenges and often had Hiron watching over her training. Slowly the image faded away as she realized she was again dwelling on the past. That was unusual for her to do. Kiyomi continued to watch over Tatsuya, while he kept training. The temptation to give him some hints and tips was great, but she decided against it. It was too early now.

After quite some time, Tatsuya let himself fall on his back, several shuriken laying on the ground, his fingers bruised because of the tight strings around them. He tried to catch his breath, gasping for air. Normally, most people wouldn't use so many techniques trying to master some maneouvars with shurikenjutsu. Of course, he was still a long way from his targets most of the time, but he could see the shuriken moving closer to their designated destination.

Kiyomi was still sitting on where she had settled down. Her legs up in a meditation sit, she was leaning a bit forward with her head resting on her hands. With Tatsuya falling on his back, she slowly raised her eyebrows. This whole time she had just quietly observed him. ''You should probably eat and drink something. It is important to get some energy. Certainly after using that much.'' Kiyomi said. Her tone was more neutral, but she had a good intention with the tip. Slowly she decided to get up. Dusting her clothes off, Kiyomi thought of what she should do. Probably head to the office of the Jounin Commander. With Ezuri delivering the notes to Team 2 and 7, she should get ready as well.

Tatsuya sat up and looked at her, smiling. He nodded and forced himself to his feet. "R-Right." He felt that she was right. Some rest and food would do him well before tomorrow. He grinned widely to himself. "Then I should be getting home. Thank you for everything! I'll be at the Azumi tomorrow morning."

Kiyomi sighed out loud as she lowered her head, closing her eyes after hearing him thanking her again. ''I already told you to not thank me already.'' But as she looked up, she had a warm smile on her lips. ''Remember the times. Even if I am not there myself, you should start by yourself.'' Turning half around, Kiyomi shoved her hands into the pockets of her pants. ''Take it easy and till next time, pup.''

He nodded with a grin and started picking the shuriken up from the grass with rapidity. As he got nearer to a shuriken, he would quickly pocket it without wasting any time. "Of course I will," he said to himself, almost as if answering her. The smile widened as he picked up the last shuriken and leapt off.

Waiting till he leapt off, Kiyomi turned around. She would head towards the office of her uncle, but she thought about what had happened. While she was serious about not taking in another pupil, she couldn't help but to predict already that she would accept him. Sighing while close half her eyes, Kiyomi lowered her head. She was even liking some of his attitude already. Where was her strong willpower these days, she questioned herself a bit amused. Then again, it was kind of cool. Having a person admire you like that. ''Tch, pups.''