" They almost got me last time. They got ambushed by that spider, but this time ... I will be the one to ambush them. And this time, they will have to do their very best."

Hiroshi was not setting any traps or wires to ambush them - instead, he was aiming to catch them surprise in a large, open area. And he had the perfect plan for that. Biting his thumb and performing the necessary seals, he sumonned Hirudora. The tiger was not surprised at the summon, and waited for Hiroshi to explain the situation." I am going to need your aid, my friend. I intend to test them again, but I need your smell to locate them. You will go with my Shadow Clone ... " Hiroshi paused for a moment, creating one." I need you to find them and lure them back here. As soon as you see me, retreat to a safe location - I am going to hit them with a wide area technique. Once that is done, I would like you to regroup with me - we are going to test how they trust in each other."

Hirudora listened calmly to the plan and nodded." Got that, Hiroshi. I am already on my way." A second later, the tiger headed off with an enormous leap, the clone Hiroshi following quickly behind. Only a minute or two later, they were on the right track." This way, Hiroshi. I found them." Hiroshi smiled at the comment and followed Hirudora as he changed directions." I knew I could trust you, my friend."

Taking a deep breath, or several, Chinatsu tried to ease some of the frustration. She did not like failure, nor was she able to cope well with it and it only served to irritate her as the seconds ticked on. "I think we need to start heading to the center of the forest," Chinatsu said, pausing before turning to her clone then continuing "clone, run the peremeter of the forest." Grabbing a stick, she began cleaning the spiderling covered arrow and muttered something under her breath, once most of the spiderling goo was off her arrow, she put it back in the sheath and crossed her arms. Taking a bite of her apple after a second, chewing it slowly before slowly swallowing it and looking at Sayuri. "Failure is not an option, we have to get those bells and we have to succeed." It had been a couple of hours sense they heard from or has seen Hiroshi-Sensei, already beginning to feel more aggrivated and stressed. She needed to shoot something, anything as long as she got to use her bow and arrow, stopping mid-stride, she took off her bow and nocked an arrow. She aimed at nothing in particular, it was unfornunate that a small bird happened to fly over them and that became the aim, letting the arrow fly. Of course, it hit dead center, with all her practice and presicion, it would be shameful for it not to. The bird and arrow fell to the ground, lifelessy.

Sayuri was leaning against a three. They were searching for Hiroshi-Sensei for a couple of hours now, while resting in short intervals." I am glad you finally cleaned that arrow. The stench was unbearable. And the way they crunched when they touched something ... I had a hard time keeping that apple down. Agreed. Failure is not an option ... but then again, to succeed, we will have to do some miracles." She was catching her breath - avoiding all the wildlife trying to kill you was difficult, but they did a great job so far. That is, if you count out the spider. But time was against them." Chinatsu ... I have been thinking. We really need to wrap this up quickly. The sun is setting and ... I don´t know how about you, but I don´t want to spend the night in the forest. Everything in this place is trying to kill us ... or eat us. We have to do this before night falls. What do you think?"

The possible humor in her fisrt few statements were lost with Chinatsu, she was not in the mood to joke around anymore as she was putting all her energy on figuring out those bells. "I am not leaving until I have those bells in my hand," Chinatsu said, firmly. If it took all night and the next day, then so be it. But there was no way that she was failing this mission, this test of sorts, it did not matter what it was or how it would affect the future. All that mattered now was that she needed those bells, she would not stop until she succeeded. "Lets go," she said, starting to walk again and not caring how loud her steps were. She took in every detail, every movement and every sound, very little escaped her eyes and senses. Her expression no longer causal, it was no longer curious or impatient. It was very evident on her face that she do anything for those bells, anything at all, anything to avoid failure.

" Yeah, that´s true. Tell that to the next spider trying to sneak upon us when we fall asleep." But deep inside, she held the same feelings - no leaving without the bells. So they made their way towards the very heart of the forest. Passing several places that could provide them with shelter should they need it, she did her best to memorize them. In the worst case, they would take turns on the lookout. As time passed, she thought she heard a few branches to creak as they moved around them, as if somebody was moving on them, but decided not to pay any attention to it - a forest was full of wild life. But a few minutes later, she regretted the fact that she did not tell Chinatsu about it. After a loud crack of a branch behind them, she saw Hiroshi-Sensei accompanied with a tiger moving towards them - and their teacher was already attacking.

Using the Manipulating Attack Blades, the clone Hiroshi managed to sneak behind them. The kunai were travelling towards them with far less speed than he would usually hurl them in real combat situations. Sayuri noticed her and a split second later, so did Chinatsu. The kunai were about to fly past them in a safe distance, when Sayuri hurled herself forward, tackling Chinatsu in order to save her. The clone smiled - that is what he wanted to see.

Chinatsu spun around as she heard the loud crack, narrowing her eyes at Hiroshi-Sensei and the tiger that accompanied him. Not having time to react to his instant attack, she was knocked to the ground by her team mate and held down for a moment as the kunai that would have hit her flew over them, making a whistling sound as they did so. Shocked, stunned, uncertain and a lot more emotions flashed across her face before she managed to get Sayuri off her. Once back on her feet, she quickly nocked an arrow and aimed at her Sensei, if he was intending on trying to kill them then she would certainly not hold back on him either. Aiming at his heart, she let the arrow fly and was moving a second later, performing hand seals as she moved. Moulding her chakra as her jutsu needed, she just needed to be close enough to him.

Knocking the arrow away with a well placed shuriken, Hiroshi tucked Hirudora - they started to move away from them in a slower pace. Seeing Chinatsu was about to counter, he determined that to be the best course of action - to see how well will they handle frustration." We´re not letting you go away this time! Come, Chinatsu!" Sayuri was quickly back on her feet to and spotted her teammate firing an arrow away. Leaping after the direction Hiroshi-Sensei went, she picked up the arrow Chinatsu fired seconds ago. The clone Hiroshi, together with Hirudora moved back towards the original Hiroshi, who was luring them into an ambush. A second later, Hiroshi and Hirudora separated - the tiget quickly disappeared into the distance, while the clone Hiroshi was steadily heading towards the ambush site.

Chinatsu did not stop, she sprinted after him and kept her eyes on Hiroshi. Although she did find it odd that they retreated, but all she could focus on was that he was in sight and she wanted those bells. "Dont feel like playing, Hiroshi-Sensei?" Chinatsu asked, her tone almost made her sound like she was mocking him. She sprinted faster, keeping her chakra moulded as she tried to close the distance between them. Regardless of the situation, she kept sprinting towards him with a look of pure determination, it was one that could intimidate anyone if she wanted it to.

They were gaining on him! Hiroshi-Sensei was closer and closer with each passing second- Leaping from a branch, they were over a wide area - exactly where the real Hiroshi wanted them. Standing with Hirudora at his back, he nodded. Letting his clone disperse, he moulded a large amount of chakra, with Hirudora doing the same. The tiger let out a huge Flame Bullet, which Hiroshi enhanced with his Wind Release. The resulting inferno of flames was quickly approaching the duo, but Hiroshi knew what he was doing - the technique was aimed way udner them, making sure to avoid them - but from their angle, the technique was approaching them.

Sayuri almost stopped in her tracks, but she kept running towards the inferno. A plan formulated in her mind - a bold, crazy one. Making a quick series of seals, she used her Water Whip and latched it onto a branch close to Hiroshi. The size of the technique was working in their favor for now - it obstructed Hiroshi´s vision of them." Chinatsu! Go above them! We can avoid it!"

Nearly skidding to a halt, she eyed the inferno and gritted her teeth in frustration, flicking her hand in the upward direction she felt her whip grab hold onto something and used it swing herself upwards until the branch that it grabbed snapped due to the lightning in the whip. Forunately, she had enough air under her at the time to be able grab a different branch and latch onto it like her life depended on it. "I put too much lightning in my whip, next time I will try calculate that better," Chinatsu said, more to herself than to Sayuri. She began to see the mistake, following after them like that, it was a big mistake. "Sayuri, I think this was planned."

" A good thing we counter planned! Chinatsu - you will know when to shoot, and do it! This is our best chance!" Sayuri let go of her whip and landed on the tree, using her chakra to run upwards on it. Picking up one of the two scroll she had remaining, she unsealed the one containing the one with the sealed weaponry. A flurry of kunai and shuriken was approaching Hiroshi. Not wasting any time, she leaped away from the tree to another nearby one, hurling her own kunai and shuriken towards him. Leaping again to a branch higher, she used it as a springboard to launch against Hiroshi, drawing out Dragon´s Bite - Hiroshi was now being cornered from several directions, but deep inside, he was satisfied. What he witnessed was splendind teamwork. But he still had to see some more.

"I always know when to shoot," Chinatsu said, airly. She had already began performing more hand seals, a different jutsu and a different idea that would work with what Sayuri wanted as well. Now she just needed some more time, just a little, but still time. And it looked like she had it, even more so as her clone came running into the clearing and threw its own kunai at Hiroshi sensei, prepared to throw a shuriken as well as the other kunai in her hand. A minute later, she was ready, her arrow now covered in her lightning chakra and as it was nocked, she took aim. Not waiting for a signal, she let it go and just like last time, she was already moving towards Hiroshi-Sensei.

Cornered from all directions, Hiroshi was satisfied with the result - but he wanted to see a bit more. Using his Wind Release, he deflected Sayuri´s barrage of weapons. Quickly dodging Chinatsu´s arrow opened the window for Sayuri - unsealing her last scroll, she sent it to Chinatsu´s arrow using her Red Flash and made it fire the net - the only one she managed to retrieve from earlier towards Hiroshi´s back. Another puff of smoke - and Hiroshi was gone from behind the net, using the Substitution Technique. Sayuri arrived way too late to pose any danger, and so did the net - but that was all part of her plan. Grabbing the net and gritting her teeth, she sent it to the Red Flash seal on Hiroshi´s back - the one she applied in her previous encounter.

Caught by surprise as he though he was out of their reach, he saw enough. The two girls were capable of working like a team and despite cleanly being frustrated and pushed, they refused to give up the mission. Letting himself be captured by the net and making it look like he was done for, he waited. Sayuri immediately spotted this and credited it to the surprise they achieved. Leaping towards him, she went straight for the bells." Go, Chinatsu!"

"Already working on it," Chinatsu said, already having Hiroshi in her sights, readied her bow and sent two arrows at him. One hit his left shoulder and the other his right, firmly pinning him to the ground for the moment as the clone approached, so did the real Chinatsu. The clone getting there first, a kunai steady on the back of Hiroshi-Sensei neck as the real one got there in time to locate the bells. Wanting to claim both of them, she would let Sayuri get her own, she was a very capable team mate and one to rely on as well. Grabbing and snapping the small cord that attatched to his belt loop, she jumped away with the bell in her hand. She rang it, once then once more, a very proud and arrogant yet lofty smile on her face. "Alright Sayrui, dont dissapoint me now. Get yours," Chinatsu said, stilling ringing the bell.

Hiroshi was a bit surprised at how much Chinatsu pushed their point as he found a kunai on his neck. But it was a god thing - not letting down their guard even against a seemingly defeated target. He stood there, motionless - allowing for Sayuri to grab the second bell. The girl was a bit surprised at how easy it was. The moment the girls got the bell, Hiroshi got rid of the net, as well as of the clone that was still holding a kunai to his neck. He jumped and landed right in front of them. Extending both his hands, he placed them on top of the heads of his students, with a wide smile setting on his lips." Chinatsu, Sayuri ... you both have done well in this mission. The purpose of this mission was to test your ability to survive in a hostile environment - that spider confirmed to me that you can take care of yourselves. To survive the unexpected - like my assault right after the spider attack. To not give up on the task at had - I was following you, thanks to Hirudora. You were on the edge several times, but you persevered. And the willingness of both of you to give your everything, and maybe a bit more. There were certain areas that were lacking, that is for sure ... but I will take care of that. Chinatsu Hon, Sayuri Cho - you are now officially Genin in Team Six!"

"Well, what did you expect? Us to fail miserably?" Chinatsu asked bluntly to, glaring at him harshly. Finally after a long silent glare, she turned to Sayuri with a grin. "Told you, we would succeed, there was no reason to leave before dark," Chinatsu said to her. Nodding, she looked to the tiger and eyed it carefully. "You led us into ambush, was that really the smartest thing to do? Knowing the outcome now, it does seem to be smart thing to do?" she asked. It had worked, so to speak but it was a good training and or misson for the first time.

" I expected many things, Chinatsu. You did well,but don´t let that get into your head. Leading you into an ambush was a way to test how quick can you react and come up with a plan. If you would take note, my technique was aimed under you ... but you did great. Next time we will do this exam, I expect both of you to be at the rank of a Chuunin ... and you can expect me not holding back." Sayuri was silent most of time, still comprehending what happened in the last few minutes." I think ... I think we did just fine. Not bad, not good ... just fine. And we learned that we don´t like spider-ka-bob ... but ... yeah. I knew we would succeed, Chinatsu ... but now ... can we just, you know ... get out of here, Hiroshi-Sensei?" Hiroshi chuckled a bit." Of course. Thank you, Hirudora. You are free to leave, if you desire so. I will be leading my team out." The tiger bowed it´s head and disappeared in a puff of smoke. Hiroshi waved his hand and signaled his team to follow him.

" Both of you have one free day - you earned it. But expect us to continue on carrying missions - more and more dangerous."

Aiko checked the four backpacks. They were each filled with the required tools and provision that they would need. Today they would really head out for a true mission and not like last time for a training one. Being sure that each backpack was filled like she had planned for, Aiko sat down on the ground. It was around the time that her students should show up. Judging by the position of the sun, it was almost noon. The time that they should come. At least, Aiko was sure that she had delivered the notes to the addresses. Deciding to wait instead of worrying over it, Aiko started to hum a familiar tone.

Yukara ran, her mother would not let her leave the house until she had done her share of some work no matter how much Yukara begged to be given the day off from her chores. But then when it looked like she would get her way, her father took her mothers side and she ended up doing more than her share of the work. So now she was running late, sprinting down the paths and finally arriving at the leaf Village, she tore down the roads, bumping into people left and right. "SORRY!" Yukara yelled over her shoulder to some man who started yelling after she nearly caused him to fall on his butt. Finally she saw Aiko-Sensei, with a grin she ran over to Aiko, panting and taking in huge gulps of air. "I... am... sorry... if .... I am.... late," Yukara said, taking more air in as she talked.

He had checked his gear twice. It wasn't because he was so unsure of himself, but how the last training mission went. In his own eyes it wasn't really a failure, but it wasn't a success either. That was bothering Koike a bit, but he decided to keep focusing on the present with a mission now ahead of them. Heading out to the meeting point, Koike was not hurrying up, cause it wasn't that far and neither was he too late if he would head out now. Arriving at the field, he saw that both Aiko and Yukara were already present. Heading towards the two, he speak up. ''Present.''

Katsu was in the library, having decided that it would be best to train and read up a bit before the meet up. Sadly, he had the same idea last night. The boy was sitting, his head dug into the pages of a book. Sweet unconsciousness had taken him. Under his palm was trapped a crumpled piece of paper with a set date on it.

A smile tugged on Aiko's lips as she saw Yukara. Raising her hands in front of her, Aiko tried to make it clear that Yukara shouldn't worry. ''You're not too late. Take it easy.'' Not long after Yukara had came, Koike appeared. ''Good to see you too. Now, it is only Katsu and then we can leave.'' Aiko stated as she looked around. Where was Katsu? Not that he was too late for the meeting, but it was a bit strange to not see him arrive yet. Pondering on what she should decide, Aiko would wait for a few minutes.

Upon seeing Koike, she tried to give him what she hoped would pass for a smile but probably looked more like a grimace, with a sigh. "Hi Koike, how are you?" Yukara asked, it seemed a little rehearsed but at least it was not hositle. She watched him, trying to gague his reaction to her question and the shocking new attitude towards him, for now at least. She promised she would try, and not everyone could pull it off. "What is the mission gonna be? And Katsu better have a good reason for not being here by now!" she said, brushing little bits of dirt off her shirt.

Turning his head to look sideways at first towards Yukara, Koike found it indeed surprising. But he had no dislike for Yukara, as it would mean he held some care for her to feel anything. So ignoring her would be against his attitude. Facing her, Koike responded back in a calm manner. ''I am doing well. You?'' He asked back, though he seemed to be cautious. He hadn't forgotten about the last time.

Katsu ran out of the library, the librarian shouting after him. He stopped and turned. Hesitantly running back in, he picked up the books he'd taken and put them back in their places. After he put one wrong and was scolded, he fixed it once more. He didn't bother picking up the crumpled piece of paper and started running to try and find his team. Finally spotting them, he sprinted towards them. "Sorry I'm late, sensei! Good morning Yukara. Good morning Koike," he greeted them rashly, ignorant of the time.

There he was. Now that they were all here, Aiko pushed herself from the ground. Brushing the bit of grass and dirt from her pants, she flashed a smile towards Katsu. ''It is already noon, Katsu. But I am glad that you are present now.'' Aiko replied back, on which she then pointed to the backpacks. She would then answer Yukara's question. ''We are going on an official mission now. No surprises or tricks from me. We are sent to travel towards the capital of the Hotspring country. I need to deliver a package there.'' Aiko explained. Waiting till they all had a backpack, Aiko would ask them something. ''Any questions?''

"I am fine, thank you," Yukara said, although she still sounded rehearsed. Shrugging it off, she smiled brightly as she saw Katsu and went to greet him with a hug, before elbowing him. "You are late," Yukara said, but then grinned as she patted his shoulder. Truth be told, she did not mind that he was late and therefore she could joke about it. Then she heard about going to the Hotspring Country and spun to face Aiko-Sensei, with a grin. Getting her pack, she was now bouncing on the balls of her feet as she asked "does this mean we get to soak in the hotsprings? What is in the package? Is it top secret?"

The Hotspring country? Koike tried to think why kind of package they would need to send to that place. Taking a pack, he shook his head to make it clear that he had no questions regarding the mission. Nodding towards Katsu, as a greeting, Koike decided to just focus on what they would need to do. Though he was wondering on how the Hotspring country looked like. Maybe it wasn't too much different from Konohagakure? The thought made him curious.

Katsu was taken by surprise when Yukara threw her arms around him. He looked over at Aiko and Koike with a panicked face. When she backed away he sighed, putting a smile on his face. He looked over at Koike once more, seeing him return the greeting with a gesture. The smile became genuine though the difference was hardly noticable. The boy walked over to the backpacks and picked one up, slinging it over his shoulder. "Oof... I think we're all ready, sensei," he announced.

Beckoning that they should follow her, Aiko would speak up to answer Yukara's question. ''It is just a package we need to deliver. Orders or something at least from the higher ups. Though nothing too important. The mission is just classified as a D ranked one.'' Aiko explained. Walking for now, she would speak again. ''Though I want each of you to be wary and pay attention to almost everything. Though the country is a member of the Fire Union, I want you three on your best. We can be seen as representatives of Konohagakure.'' Hoping her words would have some effect, Aiko wouldn't say anything about localized Konohagakure forces. And she hoped Koike wouldn't be too suspicious of the way how the others treat him.

"Awww so no top secret package of utmost importance then," Yukara said, pouting a bit as she kept pace with Aiko-Sensei. Although, she really did wish their mission was more important than just delivering a simple package. "Right, best behavior. No fooling around and all that, right Koike?" Yukara asked like she was joking around. She gave a thumbs up to Katsu, before she looked to Aiko with a smile.

Taking a place behind the group, Koike paid attention to what was being told. However he was a bit disappointed with hearing it was a D ranked mission. Not that he figured it would be different with being a genin. Only then Yukara surprised him, again. ''I suppose not.'' He replied, still looking with a neutral gaze towards the Cho as he answered her. Putting his hands in the pockets of his jacket, Koike returned to his thoughts of the Hotspring country. Why had the state such a name?

Katsu heaved a sigh as Yukara turned away. He slowed down and then picked up his pace once more just as he got next to Koike, though he didn't look in his teammates direction or talk to him. He kept his gaze locked forward and his visage serious. By the time they got back, he planned to have Koike call him "friend".

There was a clear change in the team's dynamic. At least, Aiko thought so. Maybe it had helped after all? She was glad with that her talk had some effect. Leaving Konohagakure's main gates, she picked up the pace as she kept leading her team. The pace was just to push her genins, an extra kind of training and to see how their stamina was doing. But for now, Aiko had a pretty good feeling about the mission.

---

Many hours later,

The sky was getting darker. Meaning that they should soon pick a place to camp. They had taken several breaks, cause it wouldn't possible to travel the distance in one go. Slowing down the pace, Aiko looked over her shoulder. They had been traveling in a squar formation. ''Time we set up camp and take a rest.'' Landing on a branch, she would turn around and scan the area. Seeing a forest clearing up ahead, Aiko only pointed towards it. ''We will make camp there. But I will also teach you something. Each of you is needed to scan the perimeter. I will stay here until I have heard from one of you that the place is safe to set our camp.'' Aiko explained. Placing her hands on her hip, she would wait to see how the genins would tackle this.

"OK! Will do!" Yukara said, looking to Katsu and Koike. "We obviously to do the perimeter in thirds because there are three of us," she added. Looking to Katsu and Koike, then she grinned because she had an idea of sorts. "Koike can get the first third, Katsu can get the second and I the last, sound good? Ok, lets do this," Yukara said, bouncing on the balls of her feet again as she looked to her team mates, eagerly.

Less enthusiastic than Yukara, Koike however would do as she suggested. Nodding, Koike would look around first. If he had to scout a third, he would want to do it as quick as possible. Heading to the clearing, he raised his right thumb to his mouth. Biting on the finger, Koike would head to what would be likely a direction of a third. After weaving the required hand signals, he placed his right hand at the ground. Summoning his dog, Miso, Koike signalled silently to the left. Cautiously, Koike started to scan the part he had to, in order to see if there was no danger. ''Nothing here. All clear.'' Speaking through his communicator, Koike would head back to the clearing.

Katsu nodded. "Good idea," he said. He quickly created a clone and ran to one side of the area he was responsible of and the clone ran to the other. Scanning the area carefully and quietly, from time to time, Katsu glanced at some areas he'd already passed by. Once they had finished surveying, Katsu's clone spoke into the communicator. "Here as well," he said. The original made his way back towards the centre as the clone started to run around the edge of the perimeter to check one last time.

It was really different from last time. At last, some teamwork. Keeping watch over her genins, Aiko would listen through the earphone communicator to hear what they told each other. Dropping herself from the branch, where she had watched over the area, Aiko would head towards the center of the clearing. Though Yukara had to report if her perimeter was clear as well, Aiko was sure that nothing or nobody that was a threat was nearby. It was more that she wanted to make sure that this would become a routine for the team. Discipline and routine actions like these would improve the security and teamwork of the team.

Walking further, Kiyomi kept looking around. She wouldn't like to be surprised, but she couldn't sense anything that was laying in wait for them. Entering into a new room, she could see some more lights. It was a very broad hallway, with some decorations at the wall. Sealings? Or maybe just decorations? No matter what it was, it suited the gloomy and dark atmosphere that lingered around. She still suspected more strange creatures to show up, but no strange smell or sound was sensed. ''Maybe we should request some back-up.'' Kiyomi muttered, as she thought about it. They had managed to defeat that creature- Change- but it had taken longer than she would first assume.

"Judging by what we've seen so far, I'd imagine that they have their hands full as well." Hayate said quietly. He couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding as they walked down the dimly lit corridor. Reaching out with one hand, he placed it on the hilt of Samehada, feeling a slight, reassuring tremor in response. The sentient blade gave him some comfort at least, and he allowed a small amount of chakra to flow down into the blade, feeding him. "Any idea where we need to go next?"

That was true. That they had encountered such a creature, what would Team 7 encounter? Something worse or something less worse? Kiyomi had faith in Kensuke, but she was wondering if he wouldn't be in danger. The temptation to head back was present, but she could resist for now. Kensuke was also a jounin, one that she respected highly for some good reasons. ''We will keep on going and see where this will end.'' She answered. That everything was still of metal, the floor and walls, made her however feel comfortable. That meant that nothing could spring out of the ground, as some Earth Release users had a habit for. ''I just hope we won't encounter another Change. Annoying thing that was.''

Nodding sadly, Hayate followed close beside Kiyomi. "Who knows what else this place has in store for us..." The metal all around them felt strange to Hayate. Reaching out with one hand as they walked, he briefly grazed one of the walls. It felt... stained. It was hard to describe, but the metal made Hayate slightly uncomfortable. It wasn't that he couldn't manipulate it, because he was fairly certain that he still could, it was more the fact that this metal seemed tainted... It was most likely just Hayate's growing sense of caution causing him to be paranoid, but even so, interracting with this metal made him uneasy...

''With the information we had before? The strange creatures on our way? I doubt it will be any good.'' Kiyomi said, sounding a bit irritated. She glanced at the sentient sword at Hayate's back. ''It does suit you somehow.'' She smirked behind the face mask. Looking back at the path in front of them, Kiyomi sighed. ''Why did you spoke to Change like that?'' Kiyomi asked, while she kept on walking. She could see a turn, which made her lower down her pace, to a more cautious one.

Blushing as Kiyomi mentioned the sword suiting him, Hayate was glad that the lower half od his face was hidden from view. He didn't want her to catch the small smile that had formed. Pondering for a moment, Hayate wondered how best to reply to the question she asked. "In the end I was just trying to distract him so that you would have an opporunity to take him down. Most of my techniques are better at mid range, so I knew I wouldn't have been as effective as you in the fight. But... I suppose that isn't entirely why I did it." Looking down for a moment, Hayate's voice grew quieter, more serious. "I know that we have been at odds on this topic before, and I have no wish to fight about it now, but I do not believe that anyone should be labelled as being just a weapon... I understand that we are shinobi, and as such we are mere tools for the village, but even with that, we are allowed to be people, to be free to some extent..." Looking up briefly at Kiyomi, there was pain evident in Hayate's eyes. "Even if we sometimes have to make sacrifices or give up some of that... freedom... But Change... All he has known is this life of servitude. He has not even been allowed to think for himself... It just makes me angry to see people used in such a way... And I don't know... I guess, a part of me just wishes I could stop that from happening..." Looking down again, Hayate shuffled his feet awkwardly. Mumbling just loud enough for her to hear, he added, "I know, I know... I'm a naive idiot..."

She stayed silent as they kept on walking. ''Sometimes.'' Kiyomi said back. She didn't look in the direction of Hayate. Focusing on what the turn would bring, she noticed that the hallway became smaller. It would lead to another room. One that had more light, which was in her opinion a good change. ''Besides, I am a bit naive too. Wanting to become a hero? What is more naive than that?'' Kiyomi asked, with an amused tone. But still, she couldn't look at Hayate. There was a warm feeling when he had told her those words. She couldn't bring it up to call him a dumbass now. Somehow, it didn't feel right. Like the other times.

The smile filled his face as Kiyomi spoke. It was nice to hear her mention being a hero again, without descending into anger. "Then we can both be fools together." He said, his voice holding a more amused tone as well. Hayate could see the hallway ahead and it appeared to be brighter. For some reason the increased lighting made him a little more nervous, though he couldn't explain why.

This time she shot him a glance. ''That wasn't what I meant.'' She told him. Though she sounded irritated, it was feinted. Entering the new room, Kiyomi looked around. Her fears became real. They had entered deep enough to see the lab, where there several cruel looking tools. Beds and what ever one could imagine about a dark place like this. Not one where she would decide to picknick. Slowly, she took a few more steps into the room, but she was really being cautious. Maybe it was just her fears, but she didn't want to be harmed by those tools that looked weird and rather crude. Some of them looked familiar to some weapons, but she didn't want to think about for what they were used for.

Entering the lab beside Kiyomi, Hayate was at a loss for words. It appeared that he had been right to be worried about this place. Looking at the room around them, Hayate felt profoundly disturbed. He was glad that he still had his metal armour up, as it would protect his skin from any of the strange tools and mixed stains that filled the room. This was truly a place of nightmares. "What did they do here...?" He spoke softly, his voice full of disgust. The question was a rhetorical one, and he didn't really expect an answer.

''Probably something not nice?'' She mumbled. Though she was filled with disgust, Kiyomi had to. Walking towards a table where some of the crude tools were set on, she reached out and grabbed the hilt of one. There was something rusty on it. Blood? Not that blood disgusted her, but it was more of for what reason it had served. It was more than disgusting, but Kiyomi didn't know a word that would suit it. Placing it down, she looked around again. If she could find some hints. ''Be careful, but scout a bit around. Who knows what we will find.'' Kiyomi said with a hushed tone.

Nodding his head, Hayate spread out around the room, looking for anything that could help them in their mission. He was once again thankful for his metal armour as he reached out to examine a few of the tools more closely. There were so many different things, it was hard to tell what they could all be for. It would have been handy to have a medical nin with them, they would probably know what most of this stuf was used for. Continuing on his search, Hayate wondered just how much worse this place could get.

It had to be here somewhere. Documents, papers or books. Something that would hold a record or anything that had been written about the place. Opening a few drawers of a closet, Kiyomi became a bit frustrated. Nothing. Though that meant they wouldn't have to destory anything. That meant that would also mean that they could focus on destroying most of the content of the room. Checking a table, Kiyomi casually placed an explosive tag underneath the table. Looking at Hayate, she would grab another explosive tag. ''Found anything useful?''

Seeing Kiyomi pull out an explosive tag, Hayate realized that it was time to remove any evidence that this room held. "Kiyomi, if we need to destroy this place, perhaps it would be easier for me to make the room unstable and allow it to blow itself up? The sheer amount of metal surrounding this place should make it quite easy."

Glancing back at Hayate, Kiyomi had a more worried look. She knew he was capable of doing something, that was something she couldn't deny. But it was more that worried her that it would might be a bit too much for Hayate. ''How much chakra would it cost you?'' She asked, placing the explosive tag she held back in her pouch. ''I could miss some explosive tags, you know.'' She mumbled, though it was a weak attempt to make him think about what he had suggested.

Smiling at her concern, Hayate spoke confidently. "If I had to add metal to the technique it would consume a lot more chakra, considering we are surrounded by metal, all I have to do is flow a little bit of my own chakra into it and then start the reaction. It won't take much, and I still have a lot left Kiyomi. I can do this, and at least this way we would know that it would cause a lot more damage than just a few explosive tags scattered about."

Still not one hundred procent sure about the idea, Kiyomi would just nod. Thinking about it, she would have to pass some chakra down on him. In order to make sure that he would be able to wield Samehada and preventing the blade from leeching Hayate out of chakra. It was a bit surprising that he was holding up so well, but the blade had done its work great while it was ordered to protect Hayate. Looking one more time around, she then took her decision. ''Good. Sounds like we have a plan. We will do that and then make sure you have a bit of a rest before we advance.'' Kiyomi told him.

Nodding his head, Hayate moved towards the wall. Placing his hands against the surface, he began flowing chakra into the metal, destabilizing the structure. "I don't know how accurately I can set this Kiyomi, so we may have to leave quite quickly." Furrowing his brow with the effort of concentrating, Hayate wasn't sure just how efficiently he was controlling his chakra. It didn't take long for the metal to begin glowing with a reddish hue. "I... I think now would probably be a good time for us to leave." He said through the communicator.

Simply giving a nod in his direction, Kiyomi was already heading to the other entrance of the room. Not the one that they had came in, but the one that would to another section that would need to be explored. But she waited on Hayate. Though he kept saying that he was doing fine with his chakra, she wouldn't buy it anymore. Already she was moulding some chakra that she would give him in order so that he would be able to keep using and carrying Samehada. For a moment she felt a bit guilty of shouldering him with being with here.

Pulling his hands away from the wall, Hayate began to feel the effects of having used so much chakra. He was still okay, as his reserves were quite high, but Hayate knew he was going to have to be careful from here on out. Walking towards the exit, he stood next to Kiyomi. "Ready?" He asked.

Dear Sakamoto-san,

If this letter reaches you, it is probably due me having passed away. When I wrote this, I had learned that I had a half sibling with the name of Leo Hasewaga. Unlike how I was at his age, he doesn't have the distrust against Crystal Release. As part of my last will, I want to request as a last favor if you would watch over my sibling. Much to my regret, I wasn't able to watch much over him and often believed he would fare well better without me. I am not sure if this has changed over the time when I had started to write this, but I hope that I can rely on you.

Leo means a lot to me.
More than I had showed,
More than I ever had said,
He is more than I deserved.

If my passing will cause any discomfort or pain, I regret that too. But I want to thank you for your words and advice in the past. Though I am not very capable of always showing my gratitude, I hope that this letter one will reach you, if its needed.

Much love and thanks,

Yumi Hasewaga.

P.S.
If you can, would you please give this advice ever to Leo. I think he could use it.

''If you don't laugh, you'll cry''

A whole lot of cuteness.

"Let's get moving." Kensuke said after doing a quick check of his gear, and his team. Kiyomi and Hayate had already climbed down quite a while ago, after Kensuke and Ezuri had checked the manhole for visible traps. He cut open the door where the stench of decay became even more overwhelming, nearly enough to even disturb Kensuke, who had travelled many a battlefield. Bloodstains started becoming more rule than exception on the grimy walls. Light was a luxury in here, and only the most occasional reflection of the light outside managed to uncover the dimensions of the empty room for the normal human eye. Luckily Kensuke had very good senses, having done more than one mission in similar environments, while Ezuri had his Byakugan, and Shisen her ears, her smelling sense probably being overruled by the gore.

Saying nothing, she nodded as her eyes watered and she had to wipe them, she felt no need to ulk on the ceiling at the moment and so she walked with Arashi on the ground as Kensuke-Sensei cut open the door. Nearly choking on the scent that was flooding through her nose, Arashi whined at the scent and was trying to paw at her nose. The smell of blood, it was faint as she saw the bloodstains and shuddered at the thought of what might have happened here.

Ezuri now covering the back kept his eyes peeled as he followed Kensuke, Shisen and Arashi in silence. So far they havent encountered any enemy, traps were also far from regular. Ezuri checked every room with his byakugan for traps, chakra signals and other signs that might give them an idea of what was lying in wait of went down here in the past. While pinching his nose, Ezuri chanked the next room but sees no traps in this room either so he followed Shisen over the floor, waiting at the end for Kensuke to open yet another door.

Nodding as the entire team had entered the room, he inspected the next door. Nothing odd about it, except that this one lacked a doorknob, which had been present on the previous doors. In fact, he noticed that once there might have been one, but that it had been removed later. Someone obviously didn't want this door opened anymore. Time to find out why. Cutting through the lock after a careful inspection of the door itself, he heard a click as the metal gave away. In the dark environmentit was the movement of air on his face, the neglible sound of two objects colliding, but he knew that he didn't want to find out. He pulled back his hands and jumped back as a guillotine-knife drilled itself into the ground near the door. Suddenly it was very obvious why there was no doorknob. "There's traps from here on, ladies and gentlemen." He said, opening the door.

The next room seemed yet another not quite identical but pretty similar room that seemed to posess nothing of note. A thick, hairy and grimy rug was placed on the floor, and a single fallen armoire lied down on the floor. Taking to the ceiling again, he inspected a dark spot on the rug as the genin entered. There were countless dark spots on the rug, probably dried blood, but this spot looked eerily different. It was ... strangely geometr- "Trapdoor!"

Shisen stayed quiet, trying to sift through the scents that mostly included rotting flesh and the other horrible foul scent but it was becoming more and more difficult as they moved forwards. Arashi growled as Kensuke-Sensei suddenly jumped back on top of her, snapping at him before Shisen could calm her down as the dark was making the Ninken even more on edge than usual along with the scents. "Arashi... It's fine," Shisen said, touching the back of the Ninken as she heard what was said. Nodding, she stepped next to Arashi instead of being behind her, she would be able to keep her under control better than behind her. As they continued on, slower and more aware, she took a deep breath as she detected a more distinct smell of blood that was aged. A second, that was the difference as Shisen grabbed the scruff of Arashi's neck and jerked back, just before she took that step.

Ezuri, the last one to enter did hear Kensuke-sensei yell something but he could not clearly hear it, however it became really clear as he nearly bumbed into Shisen. Ezuri was just about to ask her why she stopped so suddenly as he saw the rectangle shape just in front if her, a trapdoor? looking further into the room he saw the rug, stained with blood, an armoire on the ground, nothing seemed to be in it and another metal door at the end of the room like every other room before this one. "It seems that there are no more traps in this room" Ezuri said. Not wanting to step on the rug he followed his sensei to the ceiling, waiting for Shisen and Arashi to get back in front of him before he moved on.

Kensuke nodded, an invisible response due to the limited light, and was seriously considering summoning a source of light now. Even he was getting trouble moving around. The carpet had been a lucky call, one that wouldn't repeat itself. He got to the next door and repeated the entire process again, this time without risking to lose his hands, and entered into the next room. Once more the next room did not bring much variation except for the odd chair that was nailed to the ceiling, as if it was placed there just for Kensuke to go sit on. Staring at a strange spot on the walls he needed to come closer than he liked to realize it was a simple mirror. By now their lack of light was growing more of a real hazard than it had been an asset for stealth, so he allowed himself to create a flame the size of a match on his thumb, and got irritated by the flame reaching up his finger due to the fact that he was standing on the ceiling. The smell of decay and blood was still overruling any other, but at least he was slowly getting used to the nastyness of it. This time too there seemed to be no traps anywere in the room as far as he could see, and he cautiously advanced over the ceiling towards the next metal door.

Feeling something shaking under her hand, she looked at Arashi who was the cause of it and she frowned, seeing her Ninken afraid was not something she liked seeing. "Whatever this is... It's not good..." Shisen said so both could hear her. In truth, anything that could scare a half wolf Ninken was bad. Shisen focused more on sifting through the scents, barely able to handle the two strongest scents that she already figured out. Kensuke-Sensei didn't seem to show any signs of seeing any traps but she still kept a strong hold on a Arashi , in case he was wrong. " Ezuri... Anything?" she asked.

As Ezuri entered the room behind Shisen he scanned it like any other "nope, nothing here" he answered her question. He looked up at the chair, nothing out of the ordinary other than it was nailed to the ceiling. Then he looked at the mirror. "Kensuke-sensei" said Ezuri looking at him "I think I see somethi-" He was about to end the semtence by -ng behind the mirror but as he looked again he didnt see anything. He swallowed "Sensei... there WAS something behind that mirror"

Kensuke gave Ezuri a comforting look. "I didn't sense it emitting any killing intent, so whatever it was, it doesn't want to kill us. Yet." He replied, inspecting the door. "Try and find out what's behind it." He said, vaguely gesturing at the small mirror. It was about the size of an eating dish, so there was hardly any way in there. It was disconcerting though that Ezuri of all people had spotted something there. He was used to seeing moving and flickering shadows that often scared people, but someone with the Byakugan startled by something like that? Well, there was only one way to find out.

Arashi sniffed the air, detecting a rabbit scent, maybe? Shisen also noticed the scent that was strongest around the mirror and taking note of Ezuri's discomfort, she frowned. "Either a rabbit is still here or was here not long ago, nothing that bad," Shisen said, patting Arashi's back. The Ninken whined, probably wanting to chase the scent but knowing that it was not allowed, yet.

Not really satisfied by the explanation given by Shisen Ezuri carefully appraoched the mirror. With one hand grabbing a Kunai getting ready to stab or deflect anything coming out behind of it, the other grabbing the mirror at the top, jerking it of the wall. he waited a couple of seconds before setting the mirror down on the ground. He peered into the narrow about one feet diameter hole. It went far to the back and made a curve there. due to the barriers in the wall Ezuri could not see past the curve but untill there, there was nothing. "I can't see anything, but its longer than i can follow with my eyes" stepping away from it he looked around one moment "Err, Kensuke-sensei, what shall I do with the hole? Leave it like this? Hang the mirror back? Blow it to pieces? Install an exploding tag in case something tries to crawl in or out?

Looking back, the boy actually asked a sensible question. [b]"Hang the mirror back for now. It didn't look like whatever has been in there would be able to remove that mirror so far, so I don't see any reason to worry." He answered after a moment, and finished unlocking and inspecting the door, in reversed order ofcourse. Looking at his squad, the tiny candlelight still burning on his thumb, he nodded at them before opening the door.

The other room surprised him a bit. There was electrical lighting, and he had to blink a few times to start seeing anything, blinded by it. He had entered what seemed like an average living room you'd encounter in any average appartment, albeit perhaps a little bit sparsely furnitured. A thick layer of dust covered most things making it clear that the place hadn't been used for quite a while, except for a single path in the dust that led from a drawer to the right of where Kensuke entered the room towards another door at the opposite side. The drawer was opened, and from behind the wooden door a small white rabbit stared at him. He cautiously entered the room, and cautiously approached the rabbit. The room seemed to be entirely normal, except for the rabbit in the drawer and the dust trail it had left going towards the other metal door, which was not closed for a change. The door was far too heavy for such a little rabbit to use, but the small opening it left was probably just about wide enough for the thing to squeeze through. As he approached the rabbit, he saw the long hallway Ezuri had mentionned inside the drawer, explaining how it got there. He still sensed no killing intent in the rabbit, and it seemed to be completely normal, as once he got within 5 meters of it, it jumped down and ran off towards the other door, squeezing through with some effort, just like Kensuke had imagined. It looked positively hilarious, but considering the circumstances it didn't amuse him at all.

Arashi barked at it, loudly, instead of staying in formation with Shisen, she went after the rabbit. "Arashi! No!" Shisen said, trying to grab her but the Ninken was too fast. Chasing the rabbit to the door and tried to squeeze herself in the door as well but failed, instead, she just barked in its direction. Pawing at the door way and whining as Shisen grabbed Arashi by the scruff of her neck, jerking her roughly away from where the rabbit had gone. The Ninken didn't snap, she could sense the anger coming from her partner and lowered her head in submission. " Stay next to me," Shisen growled at the half wolf Ninken.

Ezuri hung the mirror back in its place after he received an answer of Kensuke-sensei and followed his teammates through the next door. The sudden light surprised him but as soon as his eyes adjusted he blinked in surprise "what the..." movement caught his eye as he saw the white bunny jump down the drawer and dissappeared throught the next door, followed by Arashi, but she was too big to fit through the door. Shisen pulled Arashi back as Ezuri walked up to his sensei and the Inuzuka girl "What's next Kensuke-sensei?" asked Ezuri, getting himself ready for possible combat.

Looking at the situation as rational as he could, he reasoned that the compound may have been penetrated by rabbits over time, but that seemed highly unlikely. That corridor the rabbit had appeared through that travelled behind the mirror seemed to be made with some purpose. The pure white rabbit also made no sense. If it was a rabbit that saw the surface, it would've adopted a brown camouflage instead of the snow-white colour it had now. It obviously lived here, and that could only mean that ... There it was again, the little, tiny, fluffy white killer rabbit. Suddenly the room felt a lot more threatening as the rabbit seemed to swell in size as it unleashed a killing intent on them that surpassed even Kensuke's.

It lashed forwards, revealing razorsharp teeth and sheathed claws that made Arashi's look clipped in comparison and propelled itself forwards with a powerful thrust of its hind legs, faster than Kensuke had expected. The only solution he saw as the rabbit went for his throat was to coat his hand in wind chakra and bat it away with a gust of wind, splattering it against the wall. As the now blood-stained patch of furr dripped from the wall together with the squashed contents of its previous owner, little gleaming eyes appeared in the dark opening of the metal door. "There's more of them!" Kensuke yelled, falling into a combat formation, ignoring the gashes into his hand made by the rabbit. The moment he had started speaking the rabbits started pouring out of the door, but also out of the small tunnel in the closet. This seemed to be turning into fluffy situation.

Arashi saw the small adorable white bunny run out and darted after it, seconds before she realized what was happening and witnissed the rabbit grow in size in their eyes, her playful barks turned aggressive and she began to snarl at it. Shisen could only stare at it, making a mental note to not get any more rabbits ever again, forever scarred. "Bunnies are supposed to be cute...." Shisen muttered, slowly making her way over to Arashi and gently tugging her back towards the group. Just in time to see the deadly rabbit get splattered against the wall and soon more upon them, it was a field day for Arashi. Focusing her chakra on her hands and feet, her eyes becoming slits and her nails becoming claws. She adapted a feral appearance and glared at the rabbits that advanced on them. Even though she was ready to fight, she just wanted to run away.

As soon as the first rabbit reappeared and send out of wave of killing intent, Ezuri's legs gave in and he fell to his knees, he got visions of him and his team getting torn apart by hordes of bunnies. He only snapped out of it by a plash of bunny-blood in his face. He looked around and blinked and saw another rabbit appear in the doorway. Ezuri took on his traditional Juken style fighting stance but then he saw the wound on kensukes hand knowing taijutsu wasnt gonna cut it. He grabbed a kunai and with his other hand he sent a vacuum palm at the doorway that was now gushing killer rabbit as if a dam broke through.

As the vacuum palm tore a thin line in the swelling rabbit ranks, Kensuke realized that the rabbits were really dangerous, but not that much of a threat. They were amazingly fast and nimble assassins, but they had the fortitude of, well, rabbits. "Do not under any circumstances let them get close to you." He said, assessing the situation. The rabbits had two entry points. The metal door and the small corridor. If they could seal off one entrance they could simply kep splattering rabbit skulls in the small entrance left by either untill no more evil rodents charged at them.

"Ezuri, Shisen, try to stop the rabbits from entering through the door. It's easier to hold them there than in the room." He said, running over towards the drawer, sending a falcon wing against the already arrived rabbits to daze them, and sent a wind stream into the small corridor, giving him a few seconds to work with before the rabbits around his feet would kill him. Surrounding his hand with fire chakra he then started to work on the metal port untill it was welded thight, still searing hot for any suicidal rabbit to touch.

Then he felt scratching claws in his neck as a rabbit tore a part out of his pauldron's neck guard as it flew past, and he knew it was time to get out of there. Using the wind stream technique again to blast him away from the wall, he added fire chakra to the wind stream as he retreated, essentially making him breath fire. The burning bunnies seemed unscathed by the fact that they were on fire, and kept charging, as if they could feel no pain at all. He dared a glance at Shisen and Ezuri holding those off at the door, and knew he had to deal with the dozen or so rabbits in here on his own. Briefly a thought crossed his mind that if he'd die here he'd be reported to have been killed by 'flaming killer bunnies', which made him chuckle a bit as he kept dancing around the room, eviscerating rabits on the fly.

Arashi let out an ear piercing howl, hoping to startled the rabbits while giving Shisen a headache and snarling at the ones that were coming from the door that Kensuke-Sensei was not near. Snapping at them as she shook from the waves of killing intent, it was becoming hard to keep fighting with all the killer bunnies sending waves of killing intent towards them, it appeared that Shisen was somewhat frozen in place as she shook from it and was at the moment unable to snap out of it. However, her ninken, nipped her hand which seemed to do the trick as she took out a kunai after that and started to attempt to fight back.

As Kensuke headed for the drawer, Ezuri, Shisen and Arashi took turn at the door, sending through an air palm every now and then or a couple of shuriken or kunai. Arashi bit the ones coming through or they would get impaled by the kunai Ezuri kept in his hand. The genin were lucky the door was open just a crack so no more than two bunnies could come out at a time, were it not that they climbed over eachother, they tumbled out the door like a wave. Ezuri and Shisen did a good job cleaning up but if Kensuke sensei did not close that drawer soon and help them out here they will be overrun in a matter of minutes.

"Aaarghh!" Kensuke snarled between his teeth as a rabbit bit straight through his arm protector. Coating his left arm in wind chakra he swung it, cutting the bunny's face in half. At first he had been surprised to see bunnies, then amused, but now he was bitten not once, but twice... Yes, Now he had gotten angry with them. Letting out an almost feral growl he unleashed the full potency of his killing intent and blanketted the area with it. His team would certainly feel the killing intent, but it was not directed at them, and might soothen the killing intent directed towards them. The bunnies, completely unphazed except for a moment's hesitation, kept attacking him, but their momental hesitation gave Kensuke the chance to corner them, and then unleashed a falcon wing with fire chakra, searing most of the bunnies to the bone. He had used a tad too much chakra, but damnit, that thing had bitten straight through his arm protector. His side of the room cleared, he now put his attention on the genin. So far they were holding back most of the threat. Kensuke joined them in their game of whack-a-mole untill suddenly and rather abrubtly, the stream of rabbits ended.

Looking around at the carnage, he frowned. "That's it. I'm never going to like bunnies ever again." He said, then taking a look at his arm. It was a rather painful but harmless wound, and it wouldn't give him any trouble for the rest of the mission at all. Even now the annoyance of being bitten by a crazy fearless burning killer rabbit already irritated him more than the actual pain of the injury. "Everyone okay?"

As soon as she did not have to worry about bunnies attacking from behind, she was able to focus on the threats in front of her more and had managed to puncture quite a few. The ones that got past Arashi also had to worry about Shisen stabbing them with pretty much nothing but hate and distaste. Pretty sure that if she ever saw a bunny again, it would be too soon. As Kensuke-Sensei joined them, the wave of killer bunnies stopped and left them alone, tired and irritated. "Arashi... You can eat any bunny you want..." Shisen said, the ninken wagged her tail and let out a playful bark. Coming over to Shisen and sitting down nicely, looking at Ezuri questionable. "We are fine," Shisen said to Kensuke-Sensei.

After impaling the last bunny with his kunai, pinning it to the ground until it stopped squirming, Ezuri let himself fall backwards into a sitting position. Sweat dripped off his head. "Next time I see a bunny, I'll think twice before petting it" he said, cracking a ever so slight smile. He had a couple of scratches but he managed to keep the razor teeth of the bunnies off him and so did not receive any injuries. "Phew... so, what's behind this door?" he wondered, standing up and dusting off his clothes. Ezuri pulled his kunai out of the dead bunny keeping it ready while he waited for kensuke to open the next door so they could pass it.

Kensuke tested his arm and how much the wound bleeded, judging it neglectable, and then turned towards the door. A mountain of rabbit corpses had clogged most of the opening, but there seemed to be not much different with this door than any of the previous ones. Pushing it open, wary for any traps, he let the light of this room shine in the dark hallway that led to the next room, looking eerily similar to the previous one, except that there was no bunny-hole in the wall, nor ravenous and murdering bunnies. Luckily.

Arashi turned her attention towards the next room as Shisen slowly stopped using the Four Legs Technique to avoid using more chakra than what she thought she would need at the moment. She noticed the similarity as well, keeping her chakra focused on her nose to detect any scents or something strange. Nothing unusual came to her attention, just the decaying flesh, the fowl scent and the newly added scent of rabbit corpse.

Entering last was Ezuri noting that this room was also nicely it and sparcely furnitured. No traps, holes of any kind or chakra signatures, small nor large. Ezuri looked around in search of the door or other entrance to the next room, hoping that this wasnt a dead end.

The new room only had a single metal door again, and nothing that really stood out in particular. Upon careful inspection it showed no peculiar oddities compared to previous examples, so Kensuke started working on opening in. Nodding at the genin once he was ready to get into position, he opened the locked door once more and took a good look at the next room.

Shisen and Arashi slowly followed Kensuke-Sensei, keeping a cautious attitude while doing so. Getting the signal, she moved to the right of Kensuke-Sensei and Arashi bared her teeth at whatever may be in the next room, now they just needed to wait or something.

Noting Kensuke's signal Ezuri got on the other side of their sensei ready to throw an attack on whatever may be there lying in wait for them, he let his chakra flow to his hand, ready to execute any Hyuuga jutsu if needed. Ezuri focussed, no rushing, no risks but carefully coordinated attack and defense sequences... if there was anything behind that door of course.

Namine, two days after returning from her previous mission, walked through the streets of Kumogakure. While everyone rejoiced her victory over her sister, who she always loved and cared about, she could not help herself, hating and resenting herself for that act. Not only did she kill her sister, she also returned with only one genin instead of three. She mourned them every minute she could but now was not the time to do that. She was asked to report at the Raikage's office. Namine silently made her way too it, putting her emotions aside. She would accept whatever he had in store for her, however bad it may be.

The guards at the building wouldn't seem to mind her as she was permitted to go. Of course one or two ANBU now then looked at her as she passed them, but nobody made any problem. Even the guards at the double door entrance towards the office would open the door for Namine. It would be seen that there were two black creatures sitting at the flank of the Raikage. The masked leader himself was apparently reading something as there was a book open.

Namine did not look at anyone while walking through the building, her hands clasped together in her lap. she did not speak but her thought raced like crazy. 'what'll he do with me, will i be punished... I mean i did lose two of my genin, but i also succeeded in my mission and...' she swallowed 'killed someone who was inside the bingo book...' She really didnt know and was afraid to get punished by the man she had always viewed upon as great and wise with a good dose of compassion, not too much, not too less. She waited untill the guards opened the double doors to the Raikages office. she silently stapped inside in quickly scanned the room, seeing the raikage and two strange creatures before she stared at her shoes again.

One of the creatures raised his head, the small dark eyes scanning the person who had entered the room. The doors behind Namine were closed without the masked man even making a sound or a signal. Once that was done, Takeru lifted his head up as he let out a sigh. ''Sorry, I just had to read that. Good book. How a Shinobi should die. Bit of a grim story, but I like it.'' Closing the book, the masked kage folded his hands together. ''So.'' Saying nothing else, he would wait for Namine to speak up.

Namine flinched a bit as she heard what the book of the Raikage was about but tried not to show it. She manned-up and looked up a bit. after hearing the "So" she waited for him to contnue but as he did not do so she spoke up "Arisaka Namine reporting in, as you requested Lord Raikage, what do you wish of me?"

One of the creatures made a loud growling sound. It was due that sound it was clear it wasn't a dog. Only after a soft cough of Takeru, the creature stopped with its stare and growl. Placing his head down, the creature came to ease. ''What I wish of you? Perhaps a report of your last mission? I have heard something, but it is always nice to hear from the actual person what happened on their mission.'' Takeru politely answered.

"As you desire Lord Raikage" siad Namine whereafter she told him what had happened. After a simple courirjob she and her team got attacked. the assilant was highly skilled and by the looks of her she was ANBU black ops. Namine managed to kill her after a tiring and hard battle. removing the mask she discovered she was listed in the bingo book, she did not tell the Raikage it was her sister, he probably knew that already. "after the attack I got back safely with my one ramaining genin, without any further toubles on the road... Lord Raikage"

He listened to what Namine told him. But he didn't say anything for several moments when Namine had concluded her report. When he spoke up, his tone was much more serious than before. ''And what would you say about the mission? Do you think it is a success or do you have any other possible thoughts regarding the whole conclussion of it?'' Was his question. The other creature, opened his eyes but kept his head on his legs as it studied Namine.

Namine's eyes shot from left to right and shifted a bit as she thought of what her response to that question was going to be "Well, the mission was a succes, the death of a person that is listed in our bingo books is a nice coincidence but i dont think that weights up to the death of two genin. My answer would be that the mission itself is a succes but the way it happened was an outright failure, my Lord Raikage. if I may be so free, I would like to hear what your thoughts are considering this mission"

Takeru's voice was more or less disappointed. ''That I couldn't see her die with my own eyes.'' Was the rather cold and blunt answer. ''I was already starting to assume she was a spy, though I doubt she has spilled something too big. Neither would Takigakure try anything. Unless I can try my bond with Konohagakure. Though I rather have it end with your sisters death.'' Takeru stated. He was still wondering what moved that village to gather information about the Cloud. They were part of the Fire Union, so was that a signal that he could expect trouble of them? Or maybe it was just only that member? He would however not converse about it with Namine, seeing she came from that place. ''I will conclude the whole betrayel of your sister, but tell me. Why should you be trusted now?'' This question caused the two creatures, two rather large Tasmanian devils to raise their head.

"My Lord Raikage!" Namine was rahter shocking by his question far more than by his answer. She expected the Raikage to not be kind when it came to talking about Ysera. Namine regained her composure and took a deep breath, back to her previous tone of voice "I'm sorry my Lord Raikage. As for an answer to your question, I killed that what i loved most in this world, I killed Ysera my sister in blood. The one person i had always admired. But my loyalty to you is greater than that to my sister. The cloud is my home and I will protect it with my life even if i had to kill as the members of the Arisaka and the Tenshi clan, my Lord Raikage"

One of the devils barked. It was a loud and rather deafening sound. Takeru raised his right gloved hand. The beast placed his head back on the ground. ''That is the problem. Even if it is a double agent and we could use this against Takigakure, we would go head to head against the Fire Union. The currently most powerful state in the world.'' Takeru was still speaking with a serious tone like before. However, he now sounded more worried. ''With your action you may have prevented that the Cloud could get some damage, but on the long term, this is a very bad situation. If the Hokage hears of this, we will be in grave danger due the origins of you and your sister.'' It was more a statement than actually reply. ''Your story of love and loyalty is a nice one, but it won't likely help to convince the Hokage to prevent a conflict from rising.'' "S-summimasen Raikage-sama" said Namine, her head bowed, not sure what to do or say.

Bringing a hand up to rub his chin, the masked man kept looking at Namine. ''In any normal regards, I would have send your head to the Leaf to make sure the peace will stay. The bond between Konoha and Kumogakure has always been more than a bit neutral, so I can try to profit from that, but it will not save you.'' Takeru said, his tone still being quite serious. ''Though losing an ANBU member due a mistake can be a nuisance. For that reason, I will send an invitation towards Konohagakure. During that time, I will have a mission for you.'' Opening a drawer of his desk, Takeru began to search for something. Pulling out a file, Takeru placed it on the desk, shoving it towards the other end. A clear signal. ''I need you to start to check several houses. Without raising any kind of suspicion. I believe that there is somebody inside of Kumogakure who shouldn't be here.''

As the Raikage was speaking about sending her head to the Leaf, Namine shifted uneasy on her feet, she didnt wanted to die, but if that was his decision... Namine was about to speak up as the Raikage continued. "ANBU?! A-ANBU? but Raika-" her words stopped in her mouth, Namine swallowed. ANBU? what does he mean ANBU, I'm becoming an ANBU, o my god o my god, what is this? hes not going to punish me? waht do i do what do i do. Namine looked at her Raikage with disbelief in her eyes, her mouth slighlt open of surprise. she stood there for a few moments like this before she got a hold of herself. she walked to the desk and took the file "As you wish Raikage-sama"

''Of course, even while this is a permission, you will need to pick up your game. Your action in the last mission has caused some damage of unknown value. Though on the other end,'' The man paused briefly. ''While not that kind on those who easily turn to their siblings, you made me think you have a great sense of duty. See this both as a warning and a pat on your shoulder.'' While he spoke with a more friendly tone, one of the devils started to lift his lips to reveal the mean looking canines.

"yes Raikage-sama"[//b] said Namine with confidence [b]"I will not disappoint you" to strengthen this statement Namine saluted with her fist on her heart. She found it still hard to beleive what just happened but was thankful "thank you Raikage-sama, I will heed this warning" her eyes shifted to the black creature that showed his teeth to her on the Raikages desk and then back to her Raikage, wondering if he had anything else to say.

''I hope you won't. I still have the basket at the ready in case I need to send a particular kind of gift.'' Takeru friendly replied back as he nodded towards her. The doors of his office were opened, just a moment after his nod. ''Also, please report back personally if you manage to find something.'' That having said, Takeru gestured with his left hand that she could leave. The devil at his right barked shortly, unleashing the deafening sound that the beast produced.

Namine nodded courtly and walked backwards towards the end of the room as the Raikage was done speaking, after the devil barked she looked up again at the Raikage "Raikage-sama, where can i get my ANBU equipment" it still sounded strange to her but she did feel kind of proud to be named ANBU. As the Raikage answered she thanked him again and left the room, ready to go on the mission she was assigned.

Having told the answer in a short version, the ANBU that would show her the way was waiting already. With the doors being closed, Takeru stared at them. His mind was drifting to the consquence of Namine's action. Sure, it was troublesome. The more that Takeru was trying to think how he could diverse the consquence, the more it became painfully clear that soon the growth of Kumogakure would suffer a hit. Sighing, Takeru decided he would try to get the best possible situation for the village.

Sitting behind his desk, Takeru was reading the book he had been reading before again. The paperwork for today was finished, he had given some missions to his ANBU and was using this brief pause to continue reading the book of "How a shinobi should die''. The two rather big Tasmanian devils, each at the side of the desk, were quiet and seemed to be napping as their master read the book. Closing the book, Takeru placed it on the desk. Pushing his chair a bit back, he rose up and turned around. Walking towards the broad window that provided a good view over Kumogakure, Takeru was slowly losing himself in some thoughts.

Chizuko sighed again for the third time that minute. It was not out of a sadness of any kind, but more of a frustration that she was feeling and wanted to get out. Lightly her foot tapped against the ground where she stood, concealed in the shadow cast by the building that held the office of her Raikage. Though she had been given her orders directly from him, her unease wasn't relieved by her speaking to him like it usually was. This time, when they spoke last, she left feeling more uneasy than when she had entered. She still had questions... so many unanswered questions that it was beginning to drive her mad. Finally, with a small growl of frustration, she made her way inside, making sure to be silent and unseen.

It took her only moments to reach the modest door of the Raikage's office. For a moment, she stood staring at the knob, until she reached out to knock once upon the door.

The knock made Takeru glance over his shoulder to the door. He hadn't summoned for anybody and even gave permission to the usual ANBU that guarded the doors to take a break. Wondering on who it was, Takeru turned around as he cleared his throat before speaking. ''Come in.'' Still curious on who had decided to pay him a visit, he placed his hands behind his back, standing behind his desk as he kept his gaze at the doors.

Taking a small breath before entering the room, Chizuko made her way inside, closing the door behind her. Taking three steps then lowering to one knee, she parted her lips to speak. "Forgive my uninvited visit Lord Raikage... but I was hoping to discuss a few things with you. Perhaps it is not my place, but if it were not of an urgent matter, I would not bother you like this." She kept her head lowered but removed her mask slowly, placing it on the floor next to her as she waited for his response.

So his visitor was Chizuko? Takeru had expected a messenger. Most likely from the Fire Union, as he feared that they would soon hear about the mission of Namine. But for now it was only Chizuko that seemed to wanted to discuss a few things with him. ''Seems like you have something on your mind then.'' Takeru said, walking towards his chair. Taking his place, he nodded towards the kneeled woman. ''You may raise and speak, Chizuko.'' He spoke calmly, but was wondering what she wanted to discuss with him.

Chizuko stood, leaving her mask to rest upon the floor, and looked around the room for a moment. Anything was better than at his imposing mask. "Am I allowed to speak freely?" she asked him first. Getting permission to speak as she wanted would be easier than trying to work around things that sounded disrespectful. ''You're allowed to speak freely.'' He simply reacted, but he was still wondering what it was that she wanted to discuss. There were several hunches coming up, but he didn't want to start to think he already could fully predict what she wished to discuss with him. A glance at her mask gave her the courage to ask her first question. "Do you see me as some sort of incompetent ANBU? Or do you simply have nothing more productive for me to do than to wait around? Doing nothing but looking after others and wondering what our enemy's plan is?" she looked at him then and crossed her arms across her chest.

It took some moments before some answer was being replied back. The tone of Takeru was still friendly, like before, but there was a certain undertone to it. ''It is highly unusual that a shinobi questions their leader straight in their face. In the days of the Second and Third Raikage, the people who comitted this often paid this with their own lives.'' He paused. ''As for how I view you as an ANBU, you have your worth and have shown that you're capable. However,'' Takeru's tone lost the friendly touch as it became very serious and almost threatening. ''Sometimes it is better to not question it when you're being told to be on a standby. You have managed to uncover something that has shown that the kidnapping of the Three Tails host wasn't a quick rush action. Information that will be used to prevent another kidnapping like that from happening.''

Chizuko heard the change in the tone of his voice as he spoke and it caused her head to lower until he had finished speaking. She was quiet for a long moment until she spoke again. "So.. it is not me. I am relieved.... but, why would you put me on standby when I can be out gathering more information, or something along those lines. Whoever took the host of the Three Tails is bound to return. Just like you said.. it was no quick action. It was planned. Yet I see no one doing anything urgent to find out what the next action will be. I could maybe do something... anything."

''That is because there is already information known on who it likely are that caused this. That and their plan failed.'' Takeru answered. He sighed as he briefly looked to the right. ''Though it seems that there hasn't been any urgent action to counter the faction who has tried to cause some ruckus and chaos within Kumogakure, it has been on my orders to keep things quiet. I think it would be a bit unnerving to hear that there are still some loyalist active, that wish to ursurp my current rule and bring back a second Genmyou.'' Takeru explained to Chizuko.

With a small nod, Chizuko thought about what he had said. Of course he would be on top of things... it was disrespectful of her to doubt his judgment on situations like this. "Forgive me Lord Raikage, I acted childishly upon a feeling I could not shake. I was thinking we were not doing all that we could..." she paused and knelt down to pick up her mask and noticed that her hands trembled slightly. Saying nothing, she stood there and dabated wether to leave or continue a different... more personal discussion.

''You're forgiven, Chizuko. Though like I said that a shinobi shouldn't question their leader, it is normal that one thinks for themselves.'' Judging by what he saw, the trembling hands and how she spoke back, Takeru wasn't so sure if this would end their conversation. ''If I gave you the idea that you weren't valuable to add to the progress of securing or protecting the Cloud against this faction, then I am sorry. I think it is better that you are on the standby, in case I need somebody capable to react swiftly to a situation or event.''

"Of course... You need not apologize to me. However... you believe that if something were to happen here, that I could be trusted with carrying out your orders? That in the most critical of situations, me and my fellow ANBU here can protect you and this village? It is... a big responsibility. I know I speak for all of us when I say we are flattered that you trust us so." Taking a step forward, she paused and looked past him out the window that overlooked the village. "You trust us that much.... but... you cannot burden us with the truth of knowing your face?"

The masked face of the Raikage kept looking in her direction, but he said nothing in return. The devil at the right side of the desk started to produce a low and menacing growl. Flashing the canines, it seemed like the creature was ready to jump at Chizuko as the small eyes kept staring at the woman that asked the question. But the animal stopped his threatening sound when Takeru started to reply back. ''You're better with your words than most ANBU I have discussed with so far.'' Takeru started, his tone being polite. ''But I wonder if you ask this merely out of being curious or due your experience of the last masked Raikage. Would the look on my face make a difference on how I would lead the village? Would add it anything valuable, other than just a face that is being recognized as the leader of this village?''

Resisting the urge to shoot a glare at the Raikage's snarling pet, Chizuko instead looked at her leader as he spoke. When his question a rose at the end, she was caught off guard by it only a little. "Dare I say that I am merely curious at this point. It matters not who you are, but that your actions continue to give me a reason to feel proud of serving you." She held out her mask towards him. "When I wear this mask, I find that it does two things. For one, it keeps my identity hidden... but it also keeps me from seeing all that I would if my eyes had nothing blocking the sides." she lowered her hand and gestured to the window behind him with her chin. "You can see the entire village from there, yes? But... do you ever find you have to turn your head a bit farther... to see it all?"

''To see it all.. hmm.'' Takeru repeated the words, mumbling them. A moment passed before he was replying back to Chizuko. ''Sometimes I indeed need to turn my gaze in order to see it all. Though that is just the point. If you look at this village, what do you see? A gathering of people, don't you? A safe haven, but for whom?'' Takeru started to sum up several questions, but he shook his head as he would give the answers. ''What most see is a city that brings forth the security and protection that this nation needs. A place where young ones are being trained in the art of becoming a shinobi, enlisting to serve the Raikage. A haven safe for those who wish to serve the country, in order to gain protection and peace in return. But does that make the Cloud different from any other village? What makes the Cloud different from the other villages?'' Takeru asked, leaning back in his seat.

What makes the Cloud different? For a moment, Chizuko wondered if he was avoiding the subject, but even so, she thought about his question. "It seems obvious to say that the people who live here set the Cloud apart from the other villages. Maybe the leaders act the same, maybe the systems are all the same, but what is different are the people... the regular villiagers that give us... or you a reason for doing what you do. To protect the way of life that the people want to have. If the villages had the same people, with the same values and the same way of life, there would be no need to separate into different villages. That is how I see it." she tilted her head once she finished speaking.

He chuckled. ''That is one way to see it. Everybody is entitled to see and form an opinion on what they see and believe.'' Takeru responded. ''However, I do have to disappoint you a little. I doubt that there is much difference between the regular villager of Kumogakure and that of Kirigakure. Both would like to live in peace, protect their family and other goals that are called simple and common. Maybe there are some cultural differences, but does that mean one place should stand above another? I believe not. And judging by what you said, I think you can agree with me on that it is a sad fact that to this day that every village rather strives to improve their own situation, at the cost of another?'' He asked her, his tone becoming friendlier.

"Yes, I can agree with you on that. Do you wish to see that change? If it is working, I assume that makes it hard to break such old habits passed down to us." she stated simply. Again noticing the change in his tone, Chizuko chose to let herself relax as she adjusted her weight onto one leg. Her arms crossed again in a relaxed position across her chest.

''Though it would be maybe nice, I doubt that I can change it. Like you pretty much said yourself, it would be hard to break old habits that have been passed down on us.'' Takeru paused. He was thinking about something. ''Though, would you like to see this changed?'' He asked back, thinking about what he would then request of her after hearing what she would tell him as answer.

"My wish would be that everyone would get along and never have to worry about the safety of their families. That there will never be another war where innocent people have to die, or that I could finally relax and settle down, worry about romance and all that stupid stuff women think about. ...But even I know that time is far from now. So instead of thinking about change, I think about making sure what is working for now stays working." she shook her head and smiled when she was done, embarassed that she had said such things out loud.

Behind his mask, Takeru was smiling as he heard her answer. ''I think that is fair enough.'' Was what Takeru at first replied. He was considering something, but going right off the bat with what was being formed in his head wouldn't be that ideal. There was always that risk that his suggestion would backfire. It would be something of later. ''May I ask something personal?'' Takeru requested. Though he wouldn't suggest what he had been thinking off, Takeru was starting to consider a way to later suggest what he had in mind.

Her left brow raised when he inquired about something personal he wanted to ask. "Of course. After how I have questioned you, it would rude of me not to return the curtesy." Chizuko said. She wondered why he would be interested in such a topic as this. Nodding, Takeru fired his question at her. ''If I remember your file correctly, you served for quite some time as a chuunin ranked in Genmyou's service. While your record kind of showed that you were already by the time jounin rank worthy. I am not sure what your opinion is on the Third Raikage and his shady doings, but I am mildly interested why you didn't take the same path as some others did. Deserting a masked leader. I heard you were quite close with one deserter.'' Pausing, Takeru had spoken with a friendly, yet polite manner. But it was clear he was out for something with his question. ''I believe it was Chase Irozaki. May I ask your reason why you stayed under the command of somebody who kept his face and acts hidden away and not following a former superior?''

Blinking when he brought up the question so suddenly, Chizuko looked away from him when he said the name of a member of her family. "I... why did I chose to stay?" she repeated under her breath. In truth, that question was hard to answer because it was something that she never wanted to discuss with anyone. "Chase... was someone I trusted entirely. There were times when I felt that the Third Raikage was not acting in accordance with what was best for the village. I believed that Chase was someone who did. However.... when he left, I did not follow him because I had a duty to this village. I believe left for good reasons... I wish I would have known. I cannot guarantee that things would be the same if he had said something to me."

Chizuko looked down at her mask and traced a few lines with her nail. "The mask is not such a big deal for me. The Third was not as approachable as you are. I suppose you remind me more of Chase, even with the mask. I am still able to trust you because of your actions as a leader. When I asked about your mask, I was only suggesting you trust myself as much as I do you." she knelt onto one knee then as she suddenly felt out of line and said nothing more.

Takeru sighed after she had answered his question. He shook his head. ''You were always too clever, even sometimes without yourself noticing it.'' His tone was suddenly different. It seemed off with the serious and polite manner on how he spoke before. His voice seemed to be more casual now. ''You know how annoying it is to keep this up? I do it for a reason, but it is even more annoying to hear you speak like I am a saint or a hero.'' Takeru said, placing his right hand over the mask to remove it. A grin was seen on the lips of the man as he winked at Chizuko. ''Though, please go on. I barely get enough of hearing I am a trusted leader.''

Chizuko had kept her head down until she heard the change in his voice once again. When she raised her eyes and they landed on the now exposed face of her Raikage, her mouth dropped open. "No... It can't be..." she said standing again. Though years had passed since she saw the face of her old commander, she was able to recognize him in an instant. Her face turned slightly red as she realized she had been idolizing him all this time.

"Ch...Chase? What the hell are you...? Is this...? Your the Raikage?" her eyes narrowed as she said it. Suddenly, the only thing holding her back from punching him then giving him a hug, was the fact that 30 seconds ago, he was someone completely different. A thought went through her mind that maybe this was some kind of trick.

Takeru shook his head. ''You even doubt me now?'' He asked in a complaining manner. ''Though it is a bit more complicated than it looks. In theory, I am a dead person.'' He told her with still a grin present. ''Chase Irozaki is dead. Takeru Destrushia is however the Fifth Raikage. Not a name that I picked out.'' He briefly seemed to ponder about something. ''Though it is such a surprise to see me as the Raikage? I thought that I was such a trusted leader, seeing you kind of kept praising me.'' Chuckling again at the end of his sentence, Takeru placed his mask on the desk. Sighing through her embarassment, Chizuko crossed her arms and bit back an unkind remark. This man was still her Raikage, she had to remember that. "I should have known you weren't yet done making your mark on the world. But... now I can see why you keep the mask on." she smiled then and shook her head.

"In any case, I really did admire the way you led us when you were commander. I always strived to lead like you. Events turned out to make you a leader again I see." Taking the last few steps over to his desk, she held out her fist towards him. "Nice to see you again."

Stretching out his hand, Takeru offered a hand instead of a fist. ''I think that it is maybe more fitting to give you a hand instead of a fist bump.'' He replied. ''And I kind of doubt you would really see why I keep the mask on. Though I have several reasons for that.'' He said the last sentence again in a more complaining manner. But with noticing that Chizuko had little trouble with him being the Raikage, he was glad that it had turned out like this. He wanted to reveal himself much earlier, cause he thought she could handle the truth.

Again she had to bite back a sarcastic remark as she shook the hand of her old friend. "This is a big secret to keep on your own. I'm grateful for you for trusting me with it. Does anyone else know what you look like, or who you really are... were?" she asked casually as she stepped away from his desk to the more center of the room.

''Those who are required to know it. Of course only highly trusted agents and people that are often in my presence.'' Takeru replied back. He was mildly amused that asked him the question like that. ''Though I hope you realize that you're now one of those people, it means that I will task you with heavier burdens from now on.'' His tone started to shift to a more serious one. ''I also have something that I would like to suggest, but that is for later. Now I think you could use a mission and some new position. Being a regular ANBU won't fit you anymore, now that you know this secret.''

Chizuko felt oddly at ease with the news of a new mission and position. "Thank you, Lord Raikage. I had begun to think I could not be trusted to follow through with heavier tasks. What new mission do you require of me?" she asked curiously. For once during this conversation, Chizuko felt that her acting on impulse and coming to see him was actually a good idea. She did want the small talk to be over for now so that she could focus on something more serious. She had a feeling that there would be time to catch up later.

Picking up his mask again, Takeru shifted his tone again to a more serious one. ''I need you to travel towards the Leaf. There has been some incident that needs to be taken care of. This will be a mission you will need to do alone. I will need you to bring over a letter personally to the Hokage.'' Takeru said. He was already looking for a scroll and a pencil. Having found a small empty scroll, he mumbled something. Only a minute later he managed to find a pencil. Writing down something, Takeru continued. ''It is simply delivering the message and then head back. Nothing else for now.'' With a nod, Chizuko placed her mask back upon her face and stepped forward to receive the scroll. "I shall deliver it at once. Am I to wait and expect a reply from the Hokage?" she asked as she placed the scroll in her hip pouch.

''Rather not. I assume the situation will be anything by friendly. Lets say that somebody made the grim mistake of killing a double agent, forgetting that capturing would be less of a dramatic consquence for Kumogakure.'' Takeru mumbled. With the invitation to the Hokage to discuss the matter, Takeru wasn't sure about the whole matter. Time would show what the answer and reaction of the Fire Union would be.

All that Chizuko gave to show her understanding of the situation was a nod. Not turning to leave yet, she wondered if there was anything left for either one of them to say. Though she hesitated a long moment, she decided to ask one more question and then leave. "Is there any reason why you decided to return to the Cloud?"

Wanting to pick up a book that he had been reading, Takeru looked up when she asked her question. ''Several ones.'' He simply answered, opening the book as the doors were opened. Likely meaning that the guard ANBU were back at their post or that it was time that Chizuko should head on her mission. In either way, Takeru started to read the book again. ''Safe travels, Chizuko.''

Another nod and Chizuko turned around, leaving the office. She glanced at the guard ANBU as she passed them by and wondered if by some slim chance that they knew the truth. It took her only moments to reach the outside of the building, and once her feet met the ground, she was off. She moved quickly, spurred on by the feeling of finally being a little more important than many of her fellow ANBU. Only once did she turn her head to look back upon the office of her old friend. A smile formed on her lips when she thought back to when he had said Chase was dead. Chizuko wasn't so sure about that.

Aiko checked the four backpacks. They were each filled with the required tools and provision that they would need. Today they would really head out for a true mission and not like last time for a training one. Being sure that each backpack was filled like she had planned for, Aiko sat down on the ground. It was around the time that her students should show up. Judging by the position of the sun, it was almost noon. The time that they should come. At least, Aiko was sure that she had delivered the notes to the addresses. Deciding to wait instead of worrying over it, Aiko started to hum a familiar tone.

Yukara ran, her mother would not let her leave the house until she had done her share of some work no matter how much Yukara begged to be given the day off from her chores. But then when it looked like she would get her way, her father took her mothers side and she ended up doing more than her share of the work. So now she was running late, sprinting down the paths and finally arriving at the leaf Village, she tore down the roads, bumping into people left and right. "SORRY!" Yukara yelled over her shoulder to some man who started yelling after she nearly caused him to fall on his butt. Finally she saw Aiko-Sensei, with a grin she ran over to Aiko, panting and taking in huge gulps of air. "I... am... sorry... if .... I am.... late," Yukara said, taking more ari in as she talked.

He had checked his gear twice. It wasn't because he was so unsure of himself, but how the last training mission went. In his own eyes it wasn't really a failure, but it wasn't a success either. That was bothering Koike a bit, but he decided to keep focusing on the present with a mission now ahead of them. Heading out to the meeting point, Koike was not hurrying up, cause it wasn't that far and neither was he too late if he would head out now. Arriving at the field, he saw that both Aiko and Yukara were already present. Heading towards the two, he speak up. ''Present.''

Katsu was in the library, having decided that it would be best to train and read up a bit before the meet up. Sadly, he had the same idea last night. The boy was sitting, his head dug into the pages of a book. Sweet unconsciousness had taken him. Under his palm was trapped a crumpled piece of paper with a set date on it.

A smile tugged on Aiko's lips as she saw Yukara. Raising her hands in front of her, Aiko tried to make it clear that Yukara shouldn't worry. ''You're not too late. Take it easy.'' Not long after Yukara had came, Koike appeared. ''Good to see you too. Now, it is only Katsu and then we can leave.'' Aiko stated as she looked around. Where was Katsu? Not that he was too late for the meeting, but it was a bit strange to not see him arrive yet. Pondering on what she should decide, Aiko would wait for a few minutes.

Upon seeing Koike, she tried to give him what she hoped would pass for a smile but probably looked more like a grimace, with a sigh. "Hi Koike, how are you?" Yukara asked, it seemed a little rehearsed but at least it was not hostile. She watched him, trying to gague his reaction to her question and the shocking new attitude towards him, for now at least. She promised she would try, and not everyone could pull it off. "What is the mission gonna be? And Katsu better have a good reason for not being here by now!" she said, brushing little bits of dirt off her shirt.

Turning his head to look sideways at first towards Yukara, Koike found it indeed surprising. But he had no dislike for Yukara, as it would mean he held some care for her to feel anything. So ignoring her would be against his attitude. Facing her, Koike responded back in a calm manner. ''I am doing well. You?'' He asked back, though he seemed to be cautious. He hadn't forgotten about the last time.

Katsu ran out of the library, the librarian shouting after him. He stopped and turned. Hesitantly running back in, he picked up the books he'd taken and put them back in their places. After he put one wrong and was scolded, he fixed it once more. He didn't bother picking up the crumpled piece of paper and started running to try and find his team. Finally spotting them, he sprinted towards them. "Sorry I'm late, sensei! Good morning Yukara. Good morning Koike," he greeted them rashly, ignorant of the time.

There he was. Now that they were all here, Aiko pushed herself from the ground. Brushing the bit of grass and dirt from her pants, she flashed a smile towards Katsu. ''It is already noon, Katsu. But I am glad that you are present now.'' Aiko replied back, on which she then pointed to the backpacks. She would then answer Yukara's question. ''We are going on an official mission now. No surprises or tricks from me. We are sent to travel towards the capital of the Hotspring country. I need to deliver a package there.'' Aiko explained. Waiting till they all had a backpack, Aiko would ask them something. ''Any questions?''

"I am fine, thank you," Yukara said, although she still sounded rehearsed. Shrugging it off, she smiled brightly as she saw Katsu and went to greet him with a hug, before elbowing him. "You are late," Yukara said, but then grinned as she patted his shoulder. Truth be told, she did not mind that he was late and therefore she could joke about it. Then she heard about going to the Hotspring Country and spun to face Aiko-Sensei, with a grin. Getting her pack, she was now bouncing on the balls of her feet as she asked "does this mean we get to soak in the hotsprings? What is in the package? Is it top secret?"

The Hotspring country? Koike tried to think why kind of package they would need to send to that place. Taking a pack, he shook his head to make it clear that he had no questions regarding the mission. Nodding towards Katsu, as a greeting, Koike decided to just focus on what they would need to do. Though he was wondering on how the Hotspring country looked like. Maybe it wasn't too much different from Konohagakure? The thought made him curious.

Katsu was taken by surprise when Yukara threw her arms around him. He looked over at Aiko and Koike with a panicked face. When she backed away he sighed, putting a smile on his face. He looked over at Koike once more, seeing him return the greeting with a gesture. The smile became genuine though the difference was hardly noticable. The boy walked over to the backpacks and picked one up, slinging it over his shoulder. "Oof... I think we're all ready, sensei," he announced.

Beckoning that they should follow her, Aiko would speak up to answer Yukara's question. ''It is just a package we need to deliver. Orders or something at least from the higher ups. Though nothing too important. The mission is just classified as a D ranked one.'' Aiko explained. Walking for now, she would speak again. ''Though I want each of you to be wary and pay attention to almost everything. Though the country is a member of the Fire Union, I want you three on your best. We can be seen as representatives of Konohagakure.'' Hoping her words would have some effect, Aiko wouldn't say anything about localized Konohagakure forces. And she hoped Koike wouldn't be too suspicious of the way how the others treat him.

"Awww so no top secret package of utmost importance then," Yukara said, pouting a bit as she kept pace with Aiko-Sensei. Although, she really did wish their mission was more important than just delivering a simple package. "Right, best behavior. No fooling around and all that, right Koike?" Yukara asked like she was joking around. She gave a thumbs up to Katsu, before she looked to Aiko with a smile.

Taking a place behind the group, Koike paid attention to what was being told. However he was a bit disappointed with hearing it was a D ranked mission. Not that he figured it would be different with being a genin. Only then Yukara surprised him, again. ''I suppose not.'' He replied, still looking with a neutral gaze towards the Cho as he answered her. Putting his hands in the pockets of his jacket, Koike returned to his thoughts of the Hotspring country. Why had the state such a name?

Katsu heaved a sigh as Yukara turned away. He slowed down and then picked up his pace once more just as he got next to Koike, though he didn't look in his teammates direction or talk to him. He kept his gaze locked forward and his visage serious. By the time they got back, he planned to have Koike call him "friend".

There was a clear change in the team's dynamic. At least, Aiko thought so. Maybe it had helped after all? She was glad with that her talk had some effect. Leaving Konohagakure's main gates, she picked up the pace as she kept leading her team. The pace was just to push her genins, an extra kind of training and to see how their stamina was doing. But for now, Aiko had a pretty good feeling about the mission.

---

Many hours later,

The sky was getting darker. Meaning that they should soon pick a place to camp. They had taken several breaks, cause it wouldn't possible to travel the distance in one go. Slowing down the pace, Aiko looked over her shoulder. They had been traveling in a squar formation. ''Time we set up camp and take a rest.'' Landing on a branch, she would turn around and scan the area. Seeing a forest clearing up ahead, Aiko only pointed towards it. ''We will make camp there. But I will also teach you something. Each of you is needed to scan the perimeter. I will stay here until I have heard from one of you that the place is safe to set our camp.'' Aiko explained. Placing her hands on her hip, she would wait to see how the genins would tackle this.

"OK! Will do!" Yukara said, looking to Katsu and Koike. "We obviously to do the perimeter in thirds because there are three of us," she added. Looking to Katsu and Koike, then she grinned because she had an idea of sorts. "Koike can get the first third, Katsu can get the second and I the last, sound good? Ok, lets do this," Yukara said, bouncing on the balls of her feet again as she looked to her team mates, eagerly.

Less enthusiastic than Yukara, Koike however would do as she suggested. Nodding, Koike would look around first. If he had to scout a third, he would want to do it as quick as possible. Heading to the clearing, he raised his right thumb to his mouth. Biting on the finger, Koike would head to what would be likely a direction of a third. After weaving the required hand signals, he placed his right hand at the ground. Summoning his dog, Miso, Koike signaled him to move silently to the left. Cautiously, Koike started to scan the part he had to, in order to see if there was no danger. ''Nothing here. All clear.'' Speaking through his communicator, Koike would head back to the clearing.

Katsu nodded. "Good idea," he said. He quickly created a clone and ran to one side of the area he was responsible of and the clone ran to the other. Scanning the area carefully and quietly, from time to time, Katsu glanced at some areas he'd already passed by. Once they had finished surveying, Katsu's clone spoke into the communicator. "Here as well," he said. The original made his way back towards the centre as the clone started to run around the edge of the perimeter to check one last time.

It was really different from last time. At last, some teamwork. Keeping watch over her genins, Aiko would listen through the earphone communicator to hear what they told each other. Dropping herself from the branch, where she had watched over the area, Aiko would head towards the center of the clearing. Though Yukara had to report if her perimeter was clear as well, Aiko was sure that nothing or nobody that was a threat was nearby. It was more that she wanted to make sure that this would become a routine for the team. Discipline and routine actions like these would improve the security and teamwork of the team.

Yukara dashed around the third that she gave herself, deciding not to go with her idea and just scan the third with nothing extra. "All clear here, Aiko-Sensei," Yukara said, heading back and towards camp, quickly. Once getting there, she smiled at Aiko-Sensei, looked around for her other team mates and shrugged.

Back at the clearing, Koike shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. He glanced around one last time before Miso poofed away. Though he wouldn't mind a rest, he was far more interested in continue on. The sooner they would reach the Hotspring country, the better. ''I suppose we are now needed to set up our tents?'' Koike asked, turning his head into Aiko's direction.

Katsu looked at the others as they returned. A smile formed on his mouth as there hadn't been any arguments on the first day of the mission. Well, at least there was very little time left. When Koike mentioned the tents, he turned his head as much as he could, trying to get a glance at the bag. Perhaps that was what was inside them. Perhaps Aiko had tried to do something like last time but that hadn't turned out too well for anyone...

''Good work. And yes, time to set up the camp. Yukara and Koike.'' Aiko started, having an idea in mind. ''You both will set up the tents. Katsu, I want you to gather some wood and start making a fire. I will set up some traps around the perimeter, to be sure that we won't have any troublesome visitor too soon.'' With those orders, she would however wait before setting up some traps. Aiko wanted to be sure that her students would do their task without any bickering, though that was unexpected seeing how it had gone so far.

"OK! Koike, how do you want to do this?" Yukara asked, turning to look at him. So far, she was doing a good job of being nice and just hoped that he noticed, or even better, returned the favor. Nodding as Aiko-Sensei finished dividing out the responsibilities for everyone, she looked back to Koike and waited. Wondering what everyone was thinking about this mission and also hoping that the mission would not offer any surprises.

''Probably just first putting up your tent and then see how it will stand. Then we should quickly get it done with the others.'' He responded back. Taking a few steps back, Koike kneeling down and looked through his backpack for any nails and material that they would need to use to set up some fast tents. Finding some canvas, Koike pulled it out of the bag. Placing it next to him, together with the few nails. Though he could look for a hammer, Koike grabbed a kunai. He would use the handle of the weapon to hammer the nails into the ground.

Katsu nodded and looked over to the other two for a moment before running off. He slid the backpack off his shoulders just before leaving the opening, letting it lean on one of the trees. He quickly started collecting the rare pieces of burnable wood on the ground, holding them all with both hands. At one point, it got quite hard to pick up pieces of wood. He walked back towards the campsite, setting the firewood in the center and stacking them up. He turned to his teammates. "Do either of you know fire jutsu?"

Dropping her bag, Aiko noticed that her students were finally working and functioning as a team. With that done, she would head to the perimeter of the forest. Through her communicator, she would try to keep track of how her team was doing. When Katsu asked if anybody knew Fire techniques, Aiko wanted to almost answer it, but decided against it. The more they worked and thought together, the better. That was what she was hoping for. Setting up some traps with kunai and wire, Aiko also took the chance to scan the perimeter herself.

Yukara watched with some interest in how he did, then turned to the tent that she was going to put up the tent and began working on it. Taking out the nails that went with it, she first did as Koike suggested and saw how the tent would stand with out them. Not very well as it collapsed, biting her lip, she used one of her own kunai and put the nails into the ground to keep the tent standing stably. "All done~" Yukara said, in a sing song voice.

At first Koike was doubting if it would work, but the tent looked stable. Walking to the right side, he quickly eyed if the other nails were also set up good enough. ''Good. Now the others then.'' He said, nodding towards Yukara. Walking back to another backpack, Koike started to pull out the tools and required items to set up another tent. ''If you would hold the nails, I will hit them into the ground. Sounds good?'' Koike asked, only then to hear Katsu's question. ''No, don't you have any-''' Koike stopped. He realized that Katsu was an Uchiha without the affinity for Fire Release. ''Use two kunai to get a spark?''

Katsu sighed and nodded. He pulled out two kunai and did as Koike had suggested. There was a small spark that appeared, igniting the wood for a brief moment. "Without something to strengthen the fire...." He had a sudden idea. "Hey, Koike. If I remember right, you can use wind release, right? Could you help me out? When I make a spark, you can fan the fire quickly and we'd be able to get a nice fire going."

Hearing the conversation through her earphone communicator, Aiko was pondering if she should get back to help with setting up the camp. So far it was going great. There was some communication and cooperation going on, just like she wanted. For that reason, she took her time with setting up traps. Though she wanted to head back to help out with the fire, realizing that both Katsu and Yukara weren't probably aware that she could use Wind release. Smiling, Aiko decided to just keep on doing what she was doing. Just in a slow speed.

"Right, right" Yukara said, getting to where Koike had thud the nails. Nodding when he asked if she could hold them and unable to resist the urge to comment, she said "just remember that you want to hit the nails not my fingers." She hoped that he would see it as a joke and not as an insult, adding a little smile to add to it. For now, everything was ok with being nice as long as he did not try boss everyone around and the like.

At first Koike kept just focusing on what he had to do. Only a moment later he reacted back to Yukara. ''I won't try to hit your nails.'' Having that said, Koike looked over his shoulder after he had rammed a nail into the ground. ''I can yes, hang on.'' Stopping, Koike made one shadow clone. Though he wasn't really glad that he was using a shadow clone for something like this, he wanted the camp up soon as possible. With the shadow clone walking towards Katsu, in order to help him out, the real Koike focused back on the nails and setting up the second tent with Yukara.

Katsu smiled as Koike's clone approached. He kept the two kunai on one another, shaking one lightly above the other. "Alright, here we go," he said, raising the kunai more. He gridded the knife on the other one, making a large spark on the piece of wood. He hoped Koike would take the opportunity to fan it and create a nice campfire.

Deciding to finally heading back, Aiko saw that the camp was getting set up without indeed no trouble. This was better than she had anticipated, though she was happy with the current progress of her team. ''Seems like the camp is almost done?'' Aiko asked, hiding her smile. The sky was turning darker with every minute and guessing by the looks of it, it would soon be time to have some supper and then decide who would take the first watch.

It took a lot for her to not pull her hand back every time Koike hit the nail as she was not sure how accurate he was with it, although he seemed to be doing an ok job. "Aiko-Sensei! Your back!" Yukara said, not bothering to hide her hyperness. She always had so much energy and always something to say, even though some of the time it was off topic. "Almost, we just need to finish with the tents," Yukara said, happily.

Almost had Koike slammed the pommel of the kunai on one of Yukara's fingers. Luckily he had managed to avoid hitting her fingers as he worked the last nail in the ground. Now the second tent was up. Two more left. Standing up, he glanced at Aiko and started to think. Did it take so long to set up some traps? Not wanting to waste any time to think about it, he went to the third bag. ''Last two. Lets do each one, okay?'' Koike suggested to Yukara, feeling actually hungry. Hopefully they had something nice with them for supper. Meanwhile, his clone using a weak version of the Violent Wind Palm technique, focusing on pouring only a little bit of chakra into the technique, hoping to create just the amount of gust to get a fire starting.

The spark ignited the wood and the pressurized wind flared, making the campfire appear on the pieces of wood. "Nice job!" He said, raising one hand slightly for a high five, and then realized that Koike might not really go ahead and play along with something like this. It was still quite nice to be able to work together without any major issues. Hell, even Yukara was trying to get along with him. That was definitely quite surprising to Katsu and also most likely to Koike as well.

''Glad to hear that.'' Aiko told Yukara, looking at the tents who were already set up. They looked stable and though Aiko wanted to test to see if they were really stable, she wouldn't. Deciding to not look like she was inspecting everything and putting some trust in the team, Aiko would head to the shadow clone of Koike and Katsu. Just when she was near the two, they managed to get a fire starting. That and getting Katsu enthusiastic. Though Aiko already expected that Koike wouldn't react like that back, it was a nice change over the constant bickering and squabbling.

Yukara nearly commented on the fact that Koike had almost hit her but chose not to and bit her tongue to keep from doing so. "Yeah, that is probably a good idea," Yukara said, going over to the tent that she was to set up. Getting the nails out, she began getting the tent to stand along with getting the nails in the proper place. She mentally counted to three and hit the nail twice as the third time, she hit her finger. She bit back a yelp and continued to put the nails into the ground, once she was finished, she used the hand that had held the kunai and brought it over to her finger, using the Healing Technique to make it stop hurting.

The clone frowned as Katsu raised his hand. Slowly the shadow clone returned the high five before he poofed away. With Yukara agreeing to the suggestion, Koike went to the fourth backpack. Getting out the nails, he also started to set up the tent. Hearing Yukara letting out a yelp, he looked sideways to see what had happened. Deciding to first focus on setting up the fourth tent, he eyed the tent. After that, he would head to Yukara. ''Can I help?''

Katsu continued fueling the fire a bit more, trying not to get it to grow out of control using a weak yet continuous Violent Wind Palm. He looked over to Koike and Yukara, a wide smile curling up on his lips. Once the fire was big enough he got up and walked over to them as well, trying to catch up on what they had done. "Since the fire's done, is there anything I can do over here?"

Seeing all of her students were at the last tent that had to be set up, Aiko decided to bring the backpacks together. Seeking what they would have for supper, she was getting items that were wrapped. Though the scent would be clear of what it was. With the fire going, Aiko thought of what they would need. ''Can somebody get some sharp sticks and clean them? I hope you all like some fish too.'' That having said, she also would pull out a small bag of her backpack. A little sweet surprise, something that the team had deserved for their teamwork.

''I am more than ready.'' A voice replied with an amused tone. Standing in the opening of another entrance to the room, a man stared at Kiyomi and Hayate. There were several scars on his skin, like it had been cracked and damaged more than just a several amount of times. A grin grew on the lips of the man as he eyed them, taking a few steps into the laboratory. ''Seems that you two managed to get this far, huh? Means you killed Change? Impressive for two runts.'' The man said, clearly mocking that they looked both much younger than them. He was around two to three heads taller and much bigger in overal size than Hayate.

Turning swiftly, a kunai already in his hand, Hayate eyed the man warily. There wasn't a lot of time left until the unstable metal was going to set off and explode. Without looking, he spoke quietly to Kiyomi, "We need to leave sensei... There's not much time." Already backing towards the nearest exit, Hayate didn't take his eyes off the imposing man.

Quickly turning around, Kiyomi glared at the newcomer. Another one? At least this one wasn't inside their mind. With Hayate's warning, Kiyomi knew she had to make a quick decision. Turning their back to this enemy could be annoying. Slowly, she moved back as well, thinking of something. ''Run Hayate!'' Kiyomi mumbled as she pulled out a smokebomb, intending to smash it against the ground to give them some cover, hopefully giving them a chance to make a run for it.

''Not fun.'' The man muttered as he noticed that Hayate and Kiyomi seemed to first move back and then tried to escape. Weaving several handsignals, the man held the last one for a second. After that, he would start to walk towards the smoke cloud. ''I am not that much of a curious talker like Change, nor that much of a freak, but hiding or running away won't help now.'' The man shouted, trying to catch a hint of the two, which was kind of hard with the smoke cloud.

Stepping through the doorway, Hayate placed his hand against the wall, attempting to spread metal across the exit in order to block it. The metal spread outwards, but didn't fully cover the gap. Deciding that wasting anymore time was not a wise idea, Hayate stepped away from the wall and then continued moving quickly. He would not run and risk leaving Kiyomi behind, and he only hoped that the metal he had managed to spread across the doorway would buy them some time.

Following Hayate, Kiyomi already pulled out a kunai. Not yet infusing it with her lightning chakra or attaching a tag to it, Kiyomi started to think of how they could quickly end this. Judging by the words she had heard, this man was probably just as annoying as that Change person. Moving through the doorway, she briefly looked over her shoulder to notice what Hayate was doing. Now that they were in the smaller hallway, she got an idea. ''Lets try him here out.'' Turning around with a quick turn, Kiyomi dropped into a fighting stance, focused on the doorway.

With the smoke settling, the man could see that the two weren't in the room anymore. That and the doorway to the hallway, where Kiyomi and Hayate had came from, was changed. ''Troublesome.'' Was the word that the man muttered as he would head towards the metal that was molded in order to hold him back. Knocking with his right fist on it, the man frowned. Taking a step back, chakra was starting to gather at his right hand that was clenched into a fist. Spreading out his footwork, the man was preparing to slam his fist at the manipulated metal.

Taking his place beside Kiyomi, Hayate pulled Samehada from the sheath on his back. Here they would wait for the man to exit the room. By Hayate's calculation the unstable metal should still have about ten seconds or so be-- BOOM! His eyes widening slightly, Hayate realized he had made a slight calculation error... Looking towards the doorway, a small amount of smoke was billowing out of the holes in the metal that Hayate had used to cover the gap. Glancing up at Kiyomi he flashed her an apologetic look.

In any normal situation, Kiyomi would frown or sigh due Hayate making an error at calculating of when something would happen. But now that wasn't important. Wondering if it was done, Kiyomi wasn't planning on moving to the doorway. Pouring some lightning chakra over the kunai she was holding, Kiyomi kept her eyes at the doorway. ''We're going to do a hit and run tactic. Attack at range and then head back, on which we repeat.'' Kiyomi whispered through her communicator.

The metal that was still moulded and thus forming a make-shift barricade was suddenly smashed and splintered. With the remains being thrown in the air, towards Kiyomi and Hayate, the man stepped over the doorway. The shirt he had on was torn apart, as several burning wounds covering his skin. However, he seemed to be doing quite okay for somebody who had been standing in a room that had just exploded. There was still some blue chakra gathering at his right hand. Flexing his fingers, the man started to walk towards the two.

Cursing inwardly, Hayate pulled out a kunai with one of his free hands, charging it to explode, he threw it towards the strange man. Stepping back as the man walked forwards, Hayate pulled out another kunai, not expecting the first to do much damage. They were going to have to think of something and fast. And she thought the same as Hayate. He had smashed with ease, it seemed, through the metal. Not to forget that he had been in room that had exploded. Thinking of something, Kiyomi quickly leaped back as she would keep her kunai at the ready. They had to test how good the speed and reflexes were of the person, next to some other facts. Waiting to see how the man would react on the kunai that Hayate had thrown, Kiyomi readied herself again.

The kunai never reached the man, as something invisible deflected the projectile. ''Child's play. Now stand still.'' The man told them as he raised his hand. There was a strange look in his eyes as he started to grin. The blue chakra in his hand started to cause a hissing sound, like it was burning something. Next to that, the man was radiating some killing intent, hoping it would throw the two off.

Seeing the kunai bounce to the side, exploding as it hit the floor, Hayate narrowed his eyes. It reminded him of the technique that Kiyomi taught him. Stepping back, he glanced at Samehada, maybe... A plan already formulating in his mind, Hayate prepared himself for whatever the man was about to do. The killing intent was powerful, but Hayate held his ground, forcing himself to focus. Throwing the kunai towards the side of the wall, Kiyomi reached out her hand towards Hayate. ''I need Sharky.'' She instructed. She had a plan, but it wasn't likely going to be the same as what Hayate was thinking. That and she was getting worried that the blade was leeching Hayate's chakra to help his thirst for powerful chakra.