''See this? This part is the place.'' Aiko said. With thick gloves she held the platypus down while pointing at the hind legs of the male specimen. The woman briefly glanced at Koike. Both were dressed in protective gear to ensure that they wouldn't accidentally poison themselves. ''We can extract the poison by gently placing the glass here. Then press here to force the poison out.'' Aiko instructed. It had been a long time since she had trained and educated Koike, just the two of them. Last days she had spend more time with Yukara and Katsu, but that was because both were less experienced and trained than Koike. ’’It is very important to do this with thick gloves. Though one could argument if the platypus is a dangerous animal, their poison isn’t to joke about.’’ Aiko further explained. The basement in her home was made to mix and extract poison. In the right corner there was a considerable big enough part made for the platypus. Next to some other facilities that she had where she grew all kind of herbal plants. Both for making antidotes as poison.

Genuinely interested, he looked at how Aiko managed to keep the animal calm and suppressed while she worked with one hand to extract the poison. He nodded whenever she asked a question and honestly, he loved spending time like this with his sensei and aunt. It was where they both share a common interest and were doing something else than to practice something that had more to do with combat. ’’How can you apply their poison?’’ Koike asked, looking fascinated at the animal. It hadn’t been known to him that they could produce poison, as he thought they were just amphibious creatures that made a funny sound.

’’Their poison can apply like any other poison. The problem is however that its quite a nasty one.’’ She said, smiling. It was a little something between her and Koike. Calling poison nasty, while all poison had nasty effects. Such emphasis just made it clear that it was a bit special. ’’If a bit gets on your skin, it will cause a discomforting feeling. Let alone when it comes in contact with your blood.’’ She said.

’’Really? So that means if it is being used in a smoke bomb combination that it will be thus nasty for the user as well?’’ He asked, placing his hands at his back as he leaned a bit forward. The more he started to learn about the poison of the creature, the more he became interested in it. There were a lot of questions going through his mind, but he decided to ask one by one.

’’Yes. It will cause an intense pain by the victim. The venom isn't deadly to humans, but to give an idea on how powerful it is.’’ Aiko paused as she thought about it. ’’A medium sized dog will die very quickly if you use it in any effective manner.’’ Slowly, she putted the half full glass on the table. The male platypus made a kind of purring sound. Knowing that it had enough of the treatment, Aiko gently lifted it up with both of her hands. Walking to the container that had been modeled to create a small and comfortable surrounding for the platypus, Aiko placed the animal in it. It was more than happy that it could recover from the treatment. ’’There have been some records of victims that tried to pick a platypus up without any protection. They all experienced a torturing pain that seemed to be persistent. Even those who claim to have a very high pain toleration will suffer muscles that will refuse to move, due the pain that is being sent over to the brain.’’ She said, pulling off the gloves.

Like Aiko, Koike started to take the gloves off as he was a bit surprised. But he could deduce from that information that the poison was a high defensive poison, trying to ward off any predator and teaching them what it mean to try to eat a platypus. ’’What are the symptoms of being under influence of the poison then?’’ Koike asked.

’’Next to the intense and torturing pain, you can see that around the entry wound will start to swell and will gradually spread outwards.’’ Aiko started to sum up. ’’Then the symptom of hyperalgesia will start. Do you remember what that term means?’’ Aiko asked back, placing her hands on her hips as she smiled. Like Koike, she enjoyed these moments with him.

Koike stared at a plant, trying to remember what Aiko once had explained to him. ’’It is the term to describe an increasing sensitivity to pain.’’ There was more to it, but it took a second before Koike could remember it. ’’That can cause damage to nociceptors or else peripheral nerves. But if that is what the poison also cause, that means that morphine won’t help?’’ Koike asked. It was clear that if the poison attacked the nerve system like that it would mean that any victim would have to suffer the pain.

A smirk started to grow on Aiko’s lips. ’’That is right and no. Trying to lessen the pain will not help. With the poison attacking the peripheral nervous system, a victim will be have to try to recover from going out of the fight. It is why I suspect that any predator that its once stung by the platypus will think twice before attacking again.’’ She threw a glance at the resting platypus. The creature seemed to be simply relaxing as some light shined on the container through a window that also let in fresh air into the basement. ’’The pain will last from a few days to a month, depending on the dose. Using half of that glass for example, will be more than enough to cause the pain for a month.’’

Throwing a glance at the glass, Koike became more interested. That little? The glass was barely at half filled, but if a quarter was enough to make somebody suffer some painful poison like that for a whole month, he was sure that it would be nasty in whatever kind of dose it would be used. ’’And an antidote?’’ He asked.

’’Not known. I have tried to send it to a friend of Zakito, that leads the hospital. The poison is suggested to work directly on the brain’s pain receptors, so there has yet to be antidote that can stabilize the effect of the poison.’’ Aiko answered. She walked towards the glass on the table. She had a little measuring cup with cap at the ready. Taking up the glass, she carefully poured the substance into the measuring cup. ’’What is your opinion about the team?’’ She asked casually.

The question threw him off his thoughts. He was already interested of mixing the poison within smoke bombs and else see what he could do with it. Scratching his chin, he looked with a frown at the process of pouring the venomous substance into the measuring cup. ’’They are okay, I guess. Yukara was a pain with her comments, but I didn’t pay that much attention to it, cause I reckon she is ignorant to what has happened in the past. Katsu is okay too, but he overreacted several times. Both are sometimes more of a pain but,’’ He sighed, rubbing his neck as he briefly lowered his head. ’’I actually hope I can become their friend. I know that they have short comings, but so do I. Any person has those. Besides, maybe bonding with them can help the team after all?’’

Aiko was done and luckily in time. Cause when she heard the words coming from Koike’s direction, she looked a bit surprised in his direction. Did he just stated he wanted to become friends with them? Unable to respond for some time, Aiko placed the cap on top of the measuring cup. Then she turned to Koike, seeing him not calm and focused as always. He looked even a bit shy. Before she even knew it herself, her arms wrapped themselves around his neck, pulling him in for a hug.

Surprised by Aiko’s sudden hug, he was wondering why. Hugging her back, he smiled. ’’Aiko-sama, thanks.’’ He said. The only answer he got back was a sniff. One of joy.

Waiting again on the trainingsfield, Aiko looked around. Like last time, everything was set and ready. Placing her left hand on her hip, she felt how a nice and soothing breeze passed over the field. Though the time was only different. Now it was around 3 PM. That was because Aiko had some meeting with the Cho council in the morning about the coming festival that was being organized. Not to mention several other topics that were relevant to it. Though she wasn't really tired, Aiko rubbed her temple with her right hand, lowering her head a bit.

At the time, Katsu had climbed up on top of one of the buildings in order to make a straight path between him and the training field. Performing the ram seal, he almost vanished, reappearing in a puff of smoke in front of Aiko. "Good afternoon, Aiko-sensei," he greeted her with a rather serious tone rather unusual for him. He looked her dead in the eye, his back straight and his hands at his side.

Raising her head, Aiko looked at her student with a warm smile. ''Good afternoon, Katsu.'' She had noticed he had used the Body Flicker Technique. That and the serious tone. ''Good that you could come. How are you doing today?'' Aiko asked. Though she was being formal, Aiko was already thinking what had crossed her mind earlier. She had even done some research after their last training in order to see if her theory had any chance of success.

"Very well, sensei," he said in response, his voice relaxing just a bit. He decided not to start a casual conversation no matter how tempting it might be, talking about the book he was reading, the training he was doing, the breakfast he'd eaten... He shook himself, knocking the thoughts out of his mind. "I hope I wasn't late."

''No, you were in time.'' Aiko raised her right hand and waved a bit, like she was trying to calm him down. ''But I suggest we go and start the training? I am sorry that unlike last time that we started at this time, as it means that I don't have enough time to do everything. Though I hope that we can conclude some parts that we have started last time. Have you worked on your stamina this morning?'' Aiko politely asked.

His mind flew to the memories of him beating the hell out of the poor wooden dummy with his sword for an hour and a half. "Yes," he answered, remembering his rather sore arms. He'd also done quite a bit of running and climbing to get to that peak. "I'm all warmed up, sensei." Hardly able to contain himself, Katsu raised himself up a bit by his toes and then let himself fall again, springing back up.

''Good. Cause I have something I can suggest.'' Aiko's tone was off, same as the look in her eyes. It wasn't a worried look, but it came close to it. ''I have researched some things about the Uchiha. Back at the first training mission, Koike asked if you could activate your sharingan. You said you couldn't. I was wondering when the sharingan actually would awaken as there aren't actually many Uchiha's that have awakened it. That made me start to delve into some books and scrolls after our last training.'' She took a moment to pause. ''It seems that only a small group of Uchiha are able to awaken their sharingan. Meaning that there is a chance you won't awaken it.'' That was the first piece of information she would give him.

Katsu didn't like it but it was true. After the moment of reflection-he looked up at her once more, curious as to what she was building up to. He could guess that her aim wasn't to lower his self-esteem unless it was like the philosophy lessoons they'd been given during their first training. ''There is however a way to activate the sharingan. After some research it seems that some procress in the brains awakens the ''need'' for the sharingan to awaken. If the person is able to awaken it. This process is to put simply in a life and death situation. Meaning that there are some hormones in a right quanity that would spring the process.'' Aiko explained. ''My special genjutsu sends my chakra into the person's chakra system and then goes to the brain, which enables me to freely make the victim go through a lot of situations at my whim.'' Aiko paused. ''Which means that if I do it right now, it could lead to that you will awaken your sharingan.''

Katsu's eyes opened wide as he heard her suggestion. He thought on it and everything she said made perfect sense to him somehow. "I see," he muttered. He went on to speak up. "I understand how that could work..." His rather tense pose relaxed subconsciously as he thought about what she had said.

''It is quite simple, but I do think it won't go that easily. While it may seem favorable that I force the process, it may.. cause some setbacks.'' Aiko started. This was why she was worried. If something could go wrong, it wouldn't be something they could reverse back. ''Even if you for example awaken your sharingan, it wouldn't be the same as natural. This means that there can be some complications. That is why I need you to think very carefully about this. That and you don't need them, you know that right? There are lot of strong people that don't have a sharingan.''

Katsu nodded slowly. "Yes, I know, sensei," he said solemnly. Some newfound yet probably temporary confidence was in his voice. "To be honest, it's very tempting but... It just wouldn't feel right if I gained an ability without working for it myself. If I accept the offer, I'd be telling myself that I don't have the potential to do it myself."

The worried glance on Aiko's vanished as she lowered her head a bit. ''You got me worried there for a moment.'' She muttered before looking up again. ''But it is good to hear such an answer. A wise one. I am not sure if I would have chosen the same as you did, but it certainly shows a certain nobility, Katsu. One that suits you.'' Looking at the dummies, Aiko ddecided to head on to the next act. ''Now we are going to do some aiming practice. I am certain you are familiar with this, right?'' Aiko turned her head towards Katsu, while she pulled out a shuriken. Without even glancing sideways, she swinged her hand. The projectile was a moment later seen, striking the head of a dummy. ''When a shinobi can't rely on ninjutsu, genjutsu or such, it is important that they know how to use use tools. Even a shuriken can be deadly in the hands of an expert.''

The boy followed her hand and turned to the dummy, seeing that the shuriken had already planted themselves in the target's face. He turned to her once more and nodded, having heard similar words from Kensuke. Not wanting to do anything before his sensei gave any instructions, he waited.

Pointing to the same dummy, Aiko started to explain. ''I want you to throw several shuriken, one at a time. If you want to participate in the exams, we need to be sure that every skill you can hone, has been worked on. I think it is a bit of repeating, but if you won't work on things like your aim or proficiency with tools, then I fear that it will be anything but good for later.'' Glancing at the dummy where her shuriken had struck, Aiko finished her instruction. ''First you will throw some without a condition. After that, I will name up some conditions in order to make it more difficult for you.''

Nodding, Katsu pulled out three shuriken, holding two in his left hand between his fingers in his clenched fist and the other in his hand behind his neck, ready to be flung sideways at the dummy. A proper aim was something everyone would learn at the academy but the fact that Aiko would make it more and more difficult showed that this was just to warm up. He flung his arm and the shuriken landed on the forehead of the dummy.

A light whack was the result. Removing her hand from Katsu's head, Aiko shook her head. ''The forehead? Most shinobi wear their headband there. A simple shuriken would cause a graze or surprise. What you need to do is, aim to kill or immobilize. Some place where people in general wear little to no armor.'' Aiko explained. She then took a step away, to give him some room again to try it again.

He took the second shuriken into his right hand, surprised at the light blow he took. He made an x with his arms and flung the one in front, throwing the first shuriken direcly at where the neck would normally be and the second to the area under the chest cavity, where the lungs would have a bit of exposition.

''Hmmmmm.'' Aiko seemed to ponder as she tilted her head a bit to the left and placed her hands on at her sides. ''Why did you chose those two places?'' Aiko asked, throwing a sideways glance at Katsu. She had a hunch on why he had thrown and aimed the shuriken to hit the dummy at the two places. But still, she wanted to be sure that his answer would be a good one. Gambling wasn't something she would just accept.

"The neck is the weakest and most dangerous area in the human body," he started. "It's also usually not protected by any armour to allow the person to move their heads with ease. While the area beneath the chest cavity can sometimes be well guarded, if aimed quickly enough or infused with nature chakra like lightning or wind, it would do massive damage to the lungs, allowing blood to flow in and air to flow out."

''That is correct.'' She said, patting Katsu's head now. His aim was good enough to hit a target that was standing still. However, she had reasons on why she would yet disagree with the boy. ''That was a nice throw and answer, I am proud of you Katsu.'' Aiko however said. Removing her hand, she sighed and stared at the dummy. ''Though I wonder.. Who have trained you before to throw so accurate?''

"My old teacher used to make me practice shurikenjutsu during my "free time"," he answered rather bitterly. "He taught me the optimal points to aim for in order to get a clean kill." Katsu had almost flinched when he felt the hand on top of his head again, expecting another soft blow. To get a clean kill? Aiko thought about those words. She had often heard it, that people often wanted to go for a clean kill, but she had her own opinion on that. There was not such a thing as a clean kill. But it wasn't a lecture or a philosophy lesson today. ''Good. Though you're right about those points. Very well.'' Taking a brief pause, Aiko pointed to the dummy next to it. ''I want you to throw with only your left hand.''

Katsu hesitated but nodded. He pulled out a shuriken and launched it, this time with the other hand, aiming for the neck once more, however it didn't go as planned. The shuriken stuck out of the target's mouth. He immediately braced himself for impact, squeezing his eyes shut and clenching his teeth. ''Try to keep your breath in and when you throw, breath out.'' Aiko only advised. She didn't give him another light whack, but she had noticed that he had braced himself for one. That was kind of cute, in her opinion.

He opened one eye to check first then relaxed his muscles. He took a deep breath and exhaled. He took another one and readied the shuriken, stopping the air from seeping out. As he swung the shuriken, he let out the air, planting the weapon into the target's chin. He sighed, seeing how this one had worked just a little bit better.

''It takes practice, don't worry.'' Aiko said, hoping to keep him motivated. For a moment she thought about showing how he could do it maybe better, but that was probably anything but motivating. No, she had just to stand now aside and let him try it. ''Keep trying it. It isn't going bad at all, Katsu!'' Saying it with an overjoyed voice, she did mean it. Already she could think about how some of her students had tried this and even missed the dummy. Not that it was something bad if a person missed.

Katsu took several quick breaths and pulled out a shuriken with his left hand, trying a backhand throw to increase his aim. This time, the shuriken was planted on the upper left side of the chest. He considered simply throwing every shuriken he had as fast as he could but he decided against an idiotic act like that, plunging his hand back into the pocket. He closed his eyes for a moment and visualized the target, thinking of a face he'd very much like to cover in blood. He swung the shuriken once more, sticking it right above the collar.

He was getting closer. For a moment, Aiko wondered how good he would be if he could use sharingan eyes. Would that improve his aim? For all she knew, it wouldn't really. But it was a thought that had sneaked up on her. ''That is going very well. But let's not focus everything on just your left hand. Lets swap. Only your right now.'' Aiko instructed, wondering if it would make a big difference now.

Katsu didn't react at first, his chest rising and falling quickly. He snapped back to reality, recognizing the face he'd imagined to be the dummy once again. He turned to Aiko and nodded solemnly, pulling out another shuriken with his right hand. The boy launched the shuriken once more, this time hitting it between the eyes, the blades looking up and down straight.

Whistling very short, Aiko narrowed her eyes. A hit like that in battle? That would mean that most average shinobi would have a trouble to keep on going. Certainly if Katsu would improve his strength a bit. Or if he would coat the shuriken in some chakra enhanced technique. Never the less, it was a very good throw. ''Very nice. Seems you have a certain knack for shurikenjutsu.'' Aiko said, sounding a bit proud. Was that allowed? Hopefully it was, cause he was her student now anyways.

Katsu turned to her and put on a seemingly very real smile, though his mind was elsewhere. "Thanks, sensei," he simply said instead of his usual objections. He pulled out two other shuriken, spinning each on his index fingers and turning back to the dummy. ''Keep holding your breath in and then when you throw, breath out. In time, it will become more natural as you will practice it.'' Aiko repeated. She wondered briefly on how he would do on the next condition. For now they were practicing on a dummy that wasn't moving or even trying to defend itself from Katsu's shuriken.

Katsu nodded and stopped its spinning, pushing it off the finger and clutching it. He leaned back and took a breath, spinning his entire body like a wheel while throwing it. Just as his hand would reach its peak, he bent his wrist backwards, thrusting it like it was sprung, launching the shuriken with quite a bit of speed, digging in into the target's chest.

''That is a new thing.'' Aiko mumbled, a bit amused. Not that she was going to judge the spin, but she wasn't sure if it was really that practical. Reminding herself that she shouldn't start to crack down his style or manner of throwing, Aiko decided to say however something. ''Why did you aimed or hit the dummy at the chest area?'' Aiko asked, her eyes still focused on the dummy.

"I... I was going for sheer force," he said hesitantly. "Towards where the heart is. If It can break a rib or two..." His voice faded. In truth, what he thought of doing earlier was to throw another one towards the neck with the same style but for some reason, he simply got aggressive. Though the excuse could probably pass since the shuriken's blade had sunk in a bit.

A light whack was the first response. ''Tsk, tsk tsk. Never go for force.'' Aiko said. ''You're not some brute or somebody who is really fitting to go for force. It leaves you open and that causes you to get hurt. And which again can create a chain reaction of nasty events.'' She stopped, not wanting to give him the idea that he had messed up that badly. ''The thing is, why would you need force? Sometimes it is better to keep it calm and collected. If you need to use force, that means you're lacking certain calm and focus, which means that you're not that strong as you want to be.''

He knew that all too well but it was still what he needed to hear. He focused himself, calming down. He raised his hand again with the shuriken locked between his thumb and index finger. Swinging his left hand sideways, he flicked his wrist as he threw it, hitting the left eye. He lowered his hand and looked over at Aiko, waiting for her comment on the throw.

Her right hand was at her mouth as she looked like she was thinking about something. Lowering her hand to her chin, Aiko still kept her eyes focused on the dummy. ''Alright. That went better than expected. Very well done.'' Aiko said. Now it was time for the next step. However, she would pull a twist to it. Making a shadow clone, the smoke that was summoned with it however would reveal somebody else. A small kid. Hopping some distance away, Aiko pointed at the back of the small boy. ''Go ahead. Try to make it an one hit strike.'' The child still hopped away, humming a rather cheerful tone.

Katsu pulled out a shuriken again, this time with his right hand and got ready to throw it, though he didn't launch it. It's not a real kid... It's not a real kid... He swung his arm, aiming for the nape, though his aim was worse than before. The blade stuck into the clone's shoulder rather than the vital point. "Sensei... Could you transform into something else? I can't..." His voice faded away, looking down at his feet.

The child yelped as the weapon struck his shoulder. Falling on his knees, the free hand went to the struck shoulder as the boy seemed to turn. Aiko glanced at Katsu when requested something. By the time that he had finished or actually started his second sentence, a kunai was thrown towards Katsu. The child glared in Katsu's direction, having aim the kunai towards Katsu's chest. With a quick movement, Aiko's hand grabbed the handle of the kunai as she sighed. ''Into something else? An old person perhaps?'' Aiko asked while she threw the kunai and destroyed the clone, as the kunai impaled the spot between the eyes of the clone. ''I know it is cruel, but it is no surprise that enemies will use disguises like that to ambush you or the others. Looks are quite deceiving after all.''

Katsu recoiled as the clone attacked him. Was this what she meant when she mentioned her training with Koike? As it disappeared in a puff of smoke, he let out a sigh of relief. "A-alright, I understand," he said. He gulped, looking in Aiko's direction, telling himself that he'd do it this time. Making another shadow clone, this time the form was again different. It was that of a younger girl, that had her thumb stuck in her mouth. Taking some distance from Aiko and Katsu, the disguised clone turned around. Still her thumb in her mouth, she stared at Katsu, only for a smile cracking on her lips as she tilted her head a bit.

As the clone turned around, Katsu raised his right hand above his opposite shoulder and slung his arm sideways, this time without any hesitation. While the smile was forming, the shuriken had left Katsu's hand and was moving towards the clone's neck with as good aim as when they were practicing with the dummy. A scream erupted from the throat of the child as she was surprised or acted surprised. The disguised clone had moved her neck and shoulder, in a reflex trying to slam the shuriken away. However, now the shuriken had struck the arm, which started to bleed as the girl kept screaming in agony and pain. Aiko simply watched the scene in front of her, making no movement to make either the sound stop or gesturing that Katsu should try again.

Seeing how it hadn't disappeared, he slung another shuriken forward towards the area between the eyes. He clasped his hands just as the shuriken left his hand, sending violent winds to follow it and speed it up. He stayed in that pose for a bit even though the technique had stopped, thinking about what he'd done just now. Lowering his hands once more, he sighed, still not having looked at the clone to see the result.

''That was enough.'' Aiko told him, placing a hand on his shoulder. There wasn't a sound of a poof, indicating that the clone hadn't disappeared yet. However, if Katsu would look, he could see the child laying on the ground. ''How are you?'' Aiko asked, on which the body poofed away. She realized that it was maybe a cruel lesson, but it was one that he needed to learn. Not just for his own, but also of the sake of others. If he would ever fall for such a cheap and dirty trick, Aiko wanted him at least be prepared that he could face it.

Katsu kept his eyes locked on the dirt below him. After Aiko spoke once more, he turned to look at her but his head sprung to where the clone normally was. "I'm fine, sensei," he reassured her with a calm tone. Fine wasn't the best way to put what he was feeling right now but it was the word he chose to use. In the end, his disturbing ability to mask his emotions was always a useful one.

''Good. Now I think it is time for a small break. After that we will work again on your stamina and then as last, chakra control.'' Aiko said, removing her hand from his shoulder. For today it was enough, but she would keep repeating this kind of training. Not that she had plans to make Katsu as Koike, but it would be a boon if he was able to face foes that took the appearance of something ''innocent''.

Katsu nodded with a faint smile on his face as he looked at her. He then turned forward and continued standing where he was, alert. He wondered if Koike was hesitant like this during a small period of his training with Aiko. According to her, he used to be different, which was hard to imagine. Though even if Koike was like that at one point, Katsu couldn't notice any trace of these traits during the short time he had with his teammate.

Pulling out the few shuriken from the dummy, Aiko quickly threw a glance towards Katsu. She wasn't sure if it was the case, but he seemed to be thinking about something. Or maybe he was trying to progress what he was told to do? She couldn't blame him, but the fact was that he was kind of silent. More than she was used to. ''What are you thinking about?'' Aiko asked friendly, hoping she could help or answer something for him.

He turned to her with the same smile he had earlier. "I was just daydreaming, sensei," he answered. When he saw Aiko pull out the shuriken, he came to a sudden realization. He first felt the pouch on his side, making it sink into the void inside it. When he put his hand in it, he realized that he'd used most of his shuriken during the training. Sighing, the boy decided not to bother with the projectiles at the time.

Walking back, she would hand over the shuriken back. ''That is adorable.'' A little smirk erupted on Aiko's face as she said her reply with a kind of teasing tone. Waiting for him to put the shuriken back in his pouch, Aiko started to stretch her arms. ''Time for some work out then. I will this time join you, okay?'' After saying that, she gestured him to do the same as her as she would spread out her footwork by a bit. Then lower her self as she would place her hands against the ground. ''Lets do thirty first. Ready?''

Taken aback by the comment, he looked at her, surprised. That wasn't really what he was going for... Katsu did the same movements once he realized what she was planning. He nodded and dropped to his hands and feet. "Ready," he announced, keeping his arms and legs both straight until Aiko said to start.

Performing the push ups, Aiko seemed to do it in a slow pace. With dropping fast, but raising herself up slow. There was no break or any kind of pause to catch breath, as she kept performing the push ups. By twenty, she started to even whistle a bit. And at last by thirty, Aiko raised herself up. ''Okay, next.'' Moving her feet closer to each other, she wouldn't give Katsu much of a break. Placing her hands at her side, she would then jump a bit up, moving her feet away from each other while raising her hands. With another jump, she would move back in the first position.

Katsu followed suit, not making a sound except inhaling and exhaling. When she said to switch, he looked at her and waited to see what the next exercise was. When he saw it happen once, he started following up, doing a couple quick ones in order to catch up. His breathing got heavier as he continued, trying to keep it regulated. Keeping it up for several minutes, Aiko stopped and smiled. ''And back to the push ups!'' Saying it with a cheerful tone, she dropped back and started to perform another thirty push ups. Though she wasn't whisteling anymore, Aiko started to pick the pace up. Moving faster through the push ups, she didn't throw a glance anymore towards Katsu to see how he was doing.

Katsu was about to say something but he knew he couldn't afford to waste his breath if he was to complete the sets Aiko saw fit for him. He switched again though his elbows bent, almost knocking his head down to the ground. After a brief pause, he pushed himself up, not bothering to try and keep up with Aiko's speed, knowing that it would only tire him quicker.

Swiftly getting back on her feet, Aiko stopped as Katsu hadn't picked up her speed. This made her smile a bit as she would continue on, but going a bit slower. Not that slow as how they had started, but just a little slower to see if the boy could keep up with that speed. She was glad that he wouldn't let himself be pushed to a speed that would drain him too fast, making something clear to her.

Katsu noticed the shift of speed in Aiko's push ups and decided to pick up his speed just enough to keep up. As he was exhaling, he would form his lips as if whistling and then letting out a stream of air, then breathing in through his nose. Okay... I can still do it. I can still do it. Simply slowing down over the course of the exercise, Aiko would stop just before the third time that they were about to do some push up. Stretching her limbs again, she said nothing as she didn't want to give Katsu the idea that she had stopped for him. While that was actually why she had stopped.

As soon as he saw her stop, Katsu started to slow down, trying to understand whether or not he was supposed to stop as well. Hearing nothing, he gritted his teeth and continued, now just as slow as when they'd begun. He thought about how she'd mentioned they were going to do this exercise together so perhaps he was supposed to stop when she had as a part of the training. A few seconds later, he stopped, leaning his knees on the ground and panting.

''Keep breathing as good as possible. The better your breathing, the quicker you recover.'' Aiko instructed. Walking towards her student, she patted his back. ''Standing up also helps, don't bend or lean forwards.'' Offering a hand to help him up and keep him supported, Aiko looked with a happy expression. ''You're doing it alright. If we keep up like this then you will have nothing to worry about.'' Though not saying what she meant, it would be clear what she meant with those words.

Katsu nodded, smiling and taking the hand, getting up. "Thank you, sensei," he said sheepishly to her approval of his performance. He thought back to when she told what training they would be doing. He wasn't too excited for the chakra control training but he'd promised to himself that he'd try and tackle any task he would be given during the training.

''It is my job.'' She said, chuckling briefly about it. After being sure that Katsu could stand on his own, Aiko thought of something. ''Can you walk on your own or do you need some help?'' She asked, not sounding like she was joking around, but not too serious either. It would maybe do some good if they took a walk and Aiko knew a better place to perform the chakra control training. A true fitting place.

"Yes, of course," he said, smiling. He swung each feet a bit once, making sure the feeling that they weren't aching wasn't false. "Where are we going, sensei?" He hoped the answer wouldn't be "Nowhere. Twenty laps," though he doubted that Aiko would say something like that. A smirk appeared on Aiko's lips, like she had caught on what Katsu first thought what her answer would be. ''You will see. It is on the next training field, so it isn't that far.'' She answered. After her answer, Aiko decided to ask something back. ''What is your opinion on my teachings so far, Katsu?''

"My opinion?" He thought on the question for a moment, wondering how he could answer. "Well... It's effective as far as I can see," he said with a sheepish tone. Of course he was being sincere and honest but he didn't know how to word it other than how he had. He looked over at the other training fields, wondering why they were moving.

Heading to a place that had more vegetation, Aiko seemed to consider what she could make out of his words. ''But do you agree with them? I can try to teach you all I know and am able, but you need to be willing to accept them and not just parts.'' Walking through the more dense park or small forest, there was some sound in the distance. ''You also have the right to question my ways on how I train and educate you. Please do if you have anything to ask. I don't like to make the same mistake twice in a row.''

"I understand that and I agree with the method, sensei," he clarified. "It's true that someone could simply disguise themselves as an innocent and even when one knows it, it could be difficult to do anything. After that, I think I'd be less concerned about what the physical appearance of a target represents."

''Good.'' Aiko simply answered back as she kept leading them through the vegetation. The sound became louder. And soon it was clear what it was. The vegetation became less dense as they would look upon a small river, created by a waterfall. Pointing at the beautiful formation of nature, Aiko told him something. ''That is where we are heading. Come, this is going to be fun.'' She patted his shoulder gently as she would head towards the waterfall. Removing her flak jacket, which she threw at the shore, she went straight to the water that fell on the rocks. After she noticed a big enough rock, she called out for Katsu. ''Over here, this is the spot.'' Though the water was very cold, it was also refreshing. Shivering only once, she would sit down upon the rock, making sure that there was enough place for Katsu to join her.

Katsu hesitantly followed, his foot going into the water. He pulled it out quickly and concidering walking over it but seeing how Aiko had swam, he put his sabre and its sheath down on the shore, as well as his kunai and shuriken pouches. As she was just climbing up, he kicked off his foot-wear and leapt into the water, swimming over to where she was. He hoped she'd meant for him to do that. He didn't like getting wet with his clothes on... They sunk into his skin and... The boy shivered at the thought as he climbed up the rock.

Waiting for him, she already sat in a meditation stance. Keeping both her hands at the ankles of her legs, Aiko knew that talking wouldn't really possible. With right being underneath the water fall, she could feel the pressure of the falling water. Raising her hands, she hoped he could see her movement. ''Just focus and keep breathing!'' She shouted, hoping that he would hear her. Forming the bird handsignal, Aiko closed her eyes as she started to perform the advanced chakra control training.

Katsu nodded to himself as he heard the instructions and took the meditation stance, performing the bird handsign. It was somewhat more soothing there than last time. He couldn't feel his arms aching anymore, or rather, he didn't care about it. His mind cleared itself as he lent an ear to the water crashing onto the rocks, circulating his chakra.

For some time, they both sat on the big rock, training and focusing on controlling their chakra. After a good ten minutes had passed, Aiko slowly opened her eyes to see how Katsu was doing. She loved to train like this, not just cause it looked cool and in line with some stories she liked, but it was somehow very special. To train chakra control was like trying to train to control yourself. With being so close to nature, it always gave Aiko a very nice feeling. That she was doing more than some chakra training.

Katsu was still in the same position, his muscles relaxed yet his elbows were both still high. He kept continuing the training, not having been interrupted. Everything was going rather smoothely which would've been surprising to Katsu if he was aware of it in his half conscious state. Thus Aiko decided to not interrupt Katsu. Closing her eyes again, she started to focus on moulding her chakra again. As time passed by, the water wasn't that chilling anymore. It felt more soothing, like it was removing every worry and problem from them, forcing it to come along with the small river. After another ten minutes, Aiko opened her eyes again as she would slowly stop to mould her chakra. Making sure that the chakra wasn't being moulded, her hands went apart as she turned her head towards Katsu. Softly, she placed a hand on his shoulder. Aiko wasn't sure how else she could make it clear that he could stop without startling him, thus bringing him out of his focus.

Katsu's eyes opened wide as he felt contact on his shoulder. Just as he did so, he slowly subsided the chakra flow. Once he was done, he lowered his hands and turned to Aiko, smiling faintly. "That was rather calming," he said. During the entire chakra control training, he couldn't have been more relaxed and calm. ''What did you say?'' Aiko shouted back. The sound of the waterfall was too loud that they could hear each other while speaking with a normal volume. Standing up, Aiko looked around. With a short jump, she landed on the water. ''Come over here! Easier to talk here!'' She shouted, beckoning him as well to follow her.

Katsu nodded and pushed himself off the rock, skidding a bit over the water before walking over to where Aiko was, walking under the waterfall, ignoring it. Once he was past the falls, he looked back for a moment before rushing towards Aiko. "I said, 'it was calming', sensei" he repeated himself, smiling. Smiling, Aiko's hands went to her hair. Trying to get it into a ponytail, Aiko replied back to Katsu. ''It is great, isn't it?'' She asked. Finally managing to get her hair into a ponytail, Aiko sighed as she would gesture to the side. ''But I think we should get ourselves dried up. Then we can conclude today's training.''

It was raining as the three stood on a trainings field. The dark clouds and rain caused the normal cheerful place to look more grim, like it wasn't three people that saw each other as comrades or friends. Not as sensei and student. Dressed in her jounin outfit, Aiko slowly lowered her hands. She had tied her hair in a ponytail as she kept focus on the two other people that were present. A few moment passed, only the sound of the heavy rain sounding. Then a flash of lightning at the sky was seen. ''I will test you both one last time before the big event. I think that you both are aware of the bell test?'' Aiko asked, but she had to talk louder due the rain. Holding up the two bells that were tied to her belt, at her left hip, she waited another moment. ''This time, I won't hold back as usual. That means you both have to give it your all. No quarter should be given if it can be taken. Got that?'' Though she wasn't angry or irritated, her voice was stern. Even the usual cheerful expression was replaced by a cold look as she formed slowly the Seal of Confrontation.

Katsu was wearing a different set of clothing than usual with a dark sleeveless shirt over a white t-shirt. There was a katana on his side and two short swords on the back of his hip shaped like an X. He was standing, looking from Koike to Aiko and Aiko to Koike to figure out what they were doing there. After Aiko started explaining, he locked his gaze on her. "Bell test?" the boy mumbled. He noticed the two shiny bells standing out attached to her belt. He gulped upon hearing the rest of what she had to say. After a moment's hesitation, he recomposed himself and formed the Seal of Confrontation, glancing at Koike.

Koike had a calm look on his face, but he felt his heart pumping. Though he was good at hiding his feelings or masking them, he wasn't really sure about this. Confident as he was in his skills, he knew better. When Aiko stated that they would indeed do the bell test, Koike tried to think of how they could pass it. Aiko was a veteran jounin. Every field that Katsu or he excelled in, was nothing in comparison with Aiko's experience and skill. Forming the Seal of Confrontation, Koike looked sideways at Katsu. Then he nodded.

Another flash of thunder lit up the field. But a second after it became dark. The spot where Aiko had been standing was now empty. All that remained was just the grass, damped by the rainfall. From their right, several kunai were thrown as Aiko slides over the wet grass. She barely made a sound or warning as she would start the first attack.

Katsu's eyes opened wide as he noticed that Aiko was no longer there. He quickly glanced around, seeing a figure on the right side. He instinctively drew one of two short swords and knocked two of the kunai coming his way to the ground. "Koike, let's get near the trees!" he yelled as he took a leap backwards. ''Don't shout!'' Koike warned. Not cause he was annoyed, but the less sound, the better. He had been surprised too when Aiko had vanished in such notice. Pulling out a kunai, he quickly managed to knock away three kunai that had been thrown towards him. Seeing that the grass was wet, he didn't jump backwards. ''We need a plan.'' He muttered, trying to keep Aiko in his sight.

A smirk grew over Aiko's lips as she started to run towards their left. Weaving several handsignals, she would prepare a technique. But for now she would try to get to a new position while keeping an eye on how her students were doing. It seemed that ever since the mission to the Hotspring had improved their cooperation. Instead of trying to be more on their own, they communicated now.

Seeing Aiko was weaving handseals, Katsu didn't waste any time. He pulled out a kunai with a smoke bomb attached to its back and swung it in an effort to interrupt Aiko's preparations. The kunai flew towards her, cutting through the rain as it did so with speed. Koike, see what I'm doing please! Koike had noticed that Katsu threw something towards Aiko. Weaving at a fast speed handsignals, he would support the kunai's speed with a technique of his own. The Violent Wind Palm technique would hit the kunai from the back, causing to increase the speed of the projectile.

She had noticed the kunai, which made her stop running. Sliding over the wet grass, Aiko squinted her eyes as she saw the kunai approaching her. Faster than expected, which made her lean to the right. As the weapon passed her, there was a little scratch seen on the shoulder pad of her jacket. Finishing the last handsignal, Aiko focused her gaze on Katsu. The water around Aiko started to mass together quickly, before it would launch towards the genin in the shape of a big wall of water. The violent Waterfall technique would hopefully push Katsu further away from Koike.

Katsu put his hand on his katana's hilt and slashed the air as he leapt backwards, shooting a wave of vacuumed air towards the point Aiko was, running from the water at the same time. He immediately re-sheathed the sword and made a jump to the side, counting on Koike to stop whatever second attack might come his way when he was unguarded.

She tries to separate us? Koike questioned himself as Aiko launched her attack in the direction of Katsu. Without wavering, he would launch an attack towards Aiko. Weaving several handsignals, Koike would form several spheres of air that he would direct towards Aiko. Hoping that he could occupy Aiko and trying to force her back, so that Katsu could recover or regroup with him.

Seeing Koike using the technique against her, that she had taught him was a bit surprising. With a quick succession of short leaps, she managed to keep evading the spheres of air. Sliding again over the wet grass, Aiko was so far content with her students. The teamwork was so far excellent. Noticing that that her Waterfall technique had been pushed back a bit before it would crash against a tree, Aiko thought about a tactic to further test them, as well keeping them from gaining a bell.

The smoke bomb behind the kunai exploded, covering the nearby vicinity in smoke. Katsu had a string of explosive tags attached to one another which he quickly pulled out with another kunai, throwing the two connected weapons to the smoke once more. The tags would all ignite when they entered the smoke, the one in the middle's flame being extinguished when it was still young by the rain.

Seeing the thrown weapons, Koike wouldn't need to see if Katsu was doing alright. With a short jump, he would move backwards to get closer to Katsu as he kept an eye on the smoke covered place. His Silent Killing skill wasn't that great, but he tried never the less to spot or notice any sound or scent that could give him a hint where or what Aiko was doing. ''One of us should keep her occupied, while the other grab the bells.'' Koike stated.

Briefly the smoke was lightened up and blown away by the explosions. The dust was only present for some moments before the rain drove it away. Aiko skidded to a halt as she had jumped backwards. If she hadn't been able to hear the rustling paper and kunai approaching her, she would have been toast. Now with a considerable distance between her and the two genins, she seemed to crouch. Good. She thought, wanting to actually compliment the two on their work so far. Instead her right hand went to the pouch where she had stored her smoke bombs and another surprise. Attaching it to a kunai, she kept watch of her students.

Nodding to Koike's proposition, Katsu pulled out his two short sword. "I'll try and keep her occupied as long as possible. At one point, I'll try to surprise her so that you can go in and get the bells," he said, as he took a step forward. He looked over to Koike for a moment but without waiting for his approval, not wanting to give Aiko more time to prepare a trap, he gathered his chakra on his feet and lunged forward consecutively to get to their sensei as quick as possible.

His eyes widened as Katsu launched himself forward. Stretching out his hand, as a reflex, he would be probably too late with his warning. ''No, don't charge!'' Koike said, but with Katsu charging he had no other choice. Wrapping his fingers around the handle of his own blade, he narrowed his eyes before he would also dash forwards. But he would try to come from the right, though he wasn't sure if they were now actually rushing to a beating or would have any success.

Having attached the smoke bomb to her kunai, Aiko saw that both Koike and Katsu were dashing towards her. Rising up, she threw the kunai with the smoke bomb in the direction where Katsu was heading. Readying herself, she seemed to pull out a kunai from her holster. The plan was however not to hold her ground while her students would charge in. Soon as the smoke bomb of hers would kick in, she would have to leap back in order to avoid the smoke that contained a nasty surprise.

Seeing the kunai approach, Katsu swung the sword in his left hand to repel it, only to notice the smoke bomb on its back a little too late when it exploded, spreading the smoke. He dropped the swords and clapped his hands together, feeling disoriented, he expelled wind to make the smoke disperse quickly before allowing another attack but to his surprise, Aiko had moved back. Barely standing, he bent his knees and picked up his swords, looking queezy. He took a few large steps back, stumbling for a moment. What's this all of a sudden? I need to get my act together. The determined visage returned to the boy's face as he looked towards Aiko warily.

Skidding to a halt, Koike cursed. He tried to move away from the smoke, knowing fully well that Aiko's poison could be in there. It was just the question which of the three it was. Or was it the newest one? In that case, it would be soon over for Katsu. Quickly eyeing Katsu, he wasn't sure. The boy didn't seem to be crippling from an intense pain, so it was doubtful if Aiko used the platypus poison. Pulling out several shuriken, Koike tried to force Aiko back while he would try to take a position in front of Katsu. ''Katsu, how are you feeling?'' Koike asked, trying to get in position.

Evading the shuriken with a leap side wards to the left, Aiko noticed that the poison was taking effect on Katsu. Though she was a bit worried, it was luckily non-lethal. And the dose in the smokebomb wouldn't cause any permanent damage. What was however good, was to see that Koike tried to move in position to guard Katsu. Which was contradicting to his training. He could have used the moment to attack her, while Katsu had became less efficient at combat. Thus could be seen as a hinder. Deciding to wait and see what they would do, Aiko kept observing them.

Katsu glanced at Koike, giving him a weak yet reassuring smile. "I'm not planning on holding you back," he said, pulling out two kunai and turning forward. Two tags followed them, though he pulled each from different pouches, one from the pouch that contained the kunai he'd drawn earlier and the other from the regular batch. "I have an idea. You have much more mobility than I do so I'm gonna try to support you as much as I can from afar," he explained quickly. "This one's a dud. It won't explode but a simple trick like this can sometimes put the opponents at ease, leaving them open to a surprise, which will be the real one. I can make the explosion slightly more violent, quelling the flames with wind. If she dodges, just go straight for the bells. If she intercepts..." He shook the thought away and raised the two kunai. "Ready?"

Koike thought about what Katsu suggested. There were some flaws to the plan. Aiko was very good with Water Release, so he doubted it would like planned. But then again, he had not really any other good working plan. Right now they were pushed in a corner and had to take risks, he was aware of that. Yet, it felt a bit too rash. ''Just wait for me to get in position.'' Koike mumbled back. Weaving several handsignals, he held the last one for a moment, while watching Aiko. ''Listen, before we do this. If I get caught in close combat and get beaten back, you must try to reach for the bells. Aiko-sama is a water user, so keep that in mind.'' With his technique starting to work, he felt the usual cold breeze, but it was comfortable. It made him calmer in situations like these. ''Ready.'' Koike said, drawing his blade as he ran straight towards Aiko.

Hearing slightly what was being said, Aiko watched both carefully. Seeing Koike weaving handsignals, Aiko narrowed her eyes. Lowering her body a bit, she couldn't follow or see what the signals were. She had neither eyes of a hawk or the sharingan. Yet she prepared in case that Koike would use that particular technique he had developed on his own. Bringing her hands together, she would start to form handsignals to use a bigger technique than before on them both.

Katsu nodded, smiling, readying the dud kunai, he opened his mouth, yelling at the top of his lungs. "Koike! Stomach!" When he'd finished talking, the kunai had left his hand and was flying towards Koike's back on the same line as Aiko was, going in a straight and accurate line. He hoped that Koike, someone he considered to be quick witted and smart to understand what he meant.

Stomach? Koike tried to keep his attention and focus on Aiko. She was going to attack again, no doubt about that when he saw her weaving handsignals. That meant he couldn't watch his back, but what was with his stomach? Trying to use his experience with Silent Killing, to try to catch any odd sounds, he catched at the nick of time something approaching him from behind. It was just enough time to make his stomach area intangible. A second later the kunai would phase through him, which made Koike glance at it. His eyes widened when he noticed the tag at the kunai. Trying to come to a halt, he slid over the grass, towards the kunai and Aiko. ''Shit, Katsu!''

Halfway Aiko stopped with her handsignals. She found it odd that Koike came charging at her in a straight manner. But more when she saw a kunai with a tag phasing through him. Surprised, she tried to move away. But the wet grass was causing her to slide more than to actually leap away. Seeing only one option, Aiko raised her arms in protective manner in front of her face as she was expecting an explosion from the tag.

Katsu swung his other arm with the other kunai, this time with the real explosive tag. It flew towards the opposite side of the two bells to allow Koike the space to move forward. When it would reach the area a few meters behind Aiko, the tag fluttering behind it would ignite and make an explosion. I should've told him... He felt regret when he heard Koike's outburst. Katsu could guess that it looked like he was going to risk Koike as well with the first attack.

Sliding over the grass, Koike noticed that Aiko also went out of the way of the kunai, expecting the same as him. Seeing that the kunai didn't go off, he realized it was the dud. Turning while he slid over the grass, Koike narrowed his eyes as he focused on trying to see how he could attack their sensei now. Coming to a halt, he went straight towards her, readying his blade for a feint attack, trying to focus everything on trying to get close and put more pressure on her.

The tag didn't explode? Aiko lowered her arms, but Koike was already approaching her while she hadn't even landed. But that seemed to be just one thing. Hearing something cutting through the rain and heading towards their direction, Aiko caught the glimpse of another kunai. And a tag? A fake one or? Seeing one way out, Aiko formed some handsignals and would use the Stream Technique to make her fly faster away. Though increasing her speed, she fell on her back on the wet grass. Gritting her teeth, she also felt a warm gust before her ears would suffer the trembling and annoying ringing sound of the explosion. Those little.. Feeling some pain at her back, she knew that she had to get back up quickly on her feet or else.

Katsu made a quick dash forward, running close to the ground. Seeing Aiko had fallen to the ground, he didn't want her getting up easily. There wasn't much he could do from this distance, or probably from a closer distance for that matter. He quickly drew his short sword and yelled. "Koike! Jump now!" He flicked his wrist parallel to the ground, the sword cutting the glass in the shape of a half circle, sending an arc of wind towards the point just above Aiko. Just as he did so, he felt more and more queezy, his foot slipping and his face hitting the mud.

Now he had to jump? Koike bite his lower lip for a moment, as he decided to follow with the order. Leaping up, he readied his blade. Chakra was being poured into the blade, as he readied a technique of his own. Seeing the wind arc approaching, he got the idea what Katsu was trying to give. Nice! He thought. Feeling that he was heading to the ground, Koike decided to put more pressure on Aiko, while he would ready his left hand. Hopefully he could attempt to grab the bells now. As he soared towards Aiko, he would try to use his Rupture technique to keep pushing or pinning her down. This is it! He thought, trying to land near her, while having his left hand stretched towards the bells.

If she didn't had her Silent Killing at a very high level, she was sure that Katsu's move would likely cause quite some harm. Blinking as the arc of wind passed over her, Aiko then noticed that Koike was launching his attack. This wasn't however going that bad, as she was feeling proud that the two of them had such sublime teamwork. Weaving the same few handsignals as before, Aiko would try to force herself moving out of Koike's reach. However, as she managed to evade the Rupture technique by an inch, she noticed Koike was now nearby her. In a reflex, she lifted her leg up, trying to kick him backwards while trying to place her hands at the ground to push herself up.

The boy in the mud pushed his face up from the ground, trying to force himself to his feet. What's going on...? As he got to his knees, he felt his mouth fill with a disgusting taste, spitting out the acid raised from his stomach. ... Can't be a burden... He briefly got to his feet, only to fall on his shoulder once more, forgetting about everything and losing the motivation to do anything but lay there for the time and get through the sore feeling.

Landing on the ground, Koike focused chakra at his feet. In a dash, he went towards the bells as he kept his sword at the ready. Though Aiko was in a pinch and still holding back, Koike wanted to be careful. He also tried to remain calm and cool, but couldn't help but to feel the tension of the unfolding scene. If he could just get the bells, he and Katsu would have made it. Narrowing his eyes, it would all come to this!

It was easy. Just the body replacement technique. Just using Stream. A lot of options went through the mind of Aiko that could turn the tide. That would push Koike back and then having him fight her alone. A battle he would lose without a doubt. Yet, as she narrowed her eyes as well and moved forward, the bells rang. ''Good grief.'' Aiko mumbled. She had a hand at the throat of Koike, looking surprised. ''You..'' She looked surprised at the boy.



Katsu was standing on all fours when he heard a small ringing sound, distinguished from the rain dripping on the mud. He looked forward, noticing two shiny small orbs in the midst of all of the dirt. Realizing what it was, without thinking, he made quick reach forward and sat back up, throwing his head up. "We got 'em," he yelled at the top of his lungs to make himself heard, muffling the noise of the water. Two bells were dangling from under his clenched fist.

Panting, Koike looked with a glance sideways. His heart was beating, what felt like his throat. He knew from experience that Aiko was one deadly kunoichi. One wrong movement or one mistake and she could easily kill him. Not able to say anything, he kept staring at Katsu holding the bells in his fist. Closing his eyes, he could feel the cold rain over his back and face. Though he hadn't use much chakra nor was it a long fight, he felt exhausted. They had managed to take the bells. Together.

Turning her head sideways, Aiko looked in disbelief. Koike could have had the bells for himself. That was the objective, grab the bells. There was nothing about sharing them together. That they had worked together was one thing, but to see Koike sacrificing himself to make sure that Katsu had not only one, but both bells? Releasing his throat, she kept staring baffled at Katsu. Was it really true? The words from before rang through Aiko's mind. Koike's wish. Her wish. Katsu.

''It is done.'' She mumbled, still sitting on her rear as she blinked several times. This was the result then? Though she didn't think about it, the rain was covering the fact that she was crying. Not that she felt ashamed of being caught crying in front of them. All she could see now was how the two had managed to think about each other.

The boy with the bells forced himself to his feet, recalibrating to keep moving forward. "Koike," he yelled as he got near. He still hadn't heard what Aiko had said. Two bells, two people, right? Once he reached the boy, he pulled one of the bells from his hand and held it out for Koike without saying anything, a wide smile painted across his face.

Hearing Katsu, Koike looked at first with a frown in his direction. Sighing, Koike lowered his head before he turned to Katsu. The calm and rather neutral expression was present on his face as he looked at Katsu. Then slowly he stretched his hand towards his team member. His hand opened slowly as he grabbed Katsu's wrist. ''In my clan we greet friends and brothers of arms by grabbing them by the wrist.'' Koike explained. There was slowly a smile growing on his lips. ''Are you okay, Katsu?''

The surprise on Aiko's face grew. Touched by the gesture of the two, she even went as far to raise her right hand and covered her eyes. Wiping the tears away, she remained silent. It.. happened? She could see briefly the first time that Koike and Miharu were together in Team 8. How Koike had always been more silent and holding back to give Miharu a chance to shine. Losing on purpose so that he wouldn't give his brother the idea that he wasn't worse. Always being selfish. Now she could see it, but in a different light. She too smiled, but the tears kept rolling over her cheeks.

Katsu's smiles widened more and more when he heard Koike's words, grasping Koike's wrist tightly as well. "I'm all good," he said cheerfully. "Just a bit queezy." His eyes went up and down to see if there were any wounds on the boy's body. "You were amazing!" he said, pulling back his hand and placing one of the two bells in Koike's hands. "I didn't think we'd be able to do it, y'know!"

For a moment Koike frowned again. So he was poisoned? If he felt queezy it was probably that one of the three poisons Aiko used in combat. As Katsu placed a bell in his hand, he glanced at it. He had never came close to beating Aiko before. Never had he been able to win alone against a jounin. He expected to not feel too much pride, but he was proud of himself. And Katsu. ''You did great as well. Probably should get you an antidote.'' Koike responded back, shoving the bell into the pocket of his pants while offering Katsu some help to walk.

Managing to rise up, Aiko didn't feel being soaked by the heavy rain pour. Still feeling some tears rolling over her face, she went in one of her pouches to seek something. ''Think he could use this.'' She said, reaching out her left hand with the antidote. A smile cracked again on her thin lips, almost beaming. ''You both have passed the test. I think that is all I can teach you two for now. Next obstacle will be the Chuunin Exams.'' Aiko briefly looked at the dark clouds above them. It was stopping to rain. Slowly looking back at the two, she felt already the first warm ray of the sun that broke through the dark formation of the clouds. ''I am very proud and happy that I am allowed to be your sensei.''

Gratefully accepting the help Koike had offered, Katsu got to his feet as they moved towards Aiko. He reached for the antidote with his free hand, carefully grasping it, making sure not to drop it before throwing it into his mouth. Swallowing the pill, he felt himself feel better and better. He took his weight off Koike and smiled to him once more, pocketing the bell in his hand. He didn't say anything, instead, he just flashed a wide smile.

Though his smile wasn't that big or noticeable, he still had a smile on his face as he nodded towards Katsu. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he glanced at Aiko before deciding on something. Pulling out his hands out of the pockets, he made a slow deep bow. ''I am proud that I am your student, Aiko-sama.'' Staying bowed, Koike finally smiled more. After a long time, he had a friend again.

''It is alright. Okay, that is it. I need to go now. Clan things. Stuff.'' Aiko told them. She took a step behind. It was really touching and nice to see the change. With the rain having stopped as well as the test, she wanted to go and leave them be. For the moment, she thought it would be better to either leave or watch from a distance. Acting like she was brushing some rain from her face, she smiled at the two before making a handsignal. ''I will catch up later with you two.'' In a flash, she vanished, using her Silent Killing and a chakra dash to fade away from sight.

Katsu turned to Koike, though he was feeling his stomach as it grumbled. "Haha," he laughed nervously. "I haven't had anything to eat today. Are you hungry?" He looked up at Koike as he spoke. "I know a great place to get some lunch." Koike seemed to consider the offer. At first he wasn't so sure, but then he shrugged. ''I am free. As long as it isn't pastries.'' Koike said, the calm and neutral expression back on his face. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jacket, he would wait till Katsu would start walking.

From her place, behind a tree, she peeked at the two. Her smile growing. I am happy. Are you really happy too, Koike? She thought to herself. Though she had noticed the usual expression coming back on his face, she saw a difference. It made her look at Katsu. Thank you Katsu. Thanks. Lowering her head, she was really happy how the test had turned out. It was unexpected, but somewhere. She was hoping for something like this all along.

Aiko waited near the main gate. Having seeked shelter from the sun in the cover of a nearby tree, the woman kept looking around. She was expecting her two students very soon. Wearing instead of her jounin outfit a more colorful kimono, Aiko started to hum an old song she hadn't hear for some time. For a moment she thought about what she would request her students to do. Both were of different clans, but she figured that they wouldn't mind it that much. They would be rewarded after all as if this was a normal village mission.

A puff of smoke rose from the ground and before Katsu's figure was seen, his voice was heard. "Good morning, sensei!" He had his usual cheerful visage at first before having taken a look at Aiko. He didn't make a sound after that, simply staring at his sensei. Perhaps... No, then we wouldn't be meeting at the gates... Shaking the stupified expression off his face, the boy recomposed himself.

After a second, Koike landed next to Katsu. ''Present.'' He simply said. For a moment he glanced at Aiko, but he didn't ask anything. Glancing at Katsu, Koike noticed that his teammember had a weird expression on his face. Making Koike wonder what he had missed. Wasn't he on time for the briefing or was it something else. Paying attention back to what their sensei had to tell them, Koike stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants.

A smile started to adore Aiko's lips as she noticed that both Katsu and Koike were present. And unlike that one time, Koike was later than Katsu. Not that it was important, but it did amused Aiko a bit. ''Good morning to both of you. I am glad that you both were able to arrive that soon. I must be quick, so forgive me if this all seems a bit rushed.'' Aiko explained. Slowly she raised her right hand and index finger up. ''Today is a very important day for the Cho clan. Right now we are preparing a small festival that most clan members that are able must be present at. However, I will need you two to do me, the clan head of the Cho's, a personal favor.'' Lowering her right hand, she withdraw her left hand in the sleeve of her dress. Pulling out a small scroll that she stretched towards Katsu. ''Though there isn't much of a problem, there is a small rumour that I need to have checked. From what I know is that not all people are happy with a leader as me. I need you both to visit this location and learn about the resident. However be on guard cause I am unsure on how this person would react to two genins that are send to spy on the behalf of the Cho clan.''

Katsu flashed a smile at Koike before turning back to their sensei. He took the scroll held out and glanced at it before lowering the hand holding it to the side. The childish smile returned to his face. "We'll take care of it, sensei," he said enthusiastically, sounding somewhat proud. "Right, Koike?" He turned to the other boy, half-expecting the same amount of enthusiasm.

The calm expression of Koike revealed no thoughts, but he was thinking about what the briefing told them. Noticing that Katsu was rather happy with the mission, Koike nodded. ''I suppose so.'' He said. Turning his attention back to Aiko, he decided to ask her something. ''Is it only spying or is there more to it?'' Already Koike was expecting that they wouldn't just be requested to take a post and then stalk the man. If that was the case, then they wouldn't be told that the man would be a potential danger to Aiko's leadership of her clan.

It took a moment before Aiko replied to the question of Koike. ''If he decides to attack one of you then I authorize you two to kill him. Capturing isn't an option. It is either try to see if you can gather information without him knowing or killing him.'' She bluntly said, not going to keep her students in the dark about it. ''I know that both of you are genin ranked shinobi and that this could be potentially a B ranked mission, I think you both are capable of doing so.'' A smile started to reappear again on Aiko's face. ''If you manage to take two bells together from me, I doubt that this would get you both into trouble.''

Though the label she had put on the mission made Katsu feel a bit overwhelmed, his expression didn't change a bit. He looked down at the scroll before slightly unrolling it. He rolled it up once more and lowered it. Koike's sharp as always, huh... The smile was more faint than before but it was more sincere than the wide innocent one. He waited for a moment before voicing something that was somewhat bothering him, "Sensei, why is someone who's not from the village troubled by the leader of one of its clans?"

Though it wasn't his place, Koike decided to give Katsu an answer as he looked sideways at his team member. ''It is simple. The clan like the Cho's isn't much like the Uchiha clan. They are actually an clan that still has people outside of the village. Much like my own clan for example.'' Koike first said, after which he glanced at Aiko. ''I suspect that this is also something we shouldn't try to meddle too much in, Katsu. We aren't from Aiko-sama's clan. Lets just get going.'' He already half turned around and hope his tone was giving a clear hint to Katsu. Getting too curious and knowing too much about this affair wouldn't be healthy for either of them.

Though she would have phrase it differently, Aiko nodded towards Katsu. ''Koike is kind of right.'' Though there was no sound heard or anything weird, Aiko turned her head to the direction of the village, like she had heard something. ''I need to go soon. If the council of my clan will see me coming late, I will get those old geezers starting to nag at me. Look,'' Aiko bended a bit through her legs to get on the same eye level as Katsu. Gently she ruffled a bit through his hair. ''I wouldn't request this if I thought you and Koike wouldn't be able. You'll be fine, okay?''

The boy gulped and nodded. "Yes, sensei," he said with an unwavering serious tone. He didn't want to look like the kid who didn't trust himself. He wasn't. Definitely not. He was the most confident runt in the block. I'm not about to waver before the mission itself actually starts, he swore to himself. He turned to Koike with a determined look, holding up the scroll. "Let's go."

Nodding, Koike would follow Katsu. He was wondering why Katsu was first acting like that, but was a bit glad that he had managed to regain his composure. Pulling his hands out of his pockets of his pants, he wouldn't say anything until they would be leaving the gates. ''I guess that you lead the way for now. She gave the scroll to you.'' Koike calmly said, looking in front of him.

Watching the two leave, Aiko couldn't help but to smile. It was a huge difference from the first time that they had done the first team training. No, difference wasn't the good word for it. Improvement. The smile vanished slowly as the two would head their way towards the location of their target. The friendly expression briefly became cold as she thought about something. Turning around as well, the cold expression vanished as she would head towards the compound of her clan.

Katsu looked into the scroll one last time, before putting it on one of the empty slots on his waist he used for the scrolls he used to train. I don't want that kind of responsibility... "This way," he said moving forward with a quick pace. "Apparently it's not too far from here. We can get there easily and quickly if we don't get lost."

Chizuko delivers the message of the Raikage to Hisoka.

Training field number 9 huh? Shikaroku thought to himself as he walked. He couldn't help but find it strangely fitting. Looking around he began to see a few familiar landmarks. Reaching the top of the hill, Shikaroku stepped past the large rock that crested the peak. Running a hand along the all to familiar rock, Shikaroku smiled. He couldn't see Hiron-sensei yet, and wondered what he should do. Glancing back at the massive boulder, Shikaroku decided to climb up to the top. It was a spot that he often ventured to at night to stargaze, as it gave him some peace and quiet. It would also give him a little time to relax until Hiron showed up. Concentrating a little chakra at his hands and feet, Shikaroku used the tree climbing exercise to help him mount the large rock. As he reached the top his eyes widened in surprise. "Hi--Hiron-sensei? Sorry I didn't know you were up here..."

Laying on his back, the hands of the jounin were at the back of his head as he stared at the clouds. A straw was seen at the corner of his mouth as he laid there, looking rather calm and relaxed. ''That is okay.'' He said. Dressed in his usual atire, the jouning garb and his bandanna, Hiron kept staring at the skies. There weren't many clouds present at the moment, but Hiron kept staring at them. ''How are you doing, Shikaroku?''

Pulling himself over the edge, Shikaroku moved up and sat down beside his sensei. "I am doing well Hiron-sensei. I have been training my chakra control like Aiko-sama showed me to, and I feel like I've been making some slight improvement. How are you?' Hiron slowly turned his gaze to his student. He still looked quite calm and not that stern as usual when he was training or on going on a mission with his students. ''Have you? That is good news.'' Turning his gaze back to the clouds, Hiron frowned. ''Conflicted. You see, I have noticed something. I have become much less harsh and serious than I have been. I blame my daughter and some other genins for causing that. I am now considering to drop my nickname and try to go for another approach. Though,'' He smirked briefly. ''I will keep up the discipline as a number one in the team.''

Unsure how to react at first, Shikaroku was put at ease when he saw Hiron smirk. "If it's any consolation I still consider you to be very serious." Pausing for a second, Shikaroku frowned. "Wait... I mean... Sorry, that came out wrong. I just mean that I think that everyone still looks up to you with respect, regardless of how you act." Cusring his brain silently, Shikaroku hoped Hiron wasn't about to stab him.

That was actually what made Hiron laugh, though briefly. Looking up to him with respect? He didn't really see it that way or actually cared that much for it. He had the people he loved and cared for. For all he cared, people would use his name to ridicule him behind his back. ''Then I guess I have to take that as a compliment. But I think we have something else at our hands that we need to do than to talk about what kind of nickname I have made for myself.'' Sitting up straight, Hiron spitted out the straw. ''I think it is time to train you. After all, you could use some for when you will enter the Chuunin Exam.''

That feeling of dread hit him again, causing an ache in the pit of his stomach. Shikaroku clasped his hands together, looking uncomfortable. "Do you really think I am ready Hiron-sensei?" He asked quietly, after a long pause. He had been training for quite some time, trying to increase his skills and his knowledge, but Shikaroku doubted himself. The Chuunin Exams were not too far off, and he was only going to have a limited amount of time to train enough to get ready... It truly seemed like a daunting task.

''Depends. Right now? No, you would lose harder than I can even imagine.'' Hiron said as he rose up. Dusting off his clothes, he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants. ''With some training and knowing how to use your abilities a bit better, I guess you make a chance. After all, you have the wit already. Now just some skill and ability to use them with that asset.'' Hiron told Shikaroku before he would fully turn around. ''But first, a skill that won't require much of your intellect.''

Nodding his head, Shikaroku certainly didn't feel any more relieved. He couldn't rely on his intellect at the best of times, not when his migraines decided to mess with his plans. When Hiron mentioned that they were going to practice something that wouldn't require him to think, he finally felt a small twinge of relief. Standing to his feet, Shikaroku faced Hiron. "What are we going to practice?" He asked, his voice curious.

''Taijutsu.'' Hiron first answered. ''Unlike many ninjutsu and such, taijutsu is primarily focused on reflexes and instinct. This means that you can hold your ground for a bit, while not causing a strain on yourself with thinking too far ahead.'' He explained. Slowly he raised his left hand out of his pocket and pointed at the rock they were standing on. ''What we are going to do is going to be simple. I will launch some taijutsu attacks, which you need to hold off. If you get knocked or somehow get off the rock, you will need to perform twenty push ups.'' After explaining what their training would be, Hiron waited to see if Shikaroku had any questions.

Swallowing nervously, Shikaroku couldn't help but glance over the other side of the rock. It wasn't an incredibly long fall, but it wasn't something he was wanting to test out. "Understood." He said reluctantly. Getting himself into a defensive stance. Hopefully this didn't end as badly as the image he had in his mind. Still having his left hand in the pocket of his pants, Hiron pondered. He was aware that it would be unfair if he would not spare the boy and go full out with his taijutsu. Besides, the training was to teach him, not to just beat him up and hope he would learn from that. ''Your stance is good, but try to make sure you're standing in a manner that it allows you to move and yet shift into being able to keep standing on your feet.'' After saying that, Hiron lifted his right leg up in a fast movement, trying to go for a high kick at Shikaroku's left shoulder.

Trying to think of how to adjust his body in the way that Hiron had mentioned, the sudden attack caught Shikaroku off guard. Lifting his arm to block the attack, he was pushed backwards, reeling towards the edge of the rock. Cartwheeling his arms rapidly, Shikaroku managed to regain his balance and he quickly moved away from the edge again.

Though he was holding back, Hiron moved in with another kick. This time from the other side. ''Don't think. Act on instincts. Try to examine the movements of your opponent and,'' The kick was moving towards the right side of Shikaroku's waist. ''And react.''

Taking Hiron's words to heart, Shikaroku stepped inwards, cutting off Hiron's reach. Allowing the kick to hit him, Shikaroku wrapped one arm around the leg and turned, hoping to throw his sensei off balance. A smirk cracked on Hiron's lips. It seemed that Shikaroku's instinct weren't that dulled or bothered by his migraines. Good. While the boy tried to throw off his balance, Hiron grabbed Shikaroku by a shoulder as he would try to fall backwards, hoping to drag and then kick the genin away in his movement.

Feeling himself being dragged off balance, Shikaroku fought back the initial sense of panic. Throwing out one of his legs to gain a more stable form, he twisted, grabbing Hiron's wrist and attempting to wrestle his way out of the grasp. ''Almost.'' Hiron muttered, as he noticed the attempt of his student. Yanking his hand out of Shikaroku's grip, he would move both his feet to try to kick Shikaroku away. ''Stay calm.''

Gritting his teeth, Shikaroku forced himself not to panic. Spinning himself out of the path of Hiron's kick, he turned back towards his sensei. That was when his foot slipped off the edge. Letting out a strange, panicked yelp, Shikaroku focused his chakra into the foot that was still on the rock, desparately hoping it would hold. His training with Aiko paid off, and Shikaroku barely managed to swing himself back towards the rock face, regaining his foothold and his balance.

Noticing that his student managed to stay calm and thus pulling off to dodge the attack in the nick of time, Hiron pressed his hands against the rock. Using his strength, he would push himself up on his feet while Shikaroku was trying to remain in balance. Just rising up on his right leg, he had pulled his left, while turning towards Shikaroku's direction, intending to make another kick at the height of Shikaroku's waist.

Spotting the incoming kick, Shikaroku had to react fast. Pushing off from the ground, he launched himself into a front flip, turning so that he could avoid the blow and hopefully land on the other side of Hiron. ''That is it.'' Hiron said, before he was forced to retract his attack. Putting his foot down, he would quickly duck to let Shikaroku flip over him. Though it made him able to avoid the flip and eventual movements, Hiron had to turn and was then forced likely to defend himself from a move from Shikaroku.

Only no attack came. Hiron's orders had been very clear. Shikaroku was to fend off Hiron's attacks, nothing more. When he landed on the other side of his sensei, Shikaroku settled into a more natural defensive stance than the first one he had tried. A bit surprised, Hiron chuckled. He lowered his stance as he nodded. ''Good. I think that it is fair to see that you may attack as well. So far you're doing it well enough, Shikaroku.'' Hiron said, waiting for a second before he would raise his hands, only to come in with a short sweep of his right leg, trying to kick away Shikaroku's left leg to create an opening.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku hoped that he would be ready to fight back. Hiron's kick came towards him, and Shikaroku relied upon instinct to control his movement. Leaping over Hiron's leg, he leaned forwards, launching a punch towards his sensei's head. Catching the punch, the hand of Hiron's left hand wrapped around the fist. Spreading out his footwork, Hiron seemed to pull Shikaroku close while he had his right hand ready as a fist, aiming to punch his student at his chest.

Finding himself being pulled off balance, Shikaroku quickly pivoted his body so that he provided a slightly smaller target. Bringing his left hand up, he managed to get it in the way of Hiron's punch in time to deflect the blow. Shikaroku pulled his right hand back with force, trying to wrestle it out of Hiron's grasp, and at the same time he launched a vicious knee towards the jounin's midsection.

Stepping aside, Hiron avoided to get Shikaroku's knee in his midsection. ''Nice move.'' Hiron calmly stated as he wouldn't let the boy easily wrest and yank his hand loose. The grip of the jounin's hand became even tighter, probably hurting the boy as he kept him close. With his previous punch blocked, Hiron would use another tactic. Making it look like he was about to bring up a leg for a kick, Hiron would however turn around and try to throw Shikaroku away.

Gritting his teeth to avoid showing that he was in pain, Shikaroku tried to think of a way to get out of Hiron's grasp. As he spotted his sensei's leg lifting, he reacted instantly. Going ragdoll, Shikaroku dropped to his bum, hoping to throw Hiron's balance off while he was only on one leg. As he landed, Shikaroku kicked out towards the knee of the leg that Hiron was still standing on.

At least his instics are good. Hiron thought before he would make one mean move against his student. While he was forced to lean forward due Shiraoku dropping himself to his bum, his leg would be stopped. The foot of Hiron stamped on his leg, halting it before it would be able to kick him against the knee. Pressing his weight on the boy's leg, Hiron raised his eyebrows. [font color=red]''You're doing better than expected.''[/font] He said, while he would attempt to grab the boy by his head with his free hand.

This time he was unable to avoid the grunt of pain as Hiron's foot smashed into his leg. Trying to block out the pain, Shikaroku suddenly kicked upwards with his free leg, hoping to push Hiron back. Stepping off the leg to let the boy push himself away, Hiron would use the leg he raised up to 'help' Shikaroku. The foot would be kicked towards boy, aimed to kick him further away and try to get him off the rock.

Cursing to himself, Shikaroku felt himself being pushed back. Raising his hands and planting them behind his head, he used the momentum to push himself up like a springboard. Flipping himself over backwards in a half somersault/half handspring, Shikaroku landed on his feet and skidded to a halt, inches before the edge. Not wanting to waste any time, he surged forwards again, this time trying to manoeuver around beside Hiron so that he would be further from the edge. Bringing his leg around in a sharp kick, Shikaroku aimed to strike Hiron in the thigh.

Waiting for his student to charge at him, the man frowned. ''Rule number one.'' The jounin started to say as he waited till his student was close by, trying to kick him. In a fast movement, Hiron had defended himself by grabbing Shikaroku's ankle. Raising the leg, to where the boy would have to put effort in still standing, Hiron sighed. ''Though taijutsu is more based on instincts and reflexes, you always need to be wary. Charging in while you also are aware that your taijutsu isn't that good as your adversary is asking for a beating.'' Hiron raised the leg a bit higher. ''You have done well so far, but lets call it a break now.'' Hiron said, releasing the boy's leg.

Chizuko had finally made it back to Kumogakure after her mission to send a message to the Hokage. That was... one of the more interesting tasks she'd been sent on considering everything she expirenced. For some strange reason, she was a bit nervous that she had to report back to Takeru with the results. So much so, she actually considered sending a messenger bird and retreating to her home for the night. She knew she couldn't do such a thing, however, so with just a bit of hesitation, she made her way to his office. The time it took her to get from the gates of Kumo to her friend's office was only minutes, and soon she had a hand reached out to knock once upon his door.

The two usual ANBU guards didn't move or say anything when Chizuko reached for the door. Only suddenly they opened the door, like they had heard something. Opening the doors for Chizuko, Takeru was behind his desk. Reading again. There was a small amount of paperwork being ordered on his desk, but the masked Raikage seemed to be not bothered by it. Raising his gaze, he noticed Chizuko. ''I was expecting you. I hope you had a good journey?'' Takeru asked in a polite manner as the doors were closed behind Chizuko. Unlike last time, the two summonings of Takeru weren't present.

Chizuko looked behind her almost sadly as the doors were shut and the two were left alone. Turning back to face him, she held in a sigh as she stepped forward and knelt down on one knee. "I have returned safely, which makes the journey good in and of itself. The Hokage will reply to you after he has done some consideration." she said simply as she noticed the two pets he usually had were not at his sides. She wanted to ask if there was some kind of occasion earlier that day, but stayed quiet instead.

''Good, very good.'' He closed the book he had been reading and leaned backwards in his seat. The mask prevented any hint or sight of his facial expression, but his tone revealed he was pleased. ''Now that is done, I suspect that I will need to further prepare for what is going to happen. But you have played your part in that. I was a bit worried that you wouldn't come back alive to be honest.'' He casually said, like it wasn't that much of a big deal. Though his words sounded a bit harsh, Chizuko knew better than to assume anything by it. He had said he was please she was alive, but it sounded like he wouldn't mind if she didn't come back safely. That brought a light scowl to her face, but after further thought, she came to the conclusion he was probably faking it. That has to be it. Or maybe he is just sure I would have made it back anyway. she thought. "I have been trained well enough to handle myself in such situations. However, I too was surprised when met with such... hospitality from the Leaf. It is a nice villiage as well." she added.

''Every village has its certain charm.'' Takeru replied as he thought about it. He recalled that Jinkama came from the Leaf. If it wasn't for his current task and ranks, he would have considered to pay the man's grave a visit of respect. Alas, such a thing wouldn't be possible. It would only raise suspicion and what not. A shame in his opinion. ''I am pleased to hear such news. To be honest, I also have something else for your success and loyalty.'' Takeru began. He made a gesture that she could rise up from her current stance. She had done so when she noticed the gesture, standing to her full height and removing her mask from her face. A bit of sweat had collected on her brow, which she wiped off before speaking. "Though I will not turn down whatever you choose to give me, I need no reward for doing my duties." she said as she shifted her weight to one leg and stood casually.

Folding his hands together, Takeru kept the mask on its place as he nodded towards her. ''It is more what needs to be done than an actual reward. I know personally that you're a capable kunoichi. Your record and what I have seen in the past convinced me that this is the right choice. Does the rank of ANBU commander says anything to you?'' Takeru asked casually. When he had asked her that question, she frowned before she could catch herself. "I believe it is a respectful position to be in. However, I have to be honest and say I am not too fond of babysitting. If you are implying you would like me in that position... well, I do not think I would be a good leader." she spoke honestly with him. Though the idea of being in a position like that sounded pleasing, Chizuko had a feeling she would have to keep others on task, rather than focus on what she herself needed to do. That would be a bit of a change for her.

''You think you won't? That is bad. I need somebody who will organize the security around me.'' He sighed as he glanced at his book. ''Thought you would be a perfect candidate as I don't mind you being often around and being a capable kunoichi. Even if you haven't leadership on such scale that can come over time. Oh well.'' Takeru looked back at Chizuko, though behind his mask he started to grin. ''I guess I have to seek for another willing volunteer that is capable.'' Though she tried to keep her expression neutral, Chizuko was sure her eyes had narrowed into a glare at some point when he was talking. "Actually, I was just trying to get out of a bit extra work, but seeing as with this bunch of ANBU you have, you won't find someone more capable than me. I suppose I will accept since I too do not mind um.. being around you." She nervously ran a hand through her hair then and looked past him out the window as she tried to appear casual still. In her mind, she was worried about him having anyone else at his side period.

Almost had he chuckled as he had noticed her reaction. Though he was unaware of her thougths, he read that she wasn't happy with him choosing somebody else as the ANBU commander. And sadly, he couldn't think of one more name that would be capable of being in the position. ''Good, then I suspect we will need to talk about your duties and such. Care to join me on a walk?'' Rising already up from his seat, Takeru placed his hands at his back as he already started to head to the doors. ''I can think much better if I can walk a bit.''

"As you wish." she said as he walked past her and she turned to follow him, placing her mask back on. She crossed her arms across her chest as she looked at his retreating back. ''I wish for a lot of things. Though this is your own decision to join me or not.'' He told her with an amused tone. The doors were opened by the two ANBU guards on the other side. Walking calmly out of the office Takeru didn't even cast a look over his shoulders to see if Chizuko was walking near him. ''The rank does suggest I need somebody I can place trust in. I think that was pretty clear, wasn't it?''

Chizuko did indeed decide to follow him, but it was so like his old self to point it out just to be a tease about it. Nodding to the guards as she walked past, she listened as he continued to speak about the position. "Of course. I think you already know that you can trust me, dare I say with your life." she said in a nonchalant tone. She was pleased she could at least talk with him like this and having to worry less about being disrespectful. Now that she knew it was really Chase behind that mask, it changed things a little. Wanting to joke around with him like old times was one of those things that suddenly reared its head when she became aware of his secret.

He threw a look in her direction, then he sighed. ''I rather have it not, if you don't mind. I deem myself capable of defending my own life, but if it would come to a choice, I guess you would be a good candidate.'' It was rather a mumble than an actual answer to her. ''Anyways,'' He said on a more clear tone. ''Furthermore you will need to start to lead the ANBU division. This isn't limitless, but it will give you the option and ability to help me to govern over the division. And making use of them in a more efficient manner.''

"I suppose I could do that." she said simply before trailing off and falling into her thoughts. Governing the ANBU would likely not be as upsetting as she thought it would be, and at least if she was the one in charge, things would likely get done quicker. Speed and efficency were big things in Chizuko's mind, and while others wanted to wait for direct instructions for every little thing, she was more taking initiative and carrying out the next task without being told. In a way, that would be a good thing for the whole division if she was in charge. "What kinds of other things do I need to do?"

Heading down the hall, Takeru made a gesture with his right hand. Like he was trying to make something clear. ''A lot of managing the security. Keeping an eye on several people who need protection. Making sure that the ANBU are doing a good job, looking for new recruits and what not. In other words, becoming my right hand at that department.'' He explained to her as he then took a turn around a corner. He was heading to his personal library. "I see." she said simply as she followed him. The more she thought about it, the more it sounded like a reasonable position. Though she would likely miss getting to travel out of the villiage as she kept everyone else on track, Maybe that was a good thing. Either way, she would at least give it her all and see where it took her. "Where are we heading?" she asked him as she suddenly noticed they were not heading outside like she thought they would be.

''I need to fetch a new book. I am nearly done with the one I am currently reading.'' He told her. ''A good book, though the title is so depressing. On how a Shinobi should die. Like if life isn't important! Blegh!'' He made the sound like he was truly disgusted with the title, but his tone implied that he wasn't really that bothered by it. He casted a glance in her direction. ''Which made me wonder. How is your life going? I hope you're not going to say that you're one of those ANBU. Dedicating your life to the Raikage and such.'' He said, a bit joking.

Chizuko was surprised when he inquired about her life, and when he told her not to say she was only dedicated to serving the Raikage, she felt her face get hot. Well... that kind of is all I've been doing. Your welcome. she grumbled in her head. "My life is fine. And though I am dedicated to carrying out my duties, there are times when I think about my future. When I do, it usually ends up with me settling down, which is not likely to happy some time soon, so for now I do not mind doing my part. I feel fullfilled at the moment, and perhaps with a bit of a change in my position, things will become more interesting and I can try to enjoy life more." she said. She kind of bypassed talking about how anti-social she was and that she felt rather alone at times, but it seemed irrellevant, so she left it out.

''Okay. That wasn't the kind of answer I was expecting.'' He said back on a more mumbling tone. Arriving at the door of his personal libary, Takeru seemed to search for the required key. ''Even ANBU have dreams and feelings. If you feel that you want to settle down, then you should pursue that dream. I think it is a fine dream. Not that I have much chance at it. Ah!'' With a chuckle, he pulled out the key he had been searching for. Even though he was more or less dressed in a simple black manner, Takeru hadn't been able to find the key that quickly. Unlocking the door, he gestured to her that she could enter the spacious room where many scrolls and books were stored. ''After you.''

She watched with an amused look as he fumbled around with his keys. Finally when he opened the door and let her go inside first, Chizuko stepped past him and immediately went to examine a few scrolls on the desk right in the middle of the room. She looked at the titles written on a few before leaning against the desk with a hip and looked back at him. "I think you have a good a chance of settling down as I do. Maybe even more. I'm sure with your charm, you could win over any girl you want. I on the other hand struggle with saying hello to anyone... let alone a man." she said with a shrug and a shake of her head.

Closing the door behind him, even locking it, he sighed. Taking of his mask, he showed that he was frowning in her direction. ''Charm? Oh wait.'' He chuckled. ''I forgot the praising of before.'' He looked around, having his hands and his mask at his back as he threw glances around. There was a lot of interesting material around. Just the problem that he had two pair of eyes and couldn't focus on reading five books or eight scrolls at the same time. ''I doubt if that is true. Matter of fact, I kind of gave up on that idea. Not just because I am a Raikage, but because I don't think that I will be able to meet a person who would be up for that.'' He then frowned once more, looking with a thoughtful stare at the cover of a book. ''But we are getting off track, I suppose. Do you have any questions?''

When Takeru removed his mask, Chizuko turned away and faked interest on a book so she didn't have to look at him. True they were a bit off task, but her questions really had nothing to do with the position she was soon going to assume. Keeping her focus on the book, lifting it even and opening it up, she asked casually, "Since we are already off track, I say we finish this conversation instead. Is there ever time when you are free from your duties?" she started.

The question made him think as he reached out for a book. He briefly opened it and read some content quickly, but shook his head as he placed it back. ''Rarely. With the current events and the fact that most Kumogakure shinobi aren't... that well in how politics apparently work, my job seems to not have a break any time soon.'' He said, clearly with a dislike in his tone. ''Out of the majority of knuckled and brainless people that seem to serve my reign, there is a minority that helps me to keep some growth happen in the Cloud. Not that I am going to just sit by as there should be several changes happening right now as we speak. Why?''

She turned her head towards him and didn't say anything at first. When she did decide to answer him, she was not sure where to start. "Um, the thing is... well you see... I guess it because..." she trailed off and sighed. What is the point in all this? I tried, so that is keeping my promise as well right? Rubbing the back of her head, she tried to smile through her awkwardness. "I just made a promise to someone that I would um... take you somewhere nice when you were free. So the first time you get a chance, I'm stealing you away." she said with a small laugh at the end. Looking around, she noticed a red book and went to it. "This one looks cool." she said as she tried to mask her embarassment. She had not in the slightest clue why things were suddenly embarassing for her to say. She was a grown woman, not a little girl. Now she was acting like some teen crushing on a silly boy. It made her shoulders sag slightly as she thought about it. This is why i'm still alone. she concluded.

He kept searching for a book he wanted to read later. Most of these were about history or other important works. Though he had heard and seen from a sideways glance how Chizuko had reacted and responded to his question, he seemed to be rather calm. ''I see. And who is this someone?'' Takeru asked with a polite tone as he kept globally reading a book he thought was interesting. But soon found out that he had already read about the subject that the book was about. Placing it back, he turned his back to Chizuko, continueing his search for a book of his interest. She glanced at him and then walked over, handing him the red book she had found before stepping away and crossing her arms. No more being a child, this was a serious matter. Life and death. At least thinking that way made it easier for her to talk to him. "Sora. An elderly woman I met on my way to the Leaf. She made me promise to bring... a friend over for dinner for a night. And since you are really the only one I consider a friend, your stuck in this position." she said with a slightly teasing tone.

He half turned around, but there was another expression on his face. A stern one. ''I see. I see.'' He mumbled, taking the book she offered. Opening it, he didn't seem, to inspect that much as the others. ''That means you have thus visited people during an offical ANBU mission. Have given away details about yourself.'' The polite voice turned into a more harsh and disappointing one. ''Do I even need to ask if you have given your name?'' This time he looked at her with his right eyebrow raised, a displeased look and closing the book, after which he slammed it in a shelf. She was taken aback a little by the sudden shift in his tone and expression, then immediately regretted bringing it up. Well, she wasen't going to lie to him, but that look made her feel she had just treaded into some deep shit. "All of your assumptions would be correct. However, had I not thought I could trust the woman, you know I would have not done such a thing." she said, not really trying to defend herself, but more trying to let him know there was no danger in the matter. "I am embarassed to say I had missed my way during the journey there, and had I not been discovered, I think it is safe to assume I would still be trying to find my way to the Leaf. While I was there, I was fed and pointed in the right direction. For that short amount of time I felt like I was a part of a family again." she lowered her head then in apology. "It was foolish of me to do such a thing." she said and then stayed quiet and waited for his reaction.

''Foolish and dangerous. Who say that they weren't spies or anything like that? There is a reason why there is a standard rules and way on how ANBU should act. Do you even realize how foolish it even sounds? You disappoint me.'' He bluntly said. Narrowing his eyes, he fully turned to her as his voice became even angry. ''It seems that there is no end of ANBU and other nin that don't either know their place or how to act in the Cloud.'' Then he sighed. ''Which means that I should really give you this position. I might be free after the Hokage visit the village. But it is unsure when that will happen.'' Takeru said on a calm tone, a sudden shift in his whole voice as he turned around again and looked for another book. Like he wasn't angry at all of a sudden.

She wanted to argue him down, but stayed quiet instead. Old friend or not, he was above her and she had made a mistake. A big mistake at that, and she accepted the fact that he was upset with her. Chizuko looked back up at him when he said he would still likely give her the new position, and then his mood just shifted and he seemed calm again. Highly confused, all she could do in the end was mutter an apology. "I'm sorry. It won't happen again." was all that was heard from her and she looked back down at her feet. Very bad idea Chizuko. Very bad..." she thought to herself.

''I hope not. That would mean we would have to kill you. Then make a new name, a new face and such.'' Takeru calmly summed up as if it wasn't that much. Looking over his shoulder. he glanced at her to see how she looked. ''But like I said before. ANBU are humans and they have feelings. I will let it slide this time, but I hope you understand that I can't let you leave the village for some time. Not that your new position will allow you. It will be strange if you will arrange the security of the village outside of it.'' Takeru said, slightly smiling as he thought he had found an interesting book. "I understand." she said, looking along the books nearest to her. "May I... borrow one of these to pass time while I'm prisoner here?" she asked lightly. Though she still felt bad, he had said he would forgive her this time, so this was her attempt to move past the topic.

''Prisoner?'' He seemed to be puzzled by it and then remembered. Fetching the key out of his pocket, he nodded. ''You may. Here. I figure that you will need this. I am often here after all. And now that you are tasked with needing to arrange the security around me, I must have some trust in you. Like forgiving you from going over the line and ignoring protocul.'' Takeru explained, stretching his hand with the key towards her. She took the few steps over to him and took the keys from him. "Um, correct me if i'm wrong but which one of us is the one who um.... left? That was me wasen't it? Oh, no. It was you, Mr. Deserter." she joked. "So I will respect the fact that you are my boss and I did something bad. But um, I hate to be the one to remind you that you did like... the biggest crime. Ever. I am very forgiving as well, so dont preech about 'protocol' to me buddy." she said, poking him in the chest when she put emphasis on the 'you', but she smiled then since she was only teasing him.

His face first projected a frown and then a rather displeased expression. Clearing his throat he slowly lifted his chin a bit up as he looked back at her. ''I need to correct you indeed. That person is dead. He hanged himself when he turned himself in.'' Takeru wasn't really bothered with it, but he didn't like it that much. It wasn't really something he was proud or fond off. ''Besides, I had the guts to do so.'' He muttered, not finding it funny that he hadn't much else to say on the matter. She covered her mouth with a hand as she giggled a bit at his attempt to defend himself. "Forgive me, Lord Raikage. I got the two of you confused." turning away from him she went to go in search of a book to borrow from him. "I couldn't help but notice how similar the two of you look. When your mask is off should I say." she said as she approached a shelf and started to look at the books lined up there. She decided to stop teasing him about that then before it got out of hand, and taking a book from the shelf, she went ahead and decided to choose it. "On to a different topic, have you read all of the books in here?" she asked him as she put the book and key into her hip pouch.

He grumbled a bit as he was not happy with her reply. Not reacting back, he went on his search about what he would read next. ''No, not everything. There is a lot of things I need to read still. But there are some subjects and work that don't pick my interest. They are either things I know or rather don't want to know.'' He told her. Finally he seemed to be interested by a book. ''That and I don't have that much free time to keep reading. There are a lot of meetings, talks and events on which I need to react or to be at in person.''

"You don't need to remind me of your busy schedule. I am well aware." she said. Though it was a bit weird that whenever she saw him, he was usually reading a book instead of going over papers and such things like that. The thought brought a smirk to her face. The Cloud is filled with a lot of slackers I suppose. was her next thought, though there was no way she would say it out loud to him. A few moments of silence would pass and Chizuko remembered the last time they had talked, she had a question for him that he sort of... brushed off. Now that they were alone again, she felt she had a better chance of getting him to talk. Walking over to the door and leaning against it as if standing guard, she looked at him and her tone became a bit more serious.

"What were your reasons for coming back?" she asked curiously.

''Who knows?'' He mumbled, while closing the book. After all, that one wasn't that interesting. Reading about a long lost clan that had been disrupted and thus disbanded wasn't important for now. Maybe later to see if he could get some information from it. ''Truth be told, I was getting sick of being a missing nin. Though Kumogakure isn't a weak nation, I was never hunted. But it was just the idea that I had been labeled as one.'' He then told her, shrugging lightly on which he then afterwards continued to search for something interesting. Chizuko watched silently as he continued on his search for an interesting book. Though he answered it better than last time, it was still rather vague and clear that he didn't want to talk about it. It was still odd, however, for someone to change their mind soley on the fact that they were... 'labeled'. Raising a brow, she decided to take a different approach. "While you were gone, did you accomplish what you wanted or find out what it is you were looking for?" she asked, inquiring about what kinds of things he did when he was away.

He was with his back towards her, but her question made him stop searching for something interesting. ''Why are you so interested?'' Was what he asked back at first. His tone was more neutral, not polite as before. "Because I find myself wondering if maybe I should have gone with you. But if your leaving ended up not being as... fullfilling as you had hoped, I won't feel as bad for letting you go on your own." she said truthfully. It was not like her to regret things or decisions she had made, but it was apparent that his leaving had changed him. She was curious to know what he discovered, among other things, but those things were questions she didn't dare to ask.

''Hhmm, if you are wondering if you should have gone with me, I doubt you would have like it that much. Camping all these times in the woods. Always watching your back. Manhunters chasing you from time to time.'' Takeru sounded a bit cheerful and amused, but he had a dark expression on his face. Luckily with his back to Chizuko, he could manage to fully hide what he was thinking. Not that he had any regret for what he had learned and did. ''But I think that they are just some lame stories. Nothing to be troubled with.''

He is still not a very good liar. she thought to herself in the moments of silence that passed after he was done talking. It was understandable though, and Chizuko was feeling a bit sorry for him and almost regretting having asked. She wished they were both kids again so she could run over and hug him, but now she had to be 'proper' and respect his space, so she made no move to approach him. Finally, after staying quiet for a while, she gave a simple "Okay." as she figured this conversation was at its end for now.

''One day you might know it all. Maybe not, but maybe I will find the time to talk about it. It is just a dull story anyways.'' Takeru said again, sighing out loud as he turned to a shelf. ''Ah, this book seems promising.'' He reached out and grabbed the book. ''The tales of the Sato Clan. Interesting. Were you aware that the current and most stable jinchuriki we have in decades is a Sato?'' He asked, opening the book as he slowly walked back. She gave a shake of her head and shrugged. "I was not aware. But, where is the interest in that?" she asked. That did not seem to be something so interesting. Unless it told stories of epic battles and sacrifices for true love... she imagined it would be rather boring.

''See, this is why the previous Raikages were failures. Morons and fools that couldn't understand the worth of education.'' Takeru mumbled as he shook his head. Raising the book, he looked with a rather serious look at Chizuko. ''The interest is that we have a jinchuriki that is part of a nomad clan. She is half nomad. Imagine that. A jinchuriki that isn't really having the ideal idea of wanting to stay in one place. The interest of that the Third Raikage was foolish enough to think he could just bind a person without knowing their cultural background.'' It seemed to make Takeru kind of excited as he spoke with more enthusiasm present in his voice. ''That and she would be probably one of the strongest kunoichi in the village. Asami already managed to uncover that she has tamed the Eight Tailes. Completely.''

She was not sure if Takeru's first statement was offensive or not, but as Chizuko listened to him speak, she grew happy as he became a bit more lively. "I see. Then I take it back. It is rather interesting that she managed to do such a thing, since I have always thought it was impossible." she said when he was done speaking. The girl was an interesting character indeed. But the news that Midori tamed her beast was actually a little bit shocking to Chizuko. There were some interesting stories regarding that girl. Someone needs to write a book about her that Takeru could read. she joked to herself.

''It isn't. The problem is that people don't think at all. They assume and think then that they know. I believe that there are a lot of questions can be answered due just trying to about it. Something as impossible as taming a Tailed Beast, while having no particular special ability? It has been possible. I reckon you haven't heard of another name that is in your bingo book? Cause there is another young girl who has also been rumoured to be much alike as Midori Sato. Though judging by her deeds, she might be different.'' Takeru said. Frowning, he looked like he was waiting for an answer.

"You are refering to the other Sato that resides in the Hidden Leaf, correct? was her answer. "She has also fully tamed her beast?" This was news to the woman, since she fell in to that category of people who assumed the impossible stayed impossible. "So it is easier than people assume... or is the whole Sato clan a bunch of talented people?" she wondered.

''Yes, Kiyomi Sato-Hon. Hon.'' Takeru said, grinning. ''We have limited information about her, but some facts are well known and confirmed. Like that she has been able to defeat and likely kill a Swordsman of the Mist.'' The grin faded away. ''Next to that, though we could see that the Sato clan could be made up of talented people or able to adapt well to Bijuu chakra, that is false. They are a nomad clan and not a type of shinobi clan like ours. I doubt that there is even a small amount of number of shinobi from the Sato clan as from what I have heard and read so far that they are more peaceful and self focused. On the other hand,'' Takeru seemed to think about something. ''That other jinchuriki is part of a rather influential and important clan in Konohagakure, that has brought forth some more infamous people. So you see, it is important to know things and background. It is what most Kumogakure shinobi are forgetting in their ignorance or arrogance. I even doubt that one of you ANBU these days would consider that one of these two girls would be able to rip off a limb without needing to show any effort.'' That statement made Takeru chuckle, though it was kind of morbid. ''I even reckon I would have to give it a lot to make them sweat if things go south.''

Chizuko rubbed her arms when he inquired about losing a limb. She quite liked all of her body parts, and it was oddly scary thinking someone could do that. Especially if they came frome a 'peaceful and self focused' type of clan. "I suppose I should read more often about these kinds of things in my free time, rather than pestering you with questions." she said in a serious tone. She did feel a bit embarassed for expressing such little interest in such things, since it seemed to be something more important than she originally thought it to be.

''It is not only you. At least you are showing interest. Most of the current cloud nin think they know it all. They lack the discipline that is present in the shinobi of the other villages. To be honest, if it there would be a sudden conflict, I doubt we would be able to hold our own ground.'' Takeru scoffed. ''That is why I need commanders and able people that can put some discipline and education into the forces. That is where you will come in. Even ''simple'' information as knowing about a nomad clan can make a difference when it is for something important as selecting a jinchuriki.'' Takeru told her as he nodded to the door. ''But come, I will show your office. I have it prepared it already for use.''

Chizuko nodded then moved away from the door she was still blocking. "I get... an office?" she said aloud, but it sounded more like a question. Scratching her head, she thought about what she could do now to start preparing the forces so they were to Takeru's liking. Though I do agree with him. I think I can instill some knowledge into these people. And for once, I dont have a reason to pretend to be nice. A smile formed on her face as she thought more about it. She could make a good Commander if she gave it her all. But first thing was first, she had to educate herself before thinking about doing the same to others. "Do I have permission to use your library when I need to? I mean, you gave me the key but even so.. I want to make sure I dont overstep my boundaries." she asked.

Putting his mask back on, Takeru nodded. ''Yes, for both. I will trust you with it. For now. Of course I will keep an eye on how careful you are with this new burden. After all, you might learn and read things you will find.'' The man paused, as he searched for the right kind of words. ''Surprising.'' He told her, letting out a soft chuckle before he would wait till the door was open. ''After all, you must learn a lot of things to also understand how to defend certain people from such dangers. I at least have some hope you're intending to keep me in one piece.'' Following suit, Chizuko returned her mask to her face as well as she followed him out of the room. His words made her worry just a little about what she would likely find reading through his collection. "Of course. It is still my duty to keep you safe, but as you said previously, I believe you are more than capable of fending for yourself." she said. Though she would not say it, she still doubted reading books was going to make her a more capable defender, but who knows? She was not always right.

Walking out of the library, Takeru waited till Chizuko would have locked the door. It was quite fun to see it just as a door, while there were a series of formula's of sealings that reacted to the key. Takeru wondered how many would had have tried to kick the door in but not able to realize that it wasn't some thick wooden door that guarded the secrets behind it. ''Everybody makes mistakes or miss something. That is why I need shinobi who are being able to do their best. I can rant all day long about how I am always ended up disappointed with some of Kumo's nin, as they lack the discipline and valuable traits that the shinobi had before Genmyou's rule. But,'' Takeru paused to glance at her. ''First your office. Follow me please.'' Walking into the direction of his own spacious office, he would lead her to an office nearby. Nodding to the door, Takeru waited for her to enter first.

Chizuko followed behind him quietly when he ordered for her to do so, and in truth, she was eager to see what kind of office she would be getting. She noticed that they had passed his and she glanced at the door as she did, for no reason really. It was soon that they came to a different door where he stopped and stood, waiting for her to go inside first. She made a move to knock on the door but stopped short when she realized this one belonged to her. Turning the handle, she peeked inside as she opened the door, and a smile instantly made its way onto her face when she took in the layout of the room. It was brightly lit considering it hand a big window at the back of it. That was a plus. It was a nice size for just her, with two comfy looking chairs facing a larger one that she assumed would be her own, as it was perched behind a low desk. Walking to the center of the room, she removed her mask and did a 360, taking everything in, and noticed it was decorated with a few plants as well as a simple picture on the wall.

"I love it." she said when she looked back at Takeru. He simply nodded. ''I thought you would. It is close to my own office, so that would make your job a bit easier. Feel free however to adjust it to your liking if you see something that doesn't suit your flavour.'' Takeru answered, already turning around as he raised his right hand. ''I suspect you would like to start with your job right away. There is a lot of things that need to be done. After all, the Hokage is likely to be visiting us if he will accept my invitation.''

"Of course." she said, even though she didn't really wanted to get started right away. She actually felt like a rest was in order, but she wouldn't say that out loud. "I'll be sure to report to you if I feel there is some significant improvement." she said instead and she turned away from him then. [i]Hm... what is the first thing I should do then?[i] she wondered. With another glance around the room, she thought of a few things she should bring from her home, as she planned to spend a lot of time here.

''Good, good. I will hear from you later. I have high hopes of you, Chizuko.'' Takeru said, walking away. Placing his hands at his back, he thought briefly of Chizuko. Though she had been promoted, there was a dark expression growing behind the mask that covered the face of the man. She was indulging in things that were dangerous and he wasn't sure if she could be trusted with that yet. However, she was a good candidate for knowing and learning the truth. Else, he had to dispose of her. Sighing, Takeru continued to his own office, still holding the book about the Sato Clan in his left hand.

Walking to the door when Takeru left, she slowly closed it behind him. For a few moments she stood there, going over all that happened in her head once again. She was feeling weird about the whole situation and it was not a feeling that Chizuko liked to have. With a sigh, she turned from the door and paced around the room as she was lost in thought. Why was it always she would have questions after he left? She didn't know. What she did know, was that dwelling on such things would only bring her trouble in the end. She ceased her pacing and stepped over to the window towards the back of the office and opened it, stepping up onto the windowsill and looking out. For some time now, she had been wanting to be free. Like a bird who could come and go as it pleases, not having to worry about the political situations of the world. Now that some things had changed and she had been given a new responsibility, that idea seemed to get farther away, and Chizuko wondered if it would ever truely be possible.

After she had both given Katsu and Koike their mission, Aiko had returned home. And much like expected, she smiled when she saw that her children were ready. Figuki seemed a bit tired and due that Aiko told him that he could go home. The young man made a deep bow and told the two children a good bye. Kei smiled as she waved at the young man walking away, but Akimoto was visibly pouting. Having his arms crossed over each other out front of his chest, he now and then threw a glance at Kei, who seemed to be very happy. The young girl turned to her mother and made a bow. The colorful kimono rustled with the movement, but Kei did as how she had been taught, making a bow without causing the dress to make her trip or what so ever.

Feeling both proud and happy of seeing her children like that, Aiko carefully kneeled near the two. ''Are you two ready to go?'' She asked. Kei nodded heavily as she made a twirl. It caused her kimono to rustle more, something she seemed to like. Looking down at the cheerful and colorful pattern of butterflies on her dress, Aiko noticed Akimoto's pouting. ''And why is my Little Hero looking like that?'' She said, fixing the hair of her son. This caused Akimoto to glance at his mother and then point at Kei's dress. ''Cause I want also something colorful.'' His kimono was dark blue and there was some black wolf symbol on it. This made Aiko laugh as she patted his shoulders gently. ''But your kimono is also very nice. I love it.'' But her words didn't seem to change his opinion that much. ''I like colors more...''

''You may borrow it later.'' Kei said, smiling at Akimoto. But the boy shook his head. He didn't respond, but seemed to be impatient as well. Maybe it was cause that Aiko had promised them that she would spend a full and fun day with them? That was probably it. Rising up, she stretched her hands to the two. Each grabbing one hand, the three started to walk towards the Cho Compound. It was like usually nice weather and there was a nice cold breeze present as the three made their way to the compound. ''Mummy, what for festival is it?'' Kei asked, trying to hop more than walking. Making her dress rustle was so much fun!

The question was answered after a moment. Aiko couldn't just explain the political and social means of the festival of today. It was the Festival of the Moon. Like many assumed, the most important part was actually at the night. But for visitors and most children the most important events would be during the day. ''Today is the Festival of the Moon. The day on which the clan celebrates that they can be a clan together. It is just to be together and have fun.'' Aiko said. This made Akimoto respond. ''Like Christmas?'' He asked, frowning as he did like Christmas, but he knew it wasn't even near Christmas. This made Aiko think and laugh. ''A bit yes. But it just focused on the clan.'' This seemed to make the boy understand it, but Kei now frowned as she raised her free hand and pointed to the nearby houses.

''But isn't that mean? Why can't others have fun and be happy? Sounds mean.'' The girl said, looking a bit sad in the direction of a few people near a stand. Almost was it like she was considering to run up to them and ask them to join them towards the Cho compound. But that meant to leave the safety of her mother's presence. Clinging to her mother's hand, Kei looked in the direction they were heading. ''They can visit the compound and have fun. But it is more like for Cho's. I think that most other clans also have their traditions and feasts.'' Aiko said, but then Akimoto decided to mutter something. ''Maybe they let boys wear colorful kimono's.''

Laughing, Aiko decided to not respond to that. With both of her children at her side, she kept walking in a calm pace towards the compound. Music was already heard in the distance and Aiko could already see the entrance. It was quite decorated, probably by some children of the clan. Groups were walking into the compound, curious about what was going on. Though there were several heavily armed men standing guard, they weren't wearing any modern uniforms. They wore black outfits and some mesh armour. Each held a naginata's, while they carried a sidearm, sheathed in a scabbard on their hips. Probably a katana or a wakashi.

The Cho watchmen seemed to scare both Kei and Akimoto a bit. They walked closer to Aiko, but then the silent and unmoving men moved. It scared both Akimoto as Kei, who looked surprised. The watchmen made not only a bow towards Aiko, but to the two children as well. Waiting, Aiko realized that the bow by the heavily armed men seemed to scare the two. ''It is okay, they are just happy to see you.'' Aiko told them, squeezing their hands softly. After being sure that her children would come along, they started to pass the entrance to the compound. Inside, they witnessed what once describe as a wonderful festival. There were decorations, stands and people everywhere. Though it was quite busy, Aiko managed to find her way. Both Akimoto and Kei kept looking around, growing ever more curious on what they were going to do here. ''Mommy, look!'' Kei pointed to a stand. There was a man and woman who were trying to sell all kind of animals. Birds, lizards and then what Kei pointed at. A platypus. ''Just like at home! May I go and pet it? Please?'' Glancing at the stand, Aiko shook her head. ''No Kei, maybe later. Come, we need to go first to something more important.'' Pouting, the girl threw a glance in the direction of the animal she wanted to pet. Akimoto was more silent as he kept looking around. Much like Kei, he had decided to stay closer to his mother, holding her hand tight with one while keeping a grab of her kimono with his free hand.

It was for the first time since it was all completed that the meeting was held in the new chamber. In her opinion, Meisa was quite glad that the whole place was done. It had been a bit of a pain to plan how to keep it safe from the public, but together they had managed to make sure that Hokage Tomb and the secret chamber was kept secret. At least the Tomb wouldn't be a secret anymore from this day on. Though it still required permission to enter it as it would be a sacred kind of place, Meisa was glad that it was done. ''Think we can start now, can we?'' Meisa friendly asked the two other persons who were present. Hisoka Uchiha and Zakito Hon. Probably by far the most influental people in the whole of Fire Union. Briefly, Meisa wondered how this meeting would go, but she decided to focus and by manner of speaking, turned on her more serious mode.

"Yes." Hisoka agreed. "It is not like more people are going to show up." His tone was serious without any hint of sarcasm. His eyes shot through the room again. For a place that was hidden in a Tomb it was surprisingly well lit. You could imagine them being in one of the many offices in the building where the Hokage's Office was situated. Minus the windows then, but Hisoka didn't miss the daylight. It was not needed for the matters they were discussing. "What topics are on our agenda today?" He asked Meisa.

Leaning forward with his hands folded together on the table, Zakito had his own thoughts and opinion on the place they were in. It reminded him of the tomb of Daisuke. When Hisoka made his remark that nobody else would show up, Zakito was close of letting out a chuckle, though he was very serious as well. They were going to talk, discuss and take decision that mattered the state and its welfare. Patiently waiting for Meisa to start the topics, he would only throw another glance around the room they were in.

Meisa took a moment before she would pick up something that had been on her lap. It was a small notebook. ''Our first topic is regarding the Kyuubi.'' Taking a small pause, Meisa would then look at the men that were present. ''We need to talk about what we are going to do with the captured beast. Not to mention, how we are going to threat the ANBU who have given their life in order to ambush and subdue the beast? I mean no disrespect, but the way how it went last time with Miharu Hon ended up in complete failure. Due his actions, Konohagakure was close on being attacked again by the Tailed Beast.''

Hisoka shifted in his seat. "Clearly there are only two options for the beast. We keep it sealed away in the container we used and refrain from using it or we find a new host. A more.. suitable host." He shot a quick look to Zakito. He was aware that the boy had been family of his friend, but clearly he had been most incapable of handling a Tailed Beast. "It is clear that with a correct host a beast can be used. We have seen this happen with Kiyomi Sato-Hon. Her control over the Nibi has grown significantly and has become a useful asset for her in battle, meaning that it is a useful asset to us. That is why I opt for a new host instead of containing the beast. Of course, we need to find a suitable person or else the whole thing is destined to repeat itself.

As for the ANBU. I see no reason to act differently from how we normally act. Those who's bodies have been found should get a burial. They families need to be informed. For those who's bodies are not found, or are... burned up. They will get their name on the monument as we do with all the fallen soldiers that have not found their way home."

Listening to what Meisa said, Zakito began to think about it. He couldn't really blame the two for speaking about Miharu in such a manner. They had to be objective and if he was to give an objective opinion about it, he knew that they were right. Still, it was a bit sad to think that such an innocent and caring young boy had perished in a way like he probably had. ''I agree on that we should take more care with the new host. Probably putting people on the watch over the host that know how to treat a jinchuriki.'' Zakito began. He then paused as he would suggest something else for the ANBU. ''For the fallen ANBU? Burn their bodies. All of them. We can give the burials with some produced fakes. Its vital that we make sure that the secrets of our ANBU stay secret. Burning and destroying their bodies would be the course of action to maintain that nobody can use any information, that can be gained from those corpses.'' He spoke in a very serious and emotionless tone. Though personally he didn't feel like it was the best choice, he knew that emotions wouldn't allowed in decisions in a meeting like this one.

Choosing a new host. It was like a circle that would never stop. Every time a jinchuriki died, they were forced to choose a new host. And again, repeating it. But for how long? Now that it was her turn, Meisa took a moment to consider what she would deem wise. ''A new host would be the best choice. We aren't still sure who kidnapped the last host.'' On purpose Meisa decided to avoid saying Miharu's name. ''If we would let the Kyuubi be sealed in the current container he is in now, that would be easier to steal from us than a person.'' Meisa thought about what Hisoka had said and what Zakito advised. A better watch over a jinchuriki? From what she knew, jinchuriki's weren't really starting out as ideal people that listened and obeyed to every order or instruction. ''I am not an expert on jinchuriki nor have that much experience with them as the both of you, but if Kiyomi's control over the Nibi is as good as some rumours say, why won't we let her guard over the Kyuubi? We can even cover it with placing the Kyuubi's host within her team. Together of course with some secret ANBU watch, just to be sure.'' Was her suggestion. Only now the ANBU. That was where Meisa felt a bit conflicted. She wanted to give them some proper respect for their service and loyalty. The victims of the Kyuubi, brave men and women, had sacrificed their life for Konoha. Something she could understand and respected.

''Though it is a bit cruel, we should probably burn the bodies if it prevents anybody from gaining knowledge on us. The families haven't been informed so far, which means that we can spin a tale around it. Probably making up on why we can't show the bodies if we can't fake their bodies within a short time.'' Were her words. Briefly Meisa looked at her hands, that were still holding the notebook.

It came to no surprise for Hisoka that Zakito was the one to suggest burning the bodies. And as soon as the words left the man's mouth he knew that he was probably right. But those were people that had died for Konoha. It seemed to unfair to them and to their families. Then again, the world was unfair. For a second Hisoka couldn't help but remember another body that Zakito burned once so long ago. She had been scared. Had these ANBU been scared when they died? He nodded slowly to Meisa's last comment and cleared his throat, returning to her first point. "If we were to put Kiyomi and the new host together we will have to test a certain amount of things. As far as I know Tailed Beast are aware of each other even though they are sealed away in hosts. They also carry distinct personalities. I found that out when I talked to the Nibi personally. They are very much aware of what is going on beyond the borders of their prison meaing that if we put to Jinchuuriki's together we will have to test if those beasts... can get along so to speak. If they turn out to hate each other then it could create nasty complications. We should also considering using a host that can work well with Kiyomi, preferably has past experience with her so that their relationship will help keep the beasts stable. Negative emotions of the hosts apparently can influence the beasts. ANBU should definitaly be present all the time, but they are already keeping track of Kiyomi so I don't see much trouble there."

Zakito thought about it. It would be another recipe for disaster if Nibi and Kyuubi decided to cause some trouble. Though he understood that they would need a new host and a person both watching and guiding that new jinchuriki, maybe they were looking at it in the wrong direction? ''I haven't yet had the pleasure of conversing with a Bijuu and perhaps it may sound cruel, but why not surpress the beast? Normally a seal is placed that also lets some chakra slip past, but why not completely close it until we deem it is time that the jinchuriki can make use of it?'' Zakito suggested. Maybe if they had thought of that earlier, Miharu could still be alive. Though the thought wouldn't help them, it was something he couldn't just ignore. ''Though I can agree on putting Kiyomi on this task. She is probably all to familiar with Bijuu and can probably respond better to another one than that we can.'' Thinking about it, Zakito decided to say something else about it. ''I also believe it is best if we make sure that the host won't leave Konohagakure for some time. We were tolerant with Kiyomi, but with somebody preying on jinchuriki's, we can't take a risk.''

Now they had to think of a solution in case that the beasts wouldn't cooperate? For a moment, Meisa felt like it would be more like two teenagers that didn't want to sit next to each other, whinning and complaining. Only the anology was now on two powerful beings that she didn't want to face herself. Thinking about the complications and such, Meisa decided to suggest an action. ''I will see who is fit to become the new host. Both of you are more close to Kiyomi and we need to have a true objective view on this. Cause every host we lose, the chance that it will go wrong will increase. So if you both agree, I shall choose the jinchuriki and work it out.'' She paused, thinking about what Zakito suggested. A closed seal? That piqued her interests actually. ''I can try to work that out. It might have some flaws in the end, but with the right planning and work, I can make it happen that the seal will firmly hold the Kyuubi in place and won't allow any nasty events unless either the host or I will damage or open the seal.'' Truly, it was an interesting concept that she would research later. It shouldn't be that new or difficult if the right formula's were put together. ''I also kind of agree that we can't let the host leave Konohagakure. Unless we really have some watch or people near him. And with that, I mean at least a dozen ANBU or one of us.''

"Or both." Hisoka muttered while nodding along with Zakito and Meisa's words. "When you find a suitable host I would like to personally keep an eye on it. The conversation with the Nibi proved much insight for me and it would help if we gained more information on how the beasts are. This will also help with chosing... future hosts. Either way I agree with that a seal should be placed." He leaned back in his chair and turned his gaze to Zakito. "I am not sure, by the way, if I would call conversing with a Tailed Beast a pleasure. It was clear that the Nibi was comprehending the situation at that time better then Kiyomi herself was and was trying to get something out it himself. They are smart. Not something you want to talk to for pleasure." He said slowly as he thought back to his first confrontation. Not something he would repeat any time seoon.

Rubbing his chin with his right hand, Zakito thought about Hisoka's words. He never had thought that the beasts were simple minded creatures. If it were only that easy, then they would possibly be more easy to handle. Now that Hisoka told them that they were in fact some smart creatures, it made him wonder on why they then would go and try to attack a settlement, that had managed to subdue them in the past. Maybe they were also prone to arrogance and power? Not a real pleasant thought as Zakito already viewed them as dangerous beings. ''Understood. But then we all agree on this?'' He asked, not sure if there was much else to say about it. From what he noticed, they were mainly on the same page.

''Seems so. I will look for a suitable host and Hisoka will also keep a personal eye on it. Maybe even have a conversation with the Kyuubi, though I reckon that it will be a bit useless cause if the beast is able to be aware of what happens, then we don't need to inform it.'' Meisa stated. She actually became curious on how the personality was of these tailed Beasts. Judging from what Hisoka had told them, it wasn't however something that she should feel any envy for. ''But with that topic decided, we will move to one that is similiar. There has been a report.'' Meisa paused as she glanced at her notebook, what would give the impression that she wanted to be sure if she had read it correct. ''There has been a report or rather a quick message from Amegakure. Two words were passed. Help and Beast.'' Having said that, Meisa looked up to Hisoka and Zakito. Her lips curled down as she seemed to dislike something about it. ''These two words at first made no sense to me, but with the ordeal that the previous host of the Kyuubi had been kidnapped and then the Kyuubi being released, I think it is obvious what is going on in Amegakure.''

Hisoka frowned. It was pretty clear that those words could only mean one thing. A Tailed Beast was running loose near Amegakure, or was possibly upon the city already. Hisoka could imagine the distress the Amekage would be in. He was a kind man who loved his village. A raging beast wasn't doing much good to that. "We can't have a Tailed Beast running freely through our land." He said as he leaned forward again, still with a serious expression on his face. "It will have be sealed as quick as possible, but I am sure that the Amekage is thinking the same. Samidare is a smart guy and he has capable sealers at his disposal so he will want to seal the beast as soon as possible. Not sure if he will create a host though. He loves his people greatly and putting a Beast in one of them... doesn't exactly sound like something he would enjoy doing."

A tailed beast near or in Amegakure? That was strange. He hadn't know that one of them was near the place. Why were there now reports from the border watch about this? Unless somebody or a group had managed to unleash the beast within the rain country. But for what purpose? Puzzled by it, Zakito decided to speak up. ''The current Amekage will likely indeed use the resources he has at his disposal to try to seal the beast. Though I am hoping Amegakure won't suffer too much, I am however troubled by another thought.'' Crossing his arms, Zakito clearly was displeased with the news. ''Amegakure is a member of the Fire Union. Their military power is something not worth noticing, but if they managed to seal a Tailed Beast and make a jinchuriki, that could change things. Lets assume that this will happen, then what are we going to do about it?''

Looking back at her notebook, Meisa answered. ''If a small member like Amegakure gets a beast, it is up to us to make sure that they will have the knowledge on how to handle a jinchuriki. Not to forget, it will actually benefit the total power of the Union, so it isn't alone in the decision of the Amekage. I believe we should apply the same rule that we will do with the host of the Kyuubi with the potential or already made host in Amegakure.'' Thinking about the situation, she could think of several other solutions. But to bring a jinchuriki of Amegakure into Konohagakure? That would be a bit too much asking for trouble. They hadn't even checked if Kiyomi could tutor the future host of the Kyuubi, let alone handle two jinchuriki's. ''Though I would believe we need to keep a close watch on Jinchuriki's, we have troops stationed within Amegakure. Both out in the open and several in secret. With that we can keep a close eye on the future and potential host that can be created in Amegakure. And if something goes wrong, end it.''

"I agree with Meisa." Hisoka said. "Amekagure joined the union to grow, to prosper. They have accepted our help by giving something up and we, as head of the Fire Union, should help them with the knowledge we can give them. Besides assuming a host will be created, forcing an Amegakure shinobi to come here will not do any party any good. Amegakure won't like us for taking away their ninja, the child won't like us for taking it away from his/her home and we haven't even figured out what to exactly do with the Kyuubi yet. We can't add another beast to that before having the Kyuubi safe and stable. Besides as Meisa said, we have troops there. People we can trust with this."

He agreed with that, nodding to make it clear. ''I agree. So that means we will have to pay better watch over Amegakure. Though I assume that you will go there personally?'' Zakito asked, looking at Meisa. Though he wasn't sure what the Amekage would think if they would directly meddle in what was their jinchuriki, Hisoka was right. They knew the rules of what it meant to be a member of the Fire Union. But that was actually what was worrying Zakito. What if they thought about using their new jinchuriki to break free? Not that he anticipated something drastic as that, but the idea was starting to form in his mind. ''Maybe we should increase some of the secret agents we have in Amegakure?''

Thinking about it, Meisa wondered if that was a good idea. They had the resources for it to do it, but that didn't mean that they should just send a team whenever there was a need for it. It could be a waste of shinobi that could prove more useful elsewhere. ''I think we will need to wait with that. If it both pleases you, I rather also do this personally. At least we can be sure that there won't be any flaws with the seal. Though I am going to be a bit stricter and not allow the host have a way to weaken or break the seal on her or himself. Without direct supervision and also not direct loyal to Konohagakure, I think we shouldn't risk it.'' Meisa replied.

Hisoka thought for a moment, his head resting on the palm of his left hand. "How about you handle sealing and we handle looking for a host." He suggested. "With the beast already attacking and with the little information we have we need to move quick. Zakito and I can take our time looking for a host while you can take you time with seals."

Chuckling, Zakito nodded again. He was serious, but he found that Meisa was trying to help out too much. Something he always respected about her. ''I agree with Hisoka. While you can handle sealings as no other, it is better if we make sure that the situation in Amegakure is stable. Both I and Hisoka can make sure that the Kyuubi won't go anywhere without us knowing it. By the time you're back, we will have a suitable host and can start working on that.'' Though Zakito was still a bit worried. He didn't sound like he was, but he wasn't keen on keeping the Kyuubi in a jar pot. A jar pot was much easier to steal than a person, in most situations.

Smiling, Meisa made a small bow towards both of the men. ''That sounds like a good plan. Think that we then have covered that. Though I hope that I don't have to stay too long away.'' Not that she was worried that Konohagakure would perish without her. It had been sort of fine without her around. Not sure what else they would have to say about the topic, now that everybody had made it clear what they thought what was wise, Meisa looked back at the notepad. For the next topic. ''The next topic is the discipline of our forces.'' Glancing at Zakito, as this was more his work, Meisa went to explain it. She didn't want to give him the idea that she thought bad about his work. ''Though we have the biggest military power within the Fire Union, I am a bit worried. There is a clear change that our forces are finally getting in place and that we have each situation in every member state stabilized, I want to make plans to keep it like that.'' This time she looked at Hisoka. ''The member states still have their own military forces, even while they are forced by the agreement to send fresh recruits towards the secret outposts. However with our growing influence and presence, what will we do about their independent forces? Though nothing bad has happened, will we allow them to keep those troops?'' Glancing back at the notebook, she was sure that she had worded and asked the right questions. Though it gave her the idea again that she was more like in the days with the Hokage Guard, being more or less the one who questioned often both Hisoka and Zakito. Though that was most likely why Hisoka had offered her the current position she had now.

Hisoka answered Meisa's look with a steady gaze as he thought about her words. His left indexfinger tapped on the table. "It would be unfair and it would not be painting a good picture of us if we change the rules after we have established them." He started. "The lands joined with the idea that they got to retain some of their independence. They knew the consequences and what they gave up when they accepted. If we now demand their forces to be disbanded we won't make them happy. Also it shows that we try too hard to control them, making it seem as if we have no faith in their capablity, no trust in the promise they made when they joined. With that said," the tapping of his finger stopped, "we could always invest in leaders to put above those independent forces. A good army follows their leader so if the men leading those armies are loyal to us, there should be no problem."

The new topic made Zakito think about it. He agreed with Hisoka, but there were some other factors that he was thinking about. ''I agree with Hisoka.'' Zakito said at first. ''We can disband the current forces and I suspect that for a reason we train their recruits with our own forces, to ensure their loyalty, but then it is always a gamble to give somebody control over an armed force.'' Pausing, he was thinking about what he could advise on the matter. He was the jounin commander, so the two would likely wish a good answer back on what would be the best road. ''That and reforming the Fire Union would no doubt start the desire of wanting to break from it. Though we only had some trouble in the Grass at the start, it has always been relatively peaceful. I suspect this is because the members of the Union are happy on how we treat them. If we would take a privilege away from them, one that enables them to have some security of their own, they will be feeling not so secure anymore. Even if we would garrison a large army in each settlement, the people would start to see it as us occupying them. An image we likely don't want to give them.''

Thinking about what both said, Meisa started to think about something. Both had valid points on the topic and she also agreed with them. ''What if we set our commanders or work them into the ranks of their forces? This would increase our own military force, as it will be extended with their forces, under our leadership.'' Meisa was however a bit unsure about something. ''But that would resolve us into working in secret to cooperate the commanders into their ranks. Hisoka, can you maybe explain what you mean with investing into their leaders?'' Meisa asked.

"Almost exactly what you just said." Hisoka replied. "There are two options. Either we use forces we have access to right and and implement them in the forces of our vassals as high ranked officers to ensure their loyalty. Or we use the young recruits from that country that have been trained by us and move them up ranks, of course only when they are capable. The second option would assure that people will probably like them more because they come from their own country. It is just a way to make sure that the people in the armies are loyal to us, meaning that, may a skirmish or a rebellion arise, we can count on them."

For a turn, Zakito chuckled cause he was kind of impressed by Hisoka. He knew that the latter was a capable leader, but he hadn't expected him to be this good. For a moment he wanted to suggest that Hisoka could take over the jounin commander office, leaving him to have more time. But it wasn't the time nor the place to joke. ''Not to forget that we don't have a chance that people will distrust us if it turns out that the leading officers and commanders in the forces of the members are not from their own country.'' He told Meisa. ''The only problem, so far you can call it a problem, is that it will require time and patient. But I assume that isn't something we mind, do we?''

''I think I understand it now. That seems as a very good plan. I suspect that Zakito-sama will look over this then?'' Meisa smiled. It made her think about the suggestion once more, but she couldn't produce a question to argue about them. Not that she had expected that, seeing the two who had give the suggestion. ''I think then we could go to the next topic of the list? Unless anybody has anything else to say on this matter?'' She asked, already taking the notebook in hand to view what the next topic would be.

"If he does his job." Hisoka said, shooting a slight grin towards his friend. It almost sounded like old times when he had always been complaining that Zakito didn't take his job serious because he napped too much. "No other words on that from me." He continued then.

Throwing a glance towards Hisoka, Zakito looked shocked. ''So rude. Typical you.'' Zakito complained, though he knew it wasn't a real comment. Turning serious again, he nodded towards Meisa. ''I will take care of it and make sure it will happen. Lets move on to the next topic.''

Surpressing a light laugh, Meisa coughed. Removing her right hand from her mouth, she read what the next topic would be of the meeting. ''The next topic of the meeting is the information I managed to gain from the captured jounin from the Stone and Sand. Apparently Sunagakure is trying to build up their forces, most likely what they have lost during their last war. Next to that, trying to work some influence on the small states north of them.'' Meisa told them. ''Iwagakure is focusing on rebuilding the damage that they have suffered. But I suspect they will also work on expanding their military force. Which makes me believe that our growth getting others to try to do the same.'' Meisa paused. ''We could use this to reinforce our border defense, but maybe we can also use the information for other uses.''

"Definitely the border defense. Or at least the scouting along the border." Hisoka said. It felt strange to think that he had actually missed a war that had been fought in his absence, when he was on that island. When he was hidden. When he was trying to forget. He hadn't even known about the war until the news had sudden reached the small piece of rock in the middle of the sea. It had been strange back then and it was still strange now. "I have no doubt that all our actions are triggering reactions from the other nations. It is the natural way of things. The law of the world." He swayed around with his hand in an incomprehensibly way. "Either way, all information is valuable. We could even use it to strengthen our trade. Maybe we have something that Iwagakure desperately needs in their aim to rebuild a city. If we can extend that help and ... get in close, we could benefit."

Taking in what they said, Zakito closed his right eye as he pondered on what he would do or advise. It was clear that they could use the information in order to prepare to further gain something from it. Those who had the most information could more easier act and strike or counter strike against their foes. ''If our actions have pushed them into trying to increase their military power and influence around them, then I see no other way but to indeed use information against them. I seriously doubt that Sunagakure will not try something later to either provoke or harm us in any possible way.'' He opened his right eye, looking rather grim. ''I do think that we should use the information in order to strengthen our own network. Though we could reason that they decide to increase their might and influence by acknowledging that the Fire Union is much stronger than they first were willing to admit, maybe they have some eyes and ears within the Union that they make use off. I suggest that we make use of the information to try and improve our own intelligence in not only those two countries, but in the others as well.''

The Law of the world, gathering intelligence. She could see a connection between what Hisoka and Zakito said. ''Why not then combine the two? I think that we should be waiting for a chance where we can offer Iwagakure some support when the chance is there, but if we indeed improve our intelligence both abroad as home, I can see the benefits from it. The only problem I see is that we need to keep an eye on who we spy on. It is clear that we can't trust Sunagakure, due their past actions. But I believe that we should focus on targeting Kirigakure as well.'' Meisa said. She paused as she thought back of the place. Not very familiar with the current Mizukage, Meisa didn't have much good to say about the Mist. ''The most important I believe is our defense. If it is true what Zakito-sama says, that others are trying to gather and harbor information about us and our actions, that we need to act against them.''

"Of course they want to gain information." Hisoka said. "We are basically all doing the same after all. But I agree, our defense should be priority. The more information we have, the better we can react on certain situations may they arise. So an improvement in our intelligence is something I agree with. As for Kirigakure..." He paused for a moment. "We still don't know much about the new ruler, unless you have more information about her then me or Meisa already know?" Hisoka looked to Zakito with slightly quircked eyebrows.

For a moment, Zakito returned it with a serious glance. ''Rika Suzu. From what I know, the only remaining of her clan. Quite the kunoichi if you ask me.'' He started, though he didn't want to sound like he was approving her. ''I think you both have heard that she managed to gain the seat of Mizukage after killing the previous one as well defeating the Seven Swordsmen. Though I honestly doubt it as people tend to make stories bigger to please a person.'' Zakito then paused, thinking what he further could tell them. It would be meaningless to tell them details that would be trivial, so he made up his mind what he would further say on the current Mizukage. ''I know that she is not very stable with her emotions. Though we have yet to confirm if this is still the case, but prior before she became Mizukage, I had an encounter with her. After managing to create some pressure on her unstable emotions, I could solve a conflict that would have gone worse. But I am not that known with how she is leading the Mist at the moment.''

Paying great attention, Meisa started to see what they could probably use against the current Mizukage. If she had an unstable personality, that would be just an opening that they could exploit if they had a chance. Or could forge a chance to do so. ''Interesting, if I have to be honest.'' Meisa said. Though looking at her notes, she was further thinking about what Zakito had told them. Maybe they would be able to even provoke some action from the population if it became clear that Rika wasn't going to be neutral or any sympathetic towards the Fire Union. ''I think we will then decide to increase our spying activity on Kirigakure and Sunagakure. That is thus decided or somebody wants to add something?''

Zakito had an encounter with her. Why didn't this surprise Hisoka. Somehow Zakito always seemed to know more about the people from other countries then he did. Hisoka blamed it on having been away for two years, but he knew that that was blaming himself indirectly. Rika Suzu was, of course, a name he had heard, but he had never met her and he had no idea what she was like. Considering that she originated from the Mist, however, did make a certain stereotype rise up in his head. "I agree." He simply said. "Not knowing things about this irks me. I'd say decided."

''I agree.'' He said, though he chuckled briefly after hearing what Hisoka had said at the end of his sentence. Almost had he been tempted to make a remark on that it was irking that the Uchiha never had wished him a good morning, but a chuckle would be enough. The meeting wasn't the place to keep joking around. ''What is the next item on the list?'' Zakito curiously asked. For a second he wondered how long the meeting had taken by now. There were now windows or any other way on how he could see how late it was.

''That was it. I don't have anything else listed that we need to discuss.'' Meisa replied as she turned her notebook around and shoved it to the center so that both men could take a look at it. ''I will try to increase the efficiency of the Zero teams, but that will go with what we discussed earlier about what we will do with the information that has been extracted from the captured jounin from the Sand and Stone.'' Then she threw a glance at both. ''Unless you both have something to bring up, I think we are done.''

"Yes, I do." Hisoka said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the scroll that had been delivered to him about two hours ago by the ANBU that knew the Raikage's face. "I received his message this afternoon. A message from the Raikage." He opened the scroll and pushed it towards Meisa. "I know that you would have wanted to know this as soon as she had arrived, but I figured that this might be a better place to talk about it." His eyes turned to Zakito. "It concerns one of our agents in Takigakure who has been killed by a Kumogakure ninja."

Just when Zakito thought that the meeting would be over without the usual grim or bad news, it seemed that he had been too optmistic about it. Sighing, he looked briefly at the scroll that his good friend pushed towards Meisa. ''That is a shame.'' He mumbled. It wasn't just a shame that somebody had been killed, but it was a rather heavy and serious transgression from Kumogakure. Though yes, it was a Takigakure shinobi, it was a common fact that every member of the client villages of the Union was seen as one. It would be no different if the Cloud had disposed of a Leaf shinobi. ''And how will the reaction be?'' He asked, carefully.

Reading the scroll, Meisa's facial expression shifted. She looked displeased at the content of the scroll. Placing it on the table and shoving it towards Zakito, she began to think. It was a certain delicate situation that could go either good or bad, for both parties. Right now it was more than evident that they had to take action. Either trying to solve it in a peaceful way or deciding to strike back. Only trying to cause more damage than that they had suffered. Both as a message to Kumogakure as to the other nations, to not think that they would just sit idly while the shinobi of the Fire Union would be harmed. ''If the Raikage wishes to solve this without any further bloodshed or any kind of conflict, we will give him a single chance. A small party will travel to the Cloud, bearing two messages.'' Meisa said with a harsh tone, as like she was talking directly to the culprit who had caused this drama. ''One, to make them understand that we won't take this kindly. Two,'' Meisa glanced at Hisoka. ''To remember them that we have many more capable people than they likely suspect or know.'' Glancing at Zakito, she continued. ''Our message will be one to show that we have the means that we can easily turn them into rubble. Am I understood?''

Hisoka waited patiently until Meisa finished speaking. Her tone was strong and harsh, but Hisoka withstood it without blinking. It almost made him smile. It reminded him again that he did well. In the end he had done something right. He had protected the city the only way he could. By giving it a leader it needed. The Uchiha glanced to Zakito for a moment, a small smile playing on his lips even though he was entirely serious as he inclined his head slightly and spoke.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Having crossed his arms again as Meisa began to reply, Zakito also took the strong and harsh tone as Hisoka did. Though he wondered how the situation would go from now, he couldn't think that he would have said it any better than Meisa. Yes, he was convinced of that. Slowly nodding, he repeated the words of Hisoka.

''Yes, Hokage-sama.''

Sitting behind his desk, Zakito was nearly done with this paperwork. Most of it were to instruct the harsher kind of training in the out and border posts of the Fire Union. Thinking back of the meeting he had today, Zakito had already a few young people in mind for the selection of the future host of the Kyuubi. Of course, reading a profile was neccessary. It was however also necessary in his opinion to talk and see how each person was. Not that he would start about the Kyuubi's host until he was certain that they would be certain that they could use the person for it. Which was the biggest problem, cause they would need something of the said person to be sure that they would be a good candidate.

The young Hon had received some strange news. The leader of the clan had asked for his presence. It was the second day of the three day cycle so he could definitely afford not going to the... usual place, though it still bothered him. Of course, the boy felt an empty pride for being called by the clan leader but it was still strange. Walking beside the two chuunin, the boy looked up towards them, trying to read their expressions but before he knew it, they'd arrived. He found himself standing across Zakito's desk, a calm expression on his face. Although he kept his composure, he wasn't able to formally announce his presence with a string of meaningful sounds...

Lost in his work, Zakito had barely noticed that the boy was already standing in the Jounin commander office. Until one of the chuunin cleared his throat. Looking up, Zakito noticed the three and chuckled. ''Ah, good day. I apologize! I was very busy.'' The chuunin were dismissed by a simple gesture of Zakito's hand. While they walked and closed the door behind them, Zakito took the moment to quickly examine Tatsuya. ''Tatsuya Hon, am I right? Please, take a seat. Want something to drink? Something to eat?'' Zakito friendly offered.

The boy gulped and nodded to confirm Zakito's suspicions about the boy's identity. "N...No thank you, sir," he said, sitting down like he was suggested to. He looked up towards the strangely friendly commander with a face void of any expression to give away his thoughts. His eyes lowered slightly, subtly glancing at the desk to see if there was any clue there as to the reason he was summoned.

''Okay. Mind if I ask you if I am scaring you?'' He asked, still with the polite and friendly tone. Zakito leaned back in his seat as he folded his hands together on the table. Already he wasn't sure if this boy would be a good host for the Nine Tails. His profile mentioned he was decent graduated genin. He had the right age of becoming a jinchuriki, but if he was too timid then it would only mean suicide for the boy.

Shaking his head slowly and hesitantly as if confused by the question. "Er... No, sir?" he said. He continued looking at Zakito for a moment before wiping the confused look off his face and replacing it with a faint smile. He let some air flow into his mouth as if ready to say something but didn't speak. The boy figured the reason he was asked to come would be revealed soon and he didn't want to come off as disrespectful or impatient.

''Good. I wouldn't like doing that. But now that I know I don't do that, I wish to have a friendly conversation with you.'' Zakito started. He seemed to be both genuinely curious as friendly. ''And please, don't see me as either the Jounin commander nor the clan leader of the Hon's now. Just a curious person that has several questions for you. I am kind of asking several graduated genins these questions to find out if the genins of this year are any different to several years before.'' Zakito paused briefly. ''Mind if I ask you the questions?''

"Of course not, sir," the boy said. Several... The boy fixated on the word, thinking hard on it, frowning for a split-second. He shook the expression off and looked at Zakito curiously, a smile on his lips like before. The boy hoped he could ask some questions back if his curiosity wasn't satiated. ''Good!'' Zakito more cheerfully said. He already would ask the first question. ''I would like to hear about what you know about the Will of Fire, if you seriously don't mind me asking.'' He said, already picking up a pencil and a notepad to note down the answers of Tatsuya.

The boy nodded, somewhat disappointed in the question. Maybe this is about the Academy's education system. "It's the ideology that suggests 'love'," he said, pausing and emphasizing on the strange word before continuing. "is the key to attaining peace. Mutual understanding," he repeated the words taught to them. He despised repeating things he was told to think, though he knew he shouldn't express a thought like that here and now.

''Very good. Nice answer. Better than what I have heard before.'' Zakito chuckled as he would then ask the second answer. ''Do you believe in the Will of Fire though? I know for a fact that Hon's who have grown and been raised outside of Konoha don't really believe in it. Not that they don't act according to the term, but they just call it differently.'' He both asked and reasoned why he asked the question.

"I... I think believing everyone can just get along peacefully is disregarding the rules of nature," he said. "Temporary peace can always be attained but wars will eventually break out. The best we can do is try to keep our generation peaceful. Though peace ends as well, so do times of war and conflict. It's a cycle that most people think to be evil but it's just how nature functions. And not just for humans. Nature needs to eliminate the weak to let new species and people flourish."

''Ah.'' Zakito first replied as he noted something down. While he wrote, he didn't react to what Tatsuya said. Of course he had his own view on it and wouldn't mind a discssusion about it, but that wasn't why he had summoned the boy. Nor did they have the time to discuss about it. ''Well answered. Now I know you have both an own opinion as knowing well what the Will of Fire entitles. May I ask you what your idol is?'' He asked, looking up.

The question seemed to catch the boy off guard, his eyes slightly widening. "Um..." That's oddly specific... "Kiyomi-san from the common branch," he said, almost mumbling it. There was a brief silence as Zakito tilted his head to the right. ''Aaaaah, now I see. Ah yes. Kiyomi!'' Zakito chuckled as he raised his free hand and shook his head. ''Sorry, I am still a bit living in the past. I was a bit confused you called her from the common branch. There is still some kind of problem that she has been adopted into the Royal Middle Branch, but she is indeed from the Common branch. But that is just some silly thing.'' After he noted something down, Zakito asked a question which would be easy to predict. ''May I ask why her?''

"Because she was somewhat relatable," he said, keeping his eyes locked on the edge of the desk. Of course there was more to it but that one sentence summarized the basics of the concept. He wondered why Zakito would ask something like this. He said he was talking to "several" students though it made no sense for him to ask these questions to every graduate from the new year.

''That is good to know.'' Zakito said, which made him look like he was trying to think about the next question. ''What is your future goal?'' He then asked, readying the pencil to write down other notes about Tatsuya's answer. The boy gave the man a befuddled look. "I... I don't have one, sir," he said, gulping. "I mean... I'm 11..."

''Hahahahaha, don't worry! Remember, these questions are global. While you might have not yet set a goal or thought of one, somebody else may have. I can remember for example a certain eleven year old who wished to become Hokage one day.'' Zakito chuckled, cause it was quite funny. That eleven year old was now the idol of the person he was asking questions to. ''But lets move on to the next question. May I ask what you think about your time at the Academy?''

He opened his mouth as if to speak but words didn't leave it. "Um..." He looked down thoughtfully. After a moment's thought, he looked up at Zakito to answer. "It was... nice... I made many friends there," he said, hoping this would be a satisfactory answer. He didn't know what kind of an answer Zakito was expecting. ''That is very nice. I am glad for you.'' Zakito noted down something as he then placed the pencil down. ''I have asked enough questions and hope that I haven't asked anything that caused any discomfort. In return, you may ask me several questions back if you wish to do so.''

Upon hearing the terms Zakito had set, a smile appeared on his face. "If I may be so bold to doubt what you said earlier, sir... If I remember correctly you said you were calling for several students from this year to see if we were taught any better than the previous graduates, but the questions you asked weren't really about anything related to that subject," pausing, thinking about what he was saying, the boy shook his head quickly. "Ah... I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

''I don't see why it is disrespectful to ask me a question like that, pup.'' Zakito replied, though he sounded a bit amused. Though he had indeed asked general questions, it was clear that the boy had some good wits. Those before hadn't been able to notice that detail before. ''It is actually a little detail to see if somebody is paying enough attention or thinks about what is being told to them or asked. After all, words are deemed as a weapon by many shinobi.''

Tatsuya's eyes opened wider. He looked at Zakito with anticipation and curiosity. The boy had no idea what that meant. If he wasn't there for the reason Zakito had said he was for, he couldn't think of a different reason. ''So, any other question you wish to ask me?'' Zakito asked, still sounding amused. He had noticed the expression of the boy, but he knew his orders.

"Er.... Yes. If that isn't the reason, sir, what is?" he said after hearing no questionless answer from Zakito. This was getting more and more curious for the boy. ''To simply test some genins. You see, we need to make sure that we know if some genins are really able to be shinobi. It isn't these days just about brute power or anything like that. There is always a certain percentage that is send back to the Academy for failing the test of their first jounin sensei. That makes me want to test from time to time genins with these questions. I do have to admit,'' Zakito sighed as he looked at the notes he had written down. ''In the past there were a lot more young people who expressed to become Hokage. I don't know why, but that always made me kind of happy.''

"Oh, I see," he said, smiling. "I think it's because people look up to the Hokage, sir. It's just a title that everyone respects. I'd love to be someone people look up to when I grow up, of course, but even if I got the chance to become the Hokage, I wouldn't want so much responsibility." His answer made Zakito laugh out loud. Not one where he would give Tatsuya the idea he was laughing at the boy. It was his answer. After managing to regain his calm state again, Zakito answered back. ''Sorry, but that reminds me too much of myself. I got to agree actually. The paperwork is really troublesome at times. So time consuming, it isn't even funny actually.'' Still he chuckled after saying those words.

Tatsuya's face was flushed red when he heard Zakito's laugh. When he heard what Zakito had said about how what the boy had said made him think of himself, the boy looked towards him with a surprised expression. I've been hearing that a lot lately... ''But if you don't have any questions, shall we call it an end? I sadly don't have much time to keep talking for that long. Though, if you want, you know now where my office is. See it as an invitation to drop by when you have the chance.'' Zakito politely said.

"Y...Yes sir," Tatsuya said, standing up and leaving the building.