[center][b][i]A report to the Jounin Commander.
And Hayate being introduced formally into the Dragon Lotus.

A collab between Gerontis, Chromehound and Alice.

Summary ;
After the mission, Kiyomi and Hayate report back to Zakito for the end of their mission. But also to report that they had success in their hidden objective for the Dragon Lotus.[/center][/b][/i]

[hider=A secret ceremony]

Walking through the halls, Kiyomi had barely taken a rest. After that Team 2 and 7 had returned back, she had said she would report back to Zakito on how the mission had went. Needless to say, at first both Leo and Hayate had followed her. But then she had given Leo a simple assignment to prepare something for her. The boy had absent mindly nodded and went away. Now with only Hayate walking towards the office of the Jounin commander, Kiyomi was a bit worried over what would might happen. Knocking on the door, she would wait politely for a response.

Shuffling awkwardly, Hayate glanced up at Kiyomi. He was nervous about meeting the jounin commander. The man had a reputation for being an incredibly powerful shinobi, and Hayate did not wish to make a bad first impression on him. Adjusting his jacket, he clasped his hands behind his back and took a deep breath. May as well get this over with...

[b]''Come in.''[/b] Zakito responded. He had been reading several reports and documents ever since the start of the day. After the last meeting of the higher ups, he had made sure that there would be some preparations to further increase the discipline of the forces of the Fire Union. This wasn't a small task that would be done in several days. With a force as large as that the Fire Union had under their control and command, Zakito was worried it would take months, if not years for him to acomplish the task. Putting the papers swiftly aside, he would see who would give him the honor of visiting him.

Opening the door, Kiyomi would wait until Hayate had entered the room as well before closing the door. Making sure that it was really closed. [b]''Hai Uncle Z. We have completed the mission.''[/b] Kiyomi cheerfuly began. Taking a few steps, she made a small bow towards the man. [b]''There were some.. complications.''[/b] From there Kiyomi started to simply summarize how the mission had been. Of course not revealing everything yet. She had several long pauses during her report, where she would kept staring towards Zakito. [b]''And that was about it.''[/b]

Standing beside Kiyomi as she delivered her report, Hayate remained silent. He was even more intimidated of the man now that Kiyomi had referred to him as her uncle. Hayate had made sure to bow politely upon entering, but he made no further move, not wishing to act out of turn. And his behavior hadn't gone unnoticed. While Zakito paid great attention to the report. the visible eye of the man occasionaly went to look at Hayate. [b]''Ah. Thus Kenta is missing? That is something suspicious indeed. I am however glad to hear that the mission has gone without further...''[/b] Zakito pondered for a brief second. [b]''Suspicious element.''[/B] With that having said, he eyed Hayate. [b]''It has come to my ears that he also has heard several details he wasn't supposed to hear, the previous mission some time ago? Am I right?''[/b] The friendly tone had been replaced by a more serious one. 

Kiyomi briefly glanced at Hayate. Clenching her right hand into a fist, she nodded. [b]''He has, yes.''[/b] She told Zakito. Wondering what the man was thinking, she knew it would be dangerous now for Hayate. If Zakito would deem Hayate as a threat for the Dragon Lotus or him, he would likely be killed right away. And being somebody who had seen Zakito being serious several times, she knew better than to think she could prevent him from doing Hayate harm if he would want it.

Hesitating, Hayate glanced back to Kiyomi, before settling his gaze on Zakito. Instincts told him to be careful, and Hayate thought about his words for a long moment. The only thing he could think of was the mission in which he and Kiyomi went on to the Sea Country. Hearing Kiyomi confirm it, Hayate nodded his head. [b]"I am sorry Zakito-sama. Which mission are you referring to?"[/b]

[b]''Good.''[/b] Zakito chuckled as Hayate asked him what mission he was reffering to. [b]''That particular patrol that lasted several days, my good boy. I remember that managed to make sure that the mission became a good success.''[/b] Zakito told him, sounding amused as he leaned back in his chair. Raising his right hand to his chin, the man thought about something. [b]''I have made sure that there were people who kept an eye on you. I am sure that you have been warned that I dislike those who spill something I might not like or accept.''[/b] The tone changed into a much colder one. One that would give a clear message. [b]''Regardless, I am going to formally offer you a position within this group. There is no way back however, so you may think wisely. Else I will have to arrange that your memory will be altered and some parts erased.''[/b]

Staying silent, Kiyomi would just look with a face that stayed neutral. She wanted to say things to strengthen Hayate's case. The problem however was her relationship with Hayate, which was known to Zakito. Knowing that it could backfire, she kept her lips sealed as she would keep on staying silent and watching. 

Relieved that he had apparently given the proper answer, Hayate sighed inwardly. Listening as Zakito continued speaking, his mind travelled back to the mission to the Sea Country. Some of his actions were questionable at best, and Hayate realized that the jounin commander now held his fate in his hands. He was definitely surprised to find out that Zakito was a member of the secret organization, and Hayate wondered just how high up the members got.

Once the jounin commander had finished speaking, Hayate didn't even hesitate. Stepping forwards, he bent down on one knee. Lowering his head, Hayate spoke. [b]"If you have truly been watching me Zakito-sama, then you should already know my answer."[/b] His voice was steady and confident, a fact that surprised Hayate. [b]"If you feel me unfit then my life is in your hands to do with as you see necessary."[/b] Hayate was terrified by the prospect of losing the memories of Kiyomi and him, and he was tempted to ask Zakito if he would be at least willing to spare those, but thought better of it.

Simply keeping his eye set on the boy, Zakito seemed to wager the words of the young boy. Rubbing his chin, Zakito made his decision as he placed his hands at his desk as he got up from his seat. [b]''Then I have made my decision. Or rather, you have made yours.''[/b] Walking around his desk, Zakito placed his hands at his back as he chuckled. [b]''Though it was a nice gesture, you don't have to lower your head for me. My days of being a Hokage are over, Hayate. Please, stand up.''[/b] Truth be told, Zakito was glad to have the young man join the ranks of the Dragon Lotus. Other than the bindings he had within the order, that would anchor him to the organization, it was also the traits and abilities of the boy that made Zakito see a capable recruit in Hayate. [b]''I take it that I am not required to give a long speech or explain that you shouldn't ever consider to tell anybody about the Dragon Lotus. In the past, it was normal that a high ranked member would take up one apprentice and train them. But,''[/b] Zakito threw a glance towards Kiyomi. [b]''I am too busy and you're being the official student of a capable other apprentice, I think I shall not separate you from Team 2 or any other way to make it happen. Now, where to place the seal?''[/b]

Glancing at Hayate, Kiyomi took slowly a step back as she kept listening. Relieved that Zakito would place the Dragon Seal and mark Hayate as a recruit into the organization, she gained a glint in her eyes. Knowing that she wasn't capable of using the Dragon Seal to an effective way yet, she had her own personal goal with now that Hayate was part of it. Unlike Keiko, she saw it as a way to keep close contact with Hayate. Finding only that Zakito kind of placed a pressure on her, making Hayate as her Dragon Lotus Apprentice, while she saw herself as a recruit too. Not saying anything as she believed that it would be better to keep her lips tight, Kiyomi kept looking interested to how the situation would develop.

Reluctantly standing to his feet, Hayate nodded his head. The fact that he would not be separated from Kiyomi filled him with warmth and he had to fight the urge to turn and smile to her. [b]"Thank you Zakito-sama. I will speak of this to no one."[/b] Shifting his eyes towards Kiyomi, Hayate felt a bried twinge of nervousness about receiving the seal. Blushing slightly, he turned towards Zakito. [b]"Does... does it hurt to get the seal Zakito-sama?"[/b] His thoughts flashed back to the antique shop where he had first heard mention of the Dragon Lotus. The place where that man had caused Kiyomi great pain... Wondering if he was going to feel that same pain while receiving the seal, Hayate balled his hands up into fists, preparing himself for the worst.

The question made Zakito shake his head lightly. [b]''No. It depends on who plants the Dragon Seal. In the past I often gave a clear message when applying the seal to a person, but it doesn't hurt at all. It might sting a bit for a moment but that is all.''[/b] Zakito explained. He was a bit amused and tempted to ask if Hayate would think about refusing it if it would hurt a lot, but he had already caught sight of how the boy had shifted his vision to Kiyomi. [i]The anchor with the boy is Kiyomi, who has a few more anchors.[/i] Thinking about that, he was sure that Hayate's loyalty would be one they could rely and build on. [b]''Lets place the seal on your... left shoulder. If you would please show your shoulder and not tremble or shake too much, then I could apply the seal without a problem.''[/b]

The pain didn't scare Hayate, it was the prospect of showing weakness in front of Kiyomi that made him hesitate. Once he realized that there wasn't a real risk of that happening, Hayate breathed an inner sigh of relief. Glancing quickly between Zakito and Kiyomi, he hesitated very briefly before taking off his jacket and setting it aside. Reaching down, Hayate peeled off his shirt and placed it beside his jacket. He stood there, shirtless and awkward for a long moment. Shooting a quick glance towards Kiyomi, Hayate tried to hide his blush before turning back to Zakito. [b]"I am ready, Zakito-sama."[/b]

Still keeping herself at the background, Kiyomi saw the look on Hayate's face. Yet she kept her expression steeled. Right now she was just a person that observed the situation. It was strangely interesting as scary. From this moment, she knew that Hayate's path would be different. He was now one of the members of an organization that walked a different path than most shinobi.

Weaving some handsignals, but not at his high speed as in combat. Weaving them slowly, Zakito flexed the fingers of his right hand. There was a sudden chill in the room as he approached Hayate. [b]''Then I consider you now a member of the Dragon Lotus.''[/b] The tone of Zakito was serious and almost sounded like it was some sort of very serious ceremony. Which in a sense, it actually was. Placing the hand against left shoulder, Hayate would only feel a very brief sting. Not really anything exciting or painful. Pulling his hand back, Zakito saw a dark mark taking shape on the shoulder of the boy. Taking two steps back, it was forming the traditional Dragon Seal. [b]''For now take a rest. You too, Kiyomi. I need to inform you that you will be soon going to Kumogakure with Hisoka. You have two days to prepare yourselves.''[/b]

Walking back to his seat, Zakito sat down as he would continue his paperwork. [b]''Your both dismissed.''[/b] Though it was a friendly tone, the message was clear.
[/hider]