[center][b]Forging Something New...
The Meeting of Koike Hon and Hayate Hyuzu

A collab between: Gerontis and Chromehound
(Part 1 of 2)

Summary:
Koike travels to the Guardians Armory in an attempt to find some new arm guards, and in the process he meets... a new friend?[/b][/center]

[hider=The Armoury]
Walking down the hall, Koike had his hands shoved down his pants. A toothpick at the corner of his mouth and a frown present on his face. After his last request of Aiko, to find and if needed to kill that Cho, Koike had only been focused on the exams. Not that he was hell bent to win all that he could or wanting to prove himself. He knew what it meant to become a chuunin and the requirments. In his own opinion, he wouldn't need to conquer all to prove that. Today however he wasn't heading to train with either Aiko or Katsu. He was heading to the armoury of Azumi. True, he was never sure of that he had a true place among the guardians, but the advantages were nice.

Opening the door of the armoury, Koike threw a look around. His mind was set on finding a replacement for the arm guards that he used. Though he wouldn't throw or forsake his first set, Koike knew that he had to keep using possible better equipment. Now that he had some money to spend, maybe he could also look for something that had occupied his mind as well. Taking a step into the armoury, Koike noticed another person. One that he didn't know. Maybe the person who worked there? Clearing his throat softly, Koike decided to say hello. [b]''Good day.''[/b] Giving a nod to the other person, Koike rubbed his chin, walking further into the armoury.

Holding the small shield in his hands, Hayate checked the polish one last time. He was about to set it aside when he saw a reflection in the now fully-polished metal. Turning his head he offered a thin smile and nodded his head. [b]"And to you as well."[/b] Standing, Hayate placed the shield back in it's place. Turning towards the other boy, who appeared to be busy looking through the armoury. Brushing the dirt from his jacket, Hayate folded his arms across his chest. [b]"Anything I can give you a hand with?"[/b] He asked with a friendly tone. 

Browsing through the weapons and equipment, Koike turned his head to glance at Hayate. [b]''Perhaps.''[/b] Thinking about it, maybe it would be better. Even though Koike didn't like the idea as he found himself capable of finding the gear he wanted. Turning around, Koike continued. [b]''I am looking for a replacement for my current arm guards. Perhaps also somebody who could modify a tanto of mine. Would you happen to know such a person?''[/b] Asking the question in a polite manner, Koike quickly eyed the other boy. No, he didn't know who he was.

Smiling, Hayate reached up with one hand and scratched the back of his head. [b]"You're looking at him."[/b] Realizing that it was a stupid answer, Hayate quickly tried to adjust himself. Lowering his hand again, he spoke again with a friendly tone. [b]"My name is Hayate Hyuzu, and I'm the weaponsmith here."[/b] It felt weird saying it out loud, but Hayate forced himself to focus on the conversation rather than dwelling on the past. 

He was the weaponsmith? Koike had expected the stereotype of a big hulking man that was wearing the dirty apron and such. The boy looked just a bit younger than him, but Koike wasn't an expert on guessing ages. Nor interested in it. [b]''Koike Hon.''[/b] He said, knowing it would be impolite to not introduce himself. [b]''But would you be able to help me then perhaps?''[/b] He asked, just wanting to be cautious before he would go off board with his requests.

Nodding, Hayate stepped forwards. [b]"Nice to meet you Koike."[/b] Pausing momentarily, he added, [b]"Sure, let me take a look at what you've got, and we can go from there."[/b] Waiting politely for Koike to show him his gear, Hayate was already sizing the boy up, trying to think of a good match.

Slowly undoing the arm guards, Koike would take a step towards Hayate. Holding up one of the arm guards towards Hayate, he would take a short glance around. Though he wasn't a weapon expert, thinking about every small detail, he had an eye for fine weaponry. Perhaps it had been a good move to come to the armoury of Azumi. Deciding to first go about the arm guards, Koike waited to see what Hayate would think of the arm guard.

Taking the arm guards with a small nod of thanks, Hayate took a long moment to carefully inspect them. Placing one hand against the solid metal, he allowed a little of his chakra to flow into it. It was a beautifully crafted piece. Simple, yet effective. Hayate could tell they were well worn, due to all of the scratches and minor blemishes, but even still, the piece had held up quite well. Looking back up at Koike, Hayate smiled. [b]"So what are you looking for? Would you like these ones fixed? Or are you looking to upgrade them?"[/b]

Thinking about the questions, Koike hadn't really thought about patching his current guards up. How long had he been using them? Roughly a couple of years. Ever since he had became a genin. [b]''Considering my income, I would pick what would be the cheapest. Though if you would have something more durable, I would be willing to consider that too.''[/b] Koike said, thinking about the amount he could spend. But the arm guards were a bit more important than the idea he had in mind.

Considering the other boy's words for a moment, Hayate nodded his head slightly before tilting his head to the side. [b]"Tell you what. It wouldn't take me really anything to fix these ones up for you, and you definitely seem interested in at least seeing what else we have available, so how about I agree to fix these ones up for you for no cost, if you would be willing to answer a few questions that would help me pick the best options for you? Does that sound fair?"[/b] Hayate hoped that he didn't come across as intrusive. He simply found it useful to know a little bit about the user's style and preferences before providing them with a suitable piece.

For a moment Koike was wavering. The offer was really tempting. But how good could he trust Hayate? The arm guards were a vital piece to how he fought. If due a mistake they wouldn't be able to defend him against an enemy, breaking or such, in the heat of the moment then Koike would be in a lot of trouble. Asking however about his skill and experience on smithing would maybe undo the friendly offer. Mentally sighing, Koike blamed Katsu for that he was going to give this Hayate a chance. [b]''Yes, it sounds fair and quite generous.''[/b] Koike answered. [b]''For that I am willing to try to answer some questions.''[/b]

Smiling warmly, Hayate decided to add something. [b]"And uh... well, if it makes it a little more fair, you are welcome to ask me any questions you may have as well. I don't want you to think I'm interrogating you or anything..."[/b] Chuckling nervously, Hayate inwardly cursed. [i]What are you doing!?!? You sound like an idiot![/i] Scratching the back of his head again, he stood there awkwardly, hoping that Koike didn't already think him an incompetent fool.

Not revealing much other expression than the usual calm one, Koike nodded. [b]''I will.''[/b] He was wondering why Hayate was chuckling like that and the wary feeling came back. [b]''My first question would be when you would be willing and able to work on my arm guards. I don't want to sound insolent, but I am needing them very soon.''[/b] Keeping up the polite tone, Koike was wondering what kind of questions Hayate would ask back.

[b]"Oh, I can patch them up right now actually."[/b] Hayate said, his eyes lighting up. Gesturing for Koike to hand him the second arm guard, Hayate decided to ask his first question. [b]"What style of fighting do you prefer?"[/b] 

A rather innocent question, but Koike wasn't fond of giving much information about his fighting style or anything that could give a big hint about his fighting capabilities. He had learned that it was good to have a surprise over your potential future foes. [b]''I am comfortable with a lot of ranges.''[/b] Koike answered as he undid the second arm guard. Handing it over, he was wondering if Hayate was just a simple smith or perhaps a shinobi himself.

Recognizing the other boy's hesitance, Hayate could understand where he was coming from. He too had been taught to keep his full fighting capabilities a secret. Taking the second arm guard into his hand, Hayate sighed. [b]"Alright, look. I know you probably don't feel entirely comfortable around me, seeing as we just met. But if you keep being so vague, I don't know how much I'll actually be able to help you. So how about this? I am going to show you why I am the smith here. An ability that I don't feel entirely comfortable sharing with everyone. If you feel comfortable answering my questions after I show you, then perhaps we can move forward."[/b] Instead of waiting for a reply, Hayate simply placed his hands over the metal of the arm guards and focused. Quickly, the metal began to reshape itself. The scratches and blemishes began disappearing, and it didn't take long for the guards to look new again. Pausing for a moment, Hayate looked at the guards and smiled, satisfied. Handing them back to Koike, he said nothing, and simply awaited the other boy's response.

Taking the guards back, Koike said nothing in return as he done on the equipment. They looked new and he was content with the work so far. Examining them further for a moment, he turned his gaze back to Hayate. [b]''I think I will be able to give a proper answer if you would be willing to show me that indeed.''[/b] Though Koike was impressed, he suspected that it was some sort of ninjutsu. But he had never seen or heard much about ninjutsu bending or altering metal. It certainly piqued his interests, but made him only more wary. [b]''If it helps, I am willing to give the name of the jounin that is my sensei and mentor. Other than that, I fear that I am not really willing to forsake too much information.''[/b] Hoping that Hayate would understand that this wasn't him being close as it was even a gesture of giving him, Hayate, a chance.

Pausing, Hayate finally nodded his head and smiled. [b]"That seems fair enough for now."[/b] Though he was a little disappointed, he could understand Koike's reasoning. At least... he thought he could. [b]''I am member of Squad 8, that is being led by Aiko Cho-Hon.''[/b] Koike said. He wasn't sure if Hayate knew about her, but figured the name would suffice for now.

[i]Aiko...[/i] The name sounded familiar. Where had he heard it before...? Suddenly, Hayate's eyes widened as he remembered. She was Kiyomi's aunt, the assassin. Taking another long look at Koike, Hayate tried to see if he could garner any hints from the boy's appearance. The fact that Koike was dressed entirely in black answered at least one of Hayate's questions, yet he didn't want to make too many assumptions. [b]"I have heard of Aiko-sama. She is my sensei's aunt actually..."[/b] Smiling, Hayate continued. [b]"You mentioned that you need the arm guards soon, so I take it that you use them often? If you feel comfortable answering my next question, do you use them more in a defensive manner? Or an offensive manner?"[/b] 

Not surprised with the expression that Koike saw on Hayate's face, it was just another time that he became aware what a name could mean. Even just saying Aiko was enough to see somebody being surprised and Koike had to say that he could tell a lot more about his sensei that would make other people being wary to face her. But he wouldn't say much more than her name. [b]''I use them in a defensive manner.''[/b] He calmly answered.

Happy that Koike answered the question honestly, Hayate considered his options. [b]"Do you prefer speed or strength?"[/b] 

Thinking about the question, Koike considered strength. He was confident that he was fast enough to make a good match for most genins and his strength was average. Then again, his techniques and abilities wouldn't require more strength. [b]''I would prefer speed for now.''[/b]

Nodding, Hayate began making a mental cheklist. He already had a few ideas on the potential design, as well as what metals he would like to use, but he still had a few more questions. [b]"You don't have to answer this one if you don't feel comfortable with it, but do you have a specific chakra nature?"[/b]

Thinking about that question a bit longer, Koike crossed his arms out front of his chest. He wasn't really certain if he should tell it. But he decided to make a suggestion back. [b]''I noticed you moulded the metal. I pressume that was more or less a metal or earth based ninjutsu?''[/b] Koike asked back. [b]''If you want to answer that, I will answer your question as well.''[/b]

Hesitating, Hayate realized it was only fair. And... a part of him almost wanted to share information about his clan's kekkei genkai, even if it was just to spite the elder's and their arrogant policies. [b]"It's not ninjutsu... not exactly. My clan, well, some members of my clan, are capable of manipulating all forms of metal via touch. I don't know how we first developed the ability, but it has passed down through the bloodline of my clan and is something we are re more familiar with now. Was that satisfactory?"[/b]

Koike nodded. Thus that meant it was a kekkei genkai? That was fairly interesting to know. Perhaps something to look out for as Koike could see some advantages an user like that could have over a weapon user. [b]''A specific chakra nature would be wind.''[/b] Koike said, doubting if he should say either wind or Yin, but the later gave more away about his fighting style.

Hayate smiled. [b]"Excellent!"[/b] A sudden thought popped into his head as he realized something. [b]"Wait! If you're a member of Team 8, that means you know Katsu-san right?"[/b] Hayate's voice had taken on an excited tone as he thought about his friend. As reaction to his question, Koike nodded again. [b]''Yes, I am a team member of Katsu.''[/b] Though Koike was curious what connection Katsu had with Hayate, he decided it wasn't any of his concern.

[i]Interesting,[/i] Hayate thought. [b]"Has... has he shown you his newest sword?"[/b] He asked, somewhat sheepishly. Katsu was a wind user as well, so if Koike had seen the boy's weapon and approved of it, then Hayate decided that he might incorporate some of the same techniques. [b]''No.''[/b] Koike simply answered. But he thought he had figured now out a part on how the two were connected. He assumed that Katsu had met Hayate in the same manner as he had or at least in a similiar way.

[b]"Hmm..."[/b] Hayate mused, thinking to himself for a moment. [b]"Alright, would you be okay with me showing you a few samples, and then from there I can create something a little more custom for you?"[/b] Koike nodded as he had became curious to what Hayate could make. The question to ask him what he was best at making was on the edge of Koike's tongue, but he already had an idea of what he wanted. [b]''If you are willing to show me, I would be grateful.''[/b]

Without another word, Hayate simply turned and made his way over to where the armour was kept. Stopping in front of it, he pulled a few examples off of a shelf and held them out for Koike to look at. [b]"Which of these styles appeals to you most?"[/b] The first example was a relatively simple guard. It was quite similar to the guard's that Koike already had, only this one was squared off instead of rounded. The second example was not made out of solid metal, instead it consisted of mostly leather, with pieces of metal placed strategically throughout. The third option that Hayate showed Koike was thre segregated pieces of metal, strapped together over a leather bracer that held it all in place.

Examining the several examples, Koike paid great attention to each of them. They were interesting and he could see some advantages but also disadvantages. The square one was one that Koike discarded first. Not cause out of fashion, but because he wasn't sure if he could conceal the equipment better if it wasn't smooth as his current one. The second example was one that caused Koike to ponder about. The fact it wasn't made out of solid metal had its advantages in his opinion. Same as the third one, that had something of a splint mail equipment if Koike was correct with that. [b]''Impressive.''[/b] Koike started, meaning what he said. He eyed the two later options for another moment. [b]''I think the second set would be my choice. How much for it?''[/b]

Narrowing his eyes slightly as Koike asked how much, Hayate had to think. He was happy that the other boy had liked the designs he'd picked out however, and Hayate was just left wondering how to respond to Koike's question. [b]"I uh... I didn't really have any intention of charging you anything to be honest..."[/b]

The response of Hayate left Koike surprised. The arm guards looked like some fine craftmanship. He wanted to pick one up to examine it better, but he could see that it was made with care. [b]''I see.''[/b] Koike said on a softer tone. Mentally cursing, he couldn't just accept the arm guards like that. An assassin had no value with honor, but some where it felt wrong. Less wrong than what Koike would offer. [b]''I suppose then I could return the favor of treating you on something? Are you a fan of pastries?''[/b] Koike asked, thinking about Katsu. Maybe Hayate was also crazy about pastries?

Smiling, Hayate folded his arms across his chest. He could sense Koike's reluctance to simply accept the guard's as it was, and it caused him to think back to Katsu. [b]"That's not really necessary Koike, though... pastries are quite good..."[/b] Thinking to himself for a moment, he locked eyes with the other boy. [b]"The way I look at it, Guardians help each other out. So it wouldn't feel right to charge another member for equipment that they need to use. I figure that it'll work itself out at some point."[/b]

That sounded reasonable. Picking up the guard, he noticed it was lighter. Probably due the fact it wasn't made of solid metal. [b]''Then that still means I am in your debt.''[/b] Koike softly mumbled. [b]''Consider it then that if you are in need of my help that I am gladly willing to repay this favour. As a fellow member of the Guardians.''[/b] A smile formed on Koike's face as he nodded towards Hayate.

Returning the nod, Hayate was pleased. [b]"It will take me some time to craft up a customized working set for you, but I can have it ready for you in a couple of hours if that's acceptable?"[/b] Remembering something, Hayate tilted his head to the side. [b]"You also mentioned something about your tanto as well? If my memory serves me correct."[/b]

[b]''Yes.''[/b] Koike thought on how he could phrase what he wanted. [b]''I have a set of two tanto's. I was wondering if you could modify them for me. I could use them better if there was a mechanism that would enable me to chain them together. But also to release them from the chain, if they are trapped or such.''[/b] Koike was wondering if Hayate could make such a thing. Else he would have to go the Arsenal and look for a capable smith there.

Hayate considered the request quite seriously for a long moment. It wasn't something he was necessarily familiar with, but he did love a challenge. Grinning widely, Hayate rubbed his chin thoughtfully. [b]"How long would you like the chain to be?"[/b] He asked, the eagerness clear in his voice. The question was soon followed up by an answer. [b]''Around three meters.''[/b] Though it would sound long, but for the purpose and ideas Koike had with it, he couldn't do with a smaller distance. Longer would also become troublesome to wield it in the way he wanted it.

[b]"Would you prefer the chain to be retractable as well?"[/b] Hayate asked, his curiousity piqued. He hadn't considered that. It could be quite interesting if that was possible. After Koike thought back on how Hayate had fixed his current arm guard, he decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. [b]''If you were capable of creating that, that would be great. Though I wouldn't want to request for too much.''[/b]

Raising a hand up in a gesture to let Koike know that it wasn't a problem, Hayate's mind was already racing, eagerly searching for solutions. [b]"I'll tell you what. If you're okay with lending me your tanto's for a few hours as well, I can hopefully have everything ready to go after that. I am not entirely certain how much I can do with the tantos yet, but I have a few ideas that just might work."[/b] Thinking for a moment, Hayate scratched the back of his head as he added, [b]"Would you like me to meet you anywhere in particular once I'm done?"[/b]

Koike's right hand had almost went to the handle of the only visible tanto he was carrying. Though it was slightly longer than a tanto, Koike decided against it. That blade was a memento of both his clan and brother. But he wasn't comfortable of revealing he carried concealed weapons. His hands went to his unzipped jacket, revealing the two tanto's that were carried underneath the black jacket. Pulling them out of their sheath, Koike easily flipped them so that the handles of the weapons were stretched towards Hayate. [b]''Maybe at the stairs that lead to the Hokage Mountain? Seems like a decent place to meet up.''[/b]

Nodding his head, Hayate reached out and took hold of the tanto's. Gently he pulled them away from Koike's grasp, making sure not to accidentally cut the other boy with the blades. Feeling the weapons in his hands, Hayate knew they were also well crafted blades. Smiling, he looked back to Koike. [b]"That sounds like a plan then Koike-san. Thank you for coming to see me, and for placing your faith in me. I will do my best not to let you down."[/b] With that, Hayate turned and left the armoury, making his way towards the forge. He had work to do...[/hider]