Meisa sat at the table. Looking at the map, she had considered her plan well enough. With Hisoka at the exams, she and Zakito were sitting in her office. Though she had been curious to the event, she had deemed it wiser to stay at Konohagakure. Besides, there would be little danger at the exams. The agents and forces of the Fire Union had made sure that everything was double checked and both Hisoka as Ryoku would keep up the peace at best of their ability.

A map of Konohagakure was laid out on her table with all kinds of details and two smaller maps of three districts. Her plan was to increase the security of the village and actually whole of the the Fire Union. It was no surprise to the higher ups of Konohagakure that she had her own plans. For now the client states would be in a firm grip of the Fire Union, slowly facing a progress where they would become more and more part of the Fire Union. Though the Fire Daimyo had wrote a letter that he was pleased and hoped to have a meeting soon with the daimyo's of the other states within the Fire Union, Meisa would have a different fate stored for the man. ''The plan is to make one district open and all else closed. I am not going to like it if any outsider can just walk around in Konohagakure.'' Meisa told Zakito, looking at the man.

Sitting and looking at the map, Zakito was in deep thoughts. He understood the plan of Meisa and agreed it was better. If any infiltrator could just walk around in the village, they could risk a sever damage from it. Staring at the maps, he briefly wondered what the population would think of such an measure. Then again, it would be told that it was to keep them safe from any rival or enemy shinobi faction or state. Remembering the surprise attack of Sunagakure in the Great war, that led to the death of most of his family, Zakito couldn't disagree. ''And which of the districts would you deem wise to use for your plans?'' Zakito asked.

''The merchant's district. It is close to the main gates, but we could potentially surround it with some outposts. To make sure that if somebody with ill intention tries something and then make a run for it, that he or she is cornered.'' Meisa placed her finger on the map, holding it down on the center of the merchant district. ''I also want to raise a wall, to close the district off.'' After the sentence, she leaned back. Waiting to see what Zakito thought of it.

Closing the district off? The merchants that lived there wouldn't like it. But he didn't see what the problem would be. Meisa probably meant that she wanted to tighten the security and not really close off the merchant's district. That would be a bit too far on the road of being careful. ''I don't see any problems with this plan. I figure that a good wall can be made within a day. Then probably assign either ANBU or some regular squads to keep watch over it as well some trap seals and barriers to make sure that it is tightly secured.''

''Exactly. But could you also spread the rumour that the wall and whole plan is for the security of the inhabitants of the Leaf?'' Meisa asked. Content that her plan wasn't turn down, Meisa already thought of the next plan she wished to discuss with Zakito. ''I also want to improve the sensory barrier security. I already ordered that there should be taken blood samples from every known villager of the Leaf.'' Meisa told him. During the week, the ANBU had gained most trust of Meisa had been ordered, through Hisoka of course, that blood should be taken from every civilian as shinobi from the Leaf. It had even been instructed to take blood samples from the outposts and places where Fire Union forces were stationed.

A bit surprised, Zakito nodded to her question. He knew that she was using his reputation he had with the people to make sure that nobody would make a fuss about it. But he was a bit surprised when she told him about the next. ''I thought the blood was used to examine if there wouldn't be an outbreak of some disease. That is what I have be-'' Realizing it only now, Zakito sighed as he shook his head. ''Very clever.''

''There has been an outbreak of a disease in a little village north. At the border of the Fire and Grass country. I thought using that as an excuse would allow me to work on this plan.'' A smile was crooked on Meisa's lips. ''After all, blood contains some chakra. I already have laid out a plan to construct a secured place to store the examples and see if the chakra signatures can be sealed. That way it is much easier for the sensor barrier team to see who isn't allowed to walk where we don't want them. That and taking blood samples of everybody that wishes to enter the village beyond the sealed of district.''

Zakito was aware that Meisa was a clever and cunning person. The missions that she had given to some of her ANBU made him already wondering what more she had been plotting, but now that she had told him this, he couldn't really help but agree with Hisoka's choice. Not that he had doubted it before, but it was evidently clear why the Uchiha had given the position to Meisa. ''A fine plan. Though I wonder where you will build the secured place to store and research the blood examples.'' Zakito said, wondering what she would tell him.

''Underground. I intend to seal off the place. From using barrier and seals to block off any form of ninjutsu. With being placed underneath the Intelligence Division headquarters, it will be easy to place both the ANBU division as the Intelligence agents to work further on this.'' Meisa replied with a tone that revealed she was happy that he was so curious about it. Though she had taken the first few steps, she knew that it would take now a few days to a week before the full plan would be ready and set. Then testing it out, but even with the first few stages, she was confident. Confident that sneaking in the Leaf wouldn't be that easy anymore. ''I also want to seal off the library we have here. I want more seals and double the guards.''

''Seems like you expect a strike back, don't you?'' Zakito asked, fully aware that she had been plotting and working on this for some time. Not one to act rashly, he was wondering if she was either being careful or maybe a bit too cautious. Well aware that if there would be some evidence, then they could expect a reaction back. With tighten the security in both the outposts, villages and the Leaf itself, he was wondering how many a spy would no be captured.

''To be honest, I do. Though I have given strict orders and instructions, there is a possible chance that one of the agents that have been sent, is coming back with a tailed beast. The rumours that Kirigakure managed to capture two Tailed Beasts at the same time might sound a bit iffy, but I want to be sure of it.'' Meisa answered. Knowing that informants in other countries couldn't always provide detailed information, Meisa had been worried the moment she had heard that the Water had acomplished something like that. The whole reason why she had decided to attempt to take one away.

''With the chuunin exams, by time that the Mizukage will hear of this, it will be too late. Then I intend to seal off and keep the captured beast secured for some time. Until we are sure that we can provide a security plan that I will feel comfortable with.'' Thinking about it, she had already several ideas that they could use a tailed beast for. ''But would you please see to it that the work is being done as soon as possible, Zakito-sama?''

Rising up from the chair, Zakito made a bow. ''Yes, I will see it done. Right way.'' Turning around, he walked towards the door. Shoving his left hand into the pocket of his pants, Zakito wondered briefly about where to start first. But then he already knew how he would start his work. This would prove certainly to become interesting times.

She frowned. Clear signs had been spotted on their way towards Amegakure. Signs of where the Tailed Beast had walked. Together with the three full ANBU teams, Meisa had managed to made it towards the Rain and it wasn't like she had expected. But that was good. She had expected that the beast would have devastated the town much more than she could see. Of course, she was standing on the outskirts of the city, so she only saw some details in the distance. ''Send a message to the local Fire Union force. I want them to already prepare a report on their side on how the event had happened. Next to other information that might be useful.'' Meisa ordered as one of the ANBU would head another way than she and the other did. While they ran at full speed over the lake, they lowered their pace once they entered the city. There were some buildings that had suffered some damage. But nothing huge from what she could see.

Heading towards the building that held the Amekage office, Meisa ordered to two squads that they should stand on a standby. Only walking with thus three ANBU into the building, she made known that she would like to have an audiance with Ryoku. And as soon as possible, as time was of the essence.

Ryoku was overwhelmed by paperwork after they drove back the attack of the rampaging Tailed Beast. He could use a couple of hours of sleep, which shoved on his face and mostly his blood shut eyes. He was done with a large part of it, and now he was at the worst part. He was personally writing condolence letters to all families that lost a member during the attack. It was not the most pleasant thing to do, but he wanted to honor their memory in this way, too. He was interrupted by one of his assistants who stated that Meisa Ichi from the Village Hidden by Leaf demanded an urgent audience. Surprised at the sudden arrival, he immediately nodded and sent the assistant back to bring in the honored guest.

Placing the piled letters aside, he rubbed his eyes a bit. He was worried about such an unnanounced visit - or maybe he was paranoid because of his lack of sleep. One way, or another, he had a weird feeling about the meeting to come. Standing up, he prepared some chairs for Meisa to sit down and sit back on his chair as well, leaning against it as he waited.

Waiting, Meisa took her time to look around. The Village hidden in the Rain. It was somewhat strange. Strange that it reminded her of Kirigakure. But as she stared outside a window, Meisa heard that she could see and speak with the Amekage now. Pointing at one of the three ANBU, she would head towards the office. Entering the room, she eyed the man. Ryoku Samidare. She had heard several short notes about him, as she had requested to be briefed what they knew about the man. ''Sorry for the sudden visit, Lord Amekage. My name is Meisa Ichi and I have been sent to Amegakure by the Yondaime Hokage to conduct several plans that have been made. I hope you don't mind neither mine nor that of the ANBU now?'' She asked, making a short and graceful bow towards the leader.

Ryoku was surprised by Meisa. She was energetic and straightforward - he especially liked the second trait. He returned her polite bow by standing up and bowing down as well." It is an unexpected honor to have you visiting, Lady Meisa. I wish the surroundings of our village looked more pleasant, but messages have surely reached you - The Four Tailed Beast struck at our village. Me and my most close comrades led countless of our shinobi in the defense of the village, and we ultimately succeeded, though in a way that may note be looked upon as ... the most stable solution. As for the plans you mention, I am glad you are here. As for the ANBU you mentioned, I fully understand your situation, my Lady. We live in times when it is better to be safe than sorry. Should they require any sorts of refreshement, they are but to ask my personal. But I believe we will talk about more important things, Lady Meisa."

Listening to Ryoku, Meisa paid good detail on how he spoke and what kind of words he used. It was important for her to better understand what kind of man, thus leader, he was. Walking to a chair to take a seat, the ANBU kept standing on the spot where he had entered the room. Smiling, Meisa spoke back to Ryoku. ''Please don't wish for that. I am quite interested in your village as it is truly different from Konohagakure.'' She said, but it was time to become more serious. ''As for the attack of the Yonbi, that is exactly why I have been sent towards your village. We were only warned by a fast message that didn't hold much detail. Fearing the worst, I and some ANBU were sent to see if your village needed aid. As well talking about what you have done with the beast.'' Pausing, Meisa decided to add one small thing. With a friendly genuine smile. ''I do have to say that I am personally impressed with how well you all have defended your homes. Fending off a Tailed Beast is one, but to keep the village still intact like this is truly an achievement, worthy of a good leader.''

Ryoku bowed his head again to the compliment. He liked the way Meisa was dealing with things." I thank you, Lady Meisa. I placed the protection of my beloved village at the tup of my priorities list during the attack. We were prepared for the worst case, that could be the very obliteration of our village, but thanks to the brave efforts of Ame-Nin, we avoided that case. And yes ... dealing with the beast. The news might not be pleasing, but we sealed the Yonbi into a host, thus creating a Jinchuuriki. I had my best ANBU and my personal asisstant present at the sealing, and according to them, the seal is stable ... as stable as it gets with a recently sealed beast." Here, Ryoku paused a bit, sighing." I am aware of the potential negative effects it might have ... and for them, I want to bear the responsibilities. Me alone."

It was like she had expected. They had sealed it already into a jinchuriki. But was it due they had to make haste or because they had plans to use a jinchuriki for their own goal? Meisa couldn't decipher what reasons it would be from just talking to the man. ''I can understand that. Jinchuriki's are always kind of a hassle. I am personally send here for my knowledge and expertise on seals to look after the chosen jinchuriki. If you also wouldn't mind, I want to send my present ANBU to fetch me the profile of the jinchuriki.'' She paused, still smiling. ''Just wanting to be sure on how to approach the situation as I want to prevent any... nasty consquences in case I am forced to do something.'' Though speaking with a friendly tone, it would be clear what she meant.

Ryoku dropped his kind smile for a moment upon hearing Meisa saying the last words. Something told him the smile and words contrasted a bit, but of course he understood it." But of course, Lady Meisa. Your personal has full access to the archives of our village. I would not want to interfere with your work here, and neither does the rest of the village. And if that is the case ... I am glad they sent you. I trust my comrades with my life, and so do I trust them with the seal. But the help of an expert is most welcomed, especially in a situation like this. After all ... " Ryoku looked at Meisa, considering his next words." ... my aim is to assure that Ame, as a part of The Fire Union will not only take the benefits, but accept the responsibilities as well, Lady Meisa."

The words of Ryoku made Meisa nod and at the same time smile. ''Glad to hear that.'' She raised her right hand and made a gesture to the ANBU. Who had heard the words of Ryoku as well what Meisa had signaled. Turning around, the masked man moved out of the office. Hearing the door closed behind them, Meisa waited for a second before she would speak up again. ''May I however ask your opinion on the current and new made Jinchuriki?''

Ryoku nodded as the ANBU left his office. He then turned to Meisa and leaned on his desk, supporting his chin with his hands. For the first time since Meisa entered, he allowed himself to look tired." I will be honest with you, Lady Meisa. I am worried. Handling a Jinchuuriki is not an easy task and at first, I was not even sure if our village could handle it. But since we were in no posession of other sealing methonds, we opted for a human host. The selection was done by my asisstant who has far better knowledge of the profiles of people than I do. I trust her. I really do. But I think that if the host will show any ... behavior that is ... not considered to be normal or ... otherwise acceptable, I will be forced to step in. I will protect my village ... even if a treat is one of our villagers, Lady Meisa."

As she listened, she was a bit worried. So they had a jinchuriki, but no experience or way to keep it either restrained or guided? ''Ah.'' She only said, thinking further about what he had told her. ''Truth be told, I am here to make sure that the newly made host won't have a chance to use any Bijuu chakra or her beast using any chance to burst out. I have experienced before how a jinchuriki went on a rampage and it wasn't something easy to dealt with.'' Remembering the Rice event capital, Meisa's smile vanished. ''Even a stabilized jinchuriki can be sometimes troublesome. The one we have currenly, the Nibi's host, has shown in the past some troublesome desires and behaviors. Only later to stabilize and become a great asset for the village. And not only as a weapon.'' Meisa said, adding the last part as she remembered how many were inspired by Kiyomi. Perhaps that would happen too with the current Ame host, like a trait for stabilized jinchuriki. Though she doubted it already.

''What I am going to do is to close the seal to a level that may seem harsh. I am going to restrict any movement and option of the beast to slip in a wave of Bijuu chakra. From what I have learned about the particular chakra is that if I manage the seal in a way I have in mind, that she will not be able to open the seal. Nor will the beast be able to weaken it over time. It is kind of new, but in theory it should be very possible.''

Ryoku´s expression darkened a bit. He understood the motivations behide the actions Meisa will take, but the thought of having a member of his village limited in such a way. Then again, the idea of a tailed beast breaking out in the middle of the village was something he would not like to experience. With a heavy heart, and knowing how much he will regret his choice, he nodded." Understood ... Lady Meisa. But I would ... strongly dislike to have a member of my village limited in his everyday activities, that includes regular shinobi training and education. I trust this will not be the case, Lady Meisa." He then though for a while on how to continue - Meisa was being honest with him. That much, Ryoku thought, should be also his attitude. He leaned back in his chair and united his hands. Taking a deep breath, he gave a cold look to Meisa.

" You know, Lady Meisa ... Amegakure never elected me as their Amekage. I returned during the Shoji occupation and pretty much took over in a form of a revolution ... and I managed to stay the Amekage. I then led my village to join The Fire Union - and let me repeat, myself ... I am grateful that I was given the chance. But there is one thing I would like to sort out with you. I see where your motivation to act might come ... you are afraid of Ame using the Jinchuuriki as a weapon, or a tool to gain a stronger position in the Union ... or in the region generally. Is that right, Lady Meisa?"

Though Meisa wasn't sure if she was interested in what he had to tell her, she paid great attention to what he told her. When Ryoku started that he could see her motivation to act, her eyes slightly narrowed. It was for a brief second while she crossed her arms, patiently hearing him out. At the end of the question, Meisa didn't answer it right away. ''I believe that Amegakure is loyal to the Union. It hasn't caused any problems to the Union and have shown cooperation in the trade and allowing without any fuss Konohagakure agents to settle in the country and city.'' Meisa said, his cold look was answered with one of her own. She hadn't expected him to be a simple idealistic fool. If he was like that, it would have been easier to manipulate him from a distance and she wasn't sure if it would be wise to try it out. Raising her chin a bit, she spoke again. ''I hope personally that Ame will continue to strive to be a valuable member of the Union. The economic and military security has benefited your village and country, as the others managed to benefit from Ame being their comrade in the Union. However,'' Meisa paused again.

''I have to be careful as there is a slight fear that having a Jinchuriki might give the wrong idea. Traditionally they are weapons of mass destruction. Concealed in a human, the Bijuu can be set loose in a village and level it to the ground. With your recent experience, I don't need to explain that in details. For that reason, I want to protect both the village as jinchuriki. The seal is still an experiment and based on theory, that is something I have to be honest about. There might be a bad influence coming from it, but in exchange it will keep any distrust from rising. And from letting an incident happen. Considering you and your people have little to none experience with a jinchuriki. One that has a past I need to look at to know if it is going to be a trouble or not.''

Ryoku considered everything he heard and his expression softened again." I fully understand your reasoning, Lady Meisa. And once again, I am grateful for your assisstance. It is true that our village never had a Jinchuuriki. And it would not be wise from me to refuse help from Konoha, a village that has superior experience with handling a tailed beast. I am sure that that despite the seal being in experimental, it will allow the Jinchuuriki to remain an active person. Now then ... " Ryoku then leaned forward, once again giving Meisa a sincere, warm smile of his." ... I can assure you in one thing. As long as I am the Amekage, Amegakure will remain cooperative in all aspects, loyal. We will work as hard as we can to to be a valuable member of the union. For this ... I vouch with my life."

With both Katsu and Koike going to their matches, Aiko had made four shadow clones. One would attend to see the match of Kuni, while the fourth would try to see the match of Shikaroku's. Leaving the original Aiko with Kei, Akimoto and Yukara. Holding both her children in her arms, Aiko sighed. She seemed more tired than normal. All the training and preparation that she had invested in Katsu and Koike would be either successfull or they would know what they should improve for the next time. Or maybe it was also because she had made four shadow clones, while needing to watch over her twin and third pupil. ''I am exhausted.'' She mumbled. Both Aki as Kei were quite silent, looking only around with big eyes.

''What do you want to do? Watch a match or perhaps just taking a walk around the city?'' Aiko asked, looking at Yukara. Though with walk, she actually meant to sit down and relax.

Yukara was not even in the Exams this time and yet, she felt nervous. Maybe it was because she was in a different village or maybe it was because she knew her team mates would be in a match, fighting someone they did not know that well. "Do you think they will win?" Yukara asked, glancing around. Aiko's question had not yet gotten through her red and distracted head, taking a deep breath she looked to Aiko-Sensei.

Aiko thought about the question. Like Yukara she was pretty nervous to see both Koike and Katsu face their opponents. Though the question made her realize that Yukara didn't had any ill intention towards them, but wanted them to be okay. The thought made her smile. ''I think they will do fine.'' Aiko wanted to say she knew, but making such assumptions were a bit too bold. ''Decided yet?'' Aiko asked, going back on her previous question.

She nodded slowly when Aiko-Sensei answered her question, maybe three times is the charm for Koike and maybe Katsu would not get killed in his match. "Yeah, I think you spent a lot of good time training them, who knows, maybe Koike can finally become a Chuunin," Yukara said, then remembered that Aiko had indeed asked a question about what she wanted to do. "Lets the watch the matches," she answered.

The answer of Yukara made Aiko become a bit worried about Koike. But he had looked calm and fine. Not really a reason why she would fret over him, she decided. ''Which match do you want to watch?'' Aiko asked, realizing that she could dismiss a shadow clone if she would pick either Koike or Katsu's match. That could save her some chakra. Which was what she would like, due being quite tired.

"Koike's match," Yukara answered, with little hesitation, maybe she could even learn something by watching it. Looking at Aiko-Sensei, she glanced at her children. She didn't have much experience with watching or helping with children but she could at least offer to help with them. "Do you need a hand with your children?" she asked.

Surprised, Aiko glanced at Yukara. Briefly Akimoto grabbed a lock of Aiko's hair. He started to mutter something as his smile grow. ''Yes please.'' Carefully, Aiko would lean towards Yukara so that she could hand over Kei. The girl had been silent all the time, probably trying to examine all the different kind of people. Not to mention the different surroundings as Amegakure was quite different from Konohagakure. ''I believe it was that way.'' Aiko said, supporting and holding Akimoto with both her arms. ''You know, next time it is going to be you. And then they will cheer for you.'' Aiko told Yukara.

Yukara carefully took the young Kei Cho from her mother and lifted her up onto her shoulders, nicely though. This way, the young Cho could easily see everything and would not be able to run off. "Next time, I will be at your door at the break dawn for training every morning and I will master Silent Killing," Yukara said, or so she hoped that she would have all sorts of new jutsu to mastered by then.

Flashing a smile, Aiko couldn't say she was looking forward to that. Every morning, having to train. Like she wasn't already tired by the previous days of training this and that genin, the prospect of having to train every morning was just causing Aiko to shiver. ''We'll see about it.'' Aiko managed to say. She was heading towards the arena where Koike would face off against a student of Kensuke. Remembering what Kensuke had told her about Ezuri, Aiko was wondering how the match would go. At least she would be able to recover a shadow clone and thus able to regain some chakra, hopefully some energy.

With a smile, she walked with Aiko-Sensei to the field where Koike would be facing Ezuri Hyuuga. She thought of what she knew of the clan, they were taijutsu based and they had a Kekei Genkai. One that could stop the flow of chakra by striking the chakra points in the chakra network. "Do you think Koike will be smart enough to stay at a distance from the Hyuuga kid?" Yukara asked, with a slight frown.

The question made Aiko think for several seconds. Koike was devious and clever if it was about combat. ''I think that Koike will be smart enough, but he isn't weak at close ranged combat.'' Thinking about her students and the general known information about Hyuuga's, Aiko thought further about it. ''I am not sure what he will do actually. One way to find out.'' They were nearing the tribune. Looking around for a good spot to sit, Aiko stood still. Though she had faith in her student, she was still worried, making her look if he was already on the field.

"Oh good, I dont want him to get hurt, you know" Yukara said as she followed Aiko. Looking for a spot to sit down, then thinking about the little girl on her shoulders. "Where do you want to sit, princess?" she asked Kei. Having the girl on her shoulders was calming her frayed nerves, even more so that she happened to know who Koike was facing. Ezuri Hyuuga, the boy she met at the hospital, she guessed that it was only logical for him to be in the Chuunin Exams but why did he have to be facing Koike Hon?

The girl looked down as Yukara called her princess. But according to her mother and father, she was a little princess. Or was she? Pointing to a seat, Aiko had already taken place. Pointing again at the seat next to her mother, Kei moved her left thumb in her mouth as she quickly glanced around. It was nice to be on the shoulders of somebody who was taller. Like it was on her fathers shoulder. Then she could see a lot more. ''I think they will be fine. There are always medical ninja at the ready in case a match goes completely wrong.'' Aiko told Yukara, though she was a bit worried too.

"Right, right. At the ready, like me" Yukara said and sat down next to Aiko-Sensei. It seemed the match had started and Yukara leaned forwards and tried to get a good look at the Arena they were watching. "DONT HOLD BACK KOIKE!" Yukara yelled at the top of her lungs as the match began to unfold. Through out the match, she would randomly yell to watch out or to be carefull. Taking to biting her nails a few times as it got interesting and real sticky for Koike.

Koike entered the arena. He didn't care much for the forest or such. Against the current opponent he had, he couldn't use much of his genjutsu. And much of his Silent Killing, how meagre it was in comparison with that of Aiko's, wouldn't be use too. Not in an offensive way. Stuffing his hands in the pockets of his black jacket, Koike had a rather calm look on his face. He wasn't really nervous or worried. The crowd didn't do much to him as he didn't care for them, nor was he planning to fight to make his sensei proud. Entering the small clearing, he looked around to see where his opponent was.

Ezuri walked to the entrance of the Arena with Kensuke leading and Shisen in tow. Kensuke turned around to look at his Genin "Allright. Before you two go off and get yourself inevitably maimed or killed, I'm going to say that when you first joined my squad I wondered how you even got out of the academy alive. Now, after spending two months with you guys, doing missions and training you to the best of my abilities, I still wonder how you got out of the academy alive. The only difference is that I believe there is hope for you two. Despite your young age and short time to prepare, you are both skilled and smart brats, and you shouldn't forget that out there in the field." Ezuri looked at his sensei with a raised brow "very encouraging..." he mumbled, barely audible. Then he gave both of his Genin a little advise before they would begin their matches, Ezuri was to go first, versus Koike Hon of team Aiko. The field was a foresty one with a small clearing where they would face off.

Ezuri entered the Arena and made his way to the clearing in the middle only to see that his opponent was already there. As he entered the clearing the crowd came alive, their match was about to begin. Ezuri quickly looked at his opponent, no-one he ever spoke too although he had seen the boy walking in the village once or twice. Ezuri scouted the crowd to see if he saw someone familiar, Shisen and Kensuke were probaly still making their way upstairs. Ezuri saw a flash of red hair though, could it be the girl he met at the hospital? what was her name agian...Yukara?. Ezuri decided not to think about it to much and looked at his opponent again, waiting for the referee to show up and start their match.

Eyeing the Hyuuga, Koike didn't bother to say hello. This was his opponent and not his friend. The calm look was replaced with one that showed no emotion nor thought. Slowly the right hand of Koike wrapped around the small object in his pocket. What would look like a smokebomb had an explosive tag to it. Unlike Ezuri, Koike didn't made an attempt to see if he could see any familiar faces among the crowd. His focus was on what was important.

The relaxed posture Ezuri had changed to serious and alert as he saw his opponent tension. He slowly cocked his head and made the seal of confrontation. He was as ready as he'll ever be, like Koike he also reached for he pocket with his other hand, letting his index finger slip into the small opening at the end of his kunai.

Still looking calm, Koike wouldn't make the sign, the Seal of Confrontation. It seemed that his opponent already let his hand slip in the weapon pouch. Slowly pulling out his left hand out of his pocket of his jacket, Koike pointed to Ezuri's face. The emotionless expression was still there as Koike asked the boy something. ''How good are those eyes of yours?'' The question didn't reveal a hint that Koike was attempting to lure his opponent in some small or trash talk. It was a very serious question.

Ezuri was quite surprised by the boy's question. He wondered why he asked. "I think you should do your best to find out yourself!" Ezuri answered with the same stone cold voice as the question was asked. Ezuri didnt want to activate his dojutsu before the fight, even though the two of them already grabbed some kind of tool, the referee didnt start their match yet.

Sighing, Koike lowered his arm. The answer of his opponent made no sense at all. Why would he think in his stead? Koike had lowered his head a bit and then the referee leaped backwards as he told them that they could start. Already suspecting that the Hyuuga was one for close ranged, Koike also leaped back as his left hand went to his pouch.

As they referee called out his "Hajime!" and leaped back, so did Koike. Ezuri did not move a muscle but silently and quickly activated his byakugan, observing his opponent, looking at what he would take out of his pouched and act accordingly. Ezuri's arm holding the kunai got ready to pull it out and use it if necessary



Skidding to a halt, Koike would wait. He had his plan ready and straighten his back, his left hand stayed at his pouch. Knowing that his opponent could see his movement or what so ever, he couldn't predict it. Making use of that, Koike would simply wait. With some distance between them two, he wouldn't have to worry that he wouldn't be able to not react in time.

Ezuri did not know his opponent. He did not know his release, his specialty or anyhting about him. That made it hard for him to predict what he was going to do. He rembered the training he had with Kensuke, get to know your opponent and strike at their weaknessess. Ezuri eyed his opponent carefully. In the blink of an eye he dashed at him while pulling out his kunai.

Koike didn't seem to be worried about his opponent dashing towards him. Instead, he would just wait. The distance allowed him to eye the movements of the Hyuuga. Still, his hand remained in the pouch on his hip, not reaching out to anything. ''Ah.'' He mumbled, bending a bit through his legs as if he was readying himself for something.

Ezuri noticed the slight movement of his opponent. Either he was bracing himself for impact or he would jump away from him again. Without slowing down, Ezuri used the eight trigams air palm, aiming at the boys knees. But as Ezuri was rushing towards Koike, the latter would pull out the smoke bomb. While he would quickly leap a short distance sidewards, a few feet to the right, he would form the required signal to make the explosive tag explode. The smoke would blind the public view as a dark green cloud would cover the small area.

Ezuri saw his opponent whip up something in the air, Ezuri threw his kunai at the small purple ball which had an exposive tag attached to it. He knew it would probably not do anything, plus his aim was far off as it came to kunai and shuriken... most of the time. As soon as the explosion went off the smoke spread uit like oil on open sea, engulfing both of the genin inside it. Ezuri did not know if Koike could see through the smoke, but he did know it was not to his disadvantage as he could perfectly keep track of his opponent inside it.

Closing his eyes, Koike would focus on sound and smell. He tried to focus as good as he could, not wanting to remember on how well his sensei was at this skill. With the smoke covering and blinding his sight, he was at a disadvantage. Well aware of that, he still kept his left hand in his pouch on his hip. His right was kept in front of his chest as Koike would wait. First rule of an assassin. Half opening his eyes, Koike kept focusing. ''Be covered in shadow and stay your breath.
Lie in wait for your target to let down its guard.''

Ezuri who was running, slowed his pace as he entered the smoke. He took out of couple of kunai as he slowly kept walking, rolling his feet to make as little sound as he could. he looked at his opponent to see what he would do. Ezuri threw the kunai in the ground away from himself, with force so it made a thud as it sticked in the ground. Ezuri wanted to let Koike think Ezuri would be all over the place, in front of him and behind him faster than he would be able to walk and then when the koike heard Ezuri he would already be to close to dodge his attacks.

''Be in sync with your target. Anticipate its thoughts and actions. But don't let them anticipate yours.'' The lessons of Aiko were sounding through Koike's head. Making several handsignals as Koike had pulled out his left hand, he would be ready for the attack. Simply waiting, his right hand would go towards his pouch, as quick as he could. The Hyuuga tried a rather old trick, but Koike wasn't worried about where Ezuri was. Pulling out another smokebomb, as it appeared so what he was holding, Koike would look around. Trying to see where Ezuri was or would be.

Ezuri leaned a bit to the side and threw his left kunai right behind Koike before taking a leap towards him, being so close to his opponent, the likelyness of dodging was neatly zero. As Ezuri's first attack landed well, using a Shotei he would most likely be able to follow it up and end it pretty soon with a sixteen palm strike.

Simply standing still, Koike noticed something. A faint smell. Crushing the ball in his hand, he would poof away as something would be released. The prepared Body Replacement technique would make Koike swap places with a trunk of a tree. Landing out of the smoke, Koike narrowed his eyes as he grinned. The smokebombs together would be likely the trick to end this match. The fact that his opponent had likely moved around, made him breath at a faster rate. Inhaling the poison in the green smoke. Not sure, but he had used another poisonous smokebomb. One that was different in nature and Koike would pull out one action to make sure that his opponent would breath in more of his smoke. Clapsing his hands together, a strong gust was whipped up towards his opponent direction.

Ezuri's Shotei connected with a tree trunk, completely shattering it. Now that his opponent was away he looked up and saw him weave his last sign. Ezuri reacted on instict with a four trigrams revolving heaven. as he stopped spinning, the gust already blew away the smoke and both genin were in clear sight again. Ezuri eyed his opponent, what would his next move be?

Straighten his back, Koike noticed how the Hyuuga had managed to drive some of the smoke away, but he had made a mistake. Using his left hand, Koike grabbed something out of his pouch and stabbed himself with it. A small syringe. Looking back at Ezuri, Koike was sure. The Hyuuga was on the spot near where Koike had been. And he had used another kind of poison. Pointing at Ezuri, Koike started to talk. ''I am going to give you a chance to surrender and forfeit this fight. Right now, you're at the losing side.'' He said, his voice loud and clear. The poison from the dark green cloud was now causing a nasty pain, Ezuri's brain receiving signals that some of his limbs were aching, while there were no wounds or any indication that Koike had touched the Hyuuga. With the boy moving around in the cloud of poison and being quite active, the poison had managed to spread over his body. Entering his body by breathing, his heart would have pumped faster with the movements of his actions. Thus only making the poison spread faster over his body. But that wasn't the only poison Koike had used.

''You are now experiencing a pain that is caused because your eyes are blinding you.'' Koike told Ezuri. ''I asked how good your eyes were and you didn't use them. Instead, you probably thought your close ranged skills would be better than mine, trying to close in. But right now your eyes are not feeling that great, are they?'' Koike asked in a cold tone. He lowered his head a bit as the pain at Ezuri's eyes would start. The last smokebomb, just before Koike had decided to get out of the smoke, was a rather nasty one. Poison extracted from the Giant Hogweed plant. The watery sap of the plant would cause a great pain in the eyes of the boy and with his last action, he would have rotated and spin the poison around him. Some of it would likely be driven away, but spinning inside a cloud like that was a bad idea as what was inside the sphere of the Hyuuga would be spun around and get in his eyes. Causing a rather horrible pain at the eyes the Hyuuga relied on.

''Surrender and you won't likely suffer any permanent damage from the poison.'' Koike said on a more neutral tone, lowering his arm. His plan to lure Ezuri to attack him and keeping him in the smoke had worked better than he had expected. He had anticipated that his opponent would rely on his eyes that could see chakra. But they weren't able to see particular details like poison spread in a smoke. In other words, Ezuri could give up or try to fight as his body would be suffering a great deal of pain.

Ezuri felt his muscles aching. His eyes burning. He did not stand as stable as he usually did and had trouble seeing clearly. He could however discern a syringe in koike's hand, giving himself an injection. Poison flashed through Ezuri's mind. His hunch was being confirmed by koike, who started talking again. Ezuri needed to get an injection too! He stumbled backwards untill he hit his back against a tree. He conjured up two fairly strong water clones at the other side, weaving the handsignals behind his back so that Koike wouldnt know he used ninjutsu. Ezuri grabbed a kunai to make Koike thnink he reached out for that instead of making clones outside of his view. The plan was to have both water clones circle around without being seen or heard by koike and catch him by surprise, either to steal a Syringe or to take Koike out. Ezuri used Suiton: Teppodama... fairly weak and shot it about a feet straight u and let it splash into his wide open eyes. it stopped the burning in his eyes but his vision was still a little blurred. Now he just needed to keep Koike busy untill his clones reached him. keep talking, you sneaky basterd tought Ezuri not letting the boy out of his sight.

Noticing that the Hyuuga wasn't going to surrender, Koike sighed. As long as the poison inside of Ezuri's body wouldn't be treated, he would suffer a pain that would get worse by every heartbeat. The movement of both hands going to the pouch, made Koike frown. He wasn't that stupid that he assumed that he would just wait and see what his opponent would do. Besides, all he had to do was to keep it going until the pain would become unbearable. Easy plan. Taking several leaps back, Koike aimed to make the distance larger between him and Ezuri. Koike had heard somebody calling out that he shouldn't hold back. Wait, Yukara?'' Koike however kept his eyes on the Hyuuga.

While Ezuri did his best to not move too much and keep standing, supported by the tree, his clones moved quickly and silently making sure they would not get discovered by a Koike. Ezuri supposed that the boy would let his guard down as he not moved, keeping the kunai in front of him, pointed at Koike in a devensive postion. His clones kept coming closer and closer. It was not much farther before they reached the boy. The clone coming from the left saw the pouch he kept his serum in, the clone from the right the rest of his poision bombs and other tools. both knew Koike didn't notice them yet.

''Bothersome.'' Koike muttered. He had heard some sound and it was evident that the boy had probably made something approach him. It wouldn't take that long to pull out a kunai or maybe the poison was really slowing down the other boy. Taking a more readied stance, Koike would wait as the sounds and signals became ''louder''. Focusing not on the real Ezuri at a distance but at the approaching sounds. Simply waiting, he was wondering what the boy wanted to achieve with his actions other than more damage to his body with the poison.

As both Ezuri's clones were about the distance that they surely would get noticed, one climbed in a tree the other started running. Just when the first reached Koike the other would drop down and try to grab a syringe, throwing it to the real Ezuri who was now ready and started with a barrage of Air Palms, it was now or never!

The only signal Koike gave that he had heard the two clones approach was that he flexed his fingers of his right hand. With a quick leap forward, he would evade the clone that had tried to drop on him. Performing a quick cartwheel, Koike sighed as he would push himself back on his feet. As soon as he landed on his feet, he would perform another leap back. Clones? Was that Hyuuga trying to fasten the poison? In a situation like this, Koike wasn't even sure if he could be serious anymore. ''I will ask it one more time. Forfeit before the poison will damage your internals.'' Koike told him, readying himself to evade what would come next.

Koike would see both clones getting ready to charge again as they dispersed into a puddle of water with their first step. Ezuri now sat on the ground with his back still again the tree. burying his head in his knees and hands, raising one. he lifted up his face and proclaimed his forfeit. His hend fell limply next to his body as he looked at Koike, his eyes back to normal, filled with tears. without having anything to say anything it was certain he begged him for the serum.

Koike readied himself as he wondered how long it would take. Then the clones dispersed back into water. Glancing at the Hyuuga, Koike relaxed himself. It was thus over? Dusting off his jacket, Koike shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. Turning already around, he was walking to his starting position. Though by the looks it seemed that Ezuri was done for it, but Koike wouldn't just walk away without the referee proclaiming his victory. Looking away, Koike was already thinking about something else than the Hyuuga. He was wondering about somebody.

The man that was chosen as the referee was looking worried at the Hyuuga. There was some uneasy silence at the arena. The man walked towards Ezuri, wondering if the boy really wanted to give up. ''Are you sure that you want to forfeit?'' The man asked, though he remained at a healthy distance. More than Koike he was half expecting that it was some attempt to make Koike lower his guard.

Ezuri swallowed and looked at the referee, or the place he thought the referee was... a few moment passed. the uneasy aches became searing pains, excrusiating burns. He nodded and stammered out a barely audible "serum..."

The referee turned back to Koike and told that he had won, only then asked for a serum. Koike cocked his head a bit to the right as he frowned. Then he understood that Ezuri wanted an antidote. Raising his right hand to scratch his temple, Koike answered back. ''I only had one with me.'' The referee blinked with his eyes and then nodded. Proclaiming Koike as winner, the medical nin came rushing on the field. While most of them would attend to Ezuri, one of them asked Koike what the recepy was of the poison. This caused Koike to frown. Why would he give that. Saying that he would let a clone bring the antidote, the medical nin grumbled that he hoped so. Shrugging, Koike would turn around and walk out of the arena. While he would make a shadow clone to do what he had told the medical ninja, he wanted to see if he could see a part of Katsu's match.

Shaking his head as the two genin bursted off towards their respective arenas, he quickly made a shadow clone to spectate Shisen's match, while he personally went to visit Ezuri's match. Not a matter of favoritism, but a promise he had made with Aiko. He walked back towards the 'visitor' area where he picked up Saki, who he had invited to come watch her comrades. "Let's get up there and look at what'll come of it."

Saki had waited for Kensuke while he was with his genins. Truth be told, she had rather stayed back at Konohagakure, but doing what? Kaname was dead and Kiyomi was probably busy. Saki hadn't an excuse yet that she could use why she wasn't able to contact with the young girl. Knowing she was afraid that Kiyomi would be mad, Saki had taken the coward's choice. Accepting Kensuke's invitation to come to the chuunin exam. Seeing the rather tall jounin approaching her, Saki looked at the direction they would go. ''This it the match with the Hyuuga student of yours, no?''

"Yes it is." He replied, climbing the stairs to the arena's tribune he found Aiko waiting for him, ready to see Koike Hon fight Ezuri Hyuuga for the title of chuunin. To his surprise he found Kei and Akimoto sitting next to her, and he announced his arrival with a soft smile. "Here I am!" He said, and looked for a place to sit. "By the way, I also brought Saki Yamanaka with me. She's new on my team, but already a chuunin."

She had already taken place with her children and Yukara. Though she felt quite tired, Aiko had a smile on her lips. It was in a way exciting to see how Koike would perform, even it was again a Hyuuga. But certain that the training and experiences had done him good, Aiko had full faith in the young Hon. Then she was distracted as she heard Kensuke's voice. Instantly Kei's head whipped to the side, her cheeks blushing as she noticed the tall jounin. ''Good that you came. And hello Saki, nice to meet you. Aiko Cho-Hon.'' Akimoto was looking around and frowning. There were a lot of people and Aiko had the idea he wanted to befriend everybody. Sighing, Aiko would lift Aki up and place him on her lap. That way, she was sure he wouldn't just try to do something. And Kensuke could take a seat next to her.

''This is Akimoto Hon. That is Kei Hon and that is my student, Yukara Cho.'' Aiko said, pointing to the people who sat next to her. Saki would wait till Kensuke had taken a seat, but made a small bow towards the woman. She wasn't a real big renowned kunoichi outside of the Leaf, but Saki knew what they said in the Leaf about her. That and she had been the mother of Kaname. ''Pleasure to meet you.''

Sitting down next to Aiko, offering Saki a spot next to him, he threw a brief look in the arena, but saw that the fight had not started yet. "So, this is the brother of the famed assassin?" He asked, looking at Akimoto on Aiko's lap. "Hey! Nice to meet you two," Yukara said cheerily. Glancing between Aiko-Sensei, Kensuke and the arena in that exact order. "So, you are Ezuri's sensei, hate to say it but Koike is gonna win," she said, it wasn't meant to be an insult but she still felt strongly about what she said.

Looking up at the girl, giving her a better look as he raised an eyebrow with a faint smile on his lips. "We'll see about that." He replied. In all honesty he was inclined to agree with her, Koike probably was more experienced, especially considering how often he had fought Hyuuga's already during his chuunin exams before. Then again, if Ezuri would keep his head in the match, he was a tough nut to crack.

The words of Yukara made Aiko glance at her student. She was both glad that Yukara had so much faith in Koike as well being a bit uncomfortable. Deciding to not continue about it, Aiko was thinking on the same line as Kensuke. Koike was experienced and knew his way around in close quarters. She had trained him herself in that, but there was always a chance that his opponent would be able to get the upper hand. Considering that the Gentle Fist would damage and prevent Koike from being able to move around, she predicted that he would lose. When the two entered the field, Aiko bite her lower lip. It seemed that the Hyuuga was making the Seal of Confrontation, but Koike wasn't. Squinting her eyes, she tried to see how her student looked. ''Seems that they are going to start.'' Aiko mumbled.

As the fight went on, and Kensuke could see poison in the cloud from here. His trained eyes recognized the effect it had on the environment and Ezuri in particular. He gritted his teeth as he watched the match. Ezuri had little chance against a fighting style like this. Unless he would manage to take down his opponent through agressive attacks before he would succumb himself, there was little chance of victory. There was only so much one could do to win a fight, but if your opponent has a spear and you have a knife, then there was little chance of victory.

She could not help but grin as Koike fought, she took Kei off her shoulders and sat her down in her lap nicely. "See that guy facing the guy with white eyes? Thats Koike Hon, your mother taught him a lot of super cool tricks and he is going to win," Yukara said, a smile wide on her face. She then put the girl back on her shoulders so she could see better than in her lap. "I told you, Koike is going to win" Yukara said to Kensuke.

The dark green cloud said enough. But with not one of the boy's moving out of it, Aiko was getting a bit worried. Knowing what the poison was, it wouldn't be healthy to stay long in it. Kei listened to Yukara's words as she watched how the two boys started their match. But as soon as the dark green smoke came and would prevent anybody to see what was happening, she kept throwing glances at Kensuke. Akimoto frowned, as he had briefly looked curious at Kensuke and Saki. While Aiko kept Akimoto on her lap, the boy tried to reach out to Kensuke. His tongue sticked out of his mouth, as he did his best. But his mother kept him on her lap. Giving up, he looked back at the dark green cloud. ''Mom.'' Muttering the word, Akimoto tried to lean forward, reaching out to the cloud. It was too far, but looked interesting.

Saki had sat down and heard the words of Yukara, but she didn't react to it. Not knowing her team member and actually not genuinely interested at first, she found it a bit strange that the cloud had a different color. Other than the usual greyish one. ''Why is it dark green?'' Saki asked. Aiko gave an answer. ''Cause it is mixed with poison.''

As the fight inside the cloud continued, hidden to all of their eyes, the arena was shrouded in silence, hoping to at least hear what was going on. Then everyone heard Koike's voice, after he appeared outside of it. After a technique of both, he spoke of poison and demanded surrender. Despite the grim situation his genin probably was in, Kensuke broke into a soft chuckle. "As if that brat would stop before he's lost a leg..." He said softly, waiting for Ezuri to attack the other kid.

Alright, so Yukara wanted neither to get hurt. Squinting her eyes as if that would help her see through the green cloud of smoke. "What do you mean? Are you saying he is reckless? Dont insult your student!" Yukara said, defending the poor Hyuuga kid. She squirmed in her seat as she tried to see through the smoke and took some deep breaths to calm her frayed nerves. "Get out of there!" Yukara yelled to both participants after hearing what Aiko said to the girl sitting next to Kensuke.

Aiko's face wasn't showing any worried thoughts or expressions. She looked with a grim look at the fight. Hearing Koike's words, she expected what he would do next. ''It is already too late.'' She said. Putting Akimoto down, she would try to stand and see how they both were doing. Squinting her eyes, Aiko couldn't see either of how the genins were doing. Noticing that Koike stabbed himself with something, she realized what he had been up to. ''Ken, can you do me a favor and see how the eyes look of your student?'' Aiko asked politely. She had a hunch that something was very bad if Koike would demand a surrender instead of taking it himself.

His chuckle evolved into a burst of laughter he with a superhuman effort managed to reduce into a soft shaking and a grin. He, insulting his students? Calling Ezuri, who got his leg broken badly by a group of common bandits, reckless? Oh dear. When Yukara screamed at both combatants to get out of the smoke however, it made his initial concern for Ezuri rise, especially when Aiko on a deadly serious tone asked him to check Euzri's eyes. "Can't see much, but he doesn't look comfortable." He replied on a tone that you could call neutral.

Once again, she was leaning forwards and balancing Kei on her shoulders so she would not fall forwards. The smoke was gone now, Ezuri seemed limp and Koike was still standing as well as demanding a surrender from Ezuri. Was something wrong? "Whats going on Aiko-Sensei?" Yukara asked, looking worried and wondering if she could help treat the poison. "Aiko-Sensei, will you teach me to make serums and antidotes for poisons?" she asked, if she was teaching how to make poison then surely she could teach Yukara to cure it.

Rubbing her eyes briefly, Aiko looked at the battle again. ''Koike has managed to lure and poison his opponent to the point that he isn't going to hold out that longer.'' Aiko told her student, keeping her eyes as she noticed Ezuri stumbling back. ''By the looks of it, Koike made use of that Ezuri couldn't spot the poison in the cloud and kept his focus on him. And yes'' Aiko continued as she answered Yukara's question. But she found it strange. The smoke was clearly different in color and didn't Ezuri find it strange that Koike would stay and try to fight where he had a disadvantage, as he couldn't use his eyes? This thought made her wonder on how Kensuke had trained his student. Hoping that Ezuri would give up, she noticed that he didn't. ''Give up, don't make it worse.'' Aiko whispered, actually worried about the Hyuuga. Koike wasn't somebody that was merciful.

Saki found the match interesting, but she recalled what Kensuke had told her about her team members. ''Seems he isn't going to stop, is he now?'' Saki asked, directing her question to Kensuke.

Wondering why his student didn't get out of the poison cloud as he intercepted Aiko's whisper, realizing how serious the poison threat was to the boy. He decided not to reply Saki's useless remark as he watched how the fight progressed. Imagining himself in the boy's stead, he easily figured out how he could have overseen the threat. The Byakugan let him easily see through the poison smoke, and as a result make the colour of the smoke an overabundant detail. Very much like the colour of the page of a book you would read. You would notice it, but you would ignore it, and probably don't even remember it. Perhaps he should notice that his opponent was staying in an area where he should be at a disadvantage, but Kensuke assumed that he knew Koike was a student of Aiko, a famous user of the silent killing technique, meant to be used in pretty much exactly these circumstances. It wasn't strange that Ezuri didn't notice the danger, it was something he could not have foreseen. A very smart tactic used by Koike, but also a very risky one. If Ezuri hadn't been as reckless as he usually was, it could have backfired enormously.

"I dont think using the poison was a good idea, it could hurt them both and then where they would be at?" Yukara asked, her tone seemed irritable and yet nervous. She was uneasy as she watched some more, glancing away every now and then because it was too harsh on her already frenzied nerves. "Why wont Ezuri just stop? What good will do it him if he gets killed by the poison?" she asked, now clearly frustrated.

Partly understanding Yukara's question, Aiko noticed something. The Hyuuga tried to use clones to try to approach Koike. Unsure what the boy attempted to do, Aiko would answer Yukara. Kei at the same time, muttered that she wanted to stand. She looked a bit troubled as she had noticed that Yukara didn't seem that calm. Meanwhile Aiko started to give her student an answer on her questions. ''Very simple, Ezuri doesn't have an antidote. Koike does. I think that he was hoping to keep Ezuri in the cloud to let the poison do the work for him, while he would simply stay calm.'' Aiko paused as Koike had managed to sense the attack of the clones and made some distance again with the clones and Ezuri. ''Basically, Koike is now keeping a distance to not use much chakra or stamina. He isn't the one that is suffering from any poison, while Ezuri is.'' After the first question been answered, Aiko sighed. She wasn't sure what Kensuke was thinking, but she hoped it would end soon. ''And that last question is probably because Ezuri wants to try and fight. Admirable, but won't help him.'' Aiko said on a softer tone. Saki simply stared at the match, crossing her legs as she didn't had anything to say for the moment.

"Well at least we can say Koike learned how to defeat the Hyuuga at this point. The lad's almost fought them as much as me." Kensuke said matter-of-factly as he subdued his concern. He as a jounin teamleader had the power to step in and stop the fight if it would get out of hand, but he didn't want to rob Ezuri's chance of hurting his opponent before losing the fight. He knew that if he would be in Ezuri's position, he would endure hell to hurt his adversary real good, even just once.

Yukara said nothing to what anyone was saying, nor did she want to. What she wanted to do was to drag them both from the arena and beat some sense into both of their heads. Yeah, maybe she would do that later and then offer to bandage them both up, but still she thought the poison was not needed.

The attacks and last attempt had worn Ezuri out. It was over. Aiko felt proud however. Though she felt a bit sorry for Kensuke as for the Hyuuga. Then again, she was convinced that Koike had won his fight fair and square. Even if it was due an underhanded tactic. Though could one argue against that? Aiko sat down on her seat. Looking ever more tired, Aiko noticed something. While Koike would walk from the field as medical ninja would rush towards Ezuri, Aiko turned pale.

''No, no no no no.'' Her hands went to her face as she looked around. ''Please, don't tell me. Oh no.'' It was clear that she was worried about something. ''Akimoto?!'' But as she threw a glance at Yukara, she noticed that the girl had vanished as well. Her eyes widened as she realized what had happened. Everybody had watched the match and not paid much attention to the twin. ''Shit.'' Cursing out loud, Aiko started to panic in her seat.

At first he thought that Aiko's panic was about something going on in the arena, but as he noticed her panicked looking around he quickly came to the same conclusion. The only difference was that he didn't took it as serious as her. He wasn't their mother, so that was pretty normal. He knew that mothers were always too concerned, sadly not from experience a bitter voice in his head added for him. "I'll find them." He said with a wink, before standing up and looking around. "Just make sure Koike doesn't kill my student in the meantime." He added, before frowning after spotting two young children taking a leisurely stroll down the stairs. Down those stairs was the large hallway that connected all the tribunes of each arena. It would most likely be very, very busy down there. Running after the lethal assassin and the upstart boy, he almost thought he could see Team 4 sitting by the side, laughing their asses off as he chased the children. "Nice promotion Kensuke!" He heard Ryo's voice say, before he dismissed the thoughts and focussed on finding the twins.

Realizing that the young girl that was on her shoulders was no longer there, she felt really bad and looked to Aiko-Sensei with an apologetic smile on her face. "I dont think they are in any danger, not with your friend chasing after them like he is," Yukara said. She glanced around trying to spot them amongst the crowds but they were small and would likely not stand out in a crowd of bigger people.

''Not your fault.'' Aiko said with a friendly tone. Feeling really tired, Aiko let out a heavy sigh. ''If you want, you can see if Koike is doing alright. I think I am going to... to take a rest somewhere.'' She told Yukara. Yes, a rest. Maybe just heading back to the hotel where she had rented a room for her and her team. A good and long nap would maybe do wonders. Though, Aiko threw a look at Kensuke. She wanted to actually chase Kei and Akimoto herself. Those two were quite devious and what if they would get in trouble? No, she could trust Kensuke. Hopefully just nothing bad would go wrong.

Heading towards the meeting point, which was a decent grill restaurant, Satoshi wondered about the new student. It had been some time that he had been a sensei. The last formation hadn't been any great and made Satoshi rather go on missions with people of his own rank instead of trying to be a sensei. However, he decided he could give it another try. While he had read the profile and possible information about his student, Satoshi was quite curious. Though he had once thought that he knew most Kumogakure clans, he was pleasantly surprised to learn about the Asuhika clan. Of course, he knew that he had much to learn but he had learn a bit about them.

Entering the restaurant, he asked for the table that he had reserved. Being pointed where he could sit down, Satoshi decided to order something to drink while he would wait for his student. Though he was wondering if it would work out with just one student, he decided it was for the better. That and she was a chuunin. Which meant she had at least some experience in field work.

Hanako had gotten word from her new Sensei to meet at a rather decet grill resturaunt, looking down at what she wore, she wondered if she was dressed appropiately. Deciding that it probably did not matter, she walked up to the waitress and asked for the table with Satoshi Jun, at first the woman scoffed and shook her head but another one came over and whispered something to the waitress who then sighed and beckoned for her to follow. She did, curious to know this sensei of hers and was wondering if he was anything like the last one she had who was now dead. Seeing the table that the woman gestured at, she took a deep breath and walked over to her new Sensei. "Greetings, Im Hanako Asushika, " Hanako said, holding her head up high as her mother said helped with first impressions.

''Good day, Hanako.'' Satoshi greeted her back as he stood up from his seat. He smiled as he made a small and polite nod with head. Taking place on his seat again, Satoshi would place his arms on the table in front of him as he hoped was making a good first impression. ''Am glad that you came. My name is Satoshi Jun and from today your sensei. I was hoping that you wouldn't mind to start the greeting with just some talk.'' He told her. ''After all, I think that testing out your combat abilities wouldn't be necessary, considering you're a chuuni already.''

Nodding after his greeting, she sat down across from them and focused her amber colored eyes on him to get a clear image of him in her head. He was polite, which was nice as her last one was curt and harsh, rash as well which got him killed. She cringed at the memory but focused back on her new Sensei, with a smile she listened to what he had to say. "Well I cannot really deny a summons from my sensei, my mother would lecture me till she could breath no longer if I did" Hanako said, a short laugh escaping her before she calmed herself. "Talk is good, I dont see a problem with it," she added.

Glad that she had no problem with it or showing that she was anxious to prove her worth, Satoshi was very glad with that. It meant that he wouldn't need to prove himself worthy of like needing to defeat her. He always wasn't sure what that acomplished on the long run. ''I am glad. Though know that Ican understand that you might have other plans. I will try to summon you for a mission or training if we both are able to go.'' Satoshi told her. ''I suspect that you might have questions for me. If you have any, please know that you're free to ask them.''

"Harvest Week is not for another few weeks and mother wont approve of aimless wandering, I dont really have any other plans," Hanako said, shrugging her shoulders. She was curious of what he thought of her though, but what if he thought it was bad question or too bold of one. "I am sure that you have no doubt read my profile, what is your opinion of me?" Hanako blurted out, then clamping her mouth shut. "What kind of sensei are you?" she asked.

Quite intrigued in what she called Harvest Week, Satoshi made a mental note of it. He though he had a general idea what it could mean, but would wait as she was about to say or ask him a question. A bit surprised, Satoshi kept smiling as he had an answer ready. ''I will say that I have read your profile and was pleased. Like you, I am also a sensory shinobi. Meaning that I can try to help you with sensory techniques or earth release.'' Pausing, he thought about the second question. That was a question that was tougher to answer. ''I hope a good one. What would you find a good sensei to have?''

Nodding again, she needed to remember to keep a professional appearance and attitude around those of higher status, she took a deep breath. "Really? I did not know that, well I suppose my sensory wont be depended on then. Sounds like we will have a have great time together in the same team," Hanako said. That was a good question, what did a good sensei have? "I cannot really say, I did not have a good example to begin with but I do think a patient one is good and mabybe one that wont take advantage of the Earth? Does that sound like a good Sensei?" she asked.

Nodding in agreement as she told that they would have a great time together in the same team, Satoshi was glad that she thought so. It was better than if she would be pessimistic about it. Though he realized that he shouldn't let himself trail off with his thoughts. When she mentioned a patient sensei is a good one, Satoshi thought about himself. ''I think it does. Though I am curious about what you mean with taking advantage of the earth. I am sadly not yet very familiar with your clan and their traditions. Maybe you could help me with that?''

"Think of the Earth as a person, would you take advantage of someone? Would you disrespect that person or mistreat the person? If you treat the Earth like you would treat a person then the Earth will treat you the same, or that is how it was taught to me," Hanako said, although she doubted that he wanted to lectured about it for hours on end like did with the teachers in the Academy a few years back. "It is always nice to hear when someone shows an interest in our clan, I can help you understand them," she answered.

Actually as Satoshi thought about it, it had some logic in it. Treating the earth with respect and decency would result in that a better harvest for the farmers. Trees and woodland growing, providing timber and other goods. In other words, he could see some sense in what she told him. ''I think I wouldn't like to mistreat a person. I see everybody more or less as worthy of being given a chance. Unless there is no time or opening to give somebody a decent chance.'' He answered back, hoping he was making some sense. ''And thank you. I would like to hear more about your clan. Oh, do you want to eat something?'' He asked as he noticed waiter was coming their way.

"Yes, that is good, a chance is always nice. I would like to prove myself to you but I think that will come in time," Hanako said, glancing at the waiter. She thought about what he said about wanting to know more about her clan, it made her smile and think that he was rather interesting. "Umm," she said, gingerly picking up the menu and flipping through it quickly. She was not all that hungry but she did find an interesting salad and decided to try it. "I think a salad, this one right here and some water?" Hanako asked the waiter in reply to Satoshis question. "Tell me what happened with your past students?"

Ordering for himself a fruit salad, Satoshi thought about the question. Not one he was fond of to talk about, but he had no reason to be ashamed of his past students. ''I had two, but they resigned as it was during the short occupation of Shoji. I think that the traumatic effect was too big on them. Then I had one that couldn't think straight, so I actually gave up on teaching. For a while.'' Satoshi paused to pick up his glass that had been brought and took a sip from it. ''That is about it. Though I should give it one more try.''

So he did fight in the occupation of Shoji, as did she but she assumed he knew that. She earned somewhat a nickname but it did not stick nor did she like it but that was not the point. "I fought against it too, quite a bloody mess it turned out to be in the end but we are free of it now," Hanako said, taking a sip from her drink and then placing back on the table. She listened to what he said about his past students, so they could not take the fighting and left, that was interesting. "I am sorry to hear about your students in the past, I am gald that you are giving it a second chance though," she said.

A bloody mess? That was one way to put it, he guess. ''Thanks and don't be sorry. Such things can happen. I think I wasn't quite ready then to be a capable sensei. Hopefully I can be now.'' Satoshi told her. He wasn't sure what kind of impression he was giving her. Hopefully a positive one, but not too lax or friendly. However, acting suddenly harsh or stern was a bit out of the question. ''May I ask what your goal is for the future?''

Nodding, she took another sip from her drink and began sorting through her thoughts about her new Sensei. "I am sure you are more than capable now," Hanako said, taking yet another sip from her drink. Satoshi-Sensei seemed like a patient Sensei and one that would try to understand her clans traditions, she was glad that she was placed in his team. "My goals? Well, I suppose I wish to make good use of myself for the Raikage although I wish to be an example for the people in the village and teach them to treat the Earth properly. I wish to be someone of value and importance in my clan, to not let the fact that I am just half Asushika give anyone a reason to doubt my connection to the Great Mother and that I can lead them like everyone else can," she said, realizing that she was going on about things he probably did not want to know.

The answer, the goal of Hanako made Satoshi think about it. He couldn't really disagree with her goal as he realized it was probably also on the way how she was raised with her clan traditions and habits. He first wanted to suggest that she could try to later work at the Academy, Satoshi knew better. She was just fifteen years old and maybe with more experience and knowledge, she could make that decision without needing him to give her suggestions. ''I agree. I sadly never go to know what my roots were, but if you believe you're part of a clan, even when you're half it, then I think you're in your right.'' Satoshi told Hanako, trying to sound a bit light hearted about using the word roots in his reply.

"That is what my mother says, I know I might not look like them but I believe I have the heart of one just like they do," Hanako said, taking another sip from her water. "What about your goals? What are your ambitions?" she asked, shifting a bit in her seat. She was guide, someone that helped others and kept them on the right path but also protected them. "You dont have to worry about asking too many questions, I dont mind answering them," she said to him.

''Thank you.'' He told her, as response to her last sentence. Thinking about what his goals were, Satoshi could name the obvious ones. Protecting his village, family and such. Trying to be a good shinobi in the service of the Raikage. Becoming a good father, like becoming a good sensei. All of them were in his opinion goals that would do well. ''I think I am content as how things are now. For now, I don't have any other goal but to try to make sure that everything goes as it is going now.'' Satoshi told her, hoping his answer would satisify her.

"You have a good start on your goal, I think that stablity is a good thing. Do you know when our training begins?" Hanako asked him. As much as she loved just talking to him, she also was eager to train. "In my profile, what stood out to you?" she asked. Hanako thought it was a good idea to know what someone thought of her because then she could work to better the opinion or change it if it was bad. Of course, if he asked a similar question, she would answer.

''Good question.'' Satoshi thought about it. Considering that she was a chuunin and not a genin, he wouldn't need to worry about teaching her the basic of general skills. Or worrying that she was lacking in the experience department. ''I think that we will train very soon. Perhaps with in a day or two.'' He told her, giving it some thought. When she fired the question what stood out to him, Satoshi wanted to say the mentioning of that she was a sensory type of ninja. But thinking about it, there was something else. ''I think that what stood out was that you have a different view than most people have. You look with respect to the earth and have an interesting look at it. One that I haven't had the pleasure of dealing or meeting with.'' He told her. ''What did you thought what would stand out?''

Hanako listened to what he said, nodding here and there. She was glad to hear that they would train soon, she liked being kept busy as it kept her from thinking about things she shouldn't be thinking about. "Well I thought the same as you, Satoshi-Sensei. My clans views are quite different from most and some don't seem capable of accepting it," Hanako replied in a casual tone.

Satoshi took another sip of his drink as he heard what she said. ''Can't blame them, you know.'' He sighed as he looked away for a moment. ''Most people don't like changes as it means that loss is often a guarantee. That and views that are different are being shunned as dangerous or less benefitical. I don't think that people are doing this on purpose, but it is just how the world works. Oddly enough.'' The waiter came back to bring the lunch that they had ordered. ''Enjoy, my treat.''

Nodding, she saw the waiter and smiled as he sat the plates down, murmuring a thank you before looking to Satoshi-Sensei. "Thank you for the treat, I'll be sure make sure that you don't feel like you shouldn't have done so," Hanako said, taking a sip from her water. She knew that she needed to be more paient with the less accepting people in the village but she was raised to believe what she was taught, it was hard to think that others weren't raised the same way.

He laughed as he waved away her thanks. ''No need to thank me. After all, as a sensei it means I need to take care of my pupils. Would be kind of horrible if I can't even treat my students on a lunch.'' Satoshi told her. So far it was going good. She didn't seem to be any of his previous students, which was only good. Starting on his fruit salad, Satoshi thought of a question. ''What kind of missions would you find the most interesting?''

She took a few bites from the salad she ordered, chewing it slowly and thoughtfully as he thought about his question. "Hmm, seeing that I have always been used as more as a guide than an actual fighter in previous missions, maybe ones that would require me to do both? I don't really have a weapon I specialize in, never needed to have one," Hanako said, taking another few bites of her salad.

Thus it was like what he had deduced from her profile. Though a sensory type of shinobi was always handy to prevent getting ambushed and preparing ambushes themselves, he took a note that she wasn't a direct confrontation fighter like most non sensory types. Not that it was bothersome in his opinion. ''Good. I asked cause I might have a few missions we can work out together. Ones where we won't need to use straight forward combat tactics. Though I have some skills and capabilities to do so, I prefer rather tactical approaches which avoid direct confrontations.'' Satoshi explained, taking a few bites of his salad. ''Ever been to the capital of the Frost country before?''

Hanako thought of her fighting style as evasive and somewhat like a game, she was dependent on her Hidden and her Labyrinth which wasn't always a good thing. She did have some offensive jutsu but they were last resort, with a sigh, she took a bite of her salad again. "Oh, I am already eager to start them," Hanako said. So he was similar to her in his fighting style as well, that was interesting. "I cannot say that I have," she answered.

''It isn't that vastly impressive, let me tell you that.'' Satoshi said, chuckling for a moment. ''But one of the missions I had an eye on is needing us to go there. But lets first enjoy our lunch, shall we?'' Satoshi was sure of it. Maybe she had a different view and ideology on life and how to treat or approach situations and people, but he saw now ill intention or evil in that. After all, some of her words on how her clan did or viewed situations and decisions made more than sense. More than most idiotic fools that he had met.

"Oh well, I would not say that to the people there, they might throw stones at you," Hanako said, curious to know more of the mission he was speaking of but nodded when he said to enjoy their lunch. Taking a few more bites, she felt like this would be a good team she was on. Satoshi-Sensei was understanding in her beliefs from what he said and that eased some of her nerves, not really feeling any unease around him anymore. She took a few more bites, adapting a rather pensive expression as she did so although her thoughs seemed to drift.

Sitting behind his desk, Takeru was reading some files. The chuunin exams were going to happen in a few days and he was taking the last preparations to be sure that everything would be well in his absence. Not that he was forseeing problems. The last news about the Antare clan had been some time. This led him to suspect that the troublesome group had went into hiding. Even with some ANBU squads on the case, they weren't having much success. And that was worrying Takeru. Not that he was thinking that the crazy gone Antare clan would inspire the common populace in uprising. They had already a bad name for what they had tried to do.

Placing the file down that he had been reading, the masked Raikage mumbled something himself. Writing something down on his notespad, he started to think on what more he would need to do and arrange before he could take his leave towards Amegakure.

Katsumi was sitting at the table in her small kitchen with her owl companions leisurely perched on the built in perches she made for them, her mind was else where. Wandering back to the days where her twin sister was alive and not killed by Katsumi herself, she flinched at the thought. Shaking her head, she sighed and began to pick at the small saldad she had made herself but was not really all that hungry, she was restless. Getting up, she began to pace the small room and muttered some things that neither owl could make anything out of. Her thoughts also wandered to the man and his family, the family that she had spared and she wondered if it was the right choice or not. She supposed that there was nothing she could do about it now, whats done is done.

Hearing a knock on the door, she narrowed her eyes a bit and walked over to the door slowly while preparing to attack who ever it was in case it was a hostile, even though it was unlikely. Openning the door, she saw that there was no one present just a note attatched to her door. She picked it up, her eyes widening a bit and then left in a hurry to the Raikages office.

In his office, Takeru was reading a profile. Making with his right hand some notes, he kept his eyes focused on the profile. Reading, he was genuinely interested and made notes for the future. Though he had already made up his mind and planned what he would do. For the good of Kumogakure, he wanted to be sure that he would take the right measures or else he would come back to a ruined village. Outside the office, two ANBU guards wouldn't nod or salute to Katsumi. One of them simply would open the door for her and close it behind her.

Once she arrived at the Raikages office, she was surprised as the door was opened and nothing else. Walking in slowly, trying to think of what he could possibly want with her. She saw him at the desk, bowed her head in respect and kept her eyes averted as well, waiting for him to speak to her. Her mind still racing to figure out what he could want from her now, not that she minded but it was always interesting.

''It is good that you came that quickly, Katsumi. I hope you're doing well.'' Takeru said as he would make one more note. Once he had done that, he would start to store up his work and turn his attention towards the ANBU. ''I hope I haven't been bothering you with summoning you here. I remember that you did an outstanding job with your last mission and that you have earned some rest.'' Takeru politely continued.

"I am doing well, Lord Raikage, thank you for asking," Katsumi said, with a polite nod in his direction. She watched with minimum interest in what he was doing but made no comment on it and focused back on him as he began to speak again. So, he thought her mission was a success, an outstanding job on her part as well. It made a slight smile appear but it was gone just as soon as it came it was gone. "Thank you," she replied simply.

''I think that I should be thanking you. The Daimyo and also leader of the shinobi of the Snow country have accepted to become the vassals of the Cloud. It seems that the Cloud is finally starting to grow in both power as in influence.'' He said back. Pausing for a moment, he decided to ask her a question. ''But for your next task, I must ask rather something more personally. If you had a chance to protect Kumogakure, would you even be willing to turn against those who you are sworn to defend?''

"I am glad that it was such a success, I would not have liked to dissapoint you," Katsumi replied back uniformly. Again bowing her head in respect, she looked back up rather sharply at his question. "Well, if I have to protect Kumogakure by turning against those I was sworn to protect then that is what I have to do, the village itself comes before individuals, does it not?" Katsumi answered. She was still rather shocked by his question, wondering why he was asking such a thing.

Her question seemed to make the man think. With the mask it wasn't possible to see if her answer pleased him or disappointed him. ''Well enough. I will not beat around the bush. As you may have notice is that there is always improvement for the security to be better. I have plans where I intend to have more check points and watching over people.'' Takeru explained to her, letting his words sink as he introduced a pause. ''Though all and all that would help, what I think Kumogakure needs is a capable Guard commander.'' After his words, the masked Raikage would stop and see what her reaction would be.

She listened, nodding at appropiate times and keeping a blank expression. Not wanting to reveal anything to the masked kage yet, even as her heart skipped a few beats as he spoke. "People do need to be watched over," Katsumi commented after paused. Then continued to listen, a capable Guard Commander and she tried to think the individual that he could be refering to. "A capable Guard Commander would be a good person to have," she said, trying to connect the dots.

''Good that you agree.'' Takeru said with a polite and friendly tone. ''The duties of the Guard Commander wouldn't be that hard. In manner of speaking that is.'' Takeru briefly chuckled at the choice of his words before he would continue, in a more serious fashion and tone. ''I wish you to become the Guard Commander. Your duties will to ensure that peace is being kept in Kumogakure, but also needing to act together with the ANBU or Jounin commander to ensure that peace in the Lightning or any vassalized country is being kept. For that you will be given an office within this building as an own police division that will be following your leadership. Do you have any questions?''

Katsumi finally put the pieces together, yet she said nothing as he spoke about the duties the Guard Commander would entail. After a single mission, she was already being promoted, it seemed a bit odd to her but who was she to question it. In her honest opinion, she thought she could have done a better job but if the Lord Raikage said she did well enough to get promoted then so be it. "I am surprised that you wish for me to take such an inportant role in the village, after one mission... But I have no questions to ask," Katsumi said. Still somewhat in shock from what he was telling her.

''I have studied your profie and though it is indeed after one missions, I am organizing a better system in Kumogakure. Our defenses need to be tightened so that we can prevent civil unrest as well trying to counter any spy activities.'' Takeru told her. ''With our influence and might growing, we need to be sure that our potential rivals and enemies don't manage or at least have a hard time to sneak into the Cloud or attempt to incite any civil unrest.''

Nodding slowly, wrapping her mind around the fact that it was just after a single successfull mission rather than a series of them. "I am honored that you think me capable enough to take the position, Lord Raikage," Katsumi replied. Her heart rate seemed to settle down a bit as the conversation, after all, it wasn't bad thing that she was getting promoted. She would get her own section of shinobi and an office in the building, it was good.

''Good.'' Takeru was glad that she would take the position. ''I do hope that you won't get too much work. I rather have that the peace will stay present and that we don't have to deal with anything bigger than petty crimes.'' Having said that, Takeru thought about something. ''I do assume that you're capable of knowing how to deal with law enforcing? Like, some people are diplomatic immune unles I give the order?'' Not that he really doubted her, but Takeru decided to ask the questions.

Doubting that there would be much of anything overly problematic for her to deal with, she nodded and focused more of her attention on what he was saying. Petty crimes would most likely be the most of it but there could be the few who dared to go bigger and they would certainly regret that now. "I am aware of how to handle such troublesome people, and the few that are diplomatic immune are seemingly above the laws, I understand," Katsumi answered, looking to the Raikage for further instruction.

Getting the idea that she understood the purpose of the Guard commander to be the head of the police force, Takeru nodded. ''Good, very good. Now do you have any questions before I will send word that an office should be installed for you, next to the other requirments.'' He asked of her, waiting patiently to hear out any questions she could have for him. Meanwhile he was thinking about what he had to deal or arrange more before he would leave to the Chuunin Exams.

Shaking her head in reply to his question, she stood there and thought of what she would do first. In her mind, maybe she should check with the clans present in Kumogakure and then with the merchants? "Thank you, Lord Raikage," Katsumi said simply.

''You're welcome. I trust you with this the office of the Guard Commander. Hope that you can help to keep things peaceful in and around Kumogakure.'' Takeru friendly replied. One of the double doors of his office was opened and Takeru would continue his previous work. There were some files that he wanted to read before he would make his leave.

"I am glad that you have confidence in me," Katsumi, glancing at the now open doors. She understood, bowed her head once more and took her leave, walking slowly back to her home where she was greeted by the soft sounds of her owl companions. She wondered if she would need to install perches there for them. "A promotion is nice," Katsumi said.

It was around noon. Kiyomi looked outside of the window, sighing out loud. Today wouldn't be that fun as she had once planned. The morning, where she had managed to finish most paperwork was somehow more boring and dull than ever before. It was like there was some depressing cloud hanging over the headquarters of the Guardians. Putting the pencil she was holding with her right hand down on the desk, she briefly rubbed her eyes. ''Kazuo-san, is he nearby?'' Kiyomi muttered, but as she glanced at the butler, the man shook his head. I hate this. She thought to herself. ''Can you please make sure that nobody will bother me?'' She mumbled, looking back at the papers in front of her. How many times had she read them? Was this the fifth time today? Hearing the man walking out of the room, there was only one thing she could do.

Wait.

Ah... Today's that day again. Tatsuya thought, opening the door to his house to see the familiar rabbit standing. His hair was messy as well as his eyes tired. First time I'm late... Damn. I can't make excuses either. What am I gonna do? The boy cringed. "Tell here I'll be there, please," he said with a weary voice and slid the door shut.

Several minutes later, Tatsuya was in front of Kiyomi's door with Kazuo blocking the way. "Ah... Kazuo-san. Good morning," he said with a bland tone. Making a bow towards the young Hon, the silent butler moved out of Tatsuya's way as he opened the door for him. Once Tatsuya had entered the office, the door was softly closed behind him. Standing in front of the window, Kiyomi had her hands at her back. ''You're late.'' Was her greeting, though there was something odd about her tone. It wasn't harsh or stern.

"I... forgot," he said solemnly, looking at the shadow-consumed side of the desk. "I'm sorry. I have no excuse." His eyes ran from hers, not revealing the look that could convince someone as perceptive as Kiyomi otherwise. According to their deal, he'd failed the "one-month test". For some time it stayed quite as Kiyomi still stood at the window, looking over her shoulder. Turning her head to look out of the window, she spoke again. ''Take a seat, pup.'' She calmly said. It would take several seconds before she turned around and would sit down herself. Staring with a more neutral look at Tatsuya, she was considering how she would begin. There was nobody else but them in the room. Not even Samehada was present, but Kiyomi wouldn't need him today.

''I take it that you realize you have failed the test I have given you?'' She asked him calm and rather polite.

By the time Kiyomi had turned around, Tatsuya had sunk into the seat, slumped forward. He didn't answer the question. He was well aware of the conditions. Once every three days, no matter what. The boy had his hands locked into one another, held up against his forehead with his thumbs dividing his hair. ''Which means that our training that we had stops from now on.'' She calmly told him. Her right hand went forward to the pile of documents. Grabbing one out of the pile, she placed it on the table and shoved it towards him. ''But you have the full right to call yourself now my student. Welcome to Team 2.'' There was a smile adoring her face, thought it was a sad one.

Tatsuya didn't flinch at the news. He sat as he was for a few moments before raising his head. It had a pathetic expression on it. "I see," he said quietly. That's what that question meant, huh... He reached out for the document she'd held out for him after a moment. He examined it for a second or two before putting it back on the desk. Normally he would be thanking her and be all excited about a news like this or be extremely disappointed and angry at himself for failing at a simple task but neither of these expressions could be found on the boy's face.

Noticing the look and reaction of Tatsuya, Kiyomi stared at the document. It hadn't worked like she had hoped for. But somewhere there was a whisper that told her that she already had seen it coming. Besides, wouldn't she react the same way? ''I guess that I am not the best with being kind and wise. I need to learn a lot about life, politics, leadership and many other things.'' Kiyomi started. She kept talking in the calm and polite manner, trying to not sound like she pitied him. ''But if there is one thing I do have learned about it, is about what is inside of me.'' Placing a hand on her stomach, her smile became more genuine. ''It won't ease the pain nor cheer you up, but I am a jinchuriki too. Been one for quite some time and I can tell you stories about how I experienced it.'' Becoming silent, she was trying to figure out what she could say and what not. It was just a bit hard. The wary feeling that he had the Tailed Beast that Matatabi disliked so much was something she could very lightly sense, but she didn't want to sense it. It was a strange experience.

''I think that the illusion of telling that you are my student cause you wished for it won't work. You have been assigned in my team, because they believe that I can help you. Truth be told,'' Kiyomi's facial experience became a bit colder. ''The only one capable of helping you, is yourself. Do you understand all of this, Tatsuya?''

The expression on his face failed to fade away as he listened to Kiyomi's lecture. When she was done speaking a faint smile appeared on his face for a moment but suppressed itself as quickly as it surfaced. "I do, sensei," he said. "I like the word pupil more, though." It was reassuring to know that he could hear something he could believe to be completely sincere from her. If she had just said "it's not that bad" or "you'll be alright", he wouldn't have felt anything but...

''Good. Then that means I can keep calling you... pup.'' She raised her chin, crossing her arms out front of her chest. ''After all, now as member of Team 2, I must be harsher with you during training sessions. There won't be any slacking. No excuses and not arguing about my orders.'' She started to sum up, with a stern tone. But it faded away as she took a pause. ''But in exchange, I will help you out. I can relate how you feel after all.'' Lowering her chin, there was a more sad expression revealed on her face. ''I think that saying things like ''I'm sorry'' or such will not work now? I know that I would start to boil by the mere thought somebody would say such words to me when it happened to me.''

Tatsuya nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, smiling faintly once more. "I have someone to catch up to, after all, Kiyomi-san--" Closing his eyes and bringing one hand to his mouth, he cleared his throat. "Sensei," he ended the sentence, though it was rather obvious that he'd done it on purpose from his tone. She simply shook her head lightly. ''Kiyomi-san or sensei. I don't mind either, pup. As long you talk with respect, you can expect the same.'' She said. Thinking about something, she decided to ask a question. ''But lets talk about something else now. Do you have any questions about Team 2 by any chance?''

"You know my methods, Kiyomi-san," he said. "I like to see things for myself. Any questions I might have right now will undoubtedly be answered soon." He stood up with his arms at his sides. "May I be excused, then, sensei?" Kiyomi thought about it and shook her head. ''No, you're not. We aren't done yet. Cause I take it that you have been told to stay silent about what you have sealed inside of you. But I want to emphasize that as your sensei that I am always willing to talk about it. I can talk out of experience that it can be.. frustrating.'' After saying that, she sighed. Leaning back in her seat, she then nodded to Tatsuya. ''You may go. Don't be late next time though.''

"Thank you," Tatsuya said, bowing. "And I won't, sensei." After raising himself, he turned around and left the room. The moment the door shut, the boy sighed, his face slightly reverting to its original expression. He marched back home, disappearing into the darkness of his room.

Entering the arena, Shikaroku was hit with the bright morning sun. Taking a moment to let his eyes adjust, he looked around the arena and frowned. Great... He thought staring at the desert in front of him. There were a few large boulders scattered about, but mostly a lot of sand. Several dunes rose up, giving the arena a realistic feel to it, and as Shikaroku stepped out into the sand, he could feel the heat radiating throughout the place.

Walking towards the center of the arena, Shikaroku stood near the top of one of the dunes. He looked around to gain his bearings before turning to wait for his opponent. A thought struck him and Shikaroku took the bandanna that Hiron had given him and tied it around the back of his neck.

Slowly dragging his feet through the entrance of the arena, Deidara was blinded by the very bright sun and also felt the heat all around him. He figured that his mist techniques might be more effective in this heat, but he wasn't sure yet, nor did he really care. They sent him here because they deemed him to be ready for the exam, when he felt the only thing he was ready for is staying in his bed and rotting in there. After noticing his legs started to slightly sink into the sank, he made a couple of proper steps to release them and made his way slowly to one of the dunes, standing on it and giving his opponent a very depressed look.

Hmm. Shikaroku thought upon seeing his opponent. The other boy certainly didn't seem enthused to be here. Observing his opponent carefully for a long moment, Shikaroku said nothing, nor did he make any move to start the match just yet. Finaly, he let out a sigh and formed the seal of confrontation.

Staring at his opponent with the same depressed look for a while, Deidara wondered if the other boy even considered him worthy to fight him, seeing that he was not doing anything or saying anything. After a couple of minutes the boy formed the seal of confrontation, and slightly shivering, he formed the seal as well. He was wondering if there was any point of putting any effort or not into it.

Seeing the corresponding seal, Shikaroku's hands travelled to his pouch and he pulled out several shuriken. Throwing them towards his opponent, he prepared himself to watch how the other boy would react.

Upon seeing the incoming shurikens, Deidara sighed and formed three seals before letting out of his mouth a strong burst of water which stopped all the shurikens before stopping. Looking at his opponent, he figured that he should try and attack back him, but he didn't see a lot of use with it, so he formed three other seals and out of his mouth came out 20 water butterflies which started to circle around him. He then looked at Shikaroku again, trying to figure out if she should send bursts of butterflies or just all at once.

Seeing his opponent use water release, Shikaroku was happy he had already gleaned at least a little information so early. As Deidara surrounded himself with the strange water butterflies, Shikaroku briefly frowned before pulling out two kunai with explosive tags attached. Instead of throwing them directly towards his opponent, Shikaroku threw one down towards the sand in front of the other boy and one to the side of him. The kunai were far enough away that they wouldn't cause Deidara harm from the explosions, but that wasn't the point. Shikaroku formed the seal to activate the tags as they struck the sand, sending large bursts of loose sand towards Deidara.

Seeing the two kunai with the explosive tags being thrown to his side and front, Deidara wondered what the boy was trying to do before the explosions from the tags sent large bursts of sand towards Deidara. Sending the water butterflies at the sand, he managed to stop most of the sand by having the water butterflies impact the sand bursts, and then he closed his eyes for a moment as a bit of sand came at him. Forming three seals as the sand struck him, he let out of his mouth six fire butterflies this time after the sand fell down and sent them towards Shikaroku, aiming to make them spin around his opponent very close to him, wanting to try and prevent him from doing any seals or throwing anything else at him.

Moving from his position as soon as the sand shot up around Deidara, Shikaroku pulled out his chain scythes. He was not far away from the other boy now, so Shikaroku swung the weapon around and sent one of the ends surging towards his opponent. The chain would allow him to shift the scythe's momentum if necessary. He caught a glimpse of the fire butterflies heading towards his last position, and realized that he would need to be quick with his strike, else Deidara would likely shift the fire butterflies towards him again.

Opening his eyes and seeing the incoming scythe, Deidara decided to move just a bit to the side so it still hit him, but only did a scratch. That single moment, however, made all of the fire butterflies vanish. Thinking for a moment what he should next while keeping an eye on his opponent, he decided to just go all out. At least that way there was a chance of him dying from a lack of chakra. He activated his small mist and charged forward, aiming to hide in it and try to strike his opponent from up close.

Only, Deidara would find himself unable to move forwards. With their shadows now linked, Shikaroku had activated the shadow imitation technique, forcing Deidara's actions to mimic his own. Lowering the scythe to the ground, Shikaroku focused his chakra for a moment longer, stretching the shadow slightly so that his hold was stronger. Reaching into his weapons pouch, Shikaroku pulled out a kunai. Gripping the weapon tightly for a moment, he glanced around, looking for the refferee of the match. What he was about to do... Shikaroku wasn't aware how much the refs would act in the match, but he hoped they would intervene shortly. Drawing the weapon back, Shikaroku sent it flying towards Deidara's chest.

Now it was coming towards him. The final blow. Will this be the hit to end all of his sufferring, or will it merely be another hit to his damned body? Deidara hoped for what seemed like the better option in his eyes as he closed his eyes and felt the kunai strike his chest, and shortly afterwards making him fall backwards. He felt the blood start to go out from his chest and blinked a couple of times, wondering how long this might take.

Before Shikaroku could make another move suddenly two shinobi appeared between the two combatants. "The match is over." One of them said, turning to the Nara beckoning him to stop the technique and step back. The other ninja rushed over to the boy on the ground his hands flaring up green as soon as he arrived. It was not in the aim of the exam to let any of its fighters die after all. Though accidents could happen of course.

Letting the shadow retract, Shikaroku took a step backwards, stunned. He had expected the ref to intervene before the blade had hit Deidara, but everything had happened so fast. The look on the other boy's face... he had almost seemed... No. That was impossible. His mind reeling, Shikaroku turned around, trying to see into the audience, hoping to spot either Hiron or Aiko. He couldn't make out anyone though... That's when the migraine kicked in. Groaning with the sudden pain, Shikaroku fell to his knees, clutching his head. Reaching into his pouch quickly, Shikaroku withrew his medicine. Popping a few of the pills into his mouth, he swallowed, waiting for the pain to subside.

As the one shinobi was attempting to give Deidara first-aid the other looked back to Shikaroku as soon as he heard the groaning. Seeing the Genin on the ground the man sighed softly. "We are getting them out of here." He said. With a short wave a couple more shinobi appeared to carry Deidara away and draw Shikaroku up to have him leave the arena as well. And with that the field was empty again.