Sitting in his office, Takeru was curious. It wasn't often that he was requested to receive audiance from a civilian. At least, during his reign he hadn't received ever such a request. Then as he thought about it, the person who had requested an audiance with him wasn't an ordinary civilian. Not in his opinion. It was one of the few that he had respect for, but that was another story. Reading a book about a particular clan, Takeru didn't have his Tasmanian devils near his desk. And to not give an intimidating impression, only one ANBU guard would be present at the double doors that would lead to his spacious office.

For the first time in a long while Chie Ariyama was interfering with the life that ran around the job her daughter had chosen for herself. When Midori had first decided that she was going to become a ninja Chie had said that that was fine. And she had pulled back because she herself had no skills of a shinobi whatsoever and neither wanted to gain them. With proudness she had watched how her daughter learned skills she could never dream of and became Genin. She hadn't stepped in when she went on dangerous missions, hadn't stopped Midori when she went to parties, she hadn't even objected when her daughter, her little baby, had been chosen to became a Jinchuuriki as they called it. Honestly, Chie knew what it meant. She had understood the consequences way better then Midori herself. That was until Shoji had dropped a bomb on everything. Midori hadn't been the same. She had been traumatized and yet she managed to get back up. She found a new way. Everything seemed right until it went wrong again.

But this was it. With recents events in the back of her mind Chie had decided that this was definitaly it. She was not letting this happen all over again. She was not having her girl disappear again. No, she couldn't handle that again.

That was why the mother of Midori Sato was currently approaching the office of the Raikage. A rather unorthodox visit really and she knew it, but was only glad that the Raikage had accepted her request. With small steps she arrived before the doors of the office and made a bow to the ANBU seemingly not intimidated at all by the tall and rising figure of the secret agent. "I have an audience with the Raikage." She told the man.

Silently the ANBU nodded as he opened the door for Chie. Stepping aside so that the woman could enter the office, he would slowly close the door behind her. The masked man behind the desk kept reading the book for a second before he slowly closed it. Looking up, he got up from his seat and made a short bow towards Chie. ''A good afternoon, Miss Ariyama. It is a honor to receive you.'' The man friendly greeted her. Straighten his back, he gestured to the chair that had been set for her. ''I hope that you're well.'' He continued, quite friendly and polite.

Calmly Chie made a bow back and then proceeded to carefully sit down on the chair. Her movements were light and slow, but done with a certain precision. "Thank you for receiving me, sir." She answered the man with another polite nod. "And I am doing quite alright considering the circumstances, thank you for asking." She placed her hands on her lap and folded them slowly over each other. "If I am allowed to speak?" she asked questioning, giving the masked man before her a look.

''Please, speak and ask. I will do my best to answer your questions, Miss Ariyama.'' Takeru replied to her. ''But would you like to drink something? Eat? I can easily let it be brought if you desire anything.'' After offering her a beverage and something to eat, Takeru leaned a bit back in his seat. He had a few guesses what she came to talk or ask about. It was quite obvious, but Takeru didn't want to jump to conclussions, yet.

"Thank you, but please don't go through the trouble of preparing something. I am quite fine. And thank you." The woman gave another short nod towards the man who had graciously allowed her to speak her mind. "I'm sure that you already know the topic that I am going to address as it is the only topic I can say anything about in this shinobi world. I want to have a word about my daughter. Midori." Chie paused for a second as if she was assessing her words. "I have..." she started slowly, "I have always understood that there were risks in the life of a shinobi. I have long since accepted that there was a possiblity that Midori wouldn't come back from one of the missions you send her on. But I also believed in the capabilities of her peers and the leadership of her teachers and supervisors. I understood that she could get hurt, I understood that it wouldn't be easy, but what I always understood is that she would have a home to come back to. A home that would do everything to keep its subjects safe."

The woman paused for a second. Her gaze was still resting on the mask and the look wasn't wavering. The words she spoke came from her heart.

"And this has been graciously given to us for a long time even though both Midori and me don't originate from this city. We were accepted as members and Midori made herself a future along with a home where she was happy. That was until one day when I was met with a daughter who wouldn't speak to me anymore. One that locked herself away in her room, in her mind, one that didn't move, didn't go out, didn't live." Chie's gaze became stern. "I thought that I had lost her and I had no idea what had happened. Midori wouldn't speak to me about the events and Miss Sanosuke, who had indeed told me of the dangers, only told me that the city was saved because of my girl. But for me it wasn't saved. My daughter was gone.

Luckily for me, Midori talks in her sleep and slowly I was able to get the pieces of the puzzle and I understood. I understood what happened, I understood her fear and I understood how to help her get over it. And as you know she did. And she came back and controlled the beast and started living again."

Chie coughed, her hand moving up to her face to cover it. "Excuse me." She said and continued. "What I also understood was that Miss Sanosuke had used my girl to save Kumogakure, Midori's home. And I forgave her, because protecting one's home is important and Midori saw that too. I though this was behind us. There is no imminent danger on the city. There is no attack close by, no threat and yet I find myself in the same position." Chie's voice hadn't changed in tone but it was clear that this was the actual subject she came to discuss.

"I find myself with a scared girl who doesn't want to talk to me, a girl who shuts me out. And this is not because of the fact that her boyfriend died during a mission. I know as much. That is causing sadness both for her and for me, but that is not causing fear. The fear has one origin and I know where it comes from. It comes from Miss Sanosuke." Chie's hands still lay folded on her lap and she hadn't moved, but now she raised them as to assist to her words.

"I am not here to demand anything. I hardly have the power to do so, or the right. I'm simply here to ask, to beg, that this stops. Stop making my girl afraid of the city she is living in. Cause this time I am afraid I will not get her back, and I cannot live with that."

Takeru had paid attention to what Chie told him, paying attention to her tone and expression of her face. He thought about what she told him and after several moments, he made a gesture with his right hand. A simple gesture that looked like he waved something away. ''Please, don't beg. I prefer people who ask instead of beg.'' Though it was clear that the talk wasn't one to be joking about, Takeru didn't want to look too serious. But he remembered that he had a little girl at home, an orphan that he saw as his own daughter. Trying to imagine what kind of burden Midori's mother had made Takeru clear his throat. ''What I mean is that you ask something I can understand. Not just as a leader of a village, but as somebody that cares for her child. However, I hope you understand that I can't order Miss Sanosuke to stop her work.'' Letting that sink in for a moment, Takeru would continue with his reply.

''Though I greatly feel sorry for the discomfort for both your daughter as for you, I must confess that the treatment so far has enabled us to understand how a jinchuriki works. Not just on the terms of personality and treatment, but I have to tell you that Miss Sanosuke has managed to figure out how a sealed Beast can affect a child's body. Without needing to cut them open, forgive me for saying that.'' Taking another pause, Takeru tried to think of what he more could say. Classified details were a no, even if it could help to change Chie's opinion and view on the situation. Even as a mother of the jinchuriki, Takeru saw too many problems with doing that.

''However, like I said, I clearly see your point. I can't say that I can relate to it, as I don't have a jinchuriki. But I can't let my personal opinion hamper my decision on this. Or confront my assistant to change her efficient work to a manner where we won't be able to learn and better protect the jinchuriki's. I hope you can understand that.'' Takeru said, the friendly tone fading away as he sounded more serious as worried. Almost like he wasn't a Kage, but as he was speaking as a father.

"I'm not asking for Miss Sanosuke to stop her work. I am not saying that this work isn't important. Its significance is not lost on me, sir. That is not what I am pleading here for." Chie replied calmly. "I am sure that Midori would be happy to assist the village. She would surely answer all of the questions about Gyuki and would surely let you figure out how Tailed Beasts really fit within our society. She understands the relevance as much as I do. The only thing I am asking is that I won't find my daughter dead to the world on her bed, locked in her own mind, after every session. Surely, whatever this research is doing it can be done in a humane and decent way. Midori is not an animal you can experiment on. But she is someone who wants to serve her village. I don't want to say anything about Miss Sanosuke or her methods, I know she works hard, but something is not working her and at this rate I will lose my daughter."

Raising his right hand to his chin, Takeru pondered on her words. There were a few decisions he could take. Dismissing Chie and sending her away was the easiest of them. It could be done at any moment, but the problem was that it could effect Midori in an even worse manner. Even to the point that Takeru wouldn't be sure if she would be loyal to the village if he would do that. Then he could try to convince the worried mother, but he already saw that it was a dead end. Then he thought of another option. A bit unorthodox in his opinion, but he saw little harm in it.

''I understand. Though I have to admit that I haven't thought of a better manner, a more human one, as the results have always enabled us to progress, I think I know a suitable option, Miss Ariyama.'' Takeru said. He placed his hands on the table as he spoke with a friendly and calm tone. ''As a leader I need to make sure that we will understand as able to make use of the gift your daughter has. As a Raikage I see a gifted young girl that has done what most consider impossible. Taming a Tailed Beast is a feat that hasn't been performed for ages. If not, ever.'' Though Takeru took a small pause, he moved his left hand to the book he had been reading. It was the one he had taken several days out of his personal library. A book that was written about the Sato clan. ''Though I became aware that what I am reading might not help me fully understand the ways of how the nomadic clan works, I have started to read about the Sato Clan.'' The fingers of his left hand patted the book as he chuckled. ''Though it may sound irrelevant to what we are discussing now, I think I know a solution to this situation.'' Turning his eyes back to Chie, Takeru cleared his throat again as he wanted to sound more serious.

''What I am going to suggest is that I will from now on will keep a personal eye on Midori. This way I can try to indulge myself in the research as well prevent your daughter from any treatment, she might consider harsh.'' Hoping that his suggestion would be favoured by the woman, Takeru decided to add something to it. ''I can't however promise any change as I can't take her in as my personal student, I can however try to make the research more.. humane.''

Chie was silent for a moment then she bowed her head to the man. "Thank you." She said slowly. "I can't ask for more than that." She raised her head and calmly assessed the man again. "As for understanding the way of a nomadic clan..." A slightly smile passed over her lips. "I would gladly answer any questions you might have now, sir. And I am sure Midori would love to do the same." She wasn't sure why the Raikage was delving into the matter of the clan. They weren't directly linked to the city after all. But Chie expected that the man was trying to learn more about his Jinchuuriki in his own way.

Glad that she accepted the suggestion, Takeru was however pondering on how he would approach the situation in the back of his mind. Not yet sure what the opinion was of Midori about him, best would be a more cautious and friendly approach. Takeru was personally worried that Midori had developed a cautious and wary attitude towards the higher up of Kumogakure after her experience with Asami. ''I am honored, Miss Ariyama.'' Takeru smiled, though the mask would obscure that from her. ''The man that wrote this book doesn't always stay on track on what is important. I don't want to sound like I am complaining, but when I have to read through notes and research that seems like some whinning that the subject clan doesn't appeal to a certain view, then it doesn't read that smoothly.'' Though the man had said he didn't want to sound like he was complaining, he added a half complaining kind of tone to his voice to lighten up the conversation.

"I wasn't even aware that a book had been written on the subject of our clan." Chie replied smiling slightly at the jest the Raikage was making. "As for not appealing to a certain view... Our clans must look strange in the eyes of those that are shinobi as we look strangely upon them. Our ways are different and thus our paths in life are. Let a Sato write a book about a shinobi clan and you might encounter the same problem. But as I said, you are free to ask me anything sir. Our clan doesn't hold many secrets that I can't tell."

Though he was supposed to act as a leader. A leader of one of the strongest five faction and nation, Takeru couldn't help it. Growing curious, he sounded more and more like he loosened up by the turn of the conversation that happened. ''I wouldn't call the clan strange. I hail from a clan that is smaller than most others and though the ways between the two are very different, there are some similarities. I do like the idea however about a Sato writing a book about a shinobi clan.'' Takeru could already imagine it. From what he understood, he was expecting a book full of questions why shinobi were so fixed on warfare and not trying to use their skills on improving the agriculture or such fields. ''So, about your clan.''

Yawning, Kiyomi rubbed her eyes. Though it was 11 o clock, she was quite tired. The paperwork and studying yesterday had left her kind of tired. Maybe it was a better idea to postpone the shopping with Katsu? It had left her to work harder to get the paperwork done. Not to mention her futher study about several subjects. But today was too good. Though she kind of was irritated that she still had to act like Hayate was a close friend and student, she was glad that she could spend some time with him. With three shadow clones covering the work that was still left, she was also grateful that she could something like that.

Biting her lower lip, Kiyomi glanced at her outfit. Wearing a short skirt, with dark leggins, she stuffed her hands into the pockets of the darkbrown jacket she was wearing. The scarf around her neck felt comfortable and kept her warm, as today it wasn't that warm as it usually was. Maybe it would later rain? Judging by the clouds, it seemed so. Hiron liked that kind of weather, which made Kiyomi wonder why.

Stepping out of his room, Hayate adjusted his new coat. It felt strange on him still, despite beign nearly identical to his old one. For a split second he wondered whether or not he should have given the old one to Mimi, but then the memory of the girl's smile came back to him and he realized that he had made the right decision. Closing the door behind him, Hayate began making his way towards where he was supposed to meet with Kiyomi. He was happy that they would once again get to spend the day together, though he wished they didn't have to hold back and pretend to just be friends.

Sighing, Hayate stepped out into the cold air. He placed his hands in his pockets to keep them warm and continued with his walk. Catching sight of Kiyomi, Hayate stopped in his tracks. Why did she have to be so damned beautiful... Sighing again, Hayate realized that this was going to be a difficult day. "Hey you." He called out, his voice happy, and yet a little sad at the same time.

Looking at her right, she noticed Hayate. A smile whipped on her lips as she brushed a bang back behind her ear. ''Hey!'' She replied, happy as well. Though the thoughts about his clan were slowly drifting in the back of her mind, she managed to ignore them. ''New coat?'' She asked, eyeing the new clothing. For a moment she wondered where his old coat was, but remembered that he had given it to Mimi. ''It looks good.'' She said after a moment, nodding towards Hayate.

Blushing, Hayate lowered his head and mumbled something unintelligible. When he lifted his head back up he was smiling widely. "So what's the plan for today?" He walked forwards until they were standing barely a foot away from each other. At the moment Hayate didn't care if they seemed a little too close, he just enjoyed being near her.

''I actually have to attend to a meeting with Kazuo and some leading staff of the teahouse next to Azumi. I also want to continue my study on some subjects, as I think there is more to learn about electromagnetisme.'' She answered. Extending her arm towards him, she continued. ''But luckily my shadow clones are capable of doing that. So, what about just taking lunch somewhere?'' Was her suggestion.

For a moment his face fell as Kiyomi mentioned all that she had planned. Hayate had hoped they would be able to spend most of the day together, and disappointment began to fill him. When she mentioned her shadow clones however, Hayate's face lit up. Reaching out, he took hold of her arm and smiled. "Lunch sounds good Kiyomi, but... Will you be able to eat this time?" He asked, concern filling his voice as he remembered what plagued her.

''Sadly, no. I have taken my medicine in already. I can only eat a bit of a salad and that is about it. Wanted to take you to a new restaurant that is being opened today. Not sure if they are good, but only know once we tried.'' Smiling, she started to walk already. ''Of course, I have send a note to Leo to see if he can join us later, but he mentioned that it would be likely later. He wanted to try some training, so I had to make a shadow clone to oversee his training. And tell him that he won't join the Exams this time.''

Nodding his head, Hayate was still unsure. He hated taking Kiyomi to places that she couldn't fully enjoy. A part of him felt saddened by the news of Leo not being able to join the exams as well. "I hope he takes the news well, I know things have not been easy for him lately." Following along beside Kiyomi, Hayate hoped that things got easier between them. He knew that their chat from the rooftop was still fresh in both of their minds, and a part of him hoped that Kiyomi did not still hold it against him. But thinking about it now would only ruin one of the few days he got to spend alone with Kiyomi. "What type of restaurant is it?" He asked, trying to get his mind off his thoughts.

''He will likely. I have my own reasons. That and he is maybe a bit young. Though that sounds a tad hypocrite coming from me.'' She couldn't but to smile as she thought about it. Yes, she knew that Leo could have a shot. But then again, a bit of more experience before being tossed into the deep was maybe the better option. ''I thought it was some kind of barbeque restaurant. Or just where you need to grill your own meat after ordering it. I heard an old man talking about it when I visited the teahouse to get some coffee.''

Thinking about the food, Hayate couldn't help his mouth from watering slightly. It sounded delicious. "That should be fun! I will do my best to not be a pig like last time we had lunch though." Grinning sheepishly, he thought back to the time with Katsu, where he had ended up eating both plates of sushi. Continuing to walk, Hayate glanced over at Kiyomi, feeling a flush of warmth as he looked at her.

She started to laugh as she could remember what he meant. ''Hahaha, you were a bit too... eager. It is okay however.'' She said. The bang that she had brushed and pushed behind her left ear was slowly getting at the side of her face again. Sighing, she tried to blow it away, but then decided to ignore it. ''It should be here around the corner.'' She stated, but as they would walk around the corner, they would bump against somebody. ''Huh?''

Opening his mouth to say something in reply, Hayate's jaw fell instead. "Hayate-san!?" The all too familiar voice asked, sounding surprised. Crap, crap crap... Hayate thought to himself, looking for a way out of the current situation. "Uh..."

"Holy cow! Is this your girlfriend!?" Meryn asked, causing Hayate to blush profusely, stumbling over his words. He was frozen to the spot. And for a moment, Kiyomi was also frozen. She slowly eyed Hayate and started to frown. ''Girlfriend? As in close friend?'' She then eyed the person who had made the assumption. She disliked it that people just assumed such a thing. Yes, she didn't feel any shame to be close to Hayate, but why did it always end up happening that people thought that they were in a relationship? When she had walked like this with Katsu, nobody ever made such an assumption! Pulling out her free arm and hand out of her jacket, she extended it towards the person in front of her.

''Hello, I am his sensei and close friend.'' Kiyomi said, placing some clear emphasis on the last word before she flashed a smile. ''Kiyomi.'' Nodding his head in agreement with Kiyomi, Hayate was still flustered. He hadn't seen Meryn in over a year now and when he had last spoke with him, it hadn't been on the best of terms. Hayate still thought that the other boy must hate him, especially for what happened to their team...

"So does that mean you're available then?" Meryn asked, one eyebrow raised inquisitively. His tone switched to one of full confidence. "The name's Meryn, Meryn Rheed. It is an absolute pleasure to meet you Kiyomi." Bowing his head, the boy flashed her his most dashing grin. His eyes quickly flashed to Hayate when he bowed however, hoping to catch his reaction. Seeing the spark of barely repressed rage in Hayate's eyes, Meryn knew that his initial assumption had been correct. Standing back to his full height with a smile, Meryn shifted his glance between the two people standing in front of him. "It has been too long Hayate-san. What are you two up to?"

''We were heading to the new restaurant.'' Kiyomi answered in Hayate's stead. She kept her smile up, but felt a bit unsure. Though she was sometimes quick to catch on with several things, she was wondering what Meryn wanted to achieve with the question. ''If you mean avaible to train, I am afraid that I am too busy to help you with that.'' She politely said, still wondering where the two knew each from. Her eyes were however fixed on Meryn for now.

Hayate was too busy wishing that Meryn would just somehow disappear to actually answer, so he was happy when Kiyomi replied for him.

"Oh? You mean Sakura's? I was just actually heading there myself! You two should join us!" Meryn said, his voice still enthusiastic despite Hayate's glare. Hayate's face shifted into a look of puzzlement. "Who's us?" He asked hestitantly, already afraid of the answer.

"We were actually getting the old group back together and meeting up for lunch! I think they'd like to see you again Hayate! You're hard to get a hold of these days."

This earned Hayate a puzzled glance from Kiyomi. He had friends? She had always thought he was quite introverted, but to hear that he had a group of friends was new. But it sounded fun. ''I would like that.'' She said, a smile present on her lips. Though she could guess that Hayate would rather lunch alone with her, it would be awkward if they would go there and isolate themselves. Besides, she was becoming very curious how these people were.

"Uhh..." Glancing at Kiyomi, Hayate desperately tried to think of a way out of this situation. Realizing that he was doomed, at least for now, Hayate sighed. The look in his eyes as he glanced at Kiyomi was one of pleading, but it was too late now. "I guess we could join you but, uh... we can't stay for too long."

Clapsing his hands together with a satisfying sound, Meryn grinned. "Excellent! Follow me!" Turning on his heel, Meryn led the pair to the restaurant and entered ahead of them. "Now... where are they..." He muttered to himself, scanning the room. "Ah! There we go!" He exclaimed excitedly, spotting the rest of the group. Waving Hayate and Kiyomi over with one hand, Meryn made his way over to the large table.

"Meryn! Late again, as always." Chen chuckled as Meryn approached. Spotting someone walking up behind Meryn, Tona leaned over, her eyes widening in surprise. "Is that, is that Hayate!?" Suddenly all eyes at the table shifted from Meryn back to Hayate and Kiyomi. Meryn turned and scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "I found him out wandering the streets with his lovely... friend." Meryn said, winking at the two of them when he said friend.

Hayate's face grew beet red and he shuffled awkwardly where he stood. "Uh... hi."

"Well aren't you going to introduce us?!" Dalin called out with a smile.

Turning his head to glance at Kiyomi, Hayate was at a loss for words. "Uh... well, this is Kiyomi-sama. She is my sensei. And these are um..." Not really sure what to call them, Hayate simply pointed to each one in turn. "Meryn, Chen, Dalin, Tona and..." His voice faltered as he saw the fifth person sitting at the table. The boy had remained quiet the entire time, and he had yet to look at Hayate or Kiyomi. The sleeve of his missing right arm had been pinned up near the shoulder, and Hayate's mind flashed back to that day in the forest. His voice was barely louder than a whisper as he said, "...Kinzo..."

''Pleasure to meet you all. '' Kiyomi said with a friendly smile, which was followed by a short bow in the groups direction. Brushing a bang out of her face, she had seen the person that hadn't spoken and seemed to miss an arm. Though she didn't pity the person, she had an idea that they were shinobi. But why had Hayate never mentioned a name of them? Looking at the seats, there wasn't a place where she and Hayate would fit next to each other. So it was either sitting next to Meryn or what she thought was Chen or was it Dalin? Deciding to sit next to Chen -or Dalin, Kiyomi placed her hands on her lap. ''I hope you all don't mind me joining.'' She said, still smiling.

Meryn couldn't quite hide the disappointment from his face as Kiyomi sat beside Dalin, but he quickly recovered, beckoning Hayate over to the seat beside him. "Absolutely not!" Chen and Dalin said in unison, looking quickly at each other before they burst out laughing.

Approaching the table, Hayate tried to hide the blush from his face. "So... uh, how are you guys?" He asked, looking around the group, his eyes holding on Kinzo for a moment longer than the rest.

"We are doing quite well thank you." Tona replied politely. "We have tried to get a hold of you a few times to meet up with us. We wanted to kind of keep everyone together you know? Everyone that's still here..." Her voice trailed off a little, and Hayate felt a slight sting. He still felt guilty, and he had avoided them, thinking that they all hated him... Now he just felt even worse.

Seeing the mood drop slightly, Meryn beamed at everyone and asked, "So Hayate! What is new with you? What have you been up to for the past year and a half?"

Glad that Dalin and Chen didn't mind her presence, Kiyomi tried to keep herself at the background. They seemed like a friendly bunch, so she was more and more wondering why Hayate had never told her of them. For a moment she was pondering if Hayate felt embarrassed by her. Or maybe he just wouldn't say it without her asking for it. Quite possible, she thought. When Tona then finished her sentence, Kiyomi got the idea that something had happened, making her banish the earlier thoughts away. Briefly she glanced around, trying to memorize the names correctly.

Pausing for a moment, Meryn's questions brought Hayate out of his thoughts. "Training mostly. I am also doing some work for Kiyomi's Teahouse. What about you guys? It's... it's been awhile. I am sorry if I've been avoiding you." Casting his eyes downwards, he waited for them to respond.

Chen was the first to respond to Hayate's question, "I guess you could say the same for most of us. Tona and Meryn wound up on the same team, but Dalin and I got separated. We were hoping to get into the exams this year, but so far only Meryn and Tona's sensei are letting them go."

"That's okay though!" Dalin added, "Gives us more time to get stronger so that we can kick butt next time!" He chuckled lightly and then smiled over at Kiyomi. "So you're Hayate's sensei now? How is he? Are you letting him join the exams this year?"

So they were students? Kiyomi became more interested in what kind of story or experiences they shared, but kept just listening. Until Dalin decided to ask her question. ''I was planning to let him join the Exams. Probably after some more training.'' She managed to say, a bit caught off guard by the question. Keeping up her smile, she wondered if she should ask a question back, but the first question that came up in her mind was to question how they knew each other. Judging by what Hayate had said, about avoiding them and such, Kiyomi decided to go with another question. ''So are you all also going to train and join the exams?''

"Meryn and I will be participating, and to be honest it's been a bit of a pain spending all of our time training for it, but I do hope that it's worth it." Tona responded with a friendly smile. "Dalin and Chen still haven't heard from their senseis whether or not they will be joining yet--"

"That doesn't stop us from training our butts off though!" Chen interrupted her. "Hopefully we get in... I'd like to think we've earned it." Dalin nodded his head and took a sip of his water.

"What about you, Kinzo...?" Hayate asked quietly, already worried that he knew the answer.

The quiet boy looked up, his face expressionless. "I'm not a shinobi anymore. Kinda hard with only one arm..." His voice held no malice, nor did it sound like he was complaining, but still Hayate felt a rush of guilt.

"I... I am sorry Kinzo-san." Hayate said finally, hoping that the other boy understood his sincerity. He was surprised when the boy offered a small smile in return. A sad smile, but a smile nevertheless.

"It's alright Hayate-sama, not like you were the one who cut it off after all. Besides, I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for you. So stop being so hard on yourself okay?"

The words made Hayate sit back in surprise. Never had he expected them to look at it like that. Noticing the turn, Kiyomi decided to say something as she gently kicked Hayate's leg. ''I am really glad to meet some friends of Hayate. So you all have known him for some time?'' Kiyomi asked. She had to change her question as she first wanted to ask if they were all shinobi. But after the exchange of words between Kinzo and Hayate, Kiyomi decided that it would be a stupid question. Or rather rude one.

Feeling the brief pain in his leg, Hayate looked up and threw a questioning glance at Kiyomi. He was about to say something when Meryn spoke up. "We were all squadmates back in the days of the rebellion. Hayate-san was our leader. He got us through when crap got rough."

"Not everyone..." Hayate said, so quietly that he wasn't sure anyone heard him.

"You shoulda seen him taking on those soldiers like they were nothing!" Chen added enthusiastically.

"I don't think any of us would have made it out of there if you hadn't have been the one leading us Hayate-sama." Tona said, smiling at him.

"I let you all down though... I let Yuki down... And Shurio... Even you, Kinzo... I should have been there sooner... I don't know that I can ever make up for that." Hayate said. He felt incredibly undeserving of their praise. If it hadn't have been for him, none of them would have gone on that last mission, none of them would have been injured... been lost.

"Shut up you idiot." Kinzo said quietly. "Every one of us here owes you their life. You were our leader Hayate, not because you were given the position, but because you earned it. We placed our lives in your hands knowing full well what the risks were. Yuki and Shurio knew the risks, and they chose to follow you anyways. They gave their lives for Konoha and that blood is on Shoji, not you."

Lowering his head, Hayate didn't know what to say. He couldn't meet anyone's gaze, he felt too ashamed. So instead of Hayate, Kiyomi decided to speak up. ''He is kind of an idiot, but I suppose that we could continue about that another time. Though if you all are interested, I have many tales about him being an idiot.'' Kiyomi whipped a friendly smile, hoping to give a more light and fun turn to the conversation. Thought it was meant as a joke, about Hayate being an idiot.

"Ooooh! Spill!" Tona said, leaning across the table, an eager expression filling her face. Hayate's face flushed a deep shade of red and he tried to shoot Kiyomi a wounded look, but ended up looking more like a sad puppy than anything.

Yeah, give us the details." Meryn piped in, relishing in the chance to get some dirt on Hayate.

Glancing towards Kinzo, Hayate was surprised to see the other boy flash him a brief smile and a nod. Managing a small nod in return, Hayate still didn't know what to think, but at least now he felt like he might finally be able to move forward and let go of a little bit of the guilt. Smiling, she decided to take a tale that his friends would like and not ashame him too much. ''It is always kind of the same..'' She started and went on about a mission where Hayate had ignored orders to keep helping her, while he actually kind of made it just harder for them all. Then she started on a second tale where she was more telling on how Hayate had managed to bring a good end to a mission, but often wanted to prevent any party from getting hurt if that was an option.

The group listened intently as Kiyomi recounted her stories, stories that Hayate remembered all too well. Blushing perfusely, he tried to hide his face from the others as they listened. "So it sounds like our old pal hasn't changed all that much huh?" Meryn remarked, giving Hayate a pat on the shoulder.

"You two have been on a lot of missions it seems." Tona mentioned, looking between the two. "Meryn and I have only done a few D and E ranked ones so far." She sounded a little disappointed, and a little envious at the tales of Kiyomi and Hayate. The response of Tona made Kiyomi think about it. She smiled as she pointed her right thumb towards herself. ''I am actually to blame for that. Normally, I wouldn't like the idea of sending genin on any higher ranked mission than D. After all, I have experienced troubles with genin being sent on a C ranked mission. But I kind of push... my students maybe a bit too hard.'' She said, lowering her hand as her smile started to fade. ''That and the more missions the more experience, right?''

Glancing up as Kiyomi mentioned pushing them too hard, Hayate cocked his head to the side, pondering. Tona seemed to accept the answer though, nodding her head and leaning back in her chair. Letting out a sigh she said, "That's a true enough point I suppose. I just wish we could do more sometiemes... After the whole Shoji thing... It just doesn't seem like we've been able to help the village in the same way." The rest of the group nodded their agreement. Things had certainly been a lot different since those times.

Noticing that the whole group seemed to agree with Tona, Kiyomi thought about it. It was an idea that popped up and she saw now harm in it. ''Why not sign up for the Konohagakure Guardians? I doubt that it will provide you all with something exciting or big as in the time with Shoji and such, but it might give some purpose.'' Kiyomi suggested, softly kicking Hayate's leg in hope he would get the message that he should say something as well about it.

"Ow!" Hayate grumbled involuntarily, before realizing that people were now looking at him. "Uhh..."[b] Shooting a brief glare towards Kiyomi, he turned back to the others. [b]"Kiyomi-sama is right. I think you guys would like it there. Like she said, it's not all about going on missions and such, but there are a lot of talented people to help train you and make you stronger. It... it helped give me a purpose after... after everything." Glancing back towards Kiyomi, there was a different look in his eyes this time. "I think, if you guys would want to, I think you should at least check it out."

"What exactly do the Guardians do?" Tona asked Kiyomi, sounding intrigued. Glad to see that Hayate wasn't trying to shy himself away, she turned her head to look at Tona. ''Actually, a lot of things. It kind of keeps expanding over time. I have managed to make some connection with the Academy and time over time we gain members who either need help with something, like chakra control. Or members who have shown a fierce loyalty towards Konohagakure. All kind of cases that make either me or the tutors at the Academy believe somebody is right for it.'' Was her answer at first. Pausing, she tried to not give a whole story about it, but she couldn't help but to give a more detailed answer. There wasn't a simple way she could think to give the idea what the Guardians were.

''Next to that we have accepted orphans that wished to have some support in becoming a ninja. Or just as a gathering place for members to gain more contacts. In essence, it depends on what you seek for. More missions? The Guardians can try to work outside of their team to do a mission, but then it depends on your rank and experience. It just something extra.'' Though she was happy to talk about it, she realized that she had talked a lot about it. It made her feel a bit shy, as she didn't want to come along like she was bragging about it.

Hayate noticed that everyone had leaned in as Kiyomi continued speaking, clearly captivated by what she was saying. Even Kinzo seemed to be interested, despite not feeling worthy enough to join, a small part of him wanted to feel involved in something with a purpose again. Once Kiyomi finished speaking, the group looked at each other, seemingly having some unseen conversation. Finally, Meryn smiled and turned back towards Kiyomi. "They sound awesome. When can we start?"

''Whenever you have time to visit it. Just ask an old person if they know where Azumi is. Most likely are aware of it or else the Academy mentors can direct you.'' She looked at Kinzo. She didn't even hide the fact she threw a look at where an arm used to be. Her lips curled down as she could guess something. ''You know, I believe that everybody can have a role. Even if they don't believe it themselves.'' Lifting her eyes up to stare at Kinzo's eyes, there was a little glint in hers. ''After all, those who show that they truly are ready to give it their all are more than often accepted within the Guardians.''

Blushing as he realized that Kiyomi was speaking to him, Kinzo quickly looked away. He felt a tiny rush of warmth at the prospect of actually joining these... Guardians, but his embarrassment kept him from saying anything. Instead, his eyes travelled towards his stump, and he wondered, not for the first time, why he had truly stopped trying to become a shinobi. He had always told himself it was because of those who had told him that he wouldn't be able to accomplish anything with only one arm... but maybe, maybe it was his own fear that was holding him back...

Throwing Kiyomi a quick glance, Hayate had caught the reason behind what she had said, and who it was directed towards. A slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Giving her a brief nod of thanks, Hayate's eyes turned towards Kinzo. They were going to have to have a talk later...

"Thank you Kiyomi-sama," Tona said with a smile. "It was very nice getting to meet you, and to share lunch with you. Thanks for letting us catch up with Hayate-kun as well."

''Hahaha, but I still haven't eaten anything! Come!'' She placed both her fists on the table as a big smile crossed her face. ''Lets have dinner on my treat.'' She said, though there was a strain already felt on her stomach. And she had formed her hands into fists for a reason.

"Well, only if you insist!" Meryn said, smiling wolfishly as he gazed at the menu, practically drooling over it. Tona looked like she wanted to argue, but she stopped when Hayate raised a hand and gestured to her that it was a hopeless effort. His eyes turned to look at Kiyomi, a brief hint of pain flashing through them as Hayate recognized her trying to hide the strain. It was times like these that he still wished he could do more.

Realizing that dwelling on the issue wouldn't make anything better, Hayate picked up the menu, throwing one last glance to Kiyomi before scanning through to see if there was anything he'd like.

---

Some Time Later...

Another loud round of laughter could be heard coming from the large booth. Dalin wiped away a tear from laughing too hard. "Good one Meryn." Letting out another chuckle there was a brief silence that lingered. Pulling out her checkbook, Kiyomi started to write down a check to leave for the restaurant owners. After she had done that, she wanted to stay. But knowing she couldn't just stay around for much longer. She had eaten something that wasn't on her diet. Though it had tasted great and having great fun, she remembered the consquence of her action. ''Sorry, but I should be going now.'' Kiyomi said as she would rise up from her seat. ''Hope to you see all soon at Azumi.'' She said, flashing a friendly smile.

Letting out a loud burp, Meryn patted his stomach, thoroughly satisfied. "Thanks for the treat Kiyomi!" Dalin and Criid both mumbled their thanks as well; they had eaten too much to do much more than groan. Hayate glanced around at the people in the booth. For the first time in a long time he felt like he was surrounded by friends. Leaning back in his seat, Hayate remembered something and looked up to Kiyomi quickly. Standing he turned and smiled at his old squadmates. "It... uh... It was nice seeing you all again... Thanks for this."

Smiling up at them both, Tona nodded. "Just don't be a stranger Hayate-kun. It's been too long since we've all been able to get together." Turning her attention towards Kiyomi, Tona added, "Kiyomi-sama, thank you for treating us to the food and your company. We will make sure to stop by Azumi as soon as these buffoons recover from all the food."

Letting out a short laugh, Kiyomi managed to nod. ''I would love that. Please do and take care.'' Already turning around, she felt actually good. Waiting for Hayate to join her, she would walk towards the exit of the restaurant. ''They are quite a cool bunch. Am glad that I have met some of your friends now.'' She told him, thought thinking back about one of his friends. What was his name again? Ah.. Kinzo.

Smiling warmly as they walked outside, Hayate pondered something for a moment before responding. "Thanks Kiyomi. For making me come along to lunch. I... I was kind of avoiding them before, to be honest. I thought they hated me..." Thinking back to the lunch they just had, Hayate was actually quite happy. If his old squadmates indeed joined the guardians, then it would give them a lot more time to catch up. Something that he found himself to be looking forward to... for the first time.

Lost in his thoughts for a moment, Hayate was surprised when he suddenly spoke out loud. "I just... I just wish I could do something for him..."

''Be there for him?'' She said. Crooning a tune, she started to stare at her feet as she half danced as walked. Spreading out her arms to keep herself balanced, she continued. ''Kinzo seems like he just need a purpose. He might not think he can become a capable shinobi, but I remember a jounin that only had one arm. I dare not to give false hope that Kinzo may become like that, but who knows?'' Pausing, she made a half hop as she smiled. ''I kind of enjoyed spending time with them too.''

Watching her as she danced along, Hayate nodded along with her words. "I can kind of relate to what he's going through, and I want to help him find that purpose. I really do think that he could become a talented shinobi again, if he put his mind to it." Grinning, with a slight flush coming to his face, Hayate wished that he could embrace her. "I uh... I enjoyed it too. Feels weird you know? Actually calling them friends..." Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Hayate cocked his head to the side.

Spinning half around on her heels, she kept on half dancing around. It wasn't because she felt so happy, but for another more practical reason. ''Feels weird? I have yet to make a friend that I can call really weird. I mean, Mata-sama. Ger. You...'' A smile started to grow on her lips as she then laughed. ''And it is okay. I am sure that they are looking forward to spend more time with you next time.'' Slowly stopping, Kiyomi thought about something. ''Maybe you should try to see if you can mentor them now and then? You're after all one of the Four.''

Opening his mouth, about to reply, Hayate stopped dead in his tracks. His mind was sent reeling as he tried to process Kiyomi's words. "I...I'm what...?" He finally asked quietly, still not sure if he'd heard right. ''You're one of the Four. Remember, you accepted my offer before.'' Kiyomi said, slowly halting as well. She figured that he would likely start to say he wasn't good enough or not yet ready, but she had something at the ready for that. ''Or do you wish to go back on your word?''

"I..."[b] He began, before quickly shaking his head. [b]"No! I would never do that. I meant every word that I said! It's just... I never thought you would want me there yet... Are you sure I'm ready for that?" She pouted and then frowned. ''Are you now doubting me again? Doubting my ability to see if somebody is ready or not?'' She asked in a more irritated tone as she leaned forward towards his direction. Raising her eyebrows, she tapped her right foot at the ground. ''Well?''

"Uhhh..." He could tell that he was in hot water now. Thinking fast, Hayate tried to speak without stumbling over his own words. "It isn't you that I doubt Kiyomi-sama. Are you sure that the others would see me as worthy?" The frown shifted into her narrowing her eyes as she spoke with a more menacing tone. ''So now you're doubting the loyalty others have towards me? Please, keep on going Hayate.'' Straighten her back, she crossed her arms out front of her chest as she kept tapping with her foot at the ground.

Stupid stupid stupid! He thought to himself, scratching the back of his head so quickly he thought he might scratch right through to the bone. "I-uh-I....I'm not gonna win this one am I...?" Hayate said finally, letting out an exasperated sigh. Looking down, he shuffled his feet awkwardly. "Sorry..." He would hear her giggle and then laugh out loud. She had turned around again, half dancing away as she continued. ''You better be.'' Was what she at first said. ''Just be more confident Hayate. A bit of pride won't harm you.'' Though she had to admit that it was fun to tease him like that.

Muttering under his breath as he began following her once again, Hayate couldn't help the smile that started growing on his face. It would take awhile for the red flush in his cheeks to fade, so Hayate kept his head down as he walked. He was already planning a way to get back at her for teasing him like she did, but he found himself getting distracted by what she had said. One of the Four... Those were some large shoes to fill, and Hayate only hoped that he could live up to it.

''I am going home.'' She said suddenly. Looking down, her hands moved to the waist sash she was carrying. Unfolding the piece of white cloth, that had the symbol of the Guardians, she turned towards Hayate. ''This is for you now. Every member of the Four should carry one.'' She said, stretching her hand towards Hayate while whiping up a smile. ''See it as a reminder that there is nothing wrong with having some confidence in yourself.''

Bowing his head, Hayate gently took the sash from Kiyomi's hand. "Th-thank you Kiyomi... I will not let you down." I hope... Glancing up, he returned her smile, but his face fell a little as he realized why she had to leave. Reaching out with his free hand, he took Kiyomi's in his before she had a chance to pull it back. Wanting to say more, Hayate couldn't find the words, so he instead simply looked her in the eye, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

She smiled, but had an empty look in her eyes. ''You're already doing so. Don't lower your head, remember?'' Sqeeuzing his hand back, she gently tried to pull it back. ''I will see you tomorrow.'' Taking a step back, she nodded before turning around on her heels as she would head home. Placing her hands at her back, she resisted to look over her shoulder to see if Hayate was still there.

Letting her hand go reluctantly, Hayate watched as she walked away. Raising the white sash, he felt strange, but it was a good strange. Tying the sash around his waist, Hayate adjusted it so that it could still be seen under his long coat. Waiting until Kiyomi was out of sight, Hayate sighed and began making his way back towards Azumi. Perhaps he could go and visit Mimi, she might like the new sash. Smiling, Hayate placed his hands in his pockets and continued the long walk.

Waiting around the corner, she slowly walked around it to see him leave again. There was a bit of blood at the left corner of her mouth. Sighing, she decided to go the other way. Clenching her left hand into a fist, she would try to see if she could find information about a certain person. A one armed shinobi should be possible... She thought to herself, heading back into the direction of the restaurant.

The sun was shining bright over Amegakure, but Ryoku felt shivers running down on his spire. He was reading the latest reports from around The Rain Country and they left him a bit worried. The situation at the country was not the most stable, and with the Chuunin Exams approaching and taking place in Amegakure, the village had to show the world that it can handle its affairs and at the same time host the exams. But elements all around the country were doing their best to make it impossible for them. And to make matters worse, someone with a personal motivation was reading them. According to the reports, a large group of persons were massing south from the village united by the goal of bringing the village down. That is why he called Lady Hoshi and Eiji to meet him and discuss how things will go. And looking at the clock, they should arrive any minute now.

He had a short list of things he would like to discuss with them, and he was sure that they will also tell him several things that may have slipped past him or he happened to forget about.

Approaching the door, Hoshi looked at the file she held in her hand, which had details regarding the security of the Chuunin Exams that were going to be held within Amegakure, and after ensuring all of the papers were there, she knocked on the door twice "Amekage-sama, Its Hoshi." She said and after waiting another moment opened the door, to allow him to finish anything he might've done before she entered. Closing the door behind her, she gave Ryoku a bow before approaching his desk, placing the file on it and then stepping back, waiting for the third person that was supposed to come.

The third person arrived only a moment later before the door of the Amekage. He straightened his coat real quick and dragged a hand through his hair. Then he knocked as well. Unknowingly amost repeating Hoshi he spoke: "Amekage-sama, it's Eiji." With that said he opened the door to find the two other persons already inside. He smiled slightly as he stepped inside and closed the door behind him.

Ryoku greeted both of them by standing up and bowing to them, then he pointed out on the seats prepared for them." Lady Hoshi, Eiji-San. Thank you both for coming on such a short notice. Please, take a seat." He waited for a while till they sat down, then he continued." I have called for both of you, because as you very well know, our village will be hosting the next Chuunin Exams. And to make matters worse, there are ... certain elements that are trying to ruin the image our village is steadily building. Before that, I would like you two to tell me anything you consider to be of importance and I might have slipped past it."

Giving a quick bow to Eiji as he arrived in the office, Hoshi sat down at the chair behind her and listened carefully to what Ryoku had to say. The fact there was elements that could cause trouble during the exams and ruin Amegakure's reputation made her slightly worried, but she figured that the Amekage already had a plan set "I don't have anything important to report on my side, at least not on that scale. I will need to go over the security details for the exams with you two after we are dong discussing this matter." She said and then looked at Eiji, waiting to see if he had anything important to say.

Eiji replied with a curt bow and took the seat without speaking. He waited for Ryoku to be done. "I have reports about our Jinchuuriki, but those can wait after we are done speaking about other matters. It is not of the highest importance. I'd like to hear about these 'certain' elements first, if that is okay." Eiji said.

" Very well, thank you. The situation is as it is. A long ago, when I was but a mere Jounin, two teams were sent on a mission ... a mission that went terrible wrong. So wrong that we lost half of the people sent within minutes. We were backed up by several ANBU operatives, but even they had a hard time standing up to them. At the end, we managed to accomplish the mission, but the cost was bloody. Several of us died right after we returned to the village. As it turned out, the mission went awry because of betrayal from within. The Jounin council led an investigation, and we managed to bring out the traitor - my best friend at the time ... his name will not be spoken here. He betrayed us and was imprisoned with a life sentence. But as Soru and his terror ruled over the village, he managed to break free and escape us once again. Since then, he is eluding capture. And in the recent times, he developed a strong desire to have his revenge on both me and Amegakure. At first, nobody listened to him but ... as you know, there is always unrest. People started to join him, mostly the ones not satisfied with our nation having its village. I already sent an ANBU operative at a key location I suspect they will attack ... but he alone will not be able to manage it. That is why I wanted to talk with you about our options, Lady Hoshi, Eiji-San."

Sighing a bit, he leaned back in his chair." Maybe things would have turned out differently, but my past decisions cannot be changed. We need to reinforce our operative at the most crucial food plantation in this country. I dread to think about the option that they will manage to run it over and destroy it. That is why our regular forces must be mobilized and done so quickly. One ANBU, however skilled he might be, can only buy us time."

Closing her eyes after Ryoku described the past event and how it affects them now, She let herself think about it for a couple of moments. He already sent an ANBU to deal with them, which is clearly not enough. Opening her eyes, Hoshi thought something about this seemed familiar to her, but decided this was not the time to think about the past. Moving to look at Ryoku, she thought about a possible plan "First of all, if this is a person who has previously been in Amegakure, then we need to assume that he knows how Amegakure used to operate its defences, and that he might also have spies within our ranks right now. I do not believe any of us is a spy, but I can come up with a simple counter in regards of the defences within Amegakure. Besides the increased defences from the fact we are holding the Chuunin Exams, we will inform everyone that everything will be as ordered, but each day I will personally go between the patrols right after they begin and tell them to change, still ensuring that the patrols cover all of Amegakure and that way I'll know where everyone is supposed to be. Then I will coodinate with our sensory team and ensure that all the patrols are as I've told them to be. If a single man within the patrols takes one wrong step without informing one of us first, I'll catch him and immediatly send him to be investigate." She said.

Turning to look at Eiji for a moment, she let out a small sigh "Unfortunatly, we cannot inform them that this is because of the rebelious group you just spoke of. So, instead, I will tell the patrols this is so the defences of Amegakure during the exams will be unexpected, and thus, more efficent." Hoshi said and then turned to look back at the Amekage "I'm uncertain of how many people we can send to aid the ANBU, however. I will take a moment to look at my file and figure out if its possible to extract any jounins from the guarding duties here." After saying this, she reached the file that was on the edge of Ryoku's desk and took it, beginning to go over the numbers and other details within it "I'm still paying full attention to whatever you may say. I am fully capable of multitasking." She added, to ensure that they won't consider her move to be too rude.

"Not in multitasking that much." Eiji intercepted her. "You want to be the one, on your own, that checks all the patrols and such? There is no way you can pull that off unless you make a gazillion Shadow Clones and we all know that that is not what you should do. I suggest we split that task either between the two of us or the three of us. Yet I agree with the rest. Informing the troops will only alarm them. Besides Chuunin Exams are enough reasons to up the security anyway especially with more Jinchuuriki around. If I may ask," he turned to Ryoku. "Not to be disrespectful, but we should know what we are up against and what measure we can pull to ensure the safety of the city. If you expect an attack, sir, then you need to tell us everything about this man and the group of people and you have to accept that... may it come to an attack... that we might kill him."

Ryoku turned his head towards Eiji." If I know where he is and what is he doing, I would be out in the field, doing my best to stop him. We have no exact knowledge about his plans our wherebaouts except the general direction of south from the village. Make no mistake, Eiji-San. I have no interest in talking to him, or regrets about the past. I do not expect a direct attack from him - he will want to make us suffer as much as he can. We have no idea what we are against - their numbers are unknown to us, their capabilites too. We suspect that several shinobi who are not satisfied with their lives are joining him. So we can expect to stand against a rather small force but ... I don´t want to underestimate anything. As for their leader ... he used to be an ANBU operative with several succesfull missions accomplished by him. They wanted me to take his spot once he was imprisoned, but I refused. Though, it is highly possible that his provess have increased since then. Revenge is a strong drive for most people and he is one of them."

Hoshi merely nodded as she listened to the two of them "Eiji-sama, I did not mean that I can perform all of that on my own. I merely meant that I can listen to you and Ryoku-sama and read this file to its fullest details without losing my concentration. I never expected to perform what I suggested on my own, as it would be very taxing on my chakra reserves. As for the person we are facing, the fact he is a former ANBU means he will most likely be capable of spotting any ANBU coming, so I think that trying to pull an ambush on him will not work. Only way to attack him is with a direct attack." She said and after looking at the last page, she raised her head and closed the file before placing it back on Ryoku's desk "I believe that if we slightly adjust, and count the additional forces the Fire Union is providing us to ensure the events at the rice country will not repeat, then we have about 20 jounins we can spare." She said.

Eiji shot a look to Hoshi who kind of misinterpreted his words. It didn't really matter in the long run so decided to just nod along. "Speaking of the Fire Union, we should inform them of this. I understand that we might want to handle this by ourselves. We are capable of that and calling in help for every little vendetta against the Rain is not needed, but we should at least have them know what is going on. After all we are a subject nation of them and I have no doubt they will find out anyway. Better to keep the trust as we have it. Besides that I don't think we should worry too much about attacking and more about defending. Ryoku-sama, you said that you suspected an attack. This doesn't mean an attack will come. So if we prepare for it in a defending way we don't waste people on an open attack. We don't have the manpower for that, not with the Exams now where we need ever man and woman already."

Ryoku remained silent, consindering what has been said so far." Very well. You are right, Eiji-San. I will notify The Fire Union, more precisely Lady Meisa personally. The trust we earned ourselves is not one we want to lose just because our pride of not calling on our allies. Focusing on a defence is wise indeed - but then again, the best defence is a good offence. Him being a former ANBU means he knows a lot about our village, indeed. That is why we will not underestimate him. Even though a lot of things changed here, we must not rely on them. Twenty jounins are more than sufficient, Lady Hoshi. I want you to pick the four best of them - I will personally lead them once we will know their exact location. We will keep the rest of the men you mentioned in the village, in aid of the defensive measures. I suspect that Lady Meisa will not be willing to risk anything to threaten the exams - and I am certain that the combined forces of the Fire Union and our forces can handle this threat. I think this covers this part ... now ... to our Jinchuuriki. Eiji-San, would it be possible for me to meet her?"

Listening carefully, Hoshi nodded "I'll be sure to give you the names of the four best jounins within those twenty, Ryoku-sama. And I agree as well to the idea of informing the Fire Union. I believe it will only help us." She said and then glanced at Eiji's direction. She hadn't seen the Jinchuuriki since the sealing and wondered how was the young girl doing.

Eiji scratched the back of his neck. So now the subject came to Kuni. He didn't want to talk about her like she was some sort of object and by calling her "our Jinchuuriki" that was just what they did. But he knew that it was kind of how it went. "Of course, Amekage. She pratically lives with me. You can meet her anytime you want. If you want I could call her over right now. You call, sir. I think she is doing well though that is why I wanted to talk to you. I know that Miss Ichi adjusted the seal we made. This seal, however, is severly imparring her capability to preform at the moment. During our latest spar she had to back down because she got dizzy and couldn't see properly anymore. Now I don't know overly much about Bijuu sealing and the side effects, but I would really like to know what Miss Ichi added to the seal. I know it is an unusual request and I would understand if you would say no, but if possible I would like to speak to Miss Ichi personally and ask her these question meaning I would have to go there, during which I can also convey this message about the attack."

Ryoku considered the request for a while. It was only natural from him - Eiji cared deeply for Kuni, so it was understandable." Of course, Eiji-San. I will do my best to grant you an audience with Lady Meisa - though, she is a busy woman, of course. I wil do what I can, and than - the rest is on her, but seeing that I am also ... interested in what she did to Kuni. After all ... my village is my family. And I will not sit idly, watching as they are limiting somebody from my village. Now, if possible ... could I meet her, please?"

Standing up from her seat, Hoshi went and approached the window before opening it "I'll send someone to fetch Kuni." She said and made a whistle. After a couple of moments an owl, which appeared to be rather old, came and landed on her arm before looking up at her "I need you to go find Yoshikuni Sadako. Let her know the Amekage wishes to speak to her and to come and wait outside his office until she is called to come inside." She said, and the own nodded "Understood Hoshi-sama. Good day Ryoku-sama and Eiji-sama." The owl said, addressing the two men in the room before flying out of the window, heading out to find his target. Afterwards she closed the window and went back to sit on her chair before looking at Ryoku and Eiji "There is probably still a bit of time before she arrives here. Anything else you wish to discuss, Amekage-sama, or may I present the security details for the upcoming exams?" She asked in a polite tone.

Ryoku stood up as Lady Hoshi sent her summon away and walked up to Eiji, standing close to him. He looked into his eyes and took a deep breath." There is something you need to know, Eiji." Looking away for a few seconds, his eyes fixed themselves into his again. Sadness was visibly present on his face." I am the one who gave Meisa the permission to manipulate Yoshikuni´s seal. She had some concerns about the loyalty of our village, now that we have sealed the beast ... she was afraid that we will turn her into a weapon of mass destruction ..." Ryoku placed a hand on Eiji´s shoulder." I understand if you will hate me now, Eiji. I did it in order to protect our village, but mostly to protect Yoshikuni from the negative influence of the beast inside her. I still see her as a member of my family, a member I want to protect with all I got ... I am sorry, Eiji. I am so ... sorry." Ryoku turned his view only after several seconds of silence passed. Then he turned to Lady Hoshi and nodded. He was afraid to speak up, as his voice might break.

Bewildered Eiji looked at Ryoku. The apology felt.. wrong. It wasn't that Eiji didn't understand why it had happened, it was more that he wanted to know exactly what happened. And what he could do to help Kuni with it. "No need to apologize, sir." EIji said. "Really. You had good intentions in mind and I am sure that this alteration isn't damaging Kuni." He glanced to the hand on his shoulder and smiled slightly. "I know you did it to protect the village and satisfy the questions of the Fire Union." With that said Eiji turned away from the man as well. "Nothing else to report from my side Hoshi."

After hearing the confession of Ryoku and Eiji's response, Hoshi was unsure of what to say for a moment, feeling a bit uncomfortable, but after getting approval to proceed from both of them, she nodded and grabbed the file on Ryoku's desk. Opening it, she took out a couple of papers and gave each of the men one "The security detail is rather simple. We have stationed Jounins at each field entrance, along with two additional patrols per day. Each Kage that arrives in the village has been approved to come with a limited amount of his own guards that will serve as actual guards for him and any of the participants. Other than that, we have made an open clearance for visitors to come here, but they cannot enter the village with any kind of physical weapon. Any attempts to use a jutsu by any kind of visitor will cause the visitor to be stopped by a chuunin or jounin from our forces. This is to ensure that there is no chance of any attacks between participants of different villages, as not all villages are friendly towards one another, despite the event."

Taking a deep breath, Hoshi continued to speak "I have also sent a couple of specific instructions to the Sensor team as well as representives of each Village. I've instructed the sensor team to add an additional, more focused layer to the sensing sphere to allow easier tracking of any jutsu that may be performed without approval outside of the Training Facilities. The instructions I have sent to the representives of the villages is that all visitors and participants may roam the village but they may not use any technique outside the Training Facilities. I have also written to them that they do not need to worry about any health problems and that we have several medical teams waiting at each field, and that all injured participants will recieve full treatment. The last thing I have done, which is something only you two will know of, is that I have disabled the area genjutsu I have placed around the village for the period of the exams. I did not wish to let any other village know of it and will bring it back as soon as the exams are finished." She said. The papers both recieved had the exact same info on them, except more detailed "Any questions or suggestions?" She asked.

Ryoku listened to everything as he was looking at the paper in his hands. He was very satisfied with the preparations Lady Hoshi made for the exams - this will hopefully prove to the rest of the world that they are now a village that can handle organizing such a large scale event." Splendid, Lady Hoshi. I do not know what more to add to these precautions you listed - they cover pretty much every single one of my concerns. But we must remain alert - if somebody will want to distrupt the exams, they will attempt it, no matter the precautions. But I am sure that we will handle any and all problems that might arise. Our village has changed a lot, and we changed with it. I will keep this copy of the measures safely in my office. I assure that implementing them was not an easy task, so I would like to ask you, Lady Hoshi, to take a free day - if you want to, of course. The same goes for you, Eiji-san. Though ... knowing you ..." Ryoku did not finish the sentence, but laughed a bit instead. To see those two taking a rest was a rarity.

Eiji had to say Hoshi's elaborate plans impressed him. She really had thought about this on a way deeper level then Eiji had done. As she spoke he nodded along with her words, showing his approval. "Excellent." He said as she finished, his appreciation showing by the use of one of the best words with an 'e' there was. "Absolutely nothing to add. As the Amekage said I think you covered it nicely. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with among those things and I would be glad to assist you. As for that free day..." Normally yes, Eiji would probably decline that offer. Ever since he had gained the position and ever since the events that happened about a year ago he had been working harder. "I might take you up on that, sir. I'd like spending a full day with my daughter. Her birthday is this month after all." He said smiling slightly.

Sending the two men a smile after they had both given their approval, Hoshi stood up from her seat "I'm afraid I cannot afford to take a day off, Amekage-sama. I am expecting replies from the different villages about confirmations on which genins will be attending and afterwards I also need to start speaking to the jounins who will be standing guard at the entrances to the fields and ensure they understand the importance of their roles. Later I also need to go over the Training Facilities and ensure there are no blindspots of any kind in each field." She said before giving the two men a bow "Seeing I have nothing else to report, and you two already stated that you have finished with your topics, then I would take this chance so I could start taking care of the other matters. Good day, Amekage-sama, Eiji-sama." She said and got up from her bow. After opening the door, she turned to look at Eiji "Whenever it may be this month, I wish your daughter a happy birthday." She told him with a smile before leaving the office, closing the door behind her.

Ryoku returned the bow to Lady Hoshi as she left, then looked at Eiji." But of course, Eiji. If that is the case, I am not asking you, I am ordering you to take a few more free days ... especially the one before and the one after her birthday. The day of her birthday is a given thing. And also ..." Ryoku closed both of his hands and molded some chakra into them. He was using his Earth Release in a way he never imagined he would, but it happened. When he opened his palms, a medium sized butterfly from stone was sitting on his palm." If I could ask you a favor, can you give her this as a gift from the Amekage?"

"Thanks you, Hoshi." EIji said with a small bow towards the woman that was leaving the office. It was strange to think that Sachi was turning two this month. It seemed so short still, her life, Samaki's... death. Eiji smiled to the Amekage as he banned the thoughts about his lost wife to the back of his head. Slightly impressed by Ryoku's craftmanship he accepted the gift. "Thank you sir, I am sure she will love it." Let's hope she won't break it. where the thoughts that Eiji kept silent in his mind. He knew his daughter and he knew that she wasn't careful. Still the gesture was extremely nice. "As for that many days off. I'll see if I can handle it." He grinned slightly before bowing to the Amekage. "Thanks again sir." He said before turning around and walking to the door. Within seconds he had left the room and Ryoku would be alone again.

Ryoku observed the closed door for a couple of seconds. Amegakrue was changing, indeed. And what made him happy about is was the fact that it was not because of him - it was because of people like Eiji or Lady Hoshi being a part of the village. He could not help, but feel glad to have people like them in the village. He then turned and walked to his window, enjoying the sight the village offered him. He smiled at the look.

" Who I am is not important. My message is. A message of peace ... love ... understanding."

Yukara stood in front of the Koikes hotel room with a very frustrated and disturbed expression on her face, arms crossed and foot tapping impatiently for him to show up. He better show up, or she will hunt him down and beat him up. "Koike... Koike... that little HON!" Yukara growled under her breath. She was furious, why would he resort to poison? Why did he have to go that far for a stupid match?

Entering the hotel, Koike only noticed then that he was pretty much soaked. Only glancing at his clothes, he shrugged. Searching his pockets for the key, Koike hadn't noticed Yukara until he had found the key of his room. He halted, wondering why she was looking like that and standing in front of his door. Not that he distrusted that she would try anything, Koike still felt a bit unsure what he should think of it. ''Hello.'' He said, taking a step to his door, lifting up the keys as like he wanted to signal that he wanted to head into the room.

"There you are! Do you know how long I have been standing here? For half an hour!"Yukara snapped at him. In her frustration, she began using her hands to punctuate what she was saying and then decided that it was not enough. She raised her hand, then in the next second, she slapped him with audible smack across the face. "You could have been killed in that poison! You could have killed him too! What were you thinking?" she demanded. Her eyes were narrowed and her fist were clenched, she wanted to hit him again.

Saying that Koike was confused was an understatement. He looked surprised as even more confused at her. It was the reason that she could smack him, which surprised him even more. Taking a step back, Koike frowned. What was she saying? Killing himself or that Hyuuga? He wondered what the cause was that she was waiting for him like this and even slapping him. ''What? That poison wasn't made to be deadly. It is simple to make sure that an opponent can't continue fighting. If you didn't see it, I had a syringe with antidote. I am fine.'' If that Hyuuga was fine, wasn't something that Koike could confirm. He had made a shadow clone who would provide an antidote for the poison, but other than that? Not his worries.

She was still fuming, her fist still clenched and her anger still boiling. "You should not have used poison at all, what if you could not provide an antidote for either? What if it was too much for either of you!? Do you really want to be responsible for killing someone in your own village?" Yukara asked, her tone was calm but it was forced. She also felt bad for hitting him, so she focused some chakra in her hand and brought to his face to make the area of contact not hurt so much.

Due her having hit him before, Koike was cautious. Noticing that she moulded some visible chakra at her hand, he gained a hunch what she wanted to do, but she wouldn't like his answer. Though standing still, Koike didn't trust the situation, yet. ''Then that happens. It is normal for deaths to happen at Chuunin exams. They might be rare, but they aren't strange. That and I gave him a chance to give up.'' He wasn't trying to defend himself as he didn't even know what the point was of the whole discussion. Soaked by the rain, he wanted to go in his room and take a shower, get dressed and rest out.

"So dont be the one to make it happen," Yukara said, crossing her arms again. She was still mad at him and still felt the need to yell at him but not so much as before. "Are you hurt anywhere? I can heal you, you know," she said. Beginning to poke and prod him, searching him for any hidden injuries. "Why are you soaking wet? You should know better than to go walking in the rain especially after the match," she said, glaring at him.

Sighing, Koike wasn't sure why she was suddenly like this. Had he said something wrong or done something that made her act like he had been in a situation where it was life and death? ''No. That Hyuuga didn't ever managed to hit me anywhere. And I took a walk.'' A bit baffled that he hadn't try to walk past her to get into his room, Koike gestured to the door. ''If I may?''

"Well I suppose thats a good thing, at least you were not hit," Yukara said, she knew that he probably wanted to get into his room so she was about to step aside. "Next time, no poison or better yet, get promoted this time. But no poison, its too risky and I dont want to loose a team mate, ok?" she asked, frowning a bit before giving him a hug and stepping aside.

Just when he was about to unlock the door, she hugged him. Frowning, he looked at her and wasn't sure what she was planning. Was or had she been genuinely worried or was there something else to it? Koike couldn't understand where this was all coming from and cleared his throat softly. ''I wasn't in danger. Don't worry about me.'' Koike tried, hoping she would take his words as he even tried to say them in a polite manner. Holding a hand on the door handle, he felt a bit awkward. What was he supposed to do now? Hug her back? Try to say something comforting?

Realizing that she had just hugged, she looked away and was blushing a bit. "It is my job as the medical nin in training to worry about everyone, but you seem to have a disregard for your safety, so I have to worry. But.. still be careful, ok?" she asked. She smiled at him and then took a step away from the door that he was about to open. She gestured for him to go in, a very awkward expression lingering on her face. "See you in training or tomorrow, whichever comes first. I have to go yell at Ezuri now, rest up," she said and then took another step back.

Noticing the blush, Koike grew even more clueless. What was even going on? He simply nodded at first. Trying to argue that he didn't had a disregard for his safety as he hadn't pushed himself to try to overwhelm the Hyuuga at close quarters, he decided it was for the best if he wouldn't argue back. ''Okay.'' He first said, then hearing her say that she had to yell at Ezuri. Maybe they were friends or something and was that the reason why she was mad at him? For poisoning her friend? Opening the door, Koike took almost a step forward, before he would say something else. ''Thanks, Yukara.''

With that having said, Koike would enter his room as closing the door behind him. Sighing, he was still confused on what had transpired. Deciding that worrying or pondering over it wouldn't help, he would for now not pay too much attention it. Though it had been a bit strange, yet not that bad. Or was it? Rubbing his chin, Koike shook his head lightly. No, thinking too much over it wasn't going to do him any good for now.

She looked with a stern look at the announcer. He had said who Hayate was going to fight and for some reason she didn't like the name. It was like the name alone was tough and Mimi didn't want Hayate to face against somebody tough. ''Mimi thinks you should not hold back.'' Turning around, the much smaller girl poked Hayate against his side, still having a stern look on her face. ''Mimi thinks Silly Face should better win or else going to have to five hundred push ups!'' Wiggling with her right index finger, the much smaller girl had a jacket on that was maybe a bit too big for her.

Grinning, Hayate looked down at the small girl. Gently he reached out and ruffled one hand through her hair affectionately. "I'll see what I can do Mimi-chan. I don't want to underestimate my opponent though." Thinking ahead to his match, Hayate wondered what it would be like. He had been in combat before, multiple times actually... But this was a different matter entirely. Here every one of his actions were being judged, and that would decide how his future looked. Not for the first time, he wished Kiyomi could be here.

Puffing up her cheeks, Mimi raised her hands a bit. Clenching them in fists, she had a fierce look on her face. ''Mimi is going to cheer and do her best. Silly Face better do his best too!'' She told him. Lowering her hands, Mimi looked around. She was so small and there were such strong people around. Turning to look where the Kages would be, Mimi stared for several moments. ''Mimi hopes nothing bads happens.'' Muttering the words, she brought her left thumb to her mouth, to suck on it.

Gently, Hayate reached down and pulled her hand away from her mouth. Pulling out a lollipop from his pocket he held it out to the small girl with a smile. "I will Mimi, promised." He was glad that Mimi had been able to come along with him, at least then he knew someone would be there to cheer him on. Looking down at her for a moment, he couldn't help but chuckle a little at how she looked in his old coat. It was something she would grow into with time, but at the moment it made the girl look even smaller than she actually was. Truth be told, he still felt honoured that Mimi wanted to wear the jacket.

Taking the lollipop, Mimi frowned at the object. Muttering something, she wouldn't try to argue against Hayate. He would likely know things better, but that didn't take away her concern and worries. ''Mimi hopes Silly Face does what he says. Mimi else thinks he owes her several presents.'' After unwrapping the lollipop, Mimi pushed the object in her mouth. Holding it with her left hand, she reached out with her right hand towards Hayate's. ''Mimi wants to see the arena.''

Taking Mimi's hand in his own, Hayate smiled again. "You do like presents..." Letting out a loud, exaggerated sigh, Hayate chuckled. "I'm not sure if they'll let you come inside, but I can probably walk you over to the entrance at least?" The question was met with a smile. Mimi indeed liked presents. No, she loved them. They were the signs of affection or else just awesome. Who didn't like to be given a nice present? Sometimes they were handy or just fun.

''Mimi could try to walk as far as I am allowed. It isn't like Mimi is going to try to help you.'' The little girl told him, quite content that she could walk him towards the match. It would had been great if Kiyomi could be here, but for some reasons she wasn't here. Not sure what reasons they were, Mimi didn't want to ruin the moment with complaining or question Hayate why that was.

Laughing again, Hayate ruffled a hand through the young girl's hair. "I think if you were to help then my opponent would stand no chance." He said, sounding amused. Reaching the entrance to the arena, Hayate's thoughts travelled to the match ahead, wondering what his opponent was going to be like. Glancing down at Mimi, Hayate paused and knelt down. "I just wanted to thank you for coming along Mimi-chan. It means a lot."

Wondering why he was so grateful for having her tag along, Mimi nodded. Maybe he was just being nervous or even worse, scared. Which wasn't strange cause he had to fight somebody and she was a bit nervous too. ''Mimi doesn't mind it.'' Trying to look a bit indifferent, she shrugged lightly. ''Mimi knows that somebody needs to look over Silly Face, so Mimi doesn't mind doing so.'' Though she thought that she had done a good job, the tone gave well away that she was a bit nervous about the whole situation.

Smiling warmly, Hayate pulled Mimi into a hug. "Well then I couldn't ask for a better guardian." He said, pulling away and slowly getting back to his feet. While Hayate still wished Kiyomi could be here, he understood the responsibility that kept her in the village. Taking a look into the arena, Hayate could not see much at first, turning back to Mimi, he gently pulled her along with him as he took another step.

''Mimi thinks so too.'' Managing to get a bit more confindent, she was still worried. It would be very bad if Hayate would get hurt. Or lose a limb. Losing a limb was bad. Losing two was probably the worst. Slightly sqeeuzing Hayate's hand, Mimi decided to just walk until she wasn't allowed any further. If that was the only thing she could do to help out Hayate, then she wouldn't try to ponder too much on losing limbs. She had to think of something good, something nice. ''Shall we get ice-cream once this match is over?''

"You treating this time?" He asked, teasing the girl. In reality, ice cream sounded like a great idea, and Hayate hoped that he and Mimi would have a chance to get some after the match. Stepping into the arena fully now, Hayate glanced around, confused at first. It appeared to be a small urban center, with buildings all around, filling the arena. "Interesting..." He mused quietly.

With Hayate entering the field, Mimi would watch him enter it. She was forbidden to walk any further, but she kept watching his back. Hoping that he would turn around and that she could wave one last time. But with Hayate entering the field, Mimi decided to run. Running to the entry of the tribunes. Maybe she coucld take a good seat where she had a clear view on the match while also able to cheer for Hayate. After the trouble of running around, Mimi managed to take a seat that was to her liking. Though still nervous, Mimi was beaming. Watching Hayate entering the field, she rose instantly up from her seat. Waving with one arm as she kept her right hand close to her mouth. ''Silly Face! Go!''

Glancing back to Mimi, he saw her beginning to run. Smiling, Hayate turned back, observing his surroundings carefully. Leaping onto the top of a small building nearby, he looked around, taking in as much detail as he could. There seemed to be a market district of sorts, and a large courtyard a ways away. His opponent was noweher to be seen, and so he simply leapt to another taller building nearby and sat down. Getting himself into an almost meditative pose, Hayate began preparing himself for the match ahead. Hearing the shout from Mimi, he blushed profusely, wishing she wouldn't call him like that in front of everyone.

Glad that she saw him, even being calm, Mimi sat down. The big jacket that was once of Hayate, made it possible to hide something. The whole purpose of her being at the exams with Hayate wasn't just to cheer for him. Knowing that one day she could end up being in an arena, needing to face another shinobi, Mimi pulled out a notebook and pencil. A bit of her tongue stuck out as she started to note something down. ''Act calm and seek for a point where you can overlook the field.'' Mimi glanced back at Hayate, noticing that he went even up to a higher position. To medidate. ''Proceed to medidate. Might be some sort of ritual for Silly Face. Must question him about this later.'' After that she looked back at Hayate, putting the end of the pencil against her chin as she frowned. Every detail and important note could help her in the future. But why was medidating so important?

Closing his eyes, Hayate regained his composure and smiled, ever so slightly. He didn't know who or what he was about to face, and he didn't have Kiyomi there to lend him strength, but he was ready. He had Mimi-chan's support, and all of the teachings of Kiyomi-chan to lead him forth. If he wasn't up to par now then he never would be. Opening his eyes, Hayate's expression had changed to one of fierce determination. This was it.

The Human-Beast Duo clashes with the All Seeing White Eye

The Chuunin Exams for Shizen Inuzuka and Masami Hyuuga

Masami always knew that the first step is the most difficult one, and there was not a truer statement in her current situation. Taking the first step into the arena was difficult, despite her feeling rather calm. There was a growing feeling inside of her though, one that was a combination of fear and excitement. She looked up and spotted all those people spectating them. Masami then looked around the arena - there was literally nothing to use there. Looking up a bit, the black sky made her feel a bit uncomfortable, so she turned away and made a point to herself not to look at the ceiling. She reached the middle of the arena and stood there, waiting for her match to show up.

It was time, Shisen had to take a deep breath or several to be exact. Arashi stood beside her with her eyes on the girl she was suppose to fight, a low growl building in the back of her throat. "Ok, Ok I can do this..." Shisen told herself, taking a shaky breath into the arena. Her sensei words echoed in her mind, not to let herself be intimidated. That was hard, really hard considering her opponent was a Hyuuga. "So you are Masami Hyuuga," Shisen said.

Masami looked at Shisen. She thought the girl was familiar from somewhere, and upon seeing the ninken that accompanied her, Masami realized that her match is a fellow Konoha Genin." A pleasure to meet you, Shisen Inuzuka." She gave a warm smile with the words as she eyed her opponent. This will be one tought match for her. Any member of the Inuzuka Clan was not to be underestimated - their fighting style was fast paced and ferocious, compared to the Gentle Fist. She took a deep breath to calm herself down and looked at Shisen with another smile." Let´s give it our best shot, Shisen. Let the better one win!" With that, she smile at Shisen and gave her a thumb up.

"Right, a pleasure," Shisen said, the Hyuuga girl was probably planning a way to attack her as she said such things. Arashi curled her lips back, a snarl coming from her throat as she glared at Masami. The ninken understood who she was, the opponent and the threat she posed to them both. It was clear now why she was so calm before, saving her anger and rage for the match. "Agreed," she said, taking several steps back. Bringing a hand up and forming the Seal of Confrontation. Arashi began to pace, eager to begin.

Masami was a bit puzzled by the reaction she received, especially from the ninken. Upon seeing her take a few steps back, she did the same thing and formed the Seal of Confrontation as well. So, this was it. The Chuunin Exams were about to start. Her mind started to think about things like if she was properly prepared, if she trained enough, but Masami silenced them. Right now, there was only Shisen to focus at. Waiting for the match to begin, she closed her eyes.

Almost immediately after Masami formed the seal, was Shisen building up chakra in her hands and feet, she had a plan to stick to. "Arashi stay strong," Shisen said, her pupils more like slints now as her teeth sharpened, her nails more like claws. Without warning, she went for Masami and was taking out a kunai as she did so, Arashi was staying back. Not slowing down, she kept going and waited for Arashi to catch up.

The moment she heard Shisen say something to her ninken, Masami raised her other hand and quickly formed the Ram Seal, activating her Byakugan. A second later, Shisen and Arashi were charging at her, so Masami started to do the same. Though she will not do the first move - she decided to be patient and let Shisen make the first move. The words of Hiron-Sensei rung freshly in her ears about knowing what the enemy can do.

At that moment, Arashi was moving towards Masami in a zig zag pattern, charging right then cutting sharply to the left before Shisen stopped and turned moving the opposite direction of Arashi. Darting past Masami as Shisen took out some more kunai and threw them at Masami as she as well as Arashi made the same pattern they came in. Only keeping one in her hand for the moment, she also took out a shuriken or two as she stopped about fifty feet from Masami. Arashi stopped further away, lowering her head and acting as if she was submitting, but Shisen knew different.

Masami easily avoided the kunai - she could see every single one of them in advance, so it was a lot easier for her to avoid them. Then, she was a bit puzzled when both Shisen and and Arashi stopped moving. She had to get into close range combat in order to be able to do anything, so she kept charging, but her eyes were on full alert - should she register anything suspicious, she was ready to change her approach. A second or two later, she was in leaping distance - so she did just that and was approaching Shisen from above, bringing her right leg up.

Shisen waited, till Masamis leg almost got her before shooting her hand forwards and catching the leg of her opponent, bringing her other hand forwards with kunai in it. Arashi chose that moment to charge forwards and leapt Masami, going for her hands rather than her throat. Knowing that she could get caught in the attack, Shisen let go and did a back flip to put distance between them. Allowing Arashi to go all out for the moment on Masami, growling quite loudly as she came barreling forwards.

Exactly the same mistake that happened agaist Hiron-Sensei happened just now. As she felt her leg being grabbed, she realized that she was in in trouble. At the last second, the hand let go of her leg and she spotted Arashi going for her hands. She made a hand gesture and shout out a Vacuum Palm towards the approaching ninken, hoping to give her at least some time. At the same time, she saw Shisen doing a back flip to gain some distance. Landing somewhat awkwardly, she immediately charged Shisen, this time waiting to get real close to make her move.

When Masami was close enough to Shisen, she did the needed hand seals for the Passing Fang Jutsu and immediately they propelled themselves into the air in a whirlwind like shape as they headed straight for Masami. Shisen was headed at the front while Arashi was aiming for the back of their opponent, hoping that it would pin Masami in both places. Although while spiralling through the air, Shisen was dropping smoke bombs even knowin that they would not hinder the Hyuuga girl. But hindering Masami was not the intention of the smoke bombs, they served another purpose. As they continued to spiral towards Masami at a dangerous speed, she held one shuriken in one hand and another in the other, in the chance that Shisen was close enough to injure the Hyuuga girl.

Seeing a Passing Fang approaching her from forward and behind as well, Masami was sligtly caught off guard by the smoke bombs flying outwards. Even as they exploded, Masami kept her focus on both Shizen and Arashi as they approached from both sides, trying to sandwich her in and hit her from both sides. As she did not know the Heavenly Rotation technique and her Guard one was not sufficient to withstand two Fangs, she did the only thing that came to her mind - she dropped to her knees and went sliding under the approaching attack. Just as she slid under, she lowered her head even more to avoid being caught in the attack passing over her head. As soon as Shisen passed over her, Masami stopped and ran towards the Inuzuka. She had to force her into close quarter combat to fight an even match.

In the midst of the smoke and the two spiraling towards Masami, Shisen had done the hand seals for the Beast Human Clone which was the result of two Shisens coming from the smoke. Both on hands and knees so it was harder to descifer which was the real one and which was Arashi, as Masami charged Shisen she leaped upwards as the other one charged towards Masami at a break neck speed. Landing on her hands and knees quite a bit away from the confrontation was taking place, she began to cirlce around the two, emitting low growls and snarls.

Now facing two Shisen´s instead of one, Masami realized this was her aim all the time - to prevent her from telling them apart. Whatever was the case, Masami felt confident in her abilities of taking on a member of the Inuzuka Clan at hand-to-hand combat and fight on even terms. She ignored the other Shisen that was far away from her and focused on the one currently approaching her. She sent out another Vacuum Palm, making use of the speed of her charge to make it more difficult to avoid. Then, she prepared both her hands for close combat.

As the Vacuum Palm came Shisens way, she darted to the right to try to avoid it and at the same time, the other came charging at Masami but cut sharply to the left, as the two Shisens passed each other they each dropped a smoke bomb from their mouths despite the bitter taste it had left in both their mouths. Concealing them both in smoke once again, the Beast Human Clone Jutsu ended only as Shisen performed to two jutsu back to back, making it appear that three Arashis were charging at Masami rather than just one but only were not illusionary. Upon getting close to Masami, the three Arashis went into Passing Fang at clone range.

As the smoke bombs puffed and created a smoke screen, Masami could see another Arashi popping up. This time, she made sure to remember which one was just created, as her eyes could see perfectly through the smoke. This time, she simply stood frozen at one place as she saw the three of them approach her and started their Passing Fang. Having little time to react, Masami instinctively ducked, but she still felt a scratch or two on her back - she was not quick enough. Gritting her teeth to ignore the sharp, burning sensation, she stood up and turned. She took up the basic Gentle Fist stance, her eyes set on her foe.

It had seemed that Masami had a guess as to who the solid Arashis were and which were not, but that would change as she easily adjusted the plan she had in mind. Growling once, then a second time to alert the Arashi that was not a clone to drop yet another series of smoke bombs from her mouth as Shisen did the same as they fell back after they made some contact with Masami. The illusionary one kept going though and as it did, Shisen decided to make a much needed sacrifice of sorts if the rest were to fall into place later on. This time, she broke out of the transformation jutsu and building up some more chakra in her hands and feet, she prepared to face off with Masami in a close range.

Spotting one Shisen approaching her, Masami did not care whether it was the real one or not, she decided to engage back. Not wanting to make the first move, she took up a more defensive stance, building up a small amount of chakra on the fingertips of her right hand. She could see the remaning two Shisen´s were still at a safe distance, and the one charging was getting closer and closer. Masami waited patiently and when Shisen got close, she thrust her hand forward, going for a stab on the charging girl.

She gritted her teeth, not wanting to get close but knowing she needed to do for some time before falling back, a kunai in both hands as she would try to defend herself from the stab, but failed. Feeling the attack hit her shoulder, she also went for a stab with one of the kunai while the other hand went for Masamis hands. Arashi, still in the form of Shisen, ran at them at her highest speed and snarled, before breaking out of the transformation and charging at Masami, going for her back.

Masami´s spired was lifted by the succesfull stab she made, and even more so as she spotted Shisen grit her teeth. But then she grit her teeth, as her kunai scratched her shoulder, bloodying it in the process. Then, she spotted that she was being attacked from behind. Not really having the time to thank Hiron for their last training, she shifted all her weight on her right leg to remain stable. Just as Shisen transformed back into Arashi, Masami was ready - she leaned forward, adding more pressure into her stab, just as the kunai on her shoulder made a longer cut. She brought her left leg up in a kicking motion, hoping to ward off the attacking ninken.

Just as Masami started to make the kicking motion, Shisen lunged forwards with kunai at the girls chest with an upward motion as Arashi would stop and change her couse of attack, now lunging for the leg that was trying to ward her off. With the focus divided between the two, Shisen through herself forwards in order to hopefully tackle Masami to the ground. Arashi was prepared to jerk her head forwards with the leg of Masami, hopefully knocking her off balance.

She was in a pinch between Shisen and Arashi, which was not good for her. Then, she felt Shisen moving forward, making her lose her balance. Arashi managed to grab her leg with his teeth, and Masami had to react with a series of quick movements - she was not wounded, but she deffinetely felt it. Trying to remain calm, she bended her right knee and gathered momentum, also bringing down her left leg. Then, she used her right leg to push herself from the ground, bringing her left leg up in a much stronger kicking motion. She extended her second hand and grabbed Shisen at her second shoulder, but failed to fully avoid the kunai swung at her chest - it made a cut on her cheek. Ignoring the pain, Masami continued in her move.

With being successfull in catching her leg, she jerked her head back and forth much like she was trying to tear it from her body while further trying to make Masami lose balance. As Shisen swiped again upwards diagnally hopping to cut across from the already existing cut she put on her and as she was grabbed, she gritted her teeth, dropping the kunai in her right hand, she reached and grabbed Masamis hand, also abandoning the cutting motion to stab at Masami and her hand. Arashi let go of her leg, thrusting herself upwards towards Masamis arm.

Masami felt a relief when Arashi let go of her leg - she can never let that happen again in this match. Masami was already in the air when Arashi started to charge at him, and she decided for a danerous move. In a split second, she ceased the stabbing motion and tried to let go of Shisen´s arm, but that would not happen. So she tried to use it against her - she yanked hard and as she was above Shisen, she built up some chakra and slammed her palm down hard on her back. Using her second hand, she quickly coated it in chakra and made a lashing strike at the charging Arashi.

Crying out in pain as Masami slammed her hand on her back, Shisen let go of Masami and tried to refocus her efforts on another point of Masami as Arashi growled, she stopped her charge at Masami went running towards Shisen. The ninken concerned for the well being of her partner, but Shisen shook her head at the ninken and Arashi growled before charging back at Masami with fresh and new rage. Shisen took a deep breath, trying to forget about her back but it was not easy. Finally, she ran forwards and got another kunai out of her pouch, prepared to swipe at her again.

Masami landed on her feet, doing a sommersault backwards. As she landed, she could see that both Arashi and Shisen were charging. She took a deep breath. She survived a live combat situation, and she would use som of that experience. She molded chakra again, and decided that she will engage the two of them at close ranges. But this time, she will utilize the full capabilities of the Gentle Fist style. She started to charge towards the duo and as they were getting close, she droppend int a sliding motion, awaiting their reaction.

At the last possible minute, Shisen performed the needed hand signals for Passing Fang, both her and Arashi started spiralling directly at Masami, Shisen released several shuriken and kunai into the air, as she kept hold of two kunai that would later be used to impale Masami. Right before Arashi had the chance to make contact with Masami, Shisen let out a sharp whistle and she barreled into the ground before spiralling back into the air and away from Masami. Shisen had also stopped, her teeth gritted as her back was throbbing from the pain, she was also a good distance away now. Still gritting her teeth, she began sending chakra to her hands and feet again, once again taking a feral appearance.

She realized the mistake she made as soon as she spotted the flurry of weapons heading from the once again spinning Shisen and Arashi. This was not good - she was the target of two Fangs and several weapons. Most of them would be flying widely away from her, but some reached her, leaving several scratches and cuts on her hands. Gritting her teeth, she decided to ignore the pain the small weapons caused. Deciding to apply some general mechanics, she moulded a large amount of chakra - just as she did when walking on water or running on trees. The chakra acted like a glue and her body yanked into a standing position - she felt some pain from her ankle, but gritting her teeth, she leaped from the ground. This way, she was out of the largest danger and landed some distance behind Shisen. Her breath quicker than before, she spotted the charging Shisen.Her apperance was out of normal again. She kept her chakra moulded for the Gentle Fist usage.

Following Masami through the air with her eyes, she did not waste any time in charging at her at what seemed like an impossible speed as Arashi also came charging at her, a deep growl errupting from her mouth as the ninken got closer and closer. Wincing as the pain in her back hindered some of her movement, she tried to ignore it as much as possible and with Arashi now mere seconds away from colliding with Masami, Shisen held the kunai at ready and facing forwards. Once she was only a step away, she leapt upwards and made herself spin before doing the needed hand signals for Passing Fang again, making her and Arashi spiral towards Masami at a dangerously close range for everyone.

She spotted another series of seals weaved by Shisen, and she made it her top priority to prevent her from using the technique again. Even though it was not that hard to evade, it was unpleasant to deal with ,especially when she used it together with Arashi. She moulded chakra precisely at her fingertips, as she wanted to land another hit. So she used a jump as a gap closer on Shisen, and brough her right leg up, deciding to bring it down on her hard. And she will immediately try and connect with some hand movements as well.

Seeing her leg coming her way, Shisen decided it was time to stop the spiralling at the intensity that she was currently spiralling with and let some of the momentum carry her towards Masami at a less dangerous pace, she maunevered herself so that she was facing up instead of down, her hand shooting up as she was slow enough to move it and grabbed her leg. The remaining momentum went towards her turning herself in the direction of Arashi so that Masami would hopefully be sent that way as the ninken was now out of the spiralling motion and was coming charging at Masami at a moderate and exhausted pace due to multiple uses of Passing Fang.

Masami spotted both Shisen´s position and a charging Arashi towards her. She was surprised by Shisen grabbing her leg and as she was not prepared for it, Masami was now flying towards Arashi. Seeing the closing ninken at her back, Masami bended her back even more, so she was now facing Arashi. She moulded chakra in her right palm, and using her Palm Bottom tecnique, she struck at Arashi, being extra careful not to cause the ninken too much pain by her strike.

Arashi took the hit hard, yelping loudly she fell to the ground with another cry of pain as her she whimpered before falling silent, unconscious. Shisen suddenly alarmed by the change, stopped and stood stalk still from the shock of her ninken unmoving. She needed Arashi to be ok, she shook her head as now angry with Masami for doing that to her ninken. She walked forwards, at a seemingly calm pace until she a few steps from Masami. "Give me a chance to move her before you try to attack me, please?" Shisen asked, her voice shook from both anger and dispair at the sight of her wounded ninken.

Masami landed, satisfied with how her attack turned out. She spotted the ninken unmoving and a visibly shocked Shisen standing before her. Masami was a bit puzzled by what followed next - Shisen slowly approached her with a request that moved Masami a bit. Her shocked vocie was proof enough of how much she cared for her ninken. So she stood up, placed her left hand behind her back and extended her right hand in a fighting stance." I struck with the intent to stun, not to hurt. He should be okay. But ... seeing how much you care for each other ..." Masami nodded, but stayed on her guard.

Bowing her head in thanks, she walked over to Arashi and picked her up gently, with a deep breath she walked over to the side of the arena and laid her down as gently as possible. "I wont stop until I have to... I promise..." Shisen murmured to the motionless Arashi before turning to walk back towards Masami. Her resolve for winning was renewed, a stronger need to win the match filled her and she glared at Masami. "Alright, I hope you realized what you did," Shisen said, before picking up a couple kunai from the ground and then charging at Masami with both kunai facing her.

Masami nodded at Shisen´s statement.She tried to keep as calm as she could. The sight of a charging Shisen returned Masami into the reality of the match they were fighting now." I did what had to be done. I am more sorry for what I am about to do, Shisen." That being said, she started to run towards her, building up chakra on her fingertips. She was decided to end the move as soon as she can. So as both charged, Masami waited for the last moment to try sliding once again.

Noticing the way she was being charged at, she decided to back track and try to draw out whatever attack Masami had in store for her, doing some back flips she landed a good few feet away and set off a series of smoke bombs as she did. From training with one of her team mates, Ezuri Hyuuga, she knew that the smoke would not hinder the eyes of the Hyuuga girl. But as the arena filled with smoke, she would dart around and collect as many kunai and shuriken as she could while it still lingered. Setting off a few more smoke bombs, she found one that had managed to cut Masami from before, lifting it up to her nose she took in the scent. No longer needing her eyes, she would track Masamis movements by her scent.

Masami saw everything in perfect detail. She calmyl stood up as Shisen was darting around the arena, She calmly stood up carefully tracked her movements. The smoke did nothing to hinder Masami. Deciding that it was useless to chase after Shisen, and making sure that she had enough breath, she calmly stood there, placing her left hand behind her back, her right hand before her. She just stood there, closely watching Shisen gathering weapons. Also noticing that she smelled a kunai that managed to cut her, she was getting prepared.

Shisen knew very little of the use of Masamis Kekei Genkai, but what she did know was just enough to give her an idea of how to handle the rest of the match. She did not waste anymore time, instead she went directly for Masami with a very a clear goal in mind. Approaching the Hyuuga girl, she would point both kunai in her hands outwards and up, waiting till she was a mere step away, to swipe towards Masamis face.

Shisen was heading straight towards Masami, who remaiend as calm as she could. Masami ducked when Shisen was a few steps away and moulded a large amount of chakra into her palm. Just as Shisen wanted to finish the match, so did Masami. So, ducking and when she felt the moment was right, she thrusted her palm upwards, releasing all the stored chakra.

She knew that Masami would duck, just like she did all the times prior to this point in the match, that was she wanted to happen. She thrusted her hands downward, releasing the kunai in her hands as they flew towards Masami as Shisen continued to as she send several more kunai down towards Masami at the same speed as the first two. Charging back towards Masami as she did not stop her charge, she would hold a shuriken in each hand, getting hit by some of the chakra.

Masami decided that what was enough is enough. She did not let up in her efforts and did her best to avoid the weapons hurled at her, taking a scratch or two in the process. Upon taking a scratch on her cheek, she landed on one of her hands to keep a low profile. Using this position, she gathered as much momentum in her legs as she could and leapt towards Shisen. Using her hands as she approached, she fixed them on the ground and started to durn, bringing her right leg down in a kicking motion.

Shisen reacted as swiftly as her low energy would allow her to do, bringing both arms up to her torso in a defensive manner to ward off the kick before swinging her left and down to cut across her leg sharply. She would then use her other hand to reach for her foot while in a swipping motion with the other shuriken, taking a deep breath. She would take a step back, putting some distance between before propelling herself forwards in a spinning movement while both shuriken were openned fully and her elbows pointed out.

As soon as she spotted Shisen intending to cut at her leg, Masami pushed herself away using her remaining leg, she pushed herself away from her foe using that leg. The match was getting way too drawn out, but Masami decided to remain patient. Pushing herself away with her hands, she took another few steps backwards, away from Shisen. Just as she was charging, Masami was taking a few more steps back, minding the distance between her, the Inuzuka girl and the wall of the arena.

Not stopping her charge, she would hold out the shuriken and switch them to one hand while the other, would remain empty for now. Getting a step away, she reached with her empty hand at Masamis and grabbed it sharply, yanking her forwards as she did so. With some of her remaining energy, she thrusted her other hand directly at Masmis eyes knowing that it was low shot but she was desparate and would do what she had to. Swiping her leg under Masamis as she did so to knock her off balance.

The moment she saw Shisen going for her eyes was the moment she decided that enough was enough. She used her free hand to deflect the blow aimed at her eyes, and as Shisen was still holding her other hand, she decided to use this against her. As it was pointed towards Shisen, she gathered some chakra into her hand a fired a point blank Vacuum Palm.

She had two options, well three actually, she could either still hold onto Masami still and take the Vacuum Palm, let go and take some of it or forfeit. Shisen did not like any of her options, but she did have one last trick up her sleeve. Although there was no time to utilize her trick, she took the full force of the Vacuum alm and gritted her teeth from the intensity of the pain. Instead of just holding onto the hand, she was now clinging to it , with her nails digging into the skin. She was about to pull out her paper bomb, but as it entered plain sight there was a loud snarl from a now conscious ninken, who looked out raged. Shisen stopped, she had not thought what she was about to do through and realized how reckless it was. Letting go of the paper bomb, she let it fall to the ground and realeased Masami from her grasp. "Enough," Shisen said.

She gritter her teeth as the nails dug themselves deep into her skin. She could see that her Vacuum Palm hit, but Shisen refused to give up. Then, a quick turn of events took place - Arashi regained consciousness and snarled towards them. Masami had no idea what this mean, but as a precaution, she placed her middle and index finger on Shisen´s hand, prepared to inflict as much damage as she possibly could. Then, she was surprised when her hand was let go and Shisen spoke up. Masami stood there, shocked by the events and trying to catch her breath. Her body, surprised and shocked, shut out everything - except of Shisen standing next to her.

She did not want to say anything, a wide range of emotions flashed across her face but settled on dissapointment. Turning, she walked towards Arashi and gently picked her up although the ninken did not wish to be picked up and growled. Once that was done, she turned back towards Masami and met her eyes. "Take your win and leave us be," Shisen said, her voice dry and hoarse with emotion. Her shoulders shook with pain and the weight of Arashi in her arms was a lot to handle, especially when she felt like she had dissapointed those in her team.

Masami was now catching her breath, as fast as she could. Suddenly, every scratch, bide and other attacks she suffered returned to her in full force. The pain was intense, and it was with the last of her mental strenght that she managed to get over what she just witnessed." I would ... hardly call this a victory ... Shise. Were you ... actually thinking about blowing that bomb up ... at that range? Was that win worth that much to you?"

When she thought about it, it wasnt winning that she thought was worth it and at the moment, anything worked. "No... I made a promise... The promise would have been though. I suppose you can thank Arashi for changing my mind," Shisen said, shifting her weight to the less injured one. She was shaking from everything that happened, the pain, the emotions and what Masami was saying now.

" And you should thank Arashi for the fact that both of us are alive right now ..." Masami replied, her breath calming down a bit, but her mind was still in turmoil." I think both of us failed to see the real purpose of the exams ... winning is not all that matters. I am sad ... you thought about that. Should Arashi be unconsciouss ... both of us could be dead. Think about ... think about what is really worth that ... Shisen ... " Masami was unsure why she was sad after she won, but she was sad." It is a hollow victory for me ... Shisen ..." After that, she turned and headed out of the arena.

Shisen said nothing, had Arashi not been hit then she would have went at it differently and as Masami said earlier, she did what she had to. Turning on her heals unsteadly, she walked out of the arena. "Next time, Arashi, next time" Shisen murmured to the unhappy ninken. Arashi simply barked and laid still as she was carried to the infimary. From the corner of her eyes, she saw a white blurr and had to smile as a certain small white ninken came running from the crowds to walk with them.

He had to keep his calm. Sho clenched his fists as he stomped towards the arena. He had to keep calm. And why shouldn't he be calm? Actually now that he thought about this, this was perfect. This was great. This should be everything he wanted anyway. Here he was in the Chuunin Exams, aiming to gain a rank and finally show some of the stuck up guys that he was not a failure and he got the oppertunity to beat an Uchiha to pulp. How queer. Might be good practice if he ever got around to beating his dad ever. Sho stomped against a stone and only then realized what kind of arena he had entered.

Freaking mountain area. Really? Sho snorted, well at least he wasn't overly surprised. He knew what the people could do with the place and considering that his opponenent was an Uchiha and thus from Konoha, the guy was going to be more surprised. Didn't fucking matter anyway. The guy would lose. Finally Sho arrived in the middle of the arena where they had leveled the field a bit so that they could start on even ground. And he waited.

After having spilt the blood of the chocolate filled sweetness that is named Eclair, Katsu bid his farewells to Koike and Aiko, marching towards the arena, filled with excitement. Once he reached the end of the road and the terrain changed, he took a moment to observe his surroundings. A grin curled up on his lips as he stretched his arms. For a moment, he forgot what he was doing there. He looked over to his opponent and gave him a widened, friendly grin. He waved over. "Hi! Um. I know we're supposed to start fighting soon but I just wanted to say good luck!" Lowering his hand, the smile grew fainter, though the friendly expression was still there.

Oh, it was that type of guy, Sho thought annoyed already. The one that was all friendly and sweet and said nice things that didn't get you anywhere and that certainly didn't make you victor in a match. "You wish your enemy good luck when you fight him?" Sho asked though he didn't really want an answer. He uncleched his fists and lowered his stance a bit. "I don't think so. Let's just get started or are you going to win from me by talking me to death?"

"Right, right," Katsu said, still smiling. He raised his left hand to the same level as his chest, performing the Seal of Confrontation. Seemingly unphazed by his opponent's words, whether it was from some sort of an obliviousness or just because he didn't take the comments seriously, the boy's smile fainted further, concentrating on the event that was about to come. Not like luck has anything to do with how this'll turn out, he thought to himself. Ah... I just hope I don't disappoint sensei.

Sho didn't like official battles and he didn't like that stupid seal. What was that seal going to accomplish? Did it tell his opponent that this was going to be fair fight? That this wouldn't be a fight to the death? That was ridiculous. It didn't tell you anything. Still he made the goddamn thing and held it for a second or two. Then he deemed that the match had started and lunged forward to the left which meant he was going up the mountain. As soon as he gained a little height he turned to his opponent - what was his name again? Well who cared anyway, the Uchiha - and jumped at him, aiming to kick him full in the face.

Seeing how his opponent was moving up the mountain, Katsu decided to take a different route. He took a few large steps back while weaving the handseals to create a regular clone, not wanting to waste much Chakra. He dropped from the edge of the cliff, clinging onto it with his feet, walking sideways as he started to stick some kunai to the rocks in pairs, a nearly invisible wire connecting them.

Sho dropped right through the clone, seeing as the basic academy technique didn't actually have a corporal body to begin with. Straightening up from the crouching position he had landed in he looked around. Where the hell was this guy? The clone could obviously never hurt him and he wasn't going to waste time with it. Sho's eyes shot around. He wasn't one for waiting and stalking his prey. Oh, he could do that, but now he had a clear opponent so that was out of the question. He wanted to punch this guy's face in. "Well fine.." He muttered. He took a couple of steps back towards the mountain wall. At some point that guy had to show up.

Katsu noticed how there was no movement down below other than the occasional gusts of wind. This is rather convenient... The boy had a couple of tags in his mouth as he pulled one out and stuck it in a rather shadow-filled area just under one of the pillars. After having done that, he grabbed a shuriken from his pouch and tossed it upwards, throwing it in the general direction of where they had started.

Immediately Sho's eyes shot to the object that was hurled up into the air. Ah, so the guy was hiding in one of the cliffs? That was... very convenient. Sho clasped his hands together and formed a couple of seals. The Uchiha wanted to hide? Sure, he could get washed away for all Sho cared. He placed his hand against his mouth and released a large stream of water that would swipe over the edge of the cliff and take stones and other rubble with it into the blackness.

Wondering for a moment what was going on, he finally saw the water just above him. With a quick move, he ignited the tag and dropped a bit lower, clasping his hands together. Just as the water reached the level of the tag, it exploded, spreading the water that would have fallen just above Katsu towards the stones. Gusts of wind flew upwards from Katsu, feeding the flames and making it burst out from the top. Some smoke rose from the now extinguished flames. Using the smoke as temporary cover, Katsu rushed up and jumped upwards, sending two kunai flying towards Sho, both of them with a tag fluttering from behind.

Why an explosion happened right after he had sent of a wave of water Sho would probably never know. It did surprise him however. Water generally didn't... explode so something set it off. As he jumped back Sho wondered what his opponent was seriously trying to do. But now there was smoke and with smoke an attack was never far off. And yes sure, there it was. With his hand still against his mouth Sho was in an excellent dodging kunai position. He shot several shots from the Water Release: Gunshot technique towards the kunai to make them alter their course. Then he continued with sending more towards Katsu filling the air with little balls of water.

Katsu took a leap back, aiming to jump back down. As he was in mid air, he pulled out four shuriken, hiding one under the other, two in each hand. As he thrust them forward, he sunk back into the areas between the two masses of land. He could hear the two tags explode, now further from one another due to the technique Sho had used. Now that he'd made his presence in that area completely obvious, he moved back towards where he'd started with the traps and hid, listening to see if Sho would decide to go after him.

Oh no, he didn't. With another seal the many gunshots Sho had made combined together into two Water Arms. The guy was going to hide at the side of the cliff all the time? Sho thought not. He wanted to see the face of the guy as he beat him. The Water Arms were created at the edge and both slammed down at the side of the cliff before raising up and doing the same again.

Hearing the violent noises, Katsu crept up, seeing Sho was beating the life out of the rocks. He quietly pulled out a kunai with the gift Koike had given him dangling behind it. He threw it towards Sho, giving it an edge with his wind chakra and speeding it up by clasping his hands and using Violent Wind Palm.

Feeling the gust of wind Sho stopped his assault and wanted to move away. The kunai however was way quicker then expected, obviously because of the wind. It grazed his arm and then suddenly exploded into smoke. Sho didn't wait a second but shot forward with the highest speed his could muster. He could not lose sight of his opponent again. Within seconds he appeared out of the smoke and before Katsu's head that was peeping over the side of the cliff and send a kick to the man's nose while forming a seal with his hands.

Before he knew it, Katsu felt his contact with the cold stone get cut off, hitting his back to the stone as his legs didn't let go, the chakra gathered there keeping him stuck there. After a moment, he quickly jolted towards the other traps, quickly navigating past the first wire right in front of him as he drew the sword Hayate had given him, now glowing bright white due to the wind chakra infused into it.

His arm hurt, but Sho ignored it. The kick against the face felt good. It just would feel better if it would be followed up by some more kicks. Or punches. Didn't really matter. But the boy had disappeared again. Clearly he was doing something against the wall of the cliff. Was he expecting Sho to follow him? Sure, he was a hothead and he would love to do that. But this had happened before and he was not going to fall for such obvious traps again. He finished the seals and stepped over the edge of the cliff to follow Katsu. Or at least, his clone did.

Katsu was still running across the side until he came to a sudden stop, his hand going to one of the kunai stuck to the wall. He threw it back in the general direction the clone of Sho, following it up with a thin and compressed wave of wind leaving the tip of his sword aimed for the clone's current location. The kunai was moving towards an explosive tag between the two. As soon as the kunai would touch it, the tag would ignite.

The clone meanwhile had created a Water Whip. He knew that it made him weaker because he used the water of his own body, but whatever. He was a clone, who cared. The whip lashed out to kick the kunai out the air. If he had learned anything during this fight then it was that this guy didn't just throw shit randomly. He probably had some purpose. So better not let it hit him. Then he launched himself sideways off the cliff to avoid the incoming slash. For a moment he was hanging in nothingness, but the whip had already found something to hold on to and send the clone back to the rock formation straight towards Katsu.

As Sho was coming towards Katsu, the boy swung his sword once more, another small wave of compressed wind flew towards the clone. After using the attack, he didn't check to see if it hit. He quickly tossed a smoke bomb downwards to cloud his opponent's vision and made his way back to where he had come from instead of going to the other side.

Yeaah, no, were Sho's very intelligent thoughts. The clone's escapades had given him very much the location of Katsu and after that it was easy to spot the boy on the side of the mountain. So as the Uchiha moved back sideways on the mountain Sho could easily track him from above and lash out his own created whip to wrap around Katsu's swordarm and pull him up. So far Katsu would think he was still in that smoke cloud so he probably wouldn't expect and attack from above.

His grip disciplined, when the whip wrapped around his arm, although he was taken by surprise, he didn't let his muscles falter, dragging the sword onto the top along with him when he was pulled. He pulled out his second sword with his other hand, quickly slashing at the whip to free himself from Sho. He kept his eye on Sho to react to any attack that could come.

Sho's hand was on his first scroll as soon as Katsu pulled out his second sword. The thing with water was that cutting it wasn't really going to do it. And Sho had had a lot of time to practice and toy around with the Water whip technique. As soon as the thing was cut, it reshaped because of the water Sho drew out of the bow opened scroll, keeping Katsu's hand up. And not only that, holding the whip firm Sho brought his hands together to form a long serie of seals. It ended with him pouring as much water into the whip as possible that started to form the Water Prison Jutsu around Katsu.

Seeing how the cut didn't do anything, while his free hand was up high, he lowered it with speed, letting go of the sword and sending it in a straight line towards Sho as he was opening the scroll, hoping to make use of the moment. His now weaponless hand went to meet the other, releasing gusts of wind in the general direction of Sho, hoping to disturb the whip enough to break free.

Well, that was one sword gone. Sho jumped to the side as the blade came for him, but his grip on the whip didn't falter and the water was still rushing through it to form the Water Prison Jutsu. It was thus that the water that was shaping around Katsu caught most of the blow from the wind jutsu that the Uchiha released. It was blown away, but Sho wasn't done. His left arm hurt and it was getting worse but Sho gritted his teeth and moved. It didn't come close to any form of beating Soru had ever given him. He could take tenfold of this and still stand. Still the gust of wind might have blown away most of the water Sho wasn't hit at all and he jumped through the shroud of water that now obsured their vision of each other and thrust his hand forward, forcing the water to reform to the Water Prison again.

Shit, shit, shit! Katsu noticed Sho would come closer and reach towards him. Gathering his chakra at his feet, he didn't feel like being put in the position he was in before. The boy leapt forward with all of the speed he could muster, the sword being slashed downwards in a way that if they met in the current trajectory, the weapon would first strike Sho's shoulder and go down.

Somehow Katsu leapt out of the not fully formed Water Prison, which really was quite an amazing feat and made Sho realize that he should up the speed of that technique even more. But Sho wasn't going to let all that precious created water go. That would be a waste. Sho shot to the side, away from the downward strike as the water came splashing down, and send a kick to Katsu's now seemingly unprotected side.

As his foot touched down with Sho jumping to the side, he spun on his heel, the sword moving with his momentum. As the kick would land, his sword would move towards the leg to parry the blow with the sharp edge simultaneously in an effort to trade blows and possibly limit his opponent's movement.

Sho didn't even hesitate. He was way too close to Katsu. The boy might move his blade with speed but with that kind of speed a parry couldn't be strong, there was simply no time to strenghten the stance. So the sole of Sho's shoe connected on a high point with the blade and pushed through sending the blade straight into Katsu's face, hoping that it would connect again with Katsu mostly likely broken and shattered nose from the kick from before.

Dragging his foot across the stone floor, Katsu moved his back to avoid the weapon that was kicked up to his face, his arm moving to his back along with it. With the momentum that had brought his body back, he kicked himself back to gain some distance.

But Sho wasn't going to let the boy breath. Katsu kicked himself back, Sho kicked himself forward as soon as his own foot touched the ground. He raised his arms to preform a seal, one of them twitched nastly and Sho's fingers cramped for a second. Why did his arm hurt so fucking badly? It had just been a freaking small cut. He clasped the seal and let out a stream of water using the Wild Water Wave jutsu to temporarily block the vision between him and Katsu before sliding in low to kick Katsu's legs away from his body.

Seeing Sho was readying another technique, Katsu pulled out a kunai. By the time it was in his hand, the water had already blocked the area between the two. Feeling himself get swept from his feet, Katsu fell backwards, letting go of the kunai. Immediately placing his hands on the ground just above his shoulders to support himself, the boy twisted his wrist and pushed himself off the ground, still moving backwards.

Oh, he could land a hit. Sho was almost glad. It was a freaking boy of what? twelve, he was up against and he hadn't been able to land many hits really. It was frustrating as hell. But now he was getting somewhere. As he flipped himself up as well he took hold of the kunai Katsu dropped with his left hand only to drop it immediately. His fingers twitched and it hurt to move them. Hell, it felt like his whole arm was on fire. What the fuck was going on? Giving himself no time to think Sho kept moving forward. If he wouldn't give Katsu air then the boy would get hit more. Sho wondered how long he would even hold up with that broken nose anyway, but also that question was pointless. He shot after Katsu, feinted to the left because he couldn't attack with that arm anyway, and then moved in to tackle Katsu from the right.

Katsu kept moving back. There was little space left between them and the wall of stone rising as the mountain. Seeing Sho make another move towards Katsu. With the small movement to one side that Sho made, Katsu drove his foot in that direction, though to his surprise, Sho immediately changed his route of attack, coming in for a tackle. With it, Katsu lost his footing, his back hitting the stone cold ground.

Seeing as it was a tackle Sho crashed down with Katsu and had originally planned to start punching the hell out of the guy's face just simply because he existed, but found that he was incapable of doing so. Waves of pain started to spread out from his arm to his upper body. Sure he could handle pain, but this was of another level as he found himself unable to propery move up, the pain keeping him down partly on Katsu. So instead his hand shot out to try and grab Katsu's collar. "Wh-what the fuck did you do?" He spat with quite a bit of trouble.

Half present, Katsu's focus returned after being swept away by the pain of the stone cold stone hitting his back. With that, his other bruises and wounds' aches grew rapidly. He put on a brave face, trying to find a quick way to get out of the fight. For a moment, he didn't understand what Sho was talking about but when he saw the hand that was grasping his collar... "Oh, that. That's just some nasty poison," he said, doing his best not to sound aggravating. "The pain'll go on for hours and hours without an antidote..." Though he didn't know if it was true or not, it would be best for him if Sho thought it was. "I don't have one on me but I know someone who has one. You can try and beat me up, knock me unconscious... But you'd be stuck with the pain. If you forfeit now, I can grab it and bring it to you, y'know..."

Poison. So that was it. In hindsight Sho should have kind of expected that. Didn't mean he approved of it. Oh sure, he wasn't opposed the use of poison, but he prefered it to be used on his opponents. Not on him. "Freaking Uchiha's." Sho muttered under his breath before hearing Katsu's solution to all their little problems. "Yeah sure, let me just forfeit and make this match a waste. Not. I can handle pain any time of the day." Sho boasted, but his body spoke against him. "The real... fucking... question is... can... you." His words were strained due to the pain, but he held on to Katsu's collar.

"If you knock me out, you'll have to wait until the effect wears out," Katsu said, noticing the pauses between the words. "It won't be a waste... You got to beat me up quite a bit. Do you think that that's not worth anything?" I'm kind of in pain too you know.... It was hard to suppress the pain-screaming visage that was trying to crawl its way onto Katsu's face. "Just quit... Quit and let's get you the antidote." The boy couldn't feel bad for using such a passive tactic in a fight. He didn't want to push his body until he became useless.

"I got to beat up... a twelve year old... that is not worth... shit." Sho said. "Stupid...exams. What is the... point of this... anyway..." Continuing to grumble Sho tried to get himself up and away from Katsu so that he could punch the shit out of the guy. He didn't get much farther then rolling onto his back. This fucking sucked! Stupid exams, stupid Uchiha, stupid match and stupid fucking poison.

''Seems this is it.'' The man who had watched the match and was the referee had been at a safe distance. Noticing the condition of the two genins from a distance, he slowly closed in. Though he had missed most of the conversation, it was evident that both were exhausted and in pain. Still taking a bit of a distance, the man frowned. Waiting for several moments, he didn't see one trying to get back up on his feet. Raising his right hand, he would call out the result of the match. ''Draw. This match is over.''

Upon hearing the declaration, Katsu stopped holding back the visage trying to surface, his face revealing the pain he was in. "Gah... I guess we can go now... Mind letting me go?" he ask, not trying to keep his head up. He didn't feel like using a single one of his muscles. It's like how when you're running it's all good, you get tired but you still keep going, but when you sit down, you don't ever want to get up again.

"Fuck!" Sho cursed as loud as possible as the referee stepped in and told him that his match was over. As if he was holding something disgusting Sho pulled his hand back, away from Katsu's collar, away from anything that had to do with the boy. He closed his eyes against the pain and clenched his fists. Fuck, that hurt. That hurt really badly. But at least he knew that the boy next to him lay just as unmoving as he and that, in a way, was an accomplishment.

Katsu let out an "oof" as his back fell. He slowly sat up and looked over at Sho, then at the referee. Trying to clean some of the blood around his mouth poured from his nose, he spoke. "He needs something to suppress the poison. I think Koike Hon in the second arena has an antidote. If he's not there, Aiko Cho-Hon might have one..." He waited for a moment, realizing it was a bit vague to say his sensei's name without any context. "Um... She might be in the bleachers right now."

The referee had been silent as he waited for the medical nin to arrive. It was a bit harder to approach the two with the current field. Overhearing the conversation, the man sighed. He kept his opinion for himself and would pass to the medical nin what he had overheard. With the boys laying on the ground, the medical nin would place them on brancards to carry them away. The referee himself would go as well as the match was over.