When the knock on the door came Hisoka didn't look up from the paper before him. With a certain grace he finished his signature while calling: "Come in." to the door before him. He placed the paper to his right where a considerable amount of sheets had formed a considerable tall tower. "Please sit down." He said before Kiyomi had good and well entered the room. He gestured to his right.

Walking into the Hokage Office, Kiyomi bowed before she moved to the right of Hisoka. Eying the paperwork, she decided to report in first. ''The mission was a success. I have seen some promising work from the genin, Hayate. Leo Hasewaga sadly wasn't there to help to subdue the animal, but both are now ordered to meet up with Team Nimatsu.'' Kiyomi's green eyes glanced to the paperwork. She had a bad feeling about it. ''But is there something you wish from me, Lord Hokage-sama?'' Kiyomi asked.

The Hokage added another paper to the pile before looking up and nodding. "Good work. I'm sure Kensuke will be delighted with some more people to drill into the art of swordmanship." He said in a slightly joking way. He leaned back in his chair and observed his apprentice. "Yes." He replied simply to her question. "You are aware that your duties to your team are only a small part of your duties as Hokage Apprentice. The other part is way less glamorous, but is something you will have to deal with. These duties will take up the rest of your day. I take it that that is not a problem." Before Lilia could answer Hisoka continued talking and placed his hand on the pile of paper.. "These here are mission reports. You know them, of course. You fill them out yourself. 3 months worth of missions that need to be reviewed and filed according to type of mission and the name of the shinobi. As Hokage I need to be aware what my subordinates are doing and check if nothing is going wrong. So we are going to read these and file them correctly."

At first Kiyomi felt the need to sigh, but she didn't. Understanding that this was required of her, she simply nodded. ''I will do my best, Hokage-sama.'' Kiyomi said as she looked at the pile of paper work. It would likely take the whole day. If not three! It was something that she already disliked, but the importance was outweighted the boredom and dislike she already harbored for the paperwork. ''Ready when you are, Hisoka-sama.'' Kiyomi said, already trying to pay attention to what report they would first read together.

Hisoka shove the pile towards Kiyomi as he took out another package from his drawer. "Go ahead. You'll read by yourself. If you think you see anything that is strange, speak up." He gave her a look. "Understand thus that I am trusting you here with this reading. I will not read those myself. It is up to your judgement. Your decisions on what to notice and what to skip can make a huge difference. So read carefully."

Nodding, she searched for a chair and then moved it to the desk to sit down next to Hisoka. The pressure that was placed on her shoulders was something that bothered her at first. She didn't want to make any mistake, but Hisoka wouldn't let her do this if he had no trust or faith in her. Picking the first report, she began to read. It was about a team that had helped to rebuild a fence. A team of starting genins. That was a fairly easy one. That was thus a D ranked mission. Nothing strange. Still Kiyomi read what was reported. One of the students had actually broken a part of the fence, which made Kiyomi almost giggle. But knowing she had to be serious, she filled it in as a D ranked mission and filled that it was a success. Turning to Hisoka, she presented him the paper. ''Like this, Hisoka-sama?'' Kiyomi asked.

Hisoka shot a brief glance over the paper. "Seems about right. For now you can sort them in piles according to mission rank. Later we will put them away in the right folders according to the shinobi's name." He handed the paper back to her before returning to his own. Kiyomi smiled as she nodded again and focused on her task. For a half hour, it went quite well. Mostly C ranked missions and no abherent or weird things. Sometimes Kiyomi had the urge to read something out loud that she found funny or interesting, but she knew that it would waste Hisoka's time. He wasn't here with her to discuss something or make fun. It was something serious.

Then she read something strange. ''Since when is it a mission to capture a shinobi from a country that isn't on hostile ground with us?'' Kiyomi slowly asked as she continued to read. An ANBU team was set to reinforce the border patrols, but a secondary mission was added for one member. To see if it was possible to capture a shinobi of the Wind country.

Frowning the Hokage lowered his own page and rubbed his eyes, trying to think which mission that could be. He had given so many lately. Had there been one like that? "Who's team is it from?" He asked Kiyomi. "Who did they capture?" The question was directly answered as Kiyomi didn't even need to look at the paper. ''An ANBU Team, under leadership of Harumi Uchiha. Capturing a shinobi from Sunagakure.'' Kiyomi glanced back at the paper. She was thinking why Hisoka had given such a mission. To be aware what the Sand was doing? To get some intel on something else? What was the aim to order such a mission? Already, Kiyomi could decipher that if the mission had gone wrong that it would had have some serious consquences. It was a heavy transaggression from Konohagakure to commit such an action. Aware of the relation that was between Konohagakure and Sunagakure, Kiyomi still hoped he would answer her question.

Harumi. Again Hisoka paused a second at that name. He should really... have a talk with her. A sigh escaped his lips. "Since when do we order missions like that? Since ever. We are a big country with many enemies who will not blink when doing the same thing. I cannot be unaware of what is going on behind our borders which is why I send Harumi to check it out for me. You have a problem with that?" He asked the girl before him, genuinely interested in the answer.

''No, I understand the reasons.'' Kiyomi said back without even needing to think about it. She glanced at the paper. ''I have been thinking after the talk you and Mata-sama had. Sometimes you will need to do something that people might condemn to be low and dirty. But we, shinobi, shouldn't have honor that high, should we?'' Kiyomi asked, thought it wasn't a really serious question. She was well aware that honor was very nice, but it could get you killed. Certainly in this field of work. ''I would suspect sending spies in order to harvest intel about the other villages and try to remain aware of what they are doing in such a manner. But I can see the advantages of this manner as well.'' A smirk crept on her lips as she shot a glance in his direction. ''The only problem I have is that if its ever found out that people will somehow complain about it. It seems many keep forgetting that shinobi don't fight on fair terms, do they now?'' She said as she wanted to mark the patrol mission as a B ranked, while pondering on the capturing part. That was either A ranked, but due the risks and the consquences, she considered it rather S ranked.

"Someone once said to me that while samurai gladly throw their lives on the line for what they believe in and uphold their honor all the time, shinobi do even more for their country or lord. They throw away their honor in favor of the cause. They strip themselves of their pride and hide in the shadows while the samurai fight and die with glory. We are not out to seek fame or acknowlidgement. People indeed seem to forget that. And if they want to complain, let them. People will always find something to complain about. The world is never perfect for anyone." HIsoka spoke. There lay no fame in killing someone as a ninja, he had realised that long ago. And he had thrown out the notions about honor and pride too, a long time ago. That was what leaving one's village meant.

''I know.'' She said, before writting and placing the paper where it should be. Kiyomi continued as she didn't find anything interesting or that was standing out. While she read and marked the reports, she forgot the time and after finishing a report, she decided to quickly glance outside. Not sure how late it was, she was very sure that the sun hadn't been that low. While the pile had shrunken quite, there was still a lot that needed to be done. Thinking, Kiyomi snapped her fingers as she proposed something. ''May I make two shadow clones to speed up the process? That way it will go faster as two can read and mark the reports and documents and one organize it!'' Kiyomi suggested.

"Sure." Hisoka replied. He shove his chair back and got up, stretching his back and cracking his neck. He paced back and forth a couple of times before halting before the window and looking out over the city. He rubbed his eyes again, feeling a headache coming up. "How is your training coming along?" He asked suddenly without turning back to the working girl.

Kiyomi heard the question as she had made two shadow clones. With a shadow clone, she went through the papers, read them and then marked them. The other shadow clone organized the piles as Hisoka had said he wished to do afterwards. But the question caught the attention of the orginal Kiyomi who briefly looked up. Her green eyes looked around the Office. ''I am making some progress. The Blue Fire is something I am starting to become better at. Same as sharing some of Mata-sama's chakra. I learned that its almost a second nature of the Bijuu to share their chakra. However,'' Kiyomi paused as she seemed to be a bit disappointed about the next point she would bring up. ''Even while my body is capable of holding the massive chakra amount, I can't fully control Mata-sama's chakra alone. I.. can summon outside of me, but the fact is that it won't be the full deal. Its actually similiar to a shadow clone. Not as strong as he could be.'' Kiyomi finished, but she wanted to say something else at the end. Instead of strong, she wished to say 'free', but she knew better. Hisoka wouldn't like to hear that she desired to give Matatabi more freedom while she was part of Konohagakure.

"I see. You'll have to show me during our next training session. Also I don't want you to try and use the full strength of the Bijuu on your own, or within the city. I understand that your bond with the beast is good, I have experienced it, but we don't know the consequenses might... things escalate." Hisoka turned back to Kiyomi and looked with mild interest how the Shadow clones were running around. Even with those to help her Kiyomi would be stuck with this task for a while. It was a lot of work. He opened his mouth to ask another question when an ANBU appeared in the room, kneeled with his head down. Hisoka frowned. The masked head of the ninja turned to Kiyomi for a moment as if he was waiting for the girl to leave, but the Hokage mentioned that he should go ahead.

"Lord Hokage, we have received a message that bandits have been raiding a village near the border with the land of Lightning. They ask for assistance."

Hisoka shot a look to Kiyomi, his eyes serious. "Go ahead," he said to her, "What would you do?"

That Hisoka wished to see what she could do already with the Blue Fire made her only smile. His interest in it was something she felt proud off. After all, it was the Hokage that took an interest in what she was trying to develop. Or developing from Matatabi's chakra. When an ANBU appeared, Kiyomi glanced at the man and felt the need to leave. Only to notice that Hisoka asked what she would do. Thinking about what she knew, Kiyomi knew that there was some kind of good relation between Kumogakure and Konohagakure. The two had aided each other in the past wars and conflicts. ''Depends. If the village is under our mantle, we need to act right away. If its not the case, I would be less inclined to help. I can recall we have some good bonds with the Land of Lightning, but to rush to their side is a bit too much. We're aren't allied at the moment.'' Kiyomi said. Thinking further, she then formed her answer.

''I would assemble a group of around some chuunins and only be led by a jounin. If it are only bandits, then a group of ten chuunins would be more than enough to clear them out and restore the peace. Maybe even help to repair the damage and such.'' Kiyomi said. ''We have the manpower to spare, so it could be something that would benefit the relation between the Fire and Lightning country. Maybe something that can be used to in a meeting or when discussing a treaty with the people of the Lightning country?''

The ANBU had barely looked at the little girl as she spoke. His mask remained pointed at the Hokage. He had the final say in things after all and the ANBU wasn't inclined to listen to anyone else's orders. Hisoka, however, nodded slowly at Kiyomi's words before turning to the ANBU. "Any report of how many?" He asked.

"An average amount. About 15." The ANBU replied curtly.

Hisoka was silent for a moment, thinking, staring to the shadows in the room. "We'll dispatch a team of 10 Chuunin then, as suggested. They are to drive the bandits away and help with repairs in the city. The protection of the people of the village will have main priority. Please inform my assistant of my words."

Without more words the ANBU nodded and disappeared in a flash. Hisoka said down on his chair again. "And now back to paperwork." He said to Kiyomi with a slight twinkle in his eyes.

At first she wasn't sure if her answer had been one that Hisoka found pleasing or approved off. But when he ordered that a team of ten chuunin had to be dispatched, she felt no worry about it. Wïth the ANBU disappearing in a flash and Hisoka saying that she should go back to the paperwork, Kiyomi nodded. Together with her two shadow clones, she continued her work. But a question still lingered in her mind. And after fifteen minutes, she couldn't hold it anymore. Glancing in the direction of Hisoka, Kyiomi decided to ask the question. ''What did you think of my response?'' She asked.

"Quick." Hisoka replied, seemingly not very surprised by the question. "You judged the amount of Chuunin and their jobs before you asked the ANBU how many enemies there were. We might have a lot of manpower, but we don't want to waste it." His tone wasn't accusing. "There is nothing wrong with questioning the man who comes to tell you something. You can't know everything that is going on and you can't for a decision based on things you don't know. So don't forget to question." He looked up from his own work after a moment of silence. "How does it feel to be the one not going out there?" He asked.

''A bit weird.'' Kiyomi seemed to focus on her work as she gave the short reply. She sighed and flashed a smile in his direction. ''I am so used to being in the field. The one that is there to help others. But I already noticed with leading the Guardians, that a leader isn't always in the field. A leader should be the one that takes the decisions. If I would head there myself, it would mean somebody else would lead in my place.'' Kiyomi said, turning her head back to look at the document she was holding. ''I think that will be kind of hard for me. To stay here while others risk their lives, because I ordered them..'' Kiyomi continued to read the document and rated it as a B ranked mission. It was about escorting a wealthy merchant that was afraid of getting robbed. The money he had paid for to be escorted by shinobi was something Kiyomi found a bit too much, but she wouldn't complain. After all, it already had happened and the mission had been a success.

"If you have faith in their capabilities then there is nothing to worry about." Hisoka said. "As leader you put as much trust in your subordinates as they put in you." He filed something S and put it away in one of the drawers near him. He was going to have to remember that one. "But yes it is hard sometimes."

''Its even harder, because Gramps Jin-Jin told me that the Hokage is like the shield. I realize that it won't be literally, but if one would be a shield, it mean to protect something. Thus being there to actually protect a person.'' Kiyomi said. She briefly glanced out of the window that provided a view over Konohagakure. ''Its a bit hard to believe that one can be a shield while staying here.'' Kiyomi said, thinking back to the lessons and teachings of Jinkama. It made all sense, but at times like this she was wondering if she fully understood the meaning of his lessons.

"One can protect a person in many ways." Hisoka said. "By sending out the right people you can often accomplish more then by going out yourself and thus you protect more then what you could have done on your own. No one said that being a shield was fun and easy."

''I know and never imagined it would be easy nor fun.'' Kiyomi replied. She started to focus again on the report, but kept something in mind. She had taken a decision too fast without asking about the details of the situation or what the intel was regarding the situation. Making a mental note that she should try to do that more often, Kiyomi marked something C ranked. A team of genin helping to guard a village. After giving it to the shadow clone who organized the papers, Kiyomi took a new one from the pile.

~The next day~

Standing on the damp grass, Mika had her arms crossed out front of her chest. It was still early as the sun hadn't revealed itself yet in the sky. Or maybe it was blocked by the clouds? Not that it mattered to the woman. The reason she was there was simply because she was waiting for one of her students to arrive. The eyes of Mika slightly narrowed as she thought about the girl. Hopefully she wouldn't be late as Mika was sure she had given the time and place without any faults. And if she would come too late, then Mika had something for her.

Haruhi looked around her, not sure exactly where she was. She bit her lip nervously, knowing her sensei would have something bad waiting for her if she was late. She reached into her jacket pocket and took out the note she had been given, reading it over one more time. She was supposed to meet somewhere close. Oh wait, maybe im not lost afterall. Sure enough, she spotted her sensei a few yards away, her hand on her hip, waiting impatiently for her. Upon seeing her, Haruhi sped up to a jog and approached. "Hi sensei. Sorry...am I late?"Mika already had heard footsteps nearing the field. And seemed her thoughts were right. It was her student, Haruhi. With a rather displeased look, Mika knew Haruhi wasn't too late. She was perfectly on time. The lips of the woman curled down before she spoke. ''You're late. Ten push ups. Within ten seconds.'' Mika suddenly ordered with her usual cold voice as she kept looking with a displeased look in the direction of the younger girl. Haruhi's eyes widened slightly. She couldn't even do five in ten seconds but she went down on her belly and did as many as she could in the time allowed. She knew her sensei would be displeased, but maybe she would just tell her to do something else.

She was right. She barely did five in those ten seconds.

''Are you joking me? Twenty more.'' Mika suddenly said as she noticed that Haruhi wasn't even close to ten push ups and the ten seconds were already over. Walking towards her student, Mika suddenly lifted up her left foot and placed it on the back of Haruhi. She then scoffed. ''That is seven... Come on, you wanted to be a shinobi and not a loser, right? Still at seven.'' Mika continued on her cold tone. The weight wasn't that heavy as Mika could, but she wouldn't make it easy for the young girl. Haruhi's tiny arms shook with the effort of pushing her body, along with the extra weight up off the ground. She wanted to tell her sensei to stop and loosen up a bit...all this for just being late? But she didn't. She kept her mouth shut and focused on raising her arms up and down. C'mon Haru, you can do this. You're not weak... She told herself as she forced her wobbly arms to raise her body up again. What number was that...ten?

''Pitiful. With a fast and soft kick, Mika tried to get Haruhi on her side or back. Glaring at the young girl, Mika scoffed again. ''A shinobi never lets another put a feet on their back and act like a little scarred creature. Get on your feet or else I will make you get on them.'' Mika sneered, clearly annoyed by the fact her student couldn't perform the push ups. Haruhi stood up and wiped her hands on her jacket, trying to do something to hide her still shaking hands. "I'm not truely a shinobi yet sensei." She said rather sadly. Just because I cant do stupid push ups does not mean your better than me! She yelled in her head. She kept her head down, realizing that last thought was so stupid and childish. Of course that meant she was better than her...the fact that her sensei could do push ups and she could not...that was only ONE reason she was better. She sighed and looked at her sensei. Ready for the next task.

''You are. You carry the headband of the Mist, meaning you're a shinobi.'' Mika replied. Haruhi reached up and touched her headband hanging loosely around her neck, having completely forgotten it was there. ''That is right. Or do you want to go back to the Academy? Just say the word. I will personally kick your ass back if you would want that. Well?'' The woman asked on an even colder tone as she looked down on the girl.

"N..No! I can't go back there." She shook her head furiously. "I want to learn everything I can about the real world. I cant do that sitting behind a desk. ....I need you to teach me. I'll do whatever you say. she said quietly.

For the first time this training, Mika's look became less disappointing. It was very brief, before it turned back into a cold look. But for a second it almost looked like she was content with what Haruhi had said. ''First lesson then. The world is a cold and ruthless place. If you're weak, than you're nothing. You will get nothing and will become nothing.'' Mika told Haruhi. She scoffed as she then made a nod with her head to the left. ''Five laps around this field. Now.''
Haruhi's shoulders slumped in relif for just a moment before she nodded and slowly jogged off. If there was one thing she knew how to do it was running. She stretched her shoulders and paused to stretch her legs before starting her laps. As she ran, she heard her heart pumping in her head. This heart that the doctor's told her mother would likely give out before she even graduated from the Academy. This heart that still beats no matter how hard Haruhi pushes herself past her limits. This was the heart that would allow her to keep going. People told her she couldn't do what everyone else could do because of this heart. Here she was, running nearly as fast as she could and this heart was unwavering. Strong and consistent. That was exactly what Haruhi wanted to be. Why in the world did I say I wasent a shinobi? Sure...sometimes I might not feel like it but I am. I know I can do this. Four laps down and one to go.

Following the girl with her cold gaze, Mika was paying attention to how the girl moved. How fast and in what kind of manner she looked. It were all factors that would be needed on how to properly train the genin. In her head, Mika was already forming the training together she would give the girl. It wasn't a nice training, but would that be strange? Nice was a strange term in Team 14 so far and it would likely be that for a long time. When Haruhi was close of ending her last lap, Mika's right hand went to her kunai holster. In a single and fluid movement, the woman pulled out a kunai and threw it towards Haruhi. It was aimed to graze the girl, simply to test if she remembered the first lesson Mika had given her, during their meeting.

It was her final lap and Haruhi didn't allow her thoughts to take over during this last stretch. It was from the corner of her eye she saw something move unnaturally fast. It was coming straight towards her so she reached for the wepon holster on her left leg, and quickly pulled out a kunai. She could tell it was aimed a bit lower, so if she attempted to duck, it could hit her in a lethal place. Instead she skidded to a halt and with a loud clang, just barely deflected the flying item, and it fell to the grass two feet away from her. As she stood there breathing heavily, she looked at the object. It was a kunai. Raising slowly her right eyebrow, Maki had noticed Haruhi had deflected the kunai. But she said nothing about it. No compliment, no advise how to deflect the weapon better. The only change was the raising eyebrow. ''We're going to practice your aim.'' Mika suddenly said. Pulling out a kunai, she continued. ''You're going to throw a kunai at me. For every time you don't manage to graze or hit me, you will be forced to do ten push ups. From that distance.'' Maki ordered, though it seemed she didn't prepare herself by taking a defensive stance.

Haru scratched her head. "You really want me to try to hit you?" she asked as she picked up the kunai that stuck out of the ground. With a frown she held the kunai tightly in her hand and took aim at her sensei. She halfheartedly threw it at her, not wanting to miss or hit really. ''Wrong question.'' Mika mumbled. With the kunai coming her way, Maki simply grabbed it out of the air before throwing it back. In a second the kunai would come back in a faster speed and this time aimed at the right side of Haruhi's face. ''I ordered you to throw a kunai at me. Not to roll it. Are you deaf? Cause last time I was sure you weren't.'' Mika sneered. Haruhi dodged the next one her sensei threw. "I know what you said. I dont want to hurt you though." She reached into her pouch again, pulling out her second kunai. She hesitated then, not sure wether to follow orders or not.

''And who says I won't hurt you. You're a shinobi.'' Mika replied with a cold voice. Before the girl had thrown a kunai, one was heading her way again. ''Hurting people. Killing them. Deceiving them. Its part of a kunoichi's life. If you're weak, then you're nothing.'' Mika told her. This time the kunai was aimed at a more lower part, the mid section of the girl. This one came at her faster and it barely missed its mark. Haruhi shook her head angrily, not wanting to believe her sensei's words. "What about protecting people, making the world a safer place for everyone!? You think I can just accept the idea that all I can do with my life is hurt those who care about me, or even innocent people?" She picked up a kunai that landed near her and took aim, throwing it as hard as she could. "I won't accept that! And I am not weak!!" she yelled angrily as she let it go.

''Protecting people? Against whom? And for what?'' Mika asked back in sarcastic tone. The kunai that Haruhi had thrown was fast and properly aimed this time. Mika narrowed her eyes as she managed to deflect the kunai and then laughed. Not a laugh of joy or excitment. She was laughing at Haruhi. ''You state you're not weak, but you're not able to throw a kunai properly. Aim and then throw.'' She sneered the last part, spinning her own kunai in her left hand.
Haru glared at her sensei. Her words had hurt her more than she could know. She didn't understand how someone could devote her lives to "hurting...killing..". Is this what she was really doing? Was she digging herself into a hole she wouldn't be able to climb out of. ...Was her Father this kind of shinobi? She didn't want to believe it, but the words of her sensei were so compelling she almost did.

"Maybe in your time, that was all it was about. For me, being a shinobi is more than what you say it is. I do not doubt there will be times where I need to kill for the greater good. But I don't think that this is one of those times. She picked the last kunai that laid next to her on the ground and held it out. "I understand why I need to practice my aim. If I had someone who I needed to protect and I cant throw a kunai at my target, then everything I would have worked for would be in vain. She stopped speaking for a moment and took aim on her sensei. "Your job is to teach me to be better. So stop trying to make me change my mind. With that she switfly threw the kunai at her teacher, wondering if it would hit its mark.

It wouldn't. Simply stepping to the left, Mika picked the kunai without a flaw out of the air and returned it to Haruhi. It was followed by her sarcastic words. ''And if that target is somebody that you want to protect? You're naive and misguided.'' Maki told Haruhi with a frown. ''What will you do when you learn your best friend is your enemy? What will you do when your own mother tries to slice your throat during the night? Well? Any wise words to that?'' This time she wasent fast enough to dodge it. It scratched her left arm right above her elbow. Wincing, she looked at her sensei with tear filled eyes. "AlI can do is hope that someone who I have given my trust would do nothing to break it. She paused. "And if they did...I would believe that it was for a damn good reason."

''Cause they would do it for their own gain.'' Mika replied, again in the same usual cold tone. The woman threw the kunai she held in her hands again at Haruhi. ''You think that everybody would help you once you managed to get their trust? You think that people will never hurt you cause they love you? You've a lot to learn, Haruhi.'' The woman told her. Looking with her cold look in the genin's direction, Mika clenched her right fist as she watched how the kunai soared in the air towards Haruhi. This time, she was too busy listening to her teacher's words to notice when she had sent another kunai. This one hit Haruhi on the shoulder and she cried out again. Clutching her shoulder with one hand she glanced up at her sensei. "You have alot to teach me then." She said simply, defeated. Haruhi felt like such a child, standing there feeling nearly broken. She picked up the kunai and put it in her pouch. She wanted to move on from this exercise. She didnt want to keep being told that everything she thought about being a shinobi was all wrong...she slowly felt her innocence slipping away from her. So, she decided to change the subject. "How many push up do I owe you then? I wasent keeping count."

Seeing the kunai hit the student, Mika scoffed. ''You don't ask when you're able and you ask me how many when you're just hit. Bandage that wound first up and then six laps around the field.'' Mika ordered her. Meanwhile, she kept looking at Haruhi with the same cold look. The eyes of the woman briefly glanced at the spot the kunai had hit the girl and she wondered about something.

Haruhi reached into the pouch behind her and pulled out her roll of bandages. She was happy she didn't wear her jacket during this exercise or else it would have been ripped up. She didnt know how to sew really well. Sitting on the cool grass she loosely wrapped the bandage around her shoulder so she could still have some good range of motion with her arm, and tore the rest off with her teeth. She didn't bother to see if her sensei was watching. She was always watching. With that same cold gaze she always had. Haru began to get the feeling her sensei really hated her. She'd never been hated by anyone... With a sigh she stood and wiped at her eyes. They were wet with some tears she had refused to let fall and went to start her laps.

Watching how the girl bandaging her wound before going to start on her laps, Mika's thoughts continued. She had already something in mind after Haruhi would be done with her laps. Still, the cold gaze of the Kirigakure Jounin didn't changed. ''Faster or else you will find more kunai in your shoulder.'' Mika ordered, clearly displeased by the speed of her student.

Haru heard her teachers orders and sped up. She didnt allow herself to let her mind wander this time. She just focused on the sound of her feet hitting the ground. As she got into a good pace she slowly started to speed up gradually, taking comfort in the steady beat of her heart.

With Haruhi speeding up, Mika took out what seemed to be a small scroll. It was taken out of her pouch and she laid it on the ground. There were all kinds of black markings on the scroll, most likely a summoning scroll. Placing her right hand at the scroll, she formed the Seal of Confrontation with her left. A small smoke poofed up, before revealing a small book. ''Get over here, Haruhi.'' Mika said as she rose up, holding the small book with her left hand.

She barely heard her sensei call her over her heavy breathing. She slowed down and jogged over to her, resisting the urge to lean over and wheeze with her hands on her kees. "Yes sensei?" She said breathlessly. Slowly Mika stretched out her left arm and held the book in the direction of Haruhi. ''I take it that they taught you at the Academy what the Bingo Book is? Or do you want me to 'teach' you that?'' Maki asked, with raising her right eyebrow.Haruhi shook her head. "I dont believe i'm familiar with that book. Maybe it was discussed on a day I missed." she said, trying to put it in a way that didn't make her seem like an even bigger idiot.

''Go to page fifty. And read what is there.'' Mika ordered her. She waited patiently while she would see the possible reaction of Haruhi's face.

Haru's face showed an expression of confusion. She didn't understand why there was a price on her sensei's head. "...Why have you shown me this?" she asked, trying not to sound as shaken as she was.

''You told me you want to protect somebody? Let me tell you this.'' Mika slowly leaned forward, her eyes that stared with the same cold look as always right into Haruhi's. ''Let's say that you will make a friend. You two like each other. But what if that is his face in the book. What if he had done something that made him a criminal. Would you hunt him down or protect him?'' Mika asked. After a moment of thought Haruhi spoke her answer. "I think...I cannot say either way. My heart is saying that I should protect him at all costs if he was truely my friend, but...when I think about it...what if he murdered my Mother? I dont think I would be able to forgive him for that." She looked down sadly.

''The world is cruel and unforgiven. The day you're happy can mean you don't have to worry about tomorrow. But always keep in mind that the past is looking over your shoulder. Every choice has a consquence.'' Mika said, on a calm tone. Sighing, she nodded at the book. ''Keep that as a reminder. Many names are in there and many more have been erased out of it. Some are regarded as criminals, but think not of them as them being simply murderes and thieves. They all are shinobi. And now you're one of them.'' Mika finished, crossing her arms out front of her chest. Haruhi looked at her sensei for a moment longer and nodded, placing the book in her hip pouch with her whip. "I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Hayashi sensei." Her expression of gratitude seemed weird in this moment, but it is truely how she felt. In a way, she though of this as valuable information, a lesson that you simply cant learn from anyone else. Haruhi also assumed her sensei hadent told her other teammates about this so she felt like she was given a piece of her teacher no one else got to have. Before she could stop herself, she smiled.

''There is little to thank me. You're the weakest link in the team Haruhi.'' Mika told her, her cold tone returning back. Scoffing, Mika shook her head. ''That book is a reminder of today's lesson. The world isn't a place of love and freedom. It's cruel and ruthless. Make a mistake and you will pay for it, for the rest of your life. Did I made myself clear with that?'' Maki asked, looking down at the girl.

"Yes sensei." she said simply, bowing slightly to her. She even went a step farther and showed her the same respect she would show her Father or Mother, by placing her right fist in her left hand as she bowed. It stayed quiet as Mika watched the girl made a bow of respect for her, placing her fist in her left hand as well. Turning around, with her back to Haruhi, Mika began to talk again. ''We're going to continue to train your aim.'' She spoke. Looking at her left, she noticed a tree. Making a line in the grass, with a kunai, Mika then went towards the tree. Carving several circles in the tree, around her own size, Mika glanced at her student. ''Try to hit the bulls eye. Every time you miss, you need to do three sit ups.'' She ordered the girl.

Haruhi absently felt her belly, poking gently and noticing there was very little muscle there. If she had to do sit ups, it was going to hurt like hell when she was done. Standing at the line her teacher drew, she took out three shuriken and paused to aim. She wondered why she was so bad at this all of a sudden. In school, she was excellent at target practice, for some reason now she was slacking a bit. Well, in the eyes of her sensei, maybe more than that. She breathed in deeply, then exhaled and threw the shuriken at the tree.

Watching the shuriken, they hadn't hit the bulls eye. ''Take a breath in before you throw them. Breath out just when you throw them. It will help to balance you when you aim.'' Mika told her, still watching how she would try to hit the mark. With a nod she pulled out three more shuriken. She took her stance, aimed and breathed in. A moments pause and then she moved her arm fast, breathing out once she no longer felt the cold metal against her fingertips.

A thud was sounded. Maki's right eyebrow slowly raised. ''Hhmmmm.'' She watched the shuriken that had impaled the wood of the tree. It was very close to the bull's eye. ''See. At least something you seem to be able of. If you weren't slacking on other things, then that would be good.'' Mika told her, returning her gaze at her student with the usual look in her eyes. Haruhi stood straight and smiled slightly. That was almost praise. She nodded and jogged over to the tree to get the shuriken. "Let me keep practicing." She pulled all six out of the wood and put them in her leg pouch.

''I wasn't planning on letting you do anything else.'' Was the sarcastic sounding answer of Mika. She calmly watched the girl as she would try to keep aiming at the bulls eye. Mika wondered if her student would be able to hit the mark, but the look on her face already told that she wasn't expecting it. As Haru took her place behind the line, she silently cursed herself for not looking to see where the previous ones had landed. Then she could have adjusted her aim accordingly. With a shrug she repositioned herself and repeated her prior movements. Using her breathing as a guide.

''Throw three more. Then have a little rest. Don't want to have you unable to train tomorrow again with your shoulder being like that.'' Mika ordered Haruhi. It wasn't corcern, but simply logic. If Haruhi would stay being pressed on to the limit with a fresh wound at her shoulder, it would mean she would be needing a long rest before able to go on a training or a mission. Something Mika didn't want as that would mean she could be held responisble.Haru nodded and took out three more shuriken, taking aim and breathing deeply. Her shoulder was bothering her a bit so her consentration was starting to waiver. She threw the shuriken at the tree as she breathed out.

The last shuriken was just an inch away from the mark. It seemed she picked it up at a good rate. But Mika wouldn't say that. Waiting till Haruhi was done and would likely rest, Mika would wait for five minutes. She kept an eye out on her student, to see what she would do. During their introduction, Haruhi had tried to contact with Chou. But unlike her, the other two genins were what Mika and some others would call 'the suitable genins'. They reminded her of many she knew and had met in her old training days. But this kid was different. ''You have three more minutes before we'll do the last part of today.'' Mika would say, looking around the field.Three minutes for a break seemed rather pointless so she simply walked up to the tree and pulled the shuriken out of the wood, planning to continue practicing. Planning being the operative word considering the jerk from pulling the shuriken out sent a sharp pain right through Haruhi's shoulder and arm. She let out a small hiss of pain then cursed herself for showing a sign of weakness. Pull yourself together Haruhi. This is nothing compared to what you could possibly face in the future so SUCK IT UP. She yelled at herself in her head, rasing her left arm to stretch it a bit.

A hand grabbed the wrist of the arm suddenly. She had made no sound when she had moved. No sound that would've alarmed Haruhi, that Mika had came closer. A testimony of her mastery over Silent Killing. ''I told you to sit down and catch a breath. It wasn't a choice.'' Mika held a firm grip on the wrist before releasing it. ''So take a little break before we continue.'' She ordered. Haru was a bit surprised at this, and she looked at her sensei for a moment before nodding and pulling her arm free. After placing her shuriken in her leg pouch she simply say down on the ground where she was. After a moments pause she laid down on her back and sighed as she relaxed her body.

With her student now taking time to sit down and breath more easily, Mika looked briefly at the tree. The tree where she had thrown the shuriken. ''I have read in your profile you have the affinity for Lightning Release.'' Mika began, still looking at the tree. ''Lightning Release is one of the releases that can enhance a weapon, to make it more lethal. The heat and super vibrations of that nature makes it thus able for a weapon to even slash and pierce through stone, metal and such thick material. Are you still paying attention?'' Mika asked, slowly looking back at Haruhi. She was laying there with her eyes closed, yes she was paying attention but she shook her head side to side. "I still have about forty five seconds for my break and I intend to take full advantage of it." She said, not trying to be defiant, but simply stating matter-of-factly. After her time was up she opened her eyes, not remembering when she had closed them, and stood up to look at her sensei. "I've never used my Lightning Release for anything other than my Ninjutsu. I'm not sure I would know how to use it along with my wepons." She brought her finger to her lip in thought. Maybe if I figure out how to use my Lightning Release better, I could use it with my whip when i'm in battle.

Frowning when her student told she had still forty five seconds, Mika said nothing. When Haruhi brought up she wasn't sure how to use it with her weapons, Mika scoffed. Clearly annoyed. ''I wasn't expecting you to be suddenly to be able. I know what you can do. You profile has showed me enough about that.'' She told Haruhi, though it was unsure if it was just Mika saying a fact or being disappointed. Pulling out a kunai, Mika spinned the weapon around. ''I am going to see if I can teach you what is called chakra flow. I'm not really an expert on imbueing my chakra in weapons as well, but its like pouring it in your weapon. And then.'' Without looking at the tree, Mika threw the kunai. After the thud, making clear the weapon had impaled itself in the wood, Mika spoke again. ''You strike. The chakra and effects varies among the uses and often techniques. Got that part?'' Mika asked, before glancing at the tree. Right in the mark. Haruhi's eyes widened as her sensei's kunai hit the bullseye right on the mark. She hadent even looked for crying out loud! ...But that wasent the point. "I understand, but how can I transfer my own chakra to an object thats not even alive?" This concept was new to Haruhi, the idea of "Chakra Flow." It seemed rather interesting. She had learned in the Academy about the chakra Gates and how everything is connected, all that good stuff. But moving your own chakra to an inanimate object like a weapon, how could anyone have enough concentration to hold out that kind of technique? Shinobi didn't have an unlimited amout of Chakra afterall.

''Creating a coat around it. Your nature isn't about infusing it simply. Its the outside that matters. You wrap the coat of lightning around the weapon and then its very simple.'' Mika said on her usual tone. ''The coating is what makes the weapon deadlier. The weapon is simply the conductor. In other words, your weapon extends the deadly chakra coating as you can throw it or use a weapon to extend the reach of the coating, through the use of a weapon or technique. I've seen some nin do that.'' Mika explained. She waited, typically waiting to see if Haruhi was able to keep the pace of the theory Mika was telling her. And she did begin to understand everything her sensei was saying. Just like how she sends her Lightning through the ground to her target, she could theoretically send her Lightning through her wepon. Maybe it would be the same way. "When can i try it? she asked, a little impatient.

''When you put your back to it. But in theory, you need to have a good chakra control. The better your chakra control is, the easier you can use your chakra to form the coating.'' Maki answered. Thinking about something, she pointed at the tree. ''At the Academy they should have taught you how to channel your chakra to your hand and feet, to be able to walk on surfaces. Such as water and trees. I want you to hang upside down. With channeling chakra only to your feet. We'll time how long you can stand upside down.'' Maki told Haruhi, crossing her arms as she would watch Haruhi. Looking up at the tree, Haruhi started to feel a little nervous. She knew how to do it of course but she felt worried she wouldn't be able to stay up there for very long. She pushed some hair out of her face and started to focus on channeling her chakra to her feet. A few moments passed as she concentrated on redirecting her chakra before she jogged up to the tree, jumping slightly, and running up the trunk. She saw a branch that looked thick enough to support her weight and ran over to it and stayed in place, hanging upside down. She tried to ignore noticing all the things her mind was telling her to focus on. Her hair was going to get snagged in a branch, her shirt slipped down a bit and exposed her belly, she saw a bird nest a few feet above her. All of these things her mind was telling her to focus on were distracting her from focusing on keeping her chakra in her feet.

Mika waited. She had expected her student to complain or such. So far Haruhi was doing everything that was asked. Though Mika wondered how long that would last. A fool could even notice that Mika was pressing a lot of pressure on the young girl. Placing her hands on her hips, Mika whistled. ''Time is up. Come down.'' She ordered. She had been staying there for several minutes. Still looking with the usual cold eyes, Mika would wait until Haruhi would come down.

As she heard her sensei whistle to her she reached up and grabbed the branch with her hands and pulled herself up. She had a thought pass through her head in that moment. Why the hell is she whistling at me like im some kind of dog? She felt slightly annoyed by that but she didn't let it get to her. She could always just curse her out in her head. "Coming." she said instead of replying rudely, carefully jumping from branch to branch and climbing down. She landed on the grass with a light thud sound. "How did I do?" she asked, expecting a criticism she could use to improve next time.

''Average.'' Mika answered with a calm tone. She thought about something before continueing. ''I had expected that you would screw it up, like you tend to do with some other things. But you did average this time. Could be better.'' Mika finished before she would continue on the next. ''For now we will talk about the theory as I can't risk you to continue with your shoulder like that. So you now know about how Lightning release can enhance a weapon. You also know that there are various techniques that can do the trick. The question is, how much do you want to focus on obtaining such techniques and abilities?''' Mika asked. Haru felt content with just theory. In truth her shoulder was killing her, she was resisting the urge to go home and ask her mother to fix her all up like she would when she was in the Academy. From this point on however, Haruhi decided she would just figure out how to do it on her own. Her mind switched then and she though about the answer to her sensei's question. How much do I want to focus on obtaining these skills she's telling me about? If I'm going to set myself apart from everyone and be better than my Father, I need to know this. This could potentially be my greatest skill if I learn how to use it properly. She expected her sensei already knew her answer to her question but she answered aloud anyway. "It sounds to me like learning this skill could help me grow alot stronger....I want to learn how to do it. I will devote however much time and energy it requires." She said.

''Then you also need to become better with handling weapons as fighting in close ranged quarters. Something I can teach you. However,'' Mika paused as she raised her chin and looked even colder at Haruhi. ''If I hear one word about that you think about giving up or not giving it your all, I will make sure you'll regret that. If I arrange the needed tools and scrolls for the coming trainings, I want you to work like you've done never before. Clear?'' Mika asked. Haru hesitated for just a moment, not second guessing her decision, but letting the intensity of her teacher's words to sink in. "I will do everything I can and I can tell you that "giving up" is not even in my vocabulary. And I would expect nothing less than a hard time with you." she said lightly.

''Then I will arrange later on that I'll have the tools and required needs for your training. I also want that you're going to train your chakra control. Its something that is even for foolish genins. Sit down in a meditation sit.'' Mika ordered as she did the same, waiting for Haruhi to sit down in a meditation sit. She sat down across from her sensei in the correct form and waited, not sure if she should close her eyes and begin, or if she had something else to say.

''This is a chakra control training that usually more experienced people do to train their chakra control as well control over their element. It requires great focus and a clear mind.'' Mika explained on a cold tone to Haruhi. She then formed a handseal. It was the handseal : Dog. ''Each of the five chakra elements have two affliated handseals. Lightning has the Dog and Monkey handseal that are affliated with them. I want you to hold either one of them and try to clear your head.'' Mika instructed. Haru formed the Monkey handseal and held it. She looked at her hands for a moment then closed her eyes and tried to clear everything out. She ignored the light wind blowing her hair gently about, she ignored the sound it made as it pushed the grass away from its natural curve, ignored worrying about anything and just focused on her breathing. In through her nose, out through her mouth, over and over.

''Now, try to mould the chakra inside your body. Just like how you channelled some chakra to your feet, but try to keep it moving through your body.'' Mika instructed Haruhi. She kept close watch of Haruhi, because if the young girl would even lose a bit of attention or focus, she wouldn't like the results. ''If you don't stay calm and lose control over your chakra, you'll get a proper punishment for that.'' Was all that Mika said as a warning. She could remember the first time she had failed at it. The teacher had let her wring and moan in pain for twenty minutes. Twenty minutes her own chakra had felt like fire in her veins, like it was slowly burning away her organs and blood. Somehow for Haruhi the threat didn't freak her out, but it simply made her focus more. She felt her mind slipping inside herself, she started to feel the way her chakra was flowing, out from her core and all around her body it moved. It was as if it had a mind of its own. It simply moved about how it pleased. Then she understood what she needed to do. She needed to control her chakra and have it move the way SHE wanted it too. The Lightning nature of her chakra made it difficult. It was free flowing and jumpy in certain areas of her body like around her heart and in her hands. She decided to focus on these places first, but she wasent really sure on how to go about taming it.

''Stay focused.'' Mika ordered with her cold voice. She noticed some sparks. It meant that Haruhi was doing the right thing. At least the chakra was moulding, but now she would need to stay in control. ''Keep breathing and keep your head clear. The more focused you are, the better it will go.'' She kept saying, raising her right eyebrow.

Haruhi heard her teachers words and stayed focused. She spoke in her head as if speaking ot the chakra itself. I need to control how you move. I need you to be ready for me whenever I want to use you. If we work together, we can become stronger and do things that only great shinobi can do. ...So, I need you to listen to me. She slowly guided her chakra smoothly about her body. Starting with her hands she used her mind and drew paths from her core to her hands. The sparks immediately subsided and turned into smooth waves of energy. She felt a tingling there for a moment as she continued to repeat this pattern. She moved to her heart then. The chakra there was a swirling mass of energy that had no structure and just shot off to different parts of her body, as if it was just another core. She used the same techique as before, using her mind to slowly guide the mass of energy in a slow and continuous circle.

Seemed that she was getting the hang of it. Normally, genins screwed up eventually at this time. It was a training that was used for low ranked Chuunin and higher. To see Haruhi being able to subdue her chakra and keep her calm was what one could call 'something'. Mika however said nothing. For five minutes, she just let Haruhi keep controlling the mouldng chakra. Deciding it was enough, Mika spoke to her student. ''Slowly let your chakra stop moulding around. Don't release the handsignal nor losing focus. If you still make an error, you will learn what pain is.'' Mika told Haruhi, wondering if her student would be capable to also end the moulding without any mistakes.

Haru slowly let her mind slip away and return back to the present outside world. Heeding her teachers warning, she started off slow, just with focusing on her breathing. She figured she could "retrace her thoughts" in a way, going out the same way she got in. As she became more aware of her surroundings, Haru resisted the urge to stop concentrating on just one thing at a time. She still felt odd, like she wasent fully out of it yet.

''Once you're calm and your chakra isn't moulding, slowly release the handsignal.'' Mika instructed as she wondered about something. The tone she spoke in was a rather calm one. Clearly Mika wasn't displeased with what her student had achieved. The cold look had turned into a more serious one as well. Haru allowed herself all the time she needed, not releasing the seal until she felt she was completely back. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times, the sky was noticably darker. "How did I do? She asked immediately.

''Average.'' Mika answered with a calm tone. She placed her left hand on her knee as she then pointed to Haruhi with her right index finger. ''You did released some sparks and almost was this close,'' Mika made a gesture with her right hand to give an impression to Haruhi, that she had been close of screwing up. ''Of likely being in some intense pain. For quite some time.'' Mika responded. ''But think you have some questions?'' Mika asked, in a more or less sarcastic tone. The thought of being in pain was not a nice feeling to have, she was glad she didn't have to go through that. Haruhi looked at her sensei as she wondered in her head how to ask her question. "Does averyone have chakra like that?...Mine seemed like it had a mind of its own. Is that what happens when you dont get control over it?"

''It feels like that, but that is simple the sensation of it. Some speculate that chakra is what you truly feel and think. Some experienced sensor nin can even detect if you're lying or not. This is because when somebody lies, their chakra flow shows disruption signs.'' Mika explained. She placed her hands on her lap as she paused. ''There are some who managed to lie that well, that their chakra flow isn't showing that. But its something that backs up that theory. There are still some questions about chakra and such that aren't answered. Like, why does one clan or family have a chakra that enables them to do releases that is unique to them?'' It wasn't a question, as Mika looked to the right, pondering a bit about the question. Haru looked at her sensei. "What is it?" she asked, wondering what had just captivated her teachers mind.

''Nothing.'' Mika told back, falling again in her cold usual manner of talking. She turned her head and looked with the old cold look in Haruhi's direction. ''But that is the answer on your question. Any more questions regarding chakra?'' Mika asked, raising her right eyebrow again. Haruhi shook her head. "No...If I have any, then I'll ask." ...Her next question was regarding the time. Oh man...i'm so hungry. As if on que with her thoughts, her stomach growled loudly and she blushed out of embarassment.

''Think we're done for now. Take care of that shoulder and rest out. Next time we're going to train. And train more and harder. Go.'' Mika ordered Haruhi, waving a bit right hand as she was trying to shoo the littl girl away. The cold tone made it clear that the woman wasn't going to like it for a bit if Haruhi would stay longer than needed. So she complied and stood quickly, jogging over to the edge of the field to retrieve her jacket. After she picked it up, she put it on and stood there. She got an idea all of a sudden and hoped she wouldn't be crossing a line. "Sensei!" she called to her. "Would you like to get something to eat with me?"

The woman looked surprised. She had been surprised when Haruhi had tricked the whole team with the fake paper bomb tags. She had shown some talent after all, but the question just caused Mika's eyes to widen as she sat there. Silently for a moment. It took the woman a serious focus as she replied to Haruhi. ''No. Not today.'' Was all Mika could say in a serious voice. She eventually got back her serious look as she kept sitting, thought it was clear the question had confused Mika.

Haruhi wasent surprised at her teacher's response. She figured she would decline polietly, which she did. "Okay. Next time then." she said not really as a question but as a hopefull comment. She checked to make sure she had everything before walking towards the entrance of the field to leave. She smiled slightly as she felt she gained alot of new knowledge during their training together. She found herself already growing excited for their second mission.

Watching Haruhi walking away, Mika then slowly gained a confused look on her face. Slowly she brought her right hand up. It was clenched in a fist, but the woman slowly opened it. A bit of crimson liquid was seen on the palm of her hand. With a calmer look, Mika noticed the source. Back when Haruhi had thrown the kunai, at a better aim and force, Mika had deflected it. But while she had deflected the weapon, she noticed the light cut. A bit of blood was seen. Nothing serious at all. At least not physical. Clenching her hand slowly, Mika returned her gaze at the girl who was further away in the distance.

Just like....