[IC] Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

[Roran Hawkins]

Konoha Team 7
Kensuke Nimatsu

Looking around now every bandit had been slain, he heard the field fall quiet, and immediately loud again. His mind had blocked the lamenting of the many wounded to focus on the coombat, but now the fighting had ended, their wailing filled his ears. His team was in a sort-of okay shape, except Ezuri, who had passed out due to bloodloss and pain, most likely. Cleaning his sword with a rag he had cut from a dead bandit, he sent some cold looks at his squad. He wasn't really angry at them, but he certainly was annoyed. "The mission isn't over yet. No mercy, remember?"

He himself walked over to Ezuri, reaching for his medical pouch. He might not be a medical nin, but he had done enough solo missions to learn how to treat most wounds one would suffer in shinobi combat. The hospital medical-nin he spoke with were more than glad to share their knowledge with him. "I'll take care of Ezuri here." First he inspected the open wound, and figured out that both bones in his shin were broken. He wouldn't be walking for quite some time. Luckily only the frontal bone was displaced, and after a short moment of trying to set it straight, he washed his blooded hands with some drinking water. He wrapped some sterile bandages around the leg with disinfectant sprayed on it, and then wrapped some rougher bandages around that to protect it and secure it. After that he grabbed one of the spears of the bandits and used the flying sparrow jutsu on his hand to cut off a straight part about the lenght of Ezuri's shin, and thightly bound it against the leg. The rest of the spear would serve as a walknig cane for the boy. There, he was fixed. The worst of the bleeding was stopped and his leg could go for an hour or two. Despite that, they would probably have to carry him back to Konoha. Standing up to see how the rest was doing, he cleaned any remaining blood off of his hands.

[Lesli]

Meisa Ichi,
The Hokage Assistant.

Staring a new corps.

Slowly, Meisa turned around to Konohagakure. Team 4 was so far as it could being present. Tsubasa was sent on a special mission, but she would undergo the same as her comrades, her team. Facing the team again, there was a cold expression on Meisa's face. ''You are all here. Good. Now, turn off your earphone communicators.'' Meisa ordered as she did that to hers. It was all prior before that the whole ordeal set due the Kyuubi's host barrier being shattered, making it that neither Meisa nor Team 4 would hear anything from it. Continuing Meisa spoke to the three shinobi in front of her. ''From this day on, you all are part of a new corps. One that will work much in the same fashion as the ANBU, but in a more secretive manner. From this day, your names will be 'dead'.'' Meisa told them. It sounded like more like an order than a briefing. ''Each of you has died in a mission that went wrong, but managed to protect Konohagakure. Your families will be noted of this soon enough.'' Meisa told them. Still looking with a cold expression, her eyes locked on each person for a moment. If one of them would disagree, she was aware what she would need to. It would just be done with a simple handseal. Though each member of Team 4 was a good ninja, none of them were strong enough or fast to avoid the hidden trap they were standing on right now. One wrong word, one wrong movement and they would find themselves unable to do anything.

''From now on, each of you will receive a special seal. I want each of you to step forward and pledge your loyalty to the Hokage. As member of the Ghost ANBU, because from this moment, each of you will be nothing more than a ghost.'' Meisa told them. The cold look was slowly replaced with a smile. A fake one.

''Congrulations on your promotions.''

[Mr Nim]

Tora Hatake and Kakashi the Panther

Tora raised an eyebrow as she heard Naoto's question "Burning down the entire forest isnt allowed, but you can use weaker kinds of fire jutsus." She said looked at Takeshi afterwards, who also asked a somewhat silly question in her eyes "He is a panther. If you try and grab something from his tail, he is not just gonna sit there and watch you." She said in a slightly sarcastic tone. She then watched as one of her students appeared to take the lead and tell the other two to listen to her plan. She wanted to let out a small laugh as the students appeared focused on getting the bells from the panther's tail, and she had never expected that they will cooperate so quickly with each other. Perhaps this team had a bright future after all.

The panther, in the meanwhile, used his quick feet and managed to gain quite a distance from where the training field was, and decided to walk instead of run now, as he picked up his ears and remained ready for anything that might come from any kind of direction. The sound of bells ringing came whenever Kakashi moved his tail, so he tried to avoid doing it as much as he could, but due to being a feline, some movements were not controlled by him, and every now and then bell ringing could be heard.

[Lesli]

Yumi Hasewaga
First ANBU operative in Team 4,

Now a ghost..

Doing as Meisa ordered, who was their superior in both rank as experience, Yumi turned off her earphone communicator. Listening to what Meisa told them, Yumi's face turned a bit pale. She would die? But what of Leo? However, it was clear that it would become their new duty. She wouldn't be able to decline this as it wasn't a choice. It was something that was demanded. Something that they couldn't run away from. Or ignore. Lowering her head, she though about what this all could change.

Stepping slowly forwards, Yumi raised her head. Pounding softly her right hand on her chest, she straighten her back as a form of a salute. ''I pledge loyalty to the Hokage. I promise that I will give my life to the Hokage and the Leaf if it would mean that they are safe. I am a kunoichi in the service of the Hokage, this I swear.'' Her voice almost sounded a bit shaky, but she managed to sound confident.

[GlitchyBugger]

Kumogatarui Dobustu

At the apparent agreement of the other two to co-operate with a plan she had in mind, young Kumoga suddenly felt as if she was put on the spot rather suddenly, but she quietly nodded and pointed towards the forest. "Let's be quick... Don't want to lose him just yet." She said before taking off in a sprint into the trees, looking back to make sure that her new team mates were behind her.

"It revolves a lot upon the webbing I can make, but if we can find and chase him we can try to get him to run into a web like a fly into a spider's, my clan's webbing is stronger than it may seem, so capturing him in it wont be too big a hassle, but I will need you to try and get him to flee towards me. We'll need a space wherein I can set up multiple webs though, as I doubt just one will suffice compared to a panther running about. So first we need a sufficient location where we can set up the trap, then if the both of you can, go out to find him and try to lead him towards me." She explained quietly, already loosing webbing from the tips of her fingers so she would know if something crossed it. "We must also try and get a better view of things, I can loose some of my webbing to act like feelers, so if he so much as glances my web I will know where he is. But I'm unsure if that's enough, do either of you have anything sensory?"

The main thing about this situation was how out of place Kumoga felt trying to co-ordinate everything, she wasn't fully used to making decisions of her own, let alone making decisions for others... Maybe she could grow into it though.

[Gerontis]

Satoshi Jun,
Kumogakure Specialized Jounin | Team 3

With the shadow clone noticing that his students would launch their surprise attack, he would go along, trying to defend himself. Of course holding back to give them a chance to overwhelm him. The real Satoshi would simply wait till they were done and wait to see how they would react after getting to know it would be a shadow clone. Though there were some flaws in the plan, Satoshi decided to not make his shadow clone utilize it. For now it would be important they had felt some kind of accomplished achievement. Even thought it would be something small, it could add in the long run for establishing a bond between the genins.

[Gerontis]

Ryo Katsu,
Former living,

Becoming a ghost of the past..

Ryo's eyes widened. Wait, what? They were requested to exchange their lives for a kind of ANBU position? No, it wasn't an invitation. It was an order. Looking at the ground, all kind of things went through Ryo's head. All kind of memories. The first time he had entered the training fields, first meeting with Team Sayomi. The spar he had with Katsuko. The times he had bond and worked with Katsuko, resulting that the two understood each other without much need of words. The duel with Kensuke, which would be the stone that would form the foundation of the brotherly love between Kensuke and him. The acknowledgement he had gained from Kensuke, even though the latter never had said such words. No, like Katsuko, Kensuke never had to say it. It was just a fact.

Kensuke was like a brother.
Family.

His hands trembled as he felt on being on the verge to cry. His life had been quite alright for some time. A place of his own, nobody that would see him as a poor orphan kid. He was even respected by the people he cared for. Why was this happening? Stepping forward, his right fist placed at his chest, still slightly trembling Ryo spoke. ''I... I..'' He stuttered. Images of him and Kensuke training, fighting side by side. Bleeding and being in pain together But more importantly. They had been together, as two brothers. Not bonded by blood or such commitment. No, by free will and a shared history. Of respect and brotherly love.

''I pledge loyalty to the Hokage. I promise that I will give my life to the Hokage and the Leaf if it would mean that they are safe. I am a shinobi in the service of the Hokage, this I swear.' Saying the oath with a emotionless voice, he realized that this would hurt one of his best friends. Only thing that Ryo hoped for was that Kensuke's life would get better. Hopefully....

Hopefully he wouldn't forget about his 'younger brother'.

[solokolos]

Naoto Shiratori

When Hatake said that it was against the rules to burn down the forest Naoto pouted. She was hoping that it would be an easy training session, but instead she would have to focus more on team work. It's not really that bad of a thing though, Naoto mused, Team work would definitely improve this teams synergy, and we might even get to the Chunin exams faster.

Kumoga suddenly began to sprint, and Naoto quickly began to follow. Kumoga mentioned webbing, and Naoto suddenly seemed interested, though when she was asked if she had anything sensory, Naoto frowned. "No, but if you want, I could always just chase it into your trap when we find it. . ." She suggested nervously, not quite knowing what Kumoga wanted her to do. Naoto definitely enjoyed how well Kumoga was doing at taking over the leadership position, and was just hoping that Kumoga would get along with her well.

[j8cob]

Katsuko Moto

The order to silence the earphones was immediately suspicious to Katsuko. Though, with nothing to really base his suspicions on, he followed the order like the others. Before he could even finish turning it off, Meisa continued and explained their new orders. They had to die. Katsuko's expression changed rather quickly as she explained. They had to become ghosts. The Hokage has something important in mind, was his first thought, but then his thoughts drifted to his family. Jinkama had died not even a year ago. If Katsuko were to 'die' as well so soon... The thought of how his mother would take it stuck out in his mind.

Before he could think for too long, Yumi agreed to the conditions. Though he knew little about her personal life, he still felt something like surprise. And when Ryo also agreed, Katsuko certainly had a surprised expression. What about Sayomi and Kensuke... Since he was the only one yet to speak up, Katsuko took a final look around the others on the rooftop. "What is the purpose of doing this?" he asked, somewhat bluntly. "I want to know what I'm giving my life for. What is the reason behind... this decision? Something isn't being said."

[Gerontis]

??? And the Yonbi/Four Tailed Beast,
The approaching threat.

They were making some progress. Not that much as some of them died in the short chase. When the Ame ANBU came and starting to throw shuriken and kunai, most of them were able to defend themselves. ''Aw, fuckers.'' One of the few people was hit in the shoulder. Grouping together, while the Yonbi was still approaching, they were prepared for a fight to the death. Only that the Ame ANBU made a grim mistake. Two of them used the water whip technique, that wrapped around a leg.

Growling, the gigantic behemoth grabbed the water whips with his right arm. With a quick and short pull, the two ANBU would be launched up high in the air. Scoffing, the beast then let out a roar, clearly angered by the fact these lesser beings were attacking him. What made them so arrogant? That they could stand up against one of the mightiest creatures on this earth? Placing both his hands on the ground, he lowered his head as he spitted out a big stream of fire towards the Ame ANBU.

Now that the beast was attacking the other Ame ANBU, the few ??? people decided that it was time to pull back. As they went to quickly retreat, one of them looked over his shoulder. His shoulder was still bleeding and there was a worried expression over his face. The Yonbi was now going to attack Amegakure. There was little chance it would pass the village with being so furious. Then the few people left, letting the Yonbi and Ame ANBU alone.

[Gerontis]

Zakito Hon,
Jounin Commander | Konohagakure

Just when he walked through the door he had opened, Zakito noticed Sakamoto coming through an open window. Chuckling the man waited patiently for Hisoka to notice him. So far, Sakamoto had caught his attention and focus. Though then it all happened. Hisoka said something about the Kyuubi's barrier and Zakito wasn't even noticed. Neither by Sakamoto nor Hisoka. Standing there, Zakito stood with his right raised, blinking with his right normal eye. Was he suddenly like a shadow? Turning around, he was alone in the Hokage office. The surprised expression changed to neutral one. While Sakamoto was suspecting 'him', Zakito had something else in mind. Instead of rushing towards the hospital or suddenly taking over the command over some jounins, Zakito would stay calm. He would need more information before he would command the forces around. Seeing it was his task.

Using the Dragon Seal, Zakito had sent a question towards somebody that was in the hospital. How is the situation.. Chang? Zakito asked as he calmly walked towards the Hokage desk. Looking over Konoha, from the windows, Zakito stood simply there. An answer soon came back. Its bad. They managed to kill the guards and break the barrier. I suspect that they then used a summoning technique. Not like ours, but something else. This answer worried Zakito, who thought about it.

Then they already are out of the Leaf. If so, we need to make sure that we stay prepared for what is going to happen. I will see if I can contact others. If this is happening elsewhere as well, they are planning for a big attack. Turning around, Zakito would walk out of the Hokage Office. While walking through the halls, towards the exit, Chang responded once more. What shall I do about the situation in the hospital? Seems somebody is rallying the jounin. Ain't that your job? You can- Zakito sighed as he responded back. They just panicked. Don't worry, I will make sure that no mistakes will be made. Just make sure you have everything set off, cause Hisoka is coming in your direction.

Understood. With that, Zakito stepped out of the building and looked around for a moment. Using his right hand to set the channel of his earphone communicator to talk to the jounin, he would give them an order. With a rather stern voice. He was actually wondering how many would have been jumped up by Sakamoto's words. He would later say something about it. To announce that the Kyuubi was gone or kidnapped to a large group of people? Zakito hoped he could fix the situation a bit before it would get really worse.

''Listen up. The situation is under control. I repeat, its under control. Everybody stay calm and on your post. The Hokage is currently heading to the hospital, but those who have caused the drama are gone. I want everybody staying wary, but nobody panic. Like I said... situation is under control.''

Sighing, he knew that there would be questions. But he couldn't answer them as he also was a bit in the dark. Walking calmly in the direction of the hospital, he was sure that they couldn't do anything anymore about it. Those who had made their move had planned it out well. It surprised Zakito that they had managed to sneak into the Leaf and not setting the barrier off. If that was so, he was growing more worried about that Sakamoto suddenly had started to call some jounin. The fact that nobody had seen this coming as the barrier around Konoha wasn't alarmed meant that there could be more moles around. ''Sakamoto Senju, I request you head back and meet up at the hospital. At once. We need some ANBU around the Hokage, to be certain.'' Zakito decided to instruct. He couldn't command an ANBU around, but hopefully Sakamoto would catch up the hint.

[AlterNathan]

Fujiwara Takeshi

After he received his answer from Hatake-sensei he followed his teammates into the forest, where Kumogatarui explained her plan to Naoto and him. It was a good plan, he liked the fact that someone else came up with a plan, not that Takeshi was not good at that, he is an excellent tactician, but the execution needed some tactical insight too. Takeshi thought he saw a suitable place for the webs of Kumogatarui and kept a halt. "webs" was all he said and pointed out the places where they could hang. They stood on a clearing, if they could lure the panther here and each closed in on him from a different angle, wight he webs spun on the other angles the only was for the panther to go was either into the webs or through one of them.

There was only one thing left open for them, they did not know where the panther was. Kumogatarui asked if they had some sensory techniques, Takeshi could not think of anything else but his eyes. He did not have s heightened sense of smell or hearing but he had an excellent eyesight. As an answer to her question he pointed at his eyes, then he conjured up three water clones, each going in a different direction. The real Takeshi looked at Naoto "let's go" he said and went into the trees.

[GlitchyBugger]

Kumogatarui Dobustu

Takeshi spotted a location to make their trap after stopping at the clearing and Kumoga came to a stop also, looking around at the trees and the area itself, it would work well enough with the space available.. It'd look like a somewhat safe haven for the panther, where he could really get his bearings whilst being chased by her teammates. But before Takeshi left Kumoga raised a hand. "Wait... try to find it's tracks and follow whatever lead it gives, but give it time to lower it's guard, it wont be able to stay alert at all times otherwise it'll tire itself out. We can catch up to him in our own time. When you find him try and lead him here, I'll set up webbing on as many trees as I can whilst you look for him and if I can I'll cover every opening with as fine a webbing as I can to make it harder for him to see it. Just be warned that you may accidentally get caught in it also. Go when you're ready..."

She was so uncomfortable with this, but she'd condemned herself to this role the moment she said she had a plan so she had to tough it out and try to shove leadership off to one of the others next time, if not just let Hatake-Sensei lead when they go on a mission. Kumogatarui herself spawned a water clone, funnily enough in a mirror-image of herself, whom waited for their team mates to go before they both took off in preparation for spinning her clan's webbing.

They would start at opposite sides of the clearing and work on the webbing, spinning a stereotypically styled spider's web between the trees and sizeable gaps in the branches that looked as if they would let the panther rush through them on the off-chance it took to the branches, it was going to be somewhat taxing on the young kunoichi but she was confident that her and her clone could cover the area in just enough to entrap the panther in webbing at least thrice.
She'd even extend little strands of webbing across the ground and along branches to act as feelers so she would know which direction that they would come from as it would all link back to the minuscule holes at the tips of her fingers, as well as take on the webbing of her clone, attaching them to her own in a fine weave. As soon as the somewhat exhausted kunoichi would finish, she'd quietly sit in the middle of the clearing and activate her dojutsu to keep an eye out for any movement nearby using the vibration-detection granted by her eye.

Granted, if she was interrupted she would have to do something about it, but she had a feeling all the secrets would end up revolving around the panther.

[LillyDove]

Team 7, Shisen Inuzuka

As the last of the bandits were killed, she backed away from the three people in the mission with her and put some distance between them. Arashi was a mess, her muzzle covered in blood and her chest had a few minor injuries. Shisen didn't fair much better, a probably series shoulder injury and another injury on her leg along with a few smaller ones that weren't as severe. Her Ninken was so irritated that anything that moved set her off causing her to snarl, growl and snap in the direction of what moved. Placing her muzzle against Shisen's waist, she nudged her further from her team until she was satisfied that there was enough distance from them. "What now?" Shisen asked them so that they could hear her. Sitting down next to her Ninken and leaning against each other, the two were at their limits on how much more they could do.

Hearing her question answered, she looked around for the wounded with a kunai in hand before she spotted a few and flinched as she used her kunai to slit their throats to put them out of their misery. If she looked at it that way, then she could manage not to feel horrible about it later. But she knew that once at home, she would not be ok with this in any way.

[Lesli]

Meisa Ichi,
Hokage assistant.

A bit of the cold side of Konoha...

Of course. One had just to not go along. The ground underneath the three would light up. But by the time one of them would react, they would notice something strange. They couldn't move. It was one of Meisa's sealing techniques. It was strong enough to stop somebody that would try to charge with a technique like Raikiri, It was one of her techniques that only a few could escape from. And none of those people were now present. ''What the goal is? You all are Konoha nin. The goal is simple.'' Crossing her arms, she shot a cold glare in Katsuko's direction. ''To obey the orders given as they serve as a guide line. To make sure that Konoha stays safe.'' Meisa said. She wondered where the loyalty was that the shinobi during the Great War had showed. The loyalty that had caused a great number of people to die. Dying to serve and protect Konohagakure.

Now with the three young shinobi, each with a different story. A different view on life. Meisa wondered what was better. The way how things had went in the past or how it was going now? ''You're not to ask or demand anything. It has been a courtesy that I am already giving this much information. But I will be more clear. You have no choice in this. The Hokage has decided you will become Ghost ANBU. Each single one of you.'' Meisa told them. Neither Yumi's Crystal Release, Ryo's speed or Katsuko's strength would help them now. They were at the cold mercy of Meisa, who lifted slightly her head up. ''So again, say up the oath or simply die. In either way, you will become a ghost and that is an order.''

[Little Alice]

Flashback!

A mission in the past!
A few months before the actual start of this IC.

The mission that changed a lot,
Hayate (Chromehound) and Kiyomi (Little Alice)

Part III

Summary :
Kiyomi arranges a mission for her and Hayate, briefing him that this will be a special kind of mission.
The second part.

First part
Second part

Part III

Looking at the corpse in front of her, Kiyomi scoffed. ''They are an annoying bunch. But we need to get a moving.'' She told Hayate. There was a grim expression on her face as she cleaned her blade on the clothes of the person she had killed. Turning around, she sheathed the silver katana back in the scabbard on her back. ''You did it quite nice.'' Kiyomi said before she began to move, towards the east.

Bowing his head slightly in thanks, Hayate moved out to follow Kiyomi. "Do you think that will have been enough to buy us some time?" He glanced at her before looking back in front of him. Hayate really had no idea what to expect with this place that they were in. Despite his lack of knowledge he felt confident that they would be able to accomplish their mission. So far the resistance against them hadn't been too tough.

''Not sure. Best to make some distance and then formulate a plan.'' Kiyomi answered back. She was wondering about that as well. The attackers were more or less genin leveled. So not a real threat. And that was what worrying her actually. They were not send to kill them, but to lure them out to reveal something about themselves. ''Stay on guard. I smell something... Or rather somebody.'' Kiyomi warned Hayate. The scent was strange, as she had never smelled that kind of scent before. It raised the hair on her neck as she realized that the fight had just began.

Sensing Kiyomi growing more cautious, Hayate scanned the area around them. He hadn't spotted anything, but he thought he could detect something... something he couldn't quite make out. Readying himself for anything, Hayate's senses were on overdrive. Nowhere near the level of Kiyomi's enhanced senses, but he felt something dangerous around them.

Kiyomi ordered with a handsignal that they should stop. ''Its very close.'' She whispered as she looked around. With each passing second she could feel her senses tingeling that she should try to run away, as the scent became more and more foul. Now Hayate could likely smelled it as well. It was a weird, but horrible smell. Before she could react, a big badger charged and swept some trees aside as the beast tried to maim with his right claw at the two. Cursing, Kiyomi quickly flipped backwards to try to avoid the slash.

Stopping beside her, Hayate thought he detected a faint smell. A terrible smell. As the massive creature slammed through the trees towards them, Hayate cursed and leapt high into the air, narrowly avoiding the giant claw. Pulling out two kunai with explosive tags, Hayate spun in the air and threw them towards the beast, aiming towards its eyes. He landed on a branch and pulled out several shuriken, waiting to see what the beast would do. Glancing to make sure that Kiyomi had landed safely as well.

The beast snorted, causing a strong wind that deflected the weapons. In fact, the explosions caused it to become angrier as it started to growl. Landing on her feet, Kiyomi quickly placed her right hand at the hilt of her katana. She narrowed her eyes as she was sure that this was more of the welcome party she had expected. ''Seems we now really get something on our level.'' She mumbled before she noticed something. A bit of smoke was forming on top of the head of the badger, who glared at the two in front of him. Slowly the smoke was taking shape of a man, who was wearing black clothing, a hood and a mask. This reeks of trouble. Kiyomi noticed that the person glanced more in her direction and already could forsee what the plan was.

''Hayate, you take on the person. The badger will be dealt with. Keep low on your abilities. This is just a little taste.'' Kiyomi ordered as she noticed the badger was rushing forward again, trying to clawing at the two.

As the man appeared on the head of the massive budger, Hayate realized what was going on. "Would you like me to summon Kuromu?" He asked over the earphone communicator. Locking his gaze on the man, Hayate threw his shuriken towards him, hoping to draw the man's attention. Seeing the badger charge towards them again, Hayate leapt away, attempting to gain some distance.

The shuriken phased straight through the main as if he wasn't really there. Kiyomi mumbled a curse as she barely managed to avoid to not be clawed by the giant animal. The claw slashed through the earth and caused rocks, dust and debris to be launched into the air. ''No, keep it on a minium. I just need to-'' She said, but had to move again as the badger tried to stomp on her. With a quick leap backwards, she managed to avoid getting hit. The masked man briefly glanced at Hayate, but clearly the latter wasn't seen as a real threat. Kiyomi seemed to be the main focus for now.

Seeing the man pass him over as if he was nothing caused Hayate to grin wickedly. I guess I'll just have to impress him, won't I? He thought to himself. Leaping from his perch, Hayate landed on the badger's back. Plunging two kunai into its skin to maintain his purchase, Hayate pulled himself up. Pulling out two more kunai, he threw them towards the man. The first kunai had a flash tag attached, and the second one had an explosive tag. Hayate shielded his eyes as the flash went off, and then looked to see what had happened to the man.

Though Hayate managed to stab the badger, the kunai did little more than to irk the beast to attack in a more fericous manner. Hiding behind a big tree, Kiyomi ducked as the claw slashed the tree in half. Rolling away, she managed to keep avoiding to get hit by the beast. Realizing that she was getting driven back, she already had an idea on how to pin down the badger, Literally. Her attention was however caught as she noticed a explosion that caused the badger to whine as it went off on his head. Once the smoke had cleared, the man was nowhere to be seen.

''Out of the way ant.'' The voice of a man was heard behind Hayate as a fist was about to slam against the head of Hayate if he wouldn't try to block or dodge it.

The man's fist connected solidly with - - A chunk of wood that fell down and off the side of the badger. Hayate had used the Body Replacement technique and now stood directly behind the man. Holding a kunai in his hand he thrust it towards the man. "You should never underestimate your opponents." He said, plunging the knife into - - nothing?

Hayate started to hear a low laugh. "That's some advice you should take yourself kid." The man said, turning to face Hayate, the knife still held through the middle of his body. "Any last words?" His look slowly changed to one of puzzlement as Hayate grinned. "Yeah. You should really pay more attention." Hayate turned his wrist so the explosive tag that he'd attached to the kunai was visible. The tag lit up and exploded, blowing up Hayate's shadow clone and detonating inside of the man.

The real Hayate stood perched on a tree above the action, waiting to see if his plan had worked.

The explosion caused the man to vanish as the smoke prevented any sight on it. It also caused the badger to growl and then suddenly slash from the right towards Kiyomi. Who had been distracted as she had caught a glimps of Hayate being in trouble. Just in time, she managed to jump back, but her back hit something solid. A tree was standing in the way. The eyes of Kiyomi widened as she saw the claw coming towards her. Pulling out a kunai, she tried to defend herself as the claw slashed her and the tree. Dust prevented sight of how she was doing while out of the smoke, the masked man re-appeared on the head of the badger. ''That was one.'' He mumbled before looking and trying to see where Hayate was hiding.

Hayate's sight of the man was lost in the smoke, but he saw the man reappear at the head of the badger. As the badger launched itself forwards to attack, Hayate noticed that Kiyomi was stuck. Leaping from his perch he realized that he was nowhere near close enough to block the badger's attack. He would have to trust that Kiyomi could protect herself. Turning his attention back to the man, Hayate tried to formulate a new plan. Clearly the man had a way of making himself partially intangible to avoid damage. If Hayate had the option he would summon Kuromu to make use of his Wind Release and see if he could destabilize the man. But, Kiyomi had instructed him to find another mean of eliminating the threat, and so Hayate kept to the shadows, attempting to find a new way to get rid of the man.

Damage proof!
Music for the battle.

Out of the dust, lightning started to crackle. It created a menacing sound as Kiyomi's transformation jutsu had worn off. Blood was seen on her clothing as the sharp claws of the badger had managed to go through the clothing and mesh armour underneath it. Furthermore, the mood of Kiyomi was very low as she looked with a pissed off look in the direction of the badger. Scoffing, she straighten her back a bit as she ran her right thumb over the cut that was on her stomach. Some blood dripped on the ground due her action, but she paid no attention to it. ''I am going to make you pay for that.'' She hissed as she spread out her footwork and started to weave several handseals.

Placing her right hand at the ground, nothing seemed to happen. But the badger slowly turned darker as something blocked out the light. With a crash, something big landed on top of the badger. Big fangs, claws and a huge amount of fur made a loud growling sound as it started to attack the badger. Kiyomi watched how Ger, her and Hiron's personal summoning, started to fight with the badger. The summoning technique that Kiyomi had performed gave Ger the advantage as the badger seemed to be badly hurt. While it still was putting up a good fight, it was clear that Ger was going to win. ''Where is that prick?'' Kiyomi mumbled as she looked around, also wondering where Hayate was.

Hayate heard the massive bear before he saw him. Smiling despite the situation, he watched as Ger fell from the sky and landed on the badger. Well that would even the odds a little. Seeing Ger meant that Kiyomi was also okay, as it had to have been her who summoned the bear. Moving swiftly between the trees, Hayate stuck to the shadows, his long black cloak helping him blend in. He had lost sight of the man and kept an eye out, wary of traps. Hayate's mind was working furiously, trying to form a plan to destroy this ninja who could apparently avoid all damage from physical attacks. This would be much easier if he could use his clan's abilities, or his dragon. But... he had made a promise, and despite the situation being quite intense, Hayate did not yet consider it to be life or death, and thus, he did not need to rely on those options. Rounding another tree, Hayate sent a message to Kiyomi via the communicator. "Sensei, I have lost sight of the enemy nin. Do you have eyes on him? Also... are... are you alright? I saw the badger attack you." Hayate's concern was evident in his voice as he asked her how she was faring. Knowing Kiyomi, she probably wasn't in any bad shape, but he could not help but want to make sure.

Kiyomi heard the question of Hayate and she briefly checked on herself. Slowly the cut was stopping to bleed and it was just one long on her stomach. She would attend later to it. Focussing the chakra of Matatabi to patch herself up wouldn't be something she could do in such a fight. Certainly not with an enemy that was nearby but not in sight. ''I am done fine. Don't worry about me.'' She replied as she glanced in the direction of the two giant animals fighting. Dust was wiped up and Kiyomi couldn't barely see who held the upper hand. The sounds indicated that Ger was more growling than whinning, unlike the badger. However, the foul stench of the badger made it hardly possible for Kiyomi to sense where the enemy was. That was kind of annoying. ''I don't. Can't sense him either. Stay on guard.'' She ordered, though aware that Hayate was likely aware that he shouldn't lower his guard. Placing her right hand on the hilt of her katana, she looked around. Quickly she rolled over the ground, avoiding several kunai that struk the place she had been standing. Getting up on her feet, Kiyomi quickly drawned her katana as she noticed several more coming towards her. ''Check the right. You approach him and try to flank him.'' Kiyomi ordered as she deflected the incoming projectiles.

Hearing Kiyomi's order, Hayate leapt into action. As he moved through the shadows, hopping from branch to branch, Hayate thought he saw a shadowy figure ahead. Moving closer, he kept a high guard up. It appeared as though the shadow was moving, and as he watched, Hayate could make out several small projectiles flying away from the figures position. Got you. Learning from last time, Hayate decided not to try a direct attack on the enemy's body, instead he aimed for the branch below his feet. Pulling out another kunai with an explosive tag, Hayate threw it at the branch, watching as it exploded, separating the branch from the tree. He stayed back a distance, waiting to see what would happen to the man, and wanting to remain cautious, just in case this had been a trap.

The masked man seemed to hear the kunai coming, but it was too late for him to throw a kunai and deflect the thrown weapon of Hayate, It struck the branch just below his feet and as the man glanced down, the explosive tag went off. Kiyomi also saw the explosion and narrowed her eyes, squinting to see if she could notice anything. ''Nice one.'' She mumbled, through the earphone. But as the smoke of the explosive was settled down, the man was standing on another branch, dropping himself to the ground. And not even a scratch. It piqued Kiyomi's interests as how that was possible as annoyed her. ''You got to be kidding me. New plan. I am going to set up a barrier and then you need to strike.'' She instructed Hayate as the masked man charged towards Kiyomi. He drawned a long tanto and started to attack with fast and strong swings. Managing to deflect or dodge the fast attacks, Kiyomi noticed an opening. As she ducked under a swing, she lashed out herself. The silver katana however just phased through the man. The eyes of the girl widened as she then was kicked backwards.

Managing to skidd to a halt, she frowned. What did just happen? Her attack was performed perfectly. But it seemed that her sword just went through nothing. Only the soft sound of a something poofing was heard. But she thought that was the clothing that had been ripped by the silver edged blade. ''This is going to be annoying.'' Kiyomi took a defensive stance as the man charged once more towards Kiyomi. Trying to keep defending herself, she also tried to lure the man to turn his back to Hayate so that her student could surprise their opponent.

As Hayate dropped to the ground, he saw the enemy attacking Kiyomi. Moving forwards swiftly, he watched as she got the upper hand, until her blade passed right through thin air instead of impaling the man. "I suppose I should have mentioned that this guy can apparently phase himself in and out at will."[b] He spoke quietly through the communicator. He had noticed something this time. As the man made himself partially intangible, Hayate noticed that a small part of him appeared to grow misty, almost like a vapour or smoke. He was too far away to make it out clearly, but he was starting to form an idea.

Making sure to stay as silent as possible, Hayate approached the enemy. Whispering through the communicator he spoke quickly to Kiyomi. [b]"If you can force him back away from you, even momentarily, I have an idea that may end this." Even as he spoke he began forming hand seals, hoping that Kiyomi would be able to move away from the enemy nin.

Hearing Hayate, Kiyomi wanted to grumble that it wasn't that easy as it would sound like. But her attention was focused on not getting sliced or cut up by the weapon of the masked man. Deciding to follow up with Hayate's plan, the girl managed to keep up with the man and instead of only defending, she started to become more offensive. If stabs to the stomach and such wouldn't work, then she would try it on a different way. As the man raised his arm for a hack, Kiyomi lashed out. Pouring a little bit of chakra through the silver, it casted to blind the man and giving an opening for Kiyomi to finish her strike. ''Gotcha!'' With a fast strike, the katana sliced through the arm, looking like it had cut off the arm. But then she noticed what it was. Smoke.

[ChromeHound]

Hayate Hyūzu
Konoha - Team 2

When Kensuke mentioned that the mission wasn't finished, Hayate realized that there were still wounded bandits on the field. Without another word, without a moment's hesitation, Hayate moved out to finish the mission. His shadow clone took one side of the camp, while he started at the other. Taking his time, Hayate dispatched the remaining wounded bandits with cold efficiency. Meeting up at the center, Hayate dispersed his shadow clone before turning back towards his teammates.

Shisen and Arashi appeared to be in rough shape, but they had followed Kensuke's orders and silenced several of the wounded. A small part of Hayate wanted to make sure they were alright, but then his mind travelled to the wound in his leg caused by the battle frenzied ninken and he realized that would be a mistake. Turning to face Kensuke he saw the jounin attending to Ezuri's wounds. Approaching the man, Hayate stood silent for a moment. His shame made it difficult to speak. "It is finished sensei." Was all he said after a short time. Looking down at Ezuri, Hayate wondered how everything had fallen apart so quickly. This mission should have been a relatively simple one. Clenching his fists to fight back the frustration of letting his temporary new team down, Hayate simply stood and awaited Kensuke's next orders.

[Roran Hawkins]

Konoha Team 7
Kensuke Nimatsu

As he picked up Ezuri from the ground and heaved him over his shoulders, he nodded towards the genin, their sign to leave. The ANBU present here would do the rest. It was a bit shameful that his first mission as a squad leader had been such a disaster, but it was too late to mend that situation anyways. While travelling back towards the village, he kept the same strict pace as during the trip towards it, merciless towards the wounds of his team, which he had expected them to have taken care of in the short pause they had had before leaving. There was a strange tension in the air, because of his interference in the mission. It was obvious that he was not amused by their display of abilities, but he was still finding a way to express this without making them feel too bad, or not bad enough.

"Your performances today were sub-par. You broke formation, failed to form a cohesive unit, and spoiled our element of surprise. Remember that we are shinobi by profession, not warriors." He finally said with a rather harsh voice, knowing that Ezuri wasn't there to hear it. "While some of you are more at fault than the others, you are a team, and therefor you are all responsible." He added without a glance backwards to the genin following him, and then waited to see if any of them had any more remarks or questions about it. During their next training, this would most certainly be adressed. If there would be a next training for Team 7 in its current state that is.

[LillyDove]

Team 7, Shisen Inuzuka

She was not in the mood for a lecture from anyone, she was tired, irritable, cold and hurt. "There was no discussion of a formation, no team training" Shisen said trying and failing to keep the flat cold tone out of her voice. Arashi growled her agreement and bared her teeth at them as they headed back to the village in which the two would promptly head back home and away from their so called team. Why couldn't she just be without a team? Why did the Hokage have to put her in a team? She functioned much better alone and without other people telling her what to do. Arashi wouldn't bet frustrated and bite the wrong person, everything would be fine. But no, she was placed in a team with some suck up and another suck up as well, causing Arashi to take her anger out on one of them. She couldn't blame the Ninken, she would have bit them too.

[Gerontis]

The bonding training of Hiron!
A new way to train!

A collab between Chromehound and Gerontis.

Summary :
Hiron have called for Shikaroku to train and meet him. However, considering him to be the newest and least experienced member of the team, Hiron decides to take the training into a way he has never done before. The start of the sensei-student bond of Hiron and Shikaroku!

The Bonding Training

His hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants, Hiron was simply waiting for one of his students to arrive. Standing near a ramen shop, Hiron was dressed in the usual jounin outfit, a little straw tugged in the corner of his mouth. With the lovely weather and little amount of clouds in the sky, Hiron had taken a position in the shadows, leaning against the wall with his back. While he seemed to wait, while looking calm around, he was actually thinking about something. But he would wait till one of his students would come to the meeting place.

Making his way through the streets of Konoha, Shikaroku looked around at the people. They all seemed so preoccupied, going about their daily business. A part of him wished things were that easy for him, that he could simply focus and not rely on the damned meds. Shaking his head sadly, Shikaroku kept moving. He was supposed to meet up with Hiron-sensei and he did not want to be late.

Approaching the ramen shop that they were supposed to meet at, Shikaroku looked around for his sensei. Spotting the jounin lounging against the wall, he made his way over. "Good afternoon Hiron-sensei."

Hiron looked up when he heard the voice of his student. ''Same to you as well, Shikaroku.'' Hiron calmly replied back. Pushing his back from the wall, Hiron briefly rolled his right shoulder as he brought his right hand out of the pocket of his pants, to scratch his neck. ''I take it you're doing well since the mission?'' Hiron asked, as he then half turned around, beckoning the genin to walk with him.

Falling into step with Hiron, Shikaroku thought about the question. It was an easy, harmless question, and yet Shikaroku hesitated. "Well enough I suppose sensei. How about you?" Shikaroku wasn't very used to small talk, and it wasn't something he had ever thought he would be having with Hiron. The man seemed to be the epitome of serious, befitting his nickname.

''Been the usual. Spent some time at home, with the wife and kid.'' He answered the question. Still talking a rather calm and almost polite manner. Still walking, the streets weren't that bustling as they weren't near the more busier quarters of the city. Heading to a restaurant, Hiron glanced in Shikaroku's direction. ''Do you like to grill?'' He asked, in all of a sudden.

"That sounds... nice I'm sure..." Shikaroku responded as he mentioned staying at home with his family. Cursing himself for how awkward he sounded, Shikaroku looked down. As Hiron asked him if he liked to grill he looked up. "I do... Were... were you wanting to grill?" He wasn't sure how to take this side of Hiron. It seemed nice, in a sense, and Hiron seemed sincere, but Shikaroku remained a little wary. He hadn't known his sensei for very long, and one could never be too careful.

''Over there.'' He nodded towards the restaurant. It was one he was familiar with. A rather nice place to grill. Nearing the place, Hiron briefly sought through the pocket of his jacket before pulling out his wallet. ''I will treat us both for now.'' He mumbled as they would enter the place. Asking for a place, they were lead to a place, though the restaurant had no other customers at this time of the day. Sitting down in the bench, as on each side there was a bench. With a table, in which there was a grill build in, Hiron sighed. ''So, I think you wonder why I called you alone and not the others. Right?''

Staring up at Hiron from across the table, Shikaroku pondered how to answer. He had indeed played through a million scenarios in his head, not many of which seemed probable. But he had managed to think of a few that seemed to make enough sense. Finally, he spoke quietly, his voice calm. "I assume it is because I am the least experienced member of the team. I am also the newest, and we have never worked together before. I would assume that you wanted to talk to me alone in order to make sure that I understood how things work in your team. And to find a way to make sure that I am not a weak link in the team." Locking eyes with Hiron, Shikaroku wondered what the man would say.

Hiron listened to the answer of Shikaroku. ''Heh.'' Hiron seemed to make it himself more comfortable as he leaned back in the bench. Looking at the grill, he answered back. ''In some way, yes. You're the least experienced member. But I am not saying that makes you the weakest. Masami is also new, but she had her fair share of sensei's before. But that isn't the purpose of this meeting.'' He said, looking up. ''You might realize it now, but the introduction of the team was a short one. I already know what I need to know about Masami. You on the other hand..'' Hiron made a gesture with his right hand, as if he wanted Shikaroku to talk now. ''I would suggest to tell me something about yourself.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku looked away briefly. So Hiron wants to get to know me huh? He thought to himself, before turning back to look at his sensei. Formulating his answer properly, Shikaroku spoke. "I am assuming that you have already had a chance to read my file. So there is not much about me that you don't already know. I suppose this is a more polite and personable way of asking though, so I shall do my best to be forward with you. What is it you want to know about me Hiron-sensei?"

''You're good at analyzing, but you are making a mistake here.'' Hiron slowly smiled as he leaned forward, on his side of the table. ''I haven't read your file. Like some, I don't expect that a file will give me the informaton I will need. I am more of a person that wants to see how somebody else operates. I want to know who your really are. What are you hopes and dreams? What do you expect from me as your sensei? Such things.'' Hiron explained, before leaning back once more.

As Hiron mentioned that he hadn't read his file, Shikaroku's eyebrows rose up briefly in surprise. "Then it seems I owe you an apology Hiron-sensei. There are not many that I know who choose to take such a route. I am afraid though that I must apologize. You may not have read my file, but I did my research on you. Nothing too personal Hiron-sensei, but I wanted to know the man I would be training under so that I had a better opportunity to conduct myself accordingly. So you see, from what I have discovered about you, it seems that this is a little unusual for you. Most other information that I have found says that you generally prefer to keep to yourself. Not that I mind of course, I am just a little curious is all." Realizing that he probably talked to much, Shikaroku paused, holding his tongue. It was not like him to speak this much, nor did he want to get off on the wrong foot with his new sensei. Staring back at Hiron he grew an apologetic expression on his face. "I am sorry sensei. It was not my right to pry, and I apologize for my tone. You wanted to know about me, so I shall tell you a little. Please understand that there is not much to tell. I am a relatively simple person. I want to become strong enough to protect this village, and to protect the people that I care about. I do not have dreams of becoming the Hokage or such, as I believe that there are many better suited to such positions than myself. I also don't have any aspirations of becoming the strongest shinobi in the world or anything. I just... I just want a simple life. As for what I want from you, I am not sure honestly. I suppose if I am being entirely honest I would say that I hope that you could help me find a way to focus better, and to not be a weak link in the chain. I want to become stronger, but I also want to be able to rely on myself, and only myself." His thoughts quickly shifted to the meds again, but Shikaroku bit his tongue. He wasn't ready to bring them up, not yet.

"I am probably not the most ideal student, and for that I apologize. I am not looking for glory, nor am I looking to impress anyone. But I will do my best, of that I promise."

Staying silent the whole time, letting Shikaroku finish his story, Hiron slowly raised his eyebrows as he responded with the same polite and calm tone. ''So? I am not the most ideal sensei. If you did your homework well, you already have figured that out.'' Hiron said. He then rubbed his chin as he started to think what he could say more. To be honest, he was a bit surprised that Shikaroku had done some research on him. Most genins just went along with assumptions. It earned the boy some good point with Hiron. ''And that goal is the same as mine. Don't worry, if you do your best then you're already there. Just trust me now and then. It will be fun in time. I think I can maybe even promise you that.'' Hiron said, smiling faintly.

Surprised that Hiron was not angry with him, Shikaroku remained quiet. Bowing his head slightly, Shikaroku looked Hiron in the eyes. "Then I shall trust you sensei. Thank you." He was still confused as to Hiron's friendly attitude, but at least now he felt a little more comfortable around the man. It would truly be nice if things got to the point where they could be called fun. Shikaroku knew that for him that probably meant he'd have to still be reliant on the meds in order for that to happen, but the thought itself was still nice.

''I hope you will. After all, its my task as sensei to guide you. A guide you can't trust is not going to work.'' Hiron said back. Noticing a waiter coming to their table, Hiron ordered some sake for himself, but would let Shikaroku order for himself. Looking around, Hiron then would wait till the waiter was gone. ''So, now we have rounded that talk up a bit, what do you think of Team 9 so far? Other than the name I have managed to get with them. Just your own opinion.'' Hiron asked.

Ordering a water, Shikaroku pondered the question. "I think that it is an interesting mix. We have to sensory nin that both show a lot of potential for combat capabilities. As of this moment I think that we need to train a lot in order to develop proper formations, and to work on our teamwork. While Mia and Masami are both very skilled in my opinion, I feel like we could use their abilities in combination to achieve much greater effects." He paused as he began to feel a slight numbing sensation at the back of his head. Focusing like this was difficult, especially when he was on the meds as he was now. Shaking it off, Shikaroku tried to continue. "I think you will be a more than capable leader for us Hiron-sensei. I just hope that I will be able to do my part to make sure this team is as successful as it can be. With the proper training and preparation I feel like we could be a very strong team indeed." His tone was entirely matter-of-fact. There was no trace of bragging or arrogance, Shikaroku was simply stating his thoughts as honestly as he could. He just hoped that Hiron still wanted to hear them.

His view on the team was one that made Hiron briefly smile. Though he didn't say it, he thought of it in the same way. But for Hiron it was both interesting as nice to see somebody thinking in some similiar fashion regarding the team. ''I feel the same way about it. Though you might consider me as a capable leader, it depends on you and the others. If somebody isn't willing, I will just go with those who want.'' Was his reaction. ''That and I also want to talk further about your medication. I have read some notes about it in your profile, but are you willing to further making the situation clear to me?'' Hiron asked. Though he was aware of that his genin took medication, he was trying to see if his student was already open to discuss such things with him.

Hesitating, Shikaroku locked eyes with Hiron. His first thought was to deny it, or to say it wasn't a problem... But, Shikaroku had been honest so far, and Hiron had also been honest with him. Lowering his gaze, he wondered where to begin. "I... I had hoped that you wouldn't have to find out about that. It, it is something that I am rather ashamed of." Managing to bring his head up and lock eyes with Hiron once again, Shikaroku began to explain.

"As you are probably well aware, the Nara clan is well known for their strategic genius, and their intelligence in analyzing. I... I have so far failed to live up to that name. When I was young, my family tried to get me to study and practice strategy games that were supposed to help me grow more intelligent. I found it incredibly difficult to focus on anything for any length of time... My head would start to hurt so badly that I couldn't do anything, and so I distanced myself from all of that. My parents just thought I was lazy, and they thought that I would grow better as I got older." Taking a breath, Shikaroku realized that his explanation was a little long winded and he did not wish to bore Hiron.

"I failed them, and I failed my clan. I do not know why, but I still to this day get the most intense migraines whenever I try to concentrate. The medication that I made... it is the only way I can dull the pain, but it comes at a bit of a cost. It makes me less effective in some ways. I can't think straight when I am on it, I pretty much am reliant on just following orders. It blocks me from focusing on anything specific, and so I lose any strategic value that I may have previously held. But it takes away the pain... And that is all I can do at the moment. I wish there was another way, truly I do." His face was filled with regret and self-loathing. Shikaroku had to look away, for fear that Hiron would think of him the same way that Shikaroku thought of himself.

Letting his student speak and tell the story behind the medication, Hiron waited a bit more. The waiter came back with their drinks and Hiron ordered that they would grill. Once the waiter was gone, Hiron thought one more time about his words. ''My clan is rumoured to be a shinobi clan, filled with elite shinobi. And if you believe the rumours, all of them have white hair. Why? Cause it is because people are stupid.'' He told Shikaroku. ''I am not some kind of wise ass as most sensei's. My code of honor and manners differ from other sensei's and so far they had some results. Both good and negative. That said, you shouldn't worry about that you're a failure to your clan. Instead, look in the mirror and wonder if you're a failure to yourself. So far I see, you're a kid that tries to reach a goal but just needs to overcome a burden that keep chasing him.'' Hiron said. Pouring some sake in his glass, his eyes stared at the alcoholic drink. ''You know, I keep seeing more of myself in the kids these days. I am not sure what is up with that, but let me tell you something else.'' Picking up his drink, Hiron turned his gaze back to Shikaroku.

''In my team, there are winners or losers. The difference between the two are simple. If you give up and start to see yourself as a failure, you are one. If you keep on driving yourself forwards, I will be calling you a winner. I hope that I will never have to say that again. You're a member now of Team 9, like it or not. And with that, you're now my student. If you did your homework well enough then you already know. I like winners.'' Placing the glass to his lips, Hiron grinned as he took a sip.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku considered his words. They made sense, but a part of him still wasn't sure whether or not he could call himself a winner. He would not give up, of that he was certain, but... The pain... sometimes it became too much, and in those times, Shikaroku wasn't really in control of himself. Glancing back at Hiron, he took a sip from his own drink. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. Your words are kind, and honest. I want you to know that I will never intentionally give up. But sometimes... sometimes I almost can't control myself. It is those times I fear the most. I do not want to put my teammates at risk, but I cannot guarantee that I will not. I just... I hate this burden Hiron-sensei." Shaking his head, he took another sip. "You saw me while we were taking down the turtle. You saw how ineffective I was. I tried to do it without using the meds, I tried to make a plan, to focus on executing it... But then the pain came back... I almost lost my hold on the thing, during a simple training excercise I almost failed. And all of that is because my body betrays me." Shikaroku's head dropped again. Anger and shame filled him in equal measure.

Hiron heard the emotions in the voice of his student. With the waiter coming back with a plate of meat to grill and the other requirments, Hiron thanked the man as he told him that he would be able to do it himself. Silently he started to light up the grill as well putting the plate with some of the meat in front of Shikaroku. ''Doing your best would suffice for now. As with your trouble, I think I know a person. There is only one condition I think that will come up.''' Hiron said. He knew that they had to wait a bit till the grill would be warm enough to prepare their dinner. ''We will need information of your body. Blood, structure and such. This means you will be examined several times. Though I think there might be a better solution, you will face more pain. For a short time. Are you prepared to face that if it means you'll suffer less from those headaches?'' Hiron asked.

Looking up, Shikaroku's eyes widened. Was Hiron being serious? He studied the man for a moment more. From what he could tell Hiron was being serious. "I would give anything, do anything for this thing to go away. But... how is that possible? I have looked through my family's medical books, I... I don't know what exactly is causing this thing, but I haven't been able to make a cure. Do--do you really think that this can be fixed?" He hated that his voice was now filled with a dim hope. Shikaroku did not want to sound needy, or like he was begging, but he could not control it.

Placing a piece of meat on the grill, Hiron answered the question. ''Only one way to find out. I have seen Chang doing things that no other medical nin has done before. I think we just need to examine more than your family medical books. The problem isn't there.'' Hiron had almost said that he had the problem, but he decided against it. There was no need to do that as it was already something they both were aware off. ''But first, don't worry about it, kid. Enjoy your meal first.'' Hiron told him, the grin replaced with a friendly smile.

"Thank you sensei. Truly... this means a lot." He looked at the food that Hiron had started to cook. It smelled amazing. Glancing back at Hiron, Shikaroku spoke. "I don't tell many people about my problem. Most people don't understand... and those that do usually tell me that I need to stop trying to be a shinobi, that I will only end up failing. You-" Hiron raised his right hand to make Shikaroku stop.

''I am not a wise guy, nor one that follows others. I do believe that as your sensei, I am needed to offer guidance and help. Even if that means that I need to understand something others can't.'' Hiron told the boy, taking another sip of sake. Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku smiled. It was a genuine smile, and it felt strange on his face. "How long have you been teaching Hiron-sensei?" He suddenly asked, changing the subject.

For once, he couldn't form an answer directly. Not a serious one, that was. ''For too long!'' He suddenly started to laugh. Though briefly, he found his own answer quite amusing. ''But to be more serious, I haven't counted the years. I reckon that I have been teaching since my 19th. Since I am twenty-two now, that are three years. Three years...'' Hiron stared at his glass. Much had happened in those years. A lot of genins had been under his care. Some of their faces were more easy to remember than others. He sighed. ''Sorry, I sounded like an old fool. But I do have some experience to back my rank up as a sensei. Why you ask?''

"It just seems like you have been doing this a long time is all. You are certainly wiser than you let on." Shikaroku let out a small laugh, realizing that it had been a long time since he had done so. "Have you enjoyed teaching? Or rather, do you enjoy it?" He asked.

''Now and then, I had. I have experienced all kind of students.'' Leaning back, he thought of several. ''Once I had a kid that was unstopabble. He so full of energy. It was just crazy. Even managing to creep in my house and causing some mess. Heh, he was a good kid.'' Hiron briefly seemed to become silence. There were some details he had left out about that student. The Fox Bull. That was his nickname. ''I will become independed! I will become better than everybody else.'' The voice of the past briefly sounded through Hiron's mind. Taking another sip of his glass, filled by sake, Hiron continued. ''Also a Hyuuga. Garu Hyuuga. He was one of Team 9's best. So far the youngest person to become a chuunin, at the age of ten. He was able to learn at a good pace and even making me sweat when he and I sparred.'' A grin crept on Hiron's face. ''Yeah, I sure had my share of teaching. And I have enjoyed it.''

Smiling, Shikaroku thought it was a good answer. He stayed silent for a moment, just thinking. "Have you ever had any students fail you...or fail themselves?" He finally asked, a little hesitant at first. Shikaroku wasn't entirely sure that he wanted to hear the whole answer, but it was important. At least to him.

''Full of questions, are we?'' Hiron slightly amused asked before he would answer the question of Shikaroku. Only a damn fool would miss the point of the question the Nara had asked. It was however a question that Hiron wouldn't need to think long about before he would have an answer. ''I had several genins that I had sent back or made them resign from duty. Some died in action.'' Hiron calmly told Shikaroku. ''I have learned that as a sensei, there is one important rule. Don't get too soon attached to your student. It may sound cruel, but lets assume you will die in the next mission. There is another genin waiting to join ranks, replacing you. I even can be replaced tomorrow and then you will be having another sensei. Though, you can see that as how it's an individual success or failure. I can go further more about what my view is on a team's success, but I don't want to risk to keep on talking all the time.'' Hiron politely finished. He wasn't sure if his answer would help his genin. But that wasn't up to him, but Shikaroku's decision.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku accepted that. "Sorry for consistently asking questions Hiron-sensei. I... I am not usually so invasive." He hoped that the jounin was not upset with him for asking such personal questions. He wanted to learn, and Hiron seemed like a good person to learn from. Reaching over, Shikaroku grabbed a piece of cooked meat and popped it into his mouth. Chewing, a smile came to his face. It was delicious. "You know, you're not a half bad cook Hiron-sensei."

Hiron grinned as he also picked up a piece of grilled meat. ''Guess who is the cook in my household?'' He asked, but he wasn't joking around. Placing the meat in his mouth, he chewed on it After swalling it, he spoke again. ''Once you're on your own, than you will learn how to cook. Or know where the good places are for a meal.'' Hiron joked. He noticed that there wasn't any tension between them, which was good. ''Though I am better at training taijutsu and such than cooking. Sorry to disappoint you there, kid.''

"If that is true then you must be a taijutsu god!" Shikaroku joked briefly. It felt odd to be joking around like this, especially with one whom everyone called Hiron The Serious. But, it also felt good. Shikaroku felt like he could trust Hiron, something he hadn't been able to do with any body else for a long time. Grabbing another bite, he tossed it in his mouth, savouring the flavour. "I want to be good at something..." He said simply. His voice was not sad, nor was he looking for pity. It had just come out unexpectedly.

Simply continueing to eat a bit, Hiron had heard the last sentence of Shikaroku. But he didn't react to it right away. In his opinion, Hiron thought that it was too early. Kids that were good at something at an early age would sometimes have a harder time to bloom when others were doing that. ''Just give it some patience. Try to survive first and then try to become good at something.'' Hiron replied back as he raised his glass again.

It made sense. Shikaroku thought as he grabbed another bite. Finishing it off with a sip of his water, he looked out the window for a moment. "Thank you for taking the time to talk with me Hiron-sensei. It wasn't something that you had to do, but I appreciate it."

Emptying his glass, Hiron placed it on the table before he poured more sake into it from the bottle. ''It is something I had to do. Not because I am your sensei, but because I think I can't get to know you from just training and reading some paper that has some details about you.'' Hiron answered. If it wasn't for his polite tone, it would look like he was cold about it. Which wasn't also the case. ''And sometimes you just need to talk about something to then figure out what is troubling you.'' Taking another sip of sake, Hiron sighed.

The words were true, and it brought Shikaroku a sense of warmth knowing that Hiron actually cared. He hadn't really known what to expect when Hiron had asked him out here. But he was glad at the outcome. For the first time he had hope, hope that he might be able to get rid of the burden that always held him back. The thought of that pain being gone... It was a better feeling than Shikaroku could ever describe. He ate in silence, enjoying his meal and the company.

Taking up another piece of meat in his mouth, Hiron decided to ask something. So far the conversation had gone well and they had even talked about something that could be seen as something very personal. The amount of progress they made was more than he had anticipated at first. ''Do you know the game shogi?'' Hiron asked, curiously. There was a reason why he had asked that, but he figured that Shikaroku likely knew about it with his past. Though Hiron had a different idea on how to play it with his student.

At the mention of Shogi, Shikaroku looked up, his eyes widening slightly. Of course he knew of it, Shogi was one of the few games of strategy that he was able to play without the migraines kicking in. Somehow he managed to get lost in the game to the point where he would forget about the rest of the world. It didn't feel like focusing when he was playing, it instead brought him a strange sense of peace. "I do know Shogi. It is actually one of the few games I enjoy... Though, I have not really played against many people... Do you play sensei?" Shikaroku asked, hopeful that maybe they would be able to play sometime.

''Not often. But I do like playing it when I am needed to think about something. If you want we can play in a bit.'' Hiron suggested as he took a sip of his sake. It was good to know that he could distract his student with a game of shogi, as it was the main goal of his suggestion. Maybe the bonding too as Hiron was starting to see some potential in his newest student. ''Though I am not that great in shogi, just so you know.''

Shikaroku's eyes brightened further as Hiron suggested they could play later. When the jounin mentioned that he was not that good in shogi, Shikaroku let out a small laugh. "I think you will still be able to teach me a thing or two. I have not really played with many opponents, so my experience is a little one-sided." He smiled and took another bite of his food.

By hearing his student saying he could still learn a thing or two, Hiron also laughed briefly. ''Well, that is my job. Teaching you things. Only if they are useful, that is up to you.'' Hiron said back as he also took another bite of his food. ''Also, I will need to arrange some training. Your fighting style is vastly different from Masami or Mia's style. Though I have an idea for that, but its for later.''

"I consider any form of learning to be useful." Shikaroku responded with a smile. Hiron had piqued his curiosity when he mentioned that he had an idea for Shikaroku's fighting style. He had always known he was a little different when it came to fighting, but he only hoped that it wasn't going to be a burden to his team at all. "I am sorry if my fighting style does not work well with this team... If, if there is anything I can do to change that then please trust me when I say that I am willing to change whatever I have to in order to fit into this team." He realized that his voice sounded a little sad, and he avoided Hiron's eyes.

''Change? Sorry?'' Hiron repeated with a hushed tone before he shook his head lightly. Sighing, he looked up to Shikaroku. ''You are also in need of more faith in yourself, kid. You fit in perfectly with the team. The test showed that. I wasn't in need to say to you all that you would need to work together to bring down the turtle. While I had to do that with one of the most strongest formations of Team 9.'' Hiron said to Shikaroku. Xinsai, Mia and the Fox Bull. He still could remember that team formation. ''I think you should have more pride in your abilities as I think you will become good. We will just work on that insecurity of yours as well.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku took a long moment before looking up. He knew that he lacked faith in himself, it was something that made it difficult for him to reach his full potential. Shikaroku always held himself back, it was easier than taking a risk in front of everyone and failing. There was a part of him that knew he had potential to be stronger, and to be better. But that part of him was overshadowed by the pain and humiliation caused by his migraines. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. I will try to have more faith in myself. If you say that I fit in with the team as is, then I shall do whatever I can to make sure it stays that way."

''I know you will.'' Hiron said back with a friendly tone. Raising his glass, filled with sake, towards his student, a grin was placed on his face. ''I say, welcome to Team 9, Shikaroku Nara.'' The jounin then placed the glass on his lips, emptying the sake with one go. A brief chuckle escaped Hiron as he then filled his glas again.