Little Alice

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Eklipse, Shadow had some troubles that she had to deal with. But we went with a timeskip of a week due the Chuunin Exams. I shall write a plan in the team pm chat.

Marc, I think it is acceptable. Bit surprised to see a slowly rise of paper ninjutsu use. Suspicious.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Harumi Uchiha,
Konohagakure ANBU.

Past time.
On way to Kirigakure, for a trip never to forget!

A mission of Harumi Uchiha.

Enjoy.


Kirigakure. Harumi couldn't say she liked it. It had its charms, but she couldn't see any of it. Possibly due that light fog. Next were the people. There was something about them that she didn't like. Some looked distrustful at almost anything and that irked Harumi. She had placed great detail in her new personality. One that had proven its worth as she hadn't been caught or chased by the shinobi of the water yet. While she was aware that Kirigakure was famed for their spies, their defense against it wasn't that well.

---

Three day before

Harumi splashed some water against her face. It had been one week and several days now. And this was the third island. If she was correct and had calculated it correctly, the chuunin exams would begin over several days. An event that would last around a week or at possibly two? Harumi sighed as she rose up. Dressed in a Kirigakure shinobi garb, she would look like a regular chuunin. The owner of the outfit? Drowned. A very sad story, cause she had somehow tripped and fell off a cliff. Breaking her neck, she had drowned in the water.

Though now dressed as a normal civilian. Harumi glanced at the corpse. Harumi thought about the name Nina. She had used that name ever since her first victim in the first port she had arrived in. How many had been killed by Nina? How many buildings had been sabotaged? Or how many people had been whispered that they could get much better? A lot of trouble had been caused and Harumi had kept herself on the move. Knowing that sooner or later her actions would catch the attention, it were just minor so far. But today she would carry out one big one. With the Mizukage out of the country, Mika was sure that the nation wasn't that strong. From what she had learned was that Rika almost led the country alone. There was no jounin commander. No person that helped to lead a division like in Konohagakure. Which was all the better for her. Would only make it easier to spread the chaos that would slowly spread.

Heading to the nearby village, Harumi had little problem of entering it. She wasn't Harumi anymore, but Ini. A shorter name than Nina. And not really to Harumi's liking. But it had to do for now.

---

Several hours later

That was close! Fuck. Harumi thought to herself. She pressed her back to a tree. Her breath was going irregular and she wasn't sure if somebody had followed her. Like the previous time she had blown up a building. It was always risky to do it at broad daylight, but then the guards were less paying attention. A small village wouldn't be a big or appealing target for a sabotage strike. Though she had made sure to not use any ninjutsu and keep her guard up, Mika was rather being too careful than confident. Peeking around, nobody had followed her. Possibly due the fire that would have spread after the explosion.

Slowing down her breath, Harumi looked at her outfit. Still wearing the chuunin garb, she was content. Now it was time for her next move.

---

''That will cost more, lass.'' The old man said. He frowned at Harumi. Cleaning a glass, Harumi sighed as she pulled out her wallet again to place some more yen on the table. If she wasn't that hungry, Harumi would have decided to leave the place. She was running low on money and had to take care to not squander everything. Else she would have to swim her way back.

''I think I am going to leave the ANBU.'' That one sentence attracted Harumi's attention. It had been close or she had whipped her head to see who had said that particular sentence. The man behind the counter would inspect the money that Harumi had given for a small meal with something to drink.

The conversation was being held between two people. Around her age, a man and a woman. After Harumi had been told that she would get her meal within ten minutes, which caused her to flash the man a smile, she would turn around. Careful to not rise suspicioun with the two people she wanted to eavesdrop on, Harumi looked like she was wavering where she would sit. Eventually she sat down near the pair. ''But what are you going to do then?'' The woman asked, sounding a bit surprised. The man sighed and it became silent. To not give the idea that she was eavesdropping, Harumi stared for a while out of the window. On an occassion she would throw a look around to see if her meal would come. ''I think just becoming a jounin. Seems that Lady Mizukage isn't as strict as the Fifth.'' The man finally answered.

''Thank you.'' Harumi said to the waiter that brought her meal. But she smiled for a different reason and her thanks also aimed at another person than the waiter. Starting on her meal, Harumi was sure of it. Today would be a good day.

---

''Please! Stop!'' The man grunted as he tried to free himself. ''Let me ask it again. Who?'' The man wanted to scream as he tried to get out of his bed. Wrapped in paper he couldn't move as it seemed to constrict and thus restrain his movement. With a cold stare, Harumi waited for till he would slowly start to stop resissting. ''Next time you ressist I will start to cut off your leg. Now, who?'' Harumi asked in a cold but hushed tone.

''Origami! I swear it. The woman that uses paper! Please.. I want to live a more p-'' His words were cut off. He tried to break free, but the paper that restrained him wouldn't even bend. After some minutes the body of the man didn't move anymore. ''Ironic name. Nina sounds nicer.'' Harumi whispered as the paper would slowly move away from the man, turning back into her normal form.

---

Walking around, Harumi was on her guard. Dressed as a mere young woman, who seemed to search for something on the market. With a calm pace, she would talk here and there with a shop or stand owner. Even with some locals. The idea she gave was that she was a very nice and polite woman who was genuinely interested in the people she talked with. But now and then she made the bold move to ask questions. Claiming she was visiting her aunt and uncle, because she came from another isle, Harumi managed to gather intelligence. Nothing too grave like army numbers or such. But information she could use for her personal information.

''It is terrible. My cousin has written me that a few villages are growing discontent with the growing rumours and incidents. I heard that not so long ago, a small vilage almost burnt down. The shinobi post that was there to offer protection had exploded. Probably an incident, but some.'' The old woman of the fruit stand that had taken some time to talk with Harumi, looked to her left. A group of patrolling shinobi marched and Harumi knew enough. Unlike in the Fire Union, it wasn't only the past Mizukages that had a cruel and oppressive reputation. The shinobi serving the Mizukage were cruel and unforgiven. Once they were out of sight, the old woman continued. ''Some say rebells are rising!''

Faking that she was shocked, Harumi's eyes widened as she placed a hand on her mouth. ''B-But that is terrible!'' Harumi said, looking ever more worried. The old woman nodded heavily as she placed a hand on Harumi's shoulder. ''It is my child! Rebels are often killed without questioning. Never say anything bad about the Mizukages...'' The woman looked a bit bitter and sad as she advised that to Harumi. Another one that has probably a story of how one close to her has been oppressed or lost due the cruelity of the Kirigakure shinobi or Mizukages.'' She thought. Maybe the Fire Union, even while it was growing ever more strict and cold towards other nations, not so bad. They didn't threat their civilians that bad or would let their shinobi act like she had heard from several people.

---

Present Time,
Striking at the heart.

The mirror made Harumi waver. She didn't like the look she had. Though she wasn't one for vanity, the look she had wasn't one that made her feel good. But this way she could enter the Mizukage Office without much of a problem. The only what objective that remained was to try to distract her presence. Her chakra signature wasn't known, what made her able to sneak into the village as she had dressed herself as a mere civilian. But now she would try to enter the most secured building of the village. Playing it safe was the only way now. Else she wouldn't make it outside of the building.

Sighing, she considered her options. The rumours about an uprising in some villages of several islands were rising and though that would lure away some Kirigakure shinobi, Harumi wanted to be sure. She would need to form a distraction. Lowering her head, she had an idea. But it could cost innocent lives. People that had already suffered under the harsh and unfair regime of the Mizukage and their shinobi. But as she looked back at the mirror, she knew that she had to do it. Maybe the shinobi of the Fire Union weren't that cruel in their own country, she knew what was to be expected of her.

No mercy would be granted to her, so none would be given in return.

---

It was quite busy, which made Harumi ponder a second if she should turn around. Turning around, she bumped against a Kirigakure shinobi. The man frowned and in an instant he lashed out. Surprised, Harumi's hand shot up, but before she knew it she was laying on her side. Blood was slowly slipping from her nose. Looking up, a foot kicked in her stomach. ''Watch out, bitch.'' The man sneered. He kicked her again and out of reflex, Harumi's right hand shot up. Forming a fist, the punch would make the man gasp and lean forward. Getting on her feet, Harumi whipped the blood from her nose as she looked at the man in pain. ''You-''

''You really dare?'' The hit against the back of her head made Harumi stumble. The second Kirigakure shinobi stood behind her. ''Got some nerve, don't you?'' There were people watching from a distance, as how the young woman was receiving a beating from the two shinobi. But instead like so many, Harumi didn't just accept it. No, now and then she tried to fight back and called names.

Getting frustrated as one of the men wasn't used to the fierce attitude, he ordered his companion to grab and hold Harumi. Trying to struggle free, there was blood and dirt covering some of Harumi's shirt. Panting, she looked at how the man took out a lighter. ''Fiery nature, right?'' His companion laughed and Harumi turned pale. It was clear what the man was plotting as he approached her with the lighter. Trying to struggle free as she screamed, trying to kick the man away, tears were rolling over her cheeks. But to no avail as the smell of fire was spreading. The dress of Harumi had caught fire and the man that held her firmly only released her once the fire was spreading fast. Out of fear and panicked, Harumi tried to kill the fire. But instead of rolling over the ground, she tried to take out the burning dress. But the fire managed to catch a hold of her hair. She became a living torch. The two shinobi looked with a cold look as the woman ran around before they would walk away.

But the burning Harumi was running against buildings. Of wood. Screaming, she caught attention of many a people that were wondering what was happening. However, when somebody tried to help her, they were held back. It had been the work of the shinobi of the Mizukage and the locals knew better. However the situation would become worse. Five buildings were catching fire. That was spreading at a fast rate. Harumi's scream lowered as she fell against the fifth building. Shocked and panicking, the locals rushed to try to put out the fire. But by the time that any shinobi or the locals were fighting the fire, a heavy cloud of smoke was rising up.

---

''Morning.'' ''Origami'' walked through the halls of the Mizukage Office. There were shinobi rushing out of the Office, towards the big fire. It was spreading in a fast speed and quite hard to fight. Due standing close to other buildings, the use of big water techniques weren't possible. It could lead to collateral damage. And with the report of two Kirigakure shinobi that had ligthed up a woman, the locals were acting cold towards the rushing shinobi. They had to deal with an angry local group as well spreading fire.

Maybe I should had taken the head of the man. ''Origami'' thought while walking down the halls of the Office. Not that it was possible to cut off the head of the man that had wanted to leave the ANBU. He would be burned down with his house. Erasing any trace of Harumi's chakra signature that could be left behind by the use of ninjutsu. Continue to a certain place, Harumi noticed that she had to use force on this part. There were still guards and it was evident that they wouldn't go away from the sealed room where the objective of Harumi's mission was. Now the hardest and most riskiest would follow. To grab what she was searching for and then leave Kirigakure as fast she could.

The information that she had gathered from the man, the ANBU that had wished to change from division, had told her enough. The pot in which the Six Tails was sealed would be heavily guarded and inside this section of the building. With most of the shinobi more focused on the spreading fire and local group that wasn't staying silent, Harumi knew she had to make use of this chance. Else it would be all for nothing. The deeds she had done on the other islands, that would have attracted shinobi from Kirigakure to the sites to investigate her crimes. Crimes committed without the use of ninjutsu.

Walking around the corner, she saw seven ANBU. There wasn't a different look, but she suspected that they weren't just regular ones. No, they would be elite of the elite. Approaching and staying in character, Origami didn't show any emotion. ''Halt. State your business!'' It was more a sneer than a question or order. ''Origami'' stared at the man as she came to a halt. Five steps away from the ANBU. ''Lady Mizukage had requested I would analyze the pot in which the Six Tails had been sealed in.'' Was the answer, spoken with almost no emotion. Harumi wasn't sure if she could really play as Origami, but she wouldn't waver or show any sign of hesitation. One signal was given and one of the ANBU would walk past ''Origami''. ''Then we will see if that is true.'' The man replied, who had spoken before.

Making a short bow, ''Origami'' would wait. But as the ANBU that walked away would walk out of sight, just around the corner there, ''Origami'' exploded. This caused the ANBU that had walked away to run back. ''What the-'' He gasped for air as he was stabbed in the back. ''Your head would do well.'' Harumi whispered, a morbid joke, as she would pull out the tanto. With a quick movement she stabbed the man in his neck, before she would run into the room that had been breached. The explosion, caused by the disguised paper clone, had damaged and opened the doors to the sealed off room.

Though feeling a wavering going through her, the hands of Harumi grabbed the pot. She had only taken a quick glance at the pot. The symbol of the Mizukage was seen on it and Harumi felt a slight second of being scared. She was holding a pot that held a monster captive that could easily kill her and probably half of Kirigakure before it would be captured or subdued in any possible way. Running through the hall, she was certain she had to be fast. Cold sweat ran down the face of Harumi as more explosions followed. Placed in a strategic manner, Harumi had left paper tags that would trigger an explosion to both hold off as to attract attention. Not that she would commit suicide to explode herself and most of the building to smithereens.

Still holding the pot, Harumi quickly leaped out of a window. ''Shit. Shit... Aah, really?'' Harumi whispered to herself. She felt her left side aching with pain. The bushes hadn't really caught her and break her fall. Panting, she could see from the bushes the black smoke that was rising out of the department of the big building. Her explosions wouldn't damage the building that heavily, but hopefully could the fire cause more damage. Greetings from the Fire! Harumi thought as her escape plan would kick in.

---

''Nobody is allowed to leave the gates.'' The man shouted, holding a katana with his right hand. Using his left hand, the shinobi shoved a fat merchant backwards. His cart was been searched by others. ''This is madness! I have official documents of the Mizukage! I'm permitted to leave and sell -'' The shinobi with the katana shook his head. ''This is an emergency situation. Nobody is allowed to leave.''

Shit. Come on! Harumi thought. She was on the edge of panicking. How could she escape and bring the pot with the Six Tails back to Konohagakure? Her mission was clear about it. Bring back one of the two tailed beasts or try to win information about them. Her actions had delayed any search for her, but the Kirigakure shinobi weren't stupid. There was an effective lockdown activated and Harumi's options to escape started to vanish. Looking at the pot, she bite her lower lip. In the shadows of an alley, she had managed to take refuge and was able to hear what was being said. But what now? What she could imagine was that the situation had two clear scenario's.

One, she would try to fight her way out. She had around half of her chakra left and could try to deceive and delay any pursuers with her Paper ninjutsu. But the risks of being defeated and captured were big. And being captured didn't mean instantly dead, no. She would likely be interrogated by the Kirigakure ANBU or any intelligence division. Then she wouldn't only fail her mission, but give Kirigakure a reason to claim and act against the Fire Union. Along with any information Harumi had about the Fire Union. Not an option.

The second scenario was however more horrific. Unleashing the Six Tails. It was very simple as she had been briefed on how to release something from such a seal jar pot. With the beast going to rampage in Kirigakure, it would lead to heavy damage. And a way to escape the village and hopefully country. Only her mission to capture the beast would be a failure. Which made her needing to chose between the small chance of succeeding in her mission or unleashing the wrath of the Six Tails upon the people of Kirigakure. Breathing heavily, Harumi stared at the jar pot. I rather sail for years... but.

---

''It is clear.'' One of the shinboi said. The fat merchant raised his right fist, holding the official document. ''What did I tell you? Well?!'' He was huffing and puffing as he tried to scold the captain of the gate for his action. The captain seemed to think about he would do, but his answer would soon come. Slowly everybody around in the area would feel something ominous. A rising feeling that would cause any person to stop talking, babies crying and animals running away from the place. This kind of fear would continue to spread over the district and eventually over all of Kirigakure.

Then it would be visible. A growing dark red figure was growing steadily. Buildings were being shoved and crushed by the expanding the mass of ominous dark red subtance. It was starting to take form and only then some realized what it was. ''RUN!'' A man shouted. ''IT IS A TAILED BEAST!'' At the end of the shout, the Six Tails had emerged fully from the jar pot. And then it started to attack the village, not waiting for one second.

---

Breathing heavily, Harumi was bathed in sweat. She sat on her knees as she was trembling over her whole body. Her eyes closed, it was like she was trying to push back the memory that had been burned into her memory. Pale was her face, like that of a corpse as she couldn't breath in a regular and normal pattern. Flashing images of what she had unleashed and the insane amount of Killing intent had hit her with full force. The sounds at the distance made it clear. There was no need to look back. No, her whole body screamed to her that she had to run. Run and never come back to the place that would now face the wrath of a Tailed Beast. Yet, Harumi's face turned. Only a glimpse was enough. The beast was going rampant, not set on trying to escape as well. No, it was unleashing its fury upon the village and its inhabitants.

Getting up, Harumi shivered. Her arms were wrapped around herself, as she was trying to carry herself away from the village. For a second she could imagine the face of the old woman she had spoken the day before. ''Sorry. I am so sorry.'' Harumi whispered to herself, tears rolling over her cheeks as she walked away. But the distraction, the attack of the beast, had allowed her to escape the village. It would be long before any possible pursuers would try to hunt down her trail.

---

Silently Harumi stared. The sea was somehow beautiful, but Harumi also found it a strange place. The sun was settling down as the ship was sailing away. Thinking about her operation, she was wondering what the Hokage would say. Sighing, Harumi closed her eyes. The images flashed again. The old lady, the beast that went rampant. Opening her eyes again, Harumi still looked pale. It made one of the other passengers ask if she was alright. Flashing a smile, Harumi answered she was doing well. Just little headache. With the ship sailing away from the island where Kirigakure was founded, Harumi was already worried about the end of her mission.

To report what she had done in order to escape the Mist village alive.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

The battle between Namine and Kiyomi.
A message or a duel?

A collab between AlterNathan and Little Alice,

Summary :

The duel that is being made both to amuse the public of Kumogakure and Konohagakure as apparently for some other purposes. This is a duel between Kiyomi Sato-Hon and Namine Arisaka.

Duel!

Walking into the light of the arena, Kiyomi briefly looked around. With the many people attending and watching the arranged duel, she couldn't really pick out anybody she knew. For a moment she had the idle hope of seeing or hearing Midori, but alas even with her good eyes she couldn't pick her out of the public. Flexing her fingers of her right gloved hand, Kiyomi walked further more into the light. With only the scabbard of her most favored katana, Kiyomi thought about changing to use Samehada. Only to realize that it would be better to not use the bandaged sword in this duel. Slowly however, she would pull up her face mask as she would move to the position she would need to wait for her opponent. Though she knew that Hisoka and a lot of other people were watching, she was calm about it. It wouldn't be a fight to the death, merely an amusement for the public. Seeing two kunoichi against one another in a spar.

Namine was nervous, she received an order of the Raikage she would fight a strong shinobi of the Fire Union. Namine felt misjudged, a duel between someone of the Fire Union? what kind of sick joke was this? havent I been punished enough? Namine wore her traditional ANBU armor and tools as well as her, but she did not wear her mask. She would face her opponent head on. Entering the battlefield she quickly noticed that hiding was unlickely, some trees and rocks was all there was in this arena. Namine did not care about the people watching, she didnt really knew anyone that good. Her mother would be there maybe and her fellow kumo ANBU, she would show them she was worthy of being one of them.

This was the one who caused the trouble? The one that killed a double agent? Kiyomi eyed Namine with care and caution. All she knew was that the person was either a jounin or ANBU ranked. But by seeing how the person was dressed as an ANBU, there was little doubt about it. It made Kiyomi wonder what Namine was thinking, as she was wearing her Hokage Apprentice outfit, making her look like some ANBU. Smiling under the cover of her mask, Kiyomi decided that it was a trivial thing. But she couldn't stop the thought. What was her opponent thinking? Feeling? Clenching her left hand into a fist, she decided to nod towards Namine. The person that was going to be referee was looking if they both were ready.

The young kumo ANBU saw her opponent approaching. She looked young, maybe even younger than herself. Namine wondered if everyone in the Fire Union was this strong at such a young age, or maybe the Fire Union has other standards for 'strong'. Namine noticed the nod of her opponent and nodded back. Quickly changing from the young, playfull girl to the serious Kumgakure kunoichi that she was. She looked at the referee and thought of a plan while she waited for his start sign.

"Hachime!"

Raising her right hand to form the Seal of Confrontation, Kiyomi simply wait. She stared at her opponent, but didn't seem to move. Simply staring at Namine as she would open her left hand. There was a slight rush of temptation to charge and try to test out her opponent. To like usually see how fast she would be, what kind of abilities she had. But knowing that she stood in the Bingo Book, Kiyomi decided to pull out another approach. One that had once beaten her. Maybe if she would play it right, she could win it in his style too. Smiling, she realized that out of all the people who would watch over this duel, Hisoka would likely see what kind of style she was going to use.

Namine stored energy in her muscles, once she would start the offense she wasnt about to give her opponent any breathing space. She kept close watch on her opponent, letting nothing slipt past her attention. She didnt move untill sometime before she suddenly strafed to the left and unleashed a barrage of around 8 shuriken at her opponent.

Stuffing her right hand into a pocket of her pants, she casually picked out a kunai from her holster. With a quick and short jump, she would deflect the 8 shuriken. Skidding to a halt, she kept her eyes on Namine. Only briefly spinning the kunai made it clear that she wasn't really planning on going on an offensive manouvre at the moment. However, she was producing a plan on how she would test out Namine without showing too much of her own abilities.

When the first of the eight shuriken was about to hit Kiyomi, or the kunai she was about to use to defelct them, Namine moved her fingers a bit, letting the six Shuriken behind the first two move to flank her opponent using the Manipulated Shuriken Technique with her invisable threads. Namine did not launch a couple of normal shuriken at a jounin, as a jounin would be easily able to dodge or defelct them.

That tactic? Hearing the air current change, Kiyomi quickly ducked as she would again move backwards. Keeping her kunai in a defensive manner, she did noticed that one of the shuriken almost grazed her shoulder. Pushing herself to move faster backwards, there was now more distance between the both. Spinning the kunai again, Kiyomi slowly closed her left eye. ''Interesting.'' She said, even trying to mimic the voice of the man she respected as one of her mentors.

Namine moved her fingers a little more, Kiyomi was now to far away as she didnt use really long threads and let the Shuriken stick in the ground in front of Kiyomi. Namine now threw a kunai at striaght at kiyomi with a cord on it as well, halfway she lit all the cords on fire with the Dragon Fire Technique. trying to lit her opponent on fire but even more to block her vision. Namine focussed chakra at her feet and dashed away soon after and vanished from sight, as soon as the fire cleared, Kiyomi could not see her anymore and could not have seen where she went due to the fire. Namine hid behind a rock, waving hand seals for her next attack.

Readying herself, Kiyomi used her agility and reflexes to dodge the incoming attack. It was a slight surprise to see the cords being set on fire, but coating her kunai with some lightning caused her to keep fending off the cord without needing to worry that the heat would conduct over the weapon. Once she had managed to defend herself and took the more casual stance again, she couldn't see her opponent anymore. Tilting her head a bit, Kiyomi narrowed her eyes. Though it seemed like she was still waiting, she was trying to pick up any scent or sound that would give away Namine's position.

Namine leaned with her back against a huge boulder. completely still holding her last handseal for the technique she wanted to use before releasing it. She kept her breath shallow and used her Silent Killing and Sensory Technique to pinpoint Kiyomi's position and movement.

Looking around, Kiyomi decided to store the kunai away as she would prepare her move. She thought that she had picked up the scent of her opponent, but decided to not act too rashly. Opening her right hand, a brief flicker of lightning crackled through the air. Gathering and moudling chakra at her right arm, she would keep watch of any hint that would be given by her opponent.

Suddenly two version of Namine ran out of hiding from behind a rock. one ran right and one ran left, throwing Kunai at Kiyomi and around her, littering the field with the before they moved in for a taijutsu attack. meanwhile the real Namine still hid behind the rock readying a strong technique to launch at her opponent, picking out the right moment to act.

With a quick jump to the left, Kiyomi dodged the first few kunai as she raised only her right hand. The focused and moulded chakra erupted as a fierce lightning spark around her, traveling over the ground to cover more ground around Kiyomi. It would try to lash out and damage the clones while Kiyomi kept up the casual and calm look. Though she wasn't actually that content. Though the Chidori Current wasn't a real secret move of hers, she wanted to save it for later.

Namine felt her clones disperse as she kept track of Kiyomi's movement now! Jumping over the rock behinf her she launched two techniques at Kiyomi in rapid sucession the first one was a rather weak but high in quantity Fire Bullet technique and the second was an attempt to catch Kiyomi In a Thunder Binding cage using the previously thrown kunai as conductors.

Seeing that the clones didn't poof away, but merely were turned into lightning, Kiyomi knew that it weren't usual shadow clones. It made her wonder what Zakito was thinking if he would watch her now. Deciding to not give in her train of thoughts, she noticed a movement. Quickly turning her head, she noticed the first incoming attack. With a quick movement, Kiyomi again moved backwards with pouring chakra at her feet. Pushing herself from the ground, she would perform a backward chakra jump. With the increased distance, she would see how Namine would aim her next movement as she skid over the ground.

Being halfway through her handseals for the Thunder binding technique, Namine saw Kiyomi getting out of range, jumping over to a part of the field that wasnt yet covered in her projectiles. Namine kept creating handselas while following kiyomi closely with her eyes, but ended with other selas than that that would make the Thunder Binding, releasing a Electromagnatic murder at Kiyomi strong enough to briefly paralyse Kiyomi if it hit. After releasing the technique, Namine drew her sword and ran over the the place where Kiyomi would either land or fall down.

Noticing the Lightning Technique being sent towards her, Kiyomi saw no other choice but to neutralize with her Chidori Current. Keeping her calm composure, her lightning fended off the technique of Namine. However, now Kiyomi didn't seem to make any movement to keep up the distance as she pulled out a kunai again. Once the lightning technique of Namine was fended off, she would let her own lightning technique fade away.

While Namine ran she poured fire chakra in her sword with her own Chakra Manto technique while watching what Kiyomi would do with her attack. She made it fizzle with one of her own. Namine was close to Kiyomi seeing her pulling out a kunai. Namine smiled, if this would go as she planned this would be a deal a good amount of damage. As Kyomi landed Namine gave her no time to move as she swung her sword at her opponent.

Waiting till Namine got close, Kiyomi simply readied her kunai. There was a brief flicker of lightning around the kunai as Kiyomi took a more defensive stance. Her left hand was still in the pocket of her pants as well the calm expression, so far one could see it with the lower half of Kiyomi's face covered away by her mask. Readying herself, Kiyomi was already moulding chakra to defend herself and if possible counter-attacking Namine once she would stay close.

Namines' Sword hit Kiyomis kunai, having her blade so close to her opponent with no other means of defending Namine discharged all the fire chakra in her sword with Chakra Houden no jutsu. Namine jumped away from the attack still remaing close, readying her weapon again and plotting her next move.

Her right eye widened a bit as Namine seemed to discharge her fire. With a quick slash, Kiyomi poured more chakra into her lightning coating as it would expand. With the quick movement, the lightning expanded forwards to go head to head with the fire. Holding most of it off, Kiyomi felt a burning sensation at her right arm. Jumping backwards, she briefly glanced at it. Not much damage was done, but if she had been a second later than it would have resulted in a high degree burn.

Namine noticed the rise in lightning chakra when she discharged her fire attack. That picked Namines interest, so this girl used lightning chakra in defense? this give her a great advantage in her next attack to deal more damage, if she could weaken the improvised shield of the girl with her lightning rod. As the fire cleared Namine saw Kiyomi having some light burns at her right arm. Dashing at her opponent again she now aimed for her right hoping that her defense was weakened there because of the damage dealt by her previous attack.

Readying her kunai again, Kiyomi still held her left hand in her pocket. She had noticed that her opponent was moving at her again and decided to force her back with a more powerful Chidori Current. This time the lightning would move in a violent lash around Kiyomi, expanding from her. With this it would provide a shield against both the advancing Namine and in case some of the fire would try to get to her. Lifting her left hand out of her pocket, Kiyomi seemed to frown.

Namine felt the air between them tighten, strong lightning currents rose up, probably a technique from the girl to prevent Namine from getting close. Namine, now with her sword holding no more chakra she now poured lightning in it which she absorbed from the current of her opponent with the Lightning Rod jutsu, minimizing her own chakra usage. This way her attack would get strongen while her advance and the defense of the girl got weaker. Namine smelled victory, although she new this battle was far from over.

Namine was moving through her Chidori Current? The same trick as before. Opening her left hand, Kiyomi slightly adjusted her stance as she would unleash even more chakra in her movement. With being close and virtually surrounded by lightning it would backlash at Namine. The tactic of her opponent had worked the first time cause Kiyomi had been more cautious and not been aware of the movement. Now she was simply going to overwhelm Namine with a stronger lightning attack to cause a backlashing effect. The lightning technique that Namine used to absorb some of the Chidori current would now be used as a conductor against Namine.

Namine smiled as she came closer and closer to her opponent untill the air between them become heavy and pressing. The lightning chakra around the girl became tighter, almost like a wall. Namine reacted not in time and felt the overcharge finding its way to her. Namines sword discharged as she herself felt a huge shock. Her legs became a bit wobbly but she remained wonderously on her feet. squinting her eyes she looked at her opponent while trying to catch her breath.

It was over. The sword of Kiyomi pierced the midsection of Namine. Dust was swept up a bit as the young girl had moved quickly forwards, thrusting the sword as she had been taught, right into the stomach of Namine. Twisting the blade, Kiyomi raised her foot and send a powerful kick to push Namine away from the blade. With the condition that Namine was it, it was clear that the match was over. Medical nin came rushing to help the ANBU that had recklessly tried to advance. With a rather cold look, Kiyomi spinned her blade to sweep of the blood before she sheathed back into the scabbard. ''Hm.'' Not really satisfied as she had expected more from an ANBU, she walked towards the exit of the small arena. To join Hisoka's retinue again, while the medical nin would try to take care of the shocked and bleeding Namine.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Kiyomi Sato-Hon,
Konohagakure Jounin-sensei of Team 2, Hokage Apprentice.

After the training with Team 2.

Kiyomi couldn't close her eyes. The guilt was preventing her from sleep. She knew what she had done. It was always after she had acted like that, that she knew that she had been wrong. It was wrong how she had handled the situation with Hayate. He had been for her, even when she didn't want it. Now that he needed help, where was she? She was standing on the sideline, commenting and criticizing him. Clenching her hands into fists, Kiyomi was glad that it was dark. Tears slowly rolled over her cheeks as she laid in her bed.

It wasn't that late yet. That made Kiyomi think if she could try to pay Hayate a visit. Maybe he was at Azumi? That would be easy for her to do so. Offering her apologies and suggesting a way to help him. To involve people who could make sure that nothing would go wrong. Curling up in her bed, Kiyomi stared at her hands. Maybe she could try to help. Like he had once tried to help her when she had set out to take care of Selia? Wasn't this not something that could be compared with that? For a moment Kiyomi felt small and useless. Realizing that she had been childish, she instantly wanted to blame that on her age. Some people saw her as a mature person and she knew she could make right decisions. But all the time? Didn't grown ups also not make mistakes? Some did those even on purpose, didn't they?

Rolling slowly on her back, Kiyomi stared at the barely able to be seen pictures on the ceiling. Pushing away the childish thoughts and wishes about how to solve or wanting how it had went, she knew what to do. Flexing her fingers, Kiyomi sighed as she managed to close her eyes. Yet, this would be a night where she wouldn't be able to get much sleep nor rest from the regret that was chasing her.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Training time!
Team 2's training regime, shown!

---

A collab between Chrome and Alice (Koyo being there, being puppeted.)

Part VI

---

Summary :
With the thought of the Chuunin exams, Team 2 is again brought together for a training session. One where they will be pushed even further and harder than they usually are being pushed when trained.

Training! Training!

Seeing Kiyomi pull out the kunai, Hayate could no longer afford to simply stay on the defensive and wait to see what she was trying to do. Preparing himself, Hayate made no move to draw his own weapon. Kiyomi's kunai slashed towards him and cut deep into his--afterimage. The real Hayate had moved in behind Kiyomi and launched a kick towards her lower back. He was still confused as to why Kiyomi was coming at him like this, but Hayate decided to let his instincts and reflexes take over until he could discover the reason.

''Stupid.'' She muttered. With a quick sidestep, Kiyomi moved to the right as she had expected him to use that move. It was the move she had taught him. Though she kept on moving, reacting to his attack, she could briefly see the memory. The training field where they had practised the technique. Bringing up her knee in a quick motion, she was about to slam his leg between her elbow and knee, which would break his leg if she would put a great amount of force behind it.

"Do you really think I'm that dumb?" Hayate asked, standing several feet away, as Kiyomi's attack would once again strike through his afterimage. "I'm not foolish enough to think I could truly trick you with the very move that you taught me." His eyes still narrowed, Hayate did not wish to attack Kiyomi, not unless he absolutely had to, and even then...

Placing her foot back, she had almost looked surprised. Though Hayate had used and mastered it to an advanced level, he had managed to use it in such a quick succession? So far, she thought she had only been able to do that. Lowering her hands, she glared at him. Slowly after a moment of staring, she raised her chin a bit up before speaking up. ''Yet, you are doing something that you shouldn't be doing.'' She said before running towards him again. With a quick slash, she wanted to keep his attention at the kunai, while opening her left hand. Moulding chakra, but not revealing yet what she would do.

The short pause between attacks had given Hayate enough time to gather his metal alloy around his body. Instead of moving to avoid the incoming kunai, Hayate allowed it to hit him so that he could move into a better position. The blade sliced through the fabric of his shirt and bounced off the metal armour that covered his body. Shifting his body so that he was slightly behind Kiyomi, Hayate launched a flurry of punches and kicks, fully aware that she was more than capable of blocking them all. His intent wasn't to injure her though, he wanted to delay her until he had a chance to find out what was happening. "Why are you doing this Kiyomi?" He asked, his voice sounding conflicted.

Blocking the moves, she didn't reply back. Dodging a kick, Kiyomi already moved her hands up to ready herself to swat away his punches. Using her keen reflexes and sharp eyesight, it was more easy for her to predict his movements. Suddenly, when he raised to punch her, she seemed to be too late. The punch hit her against her cheek, causing her to stumble back. Grunting, she seemed to stumble and looked hurt before Hayate would have a sweep of a leg coming behind him. The Kiyomi in front of him was a mere afterimage.

A moment of confusion struck him as Kiyomi seemed to reel back from a blow that he didn't feel landing. Realization hit him, and Hayate's eyes widened, his body already moving to react. He wasn't fast enough to dodge the leg sweep however, and he felt himself falling. Twisting his body, Hayate managed to get his hands beneath him and used them to push off the ground. His handspring carried him backwards and he landed, somewhat less gracefully than intended, on his feet.

Right a second after it, Kiyomi was already moving in with the kunai. ''Dead.'' She whispered, holding the kunai near his throat, as she stopped her movement. Slowly moving the kunai back and sheltering it, she still looked with a glare. ''You have clearly improved your taijutsu and mastery of that technique. However, you're keeping something away from me. I thought we had agreed that we would be open to each other, hadn't we?'' Kiyomi asked, fully knowing well how hypocritical it was for her to question it.

Opening his mouth, for a split second Hayate was about to argue that his metal armour would have prevented the kunai from actually killing him, but he decided instead to bite his tongue. "I think it's also clear that I haven't improved enough yet..." He muttered to himself, his voice bitter. Turning away from Kiyomi for a second, Hayate was torn. "I... I am sorry. I never meant to keep anything from you, it's just that... I just..." Sighing, he turned back to face her. "Look, I don't know anything for certain, I have only heard a rumour. That is why I didn't come to you right away, I wanted to find out more if I could." Looking at her with a pained expression in his eyes, Hayate did not know what to say.

''Yet, you questioned me such a thing. Don't try to save it now. What is the big thing? I already am guessing and I doubt you will like what I am thinking. Cause if it is what I am thinking, I am going to report it right now. What is going on in the clan of yours?'' Kiyomi asked, with a stern voice. She raised her chin a bit up again, while placing her hands at her back. Though she hated to speak and act like that to Hayate, she wanted to have answers.

"Just... No." Letting out a frustrated sigh, Hayate shook his head. "As far as I have been able to discover, there is nothing going on. I heard a minor rumour in passing that one of the clan elders may still be more loyal to Iwagakure than to Konoha. I did some checking myself and have uncovered nothing to support that theory. It just got me worried Kiyomi, I... I thought that by asking you what you would do, I might find some clarity on what I would need to do if I found out the rumour was true, but now I am just... Look, I was wrong to keep that from you, and I am sorry for that. But a part of the reason I kept it hidden was to avoid something like this happening. If you go and report this to the Hokage, and they take action against my clan, this whole thing could get blown out of proportion and cause some major damage." He paused for a moment, locking eyes with Kiyomi. "You do know where my loyalty lies... right?"

For a moment, Kiyomi looked away. Konohagakure. That was what she saw as she looked at her right from the rooftop. The village that provided her a place when she had nowhere else to go. The place she called her home. ''I like to believe I do.'' Kiyomi slowly answered. Taking a step back, she looked with a worried glance at Hayate. ''I need to know more. I-I... I can't let anything bad happen. Even if it means shedding blood of your kin, you know that someting must be done, right? I have a duty to carry out. I need to report this.'' Again, Kiyomi took another step backwards. She seemed to be wary, like he would try to prevent her from running away towards the office. But her lower lip was trembling. She was wavering.

Dropping to one knee, Hayate bowed his head. "My loyalty belongs to you first and then this village Kiyomi-chan. If you feel that you need to report this then I will not stand in your way." His voice was strained, and he hoped that Kiyomi did not fear him. Her actions made it seem like she couldn't trust him, and that cut him to his core. "Please Kiyomi... I understand what you are saying, and I would never stand in the way of the safety of this village. But reporting this could do more harm than good. If what I heard was nothing more than a rumour, then my entire clan could be slaughtered for nothing! Innocent lives thrown away because I didn't do a good enough job of finding the truth. My life is in your hands right now Kiyomi-chan, my families lives... Please give me some more time to find the truth, if you trust me, then please... I will let no harm come to this village, but I cannot let innocent people die for nothing..." His head still hung low to the ground, fully prepared to deal with any of the consequences. It was up to Kiyomi now, and Hayate just hoped that she still trusted him enough.

She was conflicted and confused. Her wits told her to run and inform the Hokage. Her insticts told her to run and try to forget about it. Yet, her feelings were telling her to give him a chance. But she realized that they were biased. Her feelings towards Hayate would give him a chance, but was it okay to rely on that? Kiyomi didn't want to even consider if his feelings weren't true. It only caused her to become more confused about the whole situation. Dropping to her knees, she turned a bit pale. Not because she felt ill or was suffering another attack, but knowing what she was doing. ''They will kill me for this. B-But, I can't.'' She whispered. Her shoulders trembled, knowing full well what her action could invoke. She was now compromising the safety of many innocent people, just for her feelings towards Hayate.

Finally looking up, Hayate saw Kiyomi on her knees. He felt a mixture of guilt and relief as he heard her words. He hadn't wanted to put her in this situation, not ever, but he couldn't help the feeling of relief as he realized that she trusted him enough to put the safety of the village on the line. Moving forwards until he was right in front of Kiyomi, Hayate gently grabbed onto her shoulders. "I will not fail you Kiyomi, I will not fail this village. You have my promise." Holding her for a moment longer, Hayate's eyes suddenly turned cold. "If I find out that the rumour is true... If my clan is planning to harm the people of this village in any way... I will kill every last one of them."

The thud ran through the air. Tears were flowing down her cheek. Though the palm of her hand was aching, her lips curled down as she looked angry at him it were mostly his words that had hurt her. ''Listen yourself.'' She mumbled. Looking at the hand she had used to slap him, she slowly flexed in her fingers into making a fist. ''You value me more important than all those people? You think that you're able to kill them just like that? All alone? You want to carry that blame?'' She fired the questions, but her tone was soft and calm.

A stinging sensation filled one side of his face as Hayate realized that she had just slapped him. The cold look fell from his eyes and he stared at her for a moment. "Yes..." He finally whispered. His response could technically have answered all of her questions, but Hayate had only been responding to the first. She would probably hate him for that, but he didn't care... She had asked him to be honest with her and he intended to stay that way. "I don't know if I can take them all out myself... Hell, we both know that I need to be much stronger to take that chance, but I... If it needs to be done Kiyomi, then I will carry out my duty as a shinobi of the leaf. I cannot be afraid of failure. The blame... I..." Looking up, his eyes were pained, and he couldn't help thinking back to the squadmates that he had lost during Shoji's reign. They had died under his command and as far as he was concerned, he may as well have killed them himself. "I would never wish that burden on anyone Kiyomi-chan... But it is my duty... My responsibility. Hiron-sama made it clear long ago that a shinobi needs to put duty first, and that they need to be able to handle loss... I think I know what he meant now. And this is something that I have to do."

That was low. She considered it low. Using Hiron's words like that. But he was right. Yet, she wanted to slap him again, call him naive and dumb. But he wasn't anything like that. But while she knew it, it didn't take away that she wanted to do it. Looking still at her trembling fist, she realized that it would been soon that Hayate would be dragged into a lot of trouble. Should she really not inform the Hokage of this? Hayate was maybe a capable shinobi, but all alone trying to shoulder this? Kiyomi didn't want to see that happen. ''Hayate, no. Please don't.'' She tried to start. Killing family, relatives and siblings? She wasn't even sure if Hayate had any. But she had experienced what it was to have a sibling that wanted to kill you. It was anything but a healthy experience.

"I still don't even know if any of this is true Kiyomi. Believe me when I say that I don't want it to come to that, not at all... But if it does, if it somehow comes to that, how could you ask me to put that in someone else's hands?" He asked her quietly. "I need you to know that I will do whatever it takes to keep this village and its people safe. To keep you safe... I will not let anyone stand in the way of that." Deep down Hayate was conflicted. Though his words sounded confident, he was far from it. He wasn't a murderer... At least he had never looked at it that way, but if it came down to it, would he really be able to kill his fellow clanmembers in cold blood? Hayate truly didn't know, but when and if the time came, he would have to be sure.

''I-If you kill them all by yourself.. Consider us...done.'' She told him. Slowly rising up, she turned her back towards Hayate. Taking a step away, she realized what kind of effect her words would have on him, but she wanted to try to prevent him from taking that path. She didn't want him to be seen as a murderer. If the truth would ever come out and she knew it would likely come out. ''I have no desire of wanting to have a murderer stay that close to me.'' This time her voice sounded less hoarse, but more stern.

The words felt like a knife being plunged into his chest. "Kiyomi, I..." His words failed him as his arms fell to his sides in defeat. "What would you have me do...?" His voice was barely more than a whisper, and Hayate couldn't even bear to look at her, he felt too ashamed. ''To make the right decision.'' She told him back. Her back was still turned towards him. ''It needs to be clear that I am not everything you need to devote your life for. It is very simple. Either you seek a middle way and thus at one point confront the Hokage or try to do this alone, losing me.'' She turned half around as she managed to keep up a stern expression.

Clenching his hands into fists, Hayate nodded. Somehow finding the strength to stand, he looked at Kiyomi. "I don't want to lose you Kiyomi-chan... Not ever. I... I will do what I can to make this right..." He did not know what else to say. Things were still so unclear, and now he was even more conflicted than before. He would give up almost anything to keep this village safe, but Kiyomi was always the one thing he couldn't let go of. And now she was asking him to choose a different course... Hayate knew that he was going to be confused for quite some time, but for now he needed to focus on fixing this. "I am sorry... I have let you down in so many ways..."

''Lets not continue about this. Not for now.'' Kiyomi replied. She didn't like the subject. That and she had to think about it. Letting Hayate do this all on his own? No. But if she would report to the Hokage, it would be likely betraying Hayate's trust. What else could she actually do? Just be silent about it and then later face the consquence of holding back important information? Sighing, she glanced at him. Less angry and stern. ''I will give you three days. The exams are coming up soon and I want you to be focused. It will mean that I can train you that much, cause this is important too. But I hope you do the chakra control training every evening before going to sleep.''

Nodding his head, Hayate was a little relieved that they were changing topics. Though a part of him wanted to fix things, he realized that they were both gonna need some time and space from the issue to actually accomplish that. "I have been training that for awhile, hopefully it helps. I have spent some time practicing the way that... the way that Tsubasa showed me as well. Working with the metal to try and refine my control and understanding over it." He felt a small pang of sadness as he thought back to the person who had taught him so much about smithing, and about metal. Hayate had never thought that someone outside of his clan would have such a vast knowledge of the subject. Turning back to Kiyomi he cocked his head to the side. "It is clear that I need to improve my taijutsu skills as well, but is there anything else that you can think of?"

She sighed, trying to think of something. But the previous subject was still disturbing her. It was hard to recommend something if the previous thoughts weren't going away. ''Best would be maybe trying to involve a summoning or another person that you haven't trained with to see how well you are with that. Though I can change easily from style, it isn't the same. If you want my advice, seek up somebody who you haven't train with for some time.'' Kiyomi advised. It was also so that she could have him be occupied while she could spend time thinking about the issue about his clan and what to do with the information.

It was a good idea, but Hayate still frowned slightly. He still wasn't that good with speaking to people he didn't know, and going to someone for training felt a little awkward for him. "I will see what I can do Kiyomi-chan." Thinking more about it, Hayate still didn't know what to do about their current situation. Glancing up at Kiyomi he bit his tongue. He wanted so badly to say more, but knew it would be the wrong choice.

Attack on Titan: Corruption and Oppression

Mika Smyth

She wasn't pleased, at all. The people she was teamed up were unknown to her. Not that she was craving to be all the time with others that saw her as a friendly person, but it would be more to her advantage if she was with them. Calming herself mentally down, Mika quickly went through her options, what she should do and act. Heading to where her squad would gather, Mika decided to keep up her act. Maybe she could try to gain the trust of the other people that were in her squad. Or use them in order to pass the given objective.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

A blade in the dark.
Harumi Uchiha.

The start of the operation.

Nina's first victim.

Glancing at the dead body, Harumi sighed. Walking to the corpse, Harumi bit on her lower lip. Her right hand was covered in blood while there were some spots on her clothes and face. With a cold face, she crounched at the corpse. It was of the Mayor of the port Harumi had arrived in. Her slim fingers wrapped around the handle of the kitchen knife. It had been lunged and impaled in the man his neck. Blood was still flowing over his skin and was flowing on the carpet. Now for the next. Harumi thought as she yanked the knive out of his body.

---

Several hours before the murder.

It was strange. On a mission without any weapons on her. Nothing concealed, other than information and skills. Walking in a calm pace, Harumi had eaten some sushi at a nearby restaurant. The quality wasn't too shabby at all, but she suspected it had to do with the place being a port. Sighing, Harumi was very pleased with her current condition. Even the name she had taken was nice. Nina. A short and pleasant name.

Further walking down the street, Harumi noticed a few Kirigakure shinobi. Probably chuunin, but she couldn't be too sure. Walking past them, she smiled at them and one of the men smiled back. While she lowered her head, a smile crept on her lips. The man almost bumped against a comrade, who grumbled. As Harumi continued to walk, she could hear the laughter. Yes, I hope you'll have a nice evening.~ Harumi thought, walking towards the tavern she had rented a room.

---

Exiting the room, Harumi looked at her right. A body was laying on the ground, half leaning against the wall. Blood was dripping from the wall as he looked surprised. Passing the body, she was wondering what his thoughts where when they had exchanged smiles briefly. Now the man stared, his expression filled with agony and surprise. Threading the hall down lightly, Harumi was sure that nobody in the villa would bother her. The mayor's few guard were strangled, stabbed and murdered in any manner she had seen fit. Chuunin guards. Harumi thought, peeking around the corner.

---
Several hours before the murder.

No weapons. Neither on person or able to buy one, Harumi was considering her plan. Her mission was clear. Sitting on the bed, Harumi stared out of the single window of the small room. Right now she was also thinking about her way out of the port. Considering that she would have to go with speed, it would be a priority to find a transport to exit the island and keep moving on. Sighing, a plan was being formed inside her mind while she tied her hair into a ponytail.

If she had no weapon, she would borrow theirs.

---

Walking quickly out of the backdoor, Harumi threw a quick look at the sky. It would soon be morning and she had to find a way to refresh herself aswell as getting new clothes. Walking at a steady pace through the streets, Harumi had thought of stealing the clothes of the spouse of the mayor. But sadly, her figure wasn't that big as the now freshly made widow. Sticking to the shadows, Harumi felt an almost forgotten feeling. A sensation she hadn't felt for a long time. Excitment.

Her heart was pounding in her chest as she knew the risks of her deed. Bloodied and an outsider, the people would accuse her of the murder. Her priority was to prevent that she would be seen as a cold murderer. Though she had been trained to be an ANBU, trained for situations like these, she still felt the rush. The excitment and thrill. While Harumi kept sneaking around, she finally noticed an open window. It wasn't sure if it would give her a chance to get a new disguise as to get rid of the blood, but did she had any other choice. Scaling the wall with the wall climbing technique, Harumi cautiously approached the open window. Leaping inside, she was a bit surprised.

She had entered the room of an infant. The decorations on the wall, toys and the obivous part. The crib where she had heard some sound from. Flipping the bloodied knife, Harumi approached the crib. Slowly, she threw a glance at the infant. Not sure if it was a boy or a girl, Harumi couldn't really care for it. Turning around to the door, her clean and free hand went to the door handle.

What? Harumi's eyes widened as the infant suddenly decided to blurt out a cry. Out of instinct and reflex, Harumi's head whipped to throw a glance at the crib. Why of all the times? Narrowing her eyes, she already moved away from the door. Taking a position, the door went open just a moment later. ''Aawww, sshhhh.'' A woman, maybe just a bit older than Harumi walked in. ''Mama is here. Shhh. I will keep the monsters away.~'' There was a growing smile on the face of the woman as she walked towards the crib. The door slowly moved as Harumi stared at the woman's back.

If that was only true.

''Nina was it?'' The man asked, looking with a suspicious look at the woman. The long hair reached Harumi's shoulder as she held her shoulderbag. Moving the bag so it would be leaning in a more comfortable way on her, she nodded. ''Yes sir. I want to travel to some old acquaintance.'' Was her answer. Coated in a honey sweet tone and with a friendly smile, the man grumbled. He stepped aside. ''Alright, fine. You're coin is genuine and you seem okay.'' Making a bow, Harumi kept smiling as she proceeded to board the ship. It wasn't as big as the one she had used as transport before. And for some reason she could already feel her stomach protesting against this way of going to the next island.

Soon the small ship was sailing away from the port. Heading to the back of the ship, the light breeze played with Harumi's hair. But the smile had vanished as she looked with a cold look at the port. Within a few hours the people would be confused, angry and scared. That was what Harumi was expecting. Or would they somehow rejoice? The port became smaller and smaller, soon to be a spot on the horizon. Turning around, the smile had came back on Harumi's lips.

If that was only true.~

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Training time!
Team 2's training regime, shown!

---

A collab between Chrome and Alice (Koyo being there, being puppeted.)

Part V

---

Summary :
With the thought of the Chuunin exams, Team 2 is again brought together for a training session. One where they will be pushed even further and harder than they usually are being pushed when trained.

Training! Training!

Not wishing to give himself away, Hayate simply tapped the microphone once, the signal for yes. He hoped that Leo would understand his signal. In situations where a shinobi could not speak, they could send a short signal by tapping the mic, one tap signalling yes, and two taps signalling no. Remaining where he was, Hayate wondered how everything was going outside. He couldn't stay here forever, but it was a good enough place to start.

Her plan was working. The old lady was trying to help her out and Mimi started to explain that she had two ''brothers'', who were trying to play a game of their own and forgetting about her. Though this earned a sigh from the woman, Mimi tried to keep up her act to look helpless. Holding a hand of the woman, Mimi had just finished describing both. It was only a bit bothersome that she had to describe Leo, seeing she didn't know him that quite well as Hayate. ''The place is too crowded.'' The woman mumbled, looking around. This made Mimi fear that the woman would give up on it. Deciding to put some extra effort on looking extra sad. ''Mimi t-thinks it is maybe a good idea to ask help from m-more people?'' The suggestion seemed to work. The woman smiled as she patted Mimi's head. ''That sounds like a great idea. Just wait here for one moment and don't go anywhere.'' With the woman walking towards a small group of people, Mimi couldn't help it. A smirk crept briefly on her lips. Hehehehehehe.~

Hearing the tap, Leo thought about it and while Hayate couldn't see it, Leo still nodded. He tried to move to another stall, wanting to keep himself on the move. After he managed to sneak to his new location, he looked around. It was a bit frustrating that they weren't allowed to use ninjutsu. Though what if they would hide themselves good enough from Kiyomi's eyes to then use the technique? Only to then realize that it would break the condition of the training. Such a thing could make him look weak. He had to think of something else.

Staying in his position, Hayate concentrated on listening to the sounds around him. He blocked out everything else, focusing on the noise alone. He wanted to have as much heads up as possible if Mimi discovered where he was. It was difficult to filter out the noise of the crowds, but Hayate focused all his attention on it. Though it would take some time, he had nothing but time...

With the growing number of people, Mimi simply kept waiting. Of course she knew that waiting around wouldn't help her chances of finding the two. Even with some help now, she had to corner Hayate and Leo, but how? Trying to think of a way, Mimi started to eye the surroundings. Going to higher ground? No, that wouldn't work. Probably it would raise the suspicioun of those who where helping her. Besides, she had put up the act of being helpless. Trying to climb or reach to high ground in all of a sudden would be odd. Walking around, she started to request more people to help her.

What? Leo thought as he noticed surprised that a few people were looking like they were searching for something. Or somebody! He tried to hide himself better behind the current stall he was at. Not sure if it was safe to assume that he was being searched, Leo tried to keep himself in the shadows. Meanwhile, Kiyomi looked with a smile at how it was going so far. The aid that Mimi had managed to arrange was indeed a good plan, but Kiyomi was wondering how effective it would be.

Hearing a small group of people growing close, Hayate remained perfectlly still. If he moved now it was all over. He could hear the people asking around, it seemed like they were looking for tw people. Heh. Clever girl. Hayate thought to himself. So it seemed that Mimi had enlisted some help. He briefly wondered if he had been seen going into the stall, but he brushed the thought aside. Hayate knew he had been careful. His clan was prided on their stealth abilities after all, and Hayate knew how to move about unseen. Listening carefully he waited to hear the group move away, only then would he relax.

Still no trace of them both! Mimi started to think to really go higher ground, but she had deduced earlier that it wasn't an option. Neither had she learned how to use the Wall Climbing Technique. Briefly glancing at the nearby rooftops, she didn't see somebody on them. But it could be a possible chance that either Hayate and Leo were there. Or both. Deciding to speed up the people mass to help her, Mimi decided to approach others in order to help her out. Hoping that by increasing the numbers of those who would help with the search, Mimi tried to blend in with a group. Hopefully she could also sneak upon either Leo or Hayate.

Cursing softly, Leo had almost been discovered. Only with a quick dodge into the shadows behind a stall had he avoided being detected. It became evident that soon he wouldn't be able to go anywhere with the people looking for him and Hayate. Tempted by the new development, Leo wanted to request back up from Hayate. But if he was already in such trouble, Hayate wouldn't likely have it easy too. Scratching the top of his head, Leo started to become frustrated. Deciding to take a risk, Leo went towards a group, keeping his head lowered as he managed to blend in.

Still from her position, Kiyomi watched over the whole situation. It pleased her to see the three doing both a good job of staying hidden and trying to search for the hidden ones. Leaning a bit forward from her sitting position, Kiyomi could notice Leo. Seemed that he had to take a risky decision, but where was Hayate? She thought about it. But she wasn't assuming that Hayate would have used any kind of jutsu. Then she thought back of what he had asked her earlier. It caused Kiyomi to look with her eyes slowly becoming darker.

Slowly, the sounds began moving away from his hiding place. It appeared that he was safe for the moment. Letting out a silent sigh, Hayate wondered how Leo was faring. The other boy had a knack for finding creative solutions, but stealth had always been something that seemed to cause Leo to struggle a little. Thinking for a moment, Hayate wondered if he should try to help his teammate, but he also realized that it wouldn't help the other boy learn much if he did.

Once he was certain that there was nobody around him, Hayate slowly moved so that he could see out from behind a piece of colourful fabric. The crowd had moved back into the street and it appeared as if there was a large group searching together. A small smile tugged at the corner of Hayate's lips. Suddenly, he had an idea. Moving carefully, he extracted himself from the large pile of fabrics, making sure to take a few of the larger pieces with him. Wrapping himself in the colourful attire, Hayate wanted to hide his trademark black longcoat. He wrapped one of the pieces around his head too, in order to cover a bit of his face. Moving away from the stall, he looked around the marketplace, trying to locate his target... There! Almost imperceptibly, Hayate launched a kunai from beneath the folds of the colourful fabric. The kunai struck its target, a small wooden block that was keeping the wheels of a food cart from rolling. The force of the throw knocked the block aside and caused the cart to start rolling down the slight slope of the street. The cart picked up speed and, before the owner could grab it, it had hit the curb and toppled over; spilling the food across the street. Hayate stepped back into a crowd of onlookers that had turned to see what caused the commotion, and from there he watched. He hoped the distraction would be enough to allow Leo to slip away and, if he was lucky, the falling food cart would interrupt the searching crowd as well.

Whipping her head to the right, Mimi could see what happened. Her eyes widened as she knew it was either Hayate or Leo. Turning around, she wanted to tackle the person, but wasn't able. The crowd that first had been an asset for her to find them, was now a problem. The commotion made it difficult for Mimi to both keep an eye on the one who caused the ruckus as well getting there. Puffing and huffing, she tried to look for any signal of the person. He had to be close, he had to! Getting frustrated, Mimi clenched her hands into fists, finding it annoying that she had been so close. Looking over her shoulder, the crowd had stopped to search for Leo and Hayate. Biting on her lower lip, Mimi knew that she had to think of something quickly. Then she saw it. Running, she wouldn't fail this time.

Nice! Leo thought with a grin as he managed to walk away. Now that the attention was focused on the ruckus that had been caused by Hayate, Leo could walk away from it. He was sure that he could use this to his advantage to hide somewhere. Looking around, he tried to think of where he could hide himself. ''MIMI!'' Turning around, Leo was shocked. With her weight and speed, Mimi collided against Leo, causing him to fall on his back. Quickly restraining the boy by keeping a knee against his chest and having a hand at the throat, Mimi had a big grin on her lips. ''Mimi caught you!'' Leo blinked a few times with his eyes, trying to figure out how she had managed to do that.

Smiling, Kiyomi had seen the whole situation perfectly. Though the commotion had distrupted Mimi's plan of using the crowd against the two, it also made it less dense. With the attention focused on the accident, it would mean that it was hader to hide among the crowd. That gave Leo away. Eyeing where she had last seen Hayate, Kiyomi spoke through the communicator. ''Alright, Leo, come to my position. Now it is just Hayate and Mimi.'' With the instruction dispatched, Leo sighed. After Mimi released him, he would head towards Kiyomi's position. A bit disappointed, but he knew that he had done his best.

Hiding in amongst the crowd of people moving to help the food cart operator, Hayate made sure to stay where the crowd was thickest. He moved around to where the block of wood with the kunai sticking out of it was. Keeping his eyes out, Hayate looked through the crowd, he spotted Mimi tackling Leo. Lettnig out a frustrated sigh, Hayate had hoped that his plan would buy the other boy some time, but it appeared as if he had only given him away faster. Taking advantage of the moment while Mimi's attention was on Leo, Hayate moved swiftly, reaching out and collecting his kunai, he moved away from the crowd, slipping into an alleyway.

Ducking into a second alley, Hayate continued moving. Now that he knew he was out of sight, he discarded the colourful attire into a trash bin before moving further. Eyeing a nearby fire escape, Hayate leapt up to it and made his way onto the roof. Once he was on the roof, he crouched down low, making sure to stay away from the edge. Glancing around, he, he could see several nearby rooftops, all with only a small amount of objects to hide behind.

Thinking for a moment, Hayate decided to move to the next nearby rooftop, leaping the gap as quietly as he could. He was now far away from where he had caused the commotion with the food cart, and he hoped that it had bought him some time.

With Leo out of the picture, it was just her and Hayate. Mimi looked around, trying to pick up a hint or signal of Hayate. He shouldn't be that far. But how could she check it? Wait, that was it! Running to the commotion, Mimi squinted her eyes. Looking around, still no trace from Hayate. He was likely trying to make some distance, but she was sure that she could lure him out. Moving away from the commotion, Mimi was trying to look for something. Finding what she could use, a smirk crept on her lips.

''Sorry Sensei.'' Leo said, feeling bitter and defeated. A mere Academy Genin had managed to take him out. Kiyomi flashed a smile towards Leo. ''You did it great. Now time to enjoy the rest of the show.'' Sitting next to Kiyomi, Leo was searching for a trace of Hayate. Then he noticed his team member and friend on top of a rooftop. At least he wasn't caught yet. Kiyomi however had her eyes fixed on somebody else.

''Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah.'' The sound attracted the attention of several people as the crying became louder. Laying on her stomach, Mimi turned around on her back while her hands moved to her knee. Crying out, it was clear that she had tripped and fallen hard on her knee. Snobbing, she noticed that her knee was bleeding. But with most focus and attention on the commotion that Hayate had caused, not many were moving to help her up. Continue to cry, Mimi stayed at the place where she had tripped.

About to make his next move, Hayate paused, mid-step. That sound... His eyes darting around, Hayate noticed his sensei and his teammate on another of the roofs nearby. Looking at Kiyomi, he noticed her attention was on the street. That's where the noise is coming from, Hayate thought to himself. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that the sound was coming from Mimi, and he was torn up as to what to do. Staring back to Kiyomi for a long moment, he realized something. A memory popped up from long ago. Narrowing his eyes, Hayate moved to the edge of the roof, away from the sound. Looking down he saw another fire escape. Leaping down to it, Hayate quickly made his way to street level. Moving swiftly, he made his way across the street, towards the stalls on the other side.

Tears were rolling over the cheeks of Mimi, as she kept sobbing. Trying to get up only ended in failure. Leo got up as he looked worried, but Kiyomi stretched out a hand. ''Just have patience.'' Kiyomi ordered. Leo wanted to argue, but she shook her head. Staying put, Leo was wondering why nobody was helping her. Mimi kept up her act as she managed to convince some people that she was in pain. But every person that came too close, was met with an angry glare. Limping towards a bench, Mimi looked disappointed and bitter.

Stepping into one of the stores, Hayate pretended to be interested in the shopkeeper's wares, all the while keeping an eye out towards the street. He was far enough back that he couldn't be seen if someone were to simply pass by, but he had a decent view of the outside. Now to wait and see what Mimi would do next. A part of him wanted so badly to go and make sure the girl was okay, but he fought against that impulse. If Mimi was learning anything from Kiyomi, then there was too much of a risk for him to go and find out.

Sitting on the bench, Mimi pulled her right leg up. Inspecting the wound, it had stopped bleeding. Judging by the sobbing and tears that still rolled over Mimi's cheeks, she was still hurt. Mumbling something, the girl was trying to catch a glimps of Hayate. If her plan was working, he would be lured closer. He was a very kind person and that meant she could try to see if he would lower his guard if she would try to lure him like this.

Hayate had been so intent on making sure that Mimi hadn't spotted him, that he hadn't even realized he was in a clothing store for women. A flush came to his cheeks as he realized what the item of clothing that he had been 'inspecting' was. Throwing it back on the shelf, Hayate's face was entirely red from embarrassment now. Looking around he saw that the other people within the store were eyeing him strangely. "uhh... uh..." He started... Trying desparately to think of something, he quickly blurted, "Looking for my girlfriend..." Turning from one side to the other, he pretended to be looking for someone, only to grow a disappointed look on his face. "I guess she's not here," he muttered quietly, still too embarrassed to meet anyone's eyes. Moving towards the exit, Hayate tried to see if there was anyone watching nearby. The coast looked clear and he ducked out the door and around the corner. Stopping in the alley, he caught his breath, cursing himself for being such a fool.

''MIMIIIIII!'' The voice scalded through the alley as it came from above. Having followed Hayate, the girl had swiftly tried to climb up. With Hayate not spending too much attention on his surroundings. Now she hoped that her ambush would get him. Biting on her lower lip, she aimed to tackle him to the ground. Meanwhile, Kiyomi and Leo had moved to a nearby rooftop. Looking down on the scene, Kiyomi crouched, watching with a bland look on how the scene would unfold. Leo on the other hand had a more curious look, his hands clenched into fist as he wasn't sure if he was allowed to help Hayate or not.

Hearing the sound above him, Hayate's eyes briefly widened in surprise. Crap! he thought. Hayate had been to focused on the embarrassment from the store to have paid enough attention to what was around him and now Mimi had planned an ambush for him. Forced to react quickly, Hayate spun as fast as he could, whipping off his jacket in the process. Waiting until the last second, before Mimi would make contact with him, Hayate shifted his entire body to the side. Holding the jacket out where he stood, he would use it to cover Mimi's face and arms, briefly trapping her and blocking her view, hopefully buying him enough time to get away. Not looking back, Hayate took off out of the alleyway, sprinting towards the nearest crowd.

Muffled sounds came from the girl as she got caught at the last moment. Though it made her not slam against the ground, Mimi rolled over it as she tried to get rid of the jacket. Finally she managed to stick her head out of a sleeve as she looked with an angry and frustrated look around. Her cheeks were flusttered red as she realized that she had ruined her own ambush and chance of catching Hayate. Getting herself out of the jacket, she glanced at it. Huffing, she decided to wrap it around her waist as she thought of a new plan. Kiyomi and Leo looked at the scene. Leo grinned, glad that his comrade wasn't that easily caught. Kiyomi also found it amusing, but she was wondering what would follow now.

Blending in with the crowd, Hayate wondered what his next move should be. It was clear now that he had managed to buy himself a little bit of time, but he didn't know just how long this exercise was supposed to go on for. If necessary he could find a place to hide and simply stay there until Mimi gave up, but that didn't feel like it would teach him much, or her for that matter. Continuing to move further into the crowd, Hayate tried to come up with a plan, some way of ending this exercise without getting caught...

Walking out of the alley, Mimi looked around. But she couldn't see Hayate anymore. Rubbing her right arm, she only noticed the bruises by now. Feeling the bitter taste of defeat, it became worse. Surprised, she looked up when a hand tapped her head. ''Think this is far enough.'' Kiyomi politely said. Mimi looked down, feeling bitter that she had ruined her only shot. But she didn't want to argue back as she blamed herself. Leo shoved his hands into his pockets as he threw a curious look at Kiyomi. ''Why not continue, sensei?'' The question made Kiyomi glance back at Leo. ''The point was to see how each of you did it when it came to stealth and not relying on ninjutsu. Though one could argue that only Hayate made it, all of you three did an amazing job. I have seen enough to know that you three are doing it well enough. Going on would be pointless and overdoing it.'' With her earphone communicator on, Kiyomi hoped that Hayate would hear it and come out of hiding.

Appearing out of the earth behind Leo-san, Hayate held a smile on his face. "Are we finished then Kiyomi-sama?" He asked politely. Turning towards leo he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "Sorry about my mistake back there Leo-san. I tried to help, but only ended up giving you away." His answer was that Leo shrugged as he shook his head. ''Kind of my own fault, I guess. I got too careless and thought I could outsmart an Academy student with ease.'' This made Mimi look susprised. Leo looked with a more serious look as he stretched out his right fist. ''You got the right spirit to join Team Two, you know?'' This caused the cheeks of Mimi to flustter again as she looked down. Stuttering, Kiyomi giggled briefly.

''I suppose Leo is right, but come. Lets take a break. For now we are done with the stealth training.'' Kiyomi said, patting Mimi's head again. The girl was still looking at the ground. Beckoning the others to follow her, Kiyomi decided to lead them away, but before Hayate would be able to move, Mimi reached out a hand to stop him. ''This is yours.'' Unwrapping the jacket of Hayate, she kept her eyes focused on the ground while offering his jacket back.

Kneeling down, Hayate took the jacket from the little girl, holding it for a moment. Staring at Mimi, he wondered what to say. "Turn around." He said finally, his tone gentle. Waiting for the girl to turn, Hayate gently raised the jacket and helped to put it on her. "You earned this today Mimi-chan. You did excellent. I am proud of you."

The words of Hayate caused Mimi to look confused up, but she did what told her. As he helped her to put on the jacket, there was slight confusion as she looked at the sleeves. The jacket was too big for her, but it had something to it. Speecheles, she turned on her heels to look back at Hayate. The bitter and defeated look of before vanished away as she beamed towards Hayate. There was even a slight hint that she was about to shed some tears, but instead of staring at Hayate, she grabbed him by the hand as she turned around. ''Mimi loves it! Mimi is going to wear it from now on!'' While she tried to pull Hayate with her, she flashed a cheeky grin. ''Mimi will wear it until she is also a hero!'' Winking at Hayate, she pointed to Kiyomi and Leo.

The two were conversing about something as Leo made some gestures with his hand. ''But wouldn't that be possible?'' He asked Kiyomi, who shook her head. ''In order to be good with taijutsu you need to have not only some good agility, reflexes and strength. You need to be able to keep up with your foe. Some people like me can try to read movements and able to predict them. In order to learn that, it will take a lot of experience and sharp reflexes to catch on with that.'' Noticing that both Hayate and Mimi were back, Kiyomi took a sligh pause. She had noticed what Mimi was wearing, but didn't show any emotion about it as she turned her attention back to Leo. ''Though a person can train their senses, everything has a limit. Yes, I can use heightened senses due Mata-sama, but that doesn't mean I can unlimited expand them with training or experience. All I can do is to try to sharpen my other skills and abilities.''

Smiling widely as Mimi grew so excited, Hayate couldn't help but feel a flush of pride in the girl. She was something special that was for sure. Following the girl for a few steps as they approached Kiyomi and Leo, Hayate decided to give her a piggyback instead. Reaching down he easily picked up the small Mimi and placed her over his shoulders. "There. How's that?" He asked, still smiling. Listening in on the conversation between Kiyomi and Leo, Hayate found himself paying close attention.

Grabbing softly Hayate by his hair, she giggled as she then patted his head. ''Mimi finds it awesome!'' Though she wanted to spread her arms and laugh out loud, she realized that they were walking through the crowd. Seemed like they were heading to some place. Meanwhile, Kiyomi kept on explaining something to Leo. ''In that kind of way, we are all limited. All that you could do is to train, but it isn't really my speciality.'' She told Leo, who seemed to ponder as he had a frown placed over his brow. ''I see. I see. I will think about it. I know that Yumi-san was highly skilled in fighting with stealth. I kind of...'' He stopped talking and for a moment, Kiyomi glanced at him. But she decided to say something. ''We are going to eat some icecream. But I will need one person to help me to move a package. Hayate, mind to help me in a bit?'' Kiyomi asked, looking over her shoulder.

Realizing that this would give them a good chance to talk, Hayate nodded his head. "Absolutely Kiyomi-sama." Trying to lighten the mood a little, for the sake of Mimi and Leo, Hayate gestured up at his 'ride-along.' "I take it this isn't the package we are delivering?" His gesture earned a giggle from Mimi, who patted Hayate's head again and Leo grinned. ''Sensei, really, she seems like a fine addition to the team.'' This caused Mimi to blush again, muttering something. Kiyomi hummed briefly. ''Mimi is indeed a very good Academy Student. But for now she is an Academy Student. I don't have the influence nor the intention to have her rush through her Academy period.'' Kiyomi calmly replied as she then patted Leo's shoulder. ''But time to split up. You and Mimi should head back to Azumi. Me and Hayate and will need to do something briefly, about a package. Then-'' Kiyomi wanted to finish, but Mimi was faster.

''Mimi thinks that you will come back with Silly Face, with ice cream?'' This earned her a warm smile from Kiyomi, who nodded. ''Yes. It won't take too long, promised.''

Grinning, Hayate set Mimi down on the ground gently. Patting her on the head, he looked back up to Leo. "See you both soon, try not to get into too much trouble okay?" His tone remained amused, and he nodded once to both of them before turning back to Kiyomi. As soon as he turned, most of the light faded from his eyes. The two behind him wouldn't notice it, but Kiyomi would probably catch it if she saw him. Hayate was truly dreading what lay ahead, but it was a necessity. "Ready?" He asked.

''Ready. See you two soon!'' Without much of a warning, Kiyomi turned around and used chakra enhanced dash and jumps to go on ahead. Mimi puffed her cheeks as she would wait to see the two head their way. Leo reached a hand, which made Mimi stare in his direction. But eventually she took his hand and the two headed towards Azumi. ''So, about that tackle...'' Leo started.

Leading towards the north, Kiyomi seemed to head towards a flat rooftop where she would come to a halt. Looking around her, she seemed to search for something. However, her smile and polite expression was gone. It was replaced by a mere neutral and bland look. That and her fists were clenched into fists, which would be more than a clear signal.

Hayate had taken to the underground to follow Kiyomi, rather than taking the high ground. He could sense her emotions well before he neared her though, and as he rose out of the earth and leapt to the roof, Hayate felt far more afraid than he ever had in her presence. Landing on the roof, he approached, his head held low. "I am sorry Kiyomi... I did not mean for my question to interrupt the training you had planned."

Glancing at Hayate with a look sideways, it seemed that she wanted to turn to say something back. However, with a quick move, she dashed forwards with her right hand clenched into a fist. Aiming to suddenly strike at his face, it was a mere feint. The fist would open up, trying to grab him by the shoulder where she would then try to land a kick in the side.

Reflexes and instinct kicked his body into motion well before his mind even had a chance to process what had happened. Bringing one arm up, Hayate blocked Kiyomi's fist, knocking it to the side. Stepping in closer to her in order to cut off his sensei's range of motion, Hayate was confused as to why she was attacking. That confusion made him hesitate in launching a counter attack. The sudden side kick from Kiyomi almost caught him off guard, but Hayate managed to catch the leg as it connected with his ribs. Wrapping an arm around her leg, he whipped his body around. Using the remaining momentum from the kick to aid in his spin, Hayate attempted to throw Kiyomi off balance. Stepping away, he took a defensive stance, his eyes narrowed.

Quickly placing her hands at the rooftop, Kiyomi pushed herself on her feet, skidding to a halt. Scoffing, she whipped out a kunai from her holster. Without any warning, she ran towards Hayate again, holding the kunai in a reversed grip. Her first swing was a fake attempt to try to slash at Hayate's arms, but it was a move to try to drive Hayate backwards or else to keep him defense until she would spot an opening.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Training time!
Team 2's training regime, shown!

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A collab between Chrome and Alice (Koyo being there, being puppeted.)

Part IV

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Summary :
With the thought of the Chuunin exams, Team 2 is again brought together for a training session. One where they will be pushed even further and harder than they usually are being pushed when trained.

Training! Training!

Caught somewhere between cursing himself and laughing out loud, Hayate simply smiled. It was always good to spend time with Mimi, and the girl did indeed posess quite a fair amount of skill for someone of her age. "You are right about the clones of course, but removing them would not change the plan, I would simply shift another member to the rear guard team and make up for the difference that way." He looked at Mimi and winked, before turning back to Kiyomi. "I apologize for my error sensei. What are we training next?"

''And why is she able to train us better?'' Was Leo's question. He didn't look at Mimi with distrust, as he believed that his sensei knew what she was doing, but he found it strange that such a young person, even younger than him, could help them. Kiyomi nodded towards Mimi. ''We are going to do a game of hide and seek. I will be simply watching over you three while you're playing this.'' Kiyomi answered. ''I think she will able to train you two better is because that it is good to see if you both have the ability to hide yourself from the view of somebody who isn't of my class or experience. Not that Mimi here isn't capable of seeing through some tricks, but it will both help her and the two of you.'' Then a smile cracked on Kiyomi's lips. ''And after the harsh trainings and missions, I thought it would be a nice change.''

Grinning wider, Hayate was surprised at the change. It would indeed be a fun break from the constant rigorous training. Looking back towards Kiyomi, he cocked his head to the side. "Is ninjutsu allowed?" This made Mimi puff and huff. ''Mimi says noooooo.'' With a deep frown, the little girl pointed to herself. ''Mimi can't use ninjutsu yet, so not fair!'' This made Leo chuckle as Kiyomi briefly thought about it. ''Lets make it a bit harder and say no to ninjutsu indeed.'' Kiyomi answered, which made Mimi beam, as she was sure that her chance was a bit bigger now. Even if it was just a little bit.

Nodding his head, Hayate had expected as much. After all, it would not be very fair if he was allowed to simply slip below the earth to hide. He couldn't help but chuckle at Mimi's antics, the girl always had a way of making him smile. "So when do we start?" Kiyomi took a few steps back. ''When Mimi is done with counting to ten. Also, consider the market district the place to hide.'' That having said, Leo already turned around to run towards the district. It was still a distance that they had to cover, making him wonder about something. ''Hayate, maybe we should split up and try to find some disguises?''

Moving with speed, Hayate kept pace beside Leo. The suggestion made him smile as he got a brief picture of them in ridiculous disguises. "I think Mimi-chan would most likely recognize me quite easily regardless of any disguise, but she is not as familiar with you, so that could definitely work. I think I will simply have to find a place to hide." Continuing to run towards the market district, he had a brief thought. "Splitting up would be a good idea though Leo-san. We can maximize our efficiency that way." Glancing to the side, Hayate waited for the other boy's response.

Leo nodded. ''I thought she would probably be able. Lets then use our earphone communicators? Sensei didn't say that we weren't allowed to use them.'' Finishing his sentence the boy gained a grin. He was hoping that they could have some success, because he was a bit wary of the girl. Knowing how their sensei was, it wouldn't be as easy as it would look like. Leo started to see if he could see any place where he could change his look, but he didn't want to resolve to stealing.

"Good idea Leo. That will give us greater range." Hayte agreed with the boy. Seeing buildings in the near distance, he adjusted his course slightly. "Let us split here Leo-san. If you need any assistance let me know over the communicator. Let us switch to channel four, just in case they decide to listen in on us." With that said, Hayate switched his communicator to channel four and then split off from Leo. He moved faster than he had been travelling, wanting to reach the market district as quickly as possible.

Switching from channel, Leo nodded as he turned the other way. Like Hayate, Leo decided to pick up the pace. It had been more than ten seconds, so it meant that the girl was likely trying to tail them now towards the district. Still looking around, he noticed that he was close to the district, but hadn't found a way to disguise himself yet. Neither did he had his wallet or any money with him to buy something quickly. Deciding to just first see if he could hide himself among the crowd, Leo decided to head to a formation of stands. There was a considerable amount of people today at the district and maybe it was safer to move through a crowd than just running about on the streets.

Entering the district, Hayate looked around quickly. There was a large enough variety of places to hide, but he would have to decide fast. Moving into a crowd, Hayate merged with the flow, keeping himself low. Moving past a variety of stalls, he eyed the merchant's fares, looking to see if there would be anything that would help. ''Seems you two are in place?'' Kiyomi asked through the communicator. Sitting on top of a roof, Kiyomi had taken a position to keep an eye on the market and surrounding. Though she wouldn't be able to perfectly see through the crowd, even with her sharp eyes, she could see a glimps now and then of Leo. Trying to find Hayate, she thought that she had seen him briefly. And just when she was about to wonder where Mimi was, she noticed the girl running around a corner. The game was going to start.

So sensei is listening to us? Not very surprising, but hopefully that girl doesn't have a communicator. Leo thought to himself. Standing still for a moment, he was trying to see where his sensei was at. Though knowing that she wasn't participating in the hide and seek, he wanted to know just in case. Turning to his right, he would walk with a calmer pace. Realizing that hiding in the crowd would make it harder to spot him, it would mean the same thing for that he would have to be careful as he couldn't spot Mimi.

Spotting a particularly interesting vendor, Hayate made his way through the crowd towards the stall. This particulat merchant was selling various blankets and fabrics. The merchandise was spread out around the stall, forming several piles. Separating himself from the crowd, Hayate swiftly stepped into the stall, looking like he was simply inspecting the merchant's stock. When he was certain that there were no eyes on him, Hayate tucked himself into one of the piles, covering himself in the various fabrics. From where he hid, no parts of his body were visible. And now he would wait...

Mimi started to run around at first. Holding her right hand at her shoulderbag, she quinted her eyes. So far she had managed to follow them for some bit, but when they had splitted up, Mimi had been confused for several moments. Following Leo first, she decided to just head towards the market. Knowing that it would be hard to find them both hiding in the crowd, Mimi had a plan of her own. Her lower lip started to tremble as she raised her hands to her eyes. Soon enough, somebody tapped her shoulder. ''Everything alright?'' It was an elderly woman, who looked worried. Peeerrrfffeeeect! Mimi thought as she shook her head. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to form up some tears. ''Mimi-Mimi.... lost her brother.'' She muttered, sobbing. This seemed to make the woman waver, likely doubting if she had enough time to help the child. ''Come, I will help you then. Can you describe him for me?'' She asked quite nicely, offering her hand.

Still watching, Kiyomi had noticed that Mimi was behaving oddly. Only then to later see what she had likely in mind. Turning her attention back to the several crowds and busy streets, she noticed that Hayate was gone. Where she looked, she couldn't find a trace of him. Neither Leo. This would turn out to become quite interesting.

Leo started to move behind some stalls. He wasn't sure where Hayate was or Mimi. Slowly, he peeked around the corner of the stall. ''Hayate, are you hiding already?'' He whispered, still trying to figure out where Mimi was.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Training time!
Team 2's training regime, shown!

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A collab between Chrome and Alice (Koyo being there, being puppeted.)

Part III

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Summary :
With the thought of the Chuunin exams, Team 2 is again brought together for a training session. One where they will be pushed even further and harder than they usually are being pushed when trained.

Training! Training!

''That is true. After all, we are one solid team. Even if we need to fight solo, I think we have a good shot.'' However Leo clenced his fists. He had another reason to show he was a proud Hasewaga. Even though she wasn't around anymore, he had one goal now with those exams. ''Though I hope I have a shot. I am not that old or experienced as you or Kiyomi-sama. But afterwards, we should celebrate it. It is something good if we all live, isn't it?'' Leo asked with a grin. Kiyomi was looking the other way, staring in the distance while having her arms crossed. The expression on her face made it clear she was thinking about something.

Smiling, Hayate nodded his head. "It is indeed Leo-san. It is indeed." Looking away for a moment, Hayate sighed inwardly. It was better to deal with this sooner rather than later. "Leo-san, would you mind if I spoke to Kiyomi-sama for a moment? I have something to ask her, and I'm a little embarrassed about it." Leo was a bit wondering what it could be, as his brow furrowed, but he soon shrugged and would take out the tanto he was carrying. Taking out a napkin, he would hum softly as he would clean the blade, trying to keep his mind busy with thinking about his goal. Though he was wondering what Hayate had to talk about with their sensei, he would wait. Probably nothing big.

Nodding his thanks, Hayate rose to his feet and slowly made his way over to where Kiyomi stood. Standing for a moment he said nothing. Turning his head slightly towards her, Hayate wondered what to say. Finally he steeled himself and began. "Kiyomi... I... Sorry for my question earlier, it was out of line. I did not mean to cause any concern." He hated himself for still keeping the truth from her, but it was better this way. His stomach knotted, Hayate waited for her response.

Still staring away, Kiyomi replied to him with a hushed tone. ''I will question you later. Now it isn't the time to talk about it. Just focus and keep yourself at ease.'' Turning her head, shooting a serious glance in his direction. Her eyes were however not showing the bright green color. ''Later we will discuss this. Everything of it.'' She told him on a hushed tone. ''For now, we are going to take the next part of the training. Leo come over here.'' This caused Leo to look up as Kiyomi spoke with a clear voice. Sheathing his tanto and pushing himself of the ground, Kiyomi pointed at the few trees. ''We are going to do some tactic mind training. See those trees? I want each of you to sum up on how you can use those trees to create a proper ambush, without using ninjutsu.'' Kiyomi crossed her arms again as she would shot a glance in Hayate's direction.

Not foolish enough to try and continue pretending that everything was alright, Hayate simply nodded. She was right after all, this was something that needed privacy. "I am sorry." Turning, Hayate tried to hide the emotion from his face. He didn't want Leo to know that something was the matter, as it would only complicate things. Turning his attention to the task at hand, Hayate pondered Kiyomi's question. Ambush tactics were something that he was quite familiar with, he had been forced to use them quite often during his time fighting with the rebellion against Shoji's army. Without looking back, Hayate asked one simple question. "How many people do we have with us?"

''And how much does the opposite site have?'' Leo added. He took the same stance as Kiyomi, crossing his arms as he frowned while thinking about it. Kiyomi sighed, but she didn't mind it. ''Lets assume that you have a decent team. Lets say chuunin skilled nin. The enemy is composed of three teams that will pass the area.'' Kiyomi pointed out while she explained it in more details. ''The weather is clouded, probably that will rain soon. Wind is going westwards.'' With that information Kiyomi would wait. Leo however spoke up.

''I would hide a member in each tree, trying to minimalize the chance they discover all of the team. Then with the enemy within reach, thus underneath us, we will throw a mix of smokebombs and kunai with tags. During the confussion we could try to sneak in and take out any of the enemy.'' Leo explained, hoping that he had made a good plan. They weren't allowed to use ninjutsu, so tools were the obvious replacements for it.

Listening slowly to Leo's plan, Hayate thought carefully. The plan itself wasn't horrible, but it had a few flaws. "If you use smoke bombs Leo-san, you put yourself at risk of counterattack. It would be best to leave the smoke out of it if you can, especially without the use of ninjutsu. You can't rely on sensory abilities to locate your enemies that way, and it is likely that you could end up hurting an ally just as much as the enemy." Thinking for another long moment, Hayate hoped that he hadn't come across as harsh in his review of Leo's plan.

"If we were aware of the enemies intended direction, and knew that they were coming through this area, then I would first rig it with flash tags and some explosive tags. I would avoid placing any of the team in trees where the wind would carry their scent towards the enemy." Pausing, Hayate thought to himself for another moment. "I would split the team in even groups in order to assault the three enemy teams. The next part would happen differently depending on whether or not the teams were travelling in a straight line, or if they were staggered out. If the teams were travelling in a straight line, then I would wait for all three teams to have entered the forest before making our move. The team I had at the back would have clones prepared, and would drop down on the last enemy team silently, taking them out before they had a chance to make a sound. At the same time, the team ahead of them would set off the explosive tags, before eliminating the middle group of enemies with projectiles. Whent he tags go off, the enemy team that is at the front would become distracted by the noise, causing them to look towards the sound, which is when we set off the flash tags, blinding them and then eliminating them before they can recover. If the groups are staggered then the plan would simply adjust to adapt for the enemies new position, but with the same results." Thinking about his own plan for a moment, he realized that he could probably have come up with a better one, but it would do the trick for now. Looking towards Kiyomi, he awaited her review.

Leo cursed something softly. He looked up to Hayate with a mix of envy and pride. Kiyomi would like probably his answer. Leo did, it was almost flawless! No, it was flawless. ''You made one mistake.'' Kiyomi calmly said as she looked sideways at Hayate. ''I think you need to think again, as Leo was closer with his tactic.'' Kiyomi said without explaining anything. But somebody else did. ''Mimi knows the mistake! Mimi heard that Silly Face said clones and clones are a form of ninjutsu. Mimi heard that wasn't allowed.~'' Looking over her shoulder, Kiyomi saw Mimi. She had her shoulderbag over her right shoulder, her fists at her hips as she beamed. Before Kiyomi could turn around, Mimi made a quick salute, raising her right hand to her head. ''Mimi reporting for duty!''

''Who is that?'' Leo asked, surprised by seeing the young child. This seemed to annoy Mimi, who lowered her arm and huffed her cheeks. ''Mimi is the next great kunoichi of Boohona!'' She sounded very serious. probably missing her own mistake. Kiyomi briefly laughed as she placed a hand on top of Mimi's head. ''I requested Mimi to join our training today, because she could both learn as help you to train better.'' She explained. ''And maybe you two can learn something from her.'' This made Mimi beam again as she planted her fists firmly at her hips.