Those Who Protect Konoha - Meisa Ichi and Hisoka Uchiha

[Fieryfly]

-_-_-_-

A World Upside Down

-_-_-_-_-

Right after the Shoji Oppression Ended

-_-_-_-_-

A collab between Lesli and Fieryfly

-_-_-_-

After all the war and all the running around, all the planning and all the fighting Hisoka finally found himself before the door of the Hokage's office. It looked exactly the same as it had been before the war which felt weird to the Uchiha because, as with every war, he felt like he had changed. But he guessed that some things in this world would never change. Like this door. The rest of the office was rather silent, most people would be home after all, seeing their family. Hisoka didn't feel like it.

Sighing he opened the door and stepped inside. The room smelled dusty but homely for some reason. It was empty and slowly Hisoka strolled to the other end to watch out of the window.

''Want some tea, sir?'' In the corner of the room, Meisa was standing in the shadow. With this time of the day, the whole room wasn't lit in the sunlight. Taking a step forwards, thus coming out of the shadow, Meisa had a smile on her lips as she looked in Hisoka's direction. ''I hope the whole conflict is done, Lord Hokage-sama.'' Meisa said, but the tone and smile had something off. It wasn't how she normally smiled or spoke to Hisoka. Placing her hands on her back, she took another step forwards.

Hisoka didn't freeze nor seemed shocked by Meisa's appearance. That was until she started speaking. A frown appeared on his face and he turned around to look at her. "I... hope so too." He said slowly, still carrying the frown. Something was wrong, he knew it, but couldn't pinpoint what it was. That was strange. Normally he could read Meisa like she could read him. "Tea... would be nice..." He said. "What is it?"

''Nothing. I just did like I promised before you left. Konohagakure is safe and sound, as you can see.'' Meisa replied, while she gestured with her right hand towards the window. Placing the hand back on her back, the smile grew on the thin lips of the woman. ''Also have done what I had been planning. It should go off at any moment. Quite some work, maybe my best.'' There was it. The smile was turning playful as there was some kind of look in the eyes of Meisa while she took a step backwards. A thud was heard at the door. ''You have ten seconds, Hisoka-samaa~''

"I can indeed see that." Hisoka said without following her gesture. He knew what was out there. Then when she continued it finally became clear and Hisoka could breath again. So she had rigged his office. He would almost roll his eyes. It was like they were kids again or something. "Oh?" He said, a grin forming on his face. "That makes me curious... why would you tell me that 10 seconds before the trap springs? That is very much unlike you."

''Cause I can? Or because it would be a trick? Maybe it is longer or shorter?'' Meisa said, as she lightly shrugged with her shoulders as she kept up the smile and tone. ''Or maybe I just am kind of happy to see you back? So many questions, no?'' Meisa said as she would keep her gaze focused on Hisoka. At her back, she was forming her fingers of her right hand together to make them snap at the right time.

"Are you now?" Hisoka asked amused. With a quick move he appeared next to her and grabbed the hand she had been hiding behind her back. For some reason he was in a weird mood. She was right. He was back and he was happy to see her too. War messed everything up but at least after all this he knew she was still alive. Hell, she would probably live longer than he would.

Not surprised, Meisa pouted. ''Using the Body Flicker Technique, how very rude of you.'' She relaxed her fingers as he had seen through her. But that was something that couldn't surprise Meisa either. But now she had to take a turn in her plan. If you could call it even a plan. ''And yes, I still can. Remember, I always have another hand.'' Snapping the fingers of her other hand, her left, there was some strange sound. A rope would suddenly tie around both their ankles as Meisa was standing too close to Hisoka to avoid getting trapped and within two seconds the world was upside down. ''Look what you have done now. It was the idea only you got caught.'' Meisa pouted, but afterwards laughed. ''Know how much time it took me to plan and make this work?'' She started, wanting to complain or at least brag about how ingenious her trap was. Or would have been.

Viewing the world upside down was... a new experience at least. Hisoka wasn't sure he liked it. His hair got into his eyes and when he brushed it away it just fell back into the same position. "Your deadly left, I should have remembered." Hisoka said mockingly as they dangled in the room. "As for the trap. I am guessing you spend about three hours designing the trap and then at least a week thinking about how well it would work and how surprised my face must be. Sounds about right?" He asked her. His gaze shifted to the door. What if someone were to enter now. They must think that the Hokage was being attacked. That would mean a hell of a lot of explaining they would have to do. "So how long are you going to keep yourself tied up? It is your trap. It should be easy for you to dispell and laugh as you watch me here."

She raised a finger. Or was it lowering it, due hanging upside down? ''Actually.... Well, yeah. Three. I first thought two, but I had to get to buy some rope myself to not raise any suspicion by you. In case you would ask any ANBU if I had been up to something. I even went as far to plan to lure you into this position. The only part I didn't think of was this.'' Meisa smiled as she gently poked Hisoka's cheek. They were very close to each other and her cheeks were turning a bit reddish. ''As for you last questions, that is going to be a bit tougher to solve. I haven't got any kunai or shuriken on me. Didn't want to alarm you with having any pouches on me. I also kind of have sealed the door to prevent any escape or certain people to butt their head in and spoil... my fun.~'' After that, Meisa became more quiet as she stared at Hisoka's face. Her lips opened as she wanted to say something, but she didn't. Closing them again, she said nothing. Not that one sentence that would have been perfect for the moment.

For some reason it pleased Hisoka to know that he had been right in his estimation. "Well I am sorry to have spoiled you plan." He said, not sounding very sorry about it as she poked his cheek. Her finger was warm. Actually her whole body seemed to radiate this warmth. It made him feel comfortable even though he was hanging upside down. Yet it made him uncomfortable at the same time. "And you expect to believe that you, Meisa Ichi, the assassin, are not carrying one weapon at this time? Shame on you." He poked her side and gave her a look, as if he dared her to return the gesture. "Luckily I was not as stupid and... I... could..." She was staring at him, her mouth open with words that were stuck in her throat. Words that perhaps had been there for a long time. Hisoka remembered the scene that occured more than two years ago. They had been this close then too. Somehow it seemed that nothing had changed. When they had left each other Hisoka had expected things to be different whenever they would meet again, but when they had met at the Tomb of the Second Hokage - ironically really - they hadn't had time to... think or talk about whatever was going on. They had to dive into the action immediately.

Hisoka flipped out a kunai and held it in his hands. Then he raised it - or lowered it, who knew anymore - and offered it Meisa. "Your choice." He said slowly.

Taking the kunai, Meisa briefly stared at the weapon she held. It could cut the rope and save them. Making them go back to the Hokage and assistent role. Back to her usual facade. Back to the life she didn't care for. A life that was nothing more than an act. One she was starting to dislike, but would continue to the end of her life. All just for moments like these. A thud was heard as the fingers of Meisa had let the handle of the weapon loose, making the kunai fall to the ground. ''I have one weapon on my own.'' Meisa whispered as she slowly moved her hand to his. ''One that I kept secret for a very long time. Hisoka...''

Was it good that she had let go of the kunai? Or would it only complicate things more. Hisoka honestly didn't know the answer. And maybe he didn't want to know. Down on the ground where the world was all straight rationality ruled, but now they were hanging in the air and the ground was far above them. "We both do I think..." Hisoka said slowly, his hand finding hers. "And I don't know if using it would be wise."

''Probably not.'' Meisa said. Her eyes looked away after ending her sentence. ''But if it won't be used, it maybe disappear. I don't want that.'' Her eyes looked back into his. The look in her eyes was just like back then, when they had said goodbye after leaving the village. They looked scared. ''Would you want that, Hisoka-....kun?'' Meisa asked with a soft voice as her hand softly squeezed in his hand.

"No." The answer was surprisingly immediate. No, he didn't want it to disappear and no, he didn't want her to be scared. And no, he didn't want to be the one to turn away this time because here he could hear her voice, her real voice, not the things he had heard on the isle that one year he had lived away from the country. "No." He felt the need to repeat it. "No I don't want that, Meisa. Because how difficult stuff got it was you who got me through it and helped me out. And I can't miss that or I would.... I don't even know... I would no be?"

''I know. And it was you who always was in my mind when things got rough.'' Meisa said. Though she was honest and he would probably see it in no other way, she felt a bit wrong. She had never said some sentences in her life. Not against Hisoka, Zakito or anybody else. Those sentences had once be said by her parents and in the end what kind of value had they? In her opinion, they had no value. Nothing trustworthy. Yet, here she was. Hanging upside down while wanting to say one of those sentences to Hisoka. ''If you don't want it and I don't want it.... I love you.''

People said that time could freeze when something magical happened. Suddenly Hisoka believed it. The world stopped when she said those words. Words that had been unsaid since... since forever he realized. Back when he had just met her, back when everything had been... okayish. Words that had been hanging between them even more when they had started working again, when Konoha had wanted them again. Hisoka released Meisa's hand and used his own to touch her cheek. His fingers curled around the back of her head and pulled her closer. It was a weird motion, so in the middle of the air, but it worked never the less.

He kissed her.

He kissed her right there hanging upside down sealed off from the world. The only way it could have ever gone was like that because it didn't make any sense. Because there was no logic now. It was just them, those words, and that kiss.

First Meisa was surprised. She felt warm and at the same time weird when she felt Hisoka's hand at her cheek. It felt wrong, but at the same time perfect. Something that just made her smile and cast away the scared look in her eyes. When he kissed her, she briefly tried to move away. Only to then lose herself in the kiss. Closing her eyes, Meisa felt something warm rolling over her cheek. It didn't matter now. Nothing did. For all she cared, the world would crash down or explode, but she felt happy. Very happy.

Apparantly time didn't freeze because at some point Hisoka had to breath and had to conclude that hanging upside down for an extended period of time was not very comfortable. Slowly he pulled away and halted only centimetres before her face. "I don't want it and you don't want it." He said and then smiled. "You already god damn know it, but... I love you. And now..." He reached back for his pouch. "I am going to suffer something if I say upside down any longer." With a quick move he pulled out a kunai and cut his own rope. Slightly unsteady he landed on the ground before throwing the kunai to cut through Meisa's rope as well. He knew she could catch herself and everything, but as has been established before things didn't have to make sense right now. He proceded to catch her anyway, or attempt to at least.

She could take care of herself. It would be not in her nature to go somewhere unarmed. The hidden weapon was a senbon she had hidden somewhere. But this time, she didn't want to be an assassin. She didn't want to be an acomplished kunoichi. She wanted to be his. Not the distant and always plotting Meisa. The woman that was respected and loved for her work. No, she wanted just this small moment. With Hisoka catching her, she didn't even try to do anything. That was how much faith and trust she had in him. ''Everybody has been sent home or away. Hisoka-kun... We're alone...'' Meisa said, as if she would even need to say she had planned that. He knew her better than she knew herself.

It made him happy that she let him. Actually everything made him happy now. He couldn't remember feeling so happy for a long time now. It was such a foreign feeling. "I am aware Meisa." He said refusing to let go. Something might happen if he let go of her now and he didn't want that. "I came through the front door after all. Besides I doubt anyone in this building could possibly break through whatever seal you placed on the door." Almost overly careful he lowered her so that her feet could touch the ground. "You don't need to start saying things I already know because we weren't able to say this." He said, his hand still on her cheek.

''If I wouldn't say them, you wouldn't do it either. Somebody needs to make that step.'' She told him as her feet touched the ground. It was disappointing. How she was once more standing on her own feet. Being carried around was more fun, even more when you could trust that person that carried you around. It only occured now to Meisa that she had always been standing on her own. Nobody she trusted enough to carry her like that. Not like that. ''I don't want to go home...'' She softly said, placing a hand on the hand of Hisoka that was on her cheek.

"Maybe you are right. Somebody else blamed me before that I wasn't good with telling what I feel." Maybe this was what Suchi had meant? It was strange to think about those words she had said long ago. Would she appraciate that he had spoken up against Meisa? Her hands felt soft on his own. "And since we are considered married to our work I'd say... You are home. So please shut up." He wrapped his other arm around her waist and pulled her closer, his lips finding hers once again.

Home. This was different. This wasn't Konohagakure, this wasn't Kirigakure. This wasn't being a hired blade. This was home? This feeling? Meisa wrapped one arm around Hisoka's neck as she wrapped another around his waist. The thougth that she was home, it had only occured twice to her now. And this second time she was more than ever sure and confident why she was so loyal to the Leaf. Breaking the kiss, Meisa placed her forehead against his. ''I love our home. And... maybe what may come.'' A smile played on the lips of Meisa as she placed her lips against Hisoka's again.

The mention of the future made Hisoka frown. It made him think of the future and he didn't want that right now becasue the future wouldn't like them together, he knew that, and he didn't want to be the one to bring that to Meisa again. He didn't want to see the hurt on her face. Just a while longer he wanted to be sealed from the world. Just a while longer he wanted to be happy and nothing else. So he melted into the kiss. His hand played with her hair. As he broke away he pressed his lips against her lower lip, then her cheek and then her ear. "I love you." He whispered.

Closing her eyes, she heard the three words that she once thought to be void. To void of anything meaningful. But now she wasn't so sure. They had something. Something when spoken in the right way by the right person. Something beautiful. ''Prove it then.'' She told back, the playful smile returning on her lips as she kept him close. Like earlier, she didn't care about the world anymore. Only about him and the desire to be with him. To keep the feeling of ''home'' with her as long as possible.

Prove it? Hisoka pulled back, his eyebrows slightly quircked. Then he grinned to answer her playful smirk. "Prove it? And how would you want me to prove that." He asked just as playful. He pushed her back a bit, but kept staring into her eyes. For some reason he had never noticed what exact color they were. That they had this little sparkle inside. "What would you want me to do?"

First Meisa was scared that she had said something that Hisoka didn't think good off. Something that might had a negative effect. Keeping her hands at his back and neck, she didn't pull him closer, though she really wanted to do so. But seeing his smile, the way he looked at her and that he was still close said it all. Her fear melted away like snow for the sun. ''I thought we didn't need to use words. Hisoka.~'' She whispered the name. It felt good to just say it. No need to show respect or that he was her superior. They were no shinobi now. Just Meisa and Hisoka. A thought that was very appealing to Meisa. No, not appealing. She loved it.

Why did it feel so good to hold her? Hisoka didn't have the answer for it, but it did. She was right again. No more words were needed. Words had never been needed, just those three they had said before. "You are right." He repeated his thoughts. "Well then, no more talking." He said as he leaned in and kissed her again.

[Fieryfly]

-_-_-_-

A Game of Chess

Or a Game of Life?

-_-_-_-_-

Two Months After the Shoji Oppression

-_-_-_-_-

A collab between Lesli and Fieryfly

-_-_-_-

Sitting on her rear, Meisa was leaning forward. Her left hand was supporting her head as she stared at what was standing on the small table in front of her. ''Hmm. Let me see.'' There was a game of chess in front of her, with her and her current opponent already having made some moves. It however seemed it was going at a more stalemate kind of situation as they both had knocked out pieces, but neither of them had the upper hand yet. Frowning, Meisa then sighed. ''I admit, I thought it would be easier to play this game with you Hisoka-sama. But the whole spar suggestion is maybe something that seems easier at the moment.'' Meisa mumbled, trying to not sound she was really complaining. Then looking back at the game of chess, she decided to make her next move. Putting her fingers gently around a piece, a bishop, she moved it several places away. Making it in a position that it could take out a horse from Hisoka. However, Meisa didn't look like she was sure about her move. ''Your turn.''

Hisoka was sitting on the opposite side of the table with the same frown on his face. His hands rested before him on the table, still and unmoving. He watched how Meisa moved the bishop and his eyes shot to his knight which he could now safe by moving it away. But if he let her capture it... His eyes narrowed slightly as he weighted his options. "I played this with my dad..." He said slowly. "A lot. He wanted me to learn it. Don't complain too much now." If he moved the rook forward he could perhaps intercept the bischop, but that would mean his knight was in danger. He could also use his pawns. In the end Hisoka did move his rook forward so that it would protect his knight from being captured. Or at least if Meisa would decide to go in he would take the bishop from her. At the same time he would be threatening her rook. "Your move."

''I can't remember the last time I played it. Not even sure who even taught me the rules.'' Meisa said, frowning even more. Trying to recall who had taught her how to play chess and trying to figure out her next move was maybe a bit too much that she could chew. Dismissing the thoughts, she focused on the game. ''I am merely stating facts, Hisoka-sama.'' Meisa finally said back, raising her right hand again. But she didn't yet place her fingers around a piece. His counter had made it clear that she had either to risk losing a bishop, but taking away a knight in return. Weighing her options, she sighed. Putting her fingers around a piece, Meisa decided to move a piece at the other side of the board. Putting a pawn forward to cover a knight. ''I can't stop thinking about it. It is a funny game if you compare it to our profession.''

For a moment Hisoka looked up to Meisa's face when she stated her last statement, but her eyes were on the game. As they were always both in the game and in life. He leaned back in his chair as he observed the board before him. "Not sure if I would call that funny." He said. "But I can see the comparison. Which is no doubt why my father wanted me to learn this game." He moved his queen a couple of spaces to the right, aiming to have it move in on the next turn so that he could capture her rook that had been annoying him for a long time.

With his move, Meisa seemed to focus deeper on what she had to do to react on it. Seeing that it would become a problem for later, Meisa however deduced that she had to keep focus on her current moves. If he would be able to distract her, he would be able to play her right where he wanted her to be. That would mean she had lost the game. Though she didn't mind that, Meisa didn't want to give him an easy game. ''It also makes me think of people and such.'' She said, when he spoke about his father. Gently tapping her right index finger at the top of her king, she smiled. ''I can see this being the Fire Union for example.'' Her finger moved to the right. ''Where this rook remembers me of Hiron. He is a jounin that leads others, leading them in a straight fashion.''

Hisoka stared at her white king. The Fire Union, guarded by its members. It fit, strangely enough. His own king stood tall behind its pawns as well, its side guarded by the rook. "The rook?" He said when she mentioned Hiron's name. The rook was a strong piece, able to guard a king in a very particular way. But Hiron was pretty straight forward. "Well if he is a rook," he continued slowly as he stretched out his hand and ticked on the only white knight Meisa had left, "then this is Kiyomi, won't you agree?."

For a moment, Meisa didn't look focused. She looked more surprised. Apparently they weren't really trying to play the game anymore. Not that she was bothered. ''Kiyomi would be a fitting knight. As long we count on how she is acting currently and not how she had been in the past.'' Meisa said, a smile curling up on her thin lips. Looking at the other pieces, she pointed a pawn. ''Then we say that a pawn is one that is one that can be sacrificed for the cause. In this case, that of the Fire Union if we look at the white pieces.''

"Disagreed." Hisoka said almost stern. "Pawns are not just there to be sacrificed. Every pawn is important in its own way. Sometimes they grown into stronger pieces." He leaned forward again and rested his chin lightly on his left hand. "Now why don't you make a move in the meanwhile. And then we can agree that if we follow these rules this pawn protecting your knight would be a certain someone Kiyomi has... taken a liking into. I'd say he is very valuable."

Meisa looked at the pieces. Picking up a bishop, she smiled again. ''An interesting suggestion. One I agree with.'' Moving her rook to a new place to secure her bishop from any potential attack of Hisoka's queen, she nodded. ''I think I just moved a Zakito. Or Jinkama, if we keep up with this logic, don't you agree?'' Supporting her head with her hand again, she looked differently at the pieces. It didn't look to her anymore as simple white and black pieces, but to the shinobi they were naming now to the pieces.

Hisoka cracked a smile. Moving a Zakito, Hisoka could almost imagine Zakito dressed up like a bishop, running over the black tiles. His path was dark sometimes after all. He followed a black dragon. His eyes shot to the bishop he had lost along the way. He missed the old Moto sometimes. He had been understanding in a way and he had seemed so wise. Now he was gone from the playing field, never to return. He moved his own knight sideways. It stood before the so proclaimed Zakito now unable to do anything against the piece, just like Zakito was unable to hit him. He watched the piece. "Kensuke." He said simply.

''Kensuke Nimatsu. Fitting.'' Meisa mumbled, but Hisoka would hear her. For now the situation was still in a stalemate. They were both slowly pressing each other to make an attack, which would end up in in a fight of pieces taking each other out. Maybe just like how the political system worked? When one nation attack another, it would result in that the others would either move in, defend or stay away from it. Picking up a pawn, she moved it to lure out the ''Kensuke''. ''Yumi Hasewaga.'' However, she had her trap ready. If Kensuke would strike, Meisa had another piece at the ready.

Somehow giving faces to the pieces didn't make the game easier. It made it clear once again why leaders in command of many armies didn't give them personal names. It was easier to lose a nummer then a group of individuals. He didn't want to lose any people, any names, but he was going to never the less. Again he was glad of the decision he had made. He closed his eyes for a moment as he thought and he shook his head slightly. He blocked her pawn by challanging it with one of his own. "Ryo Katsu." He said as he opened his eyes and looked at Meisa. Having those names was hard, but at the same time, he felt good that he knew them. He knew the people in his city.

This time Meisa seemed to be more pondering about her next move. It was really going to become a clash. There was no way avoiding and neither did she want to avoid it. That wasn't how she should play the game. Yet, it became suddenly different. They were leading people now to their end, for what goal? For what gain? To benefit the state. Or peace? Slowly moving her hand to the Hiron rook. She could try to move it forward to take a pawn out of Hisoka and trying to make him react with an offensive manouvre back. But doing so would end in losing pieces or names. Was sacrificing a rook or Hiron going to help her to win? Finally, she did her move. Using the Yumi pawn, Meisa made a move towards the other pawn, Ryo Katsu. The start of another bloodshed between the white and black pieces.

With Ryo gone Hisoka's hand moved automatically to the move he had wanted to make when she would move the Yumi piece away. But then he paused and thought about it, his hand floating about Kensuke. Slowly he pulled back and placed his hand back on the table. No doubt the knight would follow orders, but this one. No. Instead he moved to the only bishop he had left and send it from the left corner on his side towards the other side of the board, right into enemy territory, yet it would be impossible for Meisa to catch her right away. "Check." He said quietly. "With Harumi."

Biting on her lower lip, Meisa looked at the piece. Harumi Uchiha. She could see why Hisoka gave the bishop that name. But it wasn't important that the piece had a name. It was threatening her king. The Fire Union. But how could she try to prevent it from taking down what she wanted to protect? She could move it forward, trying to shield it with one of her own bishops. Or perhaps. ''Suchi Uchiha.'' Meisa said calmly, moving the Fire Union behind a pawn, to prevent a direct attack on it for now. Instead of looking at the game, her eyes went to those of Hisoka's.

Hisoka's left hand formed into a fist. He stared to the piece that was supposed to represent his little sister. Abruptly he pushed his chair back and got up. He walked a couple of steps through the small garden they had been playing in. It lay behind the office building, shielded from view by the house and almost cradled into the rocks behind it. The few steps brought him to the small pond. Below the surface red and white fish were creating paths in the water, endless circles of which they could never escape. He remember Suchi walking on the koi pond. He didn't want to remember it and yet he desperately didn't want to forget. "I can't kill her." Hisoka practically whispered. "Not... again..."

''Then you lose.'' Meisa stated. She placed her hands at her lap, briefly glancing at the back of Hisoka. It was a mean thing to do, but wasn't it not allowed in both war and peace? They were shinobi. Playing it fair and honest was something that samuari did. And they both weren't like that. Looking back at the piece that she had given the nickname of Hisoka's little sister, Meisa gently tapped the top of the pawn. ''You were the one who said that pawns are there to protect. If we look at this Suchi, it means that she is protecting the Fire Union. Thus in a more literal way, the future of us all.'' Meisa paused. ''It is now choosing between her and us. Sacrificing that pawn for either the Union or risking to lose the union and those who will give their lives for it.''

"I did lose." Hisoka snapped before forcefully calming himself down. He was still watching the fish before his feet. They didn't care what decision he would make. They didn't even know they had to make one. He turned back to the table. With slow paces he walked back to his chair and sat down. "Suchi didn't die protecting anything. She died because of a mistake that I should never have made." He said, his eyes hard. Then his gaze moved again to the game. Kensuke, Harumi, Ryo, they were all on his side, fighting for him.

Meisa didn't react to Hisoka. Simply, she looked at the pieces if she hadn't hear his snap. ''A mistake you will never make or try to never make.'' Meisa replied with Hisoka sitting down. Though she wanted to add something to it, she decided not to. He would understand the message. It was still Hisoka's move, but Meisa had an idea on how to win the match. It was mean and low, but what could he else expect from her? She was trained and educated to be ruthless and make use of any openings in the defense of her opponent. It was more than likely he would not think twice to finish the game to win it. Would he?

Hisoka's cold stare didn't disappear, but it was now topped with a frown. Maybe yes, maybe he would never, but maybe he would and he wasn't sure if he could do that again. It were such stupid questions, but they never left. He took a deep breath and then moved one of his remaining pawns forward to help Kensuke later. "Sakamoto Senju." He said as he rubbed his temple with his other hand.

Folding her hands together, she stared at the pawn. Sakamoto. Briefly Meisa looked away. She thought about something. Turning her attention to the beautiful garden, she was actually considering what move Hisoka had made. How to counter it? Looking back at how the pieces were, for now she was shedding the blood of the names that were on Hisoka's side. Deciding to cut off Hisoka's plan, she would use a name. ''Kiyomi.'' Meisa said, moving the piece to strike down Kensuke. Replacing Kensuke with Kiyomi, Meisa took the knight of Hisoka in her hand. While it was now his turn, she stared at the piece she held in her hand. It looked strange. Both strong, yet elegant. Placing it down next to the others, she let out a sigh.

The Uchiha bit on his lip. He knew she had been able to capture Kensuke, but actually doing it? For a long time he was silent both considering his options but also reflecting on what had happened in the game. He knew Meisa was a ruthless player. In the game and in life, which had somehow merged into one. And he knew he was losing the battle. He had been losing as soon as the rules changed. As soon as it became real. Just like in life. Everything was nice on paper, or in books, in theories, but out in the real world... It wasn't so simple then. Carefully he picked up his only rook and moved it upwards before ticking it gently against the knight that represented Kiyomi. "Your knight died... to my hand." He said as he removed Kiyomi from play and placed it next to Jinkama.

Surprised, Meisa looked up. That rook was Hisoka? At first she had opened her mouth, wanting to say that he was likely wrong with calling that rook himself. How could he compare himself to a mere rook? At first confused, she stared at the rook. Then she understood his reason. The surprised expression changed to a sad one. It stood in her way. It had to be killed in order for her to progress further down to victory. Right now it was going in her favor, but his move made her think. What could she do? Try to move Zakito around and strike Hisoka down? That would take too much time. Try to move in with Hayate, trying to use the pawn to avenge the death of her knight, Kiyomi? That was almost too fitting. No, she had to do it differently. ''What am I?'' She asked, crossing her arms, while staring at her pieces on the board.

The cold look had long since disappeared from Hisoka's gaze. He knew the answer to Meisa's question and he also knew that she probably expected it. He also knew that this was the question that the whole "new" game had been played for. With one move he could have the answer, but he wondered if he wanted to know. Or maybe he was already aware of what she would pick in the end. It was why he had chosen her after all. There was only one piece in the game that could represent Meisa and it was the one piece that was capable of killing him at the moment. He cleared his throat, but when he spoke his voice still sounded hoarse.

"The Queen."

Why wasn't she surprised? Why couldn't she frown and question him about it? Cause she knew him better. Sighing, Meisa looked at the piece. She had moved it around to threaten and force pieces of him away. For now it had worked, but she had been cautious with using it. It made his answer only make more sense. And for a reason, it was bothering her. Now her attention on the piece, she looked at what she could do. She could try to move to the side, trying to get a flanking position to later strike at his king. Or go for the more direct approach? Looking slowly forward, she saw that it could strike down his rook. Making a path clear to his king. Her hand slowly moved to the queen. Then she moved her piece.

''I take your life.''

It was nothing but a soft whisper. It was nothing more that just a move that she had to make in order to push him further. But the symbolic meaning was just a different story. Instead of placing the rook at the other defeated pieces, she kept it in her free hand.

So he had been right. For some reason it didn't make Hisoka feel sad that Meisa had just taken and thus killed the piece that was supposed to be him. If anything it was good. It meant that her priorities were straight. That they were with the Fire Union, with Konoha and might he mess it up, then she would do what he would never be able to do. Almost leisturely he moved one of his pawns out of the way to make more room for his king, but he knew it was too late. The Fire Union would take over Konoha, hell it had already done so. Meisa's trap had already sprung. Hisoka almost smiled and looked to the piece he just moved. "Katsuko Moto." He said to give it a name. He was a good pawn.

With Hisoka almost smiling, Meisa however looked more saddened. She had won. It was clear as that. He had given up and now showed an open road. All that was needed was just the finishing blow. Moving herself to his king. But she wouldn't need to ask what kind of name his king had. It was obvious what it had as a name. Though she had made a choice, Meisa looked at her other pieces. Her pawns. The bishop Zakito. The rook of Keiko and Hiron. And herself. But from all the pieces, only she could attack his king right away. If she would move with another piece, he would either slam his defenses shut or take out any piece that she would dare to attack his king with. ''Well played.'' She said, her fingers slowly moving to pick up her queen. Moving it towards the king of Hisoka, she placed it down next to it. There, she slowly pushed the king from its place. ''I have taken over Konoha.'' She whispered, still frowning before looking back at Hisoka.

"Same to you." Hisoka's voice was just as quiet. "In the end maybe chess isn't really my game. My dad was never happy with my playstyle. I suppose you suit the game more." He stretched out his hand to offer her a handshake. She had won after all and had done so really well played. Meisa looked at the field. Who were all left? She had won, but a lot of names had been killed and thus died. In her victory. Sighing, Meisa accepted the handshake before a smile started to appear on her lips. ''Let's assume that we should play another kind of game next time.''

Softly squeezing his hand, she looked at him with a serious look. ''Cause I don't like to see us trying to kill each other. Not something I think that will be fun.'' She told him, trying to then lighten the talk with a more fun suggestion. ''Why not next time do yoga?''

Hisoka raised his eyebrows and then couldn't help but chuckle. "Yoga?" He repeated looking kind of astonished before shaking his head in disbelieve. "I am not sure if you can see yoga as a game. People take that very serious." He said still smiling. "I'd say we play cards next time. No giving faces to cards, no killing each other. Sounds safe?" With that question he released Meisa's hand and picked up the black king that had been toppled.

She laughed. Playing cards? ''Are you sure? I get the bad feeling you are going to call me one of the queens again.'' She answered. Though she smiled, her eyes went to her hand and Hisoka's. She didn't want to release his hand. It was like the black rook she held firmly in her other hand. Releasing him meant that he wouldn't be close to her, not near her in order for her to keep him safe. But she pulled her hand back when he picked up the black king. ''Now I get the disturbing idea that we are now even capable of naming our limbs to people. Moving my Zakito to the right. Or rising my Kensuke in the air, while balancing on my Sakamoto... Or Hisoka.''

Hisoka shook his head. "I don't need to name more queens after you. We will always have only one." He said before falling silent. He understood what she meant with her words and he wondered if it was not the other way around. Wasn't he balancing on her? He looked to the king and threw it lightly up into the air. It felt light, not like it had felt before. He didn't reply to her words, but instead threw the piece up again. The Fire Union stood tall on the board, Harumi and Suchi so close to it. Suddenly he turned sideways towards the pond and threw the piece up into the air for a third time. This time, however, it didn't land in his hand anymore. The small black piece disappeared in the blue water where the fish would swim around it forever, or at least until they decided that they could ever play a game of chess again. It would not be for a while Hisoka suspected.

He turned back to Meisa, another smile tugging on the corners of his mouth when he said: "Yes, I will pay for that."

Meisa had looked with a baffled expression. Her mouth even hung a bit open. Managing to regain her composure, she looked with a stern look at Hisoka. Crossing her arms out front of her chest, she raised her eyebrows. Like it would intimidate Hisoka. ''You better. You owe me some money now.'' Turning her head, she looked at the pond. She couldn't see the black piece, but it was a comforting idea. Hidden away, safe and well guarded. By Koi fish. That last thought caused Meisa to look a bit disturbed however. Koi, fish.

Following her gaze Hisoka only nodded again.

"I owe you. I owe you more then only money.

Way more."

[Fieryfly]

-_-_-_-

Some Secrets hold Power 
Some Secrets have Influence.

This One has Both in Abundance.

-_-_-_-_-

One Month after the Shoji Oppression Ended

-_-_-_-_-

A collab between Lesli and Fieryfly

-_-_-_-

Heading towards the Hokage Office, Meisa was carrying several documents and papers. But unlike any usual day, she wasn't looking very cheerful. Rather serious and grim. As if something heavy was troubling her mind and she couldn't shove it to the back of her head or ignore it. Though nobody however seemed to ask her why she was looking like that. People were too busy with their own jobs. Not even one of the ANBU that guarded the Hokage Office asked her any questions. They let her pass through, without any problem.

Heading towards the door, Meisa didn't knock or asked if she could come in. The frown on her forehead did vanish for a moment. ''Hisoka-sama. What was the urgent call for?'' Meisa asked. Walking towards the desk, she placed the documents on the important piece of furniture. The frown came back as she was genuinely worried about the tone she had readed in the note of her best friend and Hokage.

Hisoka was looking tired as he sat behind his desk surrounded by letters and documents. Mission reports, messages from people in need, urgent political matters that needed to handled, there were so many things. When Meisa entered he straightened up from his hunched position and looked around if anyone had followed her. "I've been thinking." He said slowly. "And I have come to a conclusion. Will you follow me?" With some pain he got up from his chair. He had been sitting there for way too long now, tireless working on the papers. "I need to show you something."

In an instant, Meisa became worried. There was something off. But instead of asking it, she would comply. ''I will follow. After you, Hisoka-sama.'' Meisa replied, feeling the need to make a little bow towards the Uchiha. It felt odd. She had always had Hisoka as leader, but she had never bowed or lowered her head in his direction, Respect was something she showed in a different manner. ''Does it have to do with h-.'' Meisa couldn't finish her sentence as she bite her lower lip.

For a second Hisoka looked pained, but then he shook his head. "No," he said. "Not directly at least." He walked past her and closed the door. A closed door meant that he was not to be disturbed so at least no one would bother him for a while. He turned back to her. "The Second Hokage's Tomb. That is where we are heading. Let's go." And with that he used Body Flicker to move as fast as possible away from the office and towards the forest. There was no doubt that Meisa could keep up. She had always been faster with things then he was. With everything.

Though relieved it had nothing to do with that, Meisa did notice that it was something else that disturbed him. It worried her that she couldn't think of what made him like that. The Fire Union was experiencing a time of peace. None of the other countries was posing a threat. Or were they? Though not showing it, a cold shiver went down her spine as she thought of Kirigakure. But the cold fear vanished as Hisoka told her that they were going to the Tomb of the Second Hokage. Though she wondered why they would go there, she would indeed follow him with the same technique. Restraining herself to not ask any question yet, Meisa would just follow Hisoka until ordered otherwise.

It wouldn't take long for the two shinobi to arrive before the tomb hidden in stone. Hisoka paused briefly to check if Meisa was there, but then turned towards the entrance. Taking a deep breath he formed a couple of seals. For a moment nothing happened and then the doors to the tomb started to crack. They opened with a dry sound and a lost of dust flying around, but before long a black gaping hole lay before them. "I'm sorry uncle." Hisoka mumbled as he walked forwards, motioning Meisa to follow him. He wasn't sure what he was saying sorry for. Was it for what he had just done, or for what he was going to do?

Like always, Meisa made a deep bow before she would follow Hisoka into the tomb. She highly respected the Second Hokage, though she had not really known him in person. As if she wasn't serious already about the place they were in, she had heard what Hisoka had mumbled. The hair on her neck started to rise up. Like him, she was wondering why he was apologizing. But more, what was he up to? What was there to show her, in the Tomb? ''Hisoka-sama?'' Meisa said, keeping her eyes focused on the man.

"Nearly there." He said. "Then I'll answer everything you have to ask." With firm strides he walked through the tomb until they came at the statue Zakito had taken him to before. Hisoka stared to it for a second and then again formed seals. Another rumble and the opening to the secret library appeared. The Uchiha shot a look to Meisa, wondering what she was thinking. Would she be angry that he had kept this a secret from her? That would be justified seeing as there was so much he hadn't told her. "This," he said as he walked forward, "is my uncle's secret library." When Meisa would follow him the entrance would close itself behind them. Hisoka kept walking on while he continued speaking. "He kept journals of almost everything, stored techniques and many more things that I haven't found yet."

All kind of things were running through the mind of Meisa. For what purpose was she brought here? What kind of information was stored her, that the Second had literally buried it away? It made her feel strange, dizzy. Walking a bit faster, Meisa grabbed one of his wrists. Though she didn't want it, her voice sounded hoarse. ''Why? What is the goal of showing me this?'' She asked. For one part, she was happy he trusted her with a secret of this scale. It was more than likely that nobody other than Hisoka knew about this place. So why did he show it to her? The part that made her nervous and worried was growing as she was fearing that she wasn't going to like the goal of this revelation.

Hisoka halted when she grabbed his wrist and turned around. His eyes shot to the now closed entrance. That was good, now they could talk. "The goal..." He stared to her fingers that were tightly clasped around his arm. "Because you should know. Zakito showed this to me a while ago along with some... interesting information that I think you should also know. You see this..." He gestured around. "Is a library from the Dragon Lotus." He shot her a dark look. "And before you ask, no, I'm not a part of that organisation, but, apparantly, my uncle was kind of a big deal with it. And you need to know that because... because..." He tried to find words that would express what he was trying to say. That he wanted her to know because she was the only one he could tell. That there were so many secrets and that he couldn't keep them all. "Because you know me."

Releasing him, Meisa took the information. One part of her became curious. She had heard that name before. Dragon Lotus. She could even remember asking Hisoka what he knew about them. At the time he had said he didn't know anything about them, but she had felt he was keeping information from her. Realizing the importance of this secret, that involved the man she also had high respect for, Meisa lowered her head a bit. It was weird. Though curious, she wanted to walk away from this place. It had nothing to do with her. Or maybe.

''I do.'' She said on a sad tone, like she was disappointed. And in a way, she was. ''If Zakito-sama did show you this, why.. Are you being threatened, Hisoka?'' Meisa asked suddenly, looking up with a worried expression. Seeing they were alone, she wouldn't have to hide her emotions. Like the sharingan could see through genjutsu, Hisoka could see through her facades.

Hisoka almost laughed. Being threatened, no. At least not in the way she meant. There were no viable threats on his life at the moment. Sure there were people that wanted him dead, but he was Hokage, that was normal. He sighed and closed his eyes. Why were words so difficult sometimes. How hard was it to say something? "No, that is not it. And I know that I've just broken a promise I made to Zakito, but I am sure he would understand. Not that I will tell him. I..." Again he fell silent. His eyes shot through the room. Was he going to disappoint everyone now? His uncle, Zakito, his father, his village? No, he was not going to disappoint his village. His hand reached out and this time it was he who grabbed Meisa's arm. "I'm not fit to be Hokage." He said wanting her to look at him. "I can't do it."

The words of Hisoka caused Meisa to become silent. Her eyes only stared at the place where his hand grabbed her arm. This time no thoughts or such were racing through the mind of the woman. She simply stared at the arm and thought over the words of Hisoka. He didn't think he was a good Hokage? The man had a reputation, fame and was highly respected and liked in the village. Somebody that could take the position. Then she realized it. ''Hisoka, I understand it. But the past is the past.'' She began. Thinking of how to explain why she thought he was a good Hokage, Meisa realized suddenly why he wasn't. Unlike the other past Hokages, he had one thing that made him unfit.

He was a broken man.

''What are you going to do? Why didn't you go to Zakito-sama?'' Meisa asked, but her voice was weak. She had a hunch why he had brought her here now. Why he was telling her this.

"You know why I didn't go to Zakito." Hisoka said weary. Holding her arm suddenly became uncomfortable so he let go. She wasn't looking at him. "You know that, right? Zakito is not the person I can talk to." He felt the need to explain it better but she probably already understood and their silence would explain it better then a thousand words ever could. "I thought long about this, added the thoughts to the ones that jump around in my head during my many sleepless nights. I am not capable of doing everything I can for the city. I cannot be the leader they need. But," he again tried to catch Meisa's gaze, "but you can."

Taking a step back as she rubbed her arm, she wasn't experiencing any pain. Not anything physically. But mentally, she felt hurt when Hisoka said. Somehow she didn't want to see him like this. He was supposed to be the better of them both. The one that could lead the Leaf to bright times. Yet, the truth was there. The ugly naked truth that caused her to be hurt like she was now. ''Why do you think I am capable?'' She asked, not feeling very confident about she being able to become the Hokage. She wasn't neither him nor Zakito. She had always followed the two, never lead important figures like them.

"Because you can do what I cannot. Look past the past and see the future of a prosperous Konoha." Hisoka replied slowly. She was not... taking his words so well and that hurt him. It was like she tried to refuse what was there before her. He, himself, did that all the time, and it was not working out. Not at all. "You are an assassin, you know how the world turns, how reality works. You can give orders I cannot. It was you who drafted the foundations of the Fire Union, not me. It was you who send out messages to other villages, not me. It is you who are able to survey the land with objective eyes and see what we need to do to keep our people safe, to keep our nation strong. It was never me. The only difference was that I was the one giving the orders in the end."

He took a step forward to follow her. If she ran now he wouldn't know what to do. He would be so lost. "Shouldn't we acknowledge that this is how things have been going since I've been Hokage?"

''I..'' Meisa wanted to oppose his words. Wanted to decline what he wanted. However, she understood that there was no way out of this. ''Hisoka, I am not respected by the villagers as you do. Only a handful would acknowledge me as Hokage. Remember as well that I am not a native to Konohagakure. I am half of what is the past enemy.'' Meisa told him. Though she said it with a strong voice, she somehow felt it was a weak excuse. She had fought, bleed and suffered in the name of Konohagakure. Maybe more than most, that could call themselves native of the Fire country or Konohagakure.

"They are fools not to respect you." Hisoka muttered. "But that thought crossed my mind as well. For whatever reason people like me and they like me to be their leader. Maybe they like a member of one of the strong clans of Konoha to rule their city, I don't know. So there is one other thing I'd like to... suggest to you." Hisoka placed a hand on his chest. "I'll stay Hokage. For them at least. Nothing will change. I will still be the one that proclaims important decisions. I will still be the one that goes to boring meetings. I will still be the one that takes the blame when something goes wrong. It is the least I can do." He shot her a look. "While you work in the shadows, acting just like normal as my assistant. You'll have more freedom anyway when you do that. More ways to see truely what is going on behind the jibbrish of the Elders and whoever. And... if there ever is an attempt on my life Konoha will not lose its leader..."

The idea was to her liking. But it was also risky. Her first thoughts were about Hisoka's health. He was offering to become actually her puppet. To be controlled by her. It was against what she wished for. She had been content to stand by his side, offering advise and guidance when he was asking for it. But then on the other side, the more pragamtic side of Meisa saw the advantages of his offer. ''If this is what you desire Hisoka, I would accept it. The problem I however see is actually the place we are in.'' She told him. Walking past him, she examined the place they were in. The prospect of revealing secrets, secrest that were about the Second Hokage. Secrets that he knew and had written about. ''What if the Dragon Lotus found out that I was here? Cause is this an one thing only?'' Meisa asked, turning her attention back to Hisoka.

"What I desire..." Hisoka shook his head. "This is what I think is the best course of action. What I desire is some peace and quietness in my life for a change. And no, I trust you with the information in this library. If there are important things in here I want you to know them. So no, this is not a one time thing." Hisoka turned around back to the entrance. "When Zakito introduced me to this place he let me swear an oath of secrecy, however, he never made me part of the Dragon Lotus. I believe that if you swear that oath you'll be free to come and go as you please. Are you willing to do something like that?"

That was interesting. To visit a place that was likely very important to the secretive organization of the Dragon Lotus, but Hisoka was no member. Placing her right hand on her stomach, she did felt a bit strange. On one hand, she really wanted to discover the secrets that were buried here. But it was like she was betraying one of her mentors. Zakito had never harmed or caused any grief towards her. Even when she had left the Leaf without a word, he was the very reason why she and Hisoka were never listed as missing nin. ''I will. But I will also talk with Zakito-sama about this. I think we shouldn't make the Dragon Lotus hostile. After all, we do owe them a bit.'' Meisa said, her tone becoming a bit bitter. She didn't like to be in debt of something she had only a little bit of intel on.

"Do we? As far as I know the Lotus was the reason you were in the hospital..." The memory to their fight together was bitter. They won, but he had cut her down. Her, of all people. He shook his head slightly. "Anyway making the Dragon Lotus our enemy is indeed a bad idea and I am not opposed to telling Zakito. As Jounin Commander he should know. So does that mean... that you agree with everything?" He asked her.

''I think I must. I am sure Zakito-sama passed the Hokage title because he doesn't want it anymore. And if I would decline it, who would you ask then?'' Meisa asked, both a statement as a curious question. Several names popped up in her mind as she thought about who else would have been asked. Though one of the names she had in her mind was dying. So he wasn't really a choice, which was a shame. Meisa respected Jinkama Moto was a great man.

"No one." Hisoka answered simply. "If you'd said no I would have shouldered it and I would have tried my utmost best to do my job. And I would probably have failed along the way. Now at least I know that I have not completely failed the city." The words were painful to speak, but at the same time he felt content. Meisa had said yes. It was like a weight fell of his shoulders. Sure, he would still have the same issues, but now at least he knew he had made a right choice. He had given the city something really valuable.

''Just admit you knew I was going to help you out.'' Meisa said, trying to sound amused. The fact they were rather grim and all this gloomy was something she wanted in the least. But she could imagine that Hisoka had been down about this all. Just like when he would feel a weight falling from his shoulders, she would feel that weight falling on her shoulders. Yet, somewhere it felt right. She could both help Hisoka as well keep doing what she did best. Protecting what she held dear. ''So, about that oath..''

"Of course I knew. You never let me down." Hisoka replied with a half smile. "And yes, follow me." He flashed the seals again and the entrance reopened before them. Hisoka stepped outside and waited till Meisa had followed him and the door had closed again. Then he fished a kunai out of his pouch and handed it to Meisa as he spoke the words Zakito had thought him seemingly so long ago. When he finished speaking he gave her a look. "You are to repeat those words and offer up your blood. This way you will be bound to it."

Meisa wavered a bit. After this, there would be no turning back. But why the blood? Was there any secretive oath that wouldn't require any blood? Still, she nodded as she pulled out a kunai from her kunai holster. Seeing briefly her own reflection, she had noticed she was a bit paler than usual. Though she was sure she wasn't afraid. Maybe just nervous, yes that was it. Embracing the edge of the weapon with her left hand, she then stared back into Hisoka's eyes. Speaking the same words, with a very serious tone, she pulled the kunai up. The pain made her bite her lower lip, but she never broke the stare into the eyes of Hisoka. Instead, she stretched out her left hand, blood pouring slowly out of the cut that was made by the kunai.

Hisoka stared to the blood which he for some reason suddenly found unsettling. It was real now. "The seals are not that hard to remember." He said as he showed them again to Meisa. Her blood was still dripping on the ground. His hand was halfway out to help her when he realized how ridiculous that was and he pulled it back and turned around. "I think we should not distrub my uncle any longer, don't you agree?" He asked, already walking away. "Unless you have more questions, of course, because this is the place to talk."

''I do have a question.'' Clenching her hand into a fist, she stared at his back. ''I want something in return of this all. I want you to make an oath back to me. No, not to me. But to her.'' Meisa said. The pain in her hand was quite annoying as it did hurt. But she was paying attention to something that had a higher priority. Her pain could wait and be threated after all. ''Though I can order you to make it, with me becoming Hokage in the shadows, I want you to make an oath on the name of Hisoka Uchiha. As a free man.'' Meisa's voice was a bit shaky, as she was aware of what she was going to demand of him. He likely had a good idea what the demand was.

His step falthered and he stopped. He waited until she had finished talkind before slowly turning around. For a change his eyes were not fixed on her face, but were looking at something else. What she was asking was fair. If she was Hokage then she was in considerable more danger. "I can do that." He said then after a pause. After all he was partly responsable for the whole deal.

Something grabbed him by his collar. The blood stained his collar, but Meisa cared little for that. There was little distance between them and though she was well aware that he was in combat deadlier than her, she cared little if she came over as a threat now. ''I want you to promise it. I just want that, Hisoka. Just that and we don't have to talk about it. For a long time.'' She said. Though her body language was making her look like she was confident about her action, her voice was soft and her eyes sad.

Her sudden action surprised him and his hands were already half way up to defend himself, but then he stopped. This was not an attack and this was not a fight. Carefully he raised his right hand and placed it on top of Meisa's hand that was grasping his collar. "I, Hisoka Uchiha, promise that. I promise it as a free man with a... free mind and out of free will." He said looking into her eyes. His voice was just as soft as hers, but his eyes weren't sad. They stood determined. He would live by that promise.

Slowly letting his collar go, she took a step back. ''Sorry about that. I.. couldn't restrain myself. Won't happen again.'' She told him. Looking away, she took the moment to muster herself again, to regain her composure. After that was done, she looked again in his direction. ''Now that has been done, I think I must think for some time. You have given me quite the stuff to think about. However,'' She paused. ''I want you to talk about this all with Zakito. After I am done with thinking, I will have my talk with him.'' It sounded like an order to her. And that felt weird. For all her carreer as a kunoichi, she had served and followed orders. Sure, she had lead some operations, but never had she commanded Hisoka. Now in all of a sudden, she was giving him one. Was being Hokage this? Ordering your best friend to do something you wanted to be doing?

For some reason Hisoka had to smile at her words of determination. This was the right choice to make, he thought. She could handle this. She would strive where he couldn't. He took a step back as well and then, for the first time ever in his life, he lowered his head in respect to his dearest friend.

"As you wish, Hokage-sama."