Lilia Hon - Little Alice

[Little Alice]

Lilia training Akira,
A training within the Konohagakure Guardians.

A collab between Bell and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia and Akira training, after which Lilia gives Akira some advise as it doesn't go fully according to what both had planned.

The lounge of Azumi.

SPOILER: Click to show

Walking into the lounge, Lilia looked around. Today she was dressed in another outfit than she had been the other day. There was nobody around and she wondered where everybody was. Maybe training? Mission or just enjoying the day on their own. Whistling a rather cheerful tone, she walked to the long table. Though she was hungry, Lilia wasn't feeling actually like making something to eat. Or to go outside to buy something. Maybe she should send a shadow clone to fetch something? As she sat down, Lilia turned her head to look outside, enjoying the pleasant view on the calm surroundings around Azumi.

Akira woke up in her bed and saw Shinkō sleeping next to her. She checked the time and tried to get of the bed best she could without waking her up. She made her way into the bathroom and did her morning thing. She walked out and Shinko was still sleep so she got ready before getting Shinko up."Aki-Chan?" she sat up and hugged her and Akira smiled "hey sleepy head, decided to wake you up finally"" Akira helped her up and Shinko looked at the clock. her eyes wet wide and she quickly got undressed and began to take a shower "Hiron is going to kill me for being late, shit shit shit" Shinko was in a frantic hurry, causing her to brush her teeth in the shower. She got up and Akira was waiting at the door frame holding up the towel. Shinko took it and quickly dried herself off and went into the closet to get changed "Why do you look better then you always do today? Wait were did those come from?" she pointed towards Akira's outfit and smiled.

Akira looked away and blushed "well i got it for you..." Shinko finished getting ready herself and grabbed Akira's hand. They walked out the room and down the stairs. Akira quickly made breakfest and for Shinko and they ate. They finshed and walked outside "I'll see you later then?" Shinko held her arms around Akira's neck and kissed her before letting go "yea, i'll be back for dinner, or atleast im pretty sure, its really up to Hiro-Senpai, Anyways before i let him wait even longer ill see you later" she kissed Akira on the cheek one more time before jumping off. Akira walked back inside and into the loungue "Oh shit, we didn't even see you Lilia sorry would have made you something to..." she sat down next to Lilia and was humming to herself.

Lilia nodded as she looked up to Akira. ''No bother Akira. How are you today?'' She asked politely, as she soon returned her gaze to outside. It lasted for a moment before she looked at her friend and fellow Konoha Guardian. Unlike Akira and Shinkõ, Lilia had stayed the night at the home of Hiron, Keiko and Aimi. She had been only early to Azumi, because she wanted to rest out for today. Maybe even plan a mission soon? She wasn't sure, but would see later, how it all would turn out.

Akira looked at the window with Lilia and felt happiness. She got up and made herself tea "I feel great this morning, its been a long time since walking up to a good thing for once" she poured herself some and some for Lilia and brought it over to the table How are you? she brought the cup up to her mouth and felt the warm tea go through ehr body and she felt tingly.

''I'm doing fine, just thinking about some things.'' She answered back calmly. Bringing her right index finger to her chin, Lilia looked up in thought. ''I'm just pondering on what I should do today, because I do want to take the day off. But I also want to do something, but what?'' She told Akira, shifting her eyes to the Hasewaga as if Akira held the answer to her question.

Akira sat on the floor with her back against the wall and crossed her legs. She brought the cup up to her mouth and put it on the floor and through for a moment "we could go into town today and go shopping or go look at stuff or we could plan training or missions for the younger ones?" she played with her scarf and thought about Shinko. Kaosu poofed into existence and was yawning with her arms above her head "what's up girls? planning the day?" she rubbed her eyes and looked at Lilia, then went wide eye'd at Akira's outfit. She thought about saying something but only smiled and thought against it.

''Could be something we could do, but not sure.'' She admitted, actually finding it funny she was a bit lazy today. It actually didn't fit her, but she wasn't in the mood to care about it. Like if she was training everyday! Wait, she did, she thought with a smile. A half hour chakra control training before going to sleep. And one half hour when getting up. Seeing Kaosu poofing into existence, Lilia shrugged. ''Not sure. I need to do some planning and likely should train, but not sure what. Not to mention that I've not the usual motivation I have most of the time.'' She answered.

Akira shrugged and pointed to Kaosu and indicated for to come over. Kaosu sighed and got up and sat next to her "You know what I said about appearing without my permission, right?" Kaosu rolled her eyes and got up. She walked out of the loungue and into the kitchen and began to make something for herself "ill show you appearing with out my premission..." mumbling to herself as she put on an apron. Once Kaosu was out of ear shot Akria carried on the conversation "We could goooooo look for some cute boys for you, besides training is all you, you should take a break every once in awhile boss" she winked at Lilia and continued to drink her tea.

Lilia looked a bit surprised, but her facial expression quickly changed to a more annoyed one. ''I rather want to focus on my carreer then to look for cute boys. I can take breaks once the time is there. Besides, I won't become strong if I will keep resting out, will I now?'' She asked Akira, raising her left eyebrow. ''The moment I will sit down and rest out, will mean that I consider myself to be strong enough. Heh, and that time isn't near at all.'' She then told Akira, not really having given her any moment to answer the question in the first place.

Akira laughed at Lilia's seriousness with training. She could understand Lilia in a way but seeing ehr so serious suddenly was funny "Ok, ok maybe not boys, but doing something other training every once in awhile will help, training all the time makes you stronger but taking a break helps your body cope with yours training in particular, though that tails of yours allows you to do more then train all the time" she thought about training all the time and it made her shiver. 24/7 training with Yumi is basically going suicide, which is most likely the reason why she doesnt train everyday. There were also other things but Yumi had taught her from day one that Akria wasnt ready for 24/7 training nor would she want it.

Scoffing, Lilia spoke back. ''It's not the Nibi that enables me to train this much. I've grown up to train and do nothing more then that. Actually, I train less ever since I'd became part of the Leaf. But back then I didn't had a purpose, like I've now. Besides, don't you have a goal to strife for? To work and train for?'' She asked Akira, still frowning as Lilia wondered what Akira's goal would be.

Akira laughed and shook her head. Akira had already accomplished her goal a very very long time ago. She sipped her tea and thought for a moment "Not anymore, It was meeting my sister, and after that learning crystal release. Now I'm just going through the motions, Konoha Guardians gave me some purpose but from that I really dont have anything" she thought about Shinko, but she didnt know how much Lilia knew about their relationship, so she just stuck with that.

''I see, but still. My goal and dream is requiring me to be devoted to become better, stronger and greater then I'm now. I don't even am near the half of what I need to become.'' Lilia told Akira, sighing. ''After all, the Hokages are recorded to be the strongest of the Leaf shinobi. Not to mention that I thus need a long way to go. As well to gain the respect of the people, I need to show them that I won't give up once I've set my goals.'' Lilia responded, rubbing her left arm briefly.

Akira simply nodded and understood Lilia's goal. Kaosu finished cooking and came out of the kitchen with flower on her cheeks "I hate you Aki-Chan..." Akira stuck her tongue out and laughed. Kaosu smiled and sat on the couch. Akira went back to thinking about a goal and thought of something "ok then I have something for a goal, I will train to become your personal assistant and we'll see that Konoha stays safe, sound like a plan?" Kaosu fell out her chair laughing and wiped her eyes off tears. she walked out the lounge and back into the kitchen still laughing to go check on the food.

While Kaosu was laughing, Lilia wasn't. No, she was serious as she glanced at Akira. Turning more to her friend, Lilia frowned again. ''That is going to be a tough goal. To be honest, I've not decided who will or shall be assistant, but it should be somebody that I can trust.'' She told Akira. Getting up, Lilia had something in her mind. ''Let's test out that resolve then. I will take it to a test. If you succeed then we'll reach out to our goals, together. If you fail, then you will need to train first to succeed it.'' Lilia explained to her, waiting for Akira to follow her outside.

Akria got up and went into the kitchen real fast. She tasted some of the food before getting hit by a spatula from Kaosu and ran away laughing. She walked outside and didnt say anything , just watching Lilia and wondering what was the test was. Akira was going to try her hardest because despite hating to train, she really did want to be part of Lilia's road to Hokage and even after Hokage.

Walking towards the nearby trainingfield, which was an empty grassfield, Lilia don her hood up. Looking into the direction of Akira, she slowly raised her right hand out of her pocket. A simple bell was seen. ''This test is likely known, right? The infamous bell test. If you manage to grab the bell, you win right ahead. If you can't, then you need to train harder and more to get it.'' Her eyes narrowed as something grunted. Samehada had been slithering in the shadows, but didn't got near. It was clear Lilia wasn't going to use the sword. After she had attached the bell to her belt, she looked up to Akira's direction. ''A word of advice. Come at me with the intent to kill. I want to see everything you've.'' She told Akira, though not taking a fighting stance yet.

Akira took off her jacket and placed it on the floor. She took off her hat and scarf and put on some gloves. Kaosu suddenly appeared in the middle of them and shook her head "Lili-Chan dont break her please" She crossed her arms. Akira moved up and formed a small crytal snake in her hand. She threw on the ground and it slithered into the ground. She got into a fighting stance and waited for Lilia to make some sort of move to act let her come closer then act... Yumi had tried to explain Lilia when she was fighting her but Akira was listening at all when she was telling her and Leo.

Frowning, Lilia's right hand slowly formed a half Tiger seal, which was actually the Seal of Confrontation. ''First it's important to show respect, Akira.'' She called out to her, waiting till Akira would also show the sign. Though Lilia had caught sight of the Crystal snake. It had slithered into the ground, but wasn't really what Lilia was worried about.

Akira simply nodded and made a move towards Lilia. She jumped and covered her fist in crystal chakra. She aimed for the ground and punched the earth Crystal Release: Growing Crystal Thorns big blue crystal emerged from the ground and headed towards Lilia, then she suddenly changed its direction and made a circle around Lilia. the thorns began to expand around her.

Crystal release. Scoffing, Lilia weaved three handseals. As the crystal was about to get near, it got shattered by a dense vortex of lightning. Holding the dog handseal, Lilia frowned while her view was blocked. The technique that Hisoka Uchiha had learned her had proven his use, but that wasn't why Lilia wasn't frowning. As she wasn't able to see Akira, it also meant Akira wasn't able to see Lilia. Forming a Lightning Release Shadow Clone, Lilia performed the transformation jutus, to look like a kunai. The clone took the transformed Lilia as the lightning started to fade away.

Akira sat down and formed hand signs and hit her palms on the ground. Not seeing Lilia ment that Lilia could ethier not see her or did see her and was forming something. The earth moved and something moved along the earth and stopped. She got up and formed a crystal Katana. Kaosu eyes went wide "Since when have you been able to form a crystal weapon?" Akira ignored her and took and offensive stance, and laid in wait for Lilia to make a move.

Suddenly, the clone started to sprint towards the left. Holding her eyes on Akira, the clone pulled out four more kunai's. Infusing them with lightning, the clone started to throw the four as she kept on running. One of the kunai was of course the real Lilia, but she wouldn't transform back right away. To even attract more attention, the lightning release clone started to gather lightning at her right hand, indicating she was going to use a lightning technique soon.

Akira was going to move but seeing the lightning she made her crystal blade thicker and with stand more hits from lightning jutsu. She ran with her blade on the ground and ran it along the ground making a line in the ground. She swung at Lilia hoping that she was focused on Akira. Kaosu saw what Akira was doing and was actually surprized at what she was doing A direct hit, that's pretty ballsy kid... the women sat down and crossed her arms.

The few kunai actually flew past Akira as they weren't changed in the way they were thrown. Seeing that Akira came towards her, the clone was still running in the direction. Narrowing her eyes, the clone skidded over the ground to a halt. Unleashing the lightning in the Running Beast technique, she directed the hound to charge at Akira. However, Lilia transformed back as she landed on the ground. Catching two of the shuriken, that were still infused with the lightning, she threw them towards Akira's back.

Akira couldnt see the incoming lightning and continued towards the clone. She slashed through the clone and she was instantly regretting it. The lightning went through the blade and she fell to the ground. The shock technique hit her at the same time and she was put in even more pain. She was on the ground looking up at the sky, into wanting to move and she didnt want to do anything anymore. The fight had proven she hadnt learned anything and she simply didnt think improvement was possible. Kaosu felt the shock and ran back outside and helped Akira up. Kaosu winked over to Lilia "good fight i guess, she will be in her room if you want to talk to her or something" Kaosu walked her into the house and up the stairs. Akira pushed her away and walked into her room limping. She looked the door and layed on the floor looking at the ceiling.

Just when she was about to charge at Akira, she noticed that the girl was beaten. Samehada slithered towards Lilia, who picked him as she listened to Kaosu. Sheathing the bandaged sword, she nodded simply. Pondering what she would say to conclude the battle, Lilia decided to give Akira some rest.

---

Later, Lilia walked into the room of Akira. Opening the door, she was still in her casual outfit she had wore earlier today. Samehada was on her back, but remained silent. ''Akira, are you awake?'' Lilia asked, closing the door softly behind herself as she then looked at her friend.

Akira hadnt rested at all, only was laying in the bed and didnt say anything. She only shook ehr ehad to show she was awake. She continued to look at the ceiling, not wanting to say anything. Besides she really didnt ahve anything to say, she lost fair and square, she had been a dumbass and it was her cause of loss, nothing more nothing less.

Seeing that Akira was awake, Lilia placed Samehada on the ground as she sat on the bed. Looking at the bandaged sword, Lilia began to speak. ''I lost all my fights when I was a genin. Went on high ranked missions and kept being in the way. Even more when the Nibi was sealed inside me, by accident.'' Lilia told Akira, glancing now in the direction of her friend. She was going somewhere, but it was unlikely where Lilia was going.

Akira didnt say anything for awhile "That's the thing, I havent been like that, ive been a help, ive been a good teamate, i even changed my attitude. But i ahvent done anything, you beat me like it was nothing, so there for I am far weaker then I thought. I have made no improvements what so ever, and taht is the reason i left my mother, to make improvements. The only improvement ive seen is my ass getting kicked even more often by Yumi" she went silent again.

This earned a scoff from Lilia. ''I beat you because you aren't on the same level as me. That isn't surprising. Not only our ranks, but because I have trained a lot and gained a big deal of wise advise. And how else do you want to grow? To keep growing without getting kicked down?'' Was the mocking question and response of Lilia. ''A wise person once told me that only in the darkest hour one can truly show what he or she is capable off. Instead of staying down, you should try to get up and get back at it again. That is how you will grow strong fast and on your own.'' Lilia continued, on a more relaxed and friendly tone.

Akira still didnt say anything and she was silent. Kaosu poofed next to Akira "Akira will just need some time, she's not in the talking mood for now, besides Akira understands rank, its that she wasnt able to stand against you in anyway, so in her eyes she weak. She'll be down to later, for now just let her mental wounds heal ok?" Kaosu smiled but she could feel Akiras' Frustration, her anger, her everything.

Lilia glanced at Akira and then at Kaosu. Crossing her arms, Lilia scoffed. ''No. I won't.'' She bluntly responded. Frowning back at Akira, while she spoke to Kaosu, but the message was clearly for Akira. ''Ranks don't matter in a fight. It's experience, skills and such that count. If you include ranks than explain how I managed to beat higher ranked foes before? It's childish to sit down, while you have so much potential.'' Lilia sighed as she then pulled something out of the pocket of the vest she wore. It was the bell. ''I've said that once you can grab this in a duel, that I will accept you as my future assistant. It was the bell I managed to take from Hiron, but it took me quite some effort. I had to try it three times. If I would be sitting back and blaming myself for being too weak, I wouldn't be here now with this bell. For now, I will place it here.'' Lilia said as she placed the bell on the cupboard, next to the bed. Standing up, Samehada slithered towards the door. ''Akira-chan, you've the future to decide for your own. I can understand that you may be disappointed in yourself, but you're a good person and a great kunoichi. Besides.''

Looking over her shoulder, Lilia narrowed her eyes. ''You need to be kicked to grow. I hope you take the advise and soon surprise me with keep trying to get that bell from in the test. Rest out well, Akira-chan.'' Lilia walked out of the room to leave Akira to rest as she would head to the lounge.

Kaosu side and picked up the bell "that girl amazes me sometimes, As for you, you should really get off your ass. What Lilia was saying is true, and I know taht you understood that. Now stop sulking, besides Shinko is going to be here soon" Kaosu tossed the bell at Akira and disappated into smoke. She held up her hand and caught them, She got up and walked down the stairs. She stood in front of Lilia "I will get these from you, in due time..." She tossed the bells back and crossed her arms.

Catching the bells, Lilia nodded. ''Good, but not today or tomorrow. One try in every two days. I can't keep beating sense in you, every day. Rest out for now and keep the words I told you in the back of your head. You'll get to the point you get a chance to get the bell from me. Maybe not soon, but one day. I'm sure of it.'' Lilia told Akira, with a friendly smile on her face. It was good to see that Akira had found some spirit again.

Shinko rubbed her neck tired from training . She walked into the teahouse and looked for Akira or Kaosu. She walked through and made herself a cup of tea quickly, before heading into the loungue. She saw Akira and put down her tea, then ran over to her. She knocked them both over and they were laughing on the floor "Hello sexy, missed you today" Akira kissed her and went to mvoe but Shinko made no move to get off the floor. They both countinued to giggle and laugh, whispering to each other. Akira nodded her head towards Lilia and Shinko blushed. She quickly got up and rubbed the back of her head "Um...It isnt what you think it is..." Akira luaghed and shook her head "Im pretty sure she knows, and if she didnt, she knows now" got up and brought Shinko closer to her "So what is the plan for the rest of the day?" Akira was swinging hers' and Shinkos' hand and smiling like a fool.

The display of Shinkõ being shy as she was unsure what Lilia's thought were, made Lilia smirk. Truth be told ,she didn't care for it actually. It was the decision of both Akira and Shinkõ, not hers. If they were happy together, Lilia would be glad for them. ''I've no real plans. Maybe a meeting with either Hisoka-sama or Gramps Jin Jin-sama. Not sure. I do need to finish some papers and reports that I've been preparing.'' She told Akira's question. Turning her head, she looked outside as it was rather nice weather. It just made it more annoying that she was going to do some paper work.

Shinko was instatic that Lilia didnt care and she countinued to hug and kiss Akira. Akira pulled away and thought "Uhhh, I guess we'll go into town with you, we gotta pick up somethings as well, and maybe eat. You can join us if you want, we can eat dinner then you can go do some boring paperwork" Shinko went upstairs to change into something casual and Akira put on her shoes and scarf again.

Thinking about the offer, Lilia then sighed. She smiled afterwards. ''Sure, I could. Though I really need to do some administrative kind of work later. Not to mention that the income this month hasn't been that great. Great chance I'll need to head out on a mission to make sure we won't make any losses this month.'' She explained to both Shinko and Akira.

Akira heard the word mission and perked up a bit. She hadn't been on a mission in a while and was going in to town tomorrow for one. Shinko came back downstairs and put on her shoes "So a mission? Want us to tag a long, I miss group missions and I think it would be a good team building excercise, dont cha think?" she locked arms with Akira and was ready to head to the village to run some errands.

Shrugging, Lilia answered the answer. ''It could be good for the team building, considering that you two could use more experience. Not to mention that I should see how you both perform on a mission. I'll likely give you both a heads up tomorrow once I've selected a proper mission.'' She answered back, with a friendly tone. There were already some missions going through her head, but would wait to be sure if those were still avaible to do. ''So, shall we go? I don't want to end up being awake late, doing the paper work.''

Akira and Shinko walked with Lilia chatting about small things and then split up to go run errands and allow Lilia do some paperwork. They arrived to pick her up for dinner and hung out around town until it was time to go back to the house and sleep. Akira had picked uped mail as well getting some from Yukio and some others she had met in the war and read some of them as they walked back.

[Little Alice]

Spilling one's drink, is adding another member to Guardians?
The meeting of Hayate and Lilia!

A collab between Chromehound and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Both of them are enjoying a pleasant and free day, but then one of them ruins the others order. A conversation is the result.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sitting on the outside of a nice restaurant, in the busy district with a lot of stores and shops, Lilia looked around. Dressed in a casual garb, the bright green coloured eyes scanned the people that kept walking the streets. After taking a sip of her drink, she sighed and leaned on the table with her right elbow. Supporting her head, she wondered what she should do in a bit. Most of the things she had to do were already done and truth be told, she wasn't in the mood to continue her own research and project. After all, wasn't it not a kind of free day for her? The young girl smiled as she took another sip of her cold beverage, again looking at the people that kept walking around. Maybe she should shop later? It wasn't something she did that much, but just every once in a while. Oh well, she would see what today would bring.

Hayate had been wandering again. Ever since the whole incident with the soldiers he'd found himself venturing out into the village more and more. He liked it out here. The crowds, the hustle of everyday life. It was something he'd avoided for so long, sticking to his clan's strict traditions. It was nice to get out and just be free for once.

Looking around at all of the people going about their business, Hayate suddenly got the urge to get a drink. He had been walking around in the warm sun all day, and he hadn't realized just how thirsty he'd become. Spying a nice little terras, Hayate walked over, sat down and ordered a cold drink.

At the same time that Hayate had ordered his drink, Lilia had finished hers. Rising up from her chair, something made a growling sound. It was a big bandaged tool. Sighing, Lilia bended forward to grab her weapon of choice. Or like she sometimes thought : pet of choice. Turning around, she decided she would go for a nice little walk.

But as she walked or at least tried to walk away from the terras, she bumped into a waiter that held a plate with a glass. More out of surprise, Lilia yelped and noticed the broken glass and drink over the floor. Quickly she took a step back as the waiter looked angry. Not because she felt afraid of the look, but more out that she felt sorry. ''Sorry. I hadn't seen you.'' She mumbled. The waiter instantly started to complain about something, but the young girl wasn't interested in some pitiful story. ''Who had ordered it? I will make sure that he or she will get another, on my treat.'' She responded. The waiter pointed to a table where a boy was likely waiting for his drink. Fixing her clothes, Lilia sighed as she decided to walk towards the person who would have to wait longer on his drink.

With a little smile, Lilia approached Hayate as she spoke to him. ''Hi, sorry to bother you. But euhm... I probably have ruined your order. If you don't mind, I would like to pay you, so that you don't have to pay double for your drink. Oh, where are my manners.'' She stretched out her right hand as she felt a bit silly. ''Lilia Hon.''

Hayate had heard a commotion and noticed his waiter talking to a girl. It looked as though the waiter had dropped one of the drinks he had been carrying. Hayate briefly wondered if it was his drink but then passed it off as nothing and went back to watching the people outside.
He soon noticed the same girl who was talking to the waiter approaching his table, and he turned to her with a smile. As the girl apologized for spilling his drink and offered her hand, Hayate reached out to shake it, already opening his mouth to respond before she even stated her name, "There's no need to buy me a new drink, I'm sure it was an acci-- did you say your name was Lilia Hon? You wouldn't happen to know Hiron Hon by any chance?" Hearing her name had made him lose his train of thought and in his haste to ask about the man who had helped him so much throughout the invasion of Konoha, he had completely forgotten to introduce himself.

The fact he mentioned Hiron's name made Lilia blink a few times with her eyes. It wasn't strange that people knew him, as Hiron was one of the infamous jounin. Taking a seat, she giggled. ''I do happen to know him. He is my guardian, to be honest. Why do you ask?'' Lilia responded. It was always interesting to hear the answer to that question. Some just knew his name, but others often had their own interesting tale. Lilia wondered how this boy had met the one that had taken care of her. ''Also, do you have a name by any chance?'' She asked, sounding a bit amused he hadn't told his name yet.

Remembering his manners Hayate blushed before quickly saying, "My apologies, my name is Hayate Hyūzu and it is a pleasure to meet you Lilia Hon." He smiled again before continuing, "I met Hiron during the invasion of Konoha. I made it out of the village with a few of my clan members and we found our way to the rebellion. It was there that he taught me quite a bit. He is a great man, and I am happy to have gotten to know him, however briefly it was. I know he must have had a lot to deal with, trying to lead the rebellion to free Konoha, but he never hesitated to help out, be it with training or simply being there to ask a question." Hayate paused as he realized that he'd begun rambling. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to go on like that. I should be asking you more about yourself, not blabbering on about the past. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"

Lilia listened to the answer of Hayate and couldn't resist to smile. Seemed that he shared the same opinion that she had about Hiron. Simply nodding when he told her that Hiron is a great man, she wondered a little bit what kind of training Hiron would've given Hayate. He wasn't known for his.. easy trainings. As he however asked her a question of what her age was, Lilia giggled. ''A bit rude to ask a girl her age, isn't it? But I'm thirteen years old. May I know how old you are, Hayate?'' She spoke with a friendly tone and liked the name Hayate. It wasn't one she had encountered before and she became only more curious. Who was the person behind this name?

Hearing Lilia giggle once again, Hayate blushed. He wasn't overly accustomed with talking to females, or really anyone for that matter, in casual conversation. He laughed a little as she jokingly chastized him for asking her age. "My apologies for any offense. I am twelve years old right now, but I will be turning thirteen quite soon." He wasn't sure what made him add that last part. It wasn't like him to throw out information about himself, but then again it wasn't like him to be sitting down talking to a girl either. "Are you a Chuunin Lilia?" He awkwardly stumbled out the question, realizing more and more that he had no idea how to talk to a female, let alone a pretty one. He wasn't used to being perplexed like this.

This Hayate sure knew questions to surprise her, she thought with a smile. ''Yes, I'm a Chuunin. How did you knew that?'' She asked back. Without wearing her chuunin atire, she was a bit surprised by the question. Or maybe he had linked her connection to Hiron and thus assumed she was likely of that rank? ''What is your rank, if I may ask that back.'' She asked in return. Knowing he had trained with Hiron, for some time, it wouldn't surprise her to hear if he was likely a capable shinobi of his age. Hiron didn't train with those who had little potential. Unless he had changed without her realising it.

Hayate smiled as she told him that she was a Chuunin. He had guessed correctly. "I just thought that you would probably be similar to Hiron-sama, and thus quite talented." Hayate hesitated briefly as she asked him his rank. He was strangely embarrassed, and worried that she might think less of him for being a lower rank. "I'm still a Genin, but I plan on trying out at the next Chuunin exams. It will be my first time so I hope I do well." He wanted to ask her about her Chuunin exams, but didn't want to sound like he was asking for advice and so he simply held his tongue. "What kind of chakra nature do you have?" He hoped she wouldn't find him too annoying, as he realized he was uncharacteristically asking a lot of questions.

The little smile grew as he responded that he thought she would be also be talented due her connection with Hiron. Maybe he knew not that some Hon's had just some luck, while others hadn't? As he told her that he was still a genin, Lilia looked a bit more serious. ''Ah, well no shame with trying to your exams twice. Some even keep failing after a third time. I wager you'll do fine.'' She told him, hoping that it would help a bit. As he then asked what kind of chakra nature she had, she laughed again. Of course she wasn't one to just openly admit secrets or much information about herself, she couldn't help to find Hayate a bit funny. ''Well, aren't you a curious one? But seeing that I've ruined your previous order, I think it would be polite to answer. I'm a Hon, thus it will be no surprise when I tell you that I've the affinity for lightning, correct?'' Lilia asked him. If he had trained a bit with Hiron, then he would likely know that little fact already. Though she had control over one other elemental chakra nature, but figured to not spill everything. At least, not now.

Hayate blushed a bit as she called him curious. He had heard that most Hon's had a natural connection to the lightning nature, and had kind of assumed that Lilia might also have the same. He chuckled before responding, "So just like Hiron you are my Fnatural weakness I suppose." He didn't want to divulge to much of his specific nature and so he decided to wait and see if she would probe any further, although he had left it purposely quite obvious that he had a natural earth affinity.
Lilia indeed understood that his affinity was Earth from his answer. Thinking about it, she then tilted her head a little to the left. ''So that means Earth. Interesting... So, are you part of any clan? I need to apologize in advance... I've little knowledge from other than the most.. present clans.'' She told and explained him. Not that she would be bothered if he weren't from a clan. But she found it amusing to ask questions back after he had asked a few.

Smiling as Lilia correctly guessed his nature, Hayate replied, "I am actually. Although I wouldn't be too surprised if you haven't heard of the Hyūzu clan, we tend to keep to ourselves mostly... or, at least the clan elders would like us to" He let the sentence trail off a bit, sounding a little ashamed of his clan's strict customs. "We're also a fairly small clan in comparison to some of the more common clans in Konoha."

''Size tells nothing of what it's worth it. Doesn't it?'' Lilia asked after he told a bit about his clan. It did piqued her interests now. Unlike what Hiron had told her, she had some interests in clans that were unknown to her. Of course, she did shared the same belief that the person was more important than his origins. ''Can't you tell me a bit more about your clan? I would be glad to share some knowledge I've about my own, if that would interest you.'' She suggested.

Hayate smiled as she asked him to tell her more about his clan. He was glad that he was able to interest her. He was also quite curious to hear more about the Hon clan, although he didn't want to seem like he was prying for information. "I would be happy to tell you a little bit more about us. Aside from obviously being fairly small and secretive, my clan is similar to yours in the way that we generally share an affinity for earth. A few members of my clan, including myself, are gifted with a special kekkei genkai... Although I don't really know if I'm allowed to talk too much about that unfortunately." He looked down, embarrassed, before recovering quickly and saying, "I could show you some time though! If you'd like? And I'd love to hear more about your clan, if you're okay with it?"

So they shared something in common then? Lilia knew that there were some secrets, information of the Hon, that were to kept secrets from outsiders. Though she was interested to indulge further more into the special kekkei genkai, Lilia noticed how he was embarrassed by something. Hearing his question, she decided to answer it as best as she could. ''I'm okay with that, no worries Hayate. If you would honor me with showing what this.. ability of your clan is, I will be wiling to show what a Hon can do.'' She told him with a smile. ''As for hearing about my clan, I take it you're aware that the Hon's have some.. saying in Konoha? With the Third Hokage being a Hon and some promiment figures in Konoha, like Hiron being one, I think it's fair to judge we have some influence. But is there anything you would like to ask about them?''

Nodding as she asked him whether or not he'd heard of the influence that the Hon had in Konoha, Hayate paused briefly to think before responding, "I suppose that your clan is probably similiar, in many ways, to mine, in that they like to keep certain things within the clan. Knowing that, I will try not to ask anything that would be troublesome. Is your clan known for having a particular chakra nature other than lightning? I only ask because when I trained with Hiron-sama he was very powerful with Water Release." Hayate smiled, remembering what she said about showing off his kekkei genkai, and her in turn showing some of the famous Hon skill. "Perhaps we could train some time? I would consider it a great honour to train with one who is a Chuunin, let alone one who has trained with Hiron-sama!"

Lilia thought about it. She knew so far that most clan members, much like Hiron, Hiroshi and Zakito had more than just the Lightning nature. And thanks due the help of Jinkama and Keiko Moto, she had managed to learn the Fire nature chakra. ''So far what I've learnt and can guess, I don't think so. Most Hon's have a good knack for ninjutsu, so being able to learn maybe natures in a good pace. Though it takes just as much time for them as for most others. It's just that it's understanding it, though I doubt that is just limited to the Hon clan. So I think that the Hon's don't have much for a second natural affinity. That might just depends on the Hon you would ask it.'' She told him, trying to answer the question of Hayate at her best. His suggestion however did made her smile as she nodded. ''I wouldn't mind to spare some time to train with somebody that is as polite as you, Hayate. Though I'm not that great as Hiron-chan.'' She confessed, rubbing her left arm as she felt a bit shy.

Hayate blushed again as Lilia called him polite. Bowing his head briefly he responded, "As I said, I would consider it a great honour. You are a Chuunin and to me that means a lot. I'm sure you are very skilled indeed, and I always enjoy the chance to train against someone who I know can teach me a thing or two." He smiled brightly at her as he continued, "I'm sure it will take a long time for either of us to get near the same skill level as Hiron-sama, but what is it that they say? Practice makes perfect? And I'm certain that Hiron-sama would be proud of you, you're a Chuunin, which is a huge achievement! So if you wouldn't mind training with a lowly Genin like myself, then the pleasure would be mine." He laughed a little as he said the last part, letting her know that he was merely joking about being a lowly genin. Although, he did hope that she wouldn't consider it too easy a task to train with him.

The praise of Hayate made Lilia keep on smiling. Though some others kept doing that as well, it was always something she doubted. The fact she was chuunin meant little to her, but as she thought about it, maybe it was more than she thought it was. ''I think it would be a pleasure that would be all mine if you would like to train with me. Maybe I can teach you a trick a or two, but to be honest, I doubt it.'' She told him. In her experience, she had more luck with destroying Earth Release Jutsu than to empower that kind of nature. It was the nature that wasn't much like her Lightning or Fire nature. Though there were other things she could help him in. Not to mention, he seemed to be a fitting candidate for the Guardians. Not because of his polite attitude or the fact he honoured Hiron almost to the same level as hers, but because he seemed to be interesting. Besides, if she could test his Fire of Will a bit, the Guardians would only benefit from having Hayate among their midst. ''Just let me know when you would like to train with me and I'll make sure that I will have time for you.''

Beaming at her response, Hayate quickly replied, "Are you busy tomorrow? I mean -- if that's too short of notice -- we could always... I'm sorry..." He trailed off embarrassed by his sudden outburst. He met Lilia's eyes and tried to focus his thoughts. "Sorry, I simply relish the opportunity for a challenge. If you have any free time in the next little while I would be glad to plan a day we could get together to train... If that's not too forward?" Hayate hoped that she would be up for it and waited to hear what she was going to say.

Giggling about his outburst, Lilia raised her hands a little bit and shook her head. ''Calm down, I'm fine with tomorrow.'' She told him, finding his outburst rather funny than embarrassing. ''And I completely understand it. Actually, when I was a genin, I took every chance I had to challenge stronger ones. That is how I managed to grow, I think.'' Lilia told Hayate, finding it funny when she thought about it. Even today she wouldn't turn down most challenges if she could learn something from it. ''I assume you want to meet up at the training fields then?'' She asked him.

Glad that she found him funny, Hayate smiled again. "That would be great! Around noon okay?" He was happy that he would get to train again. Since the whole invasion incident he hadn't really done too much with anyone else inside the village. And he always found it refreshing training with someone who had a natural lightning affinity. Somehow trying to overcome his biggest weakness made him grow the most. He thrived under pressure and his small amount of time spent training with Hiron during the days of the rebellion had made him grow significantly as a ninja. He was excited to train with Lilia and only hoped she was too.

''Noon sounds like a good time for me.'' She answered. Noticing that he was happy, she couldn't stop wonder about his clan's kekkei genkei. It interested her to see what he could do, though if it was similar to that of the Crystal Release, she had then a fair amount of experience to deal with it. Though she realised that it wasn't smart to compare it already with other bloodline abilities, but an advanced Earth nature made her think of those which she had met before. ''So, but what is your goal actually? Like, what are you striving for? If you don't mind me asking, of course.''

Hayate paused to seriously consider what she'd asked. It's not like he hadn't thought about it, but for him his only ever goal had been to get out of his clan and make something of himself. He loved his village, but his clan was just so secretive and withdrawn that he was never able to truly get out and see the village. He knew that he wanted to become a powerful ninja, one that could protect his village and his family. Even though he wanted to get away from his clan and family, Hayate never wanted any harm to become of them. Hayate wouldn't say he aspired to become the Hokage or anything quite like that, but he did want to become strong. And he wanted to leave behind a legacy, something to show people that his clan wasn't all hermits and small-time shinobi.

"That's... that's actually not too easy a question to answer for me. Before all this, I would say that I just wanted to live a peaceful life, become a proper shinobi and then maybe settle down and start a family, of course waaaaaay in the future. But now... Now I'm not so sure. It's hard to explain but I just feel different somehow. I want to do more for the village. I want to make sure that nothing like what happened here could ever happen again. I want to be strong so that I can protect this village and I want to show my clan that we don't have to hide behind old traditions and secrecy. I just... I'm sorry, I must sound kinda lame..." Hayate looked down, feeling like he'd somehow gotten the question wrong, if that was even possible. He hoped that she wouldn't find him useless for not having a real goal.

''You're such a silly person, you know that?'' He would hear an amused tone in her voice. ''I don't see what is lame with that. It's your goal and if you find it worthy of chasing it, I would rather call it good.'' Lilia continued. She had a smile on her lips as she did find his goals good. It was something that would make him a fine candidate to become tested to join the Konoha Guardians. Sure, she would want to try to give him some more confidence, but maybe it was just that they just had met? Maybe that was why he wasn't that confident yet. ''I even think that there is a group of people that think very alike, you know.'' She told him, winking in his direction. ''And they might be closer than you expect.''

Hearing her reply, Hayate looked up. She was smiling his way and that caused him to smile himself. "Thank you for your kind words Lilia. I do really appreciate them. And there are others with the same goals?" Hayate was curious now. He had been kept away in the solitude of his clan for so long that he had no real connection with the other members of the village. It would interest him very much to meet others that shared the same passions, the same goals. He wondered to whom Lilia was referring.

Now that his interests was piqued, she was sure of it. Trying to see if Hayate could fit into the Konoha Guardians would be a wise choice. ''I might know a few people. Can tell you more by tomorrow. During a break of our training or such. If you would still be interested that is.'' She told him. It was always fun to see people getting interested, at least that was what she found. Not to mention, she loved to be a bit mysterious about it, to later surprise him. ''But to be fair, I've the similar kind of goal. To become able to defend the Leaf and those who reside in it or allied with it.''

"I'm definitely interested." Hayate said with a smile. Lilia was being secretive with things and it only served to make Hayte even more curious. He was quite looking forward to training tomorrow. He would get a better chance to hear about the people who were like him. Hearing LIlia talk about her goal made Hayate blink in surprise. He had never assumed that she would be similar to him, although it made sense. Hiron-sama had been of a similar mindset, and had gone out of his way to help the Leaf village regain its freedom. Hayate was happy that he had met Lilia, she was probably one of the most interesting people he had ever met. "I guess my goal isn't so strange then. It's nice to hear that you share a similar goal Lilia, and I am certain you will be able to achieve it! I only hope that I can do my part too."

''Thank you for your kind words, Hayate. I hope I'll be able to achieve it. Much as I would like to you see gain success in your goals.'' Lilia responded, with a very friendly tone. Lilia was curious to how he would adapt into the Guardians, but till so far she had seen nothing but a great attitude. ''So, what about your team? Can you tell me a bit about your sensei or such?'' She asked, wondering if she would know the sensei of his team.

Hearing her ask about his teammates made Hayate pause. As bad as it was, Hayate didn't really know his team too well yet. He had only met them briefly before the invasion of the soldiers and he had not had a lot of time to get to know them since. "Unfortunately I do not really know the members of my team too well yet. We have only had a couple of small missions together and we haven't even trained together too much. I regret not knowing them better, as I feel like they probably think I'm disinterested in them. It's just that my clan is always so secretive, and they try and make it so that we have minimal contact with the rest of the village." Hayate sighed, his frustration with his clan's traditions, clearly evident. "I hate it sometimes. Their traditions are so outdated and the only way my clan will actually be able to achieve anything is if we are to seek out the help of the rest of the village. I'm sorry if I sound bitter. I do not like to be this way. Ever since the soldiers attacked I've begun to realize that my clan is stuck in older times. I've been trying to free mysef bit by bit from their strict rules, and I've been allowed small leniencies now that we are free from the soldiers' oppression. I hope now that I will actually be able to get to know more people within the village, including my teammates and my sensei. I'm really sorry if that wasn't any help..." Hayate felt bad for venting, but it certainly felt as if a weight had been lifted from him. He wasn't sure why he was telling Lilia so much, but he felt like he could trust her, and he felt something drawing him to her. Something he wasn't familiar with.

Listening the whole time, Lilia said nothing as she let Hayate express his frustration about his clan. She wanted to cheer him up, but decided to wait until he was done with venting out. Leaning a bit back, in her seat, the little smile crept back on her lips as she made a vague gesture with her left hand. ''I can see your problem, but don't worry about it. I mean, I'm used to listen to what troubles people. If it's of any help, then I can relate a bit to you.'' She told him. Thinking how she could word it, she decided to make her version a bit shorter. And a bit more amusing, just to cheer Hayate a bit up. ''So far I know, the Hon clan can also be strict, as far with their secrets and such. It's a bit of a bother, but I can relate to how a stubborn clan can be frustrating. Much like not telling your biological mother is somebody else than who you had expected to be.'' Lilia told him, realising there wasn't much amusing about her story. At least her tone was amused, but the content wasn't. Realising this, she tried to giggle, covering it up. ''I remember that Hiron-chan always kept telling me that the person is more important. A clan may tell something over the person's abilities... but not everything. And that is why knowing the first name is more important than the surname. You get it?'' Lilia told him, hoping he understood what she was trying to say.

Hayate watched carefully while Lilia spoke. As she mentioned the part about her mother, Hayate noticed her slight change in demeanour. He felt sad for her, and although she laughed he could tell that it was something that had affected her deeply. Hayate appreciated the fact that she listened to him, and she didn't judge him. She even seemed like she was trying to cheer him up. That fact alone made Hayate smile. He did not have many friends, and he did not often get a chance to meet new people, which kind of limited his opportunities to make new ones. Sitting here now, talking with Lilia, Hayate hoped that they could become friends. She seemed similar to him in many ways, and she was very smart. Of course, it didn't hurt that she was very pretty as well.

Hayate smiled as she spoke of Hiron's words on the person being greater than the clan. It made him happy, knowing that he could make a name for himself outside of his clan. He nodded politely and said, "I like that. Hiron-sama is very wise, and you are kind to share his words. Thank you for listening Lilia, and I apologize for venting. I like talking to you, and I'm glad we met. It was definitely worth losing a drink." As he said the last part he let out a laugh.

A little smile started to adore her lips as he called Hiron very wise. That was true, but not all agreed. Much like how Hiron had his own kind of honour, he had his own kind of wisdom. One that was passed to Lilia, so she couldn't really argue against it. ''I don't really mind it. And it's fun to hear what somebody new has to say. I like to meet new people.'' Was her response. ''Certainly when they are also nice and kind of cool.'' She said, giving him a compliment back. She felt that she also should give him a nice compliment back, as he has said she was kind. Pondering, she decided to ask him a question. ''So, do you have many friends? Other than me.'' Lilia asked and also making a hint that she wouldn't mind to be friends with Hayate.

Hayate blushed happily as she complimented him. He wasn't sure how to respond at first and then she asked him about his friends. Hayate looked down, a little embarrassed that he didn't have many friends at all. "I unfortunately don't know many people outside of my clan, which kind of limits my potential friend pool." He looked up again, realizing that she had referred to herself as his friend. A new spark of hope lit up inside of him and he continued, "Of course I always like to make new friends when possible, as a friend is always better than an enemy." Hayate smiled brightly at Lilia. "I would definitely like to be friends with somone as kind and funny as you, if that would be okay?" He looked at her, hoping she'd say yes.

Lilia nodded. ''That is fine with me. You seem like a decent person. At least somebody who is polite.'' She responded. Thinking a bit more, she made a decision. ''I know a place where you can make more friends. Of the same age of you and I. People that also have a great Will of Fire. And also the same goal. If you want, I could take you to the place tomorrow.'' She offered him. Though Lilia had planned to wait to after the training to offer it, she decided to ask it him now. There was no harm in it after all. Besides, she doubted if anybody wouldn't like Hayate in the group.

"Thank you again for your kind words Lilia. I think that would be a great opportunity. And I would like to get the chance to meet others with a similar dream to mine." He wondered what this group would be like, and whether or not they'd accept him. He only hoped that he would make a good first impression. "I would like to do that. Would you still want to train tomorrow? I'm sorry for asking, I'm just excited for the opportunity to train with a Chuunin. Especially one of the famed Hon clan. And one I can call friend." Hayate smiled again and waited to hear what she would say.

''I see no reason why I shouldn't be able to. I would like to train with you tomorrow.'' Was her answer. Glad that he was taking the chance that she presented him, she already began to think if there would be anybody at Azumi tomorrow. It was better if she could show him the place herself and then let him venture a bit on his own. ''So, I'll see you tomorrow. Let's say training field number eleven. And think we had said noon, right?''

"Noon it is. I shall see you then!" Hayate's second drink had finally arrived and so he accepted it from the waiter graciously. After taking a quick sip he said, "Thank you for taking the time to talk to me Lilia. I look forward to training with you, and hopefully getting to know you more." With that, Hayate quickly downed the rest of his drink and stood, bowing politely to Lilia before heading off.

[Little Alice]

The Next day!
Hayate's test and the start of the mentorship, of Lilia Hon!

A collab between ChromeHound and Little Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the time skip.

Summary :
The day where Lilia and Hayate would train for the first time together, where Hayate also learns a technique from Lilia. Hayate also gets an invitation to the Konohagakure Guardians. Also of course introducing him into Azumi. Not to forgot : a new gardener.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lilia walked towards the trainingfields. It was a bit clouded today, something that wasn't usual. It made her wonder if it would rain. Though she didn't really liked it when it was raining, she loved it after a long and intense training session. The white bandaged big sword on her back made a little grunting sound, like he had just woken up. ''Hhmm, not sure.'' She mumbled back to the blade. No reaction came back, as she continued her way towards the training field where she would meet Hayate. Knowing she was a bit early, she unzipped the zip of her flak jacket and looked around. She hoped he would come, as she was sure he could be a good asset to the Guardians.

Hayate hurried from his home. His mother had made him do far more work than usual and he was running behind. He saw the training fields ahead and noticed a figure standing amongst them. Hayate increased his pace, hoping that Lilia would not be upset at his being late.

As he entered the fields, he could see that it was indeed Lilia standing there. He waved briefly and walked up to her. "My apologies for being late, that is unlike me." Hayate said with an apologetic bow. "I am glad you could make it."
Hearing somebody, Lilia turned around to face the person. Which was Hayate. As he apologized for being late and even bowed for her, Lilia smiled a little. The little unique smile when she was amused about something. ''It's fine, Hayate. You're not that late and I don't mind a bit of waiting. I just arrived.'' She told him, as she cocked her head a bit to the right. ''How are you doing? Nobody wasted any of your drinks anymore, I hope.'' She asked him, making with an amused tone a reference to their first meeting.
Hayate looked up as Lilia asked her question. He smiled warmly as he replied, "I am doing well Lilia-sama. How are you? And no, nobody has spilled anymore of my drinks, although I'm starting to think that might not be such a bad thing. It worked out quite well the last time." Hayate laughed. "I am glad that I am not too late though. I would hate to miss getting to train with you."

''Hahaha, I'm fine.'' She laughed with him as she did found it funny. Though she wasn't sure what kind of training they could do. So far she knew, he had a total different ability than hers. It made things interesting however, as she wondered what he could do with his clan ability. ''So, what would you like to do? I'm game for all kind of trainings.'' She told him, placing the choice by him.

Hayate paused to consider Lilia's question. He knew that the Hon clan typically had an affinity for the lightning nature, and he also knew just how deadly that nature could be against his own. Sparring would be fun, but he wasn't sure he would learn a lot without first seeing Lilia's skill. Hayate knew she could probably beat him quite easily, especially if he wasn't careful, and he didn't want to look weak in front of her. "I would eventually like to spar with you, if you would be alright with that? But for now I think it would be more beneficial to train to refine our skills." Hayate paused, considering what to say next. "Is there anything you think would be best to do that?" He didn't want to appear indecisive, but he wasn't sure what she could do yet, and he wanted to be able to warm up before sparring, if that's what they ended up doing.

The question made her briefly ponder. The answer : fighting, wasn't really that great answer to the question. ''I'm good at adapting to situations with my techniques and skills. So it would depend more or less good if you would pick a skill you want to refine. Like, chakra control or such?'' She answered, not sure if it was of any help. Placing her right hand on her hip, the young Hon bite on her lower lip as she looked a bit away. She kept thinking about something that they could train. ''I'm good with ken- and taijutsu. So if you want to have some tips or bit of training in those departments, I would be happy try to teach you something.''

As Lilia offered her suggestions Hayate began to nod. Realizing that his nod wasn't much of an answer he quickly said, "I would be honoured to train with you in either of the two." Once he was finished speaking, Hayate noticed the impressive sword that Lilia carried on her back. He briefly looked back over his own shoulder where his staff was placed. "I am not as skilled with a blade as I am with my hands. And as you can probably see, I'm a little more used to a staff than a sword.I have no doubt that you'd be able to teach me a few things when it comes to kenjutsu. Shall we start with that?"

''Hhmmm. How fast are you? With moving around?'' Lilia asked him. She had an interesting technique in mind that used speed and good reflexes. It was labeled as a kenjutsu movement, cause of the name. But it was the afterimage ability of the techniqeu that made it a good one, at least in her opinion. It could work well with anything, as long the speed and reflexes are good enough. ''Ever heard of the Secret Sword : Moon Shadow Technique?'' She asked him as she placed down Samehada to glance at Hayate.

Hayate watched as Lilia drew her sword. "I have not actually heard of that technique. Although it sounds quite inrtiguing." As he spoke, Hayate reduced the weight of the metal around his wrists, which would allow him to move must faster. Moving quickly, he drew his staff and twirled it before putting one end of it on the ground. Hayate had moved so quickly that it would have been difficult to track his movements as he withdrew the staff. "I've been told that I move fairly quickly." Hayate smiled, "I shall let you be the judge of that though."

''Heh, sure. The technique is farily simply.'' Lilia told him as she made a shadow clone. The clone walked a bit away from them and then seemed to ready herself. Lilia crossed her arms out front of her chest as she nodded to the clone. ''Speed is the most important in this technique, as you want to move as fast as you can.'' At the same moment, the shadow clone sprinted forwards as well making some zig zag movements, creating some afterimages. ''The reflexes are important to strike when your foe is moving as well.'' The shadow clone poofed away, as Lilia then glanced at Hayate. ''It's just an advanced kind of chakra dash. Once you've mastered this technique to the max, you can even try using it in close combat to make your foes believe they had landed a hit on you, before you give them as a nasty surprise.''

Nodding his understanding, Hayate stood silent. Considering the technique thoughtfully. He was impressed at the speed and almost effortless way that Lilia's clone had moved. "That was very cool." Hayate couldn't keep himself from smiling. "I'm guessing this is one of those things that is easier said then done?" He knew that he could move fast but he wasn't quite sure if he'd be able to move as easily as Lilia had. Twirling his staff once again, Hayate looked around. Seeing a target dummy nearby he prepared himself, gripping the staff in his right hand. Hayate reduced the weight of the metal around his ankles and then leapt towards the dummy.

He moved swiftly, attempting to zig-zag the same way he'd seen Lilia do. Hayate tried to boost his speed using his chakra to assist him, but he wasn't sure whether or not it was having an effect. He surged forward the last four meters and brought his staff slamming down towards the head of the training dummy. His blow landed with a satisfying smack and Hayate pulled away, once again putting the staff in one hand. He turned towards Lilia and asked, "How was that?" Hayate wasn't sure if he'd even managed to create any afterimages, but Lilia would hopefully have seen whether or not he was successful.

She watched his movements as he had the basics good done. The strike was good as well the speed. But he would need to have to practise a bit more. ''I noticed one afterimage. Try to focus on making a feint or such when you moving on high speed.'' She told him. Thinking, she had an idea. Making another shadow clone, she pointed at the clone who took a position near the dummy. ''Try to hit the clone. Only know that she will strike back at you.'' Lilia told him. With this she could see if Hayate would understand how the technique really worked. She could remember the times she had whacked herself on the head as her clones had been fast enough to counter attack, before she had made a strike.

Hayate walked a small distance away from the clone that Lilia had created, giving himself room to build up speed. He wasn't sure whether or not to be proud of the fact that he had managed to make an afterimage on his first try. He supposed it was good, although he was disappointed in himself and vowed to do better this time. Hayate looked at Lilia's clone, wondering what he should do. He was wary, after seeing the speed that Lilia was capable of. He knew that this was going to be a lot harder than hitting a stationary training dummy. Hayate readied himself and dashed forwards once again.

This time, Hayate focused his chakra to give him an extra burst every time that he zig-zagged. He used the added acceleration to move more fluidly, deking back and forth on the way to his target. Once again he leapt forwards for the last four meters.

That were three after images. He was improving at a good pace, she had to admit that. The shadow clone readied herself as she noticed that he then leapt. With a quick roll, to the left, she managed to create some distance. After that, the shadow clone simply made more space between them as the real Lilia spoke up. ''Try to keep on moving, but not leaping. Leap only when you notice that there is confusion present. That is the moment you need to strike.'' She advised him, wondering if the hint would help him to get closer now.

Hayate came down from his leap, clearly missing Lilia's clone, who now stood some distance away. Hearing Lilia's advice, Hayate simply nodded, focused on how he would attack. So the clone was going to move now, this was good. Hayate should have prepared for that in the first place but he had somehow let himself think that the clone would simply stand there and let herself be attacked. He cursed himself for thinking so foolishly and prepared to attack again. Hayate felt like he had the movements down a lot better, but he realized that his main mistake was slowing his movements with the leap at the end. At that point he became highly visible and was easily avoided.

Hayate began his charge again, moving swiftly back and forth, trying to create as many afterimages as he could in order to confuse the clone. As he was a few meters away from her Hayate suddenly changed direction and charged to his left, instead of leaping. He cut back sharply, and aimed an attack at Lilia's clone. He hoped that coming in from the side would have caused enough confusion that she would miss his attack.

This time he was making another after image, unlike the previous time. He seemed to have a knack for the move, something that pleased her. Her eyes narrowed, just like her shadow clone as he tried it now in a different manner. With the sudden change of direction, the clone was trying to prepare to block the incoming attack. But then as Hayate moved back, the clone ducked and rolled to avoid the attack. Quickly making again some distance between them, the real Lilia decided to give another tip. ''You're learning fast and doing it better than I had done, while learning it myself. Your last move was very good, but instead try to focus on making more afterimages. And keep trying to make unpredictable movements, Hayate-kun.'' Lilia advised him. She liked to see him try and improving, as he didn't seem to be the type of giving up that easily. Something that she liked in people.

His staff swung down and met nothing but air. Hayate looked up to see Lilia's clone once again standing some distance away. He grinned despite himself. He was having fun, and he enjoyed a challenge. Hayate stood and cracked his neck, thinking about Lilia's advice. Suddenly, he had an idea. Subtly moving his free hand towards his jacket, Hayate unbuttoned it quickly. He gathered some chakra around himself and set out in a dash. Surging forwards, Hayate began to zig-zag. This time, however, Hayate spun, his large jacket flowing around him like a cloak. To an observer it would appear as if he was covered in shadows. This would make it a lot harder to track where he was moving. Hayate twirled at random intervals, using chakra to make his movements swifter. As he neared Lilia's clone he leapt up once again, although this time it was only meant as a distraction. Hayate spun once in the air before using his kekkei genkei to increase the weight of the metal on his ankles and his wrists. Causing him to drop extraordinarily quickly. He adjusted the weights once again, this time making them lighter, and he dashed to the right of Lilia's clone. He was hoping that he had succesfully created an afterimage when he had jumped forwards, so that Lilia's clone would be distracted by the attack from above. Hayate dashed from the right side of Lilia's clone to the left, spinning once again before bringing his staff around in a sweeping attack.

The staff was approaching the clone as she tried to jump up, but was slammed backwards. Rolling over the ground, the shadow clone poofed away. Slowly clapping, Lilia had her little smile on her lips. She had noticed the improvement that he had made to the technique. ''Seems like you got the basic movement of the technique. Next is the dodging and making distance. Want to try it out?'' She asked him. Samehada shivered as the bandage around his mouth were tearn away, to reveal a big grin of flashy and mean looking teeth. As he opened his mouth, the hilt of a katana was seen. Lilia didn't yet made any movement to pick up as she waited for Hayate's answer.

Hayate watched the clone poof away and then turned towards Lilia. He smiled, happy that his plan had worked. As he looked at Lilia, he saw her reveal her sword. Hayate twirled his staff and settled in a ready position. With a grin he said, "Absolutely. Does this mean I get to go up against the real deal?"

Lilia nodded once. ''Though we're not going all out. Just try to keep yourself calm and focused.'' Lilia told him as she swinged her sword around before holding it in a reversed grip. Readying herself, she waited for a moment before speeding towards him. Creating several afterimages that seemed to go both right and left, Lilia would go with a straight forward attack. Though she wouldn't press on the attack, simply holding back to ensure that the blade wouldn't even touch him.
Smiling as Lilia spoke, Hayate readied himself. As he watched, Lilia seemed to be in multiple places at once, advancing swiftly. Hayate tried to guess where she would be next and found that she was moving too fast, almost a blur. Her expertise with the technique was obvious and Hayate felt a twinge of jealousy. Then, as soon as it appeared, he quenched it, focusing instead on Lilia's movement.

Hayate was a skilled strategist and prided himself on figuring out his opponents. Watching Lilia attack however, he realized that she was in a class of her own. Realizing that trying to predict Lilia's movements was going to be too difficult, Hayate instead focused on his own defence. He steadied himself, allowing his chakra to flow freely, guiding his movements. Hayate began to spin, moving backwards and zig-zagging, trying to match Lilia's speed. He attempted to create a few afterimages, hoping to confuse her in her attack.

Seeing his manoeuvre, Lilia was proud that she had managed to teach him how to use the technique in a different way. To use it only in offensive manner is what she considered waste. His speed was a bit lower, but the afterimages still made it even difficult for her to see where he was going. Skidding to a halt, she tried to decipher where he was going before chasing him with the technique, making it look like she was heading more to the right, as she would aim to attack him on the left.
Seeing Lilia move to the right, Hayate moved to intercept, realizing too late that it was a feint. He was already too invested in his attempted counter to fully block the attack that was coming from the left. Instead, Hayate pushed himself backwards, attempting a backwards sommersault to avoid the attack. She was fast, very fast. Hayate only hoped that his attempted dodge would move himself out of the way in time.

And he managed to dodge her soft hearted attack. Lilia smiled as she would stop to nod at him. ''Think that you have the basics done. Hope you like the technique.'' Lilia told him. She knew that if she would keep up, she would hit him, but that wasn't the purpose. Most didn't know about the technique, let alone perform it. Now that a genin like Hayate had shown some good skill already with it, Lilia was convinced. He could become a true asset for the Konohagakure Guardians. ''What about a break, Hayate-kun?'' Lilia suggested, while waiting for Samehada to slither towards her, so that she could sheath the sword back in the bandaged being.

Landing on his feet unschathed, Hayate looked up. He saw Lilia standing a short distance away. As she spoke, Hayate smiled. "A break sounds good Lilia-sama. I quite like this technique, and only hope that I haven't disappointed you yet."] Hayate slowly placed his staff back in it's holster and stood, catching his breath. She was highly skilled, and Hayate didn't doubt that she had gone wasy on him. He only hoped that he hadn't looked too much like a fool, as for some reason, he felt that Lilia's opinion of him was quite important. He wanted to impress her and he wasn't sure why.
"Thank you for teaching me Lilia-sama. It is a great honour for me to learn from one of your skill level." Hayate bowed briefly and respectively.

''No problem. I like to teach and train with people, who both show some skill and a good attitude.'' Lilia responded. Rising up, as she picked up Samehada and placed him in the special sheath, she looked at Hayate. ''Who knows? Maybe you will surpass me in the technique one day. That would be fun. Don't you think?'' She asked with her little smile. Lilia hadn't forgot what she wanted to talk about, but she was using this time to already formulate the words and how she would present the invitation to Hayate.
Hayate found himself caught off guard once again. Blushing he replied, "You flatter me Lilia-sama. I doubt I would ever surpass one as talented as yourself, but I appreciate your kind words. Although I shall certainly push myself to see if I can ever come close to you, that would be quite fun indeed." Hayate smiled kindly and waited for Lilia to respond. He liked talking with her, and she was definitely kind to spend her time training with one such as himself.
She laughed as she shook her head. ''It's not me that flatters, but you. I feel honored to teach somebody who is like you, Hayate-kun. You are allowed to carry some pride, you know?'' She told him, placing her left hand on her hip. With that said, she decided to head to the important subject she had been planning. ''Also, what do you happen to know about the Will of Fire?'' Lilia asked him, a bit more serious though she was still speaking with a friendly tone.
Blushing once again, Hayate considered her question carefully. He did not really know how to show pride. His clan had always kept things secret and had never even bothered to show their emotions. This had lead him to be a little closed off in many ways. Although he knew his clan, and his parents cared about him, he had never really seen or felt a lot of that from them. Hayate didn't really feel like he had anything to be proud of, he was just happy to have met someone as kind and as amazing as Lilia-sama, and he was happy she seemed to think that he was talented as a shinobi.

Thinking upon what she had asked, Hayate finally replied, "I do not know too much to be honest. I have only ever had it described to me. I have been told before that it is a valuable thing, and an important thing for shinobi to have. From what i have heard I feel like it is a desire to help, to support those in the village and in the country. I have heard that it is a motivating force. Something that ties the members of the village together and keeps us pushing past our limits, even amongst insurmountable odds." Hayate paused, considering how to continue. "I don't know if I could ever truly tell you whether or not I possess this Will of Fire, I can only tell you how I feel. Ever since the soldiers attacked us and threatened our right to be shinobi, I felt a strong desire to defend our way. To protect our land, and that which makes us who we are. I would do anything within my power to protect those that belong to this village, and to the rest of the country as well. I cannot, however, tell you where this feeling came from, or why I feel this way. Only that I do, and I expect that I will continue to feel this way about Konoha and its people." Hayate hoped that his answer had satisfied her, and he wondered whether or not she would think him strange for the way he felt.

She listened to every word, just nodding now and then to make sure that he would know that he had her attention. After he finished, she stayed quiet for a moment. Letting a sigh and lowering her head, she placed her hands on her hips. ''Nothing strange about that feeling.'' Looking up, she had her little smile on her lips, with a twinkle in her eyes. ''The Will of Fire is special. Everybody can have it in their own way and the way you describe it is just the kind of people I'm looking for. You know, Konohagakure is being guarded by the Leaf Shinobi. But I'm starting something...'' She nodded once in his direction. ''I am searching for people like you, Hayate. People who are willing to step up, be brave and take the chance they get to defend what they call home. Call comrades. What they find important. The Leaf. I think you would be a good asset to the Konohagakure Guardians.'' After saying that, Lilia waited. She wanted to continue, but it was likely already a lot and thought it was wiser to just let the words sink in and let him think about it.

As she spoke, Hayate found himself growing humbled by her words. He could not help a smile from forming as she continued. Hayate waited for her to finish, hanging on every word. When she stopped Hayate bowed respectfully. "You catch me at a loss for words Lilia-sama. I am honoured by your kindness, and I would be even more honoured to be a part of your team." Hayate truly was at a loss. He had never been treated with such kindness before, and had never had anyone put faith in him or his abilities. He couldn't help himself from bowing again before once again meeting Lilia's eyes. "That is of course, if you truly want me there." He added with a smile.

Lilia looked surprised as he had rejected her offer, before bursting out in laughter. She patted his shoulder as she kept on laughing, as if the situation was very funny, at least to her. ''Don't worry. I wouldn't have asked it if you wouldn't be capable. After all, you're skilled and having other traits that would make you a good shinobi. But more importantly, as my guardian always told me.'' Lilia smiled as she pointed at his chest area. ''A good person. That is the most important part of a person.'' Lilia said, thinking how she would explain how he could come into the Guardians. Best way was just to show Azumi and then give him a tour.
Her laugh was infectuous and Hayate found himself joining in. Her praise caused him to blush once again. "Thank you again for your kind words. If the true measure of a good ninja is being a good person, then I can see why you are a very strong shinobi indeed." He smiled warmly before continuing. "It would be a great honour to work with you Lilia-sama. How do I start?"

''To come with me. We've a place that has the name Azumi, meaning Safe Residence.'' Lilia told Hayate as she turned around. ''It's the headquarter of the Guardians. Where we gather, train with each other and try to succeed at our goal, which our name gives away.'' Lilia told Hayate as she slowly started to walk so he could catch up with her. She was glad that he was interested in joining the Guardians.

Seeing Lilia begin to walk, Hayate quickly moved to catch up with her. He listened carefully as she spoke. He was becoming more and more intrigued by the Konoha Guardians and he hoped that he would be a good fit. "How many are there right now?" He asked, looking at her quizically.

''I already have managed to muster a reliable group of people. Most of them are genin, but I also managed to convince some other people to help train you and the others.'' Lilia answered his question. She was glad that he was interested in knowing more about the Guardians. They wouldn't have to walk that far, as the place wasn't that far from the trainingfields. ''Maybe you already know some. BBut that is for another time, we shouldn't over do it, right?'' Lilia told him, flashing a warm smile in his direction.

Hayate smiled back and gave a little laugh as he replied, "I think I might actually be surprised if there were anyone I knew. After all, I could probably count the people I know well using just the fingers on one hand. It will be nice getting to know others though, and I thank you for this honour, and this opportunity Lilia-sama." He gave a slight nod and continued forwards, still smiling.

She thought about how to respond, as well if it would become a problem if he would get shy. But knowing the members and how polite and friendly Hayate was, there would be no problem at all. She was sure of that after pondering about it for a moment. ''I think it won't be any problem. Just be yourself and I suspect you will not fail at making friends. After all, you're likely one of the most polite of the whole bunch.'' Lilia told him, softly bumping his shoulder with a fist as she giggled.

Laughing as she bumped his shoulder, Hayate briefly feigned a mock-injury, rubbing his shoulder. "You puch pretty hard huh?" He smiled mischeviously, letting her know he was joking before continuing. "Thank you again for your kindness Lilia. I will do my best to make friends. It may not be something I'm too familiar with just yet, but you have certainly shown me how much fun it can be to get to know someone. So thank you for that."

''I'm going to be hard if you keep thanking me for such simple things, Hayate-kun.'' Lilia laughed after replying. They were nearly there and she decided to already inform him a bit about the place. ''Azumi is a large structure that houses several things. Room and such for the members. You're free to stay and keep your room. Either permanent or just for temporary uses now and then. Oh, and do you like tea?'' She suddenly asked him.

As Lilia described Azumi, Hayate couldn't help a smile from forming on his face. It sounded very nice, and he liked the fact that it would give him a place to stay, away from home. Not that he wasn't happy there, it was just nice to get away sometimes, and this sounded like the perfect place for that. At the mention of tea, Hayate's eyes lit up. Tea was a commodity that was rarely had at his home, and he quite enjoyed the few occasions he had been able to drink some. "I must admit that I do quite enjoy a good cup of tea. I do not often get to drink it, but I have never had an unpleasant cup so far."

So he liked some tea. Lilia gained a smirk. ''To keep the place funded and to make sure I don't have to get some more money with missions or borrowing some of Hiron-chan, I have established a tea house section. It provides a nice and calm place for the elderly. It even became more popular than I had expected. But they love the surrounding gardens that shield the place from the training fields.'' Lilia further explained. They could now see the formation of trees slowly making space for the flower beds and small ponds. A pair of seniors were slowly walking the path towards likely Azumi. ''See...That is also why I have named it 'Safe Residence'. No matter your age or occupation, Azumi's tea house is for everybody.''

"It... It is perfect Lilia-sama. What you have done here, it's incredible." Hayate couldn't keep the wonder from his voice. It was an incredible achievement, and it only made him look up to Lilia that much more. As they walked into the formation of trees, Hayate couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of it all. He found himself looking around at the trees, the flowers, it all seemed so peaceful and warm. He was going to like it here. He could feel it. "This place is beautiful Lilia, I think I will enjoy spending time here."

Glad that he liked it, Lilia continued to lead him to the place. The peaceful looking place was now in front of them. The big building had the symbol of the Leaf on the big front door as Lilia pointed at it. ''Do you know about the Guard Division of the Daimyo?'' She asked him, keeping looking in his direction with a curious look. Lilia was a bit wondering if there would be any members currently inside or around Azumi, but that wouldn't matter much. For now she would focus on giving Hayate his tour.

Hayate looked up, admiring the large door as they approached. It was an impressive sight, and one that stirred something inside him, something he couldn't quite pin down. Hearing Lilia's question, Hayate paused to consider it. "To be honest, I do not know much
about the Guard Division. I know that they serve a very important role, but aside from that I'm afraid my knowledge is quite limited." Hayate hoped that Lilia would not be disappointed in his lack of knowledge, but he figured it was better to tell the truth and find out more, rather than trying to bluff his way through it.

Though he indeed didn't seem to know much about the Guardian Division, Lilia wasn't disappointed. She hadn't heard much of it before she had done some research. ''The Guardian Division are elite soldiers, chosen to guard the Daimyo from danger. They view the Daimyo as the most important of the Fire Country. Twelve elite shinobi are chosen to become his personal guards. The Twelve Guardian Ninja.'' Lilia explained as she crossed her arms out front of her chest and glanced at a pair of elders, leaving the teahouse section.

Nodding as she spoke, Hayate was glad to hear the information. He waited until she had finished before asking, "Does this mean there are only twelve members of the Konoha Guardians as well?" Hayate paused, hesitant to ask his next question for fear of upsetting Lilia. After a moment however, he pressed on. "I am ashamed to admit this, but I am also a little unfamiliar with the Daimyo. I have not heard much of him and his role with the Land of Fire. Is he similar to our Hokage?" Hayate looked down as he asked the question, unable to meet Lilia's gaze.

Thinking about the second question, Lilia shook her head lightly. ''No, there is more room than just twelve members. The most are young people, some even younger than us, that want to protect Konohagakure with everything they got. I am planning on making a clear difference about the ranks, seeing I don't want to see the youngest already trying to put their lives on stake, because they are part of the Konoha Guardians.'' She told him. ''As for the Daimyo, he is the owner of the Fire Country. But unlike the Hokage, he isn't really the military mastermind behind operations. He is a feudal lord. Nothing that however has outgoing influence like the Hokage does, who holds the power over the shinobi and such operations.''

"That makes perfect sense. Thank you Lilia-sama, and please forgive my ignorance. My clan likes to hide away from the rest of the world, and so I do not hear much about things outside of the village. Your explanation helps quite a bit though, and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me." Hayate was finally able to meet Lilia's gaze again and smiled. "If this is how impressive Azumi looks from the outside, I'm excited to see how it looks on the inside."

''Don't worry. I can understand it.'' Lilia responded, flashing a smile in his direction before brushing away a lock of black hair. ''Why don't we find out.'' With that she led him towards the door and opened them. The smell of tea, leather from scrolls and incense filld their nose. It meant that some personel were already trying to make it give a calming feeling to the place. Lilia giggled because of that. ''Sorry. I am still trying to give a soothing and peaceful feeling to the place. Hope you like it.'' She told him while leading him around. She showed him the library, where they had already some good collection of scrolls. Of course techniques and information that was regarded as pretty basic. Lilia did explained she was interested to make the inventory of scrolls, books and other informative wares bigger as whenever a member would find such a thing. After that, she showed him the armoury, where most basic equipment was stored and would function as a refit for the members. Again, Lilia explained she was trying to expand it, but that she had to find a decent smith of her liking to hire. ''Not to mention I need to be careful. Though Azumi generates a good income, I rather don't want to be too careless with the money.''

After that they would continue to the section where the rooms were at. ''Each member has an own room, no matter their rank. They can use their room whenever they see fit. Either for permanent use or for temporary uses. After all, Azumi serves as a residence for the members of the Konoha Guardians.'' She led him to a room that would be his. ''Hope you like it. You have a good view here over the gardens.'' Lilia told him, hoping he would like his room. Like the others, there was a comfortable bed and two closets. A desk and of course space for him to fill up the room as he would want it.

Upon entering the building Hayate was hit with the calming aroma. Seeing Lilia giggle he turned to her. "There is no need to be sorry Lilia-sama. It is quite nice. I am just not used to it yet, although I find it rather pleasing." He smiled warmly and continued following her. Hayate was impressed at everything that Azumi contained. It was amazing to think of how it was all put together. Hayate nodded politely each time Lilia explained more about Azumi, and he followed her to the rooms.
Understanding dawned on him as Lilia spoke, this was to be his room. He was thrown off by the level of hospitality. Not able to respond immediately, Hayate walked through the room, observing the comfortable looking bed, the desk space and even he closets. He stopped in front of the window, looking out into the magnificent gardens. Hayate was blown away. Turning to Lilia he said, "I love it. Are you sure this is mine only? It seems quite large, and I don't need to take up too much space." He still couldn't grasp that Lilia was offering him a room, let alone one as comfortable as this.

''If I wouldn't be sure, then I wouldn't have say it with such a confident tone. Would I now?'' She told him with a wink. Leaning againt the door post, she did enjoyed the fact he liked it and was surprised by the things that would be able for him to use now that he had entered in the Konoha Guardians. There was more to it, like meeting the other members and training with them and the additional trainers Lilia had managed to arrange for them. But for now she didn't want to overwhelm him already with everything. ''I think it's also pretty clear that as a group you're needed to respect those around you. But knowing you so far, that won't be any problem. Come, I will show you the lounge. Are you hungry by any chance?'' She asked him as she waited for him to follow her.

Hayate smiled warmly when she confirmed that this room was indeed meant for him. "Thank you Lilia-sama. This is probably one of the kindest things I have ever had done for me. I am honoured." Hayate bowed respectfully and began to follow her again. "As a matter of fact I am getting a little hungry. Training with you must have built me a bit of an appetite." Hayate laughed and rubbed his stomach jokingly.

She giggled as well as she led him to the lounge. ''Take a seat. Now and then the members are needed to make their own food, but luckily I found Kazuo. Kazuo-sama!'' Lilia called out, waiting for a man to come to them. He had a little moustache and made a bow to both of them, but remained silent. Lilia smiled and already explained it. ''Kazuo is a highly educated butler that has lost his job for some reason. I was looking for somebody who could run the personel with me and it seems he can do it even better than I first expected. Ain't that right, Kazuo-sama?'' The man simply made a short bow again before looking with a calm look in their directions. ''Just say what you want to eat and he will arrange it for you. Not to mention, he will also take care of some small things you would like to have arranged. Such as a new weapon or such. He is the best, you will see it for yourself.'' Lilia said, with pride in her voice, as if she herself was Kazuo. The old man just made another silent short bow.

Taking a seat across from Lilia, Hayate smiled kindly at the butler. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance Kazuo." Hayate bowed in kind to the man. He turned to Lilia, and said, "I find myself constantly astonished at what you have accomplished here Lilia-sama. I think I know now why you have been able to do so much." Hayate smiled warmly before continuing, "You have a talent Lilia. A talent for drawing good people into your life. It serves you quite well, and it is an incredibly admirable quality." He did not quite know what else to say, and so he simply kept smiling and looked away, observing the rest of the lounge.

Lilia was a bit surprised by the compliment and giggled as she was grateful for that one. ''You sure know how to make me laugh all the time. In a good way of course.'' She replied. Leaning against the back of her seat, Lilia spoke again. ''But it's not just me. I mostly have designed the things myself, but I get insperation from other sources. I did some research before making the place as it is now. The good people, like yourself, is what makes it great. Oh Kazuo, I would like to have just some soup. Nothing too heavy.'' The old man made a short bow again as he was only waiting for Hayate's order.

Hearing her laugh, Hayate turned back to her smiling. Seeing the butler still standing there, Hayate realized that he had forgotten to order anything. "Soup sounds lovely. Could I get some soup as well?" Hayate bowed politely to the server before continuing his conversation with Lilia. "You are too kind Lilia-sama. I look forward to spending time here and getting to know everyone better."

Kazuo nodded after he took their orders. Lilia laughed briefly at the words of Hayate. ''That is good to hear. I think you'll fit in nicely with the others.'' Lilia told him after she thought of something. ''I do need to say that other than the regular members, we have some trainers and such to help those who are in need of some training. I could later give you a list... unless you want to hear now who you could approach for some training.'' Lilia told Hayate.

Hayate thought carefully for a moment. He definitely enjoyed training and would quite like to hear who was a part of the Gaurdian trainers. Not wanting to sound too eager however, he simply said, "Whatever you think is best. I am always up for training, but I can understand if it's easier for you just to give me a list. Afterall, I wouldn't want our lunch to talk into a boring matter for you. I quite enjoy this time." Hayate smiled at Lilia, letting her know he wasn't too serious about it being boring for her. He just didn't want her to think he was only here with her to find ways to help himself. He truly enjoyed spending time with her, and he was glad he could call her a friend.

Waving with her hand, indicating that she didn't mind it, Lilia spoke. ''Kensuke Nimatsu, is the person you can see for Kenjutsu training. Zakito Hon is the one for ninjutsu, while Yumi Hasewaga can help you with Taijutsu. And since recently, you can visit Tsubasa Kokoro as she has been enlisted as our smith.'' Lilia told Hayate. ''Besides, it's not that boring to talk about these kind of things. After all, would be pretty silly if I get bord with things I arranged myself.'' She told him with a smile.

Laughing as she finished, Hayate nodded. "I suppose you are correct there. I appreciate the information. I will have to seek out the others soon. But what of you Lilia-sama? Would you ever be available to train with? I quite enjoyed training with you earlier." Hayate smiled warmly before considering something, "Although I can also understand how busy you must truly be. But if you ever did have time I would love the opportunity." Hayate hoped that she didn't think he was being pushy, he simply enjoyed training with her, and he enjoyed the challenge.

''Oh, I'll have time. But my knowledge on some particular fields is lacking. I could teach you how to wield a blade, thus kenjutsu. Or how to become better in Taijutsu. But some fields, like Earth Release are out of my reach.'' Lilia explained. She was surprised he still wanted to train with her, but she found it cool that he would like that. ''Besides, I would like to keep on training with you as well. Kind, polite and potential are some things that are rare when they are combined in one person. At least these days.'' Lilia giggled briefly after saying that.

Hayate blushed at her compliments. "I appreciate your kind words and I am glad that you would also like to continue training with me. It would be an honour. I think I could learn many things from you Lilia-sama. Surely you sell yourself short. You are a highly talented shinbobi." Hayate smiled and continued, "You are quite a skilled trainer as well. You made it much easier to learn the technique."

She smiled as she listend to his compliment. Rubbing her left shoulder with her right hand, she shrugged lightly. ''It's just what I do. Besides, most work came from you. I just try to give you some pointers.'' She told him. Though she liked the compliment, she had the idea he was praising her a bit too much. Not that she was actually bothered by it. Lilia liked it, but had the feeling she had to deserve such praise.

"Either way, I appreciate it, and I enjoyed getting to train with you." Hayate said. He looked around the room again, noting the calm atmosphere and the peaceful decor. It was very different from the bland, conservative decorations at his home. He liked this place, it felt welcoming, it felt comfortable. Hayate turned back to Lilia. "So what is the plan for after lunch? Was there more you were wanting to show me, or are you busy for the remainder of the afternoon?" He asked, making it clear that he understood if she had to part ways with him after they ate. He hoped Lilia would be free, but he was starting to realize just how busy she must be.

Thinking about it, Lilia knew that there were some tasks she couldn't skip. Paperwork and arranging some things. In her mind, she started to weigh everything that she had to do and what would happen if she would postpone it. ''I can talk a bit more and spend some time before I have to return to some duties. Not to say, you could use your own time to get known with your room or walk a bit around Azumi. I noticed how much you like the gardens.'' Lilia replied with a friendly tone. As she finished her sentence, she noticed Kazuo was coming towards them with a plate. Their order was on it and the old man placed it on their table before making a small bow. Smiling as she nodded, dismissing the old man, Lilia waited for Hayate's reaction on her answer before she would begin on her soup.

Nodding, Hayate smiled briefly. He had indeed enjoyed the peaceful nature of the gardens. While he was disappointed that he wouldn't have much longer to talk with Lilia, he also understood she had other things to take care of. Looking up and seeing their food arrive, Hayate cleared a small space in front of himself. "That is quite alright Lilia-sama. I sall enjoy the rest of our time together and then I think I shall take a look around. Maybe I will be able to meet some of the others. And you were quite right, the gardens were beautiful, I think I may spend some more time there as well." Hayate smiled at Kazuo as he set the plate down. Hayate bowed briefly and respectfully to the butler before turning back to Lilia, waiting for her response.

Picking up her spoon, Kazuo walked away. ''Well, you can always spend time to make them grow and try to learn to garden a bit. I am not that great at it, to be honest.'' She told him as she noticed the soup was still quite warm. ''After all, a little hobby to pass the time can always be good. Either if you're a shinobi or a civilian. Right?'' Lilia asked him.

Thinking on what she'd suggested, Hayate also picked up a spoon. "I'd never considered that before to be honest. I may just do that." Hayate smiled, taking a sip of the soup. Realizing how warm the soup was he quickly set the spoon down and continued speaking, "I have not ever taken care of a garden before. It would be fun to learn, I think. And as you say, a hobby is indeed important."
Giggling, as she wanted to make a joke that he could maybe even make it a part-time job, being the gardener of the Guardians, she decided against it. ''Never can hurt to try. Maybe you will find some peace in it. Else I wouldn't mind to hire somebody to help you a bit in it. Always remember that the Guardians will be there for the members, as long they show they are valuable members.'' Lilia told him, winking in his direction.

Hayate couldn't suppress the smile that came to his face when Lilia smiled. He grinned and said, "I only hope I don't manage to somehow destroy the beautiful gardens, that would be quite... disappointing." Hayate laughed and then grew a little more serious, "I hope that I can prove my value Lilia-sama. Thank you for this opportunity."

Scoffing, Lilia kept smiling herself. ''I think you would do fine. And beside, you won't know until you've tried it.'' She told him, lifting her spoon. The soup had cooled down as she didn't burned her mouth. The rich flavour of the soup was one to her liking. Taking another sip of the soup, Lilia asked Hayate another question. ''Hope the soup is good enough.''

As she asked him about the soup, Hayate was already taking another delicious sip. He quickly tried to slurp it down, causing him to cough a bit as it went down the wrong tube. "Th...the soup is very tasty Lilia-sama, my compliments to the chef." Hayate cleared the last remnants of soup out of his throat before continuing. "I apologize for my lack of manners, I am apparently still learning how to eat properly." He flashed a grin as he said it, letting her know he was just poking fun at himself.

Finishing on her soup as well, Lilia let out a short laughter. As if she was offended by that little lack of manners! ''It's perfectly fine, Hayate-kun. Sometimes even I need to remind myself of how to behave... like a girl.. I mean, a lady should do. But you know, it's sometimes a bit annoying. I've been raised so differently. I begin to think that ''normal'' isn't normal at all!'' Lilia said to him. She knew a bit that he was a bit shy and hoped this could cheer him up or at least make him feel that they had some common ground. Even if it was a bit vague.

Nodding to let her know that he understood, even if it was a little vague, Hayate smiled, "I'm beginning to think that normal is overrated anyways. Meeting new people, I get to see the value in each individual. Everyone is different, and although I used to think that being different meant being outcast, I've started to see that people enjoy these differences. It's what truly makes people special." Hayate felt warm, and it wasn't just because of the soup. He knew that the company had something to do with it as well. "I want to thank you Lilia-sama, for being my first true friend. And for helping me to see that everyone is unique. It seems I learn something more every time we talk." Setting aside his spoon, Hayate smiled and waited for Lilia's response.
Blinking a few times with her eyes, Lilia thought about his words. His first real friend? She felt that it something she should be careful with. Not because it could harm him, but because she valued it greatly. Like it as a beautiful vase. An object that could break, but had such a great beauty that you wanted to keep it safe from harm. ''Hayate-kun, I'm happy that I'm your friend. One day you might be able to teach me some things. I love to spend time with you, like this.'' She told him, meaning every word she said.

Hayate was at a loss. Lilia's words meant a lot to him and he found himself beaming. She truly was incredibly kind, and Hayate found himself wanting to spend more time with her as well. "Thank you Lilia-sama. That truly means a lot to me. I too love the time that we get to spend together. It is nice having someone to talk to, and to share with without having to watch every word I say." Hayate was truly happy for the first time in quite awhile. He knew now that moving away from the Hyūzu estate was going to be the best thing for him to do. He was glad that he now had somewhere to go, somewhere to get away from his clan's overbearing sense of secrecy. "I will do my best to see if I can become skilled enough to teach something to one as talented as yourself. That would be an honour."

Without needing to think about a possible reply, Lilia responded back. ''And it would be a great honour to learn something from somebody like you, Hayate-kun.'' Lilia said, smiling with a genuine, warm smile in his direction. Leaning forward, as she placed her elbows on the table, Lilia briefly glanced outside. ''I need to say that I'm really glad that you can be honest with me Hayate-kun.'' She looked back at him. ''I'll try to make sure that you can also always count on mine honest opinion, if you would want to hear it.''

"I welcome it always Lilia-sama. I am also very glad that you can be honest with me. It means a lot to me to have someone that I can trust." Hayate's smile stayed in place. He didn't know what else to say but he also felt like nothing needed to be said. There was just a nice moment of silence as two friends enjoyed sitting together. Hayate welcomed this new feeling of comfort and peace.

Winking, she let out a giggle. ''No problem. I am not that great lying as I can be with telling the truth. In a blunt manner often, but you have to forgive me for that. I've been raised like that.'' She told him. Lilia knew she had to attend to some serious things, like her paperwork. There was a lot of things that she was still in need of to do. But the moment of silence was so comforting, so peaceful. ''I actually need to go. If you need anything, call for Kazuo. And let me know if you've done anything with the gardens, okay?'' Slowly rising up from her seat, Lilia flashed a genuine smile in his direction.

Smiling at her words, Hayate spoke "In many ways I value that bluntness over deceipt. It is nice every once and awhile to hear someone who does not feel the need to tip-toe around their true feelings. My small amount of time with Hiron-sama taught me to value that bluntness, as it is almost the purest form of truth. So please do not feel like you have to apologize for that Lilia-sama, you are quite similiar to Hiron-sama in the way that you speak honestly. I greatly enjoy that, and I always look forward to talking with you." As she stood, Hayate thought he would feel disappointment that they had to part ways; instead however, he remained happy, knowing that they would speak again soon. "Thank you for your time Lilia-sama. I wish you the best with your tasks, and hope you have a truly wonderful day. As for the gardens, well... I'll see that I don't caue too much of a mess." Hayate let out a laugh and smiled back warmly. It had been a good day.

Lilia nodded as she now stood. ''Thank you as well Hayate-kun. I'll have a wonderful day, knowing you walk these halls as well now.'' Then she had a cheeky smile on her lips, winking again. ''As for the mess... Sometimes it's a bit fun to hear somebody caused a mess. So don't worry too much about it. See you later, Hayate-kun!'' She flashed a warm smile as she walked past him, patting his shoulder before continueing on her way to her own little office. Happy with the newest asset to the Guardians, Lilia knew that she would've a wonderful day ahead of her. Another bright flame had joined their ranks after all.

Hayate's smile stayed on his face long after Lilia had gone. He was going to have fun here, he knew it. As she had patted his shoulder, Hayate had felt flushed with warmth. He sat in silence for quite some time, reflecting on his day, and how much it had changed him. The day was still young however, and it was a beautiful one. Hayate smiled to himself as he looked out the window. The view was unparalleled, and it brought about a sense of warmth and peace that Hayate had never truly felt before.
Slowly pushing himself out from the table, Hayate stood. "Now, about that garden..."

[Little Alice]

The new Art sensei of Lilia!
The way of the battle fans!

A collab between Arkay and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the timeskip.

Summary :

Lilia meeting Tsubasa and though at the bad start, the two managed to get along with each other. It even turns out in a training with each other as Tsubasa introduces Lilia to a new style of fighting, one she finds very interesting.

SPOILER: Click to show

Walking, dressed in her kunoichi garb, Lilia sighed. With an annoyed look, she wasn't sure what to do today. She felt like training, but like always, there was just nobody when she was going to the fields. Why was that? Was it some joke? Or were people scared of her? Finally pissed at it, she noticed two chuunins walking past her. Suddenly, out of nowhere she made a sound.

''Boo...'' One of them flinched and the two looked worried in her direction. This made Lilia raise her right eyebrow, making the two quickly pick up the pace. Really... She found it strange. It wasn't like it was set on her forehead that she was scary. Or was it? Lilia puffed her cheeks up and kicked a rock away. Even the soft grumbling of Samehada didn't cheered her up. Stupid people. They were sometimes all the same.

With a stumble to her left and right, Tsubasa attempted to make her way to the training fields. She needed fresh targets, and they ones up by the training field were sliced up. It was hard to navigate the village streets wearing all her gear and carrying these dummies. It was like flying with one eye closed. Clearing a corner on her right, Tsubasa's breastplate armor shifted, making her stumble. The streets were rather crowded and she noticed she was about to fall onto someone. As he fell onto the smaller being, Tsubasa squeaked out, "Move!"

Yelping as she had been in thoughts, Lilia narrowed her eyes. ''Bite me.'' She responded back. A low growling sound was heard from the bandaged sword on her back as she placed her hands on her hips and raised her right eyebrow. The other person seemed taller, but she knew better. Height didn't make a difference when there were other factors. That and she felt like talking back. It reminded her of somebody.

Tsubasa heard the faint hum from behind what she could tell was a small girl. Her face scrinched up as he rushed some chakra to her side. Twisting herself a bit, she let off a small impulse burst. Being flung back to her feet, Tsubasa attempted to find her center. With a few wiggles, she set one of the dummies down next to her and stood up straight. Eying the small girl, Tsubasa bowed her head. "I'm sorry, I should have been more careful..." Tsubasa's ponytail flipped over her shoulder as she eyed the young woman.

A bit surprised by the response, as she had expected some back talk, Lilia calmed down as well. ''Is fine. Though I was taught not to bow my head. Why are you carrying all that stuff anyways?'' Lilia pointed at the dummy. She got interested a bit, if she had to admit and the other girl looked not like a civilian. At least, something like a sixth sense told Lilia that she stood near a kunoichi. Maybe one with an interesting ability.

Tsubasa chuckled as she straightened herself up. With a smile, she tapped the head of the dummy. "Training! The ones up by the field are minced. I need to strength test a jutsu." She said plainly, eyeing the girl up and down, who seemed to be a kunoichi. Probably someone her teammates knew. "Care to give me some help?" She suggested, tilting her head to the side.

Thinking about it, Lilia shrugged. She could. Though not just herself. Finding it fun to abuse it now, seeing she always was careful with using Shadow clones, she made two to make sure she hadn't to carry anything herself. Walking next to Tsubasa, Lilia eyed her with a curious look. ''Soooo, you're a kunoichi too? May I know your name?'' Lilia asked her, with a more polite tone than first.

Tsubasa sighed with relief as the shadow clones off her person. Tightening her breatsplate and shifting her greatsword, Tsubasa continued toward the fields. "I'm Tsubasa Kokoro, and yes I am a kunoichi...." Tsubasa chuckled a slightly as she thought about it. "Huh... kind of weird saying it. Anyway, may I know your name?" Tsubasa's eyes settled on the girl next to her, something about her seem familiar, but she couldn't remember what reminded who.

The name sounded familiar. Wait, she knew this person! She had been with Team 4, no! She was part of Team 4. She had been there when they had went to the mountain ranges where the Nibi was sighted. Smiling in Tsubasa's direction, Lilia answered the question. ''The girl that kicked Ken-senpai in his groin. Lilia Hon.'' Lilia said, giggling.

Tsubasa snapped her fingers as she recognised the name. "That was it! You where there when we went to go find the two-tails. I did wonder what you were up to." She said as she stepped onto the training field. "Why did you kick him in the balls again? I can't exactly remember...." She chuckled as she set the dummy down on the middle of the field.

''He didn't let me ride on his back. Threw me off and then scolded me.'' She told Tsubasa, remembering the day like it was yesterday. She wouldn't forgot that day. It was the last day she had lived without having something sealed within her. With her clones helping to set up the field, Lilia rubbed her left shoulder. ''So, what are you going to do now then?'' Lilia asked Tsubasa.

Tsubasa put her hands on her waist and pulled two bladed, metal fans off it. Slowly letting chakra flow into them, making them glow a little more than their normal golden tinge. "I want to try out a new technique. I think I'm about to make these fans more helpful." Walking away from the dummy she gestured the girl to back away.

Backing away, Lilia got interested. Fans? She could see that they weren't the ordinary ones. These were highly likely combat ones. But Lilia had only heard of these. She couldn't remember anybody ever wielding fans in a fight. It was interesting to think one could them for combat situations. Sitting on a log, Lilia leaned forward while her elbows rested on her legs. With big curious eyes she followed Tsubasa's movements. ''Coooool.''

Tsubasa took in a deep inhale as she eyed her path to the dummies. Increasing the flow of chakra into the fans, Tsubasa also let chakra concentrate his back. Leaning slightly forward, she released two bursts on her back and boots. Sliding across the ground, Tsubasa turned to the right and began to make a circle around the dummies. She eyes quickly darted toward her fans, which were glowing a bright golden color. Picking up speed, Tsubasa continued to circle around the dummies, her long ponytail streaming behind her.

Finally believing she was at a proper speed, Tsubasa swurved toward the dummies. Preparing her fans, she slightly opened the fan and loosened her right arm. Coming in range, Tsubasa released her fire chakra into the fan as he brought it up in an upward motion. Igniting the air around the dummies, Tsubasa seemed to be sending a flaming gust upward, before sliding between them and cutting one of them with the fan. Swurving to her side and closing her bursts, Tsubasa came to a hault next to Lilia's log.

"Huh... well that worked...." Tsubasa said surprised with a chuckle.

Slowly clapping, Lilia had a big smile on her face. ''That was... awesome! Where did you learned that?'' Lilia asked Tsubasa, clearly impressed. She had seen quite some things and weird tools and weapons, but not the way how Tsubasa fought. It was new and cool in her opinion. Not that she saw herself learning to wield war fans, but the idea was appealing. She also could understood why the previous dummies were minched.

Tsubasa chuckled a bit as she put her fans back on her hips. "I kind of just figured it would work and tried. This was the first time I did that... I guess I should name it." She chuckled "Maybe Phoenix Sage Wing?" She said still thinking....

Thinking as well, Lilia snapped her fingers. ''Deadly Phoenix Dance?'' She suggested, smiling as she liked this. It wasn't really goofing around, but she found it something interesting. Even if it didn't made her stronger. Sometimes one could get stronger by learning. ''But how do you use the fans then? Like, for what kind of combat functions?'' Lilia asked, very curiously.

Tsubasa turned her eyes to Lilia with a smirk. "I could show you if you want. I need to work on my sparring a bit anyway. I'd be fun to see your blade skills." She said slowly removing her fans. Tsubasa figured Lilia would want to join in with the training pretty soon. Tsubasa thought the sooner the better.

Lilia's eyes gained a twinkle as Tsubasa mentioned a spar. Rising up, she patted the big bandaged sword on her back. ''I'm not that great, but I've heard that I can pack a punch.'' The bandaged blade made a short sound, to which Lilia gently rubbed it. ''So, only using blades then? No ninjutsu?'' She asked, a bit excited.

Tsubasa nodded at Lilia. "Just a kenjutsu match. You won't see any flames here." She chuckled, before flicking her fans open. Walking a bit into the field a bit, Tsubasa got into an odd stance, that almost mimicked a brawler with a fan in each hand. "Read when you are, Miss Hon." She said smiling.

Thinking about her weapon of choice, she whistled briefly. The white bandaged weapon her back shivered. Releasing the special sheath, the shark blade slithered on the ground. Opening his mouth, a hilt was slowly revealed. ''Thanks Shady. Good boy.'' She mumbled, pulling a ninjato out of his mouth and spinning the blade as she turned her attention to Tsubasa. ''I'm ready. After all, Ken-senpai has trained me with using kenjutsu.'' She told Tsubasa, preparing herself with taking a fighting stance.

Tsubasa chuckled. "Then you'll love these." Tsubasa said as she twisted herself around and threw one of the fans toward Lilia. Charging after the fan, she leapt up into the air and twisted around as to bring her fan down onto the small girl. Tsubasa was surprising nimble, despite her plate alloy armor that she sported and her size.

Seeing the blade being thrown towards her, Lilia readied herself. Her green eyes followed the movement of the weapon as she quickly stepped to the left to evade the weapon, only to hear that Tsubasa was about to bring down her other fan at her. Readying her sword, Lilia already had a plan in mind. If she could dodge the next attack, she would be able to attack Tsubasa while she had an opening. Knowing however better than to already consider this a win as it was clear that Tsubasa was bigger and stronger, Lilia hoped she could outmach her with speed. ''Come on then.'' She mumbled, flipping her weapon to hold in a reverse way.

Tsubasa grinned as she saw the girl set herself a guard. Landing just in front of Lilia, Tsubasa caught her thrown fan and quickly, brought her two fans up in a slashing motion, hoping to knock the girl off balance. Following it up with a stern kick to her area. With hope this could disarm or knock her off her feet.

As Tsubasa landed, Lilia readied herself. Not to block the incoming attack but to evade. It was clear that Tsubasa had a bigger raw strength if Lilia wasn't allowed to use the empowering chakra of Matatabi. Quickly stepping aside, while ducking Lilia managed to avoid the slash and kick. The problem was that she could see that Tsubasa wasn't somebody that would be tricked easily. Hoping that Kensuke's training would pay off, Lilia would stay on defense until she would see an opening.

As Tsubasa finished her kick, she rolled off to her right, opposite to Lilia. She was starting to add up that she couldn't gode her into a counter attack like she usually did with Kensuke. She was pretty good, but it was time to see what the girl could do with that small blade. Lifting herself up back into the brawler stance, Tsubasa moved her right arm down seeming to loosen up. It was a defensive stance for fan use, but untrained eyes assumed otherwise. She waited for Lilia's next move. "Again... waiting on you."

Narrowing her green eyes, Lilia tighten her grip on her ninjato. She wasn't sure what was on with that stance. Knowing that it was unknown to her, she was aware that her opponent was somebody skilled. Like any in Team 4. Scoffing, she locked her eyes with Tsuabsa as she then ran towards her foe. Readying her blade, it would look she was trying to go with a quick slash from the right, but it was a mere feint for her to slide over the ground and try to lash out as she would perform the move.

As Tsubasa saw Lilia's strike to her right, Tsubasa moved her right fan to catch the blade, but it quickly turned into a sliding uppercut. Luckily her left fan could easily catch the blade. Before Lilia began to slide, Tsubasa took a step forward with her right foot and then moved her left fan down, quickly snapping the fan around the blade. As Lilia's leg met Tsubasa's, she steadied herself on the other leg and stopped Lilia's momentum. Pulling her fan up to the left, Tsubasa attempted to disarm the young girl before bringing the other hand down to hold the small fan by her neck. "Checkmate, Ms. Hon." She chuckled.

Biting her lower lip, Lilia cursed herself. She had been too rash. No, that wasn't it. She had expected that she would outsmart somebody with such a trick. ''Maybe...'' She mumbled, but she didn't wanted to give up. Even with being disarmed, she had her taijutsu expertise. Laying on her back, she brought up her free leg in attempt to kick Tsubasa as she formed a fist with her right hand. Focusing, she wanted to slam the fan by her neck away so that she could then try to roll out of Tsubasa's reach.

With a sigh, Tsubasa lifted her free arm to block the kick. Taking a step over Lilia, Tsubasa dropped her knee on the girl's chest, keeping the girl down with all of her weight. Keeping the fan by her neck, Tsubasa smiled as she leaned more and more on the tiny frame. "I did say checkmate didn't I?" Tsubasa said not really sure this fight was fair.

Grunting, Lilia tried to save herself. Suppressing the urge to shock the hell out of Tsubasa, the little girl tried to wring herself free. But Tsubasa was bigger and stronger. ''Wasn't one...much...for chess.'' Lilia managed to get out. Puffing, Lilia tried to fight back, until she realized it. Sighing, she raised her hands and laid it to her side. ''Fine fine... Fine... You're too heavy...''

Tsubasa giggled. "That's a new one. You see how I use the fans now? Every action has a double purpose. No waisted movement." Tsubasa said waving her arms. Picking up Lilia's sword, she eyed the material and smithwork. It wasn't exactly the greatest she had seen, but very well made regardless. "How much do you use jutsu with your sword? It looks like a lot." She noted, eyeing the finish on the blade wearing away.

Finally able to breath, she heard Tsubasa's words. Getting up slowly, she frowned. ''I do... Well, I have three kind of swords..That is one of the fourteen ninjato's I use for my Sword Dance Technique. I have... Sharky.'' As she said his name, the white bandaged sentient blade shivered and made a short grunting sound. ''And a special blade, made by my guardian.. But why did you asked that question?'' Lilia asked, rubbing her stomach and chest as she felt the aching pain. Making a mental note never to get close to somebody that wielded fans, Lilia was curious to what Tsubasa had to tell her.

Tsubasa grinned as she handed the blade to Lilia. "Well I craft my know weapons and I can kind of tell those blades weren't made for jutsu. It isn't a big thing, but they will need to be sharpened more often if you keep using them that way. Tsubasa said slipping her fans onto her waist. "Where did you get that blade on your back?" Tsubasa said eyeing the large weapon.

Interested by Tsuabsa, Lilia thought about crafting her own weapon. Though she wasn't sure what weapon she would want. Maybe an axe? Nah. Maybe a halbard? But before she could continue to ponder, she heard the other question. Clearly Tsubasa meant Samehada. ''I killed the previous owner. Masuba of the Mist, one the ... swordsmen, I think they are called. Long story. Cheeky boy even devoured me.'' Rubbing her neck with her left hand, Lilia looked at the white bandaged blade. ''Has a mind of his own... Which is a bit of a trouble at times, but he is a good boy. Right, Sharky?'' Lilia smiled, but no reaction came from the sentient weapon. Either it was acting if it wasn't alive or she had said something wrong. ''See what I mean?''

Tsubasa chuckled again. "A living blade sounds like it could be... problemsome. I think I heard about those blades. I think there are seven others? Anywho, if you want, I could try to draw up designs for an new set of blades. They aren't hard to make. I need the practise anyway." She said, thinking of the other things she needed to do.

Surprised, Lilia wondered why Tsubasa would want to draw designs for a set of new blades. ''I think so.. I have not really researched in the swords of the Mist. I just.. well. I found it sad to leave him alone as he kind of like my chakra. Or that of... Why would you want to draw a new set? I'm very grateful but... well, aren't you a busy person?'' Lilia tried to focus, but she wasn't good in situations like this. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she kicked a little rock away. ''Sorry, I start to ramble.''

Tsubasa bit her lip, trying to hold back a large smile. Lilia was adorable. Stepping forward, Tsubasa pinched Lilia's cheek, chuckling. "How cute. I just like to keep busy. Every bit of practise I get forging stuff for friends, I can apply that skill to my gear." Tsubasa pulled the collar on her beastplate. "This is the third I've made on this." She chuckled. "So how about it? I could make you a replica or something different if you want?"

Lilia's eyes widened as she felt how her cheeks were pinched. It took her self control to not shock Tsubasa, because Lilia really disliked it when people would commit acts like that. She wasn't some kind of little stuffed animal. Rubbing her cheeks, she listened to the older girl. ''I am so not cute.'' She softly mumbled to herself, as if she had to say it to believe it herself. But as she saw the what Tsubasa showed her, the drawing, Lilia's eyes gained a twinkle. ''Coooool. Wait, would you make one for me? But I have nothing to offer back.'' She told Tsubasa, feeling a bit guilty about it.

Tsubasa shook her head. "Oh relax yourself. I get the forging experience so try not to think of it that way." Tsubasa nudged the small girl with a smile and kneeled down over the small piece of paper she pulled out. "So cutie, tell me what you want." She said with a wink.

Pondering, she knew that Hiron had taught her to not just take on offerings of people she hardly knew. But she did liked what Tsubasa could make for her. There had to be a middle way, so that both parties would be happy. And she of course. ''Okay, but in exchange, I want to train with you. A few more times. I want to know how I can counter those fans. Maybe then I can also teach you something! How does that sound?'' Lilia suggested.

Tsubasa grinned as she eyed Lilia. "Fair enough. I'd be fun to hang out with another girl for once. Team 4 used to be a bit of a boys club." She chuckled. Tsubasa quickly stopped chuckling as an idea popped into her head. Beginning to draw onto the piece of paper, Tsubasa began to draw a thin blade like a tanto with no hand guard and a thin grip. Drawing several others, she pulled out her fan for reference. Pulling away finally, Tsubasa looked at the finished product. It ressembled a fan, but it was larger and didn't have as much rip as her's in comparison. It was sleek and the five blades could be removed for something like a short tanto. Eyeing Lilia, Tsubasa waited for her reaction. "Thoughts?"

Narrowing her eyes, Lilia seemed to try to be looking like she had some experience with reviewing such weapons. It looked interesting to her. Something that she could use as a surprise weapon when one was familiar with the normal kenjutsu weapons. ''I like it. Seems like something that I could use in the future... Of course will need to train with it, but never the less cool and interesting. Awesome talent you have there.'' Lilia complimented Tsubasa, flashing a warm smile in her direction.

"Well that is why you are going to train with me! We'll figure out how it will work for you. It shouldn't be too different from a fan, no?" Tsubasa said thinking of the materials to get the weapon ready. "Could you tell me what chakra element you are best with? It could help with the steel of the blade." Tsubasa hoped it wouldn't be a material that was too hard to find. Water chakra blades were expensive...

''Lightning is my affinity... But I am also working to control the Fire chakra nature that I only learned a month ago... But I'm already very happy that you want to honor me with such a gift.'' Lilia said with a big smile. She was already very excited to use such a weapon. Maybe she could use it to surprise others with it? After all, she hadn't been sure how Tsubasa would react with her fans while she had her good share of combat experience.

Tsubasa sighed with relief. "Good! Then this will be easy. It will be similar to my great sword, but maybe a little lighter. Don't think of this as an honor. You're helping me just as much." She rolled up the small piece of paper and put it in her hip-pouch. "Now then... what should we practise first?" She asked standing up.

The question made Lilia ponder on several things. ''I would like to know more about using fans in a fight. I noticed that you managed to use one as... a boomerrang something. That was pretty nice. But how do you do that?'' Lilia asked curiously. Though she had lost in the short match, she didn't feel any regret for it. Learning new things and even getting a new weapon to use and learn already made it all worth it.

Tsubasa tilted her head to the side as she thought about what was now muscle memory. "It isn't very different than throwing a shuriken. It just requires that you be slightly more gentle. The fasinating thing about chakra infused steel is that when you imagine the path the object will take, it follows it when you release it with chakra. Additionally you can add an element to the fan as it travels, like I showed you earlier with my tested technique." Tsubasa pulled out one of her fans and handed it to Lilia. "Who don't you try throwing it right now? The trick is to keep the majority of the power in the center of the fan, so it spins like a disk. We can get into manipulating chakra with it later.

Taking the fan, Lilia listened very carefully to what Tsubasa had told her. It sounded handy as she could try use that with more techniques and weapons. A smirk crept on the lips of the girl as she looked around for a target. Chakra flow was something that was a piece of cake for Lilia as she had used it with all kind of weapons, even make-shift ones, in order to overwhelm her foes. Trying to focus most in the center, it did felt.. different. Most of the time she had used swords and such bladed weapons. After some moments, pouring in chakra in the fan, Lilia tried to mimic what she had seen from Tsubasa, trying to make the fan fly towards a small tree. As the fan approached the tree, Lilia's smirk grew to a smile. Only vanish as the fan seemed to miss it and coming back. ''Euuuhm...Tsubasa-san...What now?'' Lilia asked, unsure if she had catch the spinning fan that was about to come back.

Tsubasa sighed, realising she needed to teach her how to catch it. "Watch carefully." Tsubasa said, slipping her hand below the fan and gently closing the disk by grabbing the non-bladed part of the fan. Snapping the fan closed, she handed it down to Lilia. "It's a bit hard to do. Did you see it?"

Watching, Lilia wondered if that would go just as good as it had been when she had thrown the weapon. Looking at the fan, Lilia took it again with a nod. ''I did. Maybe it will work now.'' Lilia looked at the small tree as she prepared herself again. Narrowing her eyes, she decided to take it differently. When she had tried to aim for the tree in a straight way, it had missed. Maybe she would need to do it in an arc? Breathing in, Lilia thren threw the fan as it started to spin and fly towards the small tree from the right. This time it did cut through as Lilia smirked. Only now it was coming back. Preparing herself, she remembered how Tsubasa had caught the weapon. Though she was still afraid that the bladed part of the fan would also just cut through her hand as it had done with the small tree. But with the fan coming back, she saw no other option but to try. Opening her right hand, Lilia waited and then suddenly snatched the fan out of the air. As soon as her hands grabbed the weapon, the young Hon closed her eyes. ''...Do I still have all of my fingers?'' She mumbled, hoping that she hadn't lost a finger in the process.

Tsubasa clapped a bit as he looked at the young girl's hand. A wide smile came across, Tsubasa's face as she saw her student succeed so quickly. "It would seem you have figured out how to do two very hard things. Throw a fan and catch it. Well done, Lilia-chan. Those two took me at least two days." Tsubasa calmly took out her other fan and handed it to Lilia. "Now a wonderful thing about my fans is they glow goldish when they are charged with chakra. The more the chakra the more they glow. Lets try and balance that so you can direct it into a path. I want you to try and decapicate one of the dummies using both fans. It may work better if you try to incorporate a chakra nature."

Nodding, Lilia smiled. Though she wanted to tell Tsubasa that chakra flow and chakra control were no strange things to her, she spent her time wisely to listen to Tsubasa. A bit wavering when Tsubasa gave her the other fan, Lilia didn't instantly jumped into action. She had been able to learn fast by watching how others did it and though the memory of Tsubasa's first performance was fresh in her mind, Lilia had a question. ''How do I lash out? I am used to blades, wielding them both in a normal grip or reversed. How does one slash or attack with fans?'' Lilia asked, eyeing at Tsubasa.

Tsubasa took one of the fans back and opened it like a normal fan before fanning herself slightly, for fun. "Like a normal fan, hold the center in place with your palm and slide it open with your fingers on the side of each digit. To slash you have to use it similar to a reversed blade, but the point of impact is much sooner, so your strikes come quicker. Like I said before you don't want any waisted movement. This weapon isn't made for percise attacks, to flurries are the way to go. You know what fluid moment is right?" Tsubasa said twirling the fan around in her hand.

And how she knew that. But another question popped up. It had occurred to Lilia, just like last time how fast she could pick up things to end lives. How to she was talented at killing and learning things of that. ''Tsubasa-san, may I bother you with a question? An odd one?'' Lilia asked, with a polite voice. Though there was a frown seen on her face as she looked at the fan. She had done what Tsubasa had showed and moved a bit with her arm to see how it looked like before glancing back at Tsubsa.

Tsubasa's brow furrowed as she watched the the girl move, she was a bit stiff, but she had the idea down. "Sure, ask away. Also you need to loosen up a bit, let your attacks roll into each other." Tsubasa said using some twisting attacks as an example.

Looking at her arm as she tried to move it in a more smoother way, Lilia thought how she could formulate her question. ''Is it strange that...a person only has talent in ending lives?'' Lilia closed the fan before quickly opening it again and looking Tsubasa direction with the frown on her face. ''Oh..sorry, I was just thinking you know.'' The frown and serious expression were quickly changed as she smiled a little and rubbed her neck with her free hand.

Tsubasa closed her fan as she eyed the girl, a bit astonished by the question. After a short pause, Tsubasa tapped the tip of the fan on her chin. Standing a little over the girl, she eyed the small monument to the ninja who fell during the last war. "Well.... Lilia that is a interesting question. Though most people say that killing another is wrong and we should try to sort our differences using peace....but," Tsubasa's hand tightened around the metallic fan, closing her pink eyes, thinking of Kensuke's previous teammates. Openning them and turning toward Lilia, Tsubasa's face became a bit serious. "Sometimes people's differences are so....'intense,' that they are forced to action. They choose to close shut their hearts to other's beliefs and ideals. As unfortunate as it is, it is impossible to convince a man with a closed heart of anything. So I fight to open some of those hearts and try to make them understand that we life too." Tsubasa got to eye level with Lilia and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Earlier today, when I bumped into you and you shouted and pulled your weapon. I did not attack, because I knew I could reason with you. Your heart was open... or open enough to see I was not your enemy." Tsubasa placed the fan back into Lilia's hand and Tsubasa smiled. "And you showed me today that you were open to learning. Keep you heart open like you did today, and you will find a reason to keep fighting. Close your heart to anything, and you have lost to it. The idea will defeat you. As long as you remain accepting of the world around you, nothing can stand in your path. Expand your mind like pair of large wings and they will not fail you. It’s like my mentor once told me, fly into tomorrow with thine wings unfenced.” Tsubasa lifted herself up and pinched the girl's cheek. "Or at least that is what I have been told...."

Surprised by the answer she had received, Lilia looked at Tsubsa with big eyes. Out of nowhere she hugged her. ''Thank you.'' She mumbled to the other girl as she tighten her hug. The answer of Tsubasa had made Lilia think and find some more peace with her decisions. Smiling as she took a step back, she looked at the fan. ''Well, I'm open to learn this cause it's new and cool. Just like you, Tsubasa-san.'' Lilia said, smiling at the older girl. ''I think who ever told you that advise must have been very wise to tell you something like that. It's very inspiring.''

Tsubasa was shocked by the girl's sudden hug. She didn't think Fushichō's words were that inspiring, but it was refreshing to see someone relieved by her words. "She has been called that once or twice. I guess it comes with age." She chuckled knowing the irony of calling a phoenix old. Placing her hand on the girl's head, Tsubasa messed with her hair. "Do you want to continue? We just have slashing left."

Though she disliked to get her hair ruffled, Lilia would let it slide this time. As Tsubasa asked her if she wanted to continue, Lilia nodded. ''We've just getting started.'' She responded back as she thought about the previous instructions. She had to move more like Tsubasa had done, instead of how she normally moved while wielding a blade. ''Shall I try to throw it again or charge?'' Lilia asked, glancing briefly at Tsubasa.

Tsubasa grinned. "Charge the targets, I want to see how you fluid you can be when you hit something. Remember, fluild flurried." Tsubasa said being reminded of her mother's favorite tip. Her face became a bit flush, realising she said it the same way her mother did.

Readying herself, Lilia started to channel some lightning chakra into the fan. The crackling sound of lightning was soon been heard in the air. She didn't noticed the blush on Tsubasa's face as she was focusing on the training dummy. Bending a bit through her legs, Lilia would show the true extent of her speed. Though she disliked to show off, she wanted to make sure that she wasn't wasting Tsubasa's time. Without warning, she charged at her top speed, leaving some afterimages behind as she used the Secret Sword : Moon Shadow Technique. As she appraoched the dummy, Lilia prepared the fan. Timing was important, she was aware of that fact. With a quick lash, in a fluid movement, she had aimed for the neck, but noticed that it was a bit off. Instead, the fan left a deep cut in the right shoulder, causing the dummy to fall. Skidding to a halt, as she turned around, Lilia looked disappointed. ''Darnit. Missed.'' Mumbling to herself as she felt embarressed.

Tsubasa sighed. "And... you're dead." Tsubasa walked forward, placing her hand on the great sword on her back. Pulling out the long blade, Tsubasa propped it on her shoulder. "Your movement was spot on. Very smooth, but you forgot flurry. A flurry is a series of quick, repeated attacks to multiple undefended areas. The strikes are light and usually inaccurate. Watch...." As Tsubasa came in range of a dummy, she placed both hands on the hilt of her blade and brought it down in a vertical slice, cutting the dummy in two. "This is a power blow. Very centralised and is meant to devistate the enemy. This is what you tired to do." Tsubasa lifted up her greatsword and placed it on her shoulder again. "Now watch carefully." Swinging the blade at an diagonal angle, Tsubasa cleaved another dummy across the chest, but didn't cut it in half. Using the momentum from the last strike, she followed it up with another strike, this time straight across the chest horizontally. Twisting the the momentum of the blade, she continued into her third strike, coming straight up the body of the dummy. Taking a step forward, Tsubasa twisted to the side of the dummy and brought the blade down along the same horizontal slash, but cutting clean through the dummy. "That was a flurry followed by a power blow. Note it took only seconds more to take those three strikes. They are meant to weaken, disarm, and knock off balance. They aren't very affective with a great sword, but with lighter weapons they are deadly. Try to attack as many of the remaining dummies with flurries. Don't waste any momentum. Let the attacks roll into each other." Tsubasa calmly slipped the great sword in her back and stepped back. She knew Lilia could get this down if she wanted.

Though it wasn't unknown to her, Lilia found it a bit new. Usually she attacked with a few blows, attempting to use her fierce ken- and ninjutsu to finish off her foe or attempt to wound them. Looking again at the fan, she nodded to Tsubasa that she had understood it. Readying herself again, she calmly breathed a few times in and out as she looked at the remaining dummies. So far, she couldn't see a problem as she thought of a route. Biting her lower lip, Lilia narrowed her green colored eyes as she then took off with the same speed. This time she would slow down just a little, before unleashing quick strikes at the fist dummy. The lightning crackled as it did the damage for her, unleashing five quick strikes before moving to the next. Lilia kept repeating for several times before stopping. Skidding to halt, she panted as she leaned foward and gazed at the dummies. Like she had aimed at, the lightning did the work while she used the fan. Though she wasn't sure if any of the attacks would've been truly deadly, she felt a bit proud of her work. ''I am..starting to like...this..'' She mumbled, grinning afterwards.

Clapping lightly Tsubasa watched Lilia come to a halt. The quick succession of each blow could have easily stopped a squad of ninja, well armored or otherwise. Tsubasa also noted Lilia's creative use of her lightning technique, allowing her to cause more damage with less effort. Grinning she walked over to Lilia. "Well done! That would have stopped a squad of ninja quite easily. I also see you are already using your chakra nature with the weapons. If I knew I could teach someone how to use those so quickly, I'd sign up to become a Jounin." She chuckled. Tsubasa looked at the small, golden fans in the girl's hands and smiled a bit. "Maybe you should hold onto those for a bit. Try to practise with them while I work on your own."

Surprised by Tsubasa's words, Lilia wasn't so sure about that. A whole squad of ninja? She was under the impression that it wouldn't be enough to stop even a chuunin, let alone a squad. Still, feeling a bit cheeed up, Lilia nodded to Tsubasa. ''Maybe you should? But yeah... Hiron-chan taught me how to utulize Lightning nature into weapons for a more deadlier effect.'' She looked at the fans, before hearing Tsubasa's last words. Again, surprised she looked at the other girl. ''But..but, they are your weapons! I-I do ... I think the honor is too great for me, Tsubasa-senpei.'' Lilia responded, stretching her hand with the fan in Tsubasa's direction.

Tsubasa chuckled as she pushed the fan back toward Lilia, closing her hand around the bladed object. "Relax. It isn't like you are keeping them forever and I have another pair back at my place. Just hold onto them until I finish with your weapon. Who knows, maybe you could think of an whole jutsu for them while you have them." Tsubasa smiled as her pink eyes settled on the girl.

Lilia glanced at the fans before back at Tsubasa. ''Why though? I almost had snapped at you this morning and then you honor me with such a gift...'' Lilia asked Tsubasa as she was very grateful for the fans. She really liked them and already could think of several jutsu she could try to develop with them. It wasn't like her main style of fighting, but she could try to mix it in. After all, she had noticed how good they were in combat as Tsubasa had disarmed without much of a hassle during the start of their training.

Tsubasa scratched her chin thinking about it before extending her hand and poking Lilia on the nose. "Boop." She said before giggling a bit. Turning around she put her arms behind her head. "I just felt like it!" She said still giggling.

Her eyes widened as Tsubasa poked her nose. Closing her eyes, she took a step back. ''Hey!'' She reacted instantly. Lilia disliked it when somebody was treating her like that. ''That is not a good reason, but if it's yours... Thank you Tsubasa-senpai.'' Looking at her newest set of weapons, Lilia started to wonder what kind of tricks she could try with them. ''But are you really sure? I mean.... yeah, really sure?'' Lilia asked again, just wanting to be sure.

Tsubasa calmly turned around and smirked. "Perhaps you can start to comprehend that I am letting you use them over a cup of tea. Come on...." Tsubasa said walking off the training fields. And Lilia did follow. She found the teachings of Tsubasa.. refreshing. She wasn't as strict as Hiron, nor as predictable as Kensuke. It was fun actually, in a way that she hadn't thought of before. ''Sure thing. Though I'm not really a big fan of tea.'' She answered Tsubasa as she tried to store the fans somewhere.

As she though of where, a soft sound was heard behind her as Samehada slithered over the ground, following the two. Smirking, Lilia snapped her fingers. The bandage around the mouth tore open as the fearsome blade opened the big mouth with rows of sharp triangular teeth. Putting the fans in there, Lilia nodded as Samehada closed his mouth and would continue to follow her.

[Little Alice]

A Kenjutsu senpai,
That can listen to inner problems.

With a special guest!

A collab between Roran Hawkins and Little Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia has been hiding her lose for Kichiro for quite some time now. Shouldering it alone, she decided to reveal what she really feels from the inside to the one other Nimatsu she knows and has a close bond with. Also, somebody else manages to get Lilia on her old track again.

Enjoy.

SPOILER: Click to show

Frowning and slowly breathing in and out he finished the strength exercises he was doing to keep in a fit shape. Training was important to improve, but also to stay good. And thereby, he remembered his teacher's saying: "A good swordsman practices untill he's the best. The best swordsman never stops practising." He wiped the sweat from his forehead and walked towards the front door, as the soft knock he had heard just moments before usually meant someone was waiting there. The warm summer weather had penetrated his house and had forced him to remove his green training shirt, which was already soaked any ways, as usual. He grabbed the bottle next to him and threw a glance at the mirror. The large diagonal and serrated scar that dominated his chest stared right back at him. Shakng his head as the memories streamed back, he decided to think of something else. Taking a swig from the cold and fresh water to distract himself and to quench his thirst, he hoped his visitors wouldn't mind he was bare chested, and if they would, then that'd be their problem.

He opened the door and smiled when he recognised his visitor. "Ah! Lilia-chan! It's been a while!"

Standing in her kunoichi garb, she nodded. There was a little smile on her lips. With her hands on her back, she made a quick and short nod. ''Ken-senpai. How are you? And may I come in?'' She asked him. Her tone was filled with respect, but also serious. After all, she had came with something to talk about. Waiting for his reply, she noticed how he was dressed, wondering if he had been training or doing some exercises. As she looked into his eyes, she remembered something. He has the same eyes...

The thought was nothing more than a whisper, but she kept on smiling. "I'm great, you?" He answered as he politely gestured her to come in. He had noticed she was slightly amused for some reason, but wanted to treat a serious subject. His skills on accurately reading body languages into the finest nuances had improved alot over the years he noticed to his own pride, thinking of the days when he had arrived in Konoha, now almost 5 years ago already "So, how can I help you, Lilia-chan?" He said, emptying the bottle of water and taking a seat in his sofa, signalling her to do the same.

''We need to talk. I need your help...and to confess something.'' She told him. The second sentence was however almost a whisper. Like she was trying to hide it from him, like there would be somebody else that could hear them. Looking away, she followed him inside. Clearing her throat, she hoped she didn't sound shaking or nervous. ''I've need of your help. You're one that I consider to be my Kenjutsu senpai. For that reason, I wanted to request your help to educate a group. A group that is underneath my leadership.'' She sat down, while stating the reason for her visit. At least, one of the two reasons.

He raised his eyebrows in surprise as he heard what she wanted to talk bout. He nodded as she told him what was most likely the first of her two requests from him. "Well, I could smuggle you into the kenjutsu training program I have. I'm gettig an extra pay out of it, and usually you should pay for it too, but I'll seewhat i can do about it." He responded, still curious as to what the second part meant. He decided to give her a chance to start on her own and moved in his place to a more comfortable position and awaited a response.

Lilia smiled, and then nodded. ''I can pay, don't worry. If it doesn't offend you, Ken-senpai, I already have made some basics with some genins from my group. To teach them the basics of kendo.'' She told him. It made her happy that he would consider to help her out. Lilia had actually expected he would decline it, but it was a relief he would consider it. As that was actually done, faster than she had expected, she looked away again. ''Did you...Heard... Well, anything about Ki-Ki-Kichiro?'' She asked him, almost whispering the question.

"Kichiro?" He asked, falling silent when his smile faded away. "I heard he was missing in action after the siege of the Hon estate. I don't have a clue wat he was doing there anyways. A simple genin fighting in that hell..." He spoke his thoughts, sounding a bit sad. He had never really known his little nephew. They grew up very separated. It was sad to know he was most likely dead, but he had grown used to obituaries. War was something not without dangers, and he had experienced some of the more horrifying sides of it one time too much. "What about him?" He finally asked, wondering why Lilia brought it up.

She tried to look in his direction, trying to steel herself. Normally, she had great control over her emotions, but this was different. It wasn't a battle. No, it was a struggle, against her own. Against her emotions. ''He died...I...I...It's my fault...'' She sobbed, looking at the ground. The flash of Kichiro, trying to tell her something. It still hurt. Combined with the loss of somebody else. Not to mention that she had something else that made the loss of Kichiro even worse. Warm and salty tears rolled over her cheeks as she tried to continue. ''I-I-I...I failed....And I lo-lov-....'' Not able to continue, she clenched her hands into fists as they were placed on her lap. Lowering her head, she was scared he would become angry. That he would shout. But she had deserved that. After all, she had been silent about Kichiro's death for this long. It would serve her right.

Fora moment he was dumbfounded. She blamed his death on herself, and most importantly, she had fallen in love with him? His little annoying nephew Kichiro he barely knew? Right after that moment of realisation he took Lilia into his arms and hugged her. "Shhhhh... It's okay." He said in a comforting tone. He had never quite seen Lilia like this, but then again, a few years ago he too was an emotional wreck, and Lilia had dragged him out of it too. "I don't blame you Lilia. War just is like that." He added, patting her head and giving her the opportunity to cry it all out. He knew that helped. He never had allowed himself to do that though. He was such a stubborn bastard.

As Kensuke hugged her, she flinched. While he tried to calm her down, she let her emotions go. Crying, she burrowed her face at his right shoulder. The embrace of Kensuke made her aware that he wasn't mad. It was comforting as confusing. ''I...want to be with him.... I'm so sorry.... I...'' She cried, for the very first time giving in the time what she felt when she thought of Kichiro. The image of him laughing, sparring and then dying in front of her flashed all in front of her mind.

He lulled back and forth while he made comforting noises as if he were holding a bay to calm Lilia down. He knew the pain of loss Lilia was experiencing now, and the process of healing from that was long. "It's okay." He repeated, staring at the wall behind Lilia. He tried scouring through his memoies in search of anything related to Kichiro and Lilia. This came as a complete surprise to him. Did all of that happen in the short time beween the destruction of the Rice's capital and the appearance of Shoji and his new invention? He grew increasingly curious about how his nephew had died, why she blamed herself for it, and for himself too. He was never really too close with the boy, but he was family after all, and the Nimatsu clan was pretty close-knit.

Slowly, she calmed down. The tears kept flowing over her cheeks, but she managed slowly. Pressing him gently back, she nodded several times. To indicate she was doing better now. Wiping the tears away, she started to talk again. ''Still am sorry. Wish I could do something... I've the feeling... That I'm back at the start.'' She confessed. Looking with a sad look, she continued. ''I mean..When I was a genin, I kept losing and people got hurt because of that. Now, I won most of my battles...But....I lost Kichiro...And I...'' She told him, her voice a bit shaky again.

"I know." He said, patting her on her head and sending her a warm smile. "Such is the nature of war. No matter how strong you are, no matter how many fights you win or lose, there will always be people who die. Even if noone you knows die, there is someone who loses his friends, relatives, ... or lovers. It's always bad for someone." He concluded, based on his personal experiences. "And you shouldn't blame yourself for that." He said, looking her in the eyes. "I once did that too, and you must remember where it got me." He added after a short pause. "Please promise me you won't?" He asked of her, not wanting to see Lilia sink away in a depression, just like he had. He wanted to see Lilia as the boisterous and active little girl he knew. Not as a grey shell of her former self.

Nodding, she didn't feel that better. Even while she was glad that Kensuke was full of understanding and not angry, she felt still guilty. When he asked her to make the promise of not taking the blame, she wavered. She didn't want to lie nor letting the blame go. Would Kichiro be fine with? And the others? All those who had died. Not to mention those who had died, but were killed by her? Lilia lowered her head, ready to say no.

"Lilia-sama. Listen to what he has to say. Haven't you learned anything ever since you met him? Don't you know that every thought you are torturing yourself with is a thought he once wielded too? Even a senseless monster such as me can see that." A voice echoed through her head as she was drawn to the bars of the cage that locked up the Two-tails.

She was surprised as she was taken to the place. At first, she wiped quickly any tears away. Looking weak in front of Matatabi was the last she wanted. After all, she hadn't forgotten about their last argument. Looking with an unsure glance beyond the bars she spoke back against him. ''Why do you even care? All you do is pushing me away!'' She retorted. Her hands were clenched into fists as she trembled a bit. Not because of fear, but due the emotions that were still running through her body. ''B-B-Besides....I told you already.... I don't see you as a senseless monster...If one of is one... It's me.'' She told him, thinking of what Kensuke had wanted to ask of her. The blame was on her. If she had paid better attention, Kichiro wouldn't be dead by now. Lowering her head, she didn't even had the courage to look at the 'Monster Cat.'

"I killed a lot more and destroyed may more lives than you have, girl. Don't dare call yourself a monster around me." The large cat growled, before continuing. "I care, because I experience everything you do. I'm a part of you, a second conscience of you. While I can ignore most of the things that happen to you, it is not pleasant to live in a host that wants to die. It offers a chance to escape, but I would rather give you a chance." He said with the raw undertone of anger.

Looking up, she wanted to shake her fist in his direction. To argument back, to scold him. Maybe even heading into his space and beat him up. If that was possible. Tears started to roll over her face again. But instead of scolding, threatening and screaming, she only spoke. With a soft tone. ''Stop looking into my thoughts. It's my personal space....'' She told him, though on a soft tone. Not even threatening. Slowly, she sank on her knees as she shook her head. The promise that Kensuke wanted her to make was unfair. Unfair to Kichiro. And also unfair for Kensuke. Didn't she deserved the blame?

"Your thoughts could just as well be mine! Don't make me laugh, Lilia-sama! Ho could you ignore the person screaming out for help living on your doorstep?" He said in response. He looked at the girl while he doomed out of the darkness and settled right infront of her. He just sat there for a moment, staring at her. "I've lost people too. I did my best to save them too. But did it help? Alas, it didn't. Death by arms is a result of this society Lilia, and there's no escaping that. There are several ways to deal with that. You could run away from it, abandoning all your friends family. You could deny it and make it your dream to improve it, which is bound to fail. You could blame yourself and sin into your on delusionl version of this world, inoring all good sides it has to offer." He summed up, but then paused a moment before continuing. "But you could also accept it, and try to do our part in improving it. A single person won't make such a difference, but over time everyone who is sane will come to this conclusion, and combined you will change the world."

Trying to glare at him, she looked up. She didn't liked where this was going. Lilia felt like he was trying to advise her. Trying to comfort her. In his own way. It didn't fit with the last image she had with him. Wasn't she not the one that used to bond with him? Wasn't she not the one that tried to look at the bright side? Now it looked like the roles were reversed. As if she was the one behind bars and he taking pity on her. When he continued, after his pause, she managed to stand up. Wiping any tears that were left on her cheek, she simply stared at him. ''If you would laugh, that would be something new.'' She mumbled, as that was the only thing she could think off. She wanted to curse and scold him. The fact he was sounding...reasonable was something she was afraid of. What was his aim, his goal with this?

A loud and low laugh filled the imagined space, followed by soft snickering as the tailed beast tried to form an answer. "Well, we learn new things very day, don't we?" He answered and dismissed her from his 'lair'. He had spoken to her for long enough. She should now draw her own conclusions from this. He was willing to help her the same way she had helped him, but he wasn't going to completely flatten her road or her either.

"Hmmm? Lilia? Will you pomise that to me?" Kensuke repeated after seeing the girl go through an emotional process of making a decision.

The sudden laughter made Lilia almost leap back, thinking the beast was about to attack her. The laugh was something new, though as she realized it was his laugh, it made her smile. Though she didn't want to smile. Not because of his laugh. Or maybe she did? It was a bit confusing, but it did gave her a good feeling. As she was sent away, she heard Kensuke's question. It was sometimes a bit confusing to suddenly arrive back outside that space. Blinking a few times with her eyes, she sighed. Placing her right hand on her stomach, where the seal was. The seal that held Matatabi in her, she nodded. ''I guess that I should.... I'm sorry. It's just that so much has happened. I...I'll make the promise. After all. Somebody managed to knock some sense in me.'' A smile spread on on her lips. It wasn't the usual broad and cheerful one, but it was a start.

He smiled. "Good." He said, putting as much relief into that single word as possible. He relaxed into his seat again ashe tried to find a way to formulate severl questions, but knew now wasn't the time. How did she fall in love? And how did Kichiro die? He mentally slapped himself. Was that important? No. It wasn't. Instead, he sent Lilia a faint and compassionate smile. "Have you kept that to yourself for all this time?"

At first she wanted to nod, but she realised something. Matatabi had noticed her wish to die. The thought had only came to her several times, on the worst moments of her depression. If he had noticed that, than it meant he also knew about her feelings for Kichiro. With a rather faint smile, she shook her head. ''I tried, but somebody managed to learn from it. Not that he had told it to somebody else. I'm sorry that I hadn't told it you earlier, Ken-senpai.'' Was her answer.

"Doesn't matter. Confessing such feelings are very hard, especially under similar circumstances." After pondering for a moment too, he added a few words. "I'll confess this too, I nearly lost someone I truly loved too." He said with a sly grin on his face, already wondering how se'd react to this.

Tilting her head, she wondered what he meant with that. ''You did?'' Was her first reaction. Her thoughts were trying to figure out if she could decipher who that could be. Maybe somebody she knew? ''How did you react then, Ken-senpai?'' She asked him, curious how he had been like that.

"Well, I gathered a group of similar-minded people and went through hell and worse to free her, and several others." He replied carefully not to spoil any detail more than necessary.

She became interested, leaning a bit forward. ''You did? What happened then?'' She asked him. Unaware that he was careful to not spill any detail that wouldn't be needed, Lilia was distracted. Knowing that Kensuke had something in common with her, she wanted to know more about it.

"We went through the worst kinds of situations imaginable, knowing that our friends would continue and save those we would sacrifice everything for even if we died, yes, even give their lives for it. When we finally found those we were looking for, they had managed to free themselves already, but our help in escaping was most certainly welcomed." He explained cryptically.

Puffing her cheeks up, she frowned. ''Just say the name, Ken-senpai.'' She said, feeling a bit impatient. She wasn't in the mood for riddles. Even worse, she felt like seeking up Matatabi. Lilia wasn't finished with him. But first she would talk with Kensuke. And also find out who Kensuke meant. ''You can trust me. Please? Pretty please?'' She asked him.

Kensuke only laughed at her requests. "I already confessed one secret to you. Ask me another time, and maybe I'll tell you another." He replied with a mean and sly grimace on his face, folding his arms. This subject was settled. Instead, he awaited her inevitable complaints before he continued. "Will some cookies do to soothe you from your horrible lack of knowledge?"

Her mouth opened as then closed again. That was just low! She had confessed she had felt feelings for Kichiro, but he didn't reveal his feelings that he had for somebody else? In a rather childish way, she crossed her arms and puffed her cheeks again. ''So unfair... Wait, you're trying to make me laugh or distract me! I see through you!'' She gasped for air. It felt like just when Matatabi laughed. ''You and him work together!'' It flapped out off her mouth before she realised that it wouldn't make any sense to Kensuke.


"Yes I know. The big cat and I have an alliance concerning his." He said, wildly guessing at how her body language and words had had hinted at another conversation she was having in the meantime. "Chocolate cookies or normal cookies, which do you fancy?" He asked from the kitchen.

His answer made her widen her eyes. Blinking a few times, her jaw dropped. Unable to answer, she then scratched the back of her head. How was that possible? The usual clever, cunning and fast working mind of Lilia was unable to solve the riddle. Until she smacked her forehead. It wasn't possible. ''Chocolate....One moment. I need to fix something.'' She responded. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. As she opened them, she was again in the 'lair' of Matatabi.

''Hey, furball.'' She called. Placing her hands on her hips, she leaned forward. Not waiting for an answer, she raised her right eyebrow. ''Enough playing around. I think it's time we talk this out. Personally, I don't want to sound rude, but I find it rude that you read some of my thoughts.'' For a moment she puffed her cheeks. As she wondered what kind of thoughts he had been able to read, her cheeks blushed a bit. ''It's not fitting for a Tailed Beast to dulge in the things that interests it's host, is it not?'' She asked, trying to sound bold. Though she wanted to thank him, she wanted to wait with that, Both he and Kensuke had cheered her up, made her view again that she wasn't the one to blame. But she found it mean how both treated her. The one was teasing her and the other was being... how he was, but more comforting than she had been used to.

"Would you find it strange to hear what someone screams into our ear? I cannot choose to stop hearing you if you make a lot of noise, I can only ignore it. If you are in an emotional state or anything else that makes your thougts 'loud', I will hear you. It has always been like that. Usually I don't hear you, but when your mind unintentionally releasing a scream for help I will hear it." He answered as close to the truth as possible. "But, I might have some influence in that too. Don't you like it that I listen to you then? Maybe I will consider stopping to overhear you then."

After hearing his answer, she flailed her arms in the air. What was on with that cat? He both pissed her off as made her smile. It was enough. Without wavering or asking permissions, she began to step into the darkness, beyond the bars. ''No. I want you to hear me if I need you. Just as I want to hear you. And to see you. Where are you? I rather speak right in your face than to the shadows. Unless you don't like my face? Maybe I will stop showing it then?'' She said, thought mumbling the last part. Lilia couldn't help but to mock the last part. She realised that he was the one that being right and it irked her. Not in a bad way, but never the less. Placing her hands on her hips, she looked around. ''Well?... I also have something for you. Unless you don't like presents.'' She said, narrowing her eyes as if it would help to look through the darkness.

"You're pretty enough, to human standards that is. You should only know." He replied as he walked closer, thinking of her encounters with other teenagers before. Shaking his head he lied down. "I hate surprises. Is your present a surprise, Lilia-sama?" He asked with a tired yet amused voice.

Seeing him, she turned towards him. The sight of the majestic blue flames was always a beautiful sight to behold. A powerful and inpsiring one. She placed her hands on her back as she carefully approached him. Stopping slowly a few meters in front of his snout, she shook her head. ''No. Thanks for your kind words. Besides, it's not a surprise that I admire you. Maybe adore you. Mata-sama. I've three questions. If I may?'' She asked him, making a graceful bow. The tone of her voice had lost the mocking manner as it became more respectful.

"It's not like I can void them, now can I?" He answered, pretending to be annoyed, while in fact genuinely touched by her words. He blame it on her naivety, but knew better deep inside. It was just too much at once for now.

''Psh, don't act like that now. Good, my first question.... What is it that you loved the most when you were free?'' She asked him, with a quite serious tone. She slowly took a step forward and then backward, continuing the process. Like if she was performing a kind of dance in front of him. There was a bright twinkle in her green eyes as she looked up to him.

"The lack of care. In general I don't care how the world goes, as long as I am allowed to live in peace. Living amongst you humans who are so easily hurt, physically and mentally, is hard. Especially since your kind hate me."

Lilia frowned. Suddenly she walked to his big nose. It was even larger then her. She was in need to stand on her toes to pat it. ''You're such a silly cat. I don't hate you.'' She said with a clear voice. Taking a step back, she smiled. ''Yes, you annoy me... Annoying me when you're right. In fact, I dislike it when you're right and I'm not. But I don't hate you. And knowing you're actually a good....creature, I don't fear you. Like I said. I adore you. Unless you lecture me.'' She told him. Pausing she decided to go with her second question. ''Did you had a home or a favourite place? Some where you felt at ease?''

"There used to be this cliff with a waterfall, and a small lake down below, surrounded by woods. It was destroyed by human a few years ago." He answered, trying to summon the image to his mind.

''I'm sorry for what 'we' did... Last question and the most important one.'' She looked at her feet. But she then looked up. ''May I give you a hug, Mata-kun?''

"Don't burn yourself." He replied and remained motionless, as before. If her wish was that simple, how could he deny that? If she wanted to hug the most beautiful creature, well, one of the most beautiful creatures in existence, why not? Ofcourse it didn't charm him that she wanted a hug. Why would it, he was a robust tailed beast after all. Right?

Wavering a little bit, she then slowly approached him. As she stood a meter from him, she stretched her left hand towards him. It was just a test. Slowly her handpalm was placed against him, but she had prepared herself for this. Moulding her chakra, like she did every hour before going to bed, she didn't feel any burning sensation. till very carefully, she tried to give the Nibi a hug. Closing her eyes, she sighed. ''Hey Mata-sama.... Did you ever read what I'm thinking now?'' She softly whispered.

"No." He answered, with a slighty remarkable voice.

''That I love you. You damn furball. That and I want to say sorry. I hope one day you care for me too. Not that you have to. But I would love it if you would.'' She told him, tighten her hug. A smile spread on her lips. ''That is what I'm really thinking.... Maybe even wishing for.' For a moment, she looked up and giggled. ''Tell me...What do you wish for? And be honest with me. Just this once.''

"To be happy." He replied with a thick voice as he slowly escaped out of the hug. "I'm glad I ... I mean we could cheer you up. But I must ... I'll talk to you later." He said, visibly confused. Slowly he walked away into the darkness of his home, his mind still stuck in the hug she gave him. Strange.

Not chasing him, she puffed her cheeks. But she felt... warm. Victorious. ''I'll be there for you. Remember that, Mata...-kun.'' She told him. With a smile, she turned her back to the darkness as she headed to the area past the bars. That was one. Now for the next, she thought as she sighed as she blinked. Opening her eyes again, she took a moment. Being in Kensuke's house, she gained a little smile. ''Hey Ken-senpai...What does make you happy?'' Was her sudden question.

"There's a lot of things that can make me happy. But really happy? If I knew that I wouldn't be here, but getting that what would make me happy." He replied offering her some chocolate cookies. Munching on his own he decided to put on his shirt again. It was warm in his house, but now he had stopped erxercising, not that warm.

Taking a cookie, she nodded. ''I see. I just wanted to know that.'' She told him. Thinking about the conversation she had with Matatabi, Lilia glanced at Kensuke. ''So this person. Does she makes you happy?'' She asked, this time with a sly smile on her lips.

He turned around and gave her a suspsicious look. He liked the naive Lilia more than this one. This one was too smart to his liking. "Yes, she does. I wouldn't love her if she didn't, now would I?" He answered on a neutral tone as he returned o the sofa. He felt like asking the same question, but that'd be mean.

Munching on the cookie, her eyes narrowed in delight. The fact he was cautious would only mean she was on the right track. It was time for revenge. ''So, you love her? Does that mean you're in a relationship?~'' Was her question. It asked in a honey sweet tone, as if she was asking it without any intention. As if she was nothing more than just curious.

"You only call it relationship if you both love each other." He answered on a colder tone and then took anotherbite of the cookie he was eating. He didn't lik tis conversation at all anymore.

''Well, sometimes one hides their feeling to protect themselves or the other from being hurt. Sometimes the other is hurt... but if the other wouldn't love the one... Then I think it would be more than clear. Wouldn't it, Ken-senpai?'' Lilia asked, taking the last bite of her cookie. She wondered if Matatabi was listening to this as well.

"Yes it would." He said in a decisive tone, indicating this subject was deal with. He didn't like this turn in their conversation, at all. It was just too painful for now. Why wouldn't she realize that? He finished his last cookie in a single bite and used it to calm down a tiny bit. She couldn't know. Sighing he raised himself from the sofa and looked at the young teenager. "In any case I have to finish my training schedule so I keep in shape. It was pleasant to speak to you again."

Hopping on her feet, she nodded. ''Understood. I do have one thing to say.'' She looked up as he was much taller than her. ''I want you to visit me in five days from now. Be properly dressed and don't let me drag you. Okay?'' She told him. Placing her hands on her hips, she raised an eyebrow. Her question didn't really seemed like a request. More like a demand.

He raised his eyebrows and nodded. "Sure, I can do that." He responded to the strange request. He hoped it wouldn't have anything to do with this subject. He knew that that was bound to fail anyways. That was something he'd have to do in his own, if success was even possible.

A smirk crept on her lips as her eyes twinkled. ''You won't regret it. I can assure you that. See you soon, Ken-senpai.'' She patted him on his shoulder as she would let herself out. She was in need to do some homework. After all, there was some scouting work to be done. Whistling a cheerful tone, a cheeky grin crept in the place of the smirk.

[Little Alice]

Kensuke hurt after the Shark's bite?
Lilia heading to the hospital!

A collab between Roran and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia has heard that Kensuke has ended up in the hospital and decides to pay him a visit. As soon as possible.

SPOILER: Click to show

Armed with flowers, a bottle of expensive sake (wrapped as a gift) and a worried glance, Lilia entered Konoha's hospital. Dressed in her kunoichi atire, the girl asked around where she could find the person was looking for. After walking around for a bit, she managed to find the room. It was on the second floor and after knocking, she opened the door. ''Hey Ken-sensei.'' Lilia said on a more or less hushed tone, as if she was afraid that talking too loud would hurt him more. Closing the door behind her, she flashed a warm smile in his direction. ''So sorry I am later than promised. I was caught up in something.''' Approaching the bed, she held up the flowers, hoping he would like them.

Evading the kunai he galloped straight ahead and ran over the enemy ninja, turning around, rearing, and gave a second one a hoove against his face, and crushed him the second he was definately down. As he reared again, ready to take down another opponent, he heard a familiar voice echo through the dark forest. Strange. A next ninja appeared and he charged it, ready to crush yet another victim under his mighty hooves.

With no reaction, Lilia decided to put the gift at a table and search for a vase for the flowers. After a fifteen minutes, she came back. The flowers were now in a vase with some cold water in it. Placing it on the table next to his bed, Lilia looked worried in Kensuke's direction. With the door closed and nobody around, she gently pressed her left hand on his forehead. ''Ken-sensei?'' She asked worried, hoping he was able to wake up any time soon. For a moment Lilia regretted that she hadn't taken time to visit him earlier.

What was that? One of them had managed to touch his snout? He shook his head and breezed to get the enemy off and reared to clopper his face in. Realizing his enemy was down, he sniffed around for more enemies. As none seemed to present themselves, he turned around and started eating grass again, as he had been doing before the ninja arrived.

''Ken-sensei?'' Lilia asked. He still didn't reacted. Raising slowly her right hand, the worried look in her eyes became more present. ''Wake up, I need to talk with you!'' Her hand came down on his cheek, but it was nothing more than a soft pat. If that wouldn't wake him up, she would need to pull out the bigger guns.

He shot up in his bed, surprised by the sudden touch. "They are inside the fortress!" He stated as the last remnants of his dreams faded away. Then the pain kicked in. Overusing his muscles hurt a lot. The first few weeks in hospital he had been fighting a nasty infection, after which the healing process could finally begin. Now, his revalidation had started to ensure his physical condition wouldn't suffer from the long period of inactivity. However, due to the weakened muscles and the relatively giant wound that was a long and arduous process, one the medics intended to closely follow. This was enough excericise for today, he summarized in his head, feeling his protesting body. And then he noticed Lilia. "Oh, hello."

Lilia smiled as she was glad he had woken up. ''Hai Ken-sensei. Wait, sit still!'' She told him, quickly turning around to pick up the vase with the flowers. ''Thought you would like these.'' She told him, hoping he would like the gesture. Still feeling guilty she had been on missions, training and what not, instead of visiting Kensuke, Lilia hoped he would at least like the gesture.

"Flowers. Nice." He said with one eye pinched close and he looked at her from under the sheets. "There wasa remote here somewhere..." He then muttered, trying to get his bed to a more comfortable position so he could at least look at her while they talked.

''Ken-sensei, relax.'' Lilia said as she put the vase down. At least he liked the flowers. Looking quickly around for a remote, she managed to find it. However, she wavered and placed it in his hand. ''I get the feeling I shouldn't control the remote. Get a bad feeling you'll end more hurt.'' She told him. While he would likely adjust the stance of his bed, she grabbed the wrapped gift. ''Also, I managed to buy you this. But I will unwrap it if you can't.'' Lilia said, turning around with a smile.

"Pfff.... What could ever go wrong?" He said, pressing buttons and making his bed turn into a sort of really comfortable chair. "I can unwrap things. Jeez, I'll let you know if I want you to open something. It's not like I lost an arm or something..." He said with an annoyed smile. It was annoying how everyone was so careful with him, and how they kept saying he should rest more and receive less visitors, while all he did entire days long was just do nothing, maybe once every week receive a vsitor if he was lucky. He knew people were busy, but he found it ironic they said he should rest more. Hastily unwrapping the gift he found it to be a bottle of sake, and his face lit up in happiness, to darken immediately. "Thanks! I'll keep this for when i'm allowed to drink anything but water again!" He said, raising his shoulders. A bottle of good sake stayed good for quite a while, and what could some decent alcohol hurt to celebrate his 'escape' from the hospital?

She looked a bit guilty after he said he could unwrap things. Looking at the gift, she gained a reddish tint on her cheeks. ''Sorry, Ken-sensei. I just..'' Trying to man up, Lilia smiled again as she reached out the gift. As he unwrapped it and lighten up, she also became very happy. When he looked a bit darker, she was wondering if it wasn't his favourite taste or such. When he said he would keep it until he was allowed to drink, she was glad that she had made the correct decision. After all, it was a very expensive bottle. ''Sorry that I haven't visited you earlier, Ken-sensei.'' Lilia said, sitting on the bed as she looked a bit guilty. It really stinged that she couldn't visited him earlier.

"Psshhh, don't apologize. I'm just a jerk because this is a hospital and I am allergic to them." He replied, raising his shoulders. Instead of going on about the subject, he leaned on one arm, finding the table to be exactly the good height to lean on, and gave her a meaningful look. "Now tell me. What did you come here for. Knowing you, you need something from me, otherwise you'd be eating people alive right now."

Giggling, she shrugged. ''I always have a reason. My first and most important reason is to see how you are doing. I had it a bit busy. Uncle Z is training me in the old ways of the Hon, while I'm also training with some other people. But when I heard about...'' Lilia wavered. ''That you were here, I got worried. Am glad you're at least alive. What happened actually?'' She asked him.

"Well..." He said, thinking about the duel already a month and a half ago, and shook his head. "I fought a duel of honour with another shinobi, and literally everything that could go wrong went wrong. She died, and I got stuck here. But eventually, we'll sort things out. Does that suffice? You can always ask Tsubasa or Ryo for more information about the duel itself if you want to, you don't have to come here for that." Why was he taking away reasons for another visit? Stupid. "Let's just say she had a bigger sword than me."

Lilia kept looking worried for a long moment. ''Hey, Ken-sensei. Why do I get the feeling you messed up? Ignoring the fact you're here.'' The little girl asked in a very serious tone, but she wouldn't give him a chance to talk back. ''You should not just duel with dangerous people. Why did you even.... I am glad you're alive, but you always keep telling me to be more careful.'' She puffed her cheeks for a brief second. ''And you ended up in the hospital... Ken-sensei, do I need to lecture you?'' She asked, on a very serious tone. But there was a little glint her in green eyes, that made it clear she was trying to lighten his mood a bit.

"Oh yes, I certainly messed up, but not in the way you're thinking." He replied, trying to shove the darker thoughts to the corners of his mind. He'd have enough time to think over those once he'd be alone again. "But I owed her that. I avoided a fight with her in the Rice Capital's fighting by offering her this duel. If I hadn't done that we would've come to blows, and that would've proved fatal. Sadly, word spread and I, as a clanleader, was forced to really conduct this duel as she insisted on it, and so the scene played itself out." He explained.

Not pleased by what he explained to her, Lilia sighed. There was little she could do now. Though she could understand Kensuke, as she was very loyal to her own clan, she couldn't understand that he would go that far. It was a bit strange, she realized. At the one moment, she herself would be very aggressive and pissed off when one was putting the Hon clan in a bad daylight, but other times she simply would shrug. ''Just promise me you won't go and duel somebody without being careful.'' She said. Her tone gave him the clear impression she was still very worried, while she wanted to sound very serious and mad.

"I never duel people unless there's no other way. Dueling is for samurai, you see." He replied, parrying her question, and returning to the original subject. "Anyways, there was a reason why you came here except to say I am stupid?"

''That I was worried, baka-sensei.'' Lilia told him, trying to tease him a little. The whole 'Dueling is for samurai' was irking her, but she would let it go. Gently, her hands undo the waist sash she carried around her waist. ''I think I already had asked you to be a trainer of the Konohagakure Guardians, but I want to offer something.'' She held the waist sash, that showed the symbol of the Guardians, up so that he could see it. ''I want to invite you into the members of Four. Tsu-san is already a member, if you didn't know.'' Lilia said, waiting for what would likely be his question what it was about.

"Members of four?" He asked, a single eyebrow raised. "What does that mean?"

Lowering her hands, Lilia thought how she could explain it. ''I have built and designed the Guardians to lead and train the new genins that have a great Will of Fire. Some have great potential. Maybe bigger than I have, like some say.'' She told him. ''I can't reveal what the Four are or will really do by now. But I need people that work very close with me. People I can trust and people that are capable. That said, in return I will grant the four a way to earn a name for themselves. With wearing this sash, you'll be recognized by the Guardians as a person with great skill and deemed worthy of such a status. I hope you will honour and have enough trust in me to accept this offer, Ken-sensei. I promise you.'' Lilia became silent for a few moments as she smiled. ''You won't regret it.''

"So basically I should think it's an honour to join your fan-club?" He replied with a mean grin, trsting her? Ofcourse, he'd never admit he was, he just wanted to see her reaction. There'd be no way he would join if it a reaction he didn't like. Lilia was a good girl with a bright future and carreer ahead of her, but he wouldn't encourage her seeking glory.

The glint in her eyes faded away as her lips curled down. ''No, Ken-sensei. It's supposed to be a honour. But it's more than what I can tell you now. It's me having faith... trust and high expectations that you can help me. I'm just one person, that isn't experienced in leading. Yet. I am very serious about this.'' Briefly she glanced at the sash. ''The reason why I can't tell the plan yet isn't cause I haven't prepared it. Its not because I don't know it yet. It is because I want to be sure that you have also the same amount of faith and trust in me. As I trust you won't end up in the hospital anymore and expect me to not worry about you.''' She told him. Though making a half hearted joke, she looked with a very serious gaze in his direction.

Hmhm... I see..." He appreciated her answer. Whatever it meant, he wasn't an expert translator of cryptical teenage girl messages after all, it didn't mean that she was hungering for glory and fame. That was a good thing, and this he would support. "Then it saddens me deeply to comply with your request. May the Gods forgive me for this..." He said, raising his eyes to the sky and pretending to pray.

Lilia puffed her cheeks. ''You should also pray that it won't be me next to kick your sorry ass into the hospital!'' She said, sticking her tongue out for a moment, in his direction. Slowly she placed the sash on his lap. The serious attitude came back. ''Thanks Ken-sensei. I hope that you won't need to... pray for forgiveness again.'' Lilia said the last with a mocking tone as she raised her right eyebrow.

"Pray for forgiveness? You'll never, ever see me beg for anything to you. Except maybe a hug." He added a bit late. "You are so cute when you're annoyed." He said, giving her a playful grin as he could hardly contain his laughter when he saw her face upon hearing that. "Hahhahahahahah! Oh, man! That just made my day."

''Ken-sensei. Don't push it.'' Lilia warned him while she frowned in his direction. ''Besides, I rather see you healthy than needing to for anything. Or hearing you lost to a person with a bigger sword. Like if size matters.'' Lilia said, scoffing afterwards.

"Well, size didn't matter. I'm still alive you see, and she isn't." He said, giving her a wink. "Unless you meant something else, and then she stood no chance at all." He said, speaking about the enormous difference in lenght between him and the Amegakure jounin he fought.

''Don't say such a thing.'' Lilia said in a very serious tone. She softly slapped his leg. ''Don't speak with so little respect about the fallen, when they haven't deserved that, Ken-sensei!'' Lilia told him, cleary not happy how he spoke about the person that had died in their duel. Sure, she would rather chose Kensuke to be the victor and alive than over a random person, but she wouldn't like it if he wouldn't show the proper respect to the fallen duelist.

"Lilia, don't worry about that. I would be the last person to do that, but it's hard to stay optimistic here, taped to a hospital bed." He replied suddenly on a very serious tone. He wondered how she ever got to the point of doubting that, since despite his frivlolous attitude now he was stuck in bed, he never really earned that reputation.

''Then don't say things like saying you're alive and she isn't... I wouldn't like it to lose you, Ken-sensei.'' Lilia said, a bit more on a sad tone. She already had lost a Nimatsu. To lose another one, she saw as a big brother figure ,was something that gave her a cold feeling. ''If you want, I could search you up. Maybe I can see if I can bring Tsu-san with me if you would like that.'' Lilia suggested, hoping Kensuke would like the idea.

"Don't worry. I won't die." He replied. "At least, not without warning you first." Listening as she continued he started nodding. "Yes, that's a great idea. I mean, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, and lying here isn't exactly exciting."

Again, Lilia didn't like what he said, but she wouldn't indulge further more into it. As it seemed he like the suggestion, Lilia was thinking how she could contact Tsuabsa the fastest way. ''I will try to contact Tsu-san as soon as possible then. And don't worry, Ken-sensei. At least I don't have to worry you'll cause any troubles then.'' Lilia said back.

"I never cause any trouble. You on the other hand..." He said on an annoyed tone. She was implying he was a troublemaker, and of all things, that, he wasn't. Why was she so damn worried about him? He wasn't a fresh recruit or something after all. She cared about him, okay, she was worried okay, but this...? It was getting slightly on his nerves.

''Me on the other hand, what?'' Lilia asked back, raising her eyebrows. She knew he likely was referring to the past, when she now and then caused some trouble or pulled a prank. But nothing too severe. Actually, ever since her promotion to Chuunin, she hadn't cause any kind of trouble. At least, not like she once was used to. ''Do I need to say that you're the one that got messed up, Ken-sensei?'' Lilia asked on a sarcastic tone. She giggled as she decided this was actually a good time to tease him a little. ''After all, I never got that beaten that I had to spent some time in the hospital.~'' She told him, with a smug on her lips.

"You must remember that there's a large difference between causing trouble and getting injured in battle." He said, still annoyed. "That you haven't ended up in the hospital yet is a matter of luck and the fact that there often are no hospitals around for you to end up in." He added grumpily.

Lilia noticed he was gettig grumpy. Softly patting his leg, Lilia scoffed. She faked a bit of arrogance as she responded to Kensuke. ''I had too many good kenjutsu lessons to know how to avoid them.'' Lilia told Kensuke, winking in his direction. ''Together with some luck, I think.'' She told him, giggling a bit afterwards. Though she was aware that he didn't like every joke or response of her, Lilia felt a bit less bad for seeking up Kensuke in the hospital. ''Besides, I am going to continue my kenjutsu training schedule. Don't want to lose to somebody with a bigger sword, do we now?'' Lilia said, with an amused tone.

"Yeah, sure. I'm looking forwards to beating you into a hospital already. Maybe that'll help tone down that arrogance of yours." He mused with a smile on his face again. As soon as he'd get out of here that was. And that could easily take quite a while with revalidating still on schedule, as well as a lot of training to get back in shape.

''Sure and in the meantime, I will make sure that Uncle Z won't sleep in trees anymore. That Tsubasa will become evil. And Kat will stop training his strength and stamina.'' Lilia retorted, amused by his words. She became a bit she rubbed his leg while looking a bit worried again. ''Hey Ken-sensei. Do you remember the last time we talked? About Kichiro?'' She asked him.

"Yes, why?" He asked, completely serious again. The way she kept changing subjects between serious and frivolous matters was becoming scary.

''I told you that you should come to visit five days. I'm not sure if you forgot, but now understand that you went rather to face a duel than to see my surprise.'' She told him. The day, that was almost a month ago was still fresh in her memories. Back then both Matatabi and Kensuke had managed to cheer her not only up, but also give her new hope. ''When you come out of the hospital, I want to show you something. Do you promise that you will come with me then?'' Lilia asked him with a very serious tone, but with a smile playing on her lips.

"Sure." He said, giving her a friendly nod. "As long as it doesn't involve coming back here I'm fine with it."

Lilia smiled as she nodded. Though she wanted to stay longer, she knew that Kensuke would need some rest. Quickly hopping off the bed, she spoke to him. ''I promise, you will love it!'' Quickly she leaned forward to place a kiss on his forehead. After that she gave him a careful and soft hug. ''I will be back soon, promised.'' Stepping back, she flashed her little unique smile towards him as she then turned on her heels to walk away. Now she had to find Tsubasa as preparing the 'present' again.

Leaving already? He needed his rest ofcourse. Bullshit. Turning around in his bed as he lowered it he mused on how he would conduct his revenge on everyone who had already said that.

[Little Alice]

Fun at Konoha's Hospital.
An unexpected turn?!

The origins of Konoha's Guardians explained!

A collab between Arkay, Roran, Lesli and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :

This collabs is about the next day, where at first Lilia and Tsubasa pay a visit to Kensuke. There however a sudden guest joins in. After wards, it becomes clear its a set up. Then something is being revealed.

Enjoy!

SPOILER: Click to show

Waiting in front of the hospital, Lilia looked around. She was sure that she had left Tsubasa a note that she could come to visit Kensuke together. Or maybe Lilia had messed up the time on the note. Thinking about it, she had written it in haste. Meaning that it was likely that she would need to get Tsubasa herself. If the later was even home. That thought made Lilia lower her head and sigh. Now she understood why Hiron and Keiko would always tell her to not let her enthousiasm get the better of her. Deciding to wait longer, to see if Tsubasa would show up, Lilia started to think. Maybe they could buy Kensuke some sweet at the sweet shop inside the hospital?

Tsubasa calmly walked in the direction of the hospital with the small bonquet of flowers she had bought on the way there. As she saw Lilia standing out from, she waved and walked over to her. "Sorry I'm late, I'd figured I'd come prepared." She chuckled as she walked to open the door for Lilia. She figured they could talk as they found their way to Kensuke's room.

Glad that Tsubasa had showed up, Lilia shook lightly her head. ''It's okay. Come, I will show you where his room is!'' After all, it had just been a day ago since she had payed Kensuke a visit herself. Now with Tsubasa, maybe she could cheer her kendo-senpai and good friend even more. ''Here it is!'' Lilia said as she opened the door slowly. Peeking inside, she couldn't see any doctors or such. Deciding it was thus alright to pay him a visit, Lilia opened the door. ''Ken-sensei, told you I would bring Tsu-san.'' Lilia said, smiling in Tsubasa's direction.

Looking up from the book he was reading he sent them a tired smile. In order to fight the complications he had gotten due to infections in his wound, they had put him on a medicine that helped him take down the infection, and it had worked very well so far. However, he still had to take it every three days, and it made him a bit drowsy. "Hello." He said with a tired voice, and rather slowly.

Tsubasa smiled happily as she settled the flowers on his bedside table. ''I see your still alive and well! How are they treating you? Good I hope.'' Tsubasa said jokingly as she strolled next to his bed. He had small bags below his eyes and his skin was slightly pale. She knew the duel wasn't the best idea, but they both seemed willing at the time. Who knew it would result in something like this...

Glad that Kensuke was awake now, Lilia walked to the other side of the small room and leaned against the wall, next to the window. Folding her arms, she would have a smile played on her face. Though she wanted to give a sarcastic answer on Tsubasa's question, as she hadn't forgotten about yesterday, Lilia said something else. ''And you didn't drink from the sake already, I hope.'' She asked him.

"Doctors stole it." He quickly replied to Lilia before turning to Tsubasa. "And apart from making me tired with their constant nagging about never leaving untill the healing program is complete, I'm in heaven. If they'd only let me do something except being a living plant." He answered strangely cynical because of the medication. Shaking his head and rubbing his nose he tried to stay as focusses as possible in this conversation. "And I did realize a few days ago I act funny when receiving this medicine."

Tsubasa chuckled. ''I'll try to bring something to keep you occupied the next time I visit.'' Tsubasa eyed the amount of IV's Kensuke and concluded that the infection was pretty bad. ''So waiting a while to get that wound treated seemed like a good idea at the time, or do you just like to be dramatic?'' Tsubasa said cheerfully.

A knock on the door was heard. Slowly, a young woman with long brown hair walked into the room. She had a shy smile on her face as she held a box of sweets and a boquet of flowers in her hands. ''I hope I don't bother. Heard the news and read the note.'' Yumi said, not sure if she was really welcome here. Dressed in a somewhat casual dress, she was wearing black booties. Seeing Tsubasa, Yumi nodded in her direction before walking towards the side of Kensuke's bed. Slowly, she streched the box of sweets towards the Nimatsu. ''Hope you get better soon. Kensuke.''

Surprised by the sudden appearance he rapidly blinked and nodded as he heard Yumi's voice faster than his eyes focussed. "Good afternoon. It's afternoon, right?" He said, before yawning. He always kep losing track of time when just lying in his bed all day, nevermind when influenced by this medicine. Suddenly something Yumi said made him think about Lilia's motives. "Wait, what note?"

Tsubasa waved happily toward Yumi and turned her attention back to Kensuke.
''Lilia sent us all notes to tell us to meet up here. My question still need answering by the way.'' Tsubasa said with a slight tinge of sarcasm.

So Yumi had managed to make some time as well. She had walked to close the door as Yumi came in. After that, she started to walk back to her previous position in the room. Leaning against the wall, with her arms crossed out front of her chest, Lilia smirked as she glanced in the direction of Kensuke. ''Something that is important, but it can wait. Besides, Tsu-san had asked you a question. Better answer that one first.'' Lilia said with a friendly tone as she clearly was enjoying the surprisment. And the fact that the three weren't aware of what she had planned.

After she had set the box of sweets on the table, Yumi winked back at Tsubasa, in reaction of her waving. As Kensuke asked if it was afternoon, Yumi nodded. ''It is. And the note to tell to come here. Also informing me that you had messed something up.'' Frowning a bit, it was clear that Yumi wasn't aware of what that was suppose to mean. Hearing Lilia's words, she decided to just stand at the end of Kensuke's bed and see what his reaction would be on her presence as well on why Lilia had set this up.

"Screw you Tsubasa, I was busy trying to hold my bowels in place back there..." He answered on an annoyed tone, before turning towards Lilia. "How did we mess up? I told you yesterday messing up isn't just well, winning a fight. I mean... You know what I mean, right?" He said, reaching for the remote of his bed, and sitting upright. He grabbed the glass of water next to his bed and splashed it into his face, making him blink rapidly a few times, utter a guttural sound of surprise, and suddenly spoke to them with a much clearer voice. "Much better."

Tsubasa laughed at Kensuke's reaction. ''Just want you to be aware how lucky you are buddy. You could have had to walk around with small bag with your pee in it.'' Tsubasa said crossing her arms infront of her. ''Anywho, I brought you some flowers, since I figured you could use the color. You look as white as a ghost.''

When Kensuke began to say he hadn't messed up, Lilia raised an eyebrow. It was true that he had talked about it yesterday, but the frown changed into a victorious smirk as Tsuabsa also confirmed more or less that Kensuke had been lucky. ''Doesn't matter anymore. And I side with Tsu-san. It could have been worse.'' Lilia said. She thought about if she would reveal her hidden intention now or later. ''And thought you could use some friendly faces around you. That is one of the reasons why both Tsu-san as Crystal-san are here.''

Yumi wasn't sure what really happened with Kensuke. The fact that he was in the hospital, Tsubasa saying he had been lucky and Lilia clearly thinking he had messed up, the young woman decided to ask Kensuke a question. ''What did you do that you ended up here? Spilled Ramen over somebody, again?'' She asked, trying to sound nice. The problem was that she couldn't find the good tone, was because she wasn't sure if the joke would be appreciated. After all, she could still remember the awkward lunch she once had with Kensuke. Why would this be any different?

Sighed in an irritated fashion he replied them, intending to settle the topic for good. "Considering the circumstances I had no choice to accept the duel, or have my clan be shamed internationally. The other ninja, who I offered the challange in order to execute our plans and orders in the fighting at the Rice Capital, insisted on the duel, so I was forced to fight. I fought to the best of my abilities given the circumstances, and won eventually, to a horrid price. It's a sad story, but I cannot afford to feel bad about it, or I risk letting it happen all over again." Giving them all, especially Tsubasa and even more specifically, Lilia, an annoyed look, as if to confirm that the subject was dealt with. "Oh, right, Yumi. Basically the enemy nin opened my chest like a can of pickles." He said, feeling abit sorry for being so irritated to her, she hadn't really done anything to deserve that. "Now, why are you all here anyways?"

Tsubasa sighed a bit as she settled herself down at the foot of the bed. ''To come visit and see if you are doing alright... what else? Do you expect me to not visit while you are in the hospital?'' Tsubasa said keeping her tone and posture pretty much the same. She wasn't going to make fun of him for the duel. She was however going to make fun of him for not seeking medical attention sooner. ''Not everyday you see a guy survive a wound that bad and wait a week to treat it.'' She said smiling.

With Kensuke giving her an annoyed look, Lilia simply returned it with a smug. She wasn't going to react on his short story, which explained what had happened. In short details. But she decided it would be fair to explain why she had brought them together. ''All of you three have something in common. Something you likely aren't aware off, but do share.'' Lilia said, clearly having fun of making it very mysterious. ''That and with Ken-sensei bedridden, I don't have to be afraid he will try to make fun of my.... little fan-club.'' This time, it was Lilia who gave Kensuke an annoyed glance. But deciding she would need to stay serious, Lilia continued to explain it. ''I've offered each of you to join the Konohagakure Guardians as members of the Four. Though its indeed true, you are just with three, I thought it would be wise to explain to you the reason for why I made the organization. That is, if you want to hear me out.'' She looked at all three of them, but looked the longest in Kensuke direction. With a frown.

Not sure what to think of Kensuke's ''deed'', Yumi noticed the annoyed look. Was the Ramen Joke that bad, she wondered. As Tsubasa stood now next to her, Yumi started to think of why he had reacted like that. Deciding not to react back, to make it worse, Yumi just nodded. But as she heard that Kensuke had waited a week before seeking out medical attention, she just couldn't resist. ''Wow. A week? I begin to wonder if my beating messed up your head that time ago.'' She said with a mocking tone, as payback for the annoyed look. Becoming silent again as Lilia spoke up, Yumi was confused. Something they had in common? At first thought she wanted to make fun to ask if that was that they all three were girls, but she kept listening and then understood what Lilia meant. ''Go ahead. I already told you that you can count on me.''

"I didn't wait a week? Where'd you get that idea?" He sneered, before listening to Lilia. So Lilia had been busy tricking other people into her group. Even, though he had called it her 'fan club' yesterday, he actually supported it. Any way to connect the different 'generations' of new shinobi would help to remove any second thoughts during battles. When their lives were on the line there was no place for silly objections or arguments between them. "Anyways, Lilia. There was a goal to this set-up? Please, even though we're all prime examples of patient humans, don't test that, please?"

Tsubasa's eyes settled on Lilia, ignoring Kensuke's small retort. She already knew part of what she was talking about, but wanted plently more information. ''You have the stage, Lilia. Lets hear about these 'Guardians.'' Tsubasa said lifting her hands to make some air quotes.

Nodding simply, Lilia already had formulated how she would explain it to the three people in front of her. ''You all three are high aware of my goal. My goal is still to become Hokage. My reasons may be known or unknown, but they aren't important for now. If any of you want to know it, I can explain it another time.'' She told them, on a very serious tone. Pausing, she then continued. ''The fact is, my recent progress is catching the eye of some higher ups. I don't dare to say what kind of influence that may have, but I want to make sure that I'm prepared. Just as today, I want to show you three that I'm not one with just pretty dreams and ideals. There is a reason why I made the Guardians. Both for selfish as non selfish reasons.'' Lilia glanced in Kensuke's direction.
''I once had asked you if I could become Hokage. Remember what you told me?'' She asked him, but only paused a second before she would continue her story. ''You made me aware that the Hokage isn't the strongest person in the Village. It's not the one that can dish out the most damage, won the most battles. Its the person that everybody respects. A person that can instill what we all call the Will of Fire in people, during grim times. That is where the Guardians come in.'' She told the three. ''I already have managed to win the respect of many. Managed to inspire many people to change.'' Lilia looked and smiled in Yumi's direction.

''And even managed to help some people who were in a tough time.'' Again, Lilia glanced in Kensuke's direction. ''However, I did some research. At this rate, I might be strong and able to show my capabilities. It's up to the Hokage to decided if I am worthy or not, but I am not planning on let this happen on luck or favour. The reason I made the Guardians is simply to show that I've leadership abilities. That I can inspire the genins of the Leaf to strive for more. To work together. The primary goal of defending the Leaf as an united organization is even what I thought of to just keep them all together, letting people in who have a good Will of Fire. However,'' Lilia narrowed her eyes, keeping them half open as she paused.

''Even if I might be able to reach my dream, show what I capable off, I am just one person. I can already say that I won't be able to hold my ground for long if I stand alone. And alone I will be if I won't allow some to stand by my side. Not as people that serve underneath my command, but a few and capable people that can advise me. People that have the will and courage to tell me if my plans aren't capable of success. That is where I need you. All of you.'' Her eyes drifted from Kensuke to Tsubasa, to Yumi. ''This is the real reason of the Guardians. To not just become a kind of example or organized group in Konoha. That was the secondary goal. But to see if I am able to select a few loyal and capable people to grow with me. Growing to become the next ones that can lead the village we all love and want to keep safe. So that said..'' Lilia pauzed before asking a question. The tone of the youngest person in the room was very serious once more.

''Who of you is still with me, on this path?''

Silently listening to the words of the young girl, Yumi wasn't sure how to react. The words of Lilia had somehing to her. But when she explained that she had selected them to become people who would try to grow with her and help her to achieve it all was kind of inspiring. Feeling some kind of goosebumps over her body, Yumi sighed and then smiled. ''You're a little bright girl, figuring this all out. Very well. I am not sure if your faith in me is well placed, but I won't let you fall. Not nor later.'' Smiling, Yumi couldn't resist it. Slowly, she formed a fist with her right and placed it on her chest. Like a salute. ''Ýumi Hasewaga at your side.''

Kensuke nodded and looked at Lilia with a new set of eyes, and thought a little while before he spoke. As soon as Yumi was done speaking he cleared his throat and looked al the little girl. "Lilia, you have proven to be boisterous, annoying, childish and irritating. But more importantly, you have shown that you can handle stress very well, have a clear ethical view on a situation and have enough guts to act according to it, and you have shown that your are not only a promising shinobi, but also that you're prepared to learn." He summarized quickly,ignoring any reaction from her as he sent her a wolfish grin. "Sometimes you even make me believe you have common sense. You even have enough of it to see your own faults, and find people who are good in those points to make up for those, and of whom you know they'll stand by your side. And, you have a healthy dose of ambition and wit." He continued, looking at the others gathered in the hospital room with a conspirative look. "As far as I can see you have a decent chance to become a Hokage with our support. And, so far, you haven't ever given me a reason to doubt you enough to decline this idea." He gave her a fat wink when he said the following words.

"I'll support you. ... ... ... eehhhh yeah I wish I had a clear mind right now to say something inspirational with it, but sadly the doctors drugged me, so you'll have to do it with this."

Tsubasa calmly tightened the sash around her waist as Lilia's attention fell to her. Exahling breifly, she figured she would keep it short. ''I've already given you my answer already, Lilia-chan. I'll happily assist you and guide you if need some direction. Anything I learn I'd gladly share with any of you. Just ask!'' She said with a slight chuckle. It was obvious that she was fired up about walking her path to become Hokage. Tsubasa simply hoped she could guide her to become a great one.

"I'm here to tell you the truth, Lilia-chan. Good or otherwise!'' She said cheerfully.

The young Hon smiled. Lowering her head as she closed her eyes, Lilia took a moment before replying back. ''I'm glad that each of you is willing to stand with me. I need to arrange quite a lot of things before I am able to be certain if I have a shot. But at least we can try it... Together.'' Lilia's bright green eyes, as she looked up again, gained a twinkle. Then her little unique smile appeared on her lips. ''Actually... I have to confess.'' Slowly her right hand went up.

Scratching the back of her head, Lilia closed her eyes again as she let out giggle. ''I don't really have a clue what to say back now...Thanks?'' She told them on an amused tone.

Yumi couldn't help it but to laugh a little bit. The fact that the girl had let out such an inspiring speech to them and then being able to react like that was something she liked about Lilia. She was full of surprises if one asked Yumi. ''So that is settled then? Though, you call us the Four. But we're just with three people. May I ask if you already had a fourth person in thoughts?'' Yumi asked, more curious than anything else.

"Yeah, who is your last victi-I mean candidate?" He said with a wink. He tried being as serious as possible, but Lilia just timed this entire meeting thing really badly. At least the worst effects of the medicine had staretd to wear off, but then again... He hoped they wouldn't hold this against him, since they basically barged in right after they treated him with the damned stuff. Knowing Lilia, he'd never get rid of it.

Tsubasa shrugged, looking back toward Kensuke. ''Your guess is as good as mine, Kensuke. I don't think I can think of anyone off hand. Maybe Ryo, but he's a bit... impatient?'' Tsubasa said with a chuckle. She thought he was a fine ninja, but he still had a bit to learn before he could help anyone with anything other than training. ''Katsuko is only a hair too inexperienced. One more day on another mission would probably change that.''

With Yumi bringing the question up, Lilia gained a reddish tint on her cheeks. To admit she didn't have anybody, while having thought this all out, wasn't something she could be proud about. ''Nobody yet. I have yet to see if I can see if somebody can try to work his way up to that position. Maybe even somebody out of the current genins? We can see later who can fill in the last position. For now it's of importance that there is a strong foundation.'' Lilia explained to them. However, she felt like it was a kind of excuse. ''But if you have any questions, now would be the time to ask me it. I do have to go on a mission today, so I might be gone for the next few days.'' She informed them, crossing her arms again as she leaned against the wall, while looking at the three.

''So far I would like to know what we can do to help you out already. I do take it that you're aware that we also have our duties?'' Yumi asked. ''Kensuke is a clan leader.. and currently drugged. And messed up.'' Yumi smiled as she smiled in Kensuke's direction. Just to be clear she was trying to lighten up the mood even more as well trying to make a bit of fun about the situation. After all she wasn't still informed or aware of what had really happened. ''Tsubasa-chan and I have our duties as kunoichi of the Leaf. So we can't really be all around when you might need us... Actually, I start to wonder. Why did you choose me? I can understand Tsubasa-chan and Kensuke, but me?''

"I don't have any sensible questions right now. I still feel a bit funny." He replied. It was a strange experience to be fully conscious and aware of everything that was happening, while at the same time have some of his senses do really strange stuff. "It's still afternoon right?" He said, partially as a joke, partially serious, to underline his condition.

Tsubasa couldn't help but laugh at Kensuke. ''I'm sure we will just have to work it into our schedules between mission and other things.'' Tsubasa turned her head toward Lilia. ''I'm more interested in where the headquarters is supposed to be. It seemed like you set us up with a pretty decent place. And its close to a tea shop....'' Tsubasa said as her mind trailed of onto tea and relaxing.

Listening to the three, Lilia would answer all three of them. First she would need to tell Yumi why she had chosen her to become part of this. ''Even while you might not believe it, I think you're an asset to the group. You're calm, smart and experienced. You might not have the self-confidence that others have, but you are a capable person. Who knows how stealth operations may work. Ken-sensei has experience on leading nin in direct combat and such. So combined, we have a way to run stealth operations and open battles. Then..'' Lilia glanced with a smirk in Tsubasa's direction. ''We have somebody who has experience with how expensive gear can be. In other words, you all can learn or already knows information on how to make things go in an efficient manner. Tsu-san can help with logistics and on how we can keep the gear of shinobi in top shape. Ken-sensei can help with leading them in direct conflicts and you.'' Lilia paused. ''You as ANBU had your fair share of going in secret operations. In other words, don't worry about it.'' She winked at Yumi before she looked at Kensuke.

''Yes, it is still afternoon. Ken-sensei.'' Lilia said. Deciding to not indulge further into what kind of state Kensuke was, Lilia turned her attention to Tsubasa.

''That can be easier done that one can suspect. But it's true!'' Lilia realized she hadn't show Tsuabsa the headquarters yet. Only told of them, but never actually went past to the point of where Azumi could be found. Finding herself a bit silly, Lilia spoke again. ''I think that Yumi can show you Azumi once you both have some free time. If that is all, then I should get preparing. I need to head out before it becomes dark.'' She told them, hinting that she would see if they had any questions or comments on what she had said.

So that was it? Yumi felt like she was getting too much praise. Sure, she had a point with doing stealth and secret operations, but to get so much trust she could eventually help with leading them from such a position? That was quite something. ''I'll make sure that you can count on me. Promised.'' Was what she could say. Yumi wished that she could come up with something cool or at least inspirational. But without being able to do that, she smiled in Lilia's direction. ''And if you're leaving, stay careful, okay?''

Kensuke smiled as he heard how she praised both Tsubasa and Yumi for their abilities. "Nice to mention me as your lightning bruiser." He said, giving her a fat wink. Hearing her sarcastic reply to his answer he looked outside at the sun, still brightly shining completely out of view, as it was probably slowly sinking towards the horizon. He cursed the fact that his window was facing North. It was still pretty cold, and some sun wouldn't have hurt him at all. Especially considering how rare sunlight like this was in the middle of January.

Smiled calmly as Lilia mentioned her supposed 'expertise.' Simply happy to help, Tsubasa accepted the complement. ''Thanks, Lilia-chan. Take care of yourself and keep in mind what I said to you on the training field. Most people are reasonable; you just have to push them to think that way.'' Tsubasa turned her head back to Kensuke. ''Lightning bruiser?'' She asked for further explanation.

Giggling at what was said, she nodded. ''It was an example, Ken-sensei. For all that counts, maybe you could help with organizing the farmers or such? Or Tsubasa art? Or Yumi.. You get the idea. I think.'' She added the last sentence, knowing that Kensuke wasn't having a clear mind now. Waving in their directions, Lilia flashed her little unique smile to them. ''I will send you three a note and some scoll very soon. Till very soon!'' Lilia said, before disappearing in a smoke poof, revealing it was all along a shadow clone they had been spending time with.

A shadow clone? Yumi was a bit surprised and then amused wondered why nobody had noticed that. Also glancing in Kensuke's direction, she knew that he had a good reason for that. "Indeed. That sounded a bit strange. Maybe something else like Steel Knuckle Face? Or something like : the Ramen Waster?" Yumi joked, though thinking about what Lilia had told them earlier. If the girl was really going down this road and with such progress, Yumi hoped she could keep up with it all.

Frowning as Lilia appeared to be a shadow clone, which had just disappeared, he turned to Yumi as she made an attempt at a witty comment about how he called himself. "Try reading "TV Tropes: A Dictionary to a Writer's tools" once. It'll explain a lot about the term I just used. Don't look at the size of the book either. I have a lot of time on my hands, sitting here all day." Looking around again, he let his chair return to the lying position again. Despite that he hated people saying he should rest more, this conversation had really exhausted him. He hated it when people were right about that, but he couldn't help himself when he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

Tsubasa smirked lightly as she heard Kensuke's comment. ''Plenty of free time you don't say? Well I have some extra paperwork I'd like to get off my desk. Maybe I could bring it by the next time I visit?'' Tsubasa said slowly standing up and taking Yumi by the arm and walking toward the door. Leaning in toward her ear, Tsubasa whispered. ''Lets get out of here before he can say no...''

Yumi glanced at Kensuke as she was taken by Tsubasa by the arm. ''I do wonder what kind of medicine they used on him.'' As they walked out of the room, she gained a grin on her face. ''Would be nice if we could get our hands on it. Just to make sure that he can stay relaxed after coming out of the hospital. Don't want him to be running in a duel again, do we?'' Yumi asked with a very sweet tone in her voice.

"Screw you guys..." He muttered as he caught a part of their conversation as they left. No wonder he was tired. He just had a discussion of 20 minutes with three girls in different stages of puberty and adulthood. Sighing deeply as he sank into a peaceful sleep, he noticed they had at least closed to the door behind them. They weren't complete villains. Yet.

[Little Alice]

A nice trip to the Moto Estate.
A day of relaxing a bit.

A collab between J8cob and Alice.
Time : 4 months after the time skip.

Summary :
Keiko and Lilia going to visit the Moto Estate. There they meet up with Jinkama and Akira Moto.

Enjoy.

SPOILER: Click to show

Today was a very important day. Dressed in a nice atire, Lilia looked in the mirror. Fixing her hair in a long ponytail, the long black raven hair, which was actually dyed, fell on her back as she brushed it back. Some strands were still there, but it suited her somehow. A soft grumbling sound was heard behind her as something big was clearly not pleased. ''No, you stay home. Maybe the next time, but I don't want you to try to taste Gramps Jin's chakra while we there. Eating sick people's chakra is rude!'' Lilia looked in the mirror as she noticed Samehada shivered. She wondered why the sentient blade was so curious to taste the chakra of Jinkama, but she shouldn't be distracted. After making sure her outfit was all good to go, she walked quickly to her door and looked over her shoulder. The big usual grin of the blade was curled down, as Samehada was clearly displeased that Lilia left him at home. ''Just stay and you might get a treat.'' As she promised, a little bolt of lightning was formed in her right hand. Throwing it up, the big shark blade slithered forward to catch it and made some spinning sounds. Shaking her head lightly, Lilia went downstairs.

''Mum? Are you ready? Need some help?'' Lilia called out. She was eager to head to the Moto Estate, to pay Jinkama and Akira a visit. Of course she would wait till Keiko was ready, as she had promised to escort her adopted mother to the place. Quickly running to a window, she noticed the beautiful weather outside. At least that was good, she thought with a broad smile. Keiko had just finished walking down the stairs. Though she sported a very noticeable baby bump, she tried not to let it hinder her too much. So going for a pleasant walk to the Moto Estate with Lilia seemed like a good idea in every fashion. "No, no. I'm ready to get going," she explained, taking a moment to examine herself. If there was one thing Keiko did not like about being pregnant, it was her figure. The mood swings were nothing unusual to her, and she hadn't developed any abnormal personality traits. But her body was obviously different. With a sigh, she looked up to see Lilia looking out the window. "Are you ready?" she joked, walking over to her daughter.

Lilia looked over her shoulder and smiled. Turning around, she nodded as well inspecting from her position how her mother looked like. Seemed they were all ready to go. Taking Keiko's hand, Lilia guided her mother to the front door. Something made a whinning sound. ''Hush now!'' Lilia called back as she opened the door. At top of the stairs, the sentient blade was seen, with his big grin curled down. ''I can't wait till we're there. Shall I else carry you, mum?'' Lilia offered, clearly happy to pay a visit to the Moto Estate.

Her offer earned a light chuckle. Keiko closed the front door behind them and took a look around. It was a nice day. Too nice... she thought grimly, before shaking her head and waving the thoughts away. With that, she smiled again and turned to Lilia. "I can walk just fine sweetie. If anything, I need the exercise. Can't do anything fun anymore," she replied, before adding another chuckle. As the two walked across the village, Keiko paid close attention to the people that were out and about. She couldn't help but be wary of the passerby. She mainly tried to determine if anyone was staring, but it seemed to her that pretty much everyone went about their own business on this fine day. But of course, she smiled the whole way.

''Mum, you seem to be still on an edge.. Is it about 'early'?'' Lilia asked, while holding Keiko's hand. Looking with a worried look, Lilia had called the way how people first looked at Keiko, when she came back in Konohagakure, differently. She was highly aware that Keiko wouldn't like to talk about it, thus deciding to add something. Placing her left thumb against her forehead, Lilia smiled. ''Cause I think that people like you more than you think. And I love you. Shall we buy Granny and Gramps something nice?'' She asked, hoping to distract Keiko a bit.

The young girl's words cheered Keiko up a bit, forcing a better smile from her. "I think that might not go as well as we would hope," she began, chuckling a bit. "Jin won't want anything. I doubt he'd make a scene, but he's never been much of a 'gift receiving' person. But if you want to force something on him... I'm down for it too." The idea of giving him something was nice, but Keiko knew he would never ask for anything. As far as she knew, there wasn't even anything he really wanted anyways. Nothing material, anyways, she thought to herself again. Once more, Keiko shook the thoughts out of her head and brought her attention back to Lilia.

Thinking about it, she knew something. Gently letting go of Keiko's hand, Lilia performed the Shadow Clone Technique. Right after the poof, the clone darted away as Lilia gave the clone some money. ''I know just the thing that Gramps Jin Jin can't refuse.'' Lilia said with a devilish grin as she took Keiko's hand again and walked further. As they walked, Lilia decided to begin a little conversation. ''Hey mum, when did you became a jounin actually?'' Lilia asked, looking up to her mother.

The young woman pretended to think about it, but she knew quite well. It was one of her proudest achievements, and one that defined most of her life. And especially her early, skyrocket career. "Well, it was on a rainy day in May. About eight years ago, when I was only fourteen," Keiko answered, a cocky grin evident on her face. "Zakito finally promoted me. Not for one mission, but because I performed a dozen missions within a week on a challenge from Jin. They started off easy, D-ranked and whatnot. But by the end of it, I had to retrieve stolen information from a post-war spy and had to save a girl from a kidnapping. Though, that one wasn't exactly a mission, but I saw a need and just did it. Maybe that was why I got promoted... But regardless, I remember being super excited." Thinking back on those days brought a smile to Keiko's face, as compared to her cocky grin earlier. "I did a lot of missions back then..."

Listening to her mother, being a jounin at the age of fourteen made Lilia wonder. She knew Keiko was a very strong kunoichi and not one easy to beat, she had a fair share of experience with that. The last time they had spared, Keiko hadn't hold back and Lilia had to give it her all to win the spar. ''Do you think I will be able to become just as great as you, mum?'' Lilia asked, briefly showing her insecure side, as she kept wondering what would happen if she wouldn't be able to become Jounin at the age of fourteen or fifteen, the age Hiron had managed to become a jounin. What if her younger sister would be able to become a jounin and she would forever stay as a chuunin? Or worse, getting demoted?!

"Ha... I'm not great," Keiko told her, chuckling a bit from Lilia's words. After looking over at her daughter, she figured she might have to explain what she meant. "Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty damn good. You should've seen me when I was younger and angrier. I was the best at what I did. But greatness isn't defined by accomplishments or strength. As a wise man once told me... " Keiko stopped walking and turned to face Lilia entirely now. "Greatness is defined by what you do for your loved ones, not what you do for yourself." With that, she flashed Lilia a smile. "By that logic, you're already at least as great as me. If not better." She resisted the urge to add one last cocky statement, but still grinned slightly as she continued walking. "But hey, if you become a jonin as young as I did, you'll have a pretty good foundation for becoming great."

Thinking about the words, she smiled her unique little smile as she then nodded. ''Sounds like what Gramps Jin Jin would say.'' She thought about the last sentence of Keiko and then giggled as she placed her right fist at her chest. ''That is settled then. I'm going to become Jounin before you know it. But come! We can't let Granny and Gramps wait for us.'' Taking Keiko's hand again, they were nearing the Main gate. It would still take a walk through the forest, but with this pleasant weather, Lilia wouldn't mind it. Thinking of something, Lilia decided that she could say it. Nobody was around after all and she could trust Keiko. ''Besides, I managed to.... talk with Matatabi-sama.'' Saying it, Lilia waited to see what the reaction would be of her mother. She remembered her saying that she was angrier at her youth. But what about now? She could recall a lot of times when Keiko had been pissed off by somebody else. Luckily yet, not her. Yet...

Lilia caught on pretty quick. It was Jinkama that had told her that. Though, he told her that as part of a lecture she had initially ignored years ago. The memories made her smile, but she was brought back to the present when Lilia mentioned the Biju inside her. This made Keiko pause for a second, as she thought of how to respond to that. "Well, what'd it have to say?" Keiko asked, mostly out of curiosity. After all, she had no idea about the Matatabi, and knew she would never end up communicating with it, and more than likely never even seeing it.

Thinking on how she could explain it, Lilia talked in a slow manner. To be certain she explained it well enough. ''I just searched him up... And decided to talk with him. He isn't bad or evil. Just a bit misunderstood. I don't understand him yet, but he is the first obstacle I will overcome as I believe he needs a bit of time and somebody to understand him.'' Lilia said. She thought about saying what she had in mind and decided to let it out. ''And I know it's not safe, but... I did it in my own room. Seeking him up and the place of the seal. But he is okay! Promised!'' Lilia continued.

Keiko smiled and continued walking for a moment. It took a few seconds for Lilia's last few words to sink in. When they did, she froze and turned to face Lilia, concern on her face. "What?" she asked, her voice exuding shock. However, before Lilia could answer, Keiko took a deep breath to calm herself down. "You need to be careful. Messing with your seal can put more people at risk than just you... And messing with it in our house could be dangerous to the house." Though she used a stern voice, she made sure not to nag Lilia in the least. She was simply expressing concern.

Nodding, Lilia understood it as she placed her left hand on her stomach. A sad smile adored her lips as she spoke again. ''I know, but I believe he won't do anything wrong unless provoked. Just like I know a pair of fierce Jounins who are the nicest people, but just don't show it often.'' The sad smile turned into a cheeky smile as she winked in Keiko's direction. ''Besides, I wish I could show you his blue flames. They are so.... I don't know how to say it. I am just filled with awe when I see his flames.''

The young mother gave Lilia a curious look. Keiko herself had grown quite used to flames and burning things. After all, she was quite renowned for her fiery techniques for a reason. Blue flames sounded different to her. She had long ago stopped respecting fire as awe-inspiring, rather as an effective tool. So the concept was very new to her. "That is... interesting," she remarked, drawing her attention forward again. Now she was a little curious about the Matatabi, but her instincts and what she was taught growing up suppressed the idea fairly quickly. Not exactly to fear it, but to acknowledge how dangerous it is.

Lilia nodded as she took the words of Keiko in a wrong way. She thought that Keiko would find it interesting to see them one day. ''Maybe I can show him to you one day! Of course, I will need to make sure that it will be safe. For everybody. But-''' As she wanted to continue on telling how the mighty and dangerous flames looked like, somebody ran towards them. It was the shadow clone, carrying a bag with a big smile. Giving it to the real Lilia, who took it, Lilia giggled. ''Oh, hope that Gramps Jin will like this!'' She said, more thinking out loud than actually wanting to inform Keiko of the surprise. It wasn't likely far from the Moto Estate now.

The arrival of Lilia's clone with a mysterious bag prevented Keiko from repeating her earlier problems with the Matatabi. Rather, she capitalized on the opportunity to change the subject. "What is it that you think he will like?" Keiko asked, leaning as a fake attempt to look down the bag. Though she figured Lilia wouldn't let her know, she thought it would be a bit entertaining simply inquiring. When Keiko looked forward, she could see the large building in the distance. The wall around the Estate looked surprisingly nice, and Keiko couldn't help but reflect on the fact that only two people worked on it and had it built in no time at all. "We'll see if you're right or not soon enough."

Lilia squeezed gently Keiko's hand. She also looked at the walls in the distance. ''I hope I am... Mom..'' Lilia began. She didn't want to get emotional. Jinkama kept himself strong, so should she. But she felt that she would cry by just thinking on how unfair it was. One of the greatest men that she knew was on the verge of dying. Fighting against something that wouldn't back down. It was ironic. Somebody that could even fight on par with her, when she would use all of the empowering benefits of using Matatabi's chakra, was now losing to a disease. Ironic and very sad.

Keiko could already detect Lilia's sadness as they approached. She wanted to say something to reassure her, but no words came to mind. After all, she was facing the same problem. Once the two approached the front gate, Keiko gave it a sharp kick to swing it open. The wood was light enough, and the gate allowed them passage. Keiko was surprised when it opened, as she saw that another building was under construction just inside the wall. It was hardly started, but the foundations were being built. And presently, Jinkama himself was sitting on one of the foundations as he drank some water. Immediately, Keiko's temper began to rise. "What do you think you're doing Jin? You should be in bed resting," she started, only earning a chuckle from her uncle. "I'm just enjoying a drink. It's Katsuko that's doing all the work here. I'm just supervising," he defended himself, earning a sigh of relief from Keiko. "Welcome!"

Sqeezing Keiko's hand again, gently, Lilia wanted to make sure that Keiko would understand the signal. They weren't here to sneer at Jinkama. Also, Lilia remembered she should try to keep stress, anger and other negative emotions from Keiko. It could be bad for her baby sister or brother. Looking with a beaming face at Jinkama, Lilia held up the bag. Likely Jinkama would know what it was by the look of the bag. ''Gramps Jin Jin! Look!'' She called out, with a cheerful voice. She wanted to run up to him and give him a warm hug, but she kept holding Keiko's hand for now. If Katsuko would do something to piss Keiko off, Lilia could try to neutralize that. At least, that was what she was hoping.

The older man smirked and hopped off the foundation. Keiko couldn't help but wonder why he seemed so energetic, even right now. Especially right now. "Now now," he said as he approached the two, before finishing the bottle of water. Once Jinkama was standing in front of them, or more like standing over them due the height differences, he looked at Keiko. "You need to relax, missy. I know you were never good at it, but a first time for everything," he said jokingly, before stooping down a bit to get closer to Lilia's height. As he accepted the bag from her, Keiko rolled her eyes. "You've never been good at relaxing either, Jin. And you need it right now too, smartass." Her words only made Jinkama chuckle, as he otherwise ignored her. "How much did you spend on it Lilia?"

Lilia grinned. She planted a kiss on Jinkama's cheek. ''Enough for you not to know it.~'' She said in a tone that made it sound like she was keeping a very dark secret from him. ''Besides, I earn well enough to treat the people I love on something nice.'' Lilia told Jinkama, with some pride in her voice. She was trying to think of something to distract both Keiko and Jinkama. ''Shall we go inside? Is Granny Moto also home?'' Lilia said, softly squeezing Keiko's hand again. Keeping Keiko from sneering or making sarcastic remarks would be harder than she had anticipated.

Once again, Jinkama smirked as he stood to full height. "Yeah, Akira is here. She's made Katsuko run to get some groceries, but he'll be home soon enough," he told her. With that done, he looked over at Keiko, raising an eyebrow. After a scoff, Keiko caved in and gave Jinkama a hug. "I always tell you to relax and never thought there would be a day you could tell me the same," he joked, though Keiko visibly winced. "Where is Hiron, since it seems we're having a small party?" With that, he began to lead the two toward the house.

''Think he is busy training or on a mission, Gramps Jin.'' Lilia responded. Though she was happy with his word choice, one would be careful. After all the time she had lived with Keiko, she never had been in the crossfire of needing to fear the woman would get angry at her. But she had seen her often angry at Hiron. Or well, heard her being angry at Hiron. ''But maybe he can come next time. I will ask it, okay?'' She looked up to Jinkama with a big smile.

Jinkama gave Lilia a smirk, before ruffling her hair. "He's always welcome over. I might seem mean, but company is always nice," he told her, before chuckling and retreating his hand from her head. After all, he didn't want to instigate her too much and have his hand within her arm reach at the same time. This earned a sigh from Keiko, whom was already on the way to the house. "That's why we're here," she said, her voice now suddenly much more cheery. Though she stopped at the door and waited for Jinkama and Lilia to catch up.

Grabbing his hand, she walked with Jinkama towards the door. Giggling, she let out some warmth through her hands to the palm of Jinkama. A small reminder of something. ''I thought we were here to make sure Gramps Jin wouldn't be do anything, other than resting out.'' Lilia said, winking in Jinkama's direction. The older man chuckled as he approached the door. "Couldn't stop me anyways," he joked, before opening the door and letting the girls in first. After all the walking, Keiko couldn't wait to sit down, and took the opportunity to practically fall onto the living room couch. Of course, upon hearing the door, Akira soon appeared in the main hallway. "Oh, I wasn't expecting company. How are you doing Lilia?"

''Could try it.'' She said back before she walked into the living room. Instead of sitting down, next to Keiko, Lilia had expected Akira to come to look. With a smile, she ran towards the older woman as she pulled her in for a hug. ''Granny Moto!'' She cheered, closing her eyes. If there were any places she felt at home, it were the places where either Akira and Jinkama Moto where or Keiko and Hiron. ''Been fine. Busy with doing missions and training. A lot. You?''

After accepting the hug, Akira just shrugged. "I've just been keeping this place from falling apart. I've been tossing around an idea with Jin of joining the Elder Council, but rather than being helpful he just told me I'm too young. So while I wait for real help, I'm making our home presentable," Akira explained, shooting a playful glare at Jinkama whom simply chuckled to himself. While Lilia was talking with Akira, Jinkama walked into the living room. "You seem tired," he stated, before sitting in his armchair. This earned a light sneer from Keiko. "Shut the fuck up, Jin. You have no idea," she snarked back, though it wasn't in a harsh tone. Jinkama smirked at this. "No, I'm pretty sure I do. When Akira was pregnant with Katsuko, I didn't hear the end of it." This earned a laugh from Keiko, but she quieted down quickly as she looked toward the hallway for Lilia.

''Maybe you should just try it. Though, what Elder council?'' Lilia asked. She was thinking about some things what it could men, but rather asked it before assuming she would be right about it. ''Besides, I might know people who would be ready clean up the Estate and do all kind of things to help you and Gramps Jin. For free even.'' Lilia suggested, already thinking about the bunch of genins in the Konohagakure Guardians. After all, she could say it was a real D ranked mission. Thus a fitting mission for Genins.

Her words made Akira chuckle. "I've already got Katsuko helping me on that front. Or rather, Jinkama is making him help. Building character and whatnot, but Katsuko has been more than willing to help," she explained, before moving to lead Lilia into the living room. "The Elder Council is a small group of... well... some of the elder residents of the village. But they must be esteemed. The last Elder Council... well they turned out to be a bunch of crooks. So since one of our organizations that helps make decisions in the village is empty, and I might as well help out where I can since I have enough free time..." After saying that, the spirit seemed to drain from Akira's face for a moment. But she quickly snapped out of it and gave Lilia a smile.

''Hhmm.'' She seemed to think. Of course she remembered the previous Elders. It was their 'fault' that she was now a Jinchuriki. But after the last meeting with Matatabi, where he had admitted he was growing fond of Lilia, she wouldn't say anything bad about that or even think. ''I think that I might have a place where that group could hold meetings. Ever heard of Azumi?~'' Lilia asked on a very sweet tone as she smiled back in Akira's direction.

"Oh, I'm not worried about having a place for meetings. I don't even know if I qualify as being an elder or being esteemed. But I appreciate the enthusiasm," Akira told her, before chuckling lightly. Now all four were in the living room, with Akira sitting down on the coach nearest to Jinkama's armchair. "Almost have the whole gang here," Jinkama noted once the two sat down, before coughing a few times. Both Akira and Keiko lost color when he began coughing, but recovered quickly enough to keep him from knowing.

However, Lilia didn't instantly react on the coughs. All that happened was that her right eye twitched. Then she smiled slowly before speaking up. ''Maybe you should stay inside more, Gramps Jin. Seems you're catching a cold if you won't take it easier.'' Though she said with a smile, her eyes told a different story. ''Also, I forgot to say, but I told mum about it earlier... And seeing that I can trust family.. I think I've made a new friend.'' Lilia started, glancing in Keiko's direction. The woman likely would know where Lilia was heading.

Keiko seemed quite surprised at Lilia's reaction, and even more surprised when Jinkama started laughing. Not a chuckle, a laugh. This made her a bit uncomfortable, but the smile on Akira's face calmed her down. "I probably should, huh," Jinkama answered, before wiping his fist over his mouth. Once Lilia began about making a new friend, Keiko looked over at her with concern. She didn't know how Jinkama or Akira would react, considering in her eyes they were more "old school" than she was. "And who is that, dear?" Akira asked Lilia, entirely unsuspecting of the incoming answer.

''Matatabi is his name.'' Lilia said with a clear voice. She had seen Keiko's look, but it was too late to turn around now. ''Last time I went to seek up the Nibi inside me and learned something...'' Lilia placed her right hand at the back of her head, smiling a bit nervously. ''You know how everybody think Tailed Beasts are evil? Seems that is a made up story.'' Lilia said. Though she wanted to continue, she noticed something blocked her throat. Though keeping up the vague and nervous smile, she wasn't able to continue for the moment.

There was silence around the room for a moment. Akira seemed mildly surprised, and Jinkama seemed to have no response at all. But just as the awkward silence began to become unbearable, Jinkama bursted out in laughter. This made Akira and Keiko look over at him, confused. "Matatabi, huh," Jinkama remarked as he recomposed himself. Rather quickly, Keiko spoke up. "What's so funny?" she asked him, in an almost hostile tone. "Oh... nothing, nothing. Just that Lilia is so nervous over something like this," he explained, now sitting upright in his chair. "So anyways... How did you two work out your differences?"

''Well, that is the tricky part...'' She said, sighing. She was reliefed that both Akira and Jinkama wouldn't scold her. She had expected Jinkama would likely laugh at it, he was just the person to do that. But one could never be too certain or cautious. ''You see, it is this big hall. On one side, it's my space. A serie of big and enormous bars seperates my space from Matatabi's. That said, he can't come to my space, but I can try to walk past the bars. When I however..'' She thought back of the conversation at the start. It hadn't turn out what she had wanted. ''I have learned that Tailed Beasts aren't big creatures of pure malice. Actually, he has some things in common with me.'' Lilia said, trying to not sound to grim and bitter about it.

''He taught me the very lesson that it's unwise to think one's suffering is greater than another. That its ignorant to assume somebody should understand when you aren't trying to understand them. After that, we broke out in an... argument.'' Lilia said, feeling a bit nervous again. The emphasis on the last word was clear it wasn understatement. But to explain the struggle wasn't something Lilia found a wise thing to do.

The others remained quiet as Lilia told her story. This part was new to Keiko as well, so she paid attention too. Though, she felt somewhat worried that Lilia was interacting closely with the Nibi, she made sure not to show it. And as far as she could tell, it seemed that Jinkama and Akira weren't bothered either. "I'm gonna guess you learned that arguing with a giant beast isn't the best route to take?" Jinkama asked, to keep the conversation from sounding so drab. But before Lilia could answer, the front door swung open. In walked Katsuko, cautiously carrying over a dozen grocery bags. He even had a melon balanced on his head, ironically. And upon detecting the scene before him, he couldn't help but feel like he missed something. "Hello Lilia. Keiko," he greeted, before moving down the hallway to drop off his cargo in the kitchen.

Lilia flashed a smile to Katsuko, before responding back. ''Yeah. But in the end I gave him a speech and managed to cool down. It allowed me to control his chakra a bit better though. So it might be worth the trouble.'' Lilia giggld before deciding it was on that subject. She was glad that both Akira as Jinkama weren't bothered. After all, she had wanted to tell of it, because it would take their month of Jinkama's illness. That and she wasn't sure what other progress she could surprise Jinkama with. He was likely aware of her mission success streak. It would look like poching if she would simply start about that. Instead, Lilia waited for another reaction or question.

"Always a benefit to any friend. You just have to look hard enough for it sometimes," Jinkama said, getting an unamused look from Keiko. "That proverb didn't even work in this situation," Keiko complained, only getting a smirk from both Jinkama and Akira. "Just you wait." About now, Katsuko re-entered the room and stood next to Jinkama's armchair. "So what'd I miss?" he asked, taking a look at everyone before him. "Lilia has befriended the Nibi," Akira explained, earning a raised eyebrow from Katsuko. Though, he reacted no further than that. "Oh... That's cool."

''That is a way to call it. What did you do?'' Lilia asked, wondering what he had done today. But recalling the earlier conversation with Akira, he would likely had been busy with doing all kind of chores to help around. The thought of sending a few genins to help around was really getting tempting. Making a mental note of it, she would just surprise them with it. Of course, she would make sure to sent the genins she could rely on doing the job decently.

Katsuko's face contorted into one of thought. "Well, I just went and got food. Earlier I was helping Dad with building the dojo. And by helping I mean I was doing everything," he explained, taking a glance over at his mother as he spoke about the construction. His words and tone brought a light chuckle from his father. "Things have been rather calm lately. Not much else to do but train and fix things. Or in this case build." Akira spoke up at this point. "And clean, should you stop forgetting?" This earned a laught from Keiko and Jinkama, and a slight sneer from Katsuko.

Lilia giggled as well, when she heard it. ''Well if you do such a good job, then Granny Moto was right. No need to send a couple of genins to help around.'' Lilia teased. Then she almost had forgotten to ask Jinkama about it. ''Gramps Jin, you forget something.'' Lilia looked with a stern look in his direction, clearly refering to something that was very important. After all, it was what they always did together.

The older man ceased his chuckling when Lilia spoke to him. A small grin briefly formed on his face, before lifting up the bag she gave him earlier. "I didn't forget, Lilia. It's just that I have to have a specific diet or something. Everyone is treating me like I'm an old man or something," he explained jokingly, removing the apple pie from the bag. Now Keiko knew what Lilia had bought him, but despite Jinkama's tone the room seemed to have been brought down slightly. But that didn't stop Jinkama. "I'll just eat it later when no one is looking." This earned a playful smack on the arm from Akira, and Katsuko lightly chuckled as he shifted on his feet.

Lilia smiled, but was feeling a bit down. So he couldn't eat apple pie with her anymore? She had understood and accepted he wouldn't be able to train with her anymore. That was something she could accept without a problem. But to never eat apple pie again with Jinkama? Though due her experience and skill, she was able to put on a poker face on the outside, smiling, however she felt miserable from the inside. The very thought alone made her feel she was making it all just worst for him. ''Just as long you enjoy it. Gramps Jin!'' Lilia said in a cheerful manner. She beamed as she was at least a bit happy that the others could smile. But she wondered. Did they also feel that pain like she did already?

The whole family looked at Lilia when she spoke up. Jinkama coughed a few times, before looking over to Akira. "Can you go and get me a drink, please?" he asked, taking a comically innocent tone with his wife. "Sure, but I'm not getting you any scotch. You know what Chang said," she answered, standing from the couch. This earned a little pout from the forty-one year old man, but he conceded. As Akira walked into the kitchen, a white housecat walked in through the same door and jumped onto the couch where Akira previously sat. "I can't believe you would drink in front of Lilia, Jin," Keiko spoke up, getting a skeptical look from Jinkama. "Are you-" he began, before Katsuko interrupted. "Are you one to be talking here, Keiko?" Katsuko snarked at her, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

''At least she knows how to behave when getting drunk.~'' Lilia suddenly spoke up. Tilting her head, she looked at the three. ''Besides, like if I would be allowed to drink. Hiron once caught me. I rather not spend five laps running around Konoha, every morning.'' Lilia spoke back. She had felt the urge to defend Keiko as she found it unfair that both Jinkama and Katsuko wanted to say something about her mothers drinking habit. However, her eyes caught sight of something. ''Oooooh! Since when do you have a cat?!''' She beamed at seeing the cat, already making the sound people always make when they want to attract the attention of a cat, hoping it would come to them.

Jinkama burst into laughter upon hearing Lilia's remark. Katsuko smirked slightly, but it was more of a sneer than anything else. After all, that was a reference to his own behavior. "Only once, as a reminder," he mumbled, but neither Keiko nor Jinkama paid attention to that.
"Wait a minute. When did you-" Keiko began to ask before Lilia noticed the cat. The cat perked up and casually walked over Keiko to approach Lilia. "That's Hana," Jinkama began to explain, already detecting Katsuko's displeasure with this event. "She's Kat's cat. Hehe... Anyways, she's an interesting one. Playful and full of surprises." With that, he shot a smug look toward Katsuko, who simply remained silent to see what would happen.

Picking up the cat, Lilia giggled. ''After Mata-sama, I have seen already enough surprises from cats. Hey..'' She focused her attention on the cat, placing it on her lap and starting to pet her. She looked up to Katsuko with a smile. ''Didn't know you liked cats, Kat.'' She said, giggling as she found the white cat cute.

Katsuko cocked his head to the side slightly, before answering. "I didn't know either," he joked, still waiting for Hana to do something. However, the cat simply rolled over on Lilia's lap and began purring. Behaving eerily normal. With a sigh, Katsuko stood up straight and shook his head. "She grew on me I guess." Akira walked into the room, carrying a tray with cups of water on them. Upon seeing the glasses, Jinkama looked a bit disappointed. But his thirst made him accept one regardless. "Thank you, Auntie," Keiko said after taking a glass. While she and Katsuko immediately drank their water, Jinkama stared at his glass a moment before sighing, then chuckling, and then taking a sip.

Smiling as she took the glass with water, Lilia took a sip before she would react to Katsuko. ''Some cats tend to do that.'' She said, wondering if Matatabi would hear that. But she then smiled as she patted softly the back of Hana. ''Awwww, you're really adorable.'' She said, finding it a nice change to pet a cat that wasn't bigger than her. Or had huge claws and fangs at the size of a large man.

As Akira sat back down in her spot, Katsuko glanced at the cat on Lilia's lap. "She can be. At times," Katsuko joked, before looking over at his father. He noticed Jinkama hesitating with his water, and decided to catch his attention. "You think she would've done something by now, huh?" he asked his father. This snapped him out of it, and Jinkama looked over at Lilia too. "Huh. You're right. Usually Hana would-" he began, before what they were waiting for happened. The cat on Lilia's lap disappeared in a poof of smoke. What was in it's place was a small woman with cat ears and a tail, a bit taller than Lilia herself, with white hair as long as Lilia. "There it is." "What's your name?" Hana asked Lilia, still laying on Lilia's lap unaware of any potential surprise or strangeness of the transformation.

Lilia's eyes widened as she pulled her hands away from Hana, who first was a cat and now a small woman. It took Lilia quite some self control to not instantly zap the woman with the Silent Shocking Technique, a bad habit that she had when somebody surprised her like that. ''What the...'' She stopped, almost cursing out loud, but knowing that saying the same words as Keiko often did wouldn't be appriciated. Not with Jinkama or Akira around. ''Who are you?!'' Was Lilia's response, completely forgetting that Hana asked the question first.

Keiko scooted away from Lilia slightly, forseeing that being so close to Hana might result in a spilled drink. "I'm Hana, silly," the woman began to explain. "Jin already introduced me. But I've never met you before." With that, she tilted her head back to look at Katsuko, albeit upside-down. She could see a smile on his face, so she looked back toward Lilia. Though Hana was never good at distinguishing smiles from grins as to her they were the same thing.
Unsure, Lilia briefly glanced at Keiko. As if the woman could do something about the awkward situation. She had a small woman that was a cat on her lap? ''Lilia. Lilia Hon, is my name. Would you mind to get off me now?'' She decided to ask. It was really strange in her opinion. Why would somebody stay transformed as a cat? And why did they treat her as a cat while she was a woman? It was really awkward in Lilia's opinion.

Hana seemed confused at Lilia's request. Most people in the house seemed to appreciate her company. Her left ear twitched briefly before she sat upright and removed herself from Lilia. "Fine, fine," she said, sounding somewhat let down. After adjusting her hair, which almost reached the floor, she pounced toward Katsuko. In mid-flight, she poofed back into a white cat and landed on his shoulder. "She likes sitting on people. Just climbing around in general, really," Katsuko explained, moving his left hand up to scratch the cat behind the ears. "She's weird as fuuuuck," Keiko mumbled to herself as she finished her glass of water, but Akira gave her a glare. "Keiko." The pregnant woman gave her an innocent look, but neither Akira nor Jinkama looked amused. Before Akira could lecture her, Jinkama spoke up. "Watch your mouth," he joked, before taking another sip of his water.

Lilia was wondering what Keiko said wrong. It took her a moment before she realized that Keiko had said, what some called, the 'F' word. It was only natural to Lilia to hear Keiko use rude language. ''Sorry Hana. Just a bit surprised.'' She said, not sure if the cat or woman, or womancat would understand her. Lilia was still not sure if she was human or a cat. Deciding that there were things that would seem odd, as sealing a huge beast inside people, Lilia wouldn't continue on the matter. ''But, if you want Granny Moto, I wouldn't mind to spend a day with helping around.'' Lilia began, hoping to shift the attention away from Keiko. That and it would mean she could spend some time around with Jinkama and Akira.

Akira looked past Keiko to speak with Lilia. "We can always use another hand around here. Especially since I'm the only one that cleans..." she explained, before giving a threatening glance toward Jinkama and Katsuko. Both of them, like father like son, looked away innocently and took a sip of their water almost perfectly in sync. "If you want to help, just come on over. Make sure it's okay with Keiko and Hiron first though. If you aren't taking care of your house they might not appreciate you taking care of ours." Akira leaned back with her little joke, and Keiko suppressed laughter. Between Keiko's desire to keep a decent standard and Hiron's issue with a dirty house, it never really needed any help from Lilia in terms of maintenance.

Nodding, Lilia was smiling again. ''Dont worry. I can always leave a shadow clone or two behind to keep an eye on mom.'' She said, also wanting to mention Samehada could help around. But all he would likely do was driving somebody nuts. Certainly if one had a chakra signature he would like to take a 'taste' from. ''Besides, I can take a break from the training, going on missions and spending time on the Guardians. A free day won't kill me.'' She tried to joke.

Akira and Keiko chuckled lightly with her words. "Then I would enjoy the help," Akira responded, before looking over at Jinkama. He finished his glass of water and smiled.
"And when you get bored of cleaning things, I can always use an extra set of hands for home improvement. Can't call this an estate with just one building, right Katsuko?" Jinkama looked over at his son and saw Katsuko seemed to be in a trance, staring at his glass of water. Hana seemed unaware on his shoulder, and when she moved from his right shoulder to his left, he snapped out of it. "Right, yes," he spoke up, trying to sound like he paid attention. This earned a suspicious glare from Jinkama, but the older man turned his attention back to Lilia. "And always remember, there is plenty of room to train here. We've got plenty of outdoor space without risk of damaging any buildings or anything."

The invitation made Lilia beam. It instantly gave her the idea she could continue training with Jinkama. Sure, he couldnt really do anything, but watch and see her progress, but it was at least something. Then he could help her and she could try to him something she did wanted to show. Well, she had to show him two things. ''I would very much love that! Thanks Gramps Jin.'' Lilia said, feeling very happy with the invitation. Already she began to see where and how she could make room to spend a day or maybe even two at the Estate.

"Not a problem," he said, before finishing his glass and setting it on the coffee table in front of the couch. He didn't notice it, but Akira certainly did. Where his lips were on the glass was blood. Rather quickly, so as to keep the others from detecting this, Akira picked up his glass and stood up. "I'll go refill this. Anyone else?" she asked casually, playing her worry off perfectly. Keiko lifted her empty glass as well. "Thank you Auntie. Want me to help with any dishes you have in there or-" Keiko began to offer, before Akira rejected the idea. "No no no. You just sit there and relax. Don't tell me Hiron has been making you do all the housework?" This made Keiko chuckle nervously, before looking at Lilia. "No, no. Lilia and Hiron help me out."

Lilia felt a bit nervous. Hiron had been doing a lot of missions and was quite busy. ''Yup. Can't let mom do anything while being pregnant.'' She decided to say, with a cheerful tone. ''Mom just don't like it to sit and do nothing all day.'' She added, hoping it would help. Emptying her class. Lilia shook her head. ''And no thanks Granny Moto. I am fine.'' She replied further. Then she turned her attention to Jinkama. ''Gramps Jin, are you able to help with something over three days from now? I had something in mind I wanted to develop, but could use some input.''

With Lilia refusing a refill, Akira walked back into the kitchen. With a spot open on the couch once more, Hana jumped from Katsuko's shoulder onto the table and then onto the couch. The white cat walked in a circle before laying down in what was now her spot. "Depends. I'm not allowed to help with some things. The boss lady will get mad at me," he explained, before chuckling at his joke and leaning back. "Chances are I can, to an extent." Keiko looked over to Lilia now. "What are you planning in three days?" she asked, curious why Lilia was so specific about the time.

Glad that Jinkama was open to help her out, Lilia looked in Keiko's direction. ''I have a short mission. Then I need to keep training to the schedule Uncle Z has given me.'' Lilia responded back. She did wondered why Keiko had asked and figured it would likely be because she had asked for a specific date. ''Though I will likely keep Shady home tomorrow. And the mission won't take long. It's simply bringing a merchant to his quary. No big deal.'' She continued.

"Okay. I was just wondering," Keiko explained herself. She wasn't worried about Lilia going on missions, but was trying to figure out if that would leave her home alone while she would be gone. "Shady?" Katsuko spoke up, wondering who she could be referring to. At that moment, Akira walked back in the room with two glasses of water. She handed one each to Jinkama and Keiko, before noticing Hana in her seat. She frowned briefly, before picking Hana up and sitting back in her seat. The cat began to protest with a meow, but Akira set her down on her lap and began petting her, effectively silencing the complaints.

''Yup. Shady. My sword pet.'' Lilia looked at Katsuko, but figured that he hadn't seen Samehada or maybe wasn't aware of it. After all, she knew better than to brag she had managed to defeat a Swordman. Such things were unwise, as it would lure people that would want to challenge her over control of Samehada. Not that she had somebody that would wrestle the blade from her. The sentient sword had taken a liking to her chakra, more specifcily Matatabi's as well to Lilia's treatment.

The teenager raised an eyebrow to this. He felt like inquiring further, or making a comment, but realized he wasn't one to talk when it came to odd pets. With that thought in mind, he looked over at Hana and sighed. "That's interesting," he told Lilia, before moving toward the hallway. "Where are you going?" Jinkama asked, looking over his shoulder. "Do you really want to know?" Katsuko asked back, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. With that, Jinkama waved him off and Katsuko left the room. "Sometimes he seems just like I was at his age... And that scares me," he joked, taking a sip of his water.

''Does it?'' Lilia asked, wondering what he meant with that. Maybe Jinkama just meant he didn't like Katsuko to grow up like him, but she couldn't figure out why not. Deciding not to really indulge on the matter, Lilia decided to ask something else. ''By the way, how long will we stay, mom? I don't want to leave Shady all home alone for a whole day.'' Lilia said, looking a bit worried. Last time, the shark blade had made a mess of her room. Not to mention being very grumpy, keep producing hissing sounds for a half a day.

"I was a little shit when I was a teenager," Jinkama told Lilia, before laughing. This made Keiko frown. "Language?" she asked him, trying to get him to see the irony. Rather, Jinkama had his own snarky response. "Us Moto seem to have a thing for being terrible going through puberty or something. I was terrible, so were my brothers. But Lilia, you should've seen Keiko. She was the worst. There were times where-" At this point, Keiko had to interrupt him. "Yeah, yeah. Great story. Anyways..." Keiko then directed her attention back to Lilia. "I really hate walking right now. But if that damned... ugh... I guess we'll leave soon to make sure it doesn't destroy the house."

Listening with a smile, she then heard Keiko's reply. Thinking about it, she had an alternative. ''I could easily make some shadow clones and carry you back. Wouldn't mind the trouble, mom.'' Lilia said, giggling as she was sure that Keiko didn't like it when she suggested such things. Else she would likely had accepted it when Lilia had offered on their way to the Estate. ''Besides, Shady won't destroy the house. He is a good boy.. Sometimes.''

Her suggestion made Keiko scoff. "I don't need to be carried like a useless vegetable or something. My legs work. I'm just... tired, is all," Keiko explained, earning a chuckle from Akira. "Honey you haven't even gotten to the good parts yet," she spoke up sarcastically, earning laughter from her husband. This irritated Keiko, and she sneered at the two. "Laugh while you can, I'll be in shape again in a few months and we'll see who's laughing then," she threatened. This prompted an immediate reaction from Akira. The older woman instantly grabbed Keiko by the ear and yanked downward. After the sharp pull, Keiko freed herself and sat upright. "Fine, fine, I get it." She then turned to Lilia. "If you really want to carry me... But a word about my weight and someone is getting it."

''No problem. I'm strong enough.'' She got up, but looked the other way. The fact that Akira pulled Keiko's ear was hilarious in Lilia's eyes, so she didn't want to show Keiko the big grin on her face. After managing to keep it concealed, she walked towards Jinkama to give a tight hug. ''I will be here over three days. You better not decide to be anywhere else, okay?'' She whispered in his ear, her voice having a worried tone to it.

Jinkama chuckled a bit as he accepted Lilia's hug. "Don't you threaten me like that," he said aloud, before reducing his voice to a whisper. "Don't worry about it." With that, he released Lilia. Akira removed the cat from her lap and stood up to hug Lilia. While she gave her a hug, Keiko stood up from her seat on the couch and finished her glass. Hana took this opportunity to run off from the couch and peel down the hallway. "We always enjoy your visits," Akira told Lilia, before releasing the girl.

''And I always enjoy visiting. Ain't that a coincidence?'' She told Akira, with a wink. With that done, she giggled as she waited for Keiko. Lilia would wait till they would be outside before making the shadow clones. Making a whole bunch inside a house wouldn't be that wise to do. Besides, her minds were already at the day she would come back. Glancing at Hana, Lilia couldn't resist but frown. She gained suddenly a very uneasy feeling about the cat. Narrowing her eyes, she felt how the hair on her neck slowly started to rise. Something was very odd about that cat. Or woman. Or cat woman.

Once off the couch and on her feet, Keiko walked over to give Akira a hug. "You two take it easy. Just make Katusko do everything for you," she suggested after the goodbye hug. This earned a light chuckle from Akira. "Believe me, I try." With that, Keiko approached Jinkama. "Make sure to brush your teeth at night," Jinkama joked, earning a sneer from Keiko. "Asshole. Just hug me already," Keiko responded, prompting Jinkama to stand up. While Lilia was short enough to hug sitting down, Keiko was not. That, and her baby bump probably wouldn't allow her to bend over for it. With the goodbyes done, Keiko carefully navigated past the coffee table the coffee table which she almost tripped over. "Goodbye you guys. Tell Katsuko that I said goodbye. And that he's a loser."

''Cya cya! Till over three days!'' With that done, Lilia opened the door as she then waited for Keiko to come outside. Once that had happened, Lilia giggled as she performd the Shadow clone handseal, creating a dozen of clones. ''Ready to go, mom?'' Lilia asked as she placed her hands at the back of her head, waiting for Keiko to be ready. The pregnant woman looked around. "Uh..." Keiko seemed both nervous and suspicious. "Why do you need so many clones?" Lilia said without thinking about it. ''Cause you're fat now..'' This earned a glare from Keiko. "Hey... Whatever, I'm as ready as I'll ever get." A brief thought occured to Keiko that if Lilia ever had to go through this in the future, she would have revenge.

Flinching by the glare alone, Lilia realized the error of what she had said. But it was that she had been thinking too much about what she would do over three days that she hadn't thought of what she was going to say. ''Sorry mommy....'' Lilia mumbled as the clones lifted up Keiko in a way that would be comfortable for the woman. ''Read to roll.... I mean.... Oh...'' After being lifted up, Keiko immediately began to regret her decision. She could already tell this looked silly. "Oh great," she mumbled, hoping that this would go better than she imagined.

[Little Alice]

Directing a Protégé in the right way.

A lesson of Lilia,
Leo learning things about taijutsu, kenjutsu and some other things.

A collab between Koyote and Alice.
Timeskip : 4 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia Hon and Leo Hasewaga training together. Leo also asks Lilia's advise on several things, to which she answers and tries to do her best to answer what she believes is right.

Enjoy.

SPOILER: Click to show

Dressed in her shinobi garb, she walked into the lounge. This time, only a sheath of a sword was seen on her back instead of the white bandaged great sword. Lilia's green eyes looked around as she noticed that the lounge was empty. Seemed that most were either gone or still sleeping. Just having coming back from some mission, Lilia was glad with the peace. Dropping the shoulder bag, she sighed. More dropping herself, instead of sitting down, she landed on the couch and closed her eyes. ''Home, sweet home.'' She mumbled, smiling a little bit.

Water dripping from his face,Leo had just finished scrubbing his face, something that was hammered into him by his parents regardless if he had already showered or not. Making his way to the lounge, he would brush his thumb across his jacket that he clenched tight in his right hand. Entering the lounge, he expected nobody to be there, but in fact somebody was there, that person was Lilia Hon. As he entered with just his fishnet vest on, he would quickly put slide his arms through his jacket, but forget to zip it up."Where did you come from?" The boy asked in friendly manner not meaning to intrude.

Opening up her left eye, Lilia noticed Leo. Still leaning back in the couch, she simply smiled and answered his question. ''From a mission. You?'' She asked back, amused about how he had formulated his question. Slowly she sat up straight more and undon the sheath that was still on her back. Placing the sheath with the sword on the table, she glanced at Leo.

"From the bathroom" Leo chuckled at his own sentence. He smiled at her, then his eyes went to the sheathed sword."Its good your back...How come you didn't carry the bandage monster from the deep blue,"he asked as he moved from the doorway. Squatting next to the window his eyes would watch the Hon girl, eager for information on how she did.

Nodding in agreement about that she was back, as she also was glad that she was back. Looking at the sheath, she then shrugged. ''Implications. I'll explain later. Besides, it's not wise to keep using the same weapon time after time. Need to keep my kenjutsu skills with 'regular' blades honed as well.'' Lilia explained. Returning her gaze to Leon, she then smiled, deciding to ask a question back. ''Seems it's a bit quiet today. What are your plans for today?'' Was her question.

Leo smiled, nodding his head as he satisfied and also agreeing with her replie. "Miss wise Hon." His smile slowly faded as she asked him what he planned to do. Shooting his hand into his hair, then brushing it, he would reply."Well I was thinking about training my chakra control, apparently its easier to do like if your alone and have nobody to train with. His eyes went down like his head, rising it back up with a new smile he ask. "What about you Lilia? Maybe sleep?

Thinking about it, she had to laugh as he called her wise. Wondering, she wasn't sure if that was true. Letting it slide, she then answered back on what she was going to do. ''Either working out, doing some taijutsu training. I've no idea. Just have my radio with me and after I've sit around enough. Well, then it's time to train.'' She told Leo, smilling a little bit. Though she was back from a mission, it wasn't like she was tired. Not because of the chakra of Matatabi, but because it wasn't that difficult mission. Taking four bandits out was mere child's play for her.

"Yeah, much quiet in mornings." He didn't know if Lilia was asking him to train with her, or if she was going to train and this was time. Risking it for a biscuit so he wouldn't look stupid just standing there, he'd ask her."Would you like to help me progress in taijutsu? Or do you have something else in mind? No matter how his face looked, it was obvious the smile wasn't strong.

Lilia looked up to Leo and then thought about it. She had expressed she was thinking about Taijutsu training. And she knew that Leon could always use some training. Who couldn't? ''I wouldn't mind. We could start with taijutsu and then head on kenjutsu. Maybe I can pass down some simple tricks that have always been of help for me in battle.'' Lilia answered back, with a friendly voice. ''When do you want to begin?'' She asked him.

"I'm alright to train now, whenever your ready I am flexible." Leo thought about it, being able to use Kenjutsu would be handy, and his taijutsu did need working on. "Now that I think about it, I have alot of things to work on.". Leo stretched his arms and legs."Then hopefully I would be of use to you more and village." Leo was ready to go.However he wanted to make sure Lilia was ready before walking away.

''Then we could start right now. I'm after all still dressed in my kunoichi outfit, aren't I?'' She told him, getting up. When he said that he was hoping that he would be more of use to her and the village, Lilia scoffed. Picking up the sheath and placing it on her back, she answered him back. ''You're already useful, Leo. You're not less or more useful than me or the next person, remember that.'' She told him, walking towards him and patting on his head. Nodding towards the direction of the exit, she spoke once more. ''Shall we go then?''

"Please" He replied. He thought about what Lilia said, he put himself in an imaginary situation of being picked over someone. "What if someone has more skills than me in different classes, of course it is hard to specialize in all classes and be top canidate at them...Everyone must have a weakness, I wonder what Lilia Hon's weakness is." He laughed at what he was thinking,then returned to what was actually happening.

She had already walked to the door and opened it. Looking over her shoulder, she spoke to him. ''Heh, daydreamer. Are we going or what?'' She asked, amused that he had been thinking about something. A bit wondering what it was, Lilia waited as she kept the door open for the young boy. ''What were you pondering about?'' She asked once he would come.

Smiling she opened the door, Leo would follow Lilia."yeah, was thinking about what you said, about being useful. If a Shinobi or Kunoichi is good at everything, it is still possible for them to have weakness right? No matter how much they perfect and progress. I know I might regret asking you this, but what is your area of weakness Lilia? He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable or awkward, but he was dying to know.

As they would walk out of Azumi, Lilia wondered about it. She knew her weak points, what she could improve and what she was weak against. ''My weakness? You're right. Everybody and anything has a weak point. Though.'' She shoved her gloved hands into the pockets of her jacket.
''A ninja must never show any weakness.'' She looked at the direction they were heading. The training fields were close by, so they didn't have to walk that far. ''I think that my weakness is most likely euhm... Well, I would imagine it's the fact I'm not good at genjutsu. I can break out of it, but I never trained or developed any real skill in it. Other than dispelling it.'' She told him. There were other things she could think off, but the answer she gave was for now the only one that she would give him.

"Oh?I see. As they got to the training field, Leo clipped his fringe and shoved it to the back, so it wouldn't go in his eyes. He jogged on the spot for abit, then stretched out his muscles.He thought about taking his jacket off, but thought it might shelter him from a hard blow.He tried to get pumped but couldn't, as he got into his stance, he would freeze and wait.

Instead of doing a warming up, she shoved her left hand into the pocket of her jacket. The soft breeze played a bit with her black dyed hair as she kept her eyes on Leo. He seemed to be ready for the taijutsu training. ''Let's begin simple. Just use only your hands. Try to move in with feints and such.'' She instructed him, but yet had to take a stance. The relaxed stance she had, with simply only her left hand in the pocket of her flak jacket, Lilia waited patiently.

Leo nodded. Without saying a word he approach Lilia, making sure to keep his distance. A feint left hook was given about to be followed up by a jab. It was just enough to make someone blink but not flinch. He thought about Lilia Hon, quick and agile. He didn't really think he could outdo her speed at this level, and his strength wasn't something to fear, however he did think of something, but it required speed and strength.

Watching his movement as he did made a first good feint, Lilia stepped aside to avoid the jab. Simply pushing his hand away with her right hand, she then quickly made some distance. He was quick to catch on and Lilia wondered actually how good Leo was with Taijutsu. ''Keep it up, Leo.''

She said, hoping to encourage him even while she wouldn't go easy on him at all.
It worked, the encouragment slowly got to him. He started moving around Lilia as he got closer, jabs coming from different directions. He was trying to be accurate and fast at the same time, but it was hard. He then started tilting his head left and right as if he were dodging, every punch a breath was exhaled from his nose.

Still only using her right hand, she kept up with him. It wasn't that hard for her, but she did noticed he had some talent for taijutsu. Wondering that was something natural for the Hasewaga clan members, as Lilia knew that Yumi was also pretty good in close combat. ''Time for the legs.'' She mumbled, just side stepping to avoid a jab. As she sidestepped, she raised her leg in attempt to kick him away. The speed and strenght of her move was almost nothing. It was after all just taijutsu training.

Feeling the palms of Lilia's hand, he couldn't register the temperature of them. When she went for the kick, Leo simply lifted his knee to block, then he would perform a push kick to her gut, gentle not hard, just to give himself some space.He was actually enjoying the training, he could do it all day if he could. You tried so badly to hide a true smile, but his lips just kept breaking its statue like pose.

With her right hand, she grabbed the ankle of Leo's leg. Holding on to it, she made some steps back to stay out of his hand's reach. Being a bit taller than Leo gave her an advantage. And seeing the way she held him now, he was more or less at her mercy. Releasing his ankle, Lilia nodded. ''You think and react fast. That is good, Leo. Keep in mind to use speed. We're both not the biggest and strongest people. Speed and agility is thus something we rely on.'' Lilia explained. She wondered what more she could teach him. Remembering something about feints, she giggled. ''I know some nifty tricks, but before I give them. What do you know about tricking your foes in close combat?'' She asked him.

"Like how humans find it hard to catch a cat?"it was true what Lilia was saying, he was small and his muscles were still in development, he hasn't really a choice if he wants to be a good Shinobi. As he pulled his leg back, he would nod to Lilia's question. "Please"

''I noticed that most people focus on the eyes of their foes. They are often so focused and wary of surprises that simple tricks can have great effect on them. Such as locking sight with your enemy and then look surprised in another direction of such. Such simple tricks can be easily matching some genjutsu. Even using lies in battle can tip your foe.'' Lilia explained to Leo. She noticed that he was open for her advise which made her smile. ''Feints are also something you should practice. With speed, they can become very deadly.''

"You speak as if you have been in many skirmishes, some could say the last big shinobi war." Leo laughed a little as he tried to hold in his line."Are you an old Shinobi trapped in a young girls body?" the boy asked, hoping to lighten up the atmosphere even more. Placing his both fist next to cheeks, he would extend his left arm and pause. It wasn't the quickest, but with enough practice, he could get good. "Thank you for the advice Lilia...Something has been on my mind for a while, do you mind if I share it with you?"

For a few moments, Lilia wondered what he meant with that. Sure, she had some experience, even with a warlike situation. Not really something she was fond of talking about. But keeping a calm expression, she answered back. Her tone was friendly and also respectful. ''I think that I'm the leader of the Guardians for that. Anything that troubles you, can be directed to me. What is on your mind, Leo?'' Lilia said, wondering a bit what was on his mind. Placing her left hand on her hip, she waited patiently for what his answer would be.

"I don't know what area of jutsu to focus in, I have an interest in Genjutsu, but my chakra control curses me so bad. Taijutsu is always useful and good, and actually fun to practice, well with you, though i must try with different people. I don't know if my sister is comfortable with teaching me, I think she dislikes me, yet I've don't think I did anything wrong." He frowned, still making feints, exhaling short amounts of breath."Could I have some more advice off you? please?"

A bit surprised, Lilia listened to him. Thinking about it, she wondered what advice she could give him. In fact, she wanted to suggest some things, but then again wasn't sure. Lilia wondered why he had decided to ask her, but would first answer his question. ''That is something not easy to answer as it's not easy to decide. Some try to expand in several fields. When I had the same question as you, I tried to learn kenjutsu and later also managed to get better at barrier ninjutsu. If you want to use Genjutsu, but your chakra control not high enough. Then I would suggest, train it. But Genjutsu is quite hard to master.'' Lilia explained to him. ''It's a field that requires high intellect as well, something that isn't not always required. I admit to that. But it's still something that is different. If you want some advice on Genjutsu, I would recommend to seek out Aiko Cho-Hon. She is a master of Genjutsu after all.'' She said. Wondering what she could explain more, she made a gesture with her right hand in the air.

''But there is a lot of different fields. You can try to learn ken-, sealing, barrier, medical and what not ninjutsu. There is also some different kind of styles, thus the choices are great. It's just to find your own style that your comfortable with. Truth be told, I don't even have an own style. I merely mimic what I've seen and learnt from others. That is also something that I could pass down, but then it depends on what fields you want to expand. So yeah, it's something that can't just be decided on a whim or such. Even what seems easy, or where you're talented in takes time and work.'' Hoping that her long explaniation would provide some answers for him, she waited. After all, she didn't wanted to overload him with too much information.

"I see, I have quite the time to improve, but time drains fast, like water from a drain." He stopped his feints and looked both ways."Thank you for the advice, Its likely going to prevent me from making alot of foolish decision, I don't know, maybe." He smiled and brought his hands up again, and went in for a feint jab aimed Lilia's nose. He hoped to catch her by surpise.

The wrist of Leo's hand was grabbed as Lilia frowned. Then before he would be able to react, she had placed her index and middle finger of her other hand to the right temple of his head. ''Pff, you need something better than that. But you're getting the idea. It's a start.'' Releasing him, she then reacted on what he said to her explaniation. ''I hope it does, but I'm the leader of the Guardians for that.'' She lightly shrugged. ''After all, I had great help when I was a genin. So why not help the genins that need help?'' Lilia said.

leo didn't have much faith in his own skills, but if he were train and see improvement, then maybe just maybe, he would start to believe."That help will make us stronger."He said. He hoped to one day catch Lilia Hon with that strike, maybe if he kept training he would. But who said it was her time to put down the weights. Wondering what would happen next, he would ask the girl. "What happens now?"

''I still wanted to practice my kenjutsu. If you want, you may join me. If that is something you want to get better in.'' Lilia told him. She laid her right hand on the handle of the blade, that was in the scabbard against her back. Lilia wondered about how they could train, but she had already several ideas how she could teach him some basic kenjutsu tactics and movements.

Remembering what she said back at the lodge, he would nodd is head."Please". His eyes were on the sword, he had only little knowledge of Kenjutsu, it would be useful to know and likely benefit him by being shown it in person. Concentrating his chakra, it would to mould slowly, the crystal began to extend like a sword. However it wasn't as detailed due to his bad chakra control, and he was only use to making little weapons like senbons and shurikens. He would wait for Llilia to start.

She noticed the sword, made of crystal. Due it was of nowhere to the level of Yumi, she was a bit
impressed. From what she understood of Crystal Release, was that it wasn't that easy. Certainly not if your chakra control wasn't that good. Her left hand travelled to the top of Leo's head. Slowly and very gently, she ruffled through his hair. ''You're improving, eh?'' She told him, with a smile that was spreading over her lips. Taking a step back, she pulled out her weapon of choice. It was the silver blade she recieved on her thirteen birthday, from Keiko and Hiron. Spinning the blade for a moment, she looked at Leo. ''Like always, theory is very important. What do you know about kenjutsu, Leo?'' Lilia asked with a friendly yone.

Leo tried to look at Lilia eye to eye, but her smile got was highlight of her face at the moment for the boy as he loved making people smile."Thank you, its no masterpiece yet, but I'm going to improve even more." His thoughts on Kenjutsu was little, he had never seen it put into play before." Is Kenjutsu like sword play, like short for Kendo? So adding is it the art of the blade, fused with jutsu?" He hoped he was right, but he wanted Lilia to explain it to him first.

Nodding when he asked if Ken was in short for Kendo. He was right about that. ''It is. It's simply the art of using your blade, but also adding chakra to enhance your sword play.'' She explained. That was the pure meaning of kenjutsu. ''There are various styles in it. I for one have looked at the Nimatsu's kenjutsu style. I thought it was called something like..Falcon style. Fits more with my aggressive moves.'' She told him. Thinking what Zakito and Kensuke had taught her about Kenjutsu, she continued. ''Though if I've to be honest, I think a defensive as offensive style would fit your Crystal release. I've sparred often against Crystal-san and she showed me the ablities that Crystal Release has.'' Lilia said.

"Chakra enhanced swordplay." He thought as he looked at the sliver blade. He wondered if he should look into the Nimatsu's, but taking another thought about it, Leo and Llilia were differen't and have different perferences. If she liked a certain style it was because she knew how to use it and would likely work well, but Leo was just starting to learn and has not long been in the world of ninja."So you think I should go for a defensive style, might work as my crystal can shield me..Maybe this can force my control as well.

Now he was getting it! Lilia nodded. ''You hit the nail right there, Leo! Good thinking. But other than just going all defensivly, what meant was like..hmm'' She thought about how she could formulate her words. ''It depends on how you fight. My lightning release is something that adds more to the offensive side of kenjutsu. Your Crystal release would be more than able for both. That is how I see it now.'' She explained, waiting to see if he would get what she meant.

Leo had an idea in his head of it, maybe he could have a balance of offensive and defensive, but it would require alot of chakra control and 2nd nature. Something came into his mind, what if he could use lightning, lightning and Crystal, a good defense a good offense if used properly."I think I have an idea how I want to use it, but I won't know how to get my chakra to this poorly made blade."

''Hmm..'' She started to spin her own blade. Thinking about what he meant, she then shook her head. ''I can't help with your Crystal Release. That is something you should ask Crystal-san. She knows probably how to help you better. I can only help a bit how to handle a blade. That is what I'm good at.'' Lilia explained.

Without a second breathe he put his crystal sword in front of him, putting his left hand to complete the grip, the tsuba that was the guard of the sword, Leo modified his abit, making it rather higher. he spreaded his legs and squatted. "I believe you, but I'm we both know that actions speak louder than words." He smiled, than put his lips straight as he was starting to concentrate on her.

Taking three steps backward, she spinned the blade several times before stopping it. Holding the blade in only right hand, she was sure that her strength, speed and such traits were better. But the point wasn't to prove that. It was to learn Leo the basics of Kenjutsu. Looking at his stance, she tilted her head. ''Hold that stance.'' She ordered him. Walking around him for a moment, she took time to see if he was having an alright stance. With the side of her blade, she patted against his right leg. ''Spread your footwork a bit better. You need to stand in a way that you won't pushed over.''

He was confused, yet he listend. He pretended to push a person, this made his left come forward, right leg stay. He held his swords in both hands, ready he believed he was. he took a very deep breath and let his chest puff out, then exhale, feeling it going down. He looked at Lilia as she walked around him.

He seemed to be more ready. Once more she took her position. Just that they could swing their blades, but were too far to slash each other with their weapons. Instructing him with a serious voice, she placed slowly her blade against his. ''The idea is simple. Stay where you are and just try to fence with me. Try to focus on my movements and keep up with my speed. I'll start slowly, but will advance in speed. Slowly of course.'' She explained him. ''Are you ready?''

He wasn't sure what to say back, he wanted to see if he could do the exercise, though he wasn't sure he could he would try and find a way. The serious tone gave her the attention she desired from him, and he lifted his crystal sword a bit more. "Ready to start I believe?" He said, trying to be careful with his words.

''Okay, stay focused and don't forget. Keep breathing.'' With a quick movement, she gently ticked with her silver blade against his crystal sword. It was just a little tick, just to make him aware to pay attention. ''This is just to practice how you should react to somebody else that uses kenjutsu. We start slow so that you might also see how I handle my blade.'' She told him, grabbing the hilt of her blade with both hands. She used some basic hack and swings with little force and slow speed.

Leo focused on where the sword was going, trying to match the speed, he would move his wrist a little, he didn't want to use his full potential yet, but still wanted to try. The swords clinged a the sound of a knife being sharpened. He couldn't move his feet, something he was hoping to do. When she struck a left, his sword would follow, when she struck right, his sword would follow, and so on. He was starting to get a bit of an idea of it, he wanted to expand on it.

Seemed he was trying to experiment. That was good. It meant that he was trying to see what would fit better with him. The speed was picking up slowly. It still went slow for her feeling, but she knew she had to hold back. Leo had to learn from this. She didn't. Knowing this, she decided to let him experiment, thus becoming more defensively. Though she wouldn't give him any easy time. That meant he would need to give it his all in order to create what would be an opening if they were allowed to move.
Things were starting to pick up, the clinging became more frequent, became a bit harder for the boy to focus and flow, but he put up with it. First it started so simple, yet it got harder. He found himself trying harder than he wanted, he felt embarrased a bit as he hated using his full potential. Lilia would be able to tell a slight difference to show he was trying now. He hoped nobody was watching.

Suddenly, Lilia spinned her blade and with a quick movement, she locked their swords. Because of her superior strenght and experience, she managed to disarm him rather easily. The crystal sword was thrown in the air and with stretching her left hand, she caught the blade. There was a frown present on her face. ''We went in a pretty nice pace. What is wrong, Leo?'' She asked him. It wasn't hard for her to pick up subtle things. After all, she had been used to look for the sublte changes as they could give hints about what the other was planning in a fight. Sheathing her own blade, she looked more worried then serious.

Leo frowned, and rubbed his eyes."Dam it, I'm afraid to try, I'm afraid to put my full potential in it in case you think I'm weak. Its hard for me to amaze myself sometime. He felt a springy feeling in his hand, might of grip onto the sword too hard maybe."I'm sorry, I'm willing to try again." He said, while picking up his crystal blade, he got in the stance, looked left and right, and became ready to start.

Listening to him, Lilia rested her right hand on her hip. She then spoke with a more soft and polite voice as she answered him. ''Before we go, let me say this.'' She leaned forward, thus bringing her face closer to him. There was a bright twinkle among her green colored eyes.
''Maybe you are weak. Maybe you don't have any potential. It can be your fate to be nothing than to disappoint me and the others. It's fine to think that.'' Lilia paused. She tilted her head and then slowly placed her free hand on his head. ''But rememebr that it's no real shame. It's a shame that you won't try. That you will give up, without having given it your all. How else do you think others have became great, Leo?'' She asked him, this time her voice gained more volume. Straighten up again, she shook her head. ''It's healthy to doubt yourself. A little bit. It keeps one sharp. I can tell that from experience, but Leo. You should be a bit proud of yourself. You're part of the Konohagakure Guardians. You're a genin on a younger age than I was. You thought that I was strong? Hey, you already surpassed me with that. So, what are we going to do?'' She asked him, hoping he would be cheered up by her words. Somehow, Lilia hoped that she could change that way of thinking. It reminded her slightly of her time when the head of the Hon's was still Katsuro. Those were unpleasant times. Times where she thought of herself to be weak.

He smiled, the smile slowly came, a true smile as he felt inspired. He could only nod his head while looking her in those green eyes he favoured."Your a good person to me Lilia Hon, thank you, thank you alot." He felt fresher than ever now, the prep talk did it, as he stretched and showed more confidence, he would openly smile showing his teeth, "No shame this time, only thing you should feel shame for is doubting yourself Leo." He thought as he started to mature, he imagined a cacoon break, something he had learn't, something he won't do again. Pleased by this he wouldn't want to stop, just carry on. He heard a strange voice fill his ears, it told him to be ready for what is next to him, but Leo was too happy to listen. "I'm ready".

Glad that she had managed to cheer him a bit up, she nodded. Pulling out her blade again, she took her position again. But then she had an idea. ''Wait.'' She told him. Turning around, she proceeded to quickly form a small circle around them. It four meters in diameters. Taking her place again, she held the hilt of her blade with both hands. Taking a stance, she smiled. ''Goal is to work me out of the ring, but trying to remain in the circle. Also, don't see it as a failure when you're out of the ring. The goal is to keep telling me what went wrong. And don't worry, you can learn from your mistakes.'' She explained to him. A short giggle escaped Lilia's lips. ''That is how I became this experienced. Okay...You may start.'' She instructed him, being ready to take the speed he would go.

He was ready, but when he was told to stop, he became confused. When Lilia explained the rules and had successfullly done a circle, he felt challenged. He didn't want to go out, but if he did he couldn't hate himself for it, just get up, smile, and learn. He would jumped into the circle, now he was on the field. "Smile, and try your best Leo." And like that the last minute prep talk was over, and he dealt the first strike, a left sided horizontal cut, with abit of force behind it.

Parrying the strike, Lilia noticed he was putting more effort behind it. That was good. Now that they were allowed to move, she wouldn't go with full speed and strenght. Trying to push his sword back, she hoped he would try to use agility and speed instead of force. However, she would pay high watch that the chance of them getting wounded wouldn't happen. ''That is the spirit, Leo.'' She encouraged him.

Parried like expected, Leo wouldn't give up, but wouldn't dive in stupidly. He wanted to get her into a stalemate, sword on sword, he went in with a thrust and took a step to the left. He wanted to give the enhanced part of the blade a go, but with the decision he already made, it would have to wait. He was already making mistakes and yet wasn't out of the circle yet, but he was learning from them. He made sure to crouch so he wouldn't be pushed out, he had something in store for Lilia. A smile brushed on his face to show he was having a good time.

Seeing the movement, she could predict the thrust. As he made the thrust and went with a step to the left, she did her move. With a quick step to the right, she managed to not let him flank or get at her side. And though she could see an opening, she focused on her defense. With a quick movement, she parried the thrust of Leo, but instead of attacking, she took a step back. His decision to crouch meant that he was planning something. A strike at her legs or such? Trying to be more careful instead of giving him more ground, Lilia readied her blade again.

He was still crouch, the sketch book of ideas were being crumpled one by one as he saw their failure, he wanted something that would at least shock her, he knew she was faster, stronger, and in no doubt more skilled with a blade than he was, its what she had to no know. This made him bury deeper into his clan, he had an urge to find out what it was, he wanted to know if it was great or not."Snap!" back to reality, he put his sword out quickly into a thrust movement, then through his body at her, he was risking for a biscuit, the chocolate kind, the digestives, it was like a front flip that left ground his body was, as it came towards Lilia.

A frown appeared on her face. His risky attack would normally surprise a less experienced foe. Maybe even land a good hit with the thrust. However, she couldn't let herself be impaled. Instead of going with the same speed as she had used before, Lilia used all she had to suddenly step aside. Staying just in the circle, her left hand grabbed his wrist. With her fingers wrapping a tight grip, she spinned one time her sword. This enabled her to hold her blade in a reversed grip. ''Now pause.'' She calmly said. Holding her blade ready in case he would try anything, she smiled. Slowly, her fingers released his wrist. ''That was quite risky Leo. I think that such a move would've been great on somebody that wouldn't have been great in taijutsu or any kind of close ranged combat. But remember.'' She patted him several time on his head, shaking her head lightly. ''Don't risk too much. It's better to act cautious than to risk too much. Can't afford to lose a Protege, can we now?'' She told him, smiling a little.

He nodded his head, and let out and "um hm". He was a little scared he would get lectured, but grateful for a second chance he took it with with a tight grip, no more biscuit risking for this boy for now. He backed up a bit, his sword in both hands, he put a his in to one swing against the girl, it was as if he was pulling something with force, though to other it might of been weak, he felt it was strong, It was like a forward chop from head to toe, he tried to keep his head up while performing it.

Instead of a parry or trying to deflect the strike, she went with a dodge. Side stepping to avoid the attack, she went in an attack of her own. Of course it lacked serious speed and strength. ''Avoiding is better than deflecting, most of the times.'' She said, hoping to remember him of that. It would be more of use for his current strength and speed to dodge moves. Aiming her rather basic attack, aimed at his shoulder, she kept close watch of his reaction.

He felt deflated a bit after she easily dodged it, but it was expected, and he didn't want her to fake a mistake because he won't learn. He took in what Lilia said, remembering he had a his Tsuba that was enhanced. His eyes widened as he put all his effort into trying to push away her sword, he had a much stronger part of the blade touching Lilia's sword, he would retreat back with a little hop back and get defensive.

Now that he was getting defensive, she swinged her blade again. The move would look like she would go with a slash from above, but at the last moment she feinted. The attack changed to a sweep from the right, but the speed was lacking as well in strength. His reflex and swordplay techniques were the most important now.

The sword was travelling to find his head, Leo would duck, his sword still held infront of him, it was hard not to fall for a feint attack as you would risk alot just standing, and not many would know where the sword was going unless they had been studying for a long time. Leo believed with the right amount of skill and training, he himself could make Lilia struggle where to predict. In result the two swords cried and Leo quickly rolled to the side, he still remained in the cirlce and was on the right side of Lilia.

He seemed to be either waiting for an opening in her attacks. That was something that made her feel a bit proud. It was a good development already, which also showed he was more than patient to learn something. Spinning the blade, in order to try to confuse him, she picked up the speed. Lashing suddenly out, with a quick jab with her blade, Lilia tried to keep her distance. It was just to test out how fast his defense was.

"If I can't dodge these, then when the first shuriken is thrown I will die." He managed to dodge one thrust, then he put his blade horizontally to and would challenged the thrusts, they weren't easy to dodge so why not block and wait. The boy saw what he believed to be an opening. His sword would leave its horizontal stance and when a thrust was delivered, he would try and imitate Lilia's spin, hoping to knock her sword away. He put all he had into that move, but believed he'd have to more than that to win.

A smile spread on her lips. Her sword was knocked away, but she managed to keep it in her grip. But it forced her to step back as she had to defend now in order to not keep the opening she had open for too long that he would be able to fully advantage of it. Readying her other hand as she kept high watch of his movement, she prepared to react with high speed. But just in order to keep herself from getting wounded.
Satisifed at what happened, he felt like he was on a roll, he couldn't stop now when the fresh coal has been slung into the fire. Lilia had recovered quickly as expected, but the young Genin had something up his sleeve, he was a crystal user and he wielded a crystal weapon. He enhanced putting a new layer on the side that he'd use, if could not do all of the blade as it would be too noticeable and time consuming. He went to take the bull by the horns, using a feint that looked like a downwards stroke, he would quickly snap an upwards one, it wouldn't be to quick for Lilia as she was experienced. However it could fool alot of people if no attention was payed to it.

Noticing the feint, Lilia waited until the last moment. Then she swinged her blade in order to lock his. The sound of metal clashing against crystal rang through the air. With her strength she prevented him to move his blade. In a quick and swift move, her other hand grabbed his wrist. ''This is enough for now.'' She told him with a calm, but yet friendly tone. Slowly, she released him as pulling back her blade. Though he hadn't been able to drive her to a point, where she was almost out of the circle, he had impressed her. The speed of how he picked up things with kenjutsu were nice and interesting. Sheathing her blade, she giggled. ''You're picking it up fast Leo. What do you think of it yourself?'' Was her question.

Leo nodded his head in response to Lilia's words, he smiled then looked at the girl. "I liked it, I liked it alot and would like to go further in it if possible." He felt proud of himself for it today, he had to owe Lilia alot for breaking him out of his shell. "I wasn't really a close combat type of guy, but you've change that now. If you don't mind, could you give me a demonstration of your nature going meeting your sword?"

Though she wasn't really in the mood to demonstrate something like that, he had earned it. In her eyes, he had showed he was more than capable of learning things at a good pace. Not to mention, he had payed her some good respect. Not that she had expected anything less from the polite boy. Pulling her sword out again, she held it horizontal in front of her. ''Sure.'' Suddenly, lightning violently crackled through the air as it shot over the steel of the blade. The inner steel part of her sword, made channel chakra easier, while the silver layer was for something else. ''But why did you want to see this?'' She asked him, wondering about his intentions.

"Amazing", he said with his eyes wide and mouth slightly open. He heard every crackle and saw the bits of lightning tango around the blade."Lightning something to be feared." He was whispering but it could be heard, he didn't even realize he was saying it out loud. When the question flew to him, he would answer it. "I wanted to see how that technique was done, imagine lightning over the crystal blade, this could be a nice combination." It was a combination he was thinking about during the training session with Lilia hon and it had yet to die.

Thinking about it, Lilia looked at the blade. The lightning crackled and suddenly expanded. It went further then the blade as it became more concentrated. ''It's not easy to wield lightning. It even took me time and patience to get to this level. Besides, off all the elements, Lightning is one of the most dangerous.'' She glanced at him with a warning look. ''Even while many things can go wrong, it's more likely with lightning. It can explode, cut, zap and such. In other words, to use high ability lightning jutsu, you're taking a gamble.'' The lightning made a more menacing sound before fading away. Spinning the blade, Lilia giggled. ''But then again, we're shinobi. Our lives are nothing more than gambles. And what is life without a little bit of risk, eh?''

Leo agreed, now that he is a Genin, his life would be at risk constantly, however this didn't mean he was a hitman, this meant as a Shinobi he would make alot of enemies and those enemies could be anybody."Your right Lilia, our lives are a gamble, lightning can be a useful tool." Her voice and words still in his head, was a clear warning."But it seems to want to be the master all time, but for now I will try and advance the skills I have now, then learn new ones when I am ready, I've got time...Just got to use it carefully." He laughed then looked at her with smile. "I dont know what you want to do next, but I don't think you've had sleep, but I wouldn't mind treating you to meal either."

His response made her nod. ''You're right. Lightning is a very useful tool. In combination with Crystal Release, it should be useful. Though I can't be truly sure.'' She smiled. ''I'm not a Hasewaga.'' After that she thought about him mastering lightning. It wasn't rare for some shinobi to already think in advance what new element they wanted to learn. She had spent an aweful lot of time to even begin the basics of Fire Release. Only with the help of Jinkama, she had found a way to learn it faster. ''We could have a meal. Maybe then discuss more about how you could learn Lightning Release. It's going to take quite some time, but you have more than me.'' She said and tried to make a joke of the last sentence.

Leo wondered about his clan, Leo wondered if there were more of them around in fact, what if he wasn't the last son, he didn't know, but in a cruel way, he hoped there wasn't." That would be, nice thank you, thank you very much." He smiled baring his teeth, then scrunged his face in a silly way. "I will pay for you, what do you fancy?" He asked, he took out his wallet and there was money in it, more than enough for dinner.

She patted him on his head, teasing him a little bit. ''I hate it when guys want to pay me dinner or lunch. But seeing you're such a gentleman and made me proud, I will let you. Just this one, okay?'' She told him, winking as she would let him lead. ''You may decided. I'm fine with everything that doesn't taste sour or spicy.'' She informed him.

Leo laughed, the girl really did sweet him then. "My mother always said I should be a gentlemen towards women. But even I know that your no ordinary girl, thats a good thing too." Thoughts went around which place they could go to, ramen was to common, so he thought why not something grilled. "Grill seem fine to you?"

''Seems good to me. And you should stop flattering me, I've done nothing to earn that much praise.'' She told him, a bit playful. Walking besides him, she looked at the direction they would head. ''You expressed interests in learning Lightning Release. Did you already thought of a teacher? I know that the forming of teams is being on a hold, due the events of those... What were they called? Well, those shinobi haters.'' She said, sounding

As they walked the question hit him and he was prepared to answer."Well I do want to learn Lightning Release, I don't know anyone who could teach me though, unless you would like to. I mean it you yourself are a lightning user, a good one too, we are both guardians of Konoha too, plus this training has really opened up alot to me." He was honest, he actually felt more confident in himself, he was more relaxed too." I have not heard about my team yet, and those people were pretty bad using those weapons that are apparently used to protect, to take lives of Shinobi." He pretended to hold a rifle and mimic the rifleman in disrespectful manner. " You Shinobi basterds get off my property." They arrived at the place, they had a row of seats to themselves big enough for a group, Leo would wait for Lilia to sit then sit himself.

''That is true.'' She mumbled as he told her that they were both part of the Konoha Guardians. As he mimicked one of those soldiers of Shoji, she smiled. ''Joker.'' She mumbled as she lightly shook her head. Though she wasn't fond of making jokes about that period, she wouldn't give him a lecture. It was clear he meant nothing with it. ''I could try to teach you the chakra nature. But it's going to take some time, Leo. It's your choice.'' She told him, wondering if he would accept it. It had some risks, but she already was curious how Crystal and Lightning would work. After all, Lightning was one of the few things that was the weakness of Crystal Release.

"If I could borrow your attention and time, I tell you this, it will not be wasted on def ears." He filled in what he wanted and passed it to Lilia." I understand it will take alot of time, but I know it coud be longer, plus the reward at the end of it, to me its worth the risk and I'm willing to put the work and effort into it teacher." A gentle smile crawled upon his face, then he would nod as he was liking the thought of Llilia teaching him.

Thinking about it, she made a decision. ''Fine. I accept it. From now on, I'll try to teach you how you can bend and use Lightning Release. Though, before you start cheering.'' She told him as she wiggled her right index finger. ''I want you to consider it very carefully. It will take discipline, effort and time to master a second nature. It may be shorten by your talent, but like I said. You've time plenty.'' The thought of her passing down the use of Lightning Release made her smile. These days, with the genins of the Konoha Guardians made her feel like a sensei. It was a warm and fine feeling, something she really enjoyed. Taking a seat by a table, she giggled. ''Though, I have one condition to it. If I teach you Lightning Release, I want you to never give up. On anything. Got it?''

Feeling that light sparkly feeling in his gut, he couldn't help the massive grin that spread on his face."Acception, she accepted!" He was ready to punch the roof of this place, but wouldn't dare. However when Lilia mentioned the second part of her sentance, Leo's eyes and ears were now alert and paying attention with alot of coin." I understand it will be hard, maybe things i already advance in may go down, but I promise you I will not give up." He put out his smallest finger and wriggled it, he wanted to make and oath to show he wouldnt, he was determined to show all he had, and he was thankful to have Lilia Hon as a teacher.

Seeing the gesture, she laughed shortly. Not that she found it that funny, but the thought was amusing. She never had made a pinky swear. Doing the same, she smiled as she made the pinky swear gesture. ''Truth be told, this is my first pinky swear.'' She informed him. Waiting what he would've to say more, she hoped that the future sensei of Leo would see the same potential in him as she did. And if he or she wouldn't, she would then try to take care of that. In any possible way.

Leo let out a chuckle,"I've took your first pinky promise, now your soul is mine". He laughed, hoping she took it as a joke." This is my second, my first was to my father, but I guess only half of that promise can be filled." He sounded a bit depressive, yet still smiled. He looked at Lilia with a smile," This would be my first full promise" He smiled, and the food would come, the smell pleasured Leo's nostrils. He wanted to know more about Lilia, but he knew to do that, he'd have to earn it, walls are put for a reason.

She giggled at the joke. But as he sounded a bit sad, she wondered why. Though she was curious what the promise was, she wouldn't indulge further into it. It was his own choice if he would say it or not. ''Well, I'm sure that you're more than able to keep our promise. After all, the first pinky promise is something special, ain't?'' She asked, winking with her left eye.

He smiled, "Yeah, the first is special, but its even more special, cause its with you. He scrunged his face with a smile." Come so far in life, I mean if not for the things that have happened before, I might not of been here. I'm really fortunate to be here, to be given a chance to prove myself also, I called be in a less unfortunate place." He thought about it, he imagined it a place filled with poverty, puddles, and homeless, was so clear it could be seen his eyes.

''I know. Though it's important to focus on where your now. After all, you're needed to remain here. Not in thoughts of what could be or such.'' She told him with a friendly tone. The waiter came to bring some food. Lilia smiled with a genuine one. ''After all, the future could be anything. It's yours to decide. Want to know what my guardian once told me?'' She asked him.

Leo nodded his head, " I would like to, please." the words that influenced him about the future, he didn't know what the future had for him, but he would try a shape it in the way he wanted."I am needed here, yes.. yes am." He took a shishkebab, and ate half. trying to take in the flavour.

She thought of the moment where Hiron had told her the words. It was during the time they had watched the stars. When she had been around the age of nine, during her time when she had arrived at Konohagakure. The time she had spent at the Academy. ''It's not a shame to see stars. It's a shame not to try to reach out to them.'' She told him, leaning back as she had picked her drink.

Leo tried to think about the meaning, but it was hard, he didn't know if it was related to being knocked out and seeing stars. Pressing his palm on his chopstick, he tried to guess what it was. He made funny faces when he found things difficult to guess." I'm not the smartest tool in shed", he lauged then asked. " Would you mind telling me what he meant?

''You'll learn it in time... In time, Leo. Don't worry about that.''

[Little Alice]

Shushi!
Another one joins in.

A collab between Ice and Alice.
Time : 5 months after the start of the timeskip

Summary :
After Lilia had tested out both Hideki and another girl, with the name Kogane, only Hideki passed for the test to enter the Konohagakure Guardians. This collabs is about Hideki's recruitment into the Guardians.

SPOILER: Click to show

Sitting on the branch, Lilia was leaning against the tree. Her hands, dressed in the fingerless gloves, were at the back of her head as she had her eyes closed. A pleasant, warm and soft breeze was present as the girl was waiting for a certain Hyuuga. Dressed in her kunoichi garb, she slowly opened her eye as Samehada made a slow grunting sound. ''That was about time. Though, he isn't that late.'' She mumbled as she closed her eyes again. Being near the training fields, Lilia did hope that Hideki was the one that was approaching. Not that she would mind to wait a bit longer with such a pleasant weather.

Lilia had been correct. It was indeed Hideki. The Hyuuga, like always, rushed towards the training fields. As Lilia came into view, he waved at her and moved closer. "Ah! Late again?" He asked as he approached her, a broad smile on his face. Ever since their spar yesterday, Hideki had been looking forward to this, the moment where Lilia would teach him a new technique, unless she had changed her mind.

Slowly opening her eyes, she glanced a brief moment at the direction of the Hyuuga. ''Don't worry. You do remind me a bit of Uncle Z. How are you doing?'' She asked with a very friendly tone. Turning around on the branch, she dropped to the ground. Landing on the ground, she stretched out her right hand and managed to catch Samehada. With a swift movement, she simply sheathed the bandaged weapon while keeping her attention on Hideki.

"Who?" Hideki asked at first, but decided to not pursue it, answering her question instead. "I'm good! What about you?" He asked. Looking around, he didn't spot the genin they had sparred with yesterday. He switched his gaze to Lilia as he would then ask a question. "So Kogane is not coming eh?" The answer was probably obvious, since Hideki had only been granted the opportunity to join the organisation due to them being comrades during the Hon siege.

Smiling as he answered he was good, she nodded. ''I'm doing also good. Waiting in a nice spot for somebody that came late. Not that would ruin my day, would it?'' She asked him, clearly teasing him a bit that he had came late. However, his question made Lilia sigh. It wasn't a sigh of being annoyed, but clearly that she wasn't really happy with to think about an answer for that. ''It's a bit complicated. I had asked her cause the Guardians could use more people, those who want to help to get the group getting better. What I've seen from her in the spar disappointed me. There was no real sign of teamwork and she even almost got you wounded. Well, she managed to let me shock you.'' She told Hideki with a very serious tone. ''I don't think we can use people in the Konoha Guardians who think for themselves or view themselves as trully better than their comrades. You've shown good skills and next to that, managed to show that you also think. I really missed that with the girl from yesterday.'' Lilia told him, looking in the distance for a bit. After, as she seemed to ponder, a few moments she spoke again.

''Before we eventually will start to make you a true member of the Guardians, what about a few questions?'' She asked him with a friendly tone again, even flashing a smile.

Hideki listened to Lilia's explanation, a serious expression on his face. "I see. She was quite talanted though, maybe even more so than me." He told Lilia, referring to himself as being strong, comically enough. As she mentioned questions, Hideki sighed. She seemed far to obssessed with questions, in contrast, Hideki would take training over talking anyday. "Ahhh, this again.. So who's asking the questions?" He replied, eager to move on with their training.

''I am. There are three questions. So don't worry.'' She told him, clearly amused that he seemed not too happy she was again at asking questions. Somehow, she found it fun to ask the Hyuuga all kind of questions. The first question would seem odd, but Lilia was wondering what his answer would be. Considering his goal, she would expect a yes. But then again, the question was something that would need to make one think about their own.. health.

''Are you prepared to die? Even it's right now?''

Hideki's expression didn't change, despite hearing such a question. He frowned a little as he pondered. Was he ready to die? Unable to reach a conclusion, he decided to answer truthfully. " I.. don't know to be honest, it would depend on the situation. As for right now, probably no. I don't see any reason to prepare myself for death, really." He paused for a bit. His answer wouldn't serve, he only touched the surface of her question as it was now. "I don't want to die, that's all I have to say I suppose. I'm sorry but I can't really answer whether or not I'm prepared to die." He told her. Lilia would probably be displeased with his answer but he would rather speak the truth than lie to her face.

The answer seemed to please Lilia as she simply nodded, not saying if it was the right or wrong answer. Placing her left hand on her hip, she waited a second before asking her next question. It was the more logical one, seeing the name of the organization that he was going to join. Still, it was more than reasonable he would lay the link to the previous question, with being ready to die.

''Are you loyal to the Leaf? Do you have the Will of Fire in you?''

This question was one that Hideki would be able to answer, and also a question he often asked himself. His loyality to the Leaf had always been spotless, willing to do anything for the village in order to maintain its fame and reputation. No, that was a lie. His loyality and love had always resided within the Hyuuga clan, despite its issues. Of course, he had always been fond of the village aswell but that wasn't his driving force. However, in this case, protecting the Leaf also meant protecting the Hyuuga. The answer was simple. "Yes. Will of Fire? I don't know, I would assume I have it." He replied, in a decision to keep it short, he didn't want to spill his heart for her just yet. Would she be able to see through him however?

A soft grumbling sound was heard from the bandaged sword. Lilia raised her eyebrow as she then seemed to think. ''Every Guardian needs to have the Will of Fire, in order to protect the Leaf. More unlike other shinobi, we put our goals and ambitions together in order to make it able to protect the village. Doubting that you have the Will of Fire can mean that you're not able to join, in a way. It can also mean that you clearly think about it and thus means that you're better than some headless idiot that would bring his comrades in danger.'' Lilia responded now with a cold tone. She narrowed her eyes as she still was thinking about the decision she had to make. It would indeed be risky to have somebody in their midst that maybe not even had the Will of Fire. Stepping forward, she stretched out her right hand towards Hideki.

''Are you willing to join the Konoha Guardian organization? Ready to defend Konoha in another way than you've done so far? And do you swear you won't betray us, on the penalty of death?''

The question was also asked with a cold tone, like she was still not happy with his previous answer. The bandaged sword on her back made a grumbling sound again as Lilia waited for Hideki's answer.

Hideki remained silent, still thinking about his decision as well. He had no plans whatsoever to ever betray her. After all, she was his friend. But she was correct that his answer seemed suspicious enough. He looked at her for a second before he would open his mouth to ask a question. "I'll take up on your offer. However, I do have one condition." A sweat dripped down his cheek. He was treading on a string. "Do you promise me that when you become Hokage, under no circumstances will you let the Hyuuga clan fall, unless we were to betray you, of course." He said, narrowing his eyes. His condition might've been seen as rather self explanatory, but it didn't matter to him. He wanted to hear her say it. For him, his clan was above all. "And if you do, I'll be ready to defend Konoha in whatever way you see fit."

Lilia simply listened to what Hideki said and it lasted a few moments before she answered him back. ''As Hokage, I think it would be my duty to treat everybody in the village as my family. All relatives of mine. I won't let somebody that I consider as comrade, relative or any of such bond to fall. Not without me trying to help them up or prevent the fall.'' She answered with a serious tone. A little smile came on her lips as she tilted her head. ''After all, though I want to make the promise, please keep in mind that I need to become the Hokage. I'll promise it on my honor, but let's hope that there won't happen any weird things.'' She told him with a slight amused tone. Though she understood his condition and where it came from, Lilia wanted to be honest with Hideki. After all, she also saw him as a friend and comrade.

Hideki's face twisted into a grimace. "Eh!? Now you're going to have to become Hokage, otherwise I would have pulled that embarrassing speech for no reason." He said as the grimace soon was replaced by a grin. "So? Is that a yes? If so, what are we waiting for!" He told her as he also stepped forward and grabbed her hand, affirming his decision to join. There would be no turning back now.

Letting out a short giggle as she couldn't resist to find that funny, Lilia smiled back. ''It is a yes. And best would be to head to Azumi. It's the place where we gather around, train and do many things. Either together or alone.'' She told him. Releasing his hand, she beckoned him to follow her. Seeing they were near the training fields, it wouldn't be walking that far or long. Soon, they were already near the building as Lilia pointed at it. A few old people were seen walking to the teahouse section as Lilia spoke to Hideki. ''This Azumi. It means Safe Residence and it's the headquarters of the Konoha Guardians. It's where we hold meetings, train, gather and even can form special squads to go on missions.'' She then guided him towards the front door, as she kept glancing now and then to see what his reaction was. ''It's a bit quiet today as most aren't here. So far I had last checked, but to keep it short.''

Lilia took a deep breath as she then started to sum up what was all in and around Azumi. ''We've a library, several rooms, a lounge, an armory, a dojo. The teahouse section that provides some income for us, so that we can maintain the place. That and some really seem to like tea.'' She said as she lead him to the lounge. ''Next to that, the training fields are near and we've some people that volunteer to act as trainers.'' Lilia stopped as she was wondering what his thoughts were right now.

Curious, Hideki allowed his gaze to wander around inside of the building. Seeing as it was a large residence, he wondered if it would be safe to assume there was quite a lot of members. As Lilia had finished her tour, Hideki would then ask her a question. "Apart from you, is there anyone I ought to know that is a member here?" He didn't exactly expect any big names to be mentioned but he was still interested all the same, after all, it seemed that he was in it for the long run.

Thinking about the question, Lilia nodded. ''There is Mamoru Senju and Masami Hyuuga. You remember? From the Hon Siege. There is also of course, my uncle as trainer. Zakito Hon. I reckon you would remember more people, but so far I know those three are names you will likely remember.'' She told Hideki. Seemed he was a bit impressed by Azumi as she didn't notice that he wanted to train or not even hearing him asking the question she had expected. Placing her hands on her hips, she simply smiled and waited.

His eyes averted as he thought about the names she had mentioned. Then it struck him. "Ah! Yes, I think so at least." He answered, seemingly still thinking about the answer. It would be a lie to say that he remembered the Senju, however, he had taken note of this Masami. From what he observed, she harbored far more loyality to the Hyuuga clan than most branch members these days. It would be safe to say that Hideki's loyality rivaled her, however, their views on the clan was quite different. After having a conversation with the girl, she was far more inclined on devoting herself to the main family, whereas Hideki considered his loyality to be within all of the Hyuuga clan, without any regard for the main family. Of course he would never speak of it, but how could he possibly bring himself to like them after all they had done. Returning to reality, Hideki looked over at Lilia, a glint in his eyes. "So..? You mentioned a technique yesterday, didn't you?" He stated.

''I indeed had. Took you some time. Come, you may later explore the building and area on your own. As long you won't start bothering the other members.'' She told him, sounding very happy. Leading him out Azumi, they would leave the building behind them as they would then head to a nearby training field. Once they had arrived, Lilia picked up Samehada by his hilt and carefully placed him on the ground. The field was a rather simple gras plain. There was actually nobody today training here and not that Lilia cared much. Turning her attention to Hideki, she started to talk again. ''The technique is a rather simple in design and use. But can be quite versatile as everybody can use it on different ways. The requirements are that you have a high chakra control and able to stand still on the same spot for five seconds. Best would be to activate your eyes. I noticed with Masami that this technique can be easily mastered by the Hyuuga. Likely because it bears some resemblances to some other techniques of your clan.'' She told him, waiting for him to signal that he was ready.

Hideki nodded. The requirements certainly seemed similiar to that of Hyuuga techniques, on another level that is. The latter requirement puzzled him however. Standing still in the midst of battle was no easy feat, luckily for him, his shadow clones would prove useful in such a situation, with the support of his Byakugan. "Will do" He told her as he would make a handseal, activating his Byakugan. "Go on." He beckoned her, eager to see what she had to show him.

Seeing that he was ready, Lilia took a moment to prepare herself for the jutsu. Bringing her hands together, she focused on doing the handseals not too fast like she was used too. It was just a demonstration, so she knew that it would be better if she would take it easy with the weaving speed. It was first the Tiger, followed by : Ram, Rat, Monkey, Dragon, Dog, Bird and then Lilia raised her right hand. Forming the Seal of Confrontation, her chakra was building up as it formed slowly a blue coat around her. With his eyes, he would see a kind of kanji being written on her right shoulder. The kanji of : Fox. Holding the chakra in place for five seconds, Lilia then lowered her hand and smiled. ''This the technique I mentioned. It's both a defensive as offensive technique. Can be even used in groups to form a more offensive kind of use. What do you think?'' She told Hideki.

Hideki's eyes widened upon seeing Lilia being enveloped in a blue coat of chakra. It seemed quite powerful from what he could judge by this far. However, the preparation was far longer than he had imagined after hearing about its requirements. It would most certainly be situational for a melee fighter like him. "C-cool..." He uttered, taken aback by its coolness. He would then ask her a more serious question. "But, from my perspective it seems purely defensive, what's so offensive about it?" He asked as he frowned a little, attempting to decipher his question.

The question was something she had seen coming. She quickly leaped backwards, making two backflips. Landing on her feet, she then smirked as she started to answer his question. ''As you see and notice, this is pure chakra. My own chakra that has no elemental chakra in it. Though that can change in a brief moment.'' Lightning suddeny started to crackle around Lilias it lashed around the coat. It was thus clear that coming near Lilia was a very bad idea. Lowering the lightning again, so she wouldn't need to raise her voice, she started to explain more. ''But there is more. You can also reverse the chakra. Instead of protecting you.'' Suddenly without a signal, the chakra bursted outwards, causing a strong gust from Lilia. It was likely capable of blowing a full grown man backwards.

Once the demonstration was done, Lilia walked back to Hideki. ''That is the Secret Ninja Art : Will of the Leaf. The gust can also be manipulated with an element to cause different results. I will later explain the collaberation form completely. It's just the offensive ability of the jutsu, but with at least four people. Quite powerful, but haven't been able to test it yet. Other than theory.'' Lilia explained to Hideki. Tilting her head as she now stood back where she had started, she asked him a question. ''So, any questions or heavy emotional problems?''

Speechless, Hideki merely watched for a moment. Will of the Leaf, how fitting it was. The technique was not what he had expected from the start, not at all actually. He was pleasantly surprised. "I.. I don't think so." He replied, clearly astonished over what Lilia had shown him. He pondered a bit before he would ask a question. "That gust, how will a water coat react? Will I splash my enemy in water?" He finished the sentence with a laugh, his question was sincere however.

Instead of laughing, Lilia shrugged and answered with a rather serious fashion. ''That is possible. I've only the Lightning and Fire chakra nature under control. Though I'm still working on Fire. But seeing the pressure of water techniques are quite deadly in the right hands, I could suppose that you won't like it to be smashed aside by a wave while you rush towards that user.'' She answered. ''And not at all if the user has an ally that can use lightning jutsu to strike at the water, thus shocking the one that got hit.'' She told him, smiling after finishing her answer.

A slight twitch ran through Hideki's body. This was perfect. If he were to master this jutsu and implement it to his melee combat, he would skyrocket in strength. The question was, how long would it take to learn it? As he thought about it, he recalled that Meisa had mentioned she wanted to teach him some other technique. The Chuunin exam was coming up as well. He would have to train far more intense than he was used to if he wanted to pull this off. Scratching his hair, he sighed. "Sorry to ask, but how long did it take Masami to learn this?" He asked, looking at Lilia with his Byakugan still active.

Lilia thought about it and shrugged. ''Totally depends on what you mean with learning this. The jutsu's strength depends on the mastery the person has with this. In theory, you could eventually be able to fend of shuriken, kunai and even some light explosions with the technique. I do have to say that I'm not even there, as the developer. Masami managed to grasp the basics after just seeing me doing the technique. Though it was not that useful as the mastery isn't that easy.'' She answered. Though she wondered why he had asked the question, Lilia decided to not go on about that. It was just a normal question, she figured.

Hideki closed his eyes upon hearing Lilia's answer. She was correct. His proficiency with water was already pretty mediocre, thinking about mastering the technique as fast as possible was stupid. He would have to take his time, Chuunin exam or not. Opening his eyes once again, he narrowed them as he tried to recall how Lilia's chakra flow had looked as she was conjuring the coat. He began to imitate the seals she had performed, starting with Tiger, then following it up with Ram, Rat, Monkey, Dragon, Dog, Bird and finishing it with the Seal of Confrontation. Channeling his chakra from his abdomen, he tried to recreate the kanji of Fox over his right shoulder. A blue figure began to form but it quickly vanished into thin air. Hideki let out a gust of air, disappointed at his failure. "It looks like I'll have to train for a while, any tips Lilia-sensei?" He asked, ending the sentence with a sarcastic tone.

Raising her right eyebrow, Lilia waited a second before replying. The sarcastic tone wasn't something she had failed to hear. ''Well, Hideki..-chan'' Lilia said with the same sarcasm back to him, ''First you need to have a high chakra control. Once your control is high enough, just try to keep using the jutsu until you've mastered the coating of your chakra. It's something that indeed may sound easy, but takes some time. Because it failed once, doesn't mean you will not be able to learn it. Keep that in mind.'' She told him, without the sarcasm.

Hideki made a grimace over her use of "chan", but he didn't linger and proceeded with her serious answer. "I thought I had good chakra control.. He muttered to himself, not intending for Lilia to hear it. She was right that he got discouraged far too easily though, he couldn't be an expert in anything after one try. He breathed out, then he once again made the seals, finishing with the Seal of Confrontation. Closing his eyes, he now focused more intensively on channeling his chakra properly. As the blue figure appeared, he didn't stop pouring his chakra, managing to keep the figure up for at least five seconds. But, even as the figure disappeared, it didn't take the shape of a kanji. "Ugh.." It had been quite awhile since he had been required to conjure this much amount of chakra, the Gentle Fist required sharp chakra control but it wasn't very chakra consuming. "I'll have to practice for awhile. It's pretty hard." He admitted.

Thinking, Lilia wanted to cheer up Hideki. But how? She couldn't really help him with his own abilities. It was up to him to become better. All she could do was to help with advise and tips. ''I think you'll do fine. Besides, something gained with sweat and effort will feel better. Won't it?'' She said, with a friendly tone. Hoping it would cheer him a bit up, Lilia patted his shoulder. ''Maybe some sushi would cheer you up? Or anything else you would want to eat?'' She suggested.

At the sound of Sushi, Hideki suddenly spun around, abruptly stopping all of his actions. He took a hold of Lilia's shoulders and stared at her with his eyes widened. "Where is the Sushi?" He asked, a glimpse of drool sighted on his mouth. Now that he thought about it, he had been so excited to be taught a new technique that he had completely forgotten about his hunger. His father always nagged about how food was necessary before any kind of exercise, perhaps Hideki should have listened to his advice.

Surprised, he would experience a little shock. Lilia didn't often like it when people would just touch her and come that close, causing her to shock them instantly with the Silent Shocking. Though she understood that he maybe was a big sushi fan or such, it was just something that went automatic. It was a simple shock though. ''We could go to town?'' She suggested, a bit wavering as she wasn't sure what to think of Hideki. ''You got something.... at...euhm....mouth.'' She laid her own right index finger at her lips as she hoped he would catch the hint.

Hideki jumped a little as the shock ran through him. "Oww! Are you some kind of robot?" He thought out loud, a grimace on his face. It took him a moment to catch her drift, but as soon as he did he wiped the drool off his mouth with his right hand, slightly embarrassed over his sudden outburst. "Town it is!" He exclaimed, strolling out of the training fields without waiting for a response, assuming Lilia was following him.

She was following him and felt a bit offended when he asked the question. Deciding to let it slide, as she didn't want to ruin his suddenly good mood. Lilia followed him, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jacket. ''Had no idea you were such a sushi lover. Though, you're paying.'' She said, smirking. ''After all, the junior needs to pay for his senoir and supperior as sign of respect!'' She told him, clearly making it up.

Hideki narrowed his eyes as he turned his head to look at Lilia, but he didn't stop walking. It always felt ironic whenever she refered to herself as his superior, despite it being true. "Whatever, don't complain when you get less pieces." He replied, a smug look on his face. When they entered the Sushi place, Hideki quickly went over to the cashier and ordered two plates, then he took a seat in one of the chairs by a table, eagerly waiting for his god sent food to be prepared. "Have a seat!"

Taking a seat, she giggled. ''So this is your favorite sushi restaurant?'' She asked amused. For a moment, Lilia wondered what kind of sushi he liked the most. Placing her elbows on the table, she rested her head on her hands. ''Seems like a nice place though.'' She mumbled, abesent mindly to herself. Not that she was a great fan of sushi, but figured it was just to cheer Hideki a bit up.

A smile cracked on Hideki's lips. "You could say that." Just as he was about to continue, a waitress came by, carrying two plates. Hideki exchanged a few joyful words with her before she returned to the kitchen. His sushi in front of him, Hideki picked up his sticks and separeted them in an instant. Looking over at Lilia, his smile turned into a grin. "If there is something you don't like, I'm always here." He said, then he buried himself in his food.

Looking up with a surprised expression on her face, Lilia laughed. ''Haha, sure Hideki. Sure. But if you don't mind, I would like to eat a bit too.'' She responded, finding it hilarious that Hideki was just acting like he always was. It was sometimes like Lilia made boys act different, like Kichiro for example. She started to seperate the sticks that she would use to eat and glanced at the plate. Taking up one, she smiled. ''Next time, on my pay. Promised.'' She told him as she then placed the sushi roll she had in her mouth.