Lilia Hon - Little Alice

[Little Alice]

The test against Yumi.
Lightning against Crystal.

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

Summary :
Yumi and Lilia sparring, as Yumi wants to see Lilia's progression.

SPOILER: Click to show

Lilia strapped her headband as she took the fast steps forward. Coming to a halt, she was standing on a grassy plain. The training field was empty, save it for somebody else. Her eyes slowly shut down, but opened as the grin on her face grew. Dressed in her shinobi garb, she looked over to her opponent of today. Samehada made some sounds, but Lilia kept her gaze focused on the older girl at the other side of the field. The soft breeze played gently with the black dyed hair of Lilia.

Yumi looked with a calm look as she dressed in her ANBU outfit, except for the mask. The sight of Lilia being ready made Yumi sigh. ''So, I've found some time. Let's hope you have indeed improved, Lilia-san.'' Yumi said with a respectful voice. Making the Seal of Confrontation, she waited for Lilia. Her thoughts were that it was a spar. But she knew Lilia and according to what she had heard, the girl had grown in both skill as experience. Yumi always had seen something in the little girl, but was wondering now. Would Lilia be able to defeat her?

Making the sign too, Lilia nodded. ''I hope so too.'' She mumbled. As soon as both lowered their hands, Lilia pulled out several shuriken. They had wire attached to them. Her first move would try to analyze what Yumi would do on such a move. Knowing that Yumi was a member of the ANBU made Lilia wary. That and the Crystal Release wasn't a joke. Throwing the shuriken towards Yumi, Lilia waited. Though tempted to close in the distance, Lilia would wait patiently for Yumi's reaction.

Seeing the incoming shuriken, Yumi smiled. Creating several shuriken made of cyrstal, she deflected the incoming shuriken. Knowing and having heard of Lilia's grown skills, Yumi wanted to be play safe for now. That meant to attack from a distance instead of going close, where Lilia had more advantages then she did. ''Well?''

Seeing her attack being deflected, Lilia's face showed no sign of emotion. As the shuriken were deflected, Lilia pulled the wire. Directing them back at Yumi, Lilia ran lightning through the wire to enhance the shuriken. Try to counter that!  She thought as the shuriken approached Yumi again. Her green eyes would keep following the movements of Yumi. What was important was to know how fast Yumi was able to react to such sudden surprises.

Now she was using lightning? The girl had done her homework well, Yumi thought. Dodging the first one with ducking, she was forced backwards to not get hit by any other. With the wire also imbued by lightning, Yumi wasn't that eager to advance. Weaving several handseals, she used her only known Earth Jutsu. ''Earth Release : Moving Earth Core.'' She mumbled as she rose the earth around Yumi. This made her able to escape the range of the shuriken while she kept an eye out on Lilia.

Seeing the earth rising up, Lilia dropped the wire. With Yumi out of range, she could try what she want, but she wouldn't be able to catch Yumi. Not with such a simple trick. Her right hand went to hilt of Samehada. The bandaged blade made some grunting sound as Lilia dropped him. When the shark blade hit the ground, it was seen slithering away. Weaving the handseals at a rapid speed, Lilia brought her right hand towards her mouth. ''Fire Style : Great Fireball Jutsu!'' Spitting the flaming ball of death towards Yumi, Lilia made a shadow clone.

Standing on top of the risen earth, Yumi frowned. As the fire came towards her, she made several handseals. Crystal formed around her, creating a crystal dome against the fire. While the fire was held back, Yumi wondered who had taught Lilia Fire release. Was it Keiko, who was close with Lilia. Or maybe even Zakito? So far it only confirmed what Yumi had expected. ''That girl is truly something. Heh, means I don't have to hold back.'' She mumbled, smirking after speaking the words.

With the fire fading away, Lilia noticed the crystal dome. She had expected nothing less from Yumi. Rushing with her shadow clone towards the raised earth platform of Yumi. The real Lilia started to gather lightning at her right hand, forming a fist. As they would near the platform, the real Lilia would smash the lightning at the earth, while her shadow clone would dash towards Lilia.

Seeing with a calm look how Lilia was approaching the platform, Yumi bite her lower lip. She knew she had to be careful with her chakra reserve. Though she had quite some, it was nowhere Lilia's level. Making the Boar handseal, a crystal blade appeared around her right hand. The earth she stood on trembled by the impact of Lilia's attack. Cracks appeared as the earth shattered in big boulders. Looking down, she already noticed the shadow clone. Without wavering, Yumi jumped from rock to rock to engage the clone in close quarters.

Pulling out a kunai, the shadow clone met Yumi mid-air. They both exchanged some clashes as they jumped from rock to rock. Just as the clone was about to try to go with a stab, Yumi landed on a rock. Noticing the clone coming towards her, she simply stepped aside to evade the attack. ''Too bad.'' The crystal blade slashed at the back of the shadow clone, making it vanish into smoke. The boulder Yumi stood on fell on the ground. There were several more coming, but before she was able to move, Yumi heard something. Looking up, her eyes widened as the crystal blade on her right arm vanished.

''Piercing Sparkle!'' Lilia's voice was heard as the boulder above Yumi was cut in half. The lightning slashed through the boulder. Lilia was seen as she fell through the boulder's half. Landing on the spot where Yumi had stood before. Instead of giving Yumi a break, Lilia continued her assault.

Having dodged the lightning slash with a quick leap backwards, Yumi landed on the ground. Skidding to halt, she narrowed her eyes. Seemed that Lilia was really trying to win after all. Weaving a few handseals, Yumi slammed her right hand at the ground. The sound of crystal being formed at a high speed was heard, before it started to rush towards Lilia. ''Crystal Release : Divine Pathway.''

Lilia noticed the incoming crystal technique. With a smirk, she gathered more lightning around her right hand. Forming a fist again, she was determined to break through it. Raising her hand, she grinned. Lightning shattered the crystal, as Lilia didn't lose much of her speed. Being wary of that Yumi was planning something, seeing that it wasn't likely that she would be this easy with her, Lilia didn't went on with full speed.

Not surprised by the fact her lightning could shatter crystal that easily, Yumi waited for the last moment. The moment that Lilia would be near her, she would make a side flip and tap the right shoulder of Lilia with a blinding tag. After that, she would perform several back flips to make some distance with the Hon.

Just as Yumi's hand tapped Lilia's shoulder, the latter suspected that she would try to crystalize her. But it was worse. Looking at the tag, Lilia tried to look the other way. But it was too late as she was soon blinded by the tag. Rubbing her eyes, she tried to keep standing on her feet. To her, it seemed like the whole world was shaking and her eyes not able to withstand the light. In reaction to that, she instantly started to use her Chidori Current technique.

Simply standing where she stood, Yumi saw the next lightning technique. She tilted her head as she started to weave several handseals again. Holding the last one, the brown haired girl smiled a little bit. Crystal started to form around Yumi as it took the form of two dragons. They started to head towards Lilia, trying to smash into the girl from two different directions.

Dust, rubble and debris was thrown into the air as the dragons made of crystal were clashing into the position of Lilia. The big cloud of dust prevented much sight of what was going on in there. Suddenly, a big hound of lightning was rushing towards Yumi. With the dust settling down, Lilia stood with a cold expression on her face.

Knowing not to underestimate the incoming threat, Yumi evaded the hound just by an inch as it rushed past her. Landing on her feet, she didn't turned her back towards the lightning creature. Briefly glancing at Lilia, Yumi knew enough. She had achieved a great mastery over Lightning Release. It was more than capable to deal with a high ranked Crystal Release justu, like the Falling Dragon Jutsu.





As they clashed it seemed that none of them were having the upper hand. Yumi used quick stabs and slashes as Lilia was able to evade most of them. However, Yumi was strong enough to withstand the kicks and punches that Lilia tried to use to get Yumi off balance. Suddenly the Crystal Clone blew up as well as a burst of lightning made short work of the shattering shards. A kunai and crystal blade clashed once more at each other as the real Yumi and Lilia had fought each other from the start.

Their weapons locked, Yumi grinned. ''Good. You weren't joking.'' She told Lilia, who scoffed. ''Not at all, even worse. I only hide my progress, Angel-san!'' Lightning ran through the kunai as it sliced through the crystal blade with ease. However, Liliia only hit thin air, where Yumi once was.

Quickly making some distance, Yumi smiled. As she kept jumping backwards, she formed several handseals. As she came to a halt, she slammed her hands at the ground. ''Crystal Style: Divine Pathway Jutsu.'' Crystal shot forward as it crystallized the ground, while charging towards Lilia. Instead however going for a direct way, Yumi made the jutsu encircle Lilia rather if it had a chance.

With the Crystal Jutsu approaching her, even trying to surround her, Lilia narrowed her eyes. Spinning the kunai, the lightning that surrounded the edged weapon made a crackling sound. Throwing it towards the crystal, it penetrated it with ease. It travelled towards Yumi, as Lilia made use of her attack to get moving. She would need to get in close in order to win from Yumi.

It wasn't hard to see the kunai rushing through the crystal towards her. Titling her head, she saw the kunai passing her face. For a split second, she could see herself on the surface of the blade. Her eyes turned to look at Lilia, who was charging towards her. ''Not so fast.'' Yumi whispered. Quickly, she tried to leap to the side as well forming more handseals. Using the Crystal Release armor, she wanted to defend herself against the taijutsu of Lilia. As well empowering her own.

Lilia landed on the ground where Yumi just had stood. Not wasting any time, she went directly after Yumi. Clenching her hands into fists, she went in with quick punches and kicks. Lightning crackled a little bit, as they exchanged blows. So far, it wasn't like one was getting the upper control. Pulling her right hand back, she caught a fist of Yumi with her left hand. However, Yumi also caught in a similar way the attack of Lilia.

Locked, as both weren't planning to let the other go. The crystallization process couldn't happen due the lightning that surrounded Lilia's hands. And the lightning couldn't shock the continues restoration of Crystal Armor. It would be a matter of until one of them made a mistake or ran out of chakra. Knowing that Lilia had more chakra than her, Yumi knew she shouldn't drag it out too long. Suddenly, she let herself fall backwards. With Lilia pressing, she would stumble forward. ''There we go!'' Yumi said with a smirk. Her feet pressed against the stomach of the Hon, attempting to kick her up in the air.

Lilia's eyes widened as the feet were placed on her stomach. Knowing she had to act quickly, she started to form several handseals at a high speed. ''No we won't!'' Lilia mumbled, finishing the streak of handseals. A blinding light would emit from her body, as Lilia performed the Lightning Pillar.

Yumi cursed softly as she rubbed her eyes. Then she felt something cold on her throat. Her vision was blurred, but she could understood what had happened. Sighing, she held her hands up high while the Crystal Armor wore off. ''You've grown indeed.'' Yumi said, smiling.

Lilia looked with a calm look, removing the kunai that she held against Yumi's throat. Rising up, she offered a hand to help Yumi up. ''Thanks, but you made it quite hard for me.'' The response of Lilia was one that was filled with respect. Storing the kunai away, Lilia rubbed her left arm a bit. ''Thanks for your time Crystal-san.'' The Hon smiled, really grateful for the spar.

Taking the offer, Yumi couldn't resist to smile. The young girl really was something. Remembering their earlier matches, Yumi was already aware that Lilia would become a fierce Lightning Release user. But she hadn't figured that Lilia would've been able to learn a second nature. Not many were able to master new natures that fast. Maybe she would indeed be the new Hokage, after Hisoka? ''I guess that lunch is then on me, Lilia...-sama?'' Yumi said, dusting her ANBU outfit from the dust.

Surprised, Lilia was unsure what to say at first, but then nodded heavily. ''I would be honoured, Crystal-san! It's my turn how-'' Lilia said, but Yumi interupted her. ''No, Lilia. It's my turn. You really impressed me. Makes me happy to see at least one of us has the motivation to follow her goal.'' Patting the younger girl on her head, Yumi smiled. She could remember when she had dreamed of becoming the Hokage. Of course, she had been Lilia's age. But the motivation that Lilia had? Yumi couldn't name somebody that equalled Lilia's motivation.

''So, same place as always?''
''You're the best Crystal!''
''Heh... As long as you'll remember that.''

[Little Alice]

The Teachings of The Fire Shadow!
The Teachings of Hisoka.

A collab between Fieryfly and Alice.
Timeskip : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia is going to Hisoka after all trainings and decides to ask him for advice and help. She then proceed with him to train and mastering a new technique. Oh and Hisoka threw a stone to Lilia's head!

SPOILER: Click to show

Walking towards the door, Lilia tried to be confident. She had the words of Keiko, Zakito and Jinkama in her head. Also those of Kensuke, but the advise of the three others were more of value to this moment. Raising her hand, Lilia was properly dressed in her new outfit. The mesh armour combined with her chuunin garb. Knocking on the door, Lilia waited for the answer. A bit nervously, she bite her lower lip.

For a change Hisoka was actually not working on his paperwork. He was standing before the window, watching the city below him. On the desk lay a report that had just come in, one that had made the Hokage think. He cracked his neck and rubbed his eyes when there was a knock on the door. Slowly he turned around and walked back to his desk. "Enter." He said as he kicked the chair back and sat down.

Opening the door, Lilia walked in. Samehada made a low, almost chuckling sound, when he ‘tasted’ Hisoka's chakra. Lilia patted quickly with her left hand the bandaged sword to silence him. ''Hi.. I mean, good day, Uchiha Hokage-sama.'' Lilia began with a calm voice, though she looked a bit nervous. Making a bow in his direction, she wondered if he would be angry of her last time she had visited him. Then she had acted rather bad, in comparison how she acted now.

So Lilia Hon had returned to his office. In a way Hisoka had expected her to return at some point. His eyes shot to the blade on her back. Samehada. It brought back memories. Bitter ones. "Good day Lilia Hon." He replied leaning back in his chair. "I had expected you. How is that blade treating you?"

Looking up, Lilia tried to flash a warm smile, but was a bit surprised. Of course he had expected her, but it was still a bit of a surprise. Maybe he had heard from Zakito or Jinkama what she had as goal? What would he say? Object against it? Or brush her ideals, dream and goal away? ''Shady is a bit of a cheeky boy, but he has been of help in my battles.'' She answered, but a thought came up in her mind. Samehada was a blade actually of Kirigakure and remembering the conversation she had with Hisoka before she had went out to find Masuba of the Mist, she remembered what Hisoka had told her. What if he would tell her that the sentient blade had to go Kirigakure again? Trying to be calm, Lilia spoke again. ''I hope that I'm not bothering you, Uchiha Hokage-sama.''

"Shady..." Hisoka said amused. He didn't think anyone had ever bothered with giving a blade a nickname. Lilia must be the first. She was an interesting person indeed and truely a Hon in every way. "Don't worry, I won't take the blade from you." He said just as Lilia remembering the conversation they had before. Back then he might have done something in this situation, but now things were different. As they were always. "It seems the winds in Kirigakure have changed anyway. But never mind, you are not bothering me. State your business." He said, his fingers tapping on the table.

Actually becoming more at ease when he had told her that he wouldn't take the blade, Lilia smiled. It made her less nervous, but still nervous. Thinking about the words, she then fired her answer at him. ''I've a new goal and dream. But before I can tell you them, I wanted to come here to ask several questions. So if you don't mind.'' She paused, knowing her first question already. ''Would you please summon Thunderstone-sama for me?'' She asked him, on a soft tone. She had also came her for the one that had accompanioned her during her travels. Lilia hope that the ferret was doing well, having gained respect and a liking to him as good friend.

Hisoka gave the girl another good look. Of all the things... He sat up straight. "Bolin," he said, pronouncing the name extra carefully, "is currently on a special mission from me. Summoning him back would... disrupt it. However hopefully he will be back shortly. I will remember you Lilia that Bolin can not always be at your side, however much you may like it. What is the next question?"

Nodding in agreement, Lilia felt a bit disappointed. But if he was on a mission, he was doing fine, didn't he? ''I understand that and that wasn't my intention. I just was hoping he was doing fine. He is been a guide and a kind of mentor for me during my travels. Thank you once more for lending his help to me.'' She told Hisoka, before asking the next question. ''I will keep it short, but I want to talk about my future as well as I want to request your help with training me. I've noticed that I need to find a way to properly defend myself better. The current jutsu and skills I've are not making up for a good defense. At least, I'm not content with them.'' She told Hisoka, waiting for his response again.

"He is doing fine, I can assure you that." Hisoka said before Lilia continued to talk. He was glad that Bolin and Lilia had managed to get along well. The ferret would have followed Lilia even if the girl would have ignored him, but sitting on her shoulder was always better then walking behind her. He wondered how it had looked: Bolin on Lilia's shoulder... He shook himself back to the conversation. "I am a busy man Lilia. I don't have time to train every individual who comes to my door and asks for it." He told her. "Why should I, of all the shinobi that are in this village, train you?" He asked, genuinely amused and interested in what Lilia would answer him.

Thinking about the answer, she then decided to go for it. ''Cause you're the one that is in my way.'' She told him rather blunty with a very serious tone. It became quiet, before Lilia started to explain her answer. ''I had already the wish to become Hokage at a young age, but didn't had the proper reason or ideals for it. I first wanted to become respected and obtain the same amount of respect like Uncle Z. Then on my journey, I learned that respect isn't everything and that I want to make some changes. Good ones.'' She told him, before pausing a moment.

''You see, I've now gained the true motivation why I want to become the next Hokage, even going that far to ask for the advice of Uncle Z, Jin-Jin-sama and some other people. They all told me wise words, that I'll follow.'' Pausing again, she remembered each advice, each person telling in her own way what she had to expect, to or if she was capable or not.

''I want to ask your help, because not only you're the Yondaime Hokage, but because I respect you and acknowledge that you're more wiser then I'm. Besides, you know barrier jutsu? I want to learn a way to defend myself better and thought they could help me. Not to mention that I could try to control... myself better.'' She told him, remembering what Jinkama had told her. This was also her jump from the tip of the blade to the shield. Still, it all was on the shoulders of Hisoka if he would help her in that jump. Else she had to it herself and she wasn't sure if she was capable of doing that.

Slowly Hisoka nodded to Lilia's words. It seemed that both Zakito and Jinkama had already been confronted by the girl. At least she wasn't someone who hoped the world came to her. She was actively doing something. He grinned slightly and pushed his chair back. "I know Zakito had the ridiculous idea that he could train everyone in the village. I've always held different values than him in a certain aspects. But I believe I will break my ideas. Things change after all. I must say I am impressed by your words Lilia Hon and I am glad that your journey learned you some important lessons. It wasn't wasted on you then and that is good." He got up and pulled his coat along with him. Putting it on, he looked back to Lilia.

"I'll teach you something then."

Surprised, Lilia quickly smiled. So the jump was going to happen? Or at least the first step, she thought quickly as she tried to clam herself. ''Thank you very much, Uch-...Hisoka-sama.'' Lilia told him after she made a little bow again. The fact the man was going to train her was actually very exciting. Not that she was going to be afraid because he was a Kage. After all, she had been training with Zakito for quite some time. And the training of Jinkama also made her aware that the title didn't mean that only one person in the village was strong. ''Also, I wish to tell you on my progress... With the Nibi.'' She would tell him as they would walk together.

At the last statement Hisoka's eyes narrowed. The Nibi was a concern of his yes and he was certainly interesting in the progress. Even if Lilia was a strong shinobi both physically and mentally, the Nibi was strong and as Hokage his concern for the Nibi just came before his cconcern for Lilia. "I would like to hear that yes. Tell me." He said as they walked out of the office and the building where the office was situated. The streets were busteling with activity again and people acknowledged him as he walked by. Hisoka nodded back, but kept his attention on Lilia.

Thinking back to the time she had went to confront Matatabi and the rather following battle, she kept a calm tone, while telling Hisoka the short story. ''I've managed to learn or rather figure out how to speak and see him in.. myself. I could do that for quite some time, but never did that much because I was always wary of him. But last time..'' Lilia became silent for a moment. She had not only made some progress with bonding with the Tailed Beast. The memory also remembered her of her mother. ''I confronted him, but it went a bit wrong. We're actually very much alike, you know? But a battle happened and don't worry. I had been told by... my mother, that nothing couldn't happen as I didn't open the seal. I managed to learn how the Nibi is and managed to set the first brick for our bond.'' She told Hisoka, pausing a bit before continueing. Hisoka was the Hokage and had fought in the war, so he would've likely heard of the Lightning Flash. Or maybe not. ''I entered a bit in a depression, seeing that I learnt that my mother had used a complex seal on me, but with the cost of her life. It's one of the things that I want to change. To stop the self sacrificing.'' She told him the last sentence with a soft tone as she waited for his reply.

Hisoka frowned. Lilia met her mother? His thoughts went back to Ilia Hon and what he knew about her. It was true that she had been a very capable shinobi, but placing a seal like that wasn't childs play. He had never known she had been that good with sealing. "I see." He said after Lilia was finished. "I understand your troubles, but you have to understand... Self sacrificing is not something you can ban. I would give my life if I could protect the whole village with it. In fact it is already what I am doing. Would you tell me to stop protecting the city just because I am sacrificing a part, or well practically my whole life to it?" He asked the girl. They neared the trainingfields now and the crowd had become significantly less. Automatically Hisoka's feet walked him to the field where he had trained so often a long time ago. He didn't realize it before he stood on the field itself. "I don't think you can stop someone from protecting that what he or she holds dear."

Lilia smiled a little bit. It was fun to be the one that held the wiser answer, seeing many had done to her. Of course, she would stop doing that as she didn't want to annoy Hisoka. Merely just surprising him a little bit. ''I don't want to dictate everybody's life, but I want to become the shield that would try to prevent them from having to choose that option. Actually, in a way I would sacrifice myself so others wouldn't have to do that. But actually, that is what a leader has to do, right? To sacrifice his or her own freedom so that the people that trust him or her, can live their lives?'' Lilia told Hisoka, but became a bit nervous again as they neared the training fields. Wondering if she could also impress Hisoka of her better skills, she hoped her training of the past months would pay off. ''Besides, I also want to become an inspiration for others to keep working for their goals. So before we begin with anything, I was wondering if I could have a little class. Just for one week, to see if I can achieve my goal in a very smal scale.'' Lilia told Hisoka, wondering what he would think of that.

"I am glad you understand." Hisoka said as they entered the field. It had changed over the past years, but Hisoka could still imagine the pool of mud that had formed on the far end of the field. He had been stuck there for a while, but it had been somewhat fun. He turned back to Lilia and raised his eyebrow. "A class?" He said pondering. "I need some time to think about that. How about you show me if you can handle it? Let's see how well you handle yourself in a training with me and I'll give you an answer afterwards." Hisoka said. "Show me if you have it in you."

Nodding Lilia dropped Samehada. With a short whistle, the bandaged blade slithered a bit away. ''You mean like sparring with you or what is the plan?'' She asked as she started to stretch her arms. Wondering if she was going to have a spar with Hisoka, made Lilia actually wary. Zakito hadn't sparred with her, but she had been sparring with Jinkama. At least, in a way. Knowing that Hisoka's looks could also deceive her, her cunning mind started to formulate all kinds of plans. The fact he was an Uchiha, meant he would likely have great mastery over the sharingan. Still, it was just training, Lilia told herself mentally. ''I'm ready to prov myself, Hisoka-sama.''

"I believe you wanted me to teach you a defensive move. That is what you came to ask right? Unfortunately I don't posses the Lightning Release like you do. However I can show you a basic move that I believe would do well with all elements." Hisoka said. "We will see how fast you can master it and if you have the strength after that and the capability to use it wisely in battle." He stretched his arms and flexed his fingers for a moment. "What do you know about Barrier Jutsu Lilia?" He asked then, wondering how much he had to explain to the girl.

Thinking about the answer, she slowly talked like she was trying to remember everything she knew about Barrier Jutsu. ''I know that they can be quite handy to trap a foe in combat. Or at least restrain an enemy.'' She began, but felt there was more to it. ''I suppose that there is more advanced material to it, but it appealed to me because I have a little bit of fighting against Barrier Jutsu.'' She told Hisoka, remembering the times that Hiroshi had used his barrier jutsu on her. If she hadn't Samehada at that time, she would've lost the training spar. But she hadn't asked Hiroshi, cause she had heard that Hisoka was a true master of Barriers. ''And that is about it. Not much, is it?'' She asked him, rubbing her left arm a bit shy.

Hisoka shrugged. "That covers a basic idea of it. Barriers can be used for various purposes. The barriers techniques I have are indeed used to trap enemies and restrain them. There are also sensing barriers that allow a shinobi to sense if there are people nearby. However the most basic form of barrier does exactly what you would imagine, it blocks attacks and shields you from harm. I was thinking that this is the kind of jutsu you are looking for at the moment." The Uchiha turned to the side and made three handseals. A wall of fire rose up before him. Hisoka shot a look back to Lilia.

"Something like this. Only I would imagine with Lightning. Would you care to try?" He asked her amused. He wondered how she would even start at grasping the concept of the technique. Using barrier jutsu was something vastly different then using offensive ninjutsu.

Seeing the three handseals, she was impressed with the technique. However, Lilia wouldn't rush it. The fact she had grown meant not only in skill or in physical changes. She had learnt that even with learning new things, she had to be sure of knowing them better. Thus she directed a question to Hisoka. ''I noticed that the last handseal was a Tiger handseal. Does that mean that I should reform the last handseal into the Dog handseal, to make use of my lightning chakra affinity?'' She asked, tilting her head a bit to the left. Though she was eager to try it out, Lilia was trying to use her smart before she would end up and disappointing Hisoka. After all, she had the feeling she was going the good direction with her actions and words.

Lilia clearly knew what she was doing at least. "I would imagine so." Hisoka replied, showing her the handseals again. "Tiger indeed often responds to fire release. I would like you to try it out without my help first. It will be easier to help you afterwards." He said. It was a pity Lilia didn't posses Earth Release. If she had the jutsu would have come much easier to her because she would have been familiar with the earth wall technique which was basically the same.

As she agreed with trying to do it herself, Lilia started to mould the chakra already. Forming the handseals rather slowly, she focused on the technique. It had looked pretty amazing with fire, making her wonder how it looked with Lightning. Once she had formed the Dog handseal, she held the handseal, but only a few flashes of Lightning appeared. Thinking about what she had done wrong, Lilia thought for a moment. Then she looked back in Hisoka's direction. ''Seems like it's not working properly. May I ask a question?'' She asked. Her chakra control was fine, she was sure of it. At least she had worked on it for quite some time. Not to forget she had kept the schedule to do what Hiron had suggested. Doing the meditation chakra control a half hour before going to sleep.

With interest Hisoka watched the flashes. He had a fairly good idea of what she was doing wrong and it was not surprising him really. In their previous very short battle she had seemed very aggressive and to the point with her attacks. That wouldn't work in this case. "You may." He said to her.

Nodding in thanks, she asked her question. ''It seems that it doesn't work. Seeing the jutsu you showed me, I suppose it's a rather a real defensive barrier jutsu. But what are the weaknesses? I think that mine would be wind, but is it able to move when using this jutsu?'' She asked, as she had a similiar kind of jutsu, that she could compare to this one. But she wasn't sure and thus she had asked the question.

"In case of the fire barrier I showed you it would be water. Next to that is the fact that your view will become obstructed once you use it. When the barrier is formed it will not be able to move, however when you train enough you yourself can move away from it, effectively creating a diversion since the opponent will most likely think that you are still hiding behind it. That it can't move doesn't mean you can't expand it however, but I will show that to you later." Hisoka explained. He paused for a second and thought about how he should explain to someone how barriers worked. They had always come fairly easy to him as he had been more focussed on defensive play in general.

"Also yes this is a real defensive jutsu. You have to remember that. The barrier can hurt your enemies and can be used in that way, but it is first and foremost a shield. Try to set you mind to the fact that you are building a shield for yourself. You don't want to attack. You don't want to hurt. You want to block."

Listening to the advice of Hisoka, Lilia nodded again. It sounded way more useful then her Electronic Shockwave technique. Besides, Lilia's tactics relied on deception. At least, most of them did. So the jutsu sounded perfect! ''I understand. I only am wondering if it would be possible to use more advanced releases instead of the basic nature transformations.'' She said, wondering what effect she could have if she would cooperate with Matatabi, using his Blue Fire instead of her Lightning. Though knowing it was thinking way ahead, Lilia already liked the idea.

Hisoka thought about this. "I would imagine so. As long as you form the correct combination of seals it would be. I take you are thinking of the blue fire the Nibi can create? Since that is closely related to fire itself I would say yes, but I can not guarantee that as I myself don't possess anything like it and have never seen it used in such a fashion before." He then spoke.

Lilia smiled and then giggled. It seemed that he could also read her mind? Though it was obivious that Hisoka knew information about Matatabi. He was the Hokage and it would be logical if he would've searched information about the current Tailed Beasts that were in Konoha possession. ''I was thinking of that, but want to become stronger myself. Mata-sama is already strong and before I want to make more use of his power, I want to be sure I can handle myself. There is little use when I have to keep relying on others, isn't it?'' She told him, remembering her a bit of the losses she had in the past. Actually, she had been training so she could try to avoid being too weak. After all, she still blamed herself a bit guilty of some deaths. ''So, going to try it again.'' She told Hisoka as she took a deep breath in as she then formed the handseals.

This time she formed them at high speed and held the Dog handseal. Not moving and even closing her eyes, lightning started to crackle through the air. Suddenly it burst and expanded, creating a vortex of fierce lightning. As Lilia opened her eyes, she dismissed the technique, but seemed disappointed. It had worked, but the volume of the lightning was nowhere in comparison to that of Hisoka's fire. ''Seems like there is a practice part to it, heh?'' She asked him a bit amused. It was the first Lightning Technique she wasn't able to master in one direct go. Not that it saddened her, but it did surprised her a little.

Hisoka watched her try again. The lightning lashed out violently and Hisoka shook his head, smiling slightly. Though the vortex of lightning was impressive it was not completely what the technique should be doing. "There is." He told her. "Don't be disappointed. It is just something you are not used to. Tone it down first. Try to visualize a shield in your mind. Make it small first. It is okay to start out small. Again don't think about this as an attack. Just the shield before you. Your chakra control and molding will do the rest."

His advice made her smile as she replied. ''Thanks!'' Eager she then closed her eyes. Weaving the handseals again, she however imagined her goals. The flashing images of the people she wanted to protect, respect and loved flashed in front of her mind eye. The words of Jinkama of moving from the tip of the blade to become to shield sounded while she focused. A few sparks of Lightning were seen as the amount began to grow. It was a slow process, but Lilia tried to expand the amount of lightning slowly. Just like Hisoka had advised. A shield. From the tip of the blade to the shield. She repeated in her mind as she then opened her eyes. While she could look through it as the amount wasn't that big, she had created a weak lightning vortex around. While not moving, she shouted towards Hisoka, trying to communicate over the sound of the moving lightning. ''Is this alright?'' She asked him, wondering if she had mastered the basic now.

"It's a good start." Hisoka called back to her. "I must say it looks quite impressive with lightning. But..." With his foot he kicked up a stone and caught it before throwing it straight to Lilia's barrier. "Is it really a shield, or is it just an image?"

Dismissing the technique, Lilia saw the stone too late. It hit her straight against her headband, but still surprised her. Stumbling backwards, she looked confused, both her hands shooting towards her headband. ''What? Why did you do that?'' She asked him, quickly inspecting if there wouldn't be any damage to her headband. Looking worried, Lilia wondered if she had made a mistake or something.

Hisoka looked surprised to Lilia. "I was going to check your barrier. Problem often is that it looks flashy in the beginning, but when you are faced with an attack it fails to protect you. Please do it again." He asked Lilia, kicking another stone up in his hand.

A bit careful, like she was suspecting him to throw the stone right away, she kept her eyes open this time as she performed the jutsu again. The lightning was created a bit faster, as she got the hang of it. Still, Lilia was cautious as she didn't want to get hit by another stone, again. When he told her that it was a common problem that Lightning techniques looked flashy, she had to surpress a giggle. After all, she had to be standing still or at least in the same place. ''Ready!''

She was getting better at the first part Hisoka noticed. Forming the shield was a check then. That was a start. He looked at the stone in his hand and smirked slightly. He remembered praticing this with a clone. Worked pretty good. Carefully he aimed and threw the rock towards Lilia's barrier. He wouldn't be surprised if it actually passed through it, but hoped that Lilia could find enough concentration to keep the thing strong.

Not able to see the rock coming, she suddenly felt some shards against her flak jacket. Dismissing the jutsu, she looked at the places the tiny shards had hit her. Not that it were razor sharp ones or such. Trying to pick one up, it crumbled away. ''Need to reinforce it better. If a simple rock can pass it, a person can easily knock me out of it.'' She mumbled, but loud enough that Hisoka could hear her. Sighing, she thought of a way and then found one. Closing her left eye for a moment, she grinned to Hisoka. ''Hold on. I know a way. Though... I'm going to use a bit of his chakra.'' Lilia said as she opened her left eye again. It had changed rapidly to a yellow color as the iris became slitted. Forming the handseals again, she used more chakra in the technique. At first she found it a bit difficult to control the lightning. Due Matatabi's Bijuu chakra, there was a big outburst of lightning, but she managed to lower the lightning. That was the sword. Now shift to the shield.. Come on! She thought, biting her lower lip. The lightning started to create a vortex, thus the technique. However, due the required focus, she wasn't able to shout to Hisoka at this point anymore. Let's rock! She thought.

The rock was coming for Lilia, but not from the front. The stone would hit the back of Lilia's head and Hisoka would speak up. "I would like you to refrain from using the chakra of the tailed beast for the exercize. You don't need a lot of chakra for this, you just need to learn how to focus you chakra differently. Besides if the technique will impar your hearing or speaking because it is too loud then it will serve you no good unless you want to make your opponents deaf." Even though Hisoka had expected Lilia not to get it right it irked him that she had looked for the Nibi for help. This was something she could do on her own and if she kept on using the chakra of the tailed beast then she would come to rely on it. That was something he really didn't want to happen.

Yelping in suprise, as she had forgot to reinforce the sides and rear of the vortex, Lilia dismissed the technique, but the lightning lashed out in several directions. Though it wouldn't be able to reach Hisoka, it made Lilia think about it. He was right, but she had noticed that she could empower her techniques with Matatabi's chakra. ''Sorry... I know that, but I wanted to see if I could reinforce the barrier. Though it's kind of contradicting my earlier words. Sorry, Hisoka-sama.'' Lilia said, feeling like she was a bit of a hypocrite. Then she calmed down, her left eye changing to her normal state. Though the green eyes weren't bright green, but more dark. Clearly indicating that Lilia was serious. ''Here we go again.'' She whispered as she then performed the jutsu again. Shield... Need to form a shield. She reminded herself as the lightning again started to form a fierce vortex. Adjusting the lightning amount, she noticed that she couldn't see anything through the lightning. Wondering if she could look at the other sides, she knew that moving her head would probably cancel out the jutsu. Still, in the corner of her eyes, she saw the lightning moving around her. ''Ready again!'' She shouted.

The fact that Lilia was able to create a shield all around her was certainly remarkable and slightly more then Hisoka had asked, but that was fine. Stomping with his foot on the earth he created a few more small rocks and kicked two of them up. "Keep the focus." He said before throwing one of the stones towards Lilia. As soon as the first one met with the barrier he threw the second one. Ninja fights weren't fair and neither were trainings with him. He would see how well Lilia would deal with that.
Hearing Hisoka, as she focused, Lilia bite her lower lip again. A bit nervous she wondered if her barrier would prevail. Suddenly she heard a cracking sound as the first rock got destroyed with ease, but it made her lose focus a little. This made the barrier to the strenght that second rock would be able to send some dust and such through the barrier, likely warning Lilia that she had to keep on focus.

The barrier held. "Very good." Hisoka called to Lilia. "If you could stop the technique now then I can explain a bit more about the technique." He said as another rock found its way to his hand. As soon as Lilia would cancle the technique and as soon as the barrier had faded he would throw the rock to her face again.

Slowly lowering the barrier as she had heard Hisoka, Lilia had actually a question for him. The technique was something she started to like. Lightning beat Earth, so offensive techniques from the Earth Release would be destroyed easily. Then she thought she could also use it against Fire and Water, seeing that Lightning was hotter then fire, able to evaporate water and outmatching fire. Only problem was wind, even while creating a kind of vortex. As the lightning faded away, Lilia tilted her head to the side.

''Done.''

As Hisoka would throw the rock, Lilia's eyes narrowed as she caught the rock and frowned. ''Heh? I thought you were going to explain something?'' She asked, puzzled a bit why he had thrown the rock. Had she done again something wrong? Hadn't he not said she had done it very good? Lilia wondered why he threw the rock, being more on her guard. Maybe it was a hobby of the Uchiha Hokage? Throwing rocks at people he trained.

"I am." He said. "The vortex you are able to create around you right now is nice and it works, but it takes too much time and is too unfocused. You don't always need to protect every side of your body, that would be a waste of chakra and chakra is not something you should waste in a battle." He threw the rock he was currently holding up in the air and caught it again. "For example if you throw that rock at me right now, I wouldn't need to protect myself from the back. I could just use the barrier to block the rock and be done with it. So I want you to try that. I throw rocks, you block them, but you try to be more precise. Condense the barrier. It will make it stronger as well. Understand?" Hisoka asked Lilia, throwing the rock from one hand to another.

''I understand it.'' She answered, knowing that even with her amount of chakra that it wasn't smart to throw away an amount in battle. Even not while she always leech or steal chakra from her foes through Samehada. ''But how should I suppose to make that? I'm not a sensor and though Shady can help me in that a bit, I neither have things like the sharingan or such. Have any ideas how to cover that field?'' She asked back. Though her reflexes were high, able to react on most surprise attacks, Lilia wasn't stupid. Even if she could hear or see an attack coming, that didn't instantly mean she could react on it. Thinking that meant that she had already stepped with one foot into a grave, she would have been digging herself.

"The part I teach you now is only for incoming attacks that you can actually see. Of course, if you have no idea where the attack is coming from it won't be useful. Still it is necessary to learn the basics if you want to continue. Barrier jutsu has a lot to do with control and timing so it is essential that you learn it." Hisoka replied, thinking about how he used his own barrier techniques. He could use most of them almost in a reflex when he needed. "So let's try it out." He said. He had often found that talking worked, but trying out worked better. You couldn't hone your reflexes or strength by talking about it after all. Quickly he drew his hand back and threw the rock towards Lilia. "Only block with the barrier." He called.

Thinking about the words of the Uchiha Hokage, Lilia nodded. She prepared herself for the next try as she would try to use her high reflexes, but also keeping her chakra moulding in advance. As the rock came towards her, she blazed through the handseals. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed that the lightning started to flicker around her again, but instead of forming a vortex around her, it simply created a dense lightning wall in front of her. Actually glad that she had managed to perform a partial instead of a vortex, Lilia wanted to pump her right fist in the air. Instead of doing that she kept watch of her surroundings.

"Good." Hisoka called. Now it was a wall, that was what was supposed to happen. He stepped to the side, circling around Lilia, giving her some time to properly feel what the barrier felt like. Then he threw the second rock towards Lilia's left side.

Trying to keep up with him, she noticed something moving at her left side. Even though her good amount of chakra and control over it, Lilia began to pant a little. Still she gritted her teeth and readied herself. Just in time she managed to shape another wall of lightning at her left, but felt that she was becoming tired. Still not complaining or wanting to give up, she tried to focus on Hisoka's movements. Need to keep up. She thought, being quite stubborn actually.

"Good" Hisoka called again as he kept walking, this time in the other direction. Lilia was becoming tired, but didn't spit a word so Hisoka didn't pause. Another rock would come sailing for her, now on her right.

Lilia noticed something coming towards her to the right, turning her head to the direction. Forming the handseals, she yelped. The rock hit her head as she stumbled. Due being tired, she fell on her knees. Panting she lowered her head and looked at her hands. Wasn't fast enough. Damn it! She thought as she wondered what Hisoka was thinking of that. Trying to get up, Lilia felt she had drained a lot of chakra in this training. Not enough not to continue, but had used quite a lot in a short go. ''One second... And then I'll be able to continue, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him while brushing the bit of blood on her right cheek away. The rock had grazed and left a bruise on her cheek, but she wasn't trying to raise any pity. She wanted his respect and trust, not pity.

She was done. Hisoka dropped the last rock he had in his hands as she stumbled and fell to the ground. Barrier were difficult. You quickly used too much chakra. Lilia had experienced that now, hopefully she would learn from it, but knowing her a bit now she most certainly would. "We are done." He said walking over to the girl. "Stay down. Breath." He ordered the girl as he sat down himself, his legs crossed, his cloak spread out over the ground. "You did well. You've come a long way from the little girl I saw training with Hiron years ago."

Surprised, Lilia looked up, but didn't try to rise up. Looking down as he said the name of her guardian, Lilia felt a bit ashamed. Hisoka might have every reason of why she wanted to become a Hokage, but there was a hidden one. A more pure and real reason why she wanted to become the next leader. Why she wanted to prevent people from needing to sacrfice themselves. It was because...
Of him. ''Thank you for your kind words, Hisoka-sama. But I still have a long way to go.'' Lilia told him, looking up with a sad look in her eyes. ''I heard that Uncle Z and you were already pretty strong on my age. I want to become Hokage as soon as possible. I want to be strong and wise, like you and the others. Can't do that now when I sit down and wait for it, right?'' She told him, then slowly getting up. There were some shots of pain, but she ignored them. ''It's just like my bond with Mata-sama. I won't stop before he will stop looking down at me. I will become worthy of your respect... Uchiha...Hokage-sama.'' She told him, her eyes twinkling as she smiled. Slowly she raised her right, forming it into a fist. Placing it on her heart she closed her eyes and tilted her head a bit. ''I made a promise and will keep my word. After all, what worth is it if I can't keep them, right?''

Hisoka was silent for a moment. So this was the new generation. The one he had fought for, the one he had been banished for, the one who hadn't seen the disaster of the first shinobi war. The one that would bring the future. Suddenly he laughed softly. "You should tell Hiron that you surpassed him." He said to Lilia. "When he came to me first he screamed about respect as well and failed to get mine. A broken door was what he gave me... You can tell him you got it." He leaned back slightly. "Now sit down and breath. Promises are nice, but if you kill yourself by executing them they won't mean anything. Take a break, we will continue in a bit."

Opening her eyes, they widened. With a thud, she fell on her but as she was speechless. I... I... I've.. his respect? I have his respect? She thought as she heard the words of Hisoka ringing through her head. While she always felt the need to defend Hiron, like she would've have done right away to even somebody like Hisoka, Lilia didn't now. She was too speechless as tears formed at her eyes. Sobbing she looked away. ''T-T-Thank you. And sorry. I don't cry often.'' She told him, as she whipped away the tears. Then she found the strength to talk back a bit. ''B-But Hiron-chan is a fine jounin. Though why did he break your door? Did you throw a rock at him?'' She asked him, giggling a little bit by the thought of how that would've looked like.

Hisoka wrinkled his nose at the thought of that memory. That broken door really had been a bad start. "Hiron is a fine Jounin, but he was also a brat." Hisoka said, not being nice about it. Hiron had really pissed him off in the beginning and the fact that Zakito had pushed the boy into his Guard hadn't made it any better. It was supposed to be his choice who joined the Guard, not Zakito's. "Let's say that I didn't agree with the fact that he barged into my office and that he didn't agree with me disagreeing." Hisoka said, trying not to brush of Hiron too badly. After all Lilia was kind of fond of the guy. "So he broke my door and I kicked him out. My office was a mess after that..." He mumbled absentmindedly.

Suddenly Lilia managed to laugh. The story was quite funny, seeing she knew Hiron quite good. It suited him actually, being that much of a rebel. ''I will make a promise that I shall not break one of your doors then, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him, but then had a question. Getting more serious, she waited a brief moment before launching the question. ''Hisoka-sama, I know I've a long way to go. A long time before I can be even ready. Not to mention to learn more before I can become worthy... But do you think I can become the next Hokage? That I've what it takes?'' She asked him. This was the question she had asked several people. Gaining a different answer, it was now the moment of truth. This man, the current Hokage. The Yondaime Hokage, the captain of the previous Hokage guard. An infamous veteran of the Great Shinobi World War.

She was waiting nervously for his answer, not sure what to expect. If he would say that she wasn't worthy, that she wouldn't be the right person to succeed him then she knew that she would take a hit. But a hit that she would recover from. Clenching her right hand slowly in a fist, her knuckles would become white by the force she exerted. If he would say no now, she would only train harder until he would smile and say the words she would like to hear.

At Lilia's question Hisoka looked up to the sky. People dreaming to be Hokage, there were many of them in the village. "I've never dreamed of becoming Hokage. I've never strived for it, never fought for it. Still I became Hokage because of circumstances. I have not yet figured out what makes that certain people get to sit into the chair behind the desk in the Hokage's office and that certain people will never get there. I don't think anyone really knows. Jinkama didn't and he is like the wise guy here." He smirked slightly at the memory of his talk with his mentor.
"So since I don't know what makes someone especially qualified to be Hokage I can't give a definitive answer. There is something that defines a Hokage and maybe that is you yes. Just know that there are a lot of ways to be a shield."

Lilia became silent as she looked at her heands again. So that was his answer? The answer of the Yondaime Hokage. Lilia heard the words of Kensuke, Zakito, Keiko and Jinkama ringing through her mind. They began as soft whispers, but somehow gained slowly volume. It all became clear now. Smiling, she thought she had found her answer. Looking slowly up, Lilia began to talk to Hisoka. ''So it's like that. Maybe I know the answer.'' She briefly paused, concluding an answer out of all the answer she had gotten.

''In order for the Leaf to prosper, we need a good Hokage. A good leader we can believe in. A leader that can lead us, with our trust in him or her. We won't be able to survive long without a proper Hokage... We need a Hokage worthy of following... A Hokage that is worthy of our trust.'' Lilia spoke, softly, but with a clear voice at the same time. She thought of Hisoka's answer. A faint smile grew over her lips. '' It's a person they seek strenght in, a person superior to them. And in return, that person searches for even stronger individual they can believe in. That is why I keep on searching. Why I won't give up my dream. Why I will keep on training.''

Looking Hisoka directly in the eyes now, Lilia's green eyes were bright of colour. ''That is why I will keep trying to keep your, Uncle Z's and everybody respect in me. Even if I may have it wrong. Even if I may falter somehow in something, I won't give up on my promise. I'll try to become Hokage with this pledge that I'll follow.'' Lilia nodded. ''That is my answer, Hisoka..-Sama.''

[Little Alice]

The Match of the Day!
Sparring with the Fire Shadow,
The Lighting Flash and the Seeker.

A collab between Fieryfly and Alice.
Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

Summary :
Lilia sparring against Hisoka, a few days after their training together.

SPOILER: Click to show

Shifting from foot to the another, Lilia looked with a confident look to her opponent. Samehada let out a grunting sound. He sounded tense. But Lilia didn't want to give into the nerves. Like if she was a boxer, she kept jumping from one foot another. Narrowing her green eyes, who were dark coloured as she was really serious now. No way back. No way to give up now. ''Ready, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him as she kept skipping in the boxer style. Suddenly she slowed down and made the Seal of Confrontation. All of her training had been for this. Well, if she would still be able to surprise him, then there was one more thing she had to do. One more person she had to show her progress.

Hisoka had draped his cloak over one of the branches of a nearby tree where it fluttered slightly in the breeze. He looked down on the exciting girl and dragged his hand through his hair. He wasn't quite sure how Lilia had roped him into actually sparring with him, but she had managed to do it. Really she looked like a puppy who was waiting for a bone. He wondered how much he would have to keep himself in check during the fight. Lilia was a Chuunin after all, she couldn't take everything he got. But he was not that good with leveling his techniques. Deciding to see and find out Hisoka too formed the Seal of Confrontation, absentmindedly thinking that he had never used it when he fought Zakito. Not ever. "Show me what you got then." He said as he took two steps back.

Nodding she pulled up her face mask as she lowered her right arm. Readying herself, she knew he was a master of the sharingan, barrier jutsu and probably some other things as well. For a moment it looked like she was a statue, but Lilia was pondering. Should she use the chakra of Matatabi already? How else would she be able to fight on par with Hisoka?

No, she would use first her own strength. She could show her control over the chakra of the Nibi later. If she wouldn't be done by then. Weaving handseals, she formed two shadow clones. The usual tactics of deception wouldn't be possible with Hisoka. The sharingan would see through most of her tricks. ''Here we go. Uchiha hokage-sama.'' She mumbled as the two clones ran towards the side of Hisoka, each taking one side, but keeping a good distance. Lilia, the real one, flicked her wrist. As lightning gathered around her right hand she unleashed it moments later, using the Running Beast Technique.

Clones, Hisoka thought as his eyes shot from the left to the right. His hands moved and snatched two kunai out of his pocket, both with an explosive tag attached to them. One was send for each clone and Hisoka took no further notice of the copied Lilia's. With mild interest he watched the lightning hound come for him. Of course Lilia had learned this technique, she had passed the Hon coming of age rite after all. Zakito had told him about it once. Hisoka formed several handseals and just before the hound could come too close a wall of earth rose up before Hisoka. The hound crashed against it, destroying it and itself in the process. A cloud of dust settled down over the battlefield, making it hard for the fighters to see. Hisoka clasped his hands together and used the Dome Method Formation technique to figure out Lilia's position. Then he waited, expecting the girl to attack him with the idea that he didn't know where she was.

The shadow clones noticed the kunai with the explosive tags. Pulling out shuriken, they deflected the weapons as being forced to make more distance. Lilia wasn't happy with that, neither with the fact that Hisoka had covered the area with dust, blinding her. Biting her lower lip, she knew she wasn't a sensor. But she had a tool. ''Sniff him out.'' She mumbled to Samehada. The blade grunted, but Lilia shook her head. ''No time to say such things. Just do it. It's important for me.'' She told the blade, who then shivered. Looking in Hisoka's direction, Lilia wasn't sure if the bandaged meant it. Knowing it could act as a kind of sensor, she pulled out several shuriken. Instead of infusing them with lightning chakra, she threw them without them. Maybe Hisoka had his sharingans already activated? She didn't want to give him the advantage of seeing every chakra source. Meanwhile, the shadow clones were waiting until the dust would settle down.

The kunai with explosive tags landed on the ground, but didn't explode. Hisoka was aware of their position as the barrier jutsu let him be aware of everything that moved inside the sensing area, but he did not react. Several small things were making their way towards him. Shuriken no doubt. Releasing the seal he deflected the incoming projectiles with a kunai of his own before creating a shadow clone. The clone rushed forward out of the smoke while the real Hisoka stayed and formed several handseals for the Heaven's eye jutsu, but he didn't activate it yet.

The clone rushed out and halted before the girl. "It is strange to see you use that blade." He said. "Show me what you can do with it."
Seeing the clone coming out of the smoke, Lilia wasn't sure if that was really Hisoka. But did it matter? Ignoring a clone was stupid too. Grabbing the hilt of Samehada with her right hand as she noticed he halted, she frowned. ''Sure thing... Hisoka-sama.'' She responded, but one of the shadow clones took out a kunai. Fighting fair? Throwing the kunai to the back of the Uchiha, Lilia thought about it. Fighting fair was for those that weren't raised by Hiron. Or had the principles of useless honor, in her view point.

By now Hisoka had activated the Sharingan and the Heaven's Eye jutsu. The dust was settling down and his sight was getting back. Creating the link with the shadow clone was something Hisoka had been training on for a while now. If Lilia could learn something here, so could he. Heaven's Eye was not something he had completely perfected yet after all. He noticed how the clone threw the kunai and so his own clone realized this as well. He spun around and send a kunai of his own to block the incoming attack. The pieces of steal clashed mid-air and fell to the ground. The clone turned back to Lilia. "The blade, not the kunai." He said, smiling slightly. "I am really wondering how well you fight with it."

Lilia's eyes widened as she couldn't believe it. She was sure that the attack couldn't be sensed or be seen! There was some foul play to it. She was sure of it. ''Tss..'' Lilia took a step backwards as she wondered how it was possible how one of the Hisoka's was able to deflect the kunai. Narrowing her eyes as she avoided eye contact, she wasn't sure how it was possible. ''Very well.''' She spoke back, trying to relax a bit. Pulling Samehada up, she let it down as it crashed on the ground. The large bandaged sword smashed and created several cracks. So he can see attacks coming from behind? And which one of them is the real one? She thought as she then charged towards Hisoka. Her clones were waiting once more, ready with both an explosive tag attached to the kunai they held. As Lilia charged, she lifted the bandaged blade up, preparing to go with a feint strike from the side, to shift it to a jab.

Hisoka, still standing still in the middle of the now settled dust cloud watched how the girl swung the blade that had once belonged to a Swordsman of the Mist. It was strange and somewhat unsettling. He remembered how Samehada had been rammed into his stomach once. It hadn't been pleasant. The Sharingan eyes of the clone caught Lilia's movements. While she was fast the blade slowed her down significantly. He stepped back and swung around the blade towards Lilia, dodging it rather effordless. He knew better then to touch the thing. As he went past the blade he tried to get hold of Lilia's arm and twist it backwards in an attempt to either let her drop the blade or look up to him.

With a grin, behind her mask, she let him grab her arm. Dropping the blade, Samehada slithered instantly away the moment he dropped to the ground. ''Always ask, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him with a honey sweet tone as she ran her Silent Shocking through her arm. ''It's rude to grab the arm of a lady.'' She narrowed her eyes as she poured more lightning chakra then usual when using the nifty technique, hoping to shock him and gaining the advantage. The two clones kept a close watch of the other Hisoka, ready to throw their kunai the moment he would move.

The clone spasmed slightly as the lightning ran through him, but he had gotten in contact with Lilia and she had dropped the blade. Knowing that he could only hold on for so long the clone immediately activated one of Hisoka's favorite techniques: the Infinite Embrace. Now that the chakra eating blade was away from the girl Hisoka didn't have to worry about the fact that he would suck up the technique. Purple light would surround Lilia and it would start draining her chakra and an somewhat fast rate. Meanwhile the real Hisoka would appear before Samehada. He would not allow the blade to return to Lilia.

Gritting her teeth, Lilia noticed the barrier. The pressure and chakra draining forced her to the only solution she had at the moment. Samehada, noticing his master in distress wanted to slither back, but Hisoka was in the way. The blade made an angry grunting sound, like a predator that barred his fangs. The clones couldn't throw the kunai's already, but one of the clones noticed the explosive tags that were attached to the kunai, Hisoka threw at the start. Both the clones threw their kunai to the explosive tags and while it wouldn't add any damage or pressure to Hisoka or the real Lilia, it was something they tried to attract some of Hisoka's attention. The real Lilia's left eye turned from green to yellow, in color. Her iris became slitted as well. With Matatabi's chakra running through her system, she attempted to blow Hisoka's clone away as she unleashed a strong gust, made by the Bijuu chakra. Once freed, she shook her head. The barrier technique was a nasty one. ''Sorry for using Mata-sama's chakra, Hisoka-sama.'' She mumbled, not sure if he was okay with that.
After that Lilia quickly glanced to what he would do right now. Taking a more defensive stance, she wanted to see what the Hokage would do before she would act again.

"Don't be like that..." Hisoka mumbled to the blade who mostly resembled an angry dog, or shark in this case. It was weird really, he had never really liked the idea of a living blade. Two explosions around him made him look away from the sword. Meanwhile the clone was being blown up. The Bijuu chakra made short work of the barrier and it shattered, the purple light fading.
Lilia's words made Hisoka turn back to her. That his explosive tags has been blown up was a pity, but the tactic was a last resort anyway. Still standing between the blade and Lilia Hisoka formed several handseals. "It is okay. During a fight you don't have time to think about what is wrong or right. You just need to survive and if this is how you survive then it is the way you survive." He said as he released a stream of fire from his mouth. It ran along the ground and started to surround Lilia and Hisoka, but left Samehada out of the ring of fire, which rapidly started to close.

Looking at the fire, Lilia scoffed. So if he was fine with her using the enchanched nchanched chakra, she could go really all out? Weaving handseals of her own, she nodded. ''Fine.'' She formed the Blinding Flash Pillar Technique, emitting a blinding light from her. It was to grant Samehada time to leech a way into the ring of fire. The shark blade was slithering in a very fast speed towards Hisoka's back as it would try to make use of Lilia's lightning flash. Lilia herself, would attempt to throw several shuriken towards Hisoka, to further more drive him into the defense.

Automatically the Sharingan eyes followed the handseals and althought he was not sure what they would do Hisoka could predict various things. A flash was not one of those. He always knew that Lilia was a pretty offensive type, this kind of jutsu therefore slightly surprised him. Shutting his eyes against the light he knew he had to get out of the way. Surely nor Lilia nor Samehada would wait for him to regain his sight. So he disappeared underground. The shuriken sailed harmless over the earth and clashed against Samehada, who, of course, hardly took note of that. Underground Hisoka managed to recover his sight and send up a wall of earth to block Samehada from reaching Lilia. He himself emerged from the wall and faced Lilia again. "Interesting jutsu." He said to her. "Surprised me slightly."

Hearing Samehada grunting very angerily, mad at Hisoka from seperating him from his master, Lilia pulled her mask down. With a smirk she looked up to him, till his mid-section. There was no way she was stupid enough to look at his eyes. Though for some unknown reason, it was tempting. Like standing on a high building and looking down, getting the feeling of wanting to jump. Knowing her defense wasn't that great, she had another suprise for the Hokage. ''I didn't gain the nick : Hon Demon, for nothing, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him, already having planned something else. Grabbing two shuriken, with wire attached to it, she infused them with lightning chakra. Not the paralyzing kind. No, Hisoka's earth jutsu were too good for her to weaken her combo. This time, she would be really serious.

Throwing the shuriken, she was directing them through the wire. But the lightning didn't make the shuriken dangeorus, but the wire. It would slice through the earth and also through Hisoka if she would be able to get to him. All the while, it was probably buying Samehada time to slither past the wall and leeching the fire, so it could return to Lilia.

His eyes detected that chakra had been used with the wire. "I wasn't aware you carried that nickname Lilia Hon." Hisoka said as he waited for the shuriken to come close. Before they could hit him however he sprinted up back over the wall behind him. The shuriken would probably not embed themselves in the wall but follow him, seeing as wire in combination with shuriken was one of the Hon's favorite techniques it seemed. Zakito used it all the time to the point where it got really annoying.
Nearing the end of the wall Hisoka spun around and launched himself forward. As he flew to the air, aiming to come above Lilia, Hisoka formed eight handseals ending with the dragon. "Secret Barrier Technique," he whispered to himself, "Dragon's Strike." A red orb appeared before his hands and shot towards Lilia with the speed of a fast thrown kunai.

Directing the shuriken indeed after Hisoka, they sliced the wall with the wire apart. However, Lilia let go of the wire as she noticed he managed to get past them. Readying herself as Samehada got close, Hisoka was forcing her in defense again. Getting an idea as Samehada came close, Lilia ran to the blade. The shark blade made a happy kind of grunting sound, making Lilia actually feeling a little bit of guilty of what she would do. But like Hisoka had said : there was no time to think of what was right or wrong in a battle. As she slidded, she placed her hands just underneath the happy sentient blade.

''Sorry, Shady.'' She whispered as she threw the blade up with all the strength she had. Thanks to the enhanced boost of Matatabi's chakra, she could throw the surprised shark blade up in the air towards the orb. While her clones moved closer to pay watch of Hisoka, Lilia glanced what effect the orb had, assuming that Samehada could absorb it if it was made of chakra. Think he will not like to be thrown. Got to make that probably right after this duel. She thought to herself.

She threw Samehada? That was.. unusual. The hastily created and therefore not really balanced Dragon's Strike technique crashed against Samehada and for a moment evelopped it in a reddish barrier. But the technique was still incomplete. Sure Hisoka could use it, but it took concentration still. He needed more practice. Samehade started draining the chakra from the technique and Hisoka twisted so that he would not collide with the blade. Almost with a certain grace he landed on the ground. With interest he looked to Lilia. She held some powerful techniques. "Show me more," he said as he dusted of his pants. The man looked barely out of breath.

Not reacting with words, Lilia started to form handseals in rapid succession. She would show him indeed something. Something she had learnt from nobody else than Jinkama, the one that had managed to learn her something quite useful. The seven handseals were soon done as Lilia then brought up her right hand to her mouth, leaning forward. ''Fire Style : Great Fireball jutsu!'' With the enhanced chakra from Matatabi, the fierce inferno became bigger to the size of a house as it started to head in Hisoka's direction. Knowing that Hisoka wouldn't be unable to defend himself against the flames, the shadow clones would try to sneak upon him.

A fire ball. Normally Hisoka would not be really excited by seeing such a thing, but then again Lilia was not that old and mastering two elements at her age was pretty impressive. "Who thought you that?" He asked as he created a wall from earth before him and rose up with it into the air. The ball of blazing fire crashed against it and dispersed. Hisoka's eyes shot around the battlefield now that he had a clear view. The clones would surely attack soon, but they wouldn't have that much power. "Was it Zakito?"

Slowly Lilia's left hand went to her face mask to pull it down. It showed a grin, one that would remind Hisoka of Hiron in a manner. Her green eyes looked with a cheeky appearance to the Uchiha. ''No. It wasn't Uncle Z. Somebody else... Guess again.'' Just at that moment, something crashed down on the ground behind Lilia. A growl was heard and Lilia looked over her shoulder. Rubbing her left arm, she giggled a bit. ''Yes, yes. I'll make it up with you. Sorry, but you did a great job.. Oh, wait focus.'' Lilia turned her head to look at the chest of Hisoka again. It had just been on time before she had looked at his eyes. Wondering why it was so tempting, Lilia simply tried to focus on the spar.

Not Zakito then. Hiron was out of the question as the man didn't have the affinity for fire. So that only left a few options. Hisoka doubted that a teammember or friend of the same age had taught Lilia. "That leaves Jinkama," he said and jumped down. His back was now nearly touching the wall and he could almost lean against it casually if he wanted. "He did a good job. When did you learn this?" He asked while he waited for her next attack.

Narrowing her eyes as the clones tried to sneak more towards Hisoka. They were careful, seeing that Hisoka wouldn't be that easy. Lilia slowly took a few steps towards him. Like she was trying to keep his attention, but also slowly moving to not suprise Hisoka. ''Gramps Jin Jin taught it to me. Actually the basics. Then I simply kept trying and watched how some other people used Fire Release.'' She told Hisoka. Knowing that the sharingan would see her chakra flow, thus revealing what jutsu she would use, she flicked her right wrist. Lightning crackled violently through the air as she was gathering some for her next technique. ''Though I can spit huge balls of fire, my control is bad. Very bad.'' She then said, still gathering more lightning.

"Something to work on then," Hisoka said. She was stalling for time, he got that, which meant obviously that she was up to something. His attention shiften briefly to the two clones that were surrounding him. It would be impossible for them to attack him in the back unless they would break through a wall to attack him. Lilia herself was starting to use lightning again. He spun a kunai between his fingers. "But control is not that hard to improve if you have the patience."

Her lips curled down as Lilia leaned forward. Resting her free left hand on her leg, she spread out her right hand. The lightning roared through the air as it started to expand. ''Patience? I doubt that. I just will pour as much work I can pour into it. Though I think we mean the same thing. Ain't that right...'' She paused as the menacing sound of the lightning seemed to fade for a second. Suddenly, she thrusted her right hand forward. A large hound of lightning rushed towards Hisoka, controlled by Lilia as the lightning was connected to her right hand. ''Hisoka-sama?'' She finished her sentence. Her two shadow clones were taking their positions as they seemed to prepare for the next step of Lilia's offensive.

The lightning hound, Hisoka had been expecting it. Without a word Hisoka faded into the wall behind him and emerged on the other side. Surely the hound would crash into the dirt and probably destroy it, but it gave him some nice time to move about. He circled his own wall to the left, thus emerging on Lilia's right side. "For how long will you be able to keep using that hound I wonder." He asked Lilia as he spun the kunai in his hand around once more and then send it straight to the position of one of the clones.

''Long enough.. Uchiha-sama.'' Was her reply. The hound crashed through the wall, but was slowed down. While it rushed one, one of the clones started to run towards the hound, gathering lightning at her right hand as well. The other clone, tried o evade the kunai but was too late. It impaled her on the right shoulder, making the clone yelp before it vanished away. The real Lilia followed the movements of Hisoka as the hound and shadow clone would seem to collide. However, the shadow clone would use lightning to make the hound turn around to charge at Hisoka again. Though the tactic has been effective on people that were even on jounin level, such as Keiko, Lilia was wondering if it would work on somebody on Hisoka's calibre. Slowly her left eye color became green again as the amount of Bijuu chakra she had used was more than enough. Tapping more chakra from Matatabi would only mean that it became harder for her to maintain control.

"Long enough hm?" Hisoka said. He spun around to face the hound. He had to say, it's strength surprised him. It was fast, it was different. Hisoka had never seen Zakito or Hiron use it like that. The hound was nearly on him. Hisoka dodged to the left and the dog zipped past him only to follow him again, but the Hokage was already running. He sprinted straight towards Lilia, forming handseals, the dog on his tail, before suddenly before the hound could hit him he would disappear underground and if Lilia wouldn't watch out her own technique would crash into herself.

Quickly stretching her hands forward, she was pushed backwards. Though she kept standing on her feet, it took her some effort to stop the charging lightning hound and manipulate the lightning around her. Though the hound had vanished, flickers of lightning were seen. Looking around, she was on guard. The shadow clone also paid close attention on the ground, as they both knew that Hisoka was more than a capable Earth Release user. ''This again. Is it typical for Uchiha's to hide?'' She said with a neutral tone.

"Not really no I'd say." Hisoka said as he appeared behind Lilia. "But then again, I don't seem to do a lot with the Uchiha traditions. We are ninja Lilia. We don't fight fair. We aim to win, not to fight with honor and die in battle." He send a second kunai towards the second clone. "Why would I do efford to block you technique if I can have my enemy block it for me?" He asked the girl.

Lilia didn't move as she heard him behind her. ''You're worthy of being Hokage, Hisoka-sama. Not many have been able to dodge that tactic that smoothly. However.'' Slowly, she turned her to the right to look over her shoulder. ''Isn't not one of the rules to always count your foes?'' Something at the right flank of Hisoka tried to lung towards him. Samehada slithered over the ground and attempted to bite at the Uchiha with his mouth. Lilia turned around as she hoped she could try to tackle him with Samehada also moving in. ''Yayayaya!''

"There is also a rule that you should never talk to your enemies to aid them in some way." Hisoka replied, though he might have slightly forgotten the blade for a spare second. He drew his tanto and blocked the gaping mouth at the last second. That blade was really strange. He pushed forward and then jumped up to flip over the blade. In the air he formed some seals and as soon as he landed he started to lower the ground around Samehada, creating a little earth prison around the moving blade.

''Yayaya!'' Lilia had seen that Samehada had been captured, but with his focus all laid on Samehada and not on her, she dashed forward. Sticking her tongue out, she tried to tackle him down. No jutsu or weapon. Just one hit, was her goal. The distance wasn't that far and hoping her un-orthodox move would surprise him, she closed her eyes when she came close to Hisoka.

Lilia's move might have worked perfectly had she not closed her eyes. It made her unable to adjust to where she should be running. Yes, Hisoka had been focussing on the blade and was surprised to see the girl's next move. He moved backwards, but knew he would be slightly too late. And then Lilia closed her eyes. Was she afraid he would use genjutsu to stop her? With a swift move Hisoka reached for her head and pushed her down into the ground. "Closing your eyes is also quite a bad idea during a fight," he said. "Though I guess your uncle gave you a healthy dose of fear for the abilities of the Sharingan."

Lilia said a word that would be highly unfit for a girl of her age as she felt his hand on her head. She had messed up as she looked at the ground. ''Sorry... And darnit.'' Knowing her defeat, she sighed and slowly held up her hands as a sign of defeat. She was that close to take down the Hokage. Being convinced that he likely had used a genjutsu before the start of the battle, she wondered about that. Knowing that she had lost, she shouldn't press it. ''You're quite something, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him, getting on her feet. Though disappointed in herself, after losing in such manner.

Hisoka gave her a smile as he let go of her head. "You did well," he said. "You have some interesting moves, some of them which you might not want to try again." He blinked and deactivated his Sharingan. "I'd say surprising the Hokage with your moves is quite something so don't be disappointed. I suggest you head home and rest. And tell that guardian of yours to come and see me if you see him." Hisoka stretched and calmly walked over to the nearby tree that still held his cloak. He pulled it down and put it on, the sign of the Hokage now donating his back. Things felt so official in this cloak. So it was nice to take it of for a moment and enjoy a spar.

A smile decorated Lilia's lips, though she wasn't really happy. She had hoped her improvement in skills and experience would pay more off. But it was a great feeling to get such a compliment from Hisoka.
''Thank you for your kind words, Hisoka-sama.'' Lilia said back, in quite a joyful manner. Something grunted as Lilia looked at the direction of the sound. Samehada's grin was curled down as he was still imprisoned. Hearing his growling, she giggled. They had forgotten to let him go. Walking towards him, Lilia focused some lightning chakra in her right hand. Realising she hadn't used her Jinkama Sparkle, she decided to form a fist. Instead of slamming, she simply knocked on the earthern prison around Samehada. The lightning smashed the earth. Instantly, Samehada made some whinning sound. Lilia shook her head as she picked up the blade by the hilt. ''I think Hisoka-sama wouldn't want to continue. Besides, we have done a great job. Shady-kun.'' Lilia told him, placing him on the special sheath on her back. ''Hisoka-sama. I'll give Hiron-chan the message. Euhm..... May I ask you one question?''

With interest Hisoka watched how Lilia freed the slithering blade. Her skill with lightning was really high, but then again, she had some great teachers. The blade looked strange on Lilia's back and again Hisoka couldn't help his thoughts flash back to Masuba. He had been so naive back then. So void of knowledge that now weighted heavy on his shoulders. He realized that Lilia had asked him a question. "Yes, you may," he said, pulling his cloak straight.

She smiled as she nodded, showing that she was grateful that he allowed her to ask a question. ''Will you later want to train with me again? I enjoy to train with you, Hisoka-sama.'' She told him, the smile growing as she told him the question. Though she was aware that it wouldn't be that simple, as he was the Hokage and those actually one of the mightiest leaders of the countries. Lilia just wasn't able to surpress the question.

There was a twinkling in Hisoka eyes, but the man remained serious. "We will see," he said. "Being Hokage is a busy job and there are more people that want my attention. I can't just give it to one person. Others won't like that. So maybe we will spar again some day, but it may not be that soon." With that said Hisoka turned to the entrance of the field then had been fighting on. "You should head home and I should head back. Don't forget that message to Hiron-chan." He said teasing, finding the name quite funny.

Nodding, Lilia also turned half around. Looking at Hisoka, she smirked. ''Don't worry, Hisoka-sama. I'll show that I've some patience.'' She told him, clearly refering to something he had said during their spar. Though she wondered why Hiron was summoned to Hisoka, she decided she indeed would take a rest. The warm feeling of that she had acomplished something filled her as she thought back to what he had said. After all, surprising a Hokage in a spar was indeed something to be proud off. Placing her hands in the pockets of her flak jacket, she briefly glanced at the Hokage Mountian. The smirk changed to a big grin. Next time I must surprise him again. But first... I'll surprise that person. She thought to herself as she would go home. A soft grunting sound was heard, making Lilia look over her shoulder and laugh. ''Of course you also did a good job. My my, I didn't know that you were after Hisoka's acknowledge as well.'' Lilia teased the shark blade, who then growled back in a low tone. ''Heh. Grumpy eh?'' She said, lookin back to where she was walking.

[Little Alice]

The training about summonings!
Hayate receiving another lesson of Lilia.

A collab between Chromehound and Alice.
Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

SPOILER: Click to show

Hayate approached the training fields, his hands tucked into his pockets. The morning air was cool against his skin but he knew that would soon be more of a relief than an annoyance. He and Lilia were going to meet up for some training. He was a little hesitant however, it had been a long time since he'd let Kuromu out and he knew the dragon would be grumpy. Mind you, he was always grumpy so there wasn't going to be much of a change. Smiling to himself, Hayate stepped onto the fields, looking around to see if Lilia was there yet. He had arrived fairly early but he knew that Lilia often arrived early as well.

A moment later, Lilia came walking on the field. Dressed in her kunoichi atire, the reinforced right shoulder pad, that was reinforced with a mesh armor plate, shined in the morning sun. Seeing that Hayate was also a bit earlier than that they had planned, Lilia waved at him. Walking towards him, she smiled. ''Perfect timing. How are you, Hayate-kun?'' Lilia asked. Today would be a rather interesting training.

Turning at the sound of her voice, Hayate couldn't help but smile, something Lilia always managed to make him do. "It is good to see you Lilia-sama. I am doing well, and how are you on this fine day?" It was indeed shaping up to be a fine morning and Hayate was excited to begin training. Well, excited and a little anxious as well.

''Am doing fine and am eager for this training. Truth be told, I haven't yet trained with the summoning of my choice. But let's start with one step at a time. Tell me first about your summoning. It's vital to know everything about your summoning.'' Lilia responded. She paused before she would continue. Placing her left hand on her hip, she made a short gesture in the air with her right hand. ''Your summoning should be your ally. Its important to know what their strong and weak points are, as it can add the total combat strength of you both.'' Lilia said, hoping it wasn't that hard to follow. For somebody that bright as Hayate, it was likely a piece of cake.

Nodding his understanding, Hayate waited for Lilia to finish. "That is very true Lilia-sama. My summoning is named Kuromu, and he is a dragon. My clan has had a pact with the dragons for as long as we can remember. When members of my clan graduate from the academy, we partake in something called the Trial of Dragons. After that we are paired with a single dragon for life. It is a shared partnership, and a life-long bond." Hayate paused, hoping that he wasn't boring Lilia. "Certain members of my clan are lucky enough to get strong dragons as summons, however this can be challenging at first because the dragon will typically rebel against the summoner, trying to take ownership of the relationship. A dragon will always defend his master, however, because if a summoner dies the dragon is forever shunned from its own tribe. I was... lucky enough to get quite a strong dragon, however he can prove to be quite... resistant to training." Hayate hoped that Kuromu would be a little easier to train with today, as he did not wish to look like a fool in front of Lilia.

Listening, she was very intrigued. A dragon? That was something different than what she had ever had heard or seen. It made her wonder though. The way he had described it made her think of her bond with Matatabi. They also had a life long bond, though it also not one that started out nicely. So she could relate a bit to the way how he described his summoning. ''Seems you know your summoning well enough then. Well, you got me interested now. Why don't you introduce me to your dragon, Hayate-kun?'' Lilia asked in her usual polite manner, wondering how the dragon would look like.

Although he was dreading this part, Lilia's interest had caused Hayate to become a little more excited with bringing Kuromu out. "If you think that is best Lilia-sama, then I shall do so. Just know that he is not very big right now, last time I saw him he was about the size of a large dog. I just wouldn't want to disappoint you." With that Hayate bit his finger, made the necessary handseals and slammed his hand to the ground. "Here goes." He thought to himself as a large poof of white smoke appeared.

As the smoke began to clear, Hayate got his first glimpse of Kuromu in a long time. He had grown a fair bit larger since they had last trained. Kuromu was now about a two feet longer, and a foot taller. His wings had grown from being about two feet across to about four or five feet. A low growl was heard as Kuromu turned, looking first at Lilia and then back to Hayate. "Why have you summoned me here Hayate?" The dragon spoke through their telepathic link. "Does this girl need to be eaten?"

Despite the dragon's seemingly cruel words, Hayate couldn't help but smile. "Kuromu I'd like to introduce you to Lilia-sama. She is a friend, and she is here to train with us." Hayate spoke out loud so that Lilia would understand what was happening. He knew that Kuromu did not like to speak out loud but he hoped the dragon would understand the necessity. Kuromu paused at his words, turning once again to observe Lilia. The dragon moved close to Lilia, sniffing, before stopping in front of her. Kuromu bowed his head briefly, "It is nice to meet you Lilia." Kuromu sent another brief telepathic message to Hayate. "This one's pretty Hayate-kun. Nice work."

Hayate blushed before quickly responding to the dragon through their link, "Be quiet Kuromu, she is a friend." Hayate turned and smiled at Lilia, "So, what do you think?"

Lilia eyed the two. She wasn't fazed by the appearance or the attitude of the dragon. It was really like how she saw it. The fact she had some telepathic communication with Matatabi, made her also aware these two had something similiar. It was proven on how Hayate spoke up suddenly. ''Nice to meet you as well, Kuromu-san.'' Lilia first reacted, with taking a step back. The fact she stood a bit too close to a creature with such sharp teeth and fangs wasn't much to her liking. As Hayate asked what she thought of it, Lilia responded. ''Interesting. I never have seen a dragon or heard anything about it. Other than fairy tales and such. Very interesting, if I may so so, Kuromo-san.'' Lilia said, begin to drift a bit in thoughts as she kept looking at the two, before suddenly firing a question.

''How good is that inner talking between you two?'' She suddenly asked with a little smile.

"Pretty and smart." Kuromu spoke through their telepathic link, letting out a deep guttural laugh. Hayate blushed again, before speaking out loud. "So you've noticed?" Hayate smiled at Lilia. She was indeed very clever if she'd already figured out that Kuromu and he shared a telepathic bond. "Between my clan members and the dragons, there has always been a telepathic bond which allows better coordination without giving away your intentions to the enemy."

''I did. The way you informed about your dragon made me think. You made it sound like it's similiar to what I have with my Tailed Beast. If that was true, then the way you acted gave away that you two share telephatic bond.'' Lilia told him, slightly tilting her head a bit. She looked in the direction of the dragon, deciding to ask him a question now. ''May I ask you a question, Kuromu-san? I was wondering what you were feeling with having a bond with somebody like Hayate-kun. If I may ask that.'' The reason why Lilia asked the question was something she wouldn't reveal yet, but she had a goal with it.

Kuromu snorted, and a small puff of smoke seeped out of his nostrils. "I suppose I could answer the question of a girl as clever as you. This bond that we share, it is tradition. It has always been so between his clan and mine. I do not, however enjoy being told what to do, as young Hayate here has yet to fully understand. However, I suppose he's a decent enough partner. I have heard many a story of dragons who were bonded with weak willed and unfit partners. Those partnerships always ended poorly, and it was us, the dragons, who suffered because of it. I will respect my bond because that is my purpose, and I will ensure that no harm comes to Hayate." Kuromu lowered his voice and moved a little closer to Lilia so that only she could hear him.

"Hayate is a worthy partner. And for as much as I push him, I can tell he is strong. A strong partner is important to have, as it means I do not have to constantly worry. I am glad that he was the one I have been bonded with, but make sure you keep that between you and I. I wouldn't want it getting to his head." The dragon winked at Lilia before snorting again, another stream of smoke pouring from his nostrils.

Nodding, she smiled as she had her answer. Then at least Kuromu knew already the lesson she was going to teach Hayate. That would be then easy to teach it to Hayate, though he would understand the basic likely at a fast speed. ''Good. Hayate-kun, the reason for the question was simple. It doesn't matter if you fight with a human, dragon, bear, ferret or cat at your side. If it's your summoning, they stand also close to you. And because you can call upond their aid, you should repay it with patience and respect. In other words, if you're open to what they think and do, you might understand them better. And in result, also learn to read people better.'' Lilia explained. She then crossed her arms out front of her chest as she thought about the next step. Deciding it would be better to see if Hayate would understand her words before proceeding to the next step, Lilia kept waiting for his response.

Hayate nodded, glancing at Kuromu and sending a brief message through their telepathic link, "Are you going to be cooperative today Kuromu?" He hoped the dragon would be helpful today. Kuromu simply snorted again in response. Looking back to Lilia, Hayate smiled. "I understand Lilia-sama, shall we begin?"

''Sure.'' She said in a friendly way. Turning her back on the two others, Lilia bite her left thumb, before blazing through the handseals. Placing her right hand on the ground, black lines started to spread out in the ground. Right in front of her, a huge smoke poofed out of the black lines. Slowly turning back to Kuromu and Hayate, Lilia then slowly leaned against something. ''Maybe you know this cuttie already. Ger?'' On his name, two big nostrils opened and blew the smoke away. Leaning against the side of the big snout of the bear. The bear looked with his eyes half open at the pair in front of him. It seemed he wasn't pleased with being summoned as his eyes briefly went to Lilia and seemed to mutter something. Though Lilia didn't react on it.

Hayate bowed respectfully at the appearance of Lilia's summoning. He was taken aback by the size of the bear. "I have not had the pleasure of meeting him. He is quite impressive." Hayate said, the awe clear in his voice.
"Nothing but an overgrown teddy bear if you ask me. Kuromu growled through their telepathic link. Despite the comment Hayate smiled. It seemed Kuromu was jealous. "Quiet Kuromu. That 'teddy bear could probably eat you in two bites!" Hayate quickly replied through their link. Kuromu snorted and moved back to stand with Hayate.

The bear growled as he then snorted. Closing his eyes, he seemed to move a bit, but kept laying on his stomach. Lilia sighed as she patted the snout of the huge bear. ''Sorry, he is a bit of a grumpy one. But he isn't really my own personal summoning. As I may have hinted, he is Hiron's. But that isn't the point.'' Lilia said, glancing in the direction of the bear. He wasn't interested in neither Hayate or Kuromu, which was a bother to Lilia. She had hoped that a dragon would piqued the interest of the bear. ''As you see, Ger is a lot bigger than Kuromu. Meaning that the chakra costs of summoning him is more than as somebody of a smaller size. Keep this in mind when you call upon a summoning.'' Lilia told Hayate as she usd her right hand to pet Gero's snout.

Smiling, Hayate responded, "I know how you feel dealing with grumpy summons." He laughed and gestured towards Kuromu. "You'd better not be talking about me boy." Kuromu growled, letting a small stream of fire jet out of his nostrils. Hayate turned back to Lilia before saying, "Kuromu is going to get bigger, or so he keeps saying, so does that mean as he grows it will take more chakra to summon him?"
As Hayate spoke, Kuromu wandered up to Ger, sizing the large bear up. Snorting again Kuromu spoke, "He doesn't look all that impressive to me." Kuromu moved in a little closer to Ger and sniffed. "Doesn't smell all that impressive either. Hayate had to suppress a laugh as Kuromu poked around, he looked at Lilia, waiting to see how she'd respond.

The bear slowly lifted up his lips, revealing the menacing looking fangs. Fangs that were made to rip and tear flesh, not for berries. However, he only followed Kuromu's movement as Lilia kept petting his snout. Seemed he was well aware who he had to fear more. ''Yes, that is correct. Also you'll need to keep watch of where you summon him. I wouldn't advise to summon a big summoning into a small cave or other restricting place. Not to mention that you need to be aware of some things.'' Lilia told him. She took a small moment as she glanced in Ger's direction. The bear made a low growl as he was really annoyed by the distance of the dragon. It seemed that the bear wasn't really keen on Hayate's summoning. ''Unlike a team member, you need to remember that your summoning can poof away. When a summoning is hurt or even low on chakra, they often will vanish as the summoning jutsu will be cancelled out. Trying to summon them again when such a thing happens... is not what I would advise.'' She told him.

In response to the bear flashing his fangs, Kuromu let out a low growl and flashed his own, razor sharp teeth. Although not quite as large as Ger's, they were still impressive. Hayate kept a close eye on his dragon, but Lilia seemed to have the bear in check, and nothing seemed to be happening between the two beasts. Hayate turned back to Lilia as she continued speaking. "I suppose I should keep a better track of how large Kuromu is getting. He seems to be growing more and more lately, and as you said, it is difficult to perform a large summoning if you are not prepared for it. I would hate to be stuck in an awkward situation for not paying attention to just how large my own summoning has become." Hayate smiled, he was slightly joking with Kuromu and also wanted to let Lilia know that he understood her lesson.

As Kuromu heard Hayate speak he turned back to the boy, narrowing his eyes into slits. "You'd better not be calling me fat boy. Else I might decide to make you my next meal." The dragon began moving back towards Hayate, apparently finished with his examination of the bear. Kuromu had his head held high and his chest puffed out, obviously trying to make himself appear larger and more intimidating. Hayate couldn't help but laugh as he saw it and Kurmou glared at him, letting out a small puff of smoke, his chest deflating a little at Hayate's laughter.

''Well that is the theory. Now you need to make sure you often train with your summoning. You were able to tell me the strong and weak points, but theory is always a tad different than practice. For instance, you have the Earth and your clan's Metal Release. But I noticed that Kuromu-san has fire. How are you going to fight together if you have not practised yet?'' Lilia asked. The words made Gero snort again, as a grin played on his lips. He had noticed the dragon's attempt to make himself bigger. The right ear of the bear twitched as it was a bit amused by the smaller creatures in his presence.

Nodding, Hayate looked a little embarrassed. "I am sorry Lilia-sama. It has been some time since Kuromu and I have trained, and to be honest I sometimes forget that we need to train together." Hayate put his head down, ashamed. "Kuromu tells me that he also has knowledge of Wind Release, although I have yet to see him use it." Hayate looked to the dragon, hoping he would back up what was said, however Kuromu had apparently been distracted by the snorting of the bear. It seemed Kuromu had been quite put out by the bear's amused snort. He turned and attempted to snarl but accidentally inhaled some of his own smoke. Coughing mid-snarl, Kuromu simply glared at the bear and turned back towards Hayate, attempting to retain his dignity by walking away. It didn't work. Hayate once again surpressed a laugh as the dragon walked up beside him. "Watch it boy, otherwise I might soon be picking my teeth with your bones." He spoke through their telepathic link.

"Now now Kuromu, no need to get your tail in a knot. You can show them how strong you are by showing them your jutsu, then maybe they'll respect you. And besides, you wouldn't want to eat me, I don't have enough meat on my bones for a chubby dragon like yourself!" Hayate fired back quickly through their link. He was enjoying seeing the dragon's pride go down a few pegs. Kuromu simply growled in response, despite being humiliated, the dragon couldn't help but chuckle quietly to himself. For all his complaining he actually liked he kid, and from what he'd seen Hayate could handle himself. Kuromu just wished that he would grow larger so that he could actually intimidate people, and not end up looking like a small house pet. Dragon's were a proud race, and Kuromu was no exception to that.

''No better time than now then, I think.'' Lilia told Hayate. She made a shadow clone who walked away. Knowing Hayate was more of a close and mid ranged fighter, she pointed at her clone. ''Let's start simple. I want you and Kuromu-san to take out the clone from a distance. At least twenty feet must stay between the clone and the two of you.'' Lilia said. The shadow clone took a stance, waiting for any reaction on Kuromu and Hayate's part. Knowing the dragon could likely spit out some fire, it would be a bother if Hayate could manipulate the earth well enough from that disance. But Lilia was convinced Hayate would figure a way to tackle this training.

Hayate paused, seriously thinking about the task at hand. Lilia was quite clever indeed, purposely planning for Hayate to have to defeat the clone while out of his comfortable fighting range. Looking briefly at Kuromu, Hayate spoke through their private connection, "It has been quite some time Kuromu. How confident are you that you can hit her from this range?" The dragon snorted, as if insulted. "I have been working on my firethrowing young one, and I have been training with the use of Wind Release as well. I'm sure we can hit her from here, although I doubt it will be as simple as that. It never is sadly..." Hayate smiled, it seemed like the Kuromu was going to be cooperative after all. Although Hayate thought it had more to do with trying to impress the giant bear than anything.

"I sadly don't have much that can hit from this range, however I can try and keep her contained in one spot with my throwing weapons. If I can do that do you think you can hit her?" Hayate looked to Kuromu, who simply smiled, flashing his teeth. The dragon nodded and then turned its attention to the clone. Hayate pulled out several shuriken. This was going to take some concentration. He wanted to charge the shuriken with his chakra, causing them to become unstable, however, he wanted them to explode at different times. This required a lot of careful chakra manipulation. Taking a breath, Hayate let his chakra flow into the shuriken. When he was ready, he threw them two at a time. The first two were meant to go wide, to the sides, exploding just as they reached the distance where Lilia's clone stood. They would not give her a lot of room to move side to side. The second two were designed to go just past Lilia's clone, exploding a few feet back from her, these explosions were timed to go off at the same time as the last two he was throwing. As the last two shuriken left Hayate's hands, heading straight for Lilia's clone, Kuromu was preparing to launch his attack. Hayate's last two shuriken were designed to explode right in front of the clone, hopefully pushing her backwards. The secondary explosions from the shuriken that he had thrown behind her were meant to disorient her, and hopefully even throw her off her feet. Hayate knew Lilia was too good for that, however, and only hoped that the shuriken and explosions would keep her in a small area.

Kuromu had finished preparing for his attack, he stood on his hind legs as he inhaled deeply. Flapping his wings rapidly, Kuromu managed to work up a fair wind. He formed the seals for Wind Release: Great Breakthrough technique and at the same time let out the fire he had gathered in his belly. Launching an impressive fireball from his jaws, Kuromu used the wind he'd whipped up from his wings to propel the fireball with deadly speed. His aim was true, he only hoped that Hayate's tactics had worked.

The combined attacks were above genin leveled. The real Lilia kept watch of both the dragon as the genin. The bond they had would allow such a tactical action that most chuunin wouldn't be able to perform after just their promotion. This was going to be very interesting. The shadow clone noticed that Hayate had pulled out some shuriken and prepared herself for it. Picking out some shuriken as well, she managed to deflect two of the shuriken, but was unable to deflect one shuriken that went passed her and one that went to her right. However, even while suspecting Hayate was planning on something, the explosions came as a huge surprise. The eyes of the shadow clone widened, as well as Ger frowned. The explosions caught the attention of the bear, who started to become a bit nervous. While the shadow clone tried to keep standing, the real Lilia glanced at the dragon. As she had anticipated from her spectator role, now Kuromu would launch his attack. The combined force of fire and wind was something that did impressed Lilia as she noticed that her shadow clone barely managed to get out of harm's way.

With a quick dodge roll to the left, the shadow clone had managed to evade a full front impact of the fiery ball of fire. But the right shoulder of the clone was turned black by the contact it had made with the fire. However, with the clone still not gone, it meant that Hayate and Kuromu had another go at it. Wonder what they would do this time, Lilia stayed silent and kept watching.

Kuromu let out a low growl as he saw that their target wasn't quite finished off yet. He turned towards Hayate and saw that the boy was equally disappointed. Speaking through their mind link Kuromu established a new plan. "This one is talented. I have an idea though, something I've been working on." Hayate nodded without looking at the dragon, keeping his eyes on Lilia's clone. "Lets hear it." He saw Kuromu grin again as he continued speaking through their mind link. "As you may have noticed, I have grown larger. These wings of mine are finally capable of flying, however only for a brief time. If you can distract her for me, I may be able to get above her and launch an attack from the sky, catching her off guard." Kuromu looked to Hayate, awaiting his approval.

Hayate was already pulling out new tools from his equipment pouch. "I like it. Clever thinking Kuromu, let's finish this shall we?" Hayate pulled out three smoke-bombs, attaching them to a trio of kunai. The dragon made a show of preparing a second attack while Hayate very quickly threw the kunai, hoping to create a fairly thick patch of smoke around Lilia's clone. As soon as the last kunai left his hand he pulled out more shuriken, throwing them into the smoke, attempting to distract the clone. Not all of the shuriken were charged with his chakra, as he wanted to keep Lilia's clone off her guard. As the smoke began to fill the air, Hayate waited until he would be obscured from sight. "Go." Hayate used his Hiding Like a Mole Technique to travel below ground at the same time that Kuromu took to the sky.

Hayate moved swiftly through the earth, surfacing twenty feet behind Lilia's clone, already prepping two more overcharged kunai. He threw them quickly, the first was charged so that it would go off a few feet behind Lilia's clone, drawing her attention, and the second was set to go off as close to the clone as possible. While the kunai were on their way to their target, Kuromu flew high above Lilia's clone, still staying out of sight behind the cloud of smoke, he gathered his chakra and formed another large fireball. Flapping his wings a little faster to build up another wind, Kuromu would release the fire from his jaws, just as the first explosive kunai would go off behind Lilia's clone.

Though the real Lilia noticed the attached smoke bombs to the kunai, the shadow clone wasn't that close. It only learned of it after they went off. With the smoke covering her sight, the shadow clone kept the shuriken away with using a kunai. The heightend sense, that was a result of her rigerious training, allowed her to defend herself properly. However, as the smoke was a bit drifting away due the breeze, the shadow clone noticed both the dragon as Hayate were not where they first were. Hearing something behind her, the shadow clone quickly leaped away as she noticed that Hayate was again throwing shuriken. One of them exploded near her, alarming the clone that he was infusing his chakra in some of the projectiles. As she kept deflecting and evading the attacks, she had been too focused on the attack of Hayate. Just as an explosive kunai went off behind the clone, who rolled away from the blast, the clone heard something above her.

Surprised, Lilia's shadow clone noticed the dragon flying above her. Before she could now evade the fire from the dragon, it was already too near her. In a reflex, the clone brought her arms up in order to defend herself from the incoming attack. But to no avial. After the ball of fire exploded, causing dust and debris to be launched into the air, the clone had been destroyed.

''That was good.'' Lilia said, equally paying attention to both Kuromu and Hayate. They did had quite the teamwork. Wondering how good it would become if they would train more together, Lilia couldn't resist to smile. ''Take it easy now. You both have done a great job.'' The only person that wasn't thrilled was Ger. He kept looking at Kuromu with his eyes half open. There was a bit of envy in the eyes of the bear, as the other could fly in the air. Though he didn't snort or flashed his teeth again, simply keeping himself quiet for now.

Kuromu landed beside Hayate somewhat gracefully, he still had to work on his flying but he was glad he'd been able to impress the clever girl. He looked at Hayate and simply nodded. "Not bad boy. You've been practising I see." Hayate smiled, "Not bad yourself dragon. I'm glad you finally found a use for those wings of yours."

Despite their banter, Kuromu smiled. It was nice to train again, and Hayate was growing on him, even if the boy did enjoy being a smartass from time to time. Hayate turned and walked back towards the real Lilia, with Kuromu following beside him. "Thank you Lilia-sama. Your advice helped a lot. I understand what you mean now." Hayate gave a small bow and then stood, smiling, waiting for Lilia's reply.

Glancing with a friendly look between Kuromu and Hayate, Lilia nodded. Slowly she began to stand on her own as she patted on the nose of Ger. The bear growled softly as he looked in her direction before vanishing in a large smoke poof. ''That is fine. After all, it's my task to make sure that I can help in any way possible. Ain't it?'' Lilia asked back with a smile. She also smiled in the direction of Kuromu before talking again. ''You both did a great job. I predict if you two would continue to train, you would have a good chance at the Chuunin Exams. Think it will impress a great deal of people.''

Hayate's smile grew and he bowed again. "You are too kind Lilia-sama. I certainly hope that we can make a good impression at the exams though. It will be my first time, and I do not want to disappoint anyone." Hayate was honoured by Lilia's praise and it clearly showed. Kuromu looked at Hayate and cocked his head to the side. "This one, she means something to you doesn't she? I have never seen you seek out another's approval like this before." The dragon spoke questioningly through their telepathic link. Hayate did not look at Kuromu before replying. "She is a friend Kuromu." Kuromu snorted before continuing to prod, "And is that all she is, Hayate-kun?"
Pausing briefly before responding, Hayate spoke through their link. "Please leave it Kuromu, it is not of importance right now." He had to look away, unable to make eye contact with Lilia. Kuromu studied the boy for a long moment before shaking his head and snorting.

''I thought I had explained that I know how a telephaticbond work, but you two make it way too easy for me to read that you're talking about something.'' She said, before letting out a short laugh. It was fun to see actually somebody else using a telephatic bond with another creature.

"My apologies Lilia-sama. We were not trying to ignore you. Kuromu-san was just... I apologize for my rudeness." Hayate bowed apologetically. He wasn't sure what to say to be honest, as her keen eye had caught him off-guard once again. He hoped that Lilia did not ask what he and Kuromu were talking about because he didn't know how he would answer that.
Letting out a low growl that sounded more like a laugh, Kuromu made one more private comment to Hayate, "I told you boy, pretty and smart. She's a good one." Hayate blushed at Kuromu's bold comments, and quickly tried to hide it, realizing in vain that he had probably only made his situation worse.

Lilia raised her right eyebrow. ''Hayate-kun, how much do you respect my guardian?'' Lilia asked him. She placed her hands on her hips as she waited for his answer as some thought was slowly playing n her mind. It was just a little idea for later. But it was certainly there. All it would was likely time and patience. Something she had both in abudance. For now.

The question threw Hayate off, it had not been what he was expecting, but he was glad for the change. Thinking for a moment, he replied "I don't know that there is anyone I currently respect more Lilia-sama, aside from yourself of course." Hayate smiled and continued, "I would gladly lay my life on the line for Hiron-sama if he asked. I trust him implicitly. I do not honestly know how to say what I feel about him, aside from the fact that I view him as a role-model. Probably not to the same extent as I can imagine you do, but I look up to him. He is truly a great man." Hayate met Lilia's eyes, feeling a little sheepish. He wasn't sure if it was out of place for him to speak of Hiron the way he had. He knew that Lilia had much more right to view Hiron as a mentor, and Hayate had only really spoken to the man a few times. He just spoke honestly, and hoped that Lilia wouldn't think him strange the way he had spoken about Hiron.

''I see.. Then don't bow.'' Lilia said with a serious voice. ''Know what makes a person great, Hayate-kun?'' Lilia asked again. Though she had taught him a bit on how summoning worked and how he could train it, she was about to teach him something else. The thought in the back of her mind start to stir. Like it was slowly boiling and expanding in her mind. The questions were simply to see if Hayate could understand the lesson she was about teach him.

Hayate paused. She had perplexed him again. "I do not Lilia-sama. I suppose it would be somebody that is selfless and cares more about others than for themselves. I'm sorry, I don't think that really answered your question." Hayate looked down, embarrassed at his not understanding her question.

Lilia shook hear head. ''Not really. Its not completely wrong either though.'' Lilia responded. ''Not right either... Do you want to know how it is that I became strong enough to eventually meet eye to ey with people that outrank me? That shouldn't be able to lose to me?'' Lilia asked again. Her answer was already formulated, but she wanted to be sure she had Hayate's attention. After all, if he wouldn't find it interesting, there as no point in telling him this all.

Her questions made Hayate think. She was leading him to something he could tell, but he wasn't sure what. Looking back to her he spoke, "I would very much like to know Lilia-sama." Hayate waited eagerly for her reply, wondering what it was that she wanted to say.

Closing her eyes for a brief moment, she started to explain. Her tone was both soft as very serious, as if she wasn't telling him just an answer, but also a lecture. The bright green eyes had lost some of their brightness, as if she wasn't calm, but actually growing mad. Both Hayate as Kuromu would feel a rising pressure as Lilia started to talk, as if something heavy started to lean on them. ''All creatures are unable to survive unless they trust and obey, somebody who is better than they are.'' Narrowing her eyes, Lilia continued. ''To escape that. To escape that absolute role. To become better than what you are...''

Suddenly she vanished as she appeared next to Hayate. Looking sideways at him, she still had her eyes narrowed. ''Those search for their superiors..'' The pressure started to increase as she pauzed. She had used the Body Flicker Technique to suddenly appear next to Hayate, but she started to continue. ''Those who are superior...search for even stronger indiviuals they can believe in.'' Slowly she turned towards him and raised her right eyebrow again. ''Thus legends.. heroes... myths and great leaders are born.'' For a moment the pressure started to fade away, until Lilia smirked a little. ''And thus...the greatest of legends can stand out.. Above them all. That is how one can become stronger. How one can define such things as ranks... classes and such. If you think Hiron is a great man, than I think I don't need to really ask this.''
''Do you want to become stronger, Hayate? To achieve what you want, not restricted by ranks or classes?''

The strength of Lilia's speech astonished Hayate. Even Kuromu moved back a little, surprised at the girl's intensity. Hayate found himself hanging on every word, his attention entirely focused on Lilia's speech. As she seemingly disappeared and reappeared beside him, Hayate was too focused on the sound of her voice to even jump with surprise. 'Legends, heroes...' Hayate had never really thought much of it, and yet, as Lilia spoke he couldn't help but think of the people he looked up to, and considered heroes. When she had finished her speech Hayate responded. Without hesitation, without any pause, he simply uttered a single word. "Yes." The word left his lips as barely more than a whisper, the awe still clear in his voice. Lilia's speech had rocked him to his foundation, and he found that exhilarating. Lilia's passion inspired him, excited him. He needed to hear more.

''Think wisely, Hayate. The path you'll take may seem good. You can make a lot of bonds... people will admire you. But on the way you'll walk alone. Nobody will hold you hand.'' Lilia pauzed. ''Nobody will be sure if they respect or fear you. The path I'm offering you is a grim one. Do you want to walk it? Cause once I'll invest time and effort in letting you walk that path, there is no turning back.'' Lilia said. A few faces drifted past her mind. The face of some friends, that were now dead. ''You might need to take lives of those who you even see as friends. Are you willing to go so far?'' She asked, with the same serious tone as before.

And so Hayate took his time before answering. The question Lilia had asked him was a huge one. Hayate wanted it, he truly did. But was the price too high? He considered everything, thought back on everything that had played a part in his life until now. And then he made his reply "Lilia-sama, before I met you I knew no one, and no one knew me. The path I walked then was one of solitude, of loneliness. Nobody knew who I was or what I could do, and not many would ever give me the opportunity to show them. I have seen that road, I have walked it. You are right when you say it is hard, and you are right when you say that you walk it alone." Hayate paused briefly, trying to find the right words. "Even now there are not many that I could call friend, and even less that would view me as such. I made myself a promise a long time ago. A promise that I would get stronger, strong enough to protect those that I cared about most, whatever the cost to myself. If that is what you can offer, if that is what you are asking, then I am willing to pay that price. I will make it worth your time, and I will not go back. Please Lilia-sama, help me to grow like you have. To become like you. To be strong... I can't let anyone down ever again. I will do whatever it takes, even if it makes me an outcast." Hayate stopped there, not sure what else he could say. The fact that Lilia was even considering giving him this opportunity humbled him more than he could ever have thought possible. He was ready.

Kuromu watched Hayate as the boy spoke. He wasn't sure what to make of this latest development. Kuromu was concerned for the boy, not because he thought Hayate couldn't handle it, but because he thought it might change the boy in ways he couldn't imagine. Kuromu shuffled anxiously, letting a small stream of smoke out of his nostrils. He would wait to see what happened, and he hoped that Hayate had made the right decision.

''Outcast...'' Lilia repeated the word on a soft tone. She could remember the times when she had went to the trainingfields. A place where people avoided her. She could remember the nightmares of when she wasn't sure if she was afraid or that people were afraid of her. Because she showed she should control a power that was considered vile, evil and menacing. ''Solitude...outcast. Alone.'' She said the words on a soft tone, slowly closing her eyes as she scoffed. ''Hayate-kun... There may be people in this world who prefer solitude. To be alone..... However.'' Lilia opened her eyes again, raising her right fist up. Like if she was holding something. ''There is nobody who can withstand it.'' Slowly some light started to shin through her hand as she turned it, the back of her hand to the ground. Slowly as she opened her hand, she continued. ''People can't just abandon their feelings. Dreams and hope.''

After saying those words, a little ball of lighting was seen in her hand. It was the same size as when she had managed to develop and use Sparkle for the very first time. Just before she had managed to graduate from the Academy. ''Because you see... you'd be no different than a being puppet if that was true.'' Looking up to him, she clenched her hand again, the lightning crackling through the air as if it was crushed by the sudden clenching of her hand. ''You've made you choice Hayate-kun. Do remember what I have said today. Cause I think you'll be able to maybe even surpass me. The question is only, do you believe in yourself?''

His eyes widened at not only Lilia's effortless display of skill, but also of her words. 'Him surpassing her?' Hayate was not quite sure of that, but he had been around Lilia long enough to know that she did not just spout empty compliments. He was honoured, and truly lucky to have run into Lilia that day back at the terrace. "I believe in you, Lilia-sama. And I believe in your ability to make people better. Before I met you I had little faith in my own abilities, believing I would only ever be a sub-par shinobi. Since I met you, you have shown me that I can believe in myself, and that I have the potential to become stronger. I believe I can do that Lilia-sama, I believe that you can show me the way." Hayate fought the urge to bow, remembering her words from earlier. He was humbled by her kindness, and her willingness to help him. Hayate only hoped that he would live up to her expectations of him.

''Then from now on, you'll follow every instruction I'll give you. When I tell you to do hundred push ups. You will do it. When I tell you to run ten laps around Konohagakure. You will do it. When I tell you that you will need to work harder. You will... do it.'' Lilia told him on a serious tone. A little smile played on her lips. Lilia had faith in hmim. Sure, he had a long way to go. A hard and grim way, but she hadn't just chosen him because she felt like that. ''From today, I don't want you to bow for nobody without thinking about it. From this day, you won't simply lower your head anymore. From this day.

You're my student.''

'Her student,' Hayate liked the sound of that. Lilia was the strongest person he knew, maybe even stronger than Hiron-sama. He would learn a lot from her, he knew it. Thinking on her words, Hayate knew what she was asking. He couldn't just follow all of her physical commands, he needed to change himself on a more basic level as well. Hayate needed to have more faith in himself, and not allow himself to consider himself beneath others. That was going to be tough. By his very nature, Hayate was bound by respect to treat others with great reverance. But he understood the importance of self-confidence, and knew that it did not mean he could no longer be respectful, just that he had to respect himself as well. Taking one knee, Hayate lowered his head, not quite as a bow, but more as a gesture of respect as well as loyalty. When he spoke, his voice was calm and confident. Never before had he been so sure of what he was saying. With his head lowered Hayate spoke.

"I am yours."

''Silly Hayate-kun.'' Lilia's voice sounded, an amused tone in the response she gave him. If he would look up, he would notice she had made a little bow in his direction as well. ''You're not mine or anybody's possession. You're free and that is how it should be.'' With a giggle she rose up again and shook her head. ''This is going to be a long way indeed. A little bow to people you look up to, with good reasons, is alright. I can understand that, but never kneel before me, Hayate-kun. I'm not the Hokage or something.'' She reacted, letting out a short laugh.

Hayate smiled despite Lilia chiding him. As he rose to his feet he couldn't help but think back to when Hiron used that very same line. She was much the same as Hiron-sama, and yet different in her own, special ways. Hayate locked eyes with Lilia before speaking. "It will take me awhile to get used to not bowing I must admit, although I can understand the necessity." He laughed warmly before continuing. "I did not mean it in such a way where it made me your possession Lilia-sama, it is just my way of saying that I am bound to you by my honour, and that I promise to follow your commands, regardless to how hard as they may get. I thank you Lilia-sama, for taking the time to give me a chance. Let me show you that your time will not be wasted. I shall reach my goal, I shall become strong. One day I hope that we can stand side by side as equals, but until that day I am yours to command." Hayate finished his statement, his eyes still locked with Lilia's. He had meant every word. Hayate was ready for this, he would do whatever necessary, and in time he would achieve his potential. After all, he had the best teacher he could ask for. Hayate kept smiling, this was going to be fun.

[Little Alice]

The looking back.

Keiko's words.

A collab between J8cob and Alice.

Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

''Tsk!'' Lilia looked up before jumping up again. Something crashed at the ground, obelitaring the earth Lilia had been standing on. The tail slowly moved back as Lilia landed on her feet, skidding to halt. The white bandaged greatsword on her back shivered as it produced a sound. ''He is tough. And fun!'' Lilia responded. They were near a lake as she had been seeking out the opponent she was facing. A large husking octopus. Somehow the creature had managed to make it to this lake and cause trouble for the surroundings fishers of the nearby village. Lilia had taken no support as this was just a C ranked mission. At least, in her opinion. ''Come on, this is getting dull.'' Lilia taunted the creature.

Though she was sure it didn't understood her taunt, it lifted up two tentacles, clearly intending to crush the bold little girl. Flicking her right wrist, lightning started to erupt into the air as a glint in Lilia's eyes appeared. ''Now we're talking!'' The first tentacle was avoided as Lilia jumped to the left, but she was suddenly standing in the shadows of the next tentacle that was about to crush her. Trusting her right hand into the air, Lilia focused the lightning in her hand as it shot forward. The lightning from the Sparkle technique, Piercing Sparkle, cut through the tentacle with ease. It caused the octopus to roar in pain and anger as it started to witdrawn its other tentacle and seemed to be looking pissed off. At least Lilia assumed it was pissed off, as she ran towards to the tentacle the creature was pulling back in the water. Another tentacle was about to crush the girl when she was readying herself to jump forward. Debris, rocks and dust were flying into the air as the heavy mass crashed into the ground with heavy voilence. For a moment, a hand dressed in a fingerless glove was seen to be reaching out underneath the tentacle. However the crackle of lightning gave away that Lilia wasn't there.

Landing on the tentacle of the octopus, Lilia lowered her head a bit as she leaned more forward, holding down her right hand as the lightning violently lashed around her. ''Sparkle..'' The big creature made another roaring sound as Lilia started to run towards him, over his own tentacle. The dangerous glint in her eyes became more clear as she neared. It made her strangely think of something.

SPOILER: Click to show

With a smile she ran up the field and turned around. The weather was nice, what she was going to do was awesome and the person she was with was super awesome. How could it get any better then this, Lilia wondered. ''Come on, Keiko! We're burning daylight! She told Keiko. Giggling as she made the joke, Lilia was dressed in her chuunin atire, but with a little change. Underneat the round symbol, there was another one. That of the Hon clan, something that Lilia had added herself. Quite proude of it, she actually wondered what Keiko thought of it.

Lilia's enthusiasm always made Keiko smile. Unlike the younger girl, Keiko maintained a normal pace as she got into a comfortable position on the field. "That won't be the only thing we're burning if we do this right, yeah?" she retorted, giving Lilia a wink before stretching a bit. She felt somewhat out of shape lately, but Keiko knew she was in good enough condition to train with Lilia today. And since Hiron was watching Aimi at home, she didn't have to worry about any stranger scumbags getting near her. "You've been getting really good Lilia. I'm not sure if I can hold back against you anymore," Keiko remarked, before adjusting herself into an erect position, holding the Seal of Confrontation in front of her. A tradition she wouldn't stop doing.

Beaming as Keiko said she was getting better, Lilia made a deep bow. ''Thank you so much for your kind words, Keiko!'' Once she got up, she proceeded to make the Seal of Confrontation. Actually eager to get into action, she waited a bit. Though Samehada made a grunting sound, she didn't reacted. As she lowered her arm, she slightly took a fighting stance, but didn't move yet.

The older woman smirked slightly, before bringing her other hand across to begin a rapid series of handseals. Perhaps it would be a bit much to start, but Keiko was confident that she wasn't overdoing it. When she brought her hand to her mouth, a massive jet of flame erupted in Lilia's direction. It was the Great Fireball technique, just twisted. And, by Keiko's usual, quite large. And hot. Grass was combusting before the fire even reached it, all on it's way toward Lilia. The girl couldn't even see Keiko now, behind the massive wall of fire... that was growing.

Noticing the large ball of fire, Lilia remembered the first time she had trained with Keiko. As the ball of fire was heading towards her, the girl closed her eyes and slowly lifted up the face mask. ''There we go. Shady.'' The hilt of Samehada seemed to move as Lilia's right hand grabbed it. As she lifted up the bandaged sword, it started to send it's own chakra through her arms to help her lifting up the blade. With a quick sweep she cut a path through the fire. While it still was running at her sides, she was perfectly safe from it. Noticing that the bandaged sword made some sounds again, Lilia giggled and rubbed her left arm a bit. ''Sorry! I forgot you dislike raw fire.'' The bandaged sword made another sound again. Nodding she glanced back at Keiko. ''Sorry, but she is kind of like fire : spicy.'' Mumbling the words, Lilia prepared herself again in a defensive position.

Once Keiko stopped the technique, the field was mostly scorched from the fire, leaving Lilia standing in a patch of grass surrounded by black, destroyed earth. "I knew I wouldn't be able to go easy," Keiko muttered to herself, grinning slightly. She made a few handseals before drawing her sword. The blade immediately engulfed itself in fire, and Keiko began to dash forward. However, before she made much distance, she swung the sword. Surprisingly, all the fire on her blade was thrown off, forming itself into a sort of boomerang shape as it spun through the air at Lilia and Samehada. However, it's speed was timed to allow Keiko to reach Lilia while she would still be recovering from swinging Samehada at the fire.

The fire surprised Lilia a bit, as she had expected it to grow in length and then striking from a distance. But this wasn't good! With no other option, she swinged Samehada as she let the shark blade absorb the fire, which was made by chakra. Knowing that she was now open for an attack, she gritted her teeth as she narrowed her eyes. Instead of even trying to swing Samehada back again, she let the weapon hit the ground. Jumping up quickly she looked at Keiko's midsection as she shouted. ''Swing!'' She ordered, hoping that the blade was in time to sling her away as he had done with their training with Zakito.

As Keiko drew near, she saw Lilia was trying to do something. And upon hearing her shout, Keiko assumed it was in reference to Samehada swinging at her. Not swinging Lilia. So, instinctively, Keiko moved her sword to a position to block any potential moves at her, but still swung out with her left foot in an attempt to kick Lilia in her solar plexus. A blow that would probably be a tad brutal if it hit, but Keiko figured that any potential damage she could do to Lilia could be rectified and apologized for quickly enough afterwards.

Her eyes widened as she noticed the kick coming. The hilt of Samehada wrapped around Lilia's right arm and was about to swing her literally away. Still, Lilia lifted up her legs and wanted to defend with her legs and left arm from the kick. As Samehada threw her away, Lilia yelped as Keiko managed to kick her. Instead of going to the way Samehada tried to hurl her towards, she was now sent flying a bit of the other way. With a backwards summersault, Lilia had pulled out several shuriken. Infusing them with lightning at the moment she had grabbed them, she threw the weapons towards Keiko in order to force her back as she wanted to land on the ground without being attacked directly.

It seemed Lilia wasn't too fazed by the blow, and considering she still reacted enough to keep Keiko at bay, the young woman didn't feel hardly any guilt for it. She had to deflect the incoming shuriken with her sword, which distracted her enough to let Lilia get back on her feet a decent distance away. The girl already knew how fighting close against Keiko would go. But Keiko was figured that Samehada would be a problem, as that blade could effectively hinder all her fire techniques. For the most part. But for some reason, the thought made her grin. "Holding up just fine?" Keiko asked Lilia, before tossing her sword up and performing a series of handseals. Upon catching the blade, flames engulfed it once more. However, Keiko also put her left hand to her mouth and fired a large fireball directly at Lilia. And at the distance they were at, it would be avoidable for the girl. Except that wasn't Keiko's plan. Before it could get far, she aimed her sword at the fireball and used the jet of flame coming from her blade to catch it. She had a giant flail of fire again. "I'd dodge if I were you." With impressive speed, Keiko made a full rotation, using the 360 swing to bring the fireball back towards Lilia from the girl's side.

Lilia saw the flaming inferno coming towards her, quickly pondering what she should do. She could use lightning to shield her from the heat, seeing that lightning was hotter then Fire and her own lightning wouldn't cause herself damage in such a way. Hearing Keiko's advice, Lilia had a plan. Weaving the shadow clone handseal, she continued to weave the transformation technique to become a shuriken. The clone picked up the transformed Lilia as it threw the girl away. However, it was soon destroyed by the attack, while Lilia just managed to get into safety. Transforming back, Lilia rolled over the dead grass, before she managed to get up. Panting she wasn't actually tired. It was just that she had to catch some breath. Keiko was forcing her into defense. Lightning flickered around Lilia as she opened her right hand. Knowing she had to take care of the flail of fire, she whistled for Samehada while using the Running Beast technique. ''Should dodge them both!'' Lilia called out to Keiko as Samehada slithered towards Lilia, but would leech some chakra if Keiko wouldn't watch it. That while Lilia was directing a hound of lightning towards her.

The girl was creative, avoiding the fireball with a transformation and a clone. But since Keiko had to recover to make another swing, Lilia took the opportunity for a counterattack. The girl already knew how bad it would be to stay on the defensive. Though Keiko saw Samehada making it's way back to Lilia, she thought nothing of it. She was more focused on the incoming Running Beast. To avoid this one, Keiko jumped up into the air, bringing the flail of fire with her. Though she wasn't trying, the fireball dragged across the ground, incinerating the dirt in it's way, leaving a large trench in the earth from it's pathway. And now, in the air, Lilia was just out of range of the flail. But Keiko wasn't going to make it easy for the girl. Unaware that Samehada stole some of her chakra, Keiko spun around and threw her sword at Lilia. This sent the flail of fire spinning through the air at the girl. And as it flew and Keiko began to land, she performed the handseals for her Floating Blade technique. But while her sword would be going after Lilia with the giant flail, Keiko now had to deal with the Running Beast that was heading toward her.

Dismissing the lightning technique, Lilia began to get worried. Not that Keiko was going further then normally, Lilia was wondering how she could keep countering the technique of Keiko. She knew enough that it was the sword she had to take out. However, the problem was also the fire. Looking at Samehada, she had to try out what she had planned. Raising her right hand in the air, lightning started to crackle again. As the blazing fire came closer and started to heat up the place where Lilia was standing, the shark blade ripped out of his bandage as he would protect Lilia from the incoming danger. Still, the heat of the attack was notable where Lilia was standing. As she had formed her Sparkle Disc, the teeth of Samehada managed to grab the sword. It made some whinning sounds as the hilt started to twist and move around the ground. Biting her lower lip, Lilia threw her own lethal technique towards Keiko. She had hidden away some chakra in the disc, but instead of looking at the projectile all the time, she rushed towards Samehada. ''Sshhh! You did it fine! Sshhh... Yeah, I know it.. Good Shady! You're amazing!'' She tried to comfort the shark blade as she stroke the sentient blade. Looking up as she wanted to know if Keiko had dodged her technique, Lilia was ready to reveal her secret.

Keiko didn't expect Samehada to be able to take the fireball, and she really didn't expect it to sever her connection with the sword. Now, with her blade lifeless on the ground at Lilia's feet and an oncoming Sparkle Disc, Keiko had to act fast. She made a few handseals and a fireball formed in her hands. Using the Flame Whirlwind, but a scaled down version, she threw it at the Sparkle Disc. To her surprise, the two techniques reacted rather explosively in the air, and a little too close for Keiko's comfort. After the techniques cancelled each other out violently, Keiko took a second to recompose herself. She was now at the distinct disadvantage here, without her sword and with Keiko being unable to effectively use fire. Only option now would be taijutsu, which is a department Lilia has proven before to be able to counter. The tide of the battle has shifted significantly in the past ten seconds. "Damn, Lilia," Keiko let out with a chuckle, before wiping her brow and charging forward.

Surprised as her disc was taken out, she bite her lower lip. She could've ended the duel rather with a shock. Getting up she ran towards Keiko, narrowing her eyes again. ''Rest out Shady!'' She called out to the blade as she prepared herself for fighting Keiko with taijutsu. At least, it would look liket that, but even against somebody like Keiko, Lilia wouldn't play fair. It was never something she was good at, playing fair. Focusing lightning chakra at her right hand, for the Silent Shocking Technique, she would try to surprise Keiko with it. Starting with a quick jump kick, she would follow up with fast punches to try get the upper hand even more.

Lilia's first kick was immediately caught. Though Keiko was never the type for grappling in close combat, she wanted to try and surprise Lilia by doing something different. And hopefully, something effective. With Lilia's leg in Keiko's hands, the woman yanked downward and brought her leg up, intending to kick the girl in the face before using her own momentum to slam her onto the ground. Though, Keiko was doubting the genius behind pinning Lilia to the ground, because she knew that if she couldn't control Lilia's hands, she was liable to get zapped. But she was willing to take the risk and see if she could control the hands.

Not surprised that her kick hadn't driven Keiko away, Lilia grinned behind her mask. This was now where she had the advantage. When Keiko yanked her leg down, Lilia acted like she was suprised, but was preparing to counter it. When Keiko brought her leg up, Lilia's right hand shot forward to not only stop the incoming leg, but also to shock her. Her left hand would be used to keep herself in balance. Remembering the last time she went this close with Keiko had caused her to be slammed at the ground with her head. Not really something she had enjoyed.

Despite her own speed, Lilia had enough reflexes to catch the kick. And, of course, use her Silent Shocking technique. When the electricity began to course through Keiko, her muscles naturally locked up. And at her angle, she fell backwards. Still gripping Lilia's leg, the girl would hit the ground too, but it wouldn't hardly do anything to Lilia in her position. "Damnit," Keiko let out through gritted teeth, trying let go of Lilia's leg so hopefully the girl would let go of hers.

As they fell on the ground, Lilia quickly managed to grab Keiko. Her eyes widened as she had heard Keiko. Her right hand however moved up fast to Keiko's cheek. Placing her hand on Keiko's cheek, Lilia looked worried. ''Sorry! Sorry! Keiko?'' Lilia asked worried as she hugged the woman. It would looked a bit silly maybe, but Lilia was seriously thinking she had hurt Keiko with her technique. ''Sorry! I shouldn't have done that!'' Feeling guilty of the pain she had caused, Lilia was ashamed of herself.

Once the lightning stopped doing it's job, Keiko immediately sat up. It was nice having control of one's own muscles. "It's fine, sweetie," Keiko consoled. The after effects weren't so bad. It didn't really leave a lingering pain. Sore, yes. But pain, no. "You did really good. I wasn't really holding back. You did what you had to to win. I'm sorry about some of the techniques I used on you... but it worked out just fine in the end anyways." With that, Keiko let out a little chuckle, before removing Lilia from her to stand up.

Nodding as she was glad that Keiko was okay, Lilia stand up and stretched out her hand to help Keiko get up. She smiled. ''No shocking, promised.'' She told the woman that it was no foul play. When Keiko however apologized for using some techniques, Lilia tilted her head. At first she didn't seem to understand what Keiko mean, but then got it. ''Ooooh... Wait, were you not holding back? I thought you did!'' Lilia was surprised as she frowned. ''So, did I improved?'' Lilia asked, rather with caution. She was afraid to what Keiko would actually say. Maybe she had just some luck this time?

Once on her feet and adjusted properly, Keiko began to smooth her hair out a bit. Electricity always made it frizzy. "Oh, you've improved. Most every technique I used on you was kinda... dangerous," Keiko told her, before performing a few handseals. The sword on the ground a ways away picked itself up and hovered back into Keiko's sheathe. She didn't feel like walking over to it. "I held back a little bit. But not for your safety. For... well... everything else's safety. But you would've done the same." She gave the girl a smile and a thumbs up with this.

Smiling as she felt warm from the compliment, Lilia looked at her feet. She couldn't bring it up to look at Keiko. ''T-T-Thanks Keiko!'' She looked up with a genuine smile. ''I trained really hard, cause I've found a new goal. Want to hear it?'' Lilia asked the woman, wondering what she would say once she would hear it. She would first say what she wanted to become, but then would of course say the reasons for it.

The young woman adjusted the sword on her back before looking back to Lilia. "Sure thing," Keiko answered, smiling a bit. She was curious now though, as she had figured Lilia's goal had always been to become the Hokage. But if it had changed, she wondered what it could possibly be? Something good, hopefully, but Keiko couldn't quite think of what it was. "I'm all ears."

''Well... I still want to become Hokage, but not to get respect from everybody.'' She blushed a little as she looked down. ''I noticed that a Kage can change a lot of things, right? I also noticed that a lot of children of my age don't... They don't have any parents. Just like I had before I met Hiron.'' She looked up again, with a twinkle in her eyes. ''And you! I want to become Hokage now so that I can make a difference. To not only get you and Hiron-chan proud, but to become somebody that can make a change for everybody. Or does that sound stupid?'' She wavered, wondering if it was still childish. She had noticed she had matured rather quickly, but still had some childish traits left.

So her goal hadn't changed all that much. But it was still different. Now she had a goal with reasons behind it. Good ones, at that. "That's a pretty good goal, Lilia," Keiko responded first, putting her hand on Lilia's head and ruffling her hair a bit. "It doesn't sound stupid at all." She removed her hand from Lilia's hair fairly quickly, to avoid any potential swatting that may have come of it, and flashed her a smile. "I'll support you on it, just so you know."

''You would? Really? You think that I can become the next?'' Lilia was again surprised. She giggled when Keiko ruffled through her hair. She whipped away some tears as she couldn't believe that Keiko had so much faith in her. It was really awesome that she had at least Keiko's favor. Kensuke had told her that she wasn't able to become Hokage, but she had forgotten about that. ''I still need to work on so many things though. My lightning isn't that great yet. Not to mention I need to find ways of improve my defence.'' She told Keiko.

"I'm sure you heard it before, but being Hokage isn't just skill, ya know," Keiko began to tell her. "At this rate, you'll have the skill in due time. But what you really need is the personality. The people have to trust you with their lives. You can be the most powerful person in the world, but if you don't have the people on your side, it won't make a difference. But don't worry. I'm sure you'll win everyone over in due time as well." Keiko flashed Lilia another smile, before looking across the field. Most of the fire had burned out, as none of it reached the trees. But she was still naturally concerned it might flare up again. "I could totally see you being the next Hokage," she added, looking back at Lilia with a smirk.

''Like I won your respect?'' She asked with a devilish smirk, one that she had copied from Keiko actually. She then thought about it. ''So, what would be a logical step to get to be noticed? I mean, I really try to become a hero and such, but Hiron once told me that if you want to be a hero, you have to have courage.'' She told Keiko, sounding a bit unsure now. ''And I know that being a Hokage is a lot of a work and not only just a show title. I will carry the lives of everybody on the line. But I really want to see some things changed. I want to become somebody they won't look up to, but somebody they will love. I just want to make a difference for once.'' She told Keiko.

The young woman nodded her head to this. "Just keep doing what you're doing. Do missions, follow orders but do the right thing, and get on the Hokage's good side. After all, he makes the selection. And keep training. Even the Hokage keeps training, ya know. There's always room for improvement. But the biggest thing is that you should take the time to help people. Like, if you see somebody having difficulty with something, you should just lend a helping hand. If you only wait to be told to help people, it won't be as impressive as if you just do it," Keiko explained. Though, it's not like she's an expert on the topic of becoming Hokage, it made perfect sense in her mind. "You do that, you're bound to pull it off." And with another smirk, Keiko ruffled Lilia's hair again.

''Okay! I love you, mum!'' Lilia giggled as she hugged Keiko. For a moment she closed her eyes and thought of Keiko's words, her advice. She would do what Keiko had adviced and maybe she could already begin with that? Maybe one day just picking up some Adacemy students and try to teach them some cool things? Nobody would mind that, right? ''I'm glad to be home again.'' She told Keiko as she buried her face against the woman.

Keiko embraced Lilia in a hug now. "Love you too, sweetie," she told her, placing one hand on Lilia's head now. For some reason, this display made her think back. She didn't want to, but she began to think about Jinkama now. Tears began to well up in her eyes, but she quickly suppressed them and held Lilia tighter now. "Don't think that the future is going to be easy, but I bet you could accomplish your dream." And with this, she held Lilia even tighter than before.

Enjoying the hug, Lilia was glad with Keiko's hug and words. She felt truly loved by the woman and smiled. ''Also... I want to surprise Hiron soon. I made some progress, but want to on training.'' She looked up with a smile. ''I even managed to get a training from Hisoka himself actually. I have said that I had questions about barriers, seeing I managed to develop the Electronic Shockwave, which acts as a barrier.'' She told Keiko. Lilia giggled. ''Besides, I'm a bit conflicted... I also want to train Aimi later.. Do you think that is possible?''

Keiko loosened her grip on the girl, so she could provide enough space to look Lilia in the eyes. "I'm sure it is, sweetie, but that's gonna be a while," she told her. The thought of Aimi being old enough to train already was something she didn't want to have on her mind. The faster she grows up, the worse it is for Keiko. So while she's still incredibly young, Keiko wants to enjoy it. And thinking about the future... she doesn't want it. "I'm sure she'll want to spend plenty of time with her older sister when she gets bigger." Feeling the topic of growing completed, Keiko brought Lilia in again for another hug.

Lilia hugged Keiko also back as she thought about it. Aimi would indeed take some time to grow up. Time that could be used to reach a good portion of the goal! Lilia knew it now, she would try to travel down the path she would take as far as she would be able to get. Then she would try to help Aimi also to become good and strong. After all, Keiko told her that a Kage would need to inspire people and being a sister could mean that Aimi could see Lilia as example. Just like she had seen Kaname once as her example. Wondering when that had changed, Lilia didn't care much. She would just continue to do her best. ''I can't wait till I can help Aimi to grow up. Not to say spend time with her.'' Lilia told Keiko.

The young mother had always kinda figured Lilia would like Aimi. And naturally, she assumes Aimi will like Lilia as well. So far it's seemed promising. But remembering her own childhood, Keiko's been subconsiously waiting for her little girl to become just like her. And that isn't exactly a good thing. "I can't wait until you can do that either," Keiko agreed, finally releasing Lilia from the embrace. With that done, she adjusted her flak jacket a bit and stretched some as well. "It's been a while since I've exercised like that. What, like one month? Jeez. What a way to start, huh." Her voice was lighthearted and joking, and Keiko made sure to flash a devilish grin she's known for.

---

Sitting on top of the octopus head, Lilia looked at the horizon. The sun was settling slowly down as the girl thought back of the words of Keiko. The last spar between her and Keiko was so long ago. Back then Lilia didn't even had managed to learn the basics of the Fire Release. Sighing, she patted the dead octopus she was resting top of. ''Think I should head home again.'' As she rose up, she noticed the group of people walking away. Cheering, laughing and still praising her name. It brought a smile upon Lilia's lips. The chanting of Lightning Flash was still to be heard as she moved the other direction. The group of people that wouldn't have to fear the big creature anymore would move back to their own village. Able to fish in peace tomorrow once more.

[Little Alice]

The battle of the Forest Critter against the Lightning Flash.
Power or intellect isn't useful if you can't use it.
Or not knowing how to use it....

Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.
Location : The Tea Country.

Lilia narrowed her eyes. There was no sign of the nin they were trying to track down. It annoyed her to no end. For two days straight they had tried to hunt down the rogue nin that had almost managed to sneak into the Leaf. If it weren't for the Barrier team, the man had managed it. But the barrier had noticed the intruder with ease. Lilia scoffed. To sneak inside a hidden village wouldn't be that easy. The arrogance of the rogue nin was thus already shown, by the fact he had even tried it.

Or maybe he was just foolish? Never the less, Lilia made a hand signal. Her team moved. It consisted out of several chuunin ranked shinobi. Each of them a tracker in their own ability. A Hyuuga, Inuzuka and a sensor. Combined with the ability of Samehada, Lilia was confident that it was enough. In at least tracking that was. So far the man's chakra signature appeared and then vanished again. Scent wasn't really left behind or noticed between the places he appeared and Lilia had the idea he was trying to trick them to get away from the Leaf. They were heading towards the border of the Fire Union and the Wind Country. And the latter was hostile ground. Something they wouldn't be able to follow the rogue. Then again, leaving him flee into ground that was considered to be of their rivals wasn't also something she deemed to be great either. No, he had to be taken down before he would be able to leave. Then something dawned.

''New tactic... I will draw him out. But I want each of you to move on ahead. Move towards the outposts and inform them to sharpen the watch over the border.'' Lilia commanded with a serious tone. Due her reputation, none of the chuunin dared to talk back. Though she could see them wavering as they didn't want to leave Lilia behind. Not because they were fond of her. No, because she was a valued kunoichi to the Leaf. At least to some of the higher ups of the Leaf. Leaving her behind and the risk of losing her wouldn't work that positive for the three chuunins. But never the less, they left. It caused Lilia to sigh as Samehada grunted. Lilia looked slowly over her shoulder. ''I know... Somebody is really cocky.'' She muttered, annoyed. Her training of controlling the traits Matatabi gave her were becoming better. Her senses were heightened. Not to the point she could rival masters of the Silent Killing, but she was sure she that they had became much better than what they were before.

''I see that your goal was to lure somebody away from Konohagakure.'' Lilia said on a normal voice as she fully turned around. A man stood there, leaning against a tree. A smirk was present on his lips as the arrogance was shining right out of his eyes. It caused Lilia to narrow her own eyes. She disliked arrogant people that thought they were better. Just because.

''Who knows? I think that it won't be of importance if I tell you what my goal is or was.'' He scoffed. ''I doubt you will even understand it. My intelligence is far greater than yours after all.'' The man said. It caused Lilia to frown. His intelligence greater than hers? For a moment she wondered if this was a joke. Not that she deemed herself as a true intellect. But to make such an assumption like that was just off. Way off. ''And you base that on?'' The man grinned.

''That you even need to ask it. I take it that your Beast has influenced you with his stupidity. But fear not. I will treat you..'' The man made a Serpent Handseal. Wood around the man made some sound before several beams of wood raced towards Lilia. ''Not too harshly.''

Wood Release? For a moment Lilia wondered how interesting this could be. Only her interest faded when the man said he wouldn't treat her that seriously. Her right hand moved up as lightning crackled. ''I think you need to produce another assumption.'' Was the calm reply of Lilia. The lightning slashed through the wood with ease. A flicker of lightning was seen in the right hand of Lilia before she lowered it. It was an easy trick for her to use Lightning Jutsu like Piercing Sparkle like that. Even more when the move was to counter such a meek attack. Raising her chin as she narrowed her eyes again, she spoke once more. ''I will try to treat you not too harshly.'' She said it in the same manner as the man.

And it seemed to have the desired effect. The cheeks of the man became red as he made more handseals. The wood around Lilia started to take shape. It alarmed the young girl who kept her surroundings in check. Suddenly, they formed into sharp steaks that were about to impale Lilia. The girl rolled out of harms way, but then noticed a cage was formed around her. ''Like hell no.'' She mumbled as she grabbed the hilt of Samehada with her right hand. With a fierce hack, the greatsword cleaved through the wood. Still crouched, Lilia noticed the man manipulating the wood around her once more. This was just getting plain fully annoying. Jumping backwards, Lilia fended off the wood with Samehada. The powerful swings crushed through the wood and kept her safe. The sentient sword shivered a little bit. It seemed he wasn't that impressed by the chakra. Neither was Lilia with the man's performance. It was sloppy and lacking tact. All he did was simply sending branches to try to wrap around her or try to impale her.

Landing on a branch, she again crushed a few attacks with her shark greatsword. Suddenly a hand grabbed her wrist, causing Lilia to look surprised below. Half out the wood, the man had emerged with a grin. ''Now its you that need to make another assumption!'' He tried to hurt her, but looked surprised as she dropped Samehada and then grabbed him by the throat. ''I will make a new one.'' The man gasped for air while Lilia looked with a cold glare. Her left eye changed from color. From green to yellow. But she was using a little portion of Matatabi's chakra to enhance her trait and skills. Lightning crackled through the air as the hand that was holding the man by the throat suddenly caused an implosion. The lightning that was inserted into the body was simply too much and thus caused an implosion. But no blood splattered around. Wood fell to the ground. ''Tch. A wood clone.'' Lilia mumbled as she looked around. Samehada slithered back to her side as she shook her head. ''Hide for now. Think that I won't even need to use some powerful jutsu nor Mata-sama's chakra. Just see if you can get a bite out of him when the chance is there.'' Lilia ordered as she kept looking around. The bandaged weapon produced a sound before it slithered away.

Knowing her opponent moved through the trees, she had an idea. It brought up the memory of Keiko. A devilish grin spread over her lips as she formed the handseals. Taking a deep breath, Lilia finished the streak of handseals, holding the last one. The Tiger handseal.

''Fire Style : Great Fireball Technique!''

The fire was spitted out in a stream. Though she had her facemask up, she formed an 'o' with her right hand. It was no trouble for the fire to spread around before it formed a big ball of fire. And when it exploded, causing smoke and debris to fill the area, the fire started to spread around. It wasn't nowhere to the level of Keiko, but Lilia wasn't aiming for that. ''You're just showing that you're a true host of a Tailed Beast.''

Turning half around, Lilia noticed he was standing on the side that wasn't effected by the fire. Frowning, Lilia said nothing. The man pointed to her flak jacket. ''I noticed the Hon symbol. I though that they were a clan of smart shinobi. Yet you fire a technique like that without knowing where I am... Or.''

Lilia ducked as she slammed her hand to the other side, her left. Lightning crackled through the air as it had pierced the stomach of somebody. The wood clone's surprise attack had failed. Closing her eyes for a moment, Lilia pulled her hand out of the wood clone before it fell to the ground. ''Pity. I though I would have more trouble against Wood Release. Seems that you're aware of what I am. Though, I will say it once.'' The calm neutral tone changed to a more angry and cold one.

''Say one more spiteful word about him and you will end in ashes.''

It stayed quiet as the man then suddenly laughed. He shook his head, while Lilia's right hand went to her kunai pouch. ''You're ignorant. But that is fine. I know the truth. I am smarter than your Hokage. Better in fighting than you're mentors. I am the most superior being.

I am perfect.''

Perfect? Was this a joke? What was going on with the rogue nin these days? Were they all suffering from a heavy blow to their head? Lilia wasn't surprised that the man knew something about her being a Jinchuriki. Her reputation had spread, but that didn't matter to her. It annoyed her that he thought he was perfect. It was just nothing but trash talking. ''If you say so. Lets see how perfect you are when I will cut an arm off.'' Lilia said with a cold tone. Leaning forward as she pulled out a kunai, the area would change. Like the air became heavier when Lilia pulled a kunai. As if breathing would be a struggle. The man gritted his teeth at the pressure of the Killing Intent. Lilia brow furrowed before she scoffed. ''What is the matter? Though you were perfect, thus perfectly fine with this.'' She mocked him as she then jumped from tree to tree with a fast speed. She aimed to strike from close by as she paid watch to his movement.

The man shivered as the full hit of the Killing intent had caused him to freeze. With the girl coming close, he jumped backwards before Lilia managed to slash with her kunai. Landing on another branch, Lilia stayed crouched as she pulled out her kunia, from out the wood. With that done, she threw it towards her opponent, who dodged it, but a little cute was made at his right cheek. The eyes of the man followed with a smirk the kunai. ''Won't do-'' ''Always keep your eyes on your foe.'' His eyes widened as the heat of the technique Lilia used, the Great Fireball Technique, was racing against towards him. With a quick jump upwards, the man landed on a branch as he saw the fireball leaving a trail of fire, before exploding a bit behind the big tree he was in. ''Are you going to try to hit me with that simple technique? How simple minded are you?'' He laughed as he then noticed her to fire another ball of fire.

Ball after ball was fired and soon the whole area was filled with smoke. Lilia closed her eyes. It wouldn't be good to keep them open and get something in her eyes. Besides, the smoke prevented her from seeing anything. ''Hhmm.'' She stayed calm as the fire kept spreading. Forming several handseals, she stayed still after holding the last one.

''You're done for it...''

The man jumped out of the wood behind her as his right arm formed wood around it. In the shape of a big hammer. He raised his arm to crush her beneath the powerful swing. But as the wood neared the head of Lilia, it stopped. ''What?! Ho-'' ''You don't remember it? The kunai?'' Lilia asked as she slowly turned around. A gust, produced from her by the use of some chakra, shoved some of the smoke back. Arms crossed, a cold glare and black lines were seen on the branch they were standing on. The eyes of the man widened. A sealing technique? But when? Was it made with the small cute? No, that was impossible! She had formed none handseals before pulling the kunai. ''You wonder now why you were now captured. The perfect being was it not?'' Lilia asked, but the man would notice he couldn't even speak now. He was fully restrained by her.

Lilia shook her head. The smoke slowly formed around them again. But he would see a bright and menacing yellow eye looking at him. It was bright enough to see through the smoke as the fire started to spread around them. Crawling closer. The slit in the yellow eye showed no emotion. No fear. Nothing but disgust for his life. Nothing but pure bloodlust. Nothing but the desire to end his life.

''The perfect being was it?. There is no such thing as 'perfect' in this world. It may sound cliche... but..''

The man would feel something ripping through his skin. His ankles were bleeding as scales rubbed against it. In a slow pace. But still, the sharp scales ripping through the clothes and skin of the man. Samehada grunted, causing Lilia to giggle. It was no giggle of joy or amusement. No, it was just a giggle.

''But it's the truth of this world....The average person strives and admires perfection, seeking to obtain it.''

A pause fell.

''But is there a point to achieve perfection?''

The man's mouth trembled. He was so trying to say something back. To object to the words of the girl in front of him. The single eye in front of him half closed itself. The Killing intent lowered as she continued to speak. Her words caused his eyes to wide open.

''There is none. Nothing. Not a single thing. Progidies.. Perfection.''

The man felt something hot. Lightning crackled through the air as it pierced his stomach. He tried to gasp for air, but was unable to do so. The eye had came closer, revealing a pair of them. One right green and one yellow left eye, staring at him. Lilia's hand pierced through his stomach as she continued to talk.

''If there is somebody or something perfect. There is nothing left. No room for imagination. No room for improvement. No room for anybody to gain acknowledgement. Nothing.'' 

Pulling her hand back, dispersing her Sparkle Technique, She took a step back into the smoke. Fading away as her eyes closed. The fire started to lick the air around the man as he found the strength to talk again. Or did she allowed it? ''I am Hosuka-''

''And your name will be devoured by flames.''

The screams of the man, restrained by the Barrier: Confining Technique, were heard. Lilia was walking away as she briefly glanced over her shoulder. The smoke prevented any sight of Hosuka, but his screams were heard. Pulling her mask down, the girl looked at the bright flames. Devouring the area around the man. Erasing his existence.

It caused her to smirk.

As she turned around to shake her head about the man who thought he was perfect, she thought about it. She meant every word. But more she thought about the technique that held down the man, that was slowly going to be devoured by flames. Her control over Fire release was still not that great. Neither about the barrier technique. Unlike Hisoka, she still needed to latch some chakra before using the handseals. It was annoying, but it proved its worth. She would need to think on how to repay Hisoka for learning her that technique. It was certainly a technique she was beginning to like. Samehada shivered once. The screaming had stopped... But the fire kept devouring.

[Little Alice]

Always there.

A collab between Gerontis and Alice.

- A collab, to honor and remind the past collabs between two characters.

SPOILER: Click to show

No ray of sunlight. No smile of joy. Nothing.

Lilia looked at the field. Her hair was damp from the rain. It didn't happen often, but yes, it was raining in Konohagakure. And the place she stood in was without anybody. Though it wouldn't be strange that nobody was where she was now. Only a very few selected group of people knew this spot. This spot she deemed sacred. Slowly her hand clenched in a fist. A crackle of lightning softly caused some sound. Sighing, Lilia watched the field. Trees hide it away from plain view and one would have to venture through the vegetation if they would want to reach this place. Slowly, Lilia did some steps forward.

''I can do this.... I am not too weak. I can-''

''You're a failure.''

The voices of a very young girl and a man rang through her mind.

Falling on her knees, she clenched her fists. Why? The question kept going through her. Why? Why her? What made it that she had to suffer this all. Blood dripped on the wet grass. Panting, she tried to get up, but collapsed. No. She could do this. Trying to move, she only managed to tremble. The cold rain offered no comfort. Nothing but cold rain drops. ''You're weak. Weak and nothing worth.'' A man with short white hair stood in front of her. He looked with a distasteful look at her. His arms folded in front of his chest, his light grey eyes set on the girl in front of him. ''I won't beat you any further. To beat such a miserable piece of nothing is a waste of time. I will tell you something.

You will become nothing. As you are nothing.

You, Lilia, mean nothing.''

No answer came from the girl. Panting was the only thing she could do at the moment. Panting, shiver and try to move. But unable to move. Unable to speak back. Or was she afraid? Yes, she was. Closing her eyes, she still feared Katsuro would beat her. The words alone caused enough pain. Pain that brought a deep wound in her self. As no answer came, Katsuro spoke again. ''Maybe the cold weather and rain will teach you a lesson, Lilia.'' He scoffed as he turned around. Lilia closed her eyes as she clenched her hands into fists. Why?

Why was she not strong enough?

''You'll get there.''

''When? I want to make yo-''
''Trust me... you'll get there.''

She looked at Hiron. He had a smile on his lips. But this time it didn't made her feel great. It didn't cause the feeling she was worthy of being alive. That she was truly somebody. That the name Lilia had some value. The small girl pouted as she looked at her right hand. A flicker of lightning crackled through the air. Why wasn't she not able to master the jutsu? She was a Hon. Lightning Techniques should be her thing. Why wasn't she not good enough? Why?

Why couldn't she not make Hiron proud?

Lilia knelt by the flowers. The images of her past flowed through her mind. She could see herself. Growing up. Always asking the questions. Why? Even after all these years. She still had no answer. Was it because she couldn't find it? Was it because she wasn't good enough to find them? Her right hand went slowly to her stomach. Her fingers slowly grabbed the cloth of her jacket. Was it because she was cursed? Because she was different now? Or had she been different all her life?

Lilia sighed, sitting down. She didn't care for the rain. For the wet grass or the hail of rain drops. If she was either home or here, she would still not have the answer for her questions. Her eyes half closed, pulling her legs back as she wrapped her arms around them, Lilia looked at the field.

Another memory came back. Her rite of coming of age. Mastering the Running Beast Technique. It had been something new to her, but she had learned and grasped the basic within one go. Hiron and Keiko had been quite happy. But was it worth to be happy about? Here she was. The bandanna on her head reminded her of the victories. Masuba of the Mist, Aiko Cho-Hon, Keiko Moto, Eij-san of the Rain Hiron Hon and so many. They all had been defeated by her. Was she a prodigy? Not at all. A natural talent? At what? Killing people? Winning battles by harming others with grim and powerful techniques? What was there so talented about? Was it a form of art or such then? Lilia laid her head against her knees. The questions made her think again about her life.

She had such fine mentors. Hiroshi Hon, Zakito Hon, Hisoka Uchiha, Kensuke Nimatsu, Tsubasa Kokoro, Hiron Hon, Keiko Moto and Sakamoto Senju to just name a few people who had been helping her time after time to make sure she would grow. That she would be having help. Even trying to help her when it wasn't certain she could do things on her own. Even Matatabi had helped her. If it weren't for him, she never had been able to defeat Masuba. She was aware of that fact. But even with all these things. All these achievements, she was still weak.

Cause she couldn't save Jinkama.

And time for him was running out. What could she do? Why was it even happening? Why? Why had she to lose people she loved and cared for? Kichiro wasn't because she wasn't too weak. Or was it? If she had been better in defending them, who know? Maybe he was still alive then? The old pain surfaced again, causing her lips to curl down. The rain had soaked her, but she didn't move. Neither did she used the Fire chakra training of Jinkama, to warm her body. Let it be cold, she thought. After all, she was too weak.

Too weak to save somebody she saw as her grandfather,
Too weak to make the difference she craved for,
Too weak to erase those words.

Those damned words.

''You're a failure.''

''Shut up... I am not a failure.'' Lilia whispered. She had managed to gain the respect of people. Earned their trust and loyalty. Had came far. Her shouders shook. She was not a failure! No, she wasn't.

''You will become nothing. As you are nothing.''

No, she was something. No, somebody. Tears slowly rolled over her cheeks, her shoulders trembling. Maybe she could.. become somebody worth of value? The pain told her otherwise. The words revealed her true thoughts. But, but what about the words of other people? The praise of Zakito, Kensuke, Hisoka and Keiko? What about the trust of Sakamoto, Aiko, Yumi and the others? Didn't that count for anything? Did it?

''You, Lilia, mean nothing.''''

A nothing. That was what one was when one could become strong, but never strong enough to save people one cared for. What was the point of becoming stronger, to just to fail again? Looking up, she decided to just to cry. Who cared? Nobody. Nothing to care about. Nothing to be seen. Nothing... to be proud of. Crying her heart out, the little girl didn't care. There was simply nothing to take care for.
The rain offered no comforting. It only continued to pour as she sat near the flower bed. A flower bed she loved. Because of her own reasons.

''Of course! Once some old flowers die or vanish, it will give rise to new ones!'' Hiron told her. He was on one knee as he smiled in her direction. With her right thumb in her mouth, the nine year old girl looked at the flower bed. She wanted to pick one up, but she had tried that already. It had stung her thumb. After that, she had sought the protection of Hiron, her guardian as she wasn't sure if flowers were safe anymore. But she had came closer again, underneath the shadow of Hiron.

''W-w-what if powers, powers, powers... powers..'' The girl stuttered. Hiron brought a hand on top of her head as he brought her closer. ''Flowers. Take it easy, little champion.'' He told her as he waited for her to finish her question. The problem with Lilia talking came because she was ordered to be silenced for most part of her life. Some grim training of Katsuro. At least, what he would call it. In his eyes, Hiron's, it was just child abuse. But he was showing patience. Patience and care.

Taking it easier, Lilia spoke again. ''W-W-w-hat if powers...Fowers.. Flowers hurt again?'' She leaned against Hiron. Her small head against his chest as she eyes the plants. One of them had caused her pain, why wouldn't the others do the same?

A silence fell. Lilia's eyes narrowed. They were not longer bright green. No, the bright green and pleasant color had became darker. Darker due the pain, bitterness and sorrow. Pain like she was experiencing now, was something she hated. Despised. Didn't want to feel. She had experienced quite a lot of pain, due battle and grim news. But this feeling. Not able to help somebody like Kichiro, not being able to help somebody like Jinkama.

It was frustrating, scary, painful and made her feel cold. The words of Katsuro almost came up in her mind again.

''Pain will always happen, little champion. Sorry, but its one thing one never can exclude themselves from.'' Hiron said as he wanted to hug the little girl in front of him. Her curiousity for the world was something he loved and found it a bit sad that she was scared of pain. But then, who wasn't?

Lilia looked up, her head up as she eyed the taller man. He was the man that had learned her quite a lot in the time they had spent together. But for the first time she wondered if he was telling the truth. Hiron, the great, as she called him in her mind. She couldn't get it that Hiron didn't had a whole group or groups of friends. He was the best. Looking back at the flowers, she turned and buried her face into his chest as her small hands grabbed some clothing. ''I am sca- sca-.. scared of p-pain.'' The little girl mumbled, ashamed.

A hand was placed around her as Hiron looked down on her. ''So am I. But its what makes people grow. Its fine.'' His calm voice soothed her as she felt how she picked up. Slowly she closed her eyes, her head still against his chest.

''I love you....Hiron...-chan.''

She could feel him near her. Protecting her against pain. Or at least doing his best. He always was there, she would even feel a bit more protected. Wanting to lose herself in the memory, she imagined her burying her face against his chest, trying to make herself smaller. Smaller, so that he could protect her.

''I love you as well, little champion.''

Lilia's eyes shot open as she saw Hiron. He had lifted her up and carried her. He glanced at her, with a smile on his lips. Her eyes widened as she realized that he had found her, during a moment she had broken down a bit. From the stress, pain, frustration and such. He was there.

''I-I...'' Lilia tried to form the words, but she was found speechless. Burying her face against his chest, her shoulders trembled a bit. Feeling no shame, she cried as he carried her.

''It's fine. I am here.

I always be here.

For you.''

[Little Alice]

The Lightning Flash joining the ranks of the Dragon.

A teaching of Jinkama.

A collab between J8cob and Alice,

Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

SPOILER: Click to show

Slowing down, Lilia neared the front gate of the Estate. Dressed in her kunoichi atire, she had tied her hair in a ponytail. Normally she would train at a trainings field or in the training hall of Azumi. But she had came to the Moto Estate for something else. Carrying a bag with fruit, Lilia wondered as she stood in front of the gate. Knocking on it, she hoped that somebody would hear her. Else she would just have to be rude and try to see if it was open.

After a moment, the gate was pulled open by none other than the man she wanted to see. Jinkama Moto stood in the open space now, however he was notably different. His long red hair was now cut very short, much like in his youth. Though, if anything this gave him an older appearance. "Knew it would be you," Jinkama joked, before stepping aside to allow Lilia in. His voice sounded slightly raspy, as if he had been coughing a moment ago, but he appeared just fine. "I was waiting for ya."

Walking inside, Lilia flashed a warm smile in his direction. Once inside, she gave him a hug. ''I can say the same. I have fruit for you!'' She released Jinkama from the hug and then pulled out an apple to show it him. It was a clear reference to something, but Lilia wouldn't say it. ''Besides, nice hair cut... Gramps Jin. I am thinking about dying my hair again.'' Lilia told him, though she was wondering if he had the haircut due the illness.

The older man chuckled with her words and accepted the apple. "All apples, eh?" he questioned, before laughing and taking a bite. "Thanks. Akira thought it would make me look younger and healthier. And let's be honest she's the one in charge." With that, he flashed her a smile. After another bite of the apple, he closed the gate behind Lilia and began walking toward the lake. "What would you dye your hair anyways?" he asked, as casual conversation as the two walked.

''Thinking about taking a more orange kind of color. Maybe a bit like mum's.'' Lilia said, brushing a lock of black dyed hair back, behind her hair. She examined Jinkama and then nodded. ''You look like twenty years younger. Almost make you believe you're fourty.'' She joked, with a cheeky smile. Lilia was however glad that he could eat apples. That meant that he could at least eat something related to apple pie.

Jinkama laughed with her words. "You little smartass," he remarked, shaking his head. "You're learning quite well. Probably because you have the queen of smartasses to help you." The two were now walking alongside the lake, toward its dock. The water sat perfectly still, due to the lack of wind. "Plenty of room on the property, for whatever you want to show me," Jinkama noted, before stopping by the dock. "Here's a little history for ya. Many years ago, the day before Zakito was officially made Hokage, he and I had a little talk right there." With this information, he pointed to the edge of the dock, and looked back to Lilia with a grin.

Looking at the dock, Lilia began to think about something. A little history? That made her think about something she did wanted to discuss with Jinkama. Carefully, she looked at him, as she wasn't sure how he would react to her words. Even the lack of breeze made her aware that it wasn't a normal day. ''Like Dragon Lotus... I wanted to talk about that Gramps Jin.'' Lilia stated in a serious and soft tone. His grin vanished rather quickly, and he turned to face Lilia. "I might be old, but I still know better than to tell you too much, you know," he began to explain. "What is it you want to talk about?"

''Ino-san told me that Uncle San had sent her to watch over me, when I searched for Masuba of the Mist. So I've been thinking ever since our last talk.'' She glanced at the lake, looking as if she was recovering her thoughts about the subject. ''The way you reacted means you're aware of the group. Next to the fact you're part of it. Also..'' She now returned her head to look right at him with a confident stare. ''You're Uncle Z' senpai. Meaning you're a high ranked member, aren't you...Gramps Jin?'' Lilia asked.

Jinkama nodded his head to her words. "That is true, yes. I have been in the organization longer than anyone else. From the beginning, actually," he explained, before smirking slightly. "That makes me kinda old by definition. But things haven't much changed since the start until rather recently." With that, he looked out over the lake. "What do you want to know?"

''...Hiron is also part of the group, isn't he? He has gone on too many missions than Hisoka-sama would have let him.'' She sort of asked Jinkama, before she would answer to his question. ''I want to join. You, Uncle Z and Hiron are part of it. Then it means that it won't some organization that causes evil or is out for itself. I want to learn and.. help you all.'' Lilia told him, being very serious about it.

The old man was quiet for a moment. "If you join... you must know a few things beforehand." Jinkama stooped down now, to ensure he was eye-level with Lilia. "First thing: it is irreversible. We cannot afford to allow any members to leave, as the last time we did that it proved to be too much of a liability. If you are in, you are in for life. Second thing: our enemy is discreet and ruthless. You won't see it coming, and nobody will know who did it. As a jinchuriki, the threat would be worse for you if anyone were to discover you were involved. Which leads to the third thing: you cannot tell a word of what you see, hear, smell, feel, anything to anyone. You cannot let anyone know you are involved, lest you risk not only your own life." With these spoken, Jinkama stood up to full height. "And one last thing... you can be called to operate at any given time. It will have to take priority over anything and everything else. Dragon Lotus isn't a group of people so much as it is a connection. If one is involved, all are. If one is affected... You catch my meaning."

Slowly nodding, she took the words in that Jinkama told her. Thinking for a moment, Lilia looked up to him as she straighten her back. Though she wouldn't be as tall enough to make any kind of such impression on Jinkama. ''It all makes sense to me. Though it's very different, it has similiarities to the way how the ANBU works. But...'' She shook her head. ''I don't have anybody that is very close to me that I have immense feelings for. I know what duty entitles and want to be sure that I can keep those who I care are safe. Even if it costs everything I can give. Such as my own life.'' Lilia told him, slowly clenching her right hand into a fist.

Jinkama looked her in the eyes. His irises were violet now. "Don't be in such a rush to throw your life away. It is the ones that are rushing that succeed in doing so..." With that, Jinkama began walking onto the dock, motioning Lilia to follow. "One last thing. This time, the actual last thing. I want to make sure that if you want in, you really are willing to serve... We do not know our enemy. All we can do right now is keep them from knowing us. We know they exist, but have yet to succeed in identifying them. As such... once you are in... you can no longer trust anyone." Once at the end of the dock, Jinkama turned around to face Lilia again.

Following Jinkama, Lilia wondered about it. That meant that she couldn't trust anybody anymore. She knew Zakito, Jinkama and Hiron were part of the Dragon Lotus. She could trust them or could she? Ino was also part of the group. But his words made her wonder. As he turned around, Lilia frowned in his direction. ''I understand, which means that it is true that I can't trust you anymore. Ain't that right?'' She asked him, half to give him the idea she understood the meaning of his words to also try to get an answer.

"Well, I can say that you can trust me... But the worry is that I might not be me, if you catch my drift," Jinkama explained. "It wouldn't be the first time we've had an imposter among us. Or a double-agent, though we have taken measures to prevent that from happening ever again. My point is that there is danger in every step. If you get identified, and you might not even know you've been identified, you are vulnerable. No amount of preparation can stop a skilled assassin, as they say. So secrecy must be maintained. At all costs." Jinkama stopped and took a deep breath and sighed. "If this isn't too much for you... I can mark you."

''Gramps Jin, I understand it, but isn't the life of a kunoichi not the same? I life every day with the danger of that my life might end. I carry something inside me that is deadlier than any kind of assassin people can send me.'' For a moment Lilia sounded bitter as she glanced at the lake. Being silent for a moment, she spoke again. But on a softer tone again. ''It's already a known fact within Konohagakure, among most, of what resides in me. But that doesn't stop me from trying to protect those who I hold dear. It even motivates me.'' Looking back at Jinkama with a very serious glance, she nodded. ''It's is never too much if I can do something to ensure that peace can still exist. If that means that I can provide a helping hand. One that people will never see or know about.''

Jinkama looked into Lilia's eyes with her words, deciphering for himself how serious she is. "If you truly feel that way... I must warn you the sealing will hurt a bit," he replied, before breaking into a coughing fit. After recomposing himself, he stood upright and looked over the lake. "It seems almost like an irony, ya know... You and I are talking pretty similar to Zakito and I were back then. Standing in the same spots, too." After that remark to lighten the mood, Jinkama looked back at Lilia. "Only you're younger than he was and I'm far older than I was." For the first time in a few minutes, Jinkama flashed her a smile.

Seeing him cough made her look worried again. Then as she noticed his flash, something sparked inside Lilia. ''Then I think I could say...'' Her smile grew. ''That you not only met Four Hokages, but Five. I promise that I will keep on my path.'' She told him as she realized that he might had asked the same questions to Zakito when the latter had been recruited. A kind of strange feeling passed through the young girl. If she was standng on the same spot as Zakito had, prior of becoming the Third Hokage, who knew? It was a funny thought. ''I'm ready Gramps Jin. If it is a little pain, in exchange of making myself useful, then so be it. I will carry it with pride.''

The older man chuckled with her enthusiasm. "As a word of warning, the Seal will go on your back. So make sure to keep it concealed," Jinkama informed her, before closing his eyes and making several handseals. "I should also note that you probably shouldn't let Keiko find out about this. And if you do... it wasn't me." Jinkama held his hand up and motioned for Lilia to turn around. "Don't tell Zakito I said this... but he cried for his sealing," Jinkama lied, suppressing his laughter. In his head, he hoped the reverse psychology would make her ask Zakito later. A conversation that would surely be hilarious from any angle.

The fact the seal would go on her back was something she was okay with, but when she heard that Zakito had cried, Lilia seemed to waver for a brief second. But Jinkama was already forming the handseals. Biting her lower lip, she just braced herself as she turned her back to him. Trying to keep breathing in a calm manner, the young girl clenched her fists together, expecting a lot of pain.

With surprising speed, Jinkama slammed his open palm forward, aimed just beneath Lilia's left shoulder. Though his hand didn't impact Lilia with much force at all, despite the speed of the motion. However, beneath his hand, under Lilia's clothes, the Dragon Seal quickly began to form. The process lasted a few seconds, of which Lilia would feel a stinging sensation but nothing more than that. Once it was done, Jinkama removed his hand from her back and took a step back. A smirk was clearly visible on his face. "Wasn't so bad, yeah?"

Still holding her eyes closes, biting on her lower lip and clenching her hands into fists, she heard Jinkama's words. Was it then already over? ''Huh? What do you mean, Gramps Jin?'' She turned to look at him, a puzzling look on her face. His words made her think it was already over, but she had only felt a little bit of pain. A little sting. Nothing that she had expected. ''Did you truly placed it on my back?'' She asked, looked over her shoulder, not sure if he was joking around.

Her reaction was expected, and Jinkama began chuckling. "Yes, you've been sealed. You are now officially a part of Dragon Lotus," he told her, the smirk still on his face. "Be thankful it was me that did the sealing. Zakito's is more... violent. But he's younger so I can't blame him." His practical joke worked perfectly, and he shook his head to help keep from bursting out in laughter. "You've now officially made the same mistake all of us have," he joked again, before giving Lilia a pat on the shoulder.

''If that is helping others than myself, then I happily keep making that mistake.'' She smiled back. It felt good to know she was part of something that was meant to keep the balance and peace in the world. Even with the fact that the Dragon Lotus was above Konohagakure, she was worried about something else. If Keiko would find out. Lilia already could imagine how that would turn out and it wouldn't be nice. Not at all.

"That's the spirit," Jinkama explained, before coughing several times. Once he recomposed himself, his demeanor suddenly became serious again. "I'll give you a brief overview of some important things you need to know immediately, including some ground rules. For starters, you are to never, never refer to any other members by name to anyone else in context. You don't talk about Zakito, me, Ino, Hiron, nobody unless the conversation is about them outside of Dragon Lotus. No insinuations, no hints. Don't even think about other members as other members and you'll do just fine." Jinkama lowered himself to look Lilia in the eyes at her level now. "No written communications with other members. As well, always ensure you aren't being tailed or listened in on. This is a basic one so I imagine I don't have to go into detail. Once you learn the techniques of Dragon Lotus, no using them in the presence of anyone not a member. Period. If anyone discovers your identity, through choice or by accident, you report it to another member and we'll determine what to do about it and whether we're still safe or not. Got it so far?"

Nodding slowly, Lilia memorized the words of Jinkama inside her head. The secrecy was one she could follow, but it made her wonder. Who were their enemies? Who ever they were, they were likely powerful enough to drive the Dragon Lotus group into such counter measures if they had such rules. It made her wonder if she would be of any use if it turned out she wasn't strong enough to help out. ''Gramps Jin, I understand it. But can't you give me a hint about the enemy?'' She decided to ask him, frowning a little bit.

Jinkama frowned a bit. "That was actually going to be my next point. We have several enemies, most of which we have not identified yet. We only know they exist as acts intended to undermine our efforts are still occuring. This leads us to conclude that someone knows we exist and also opposes us. However, we do know for certain of one enemy," Jinkama explained. He looked at Lilia for a moment, before continuing. "I think you accidentally met her before. The former member I spoke of earlier. Though she has made no threats or actions against us yet, her presence and detailed knowledge of our group leads us to assume her to be hostile. As well, she had attempted to kill Zakito once before and informed him later that if she saw fit, she would enter our hideouts to use our archives." Jinkama waited for a reaction, mainly to see how she would take the information that this woman tried to end Zakito.

Frowning, Lilia was pondering. Zakito was a very powerful nin, she had seen him fight with her own two eyes. To know somebody could match him, even be a threat to him wasn't a very happy kind of thought. ''Why don't we oppose this enemy then? If she is that much of a threat, the sooner she is cold, the better, no?'' Lilia asked, though suspecting there was a good reason for why this enemy wasn't dead yet. If the woman was a match against Zakito, it meant she was on Kage level. Not an enemy she would like to face against most likely.

The older man shook his head. "It isn't that simple," he said, his voice sounding rather disappointed. "Her name is Rika Suzu. If it rings a bell, that's because she is of the Suzu clan, from the Land of Water. Last of her kind, to be precise. They were all a very powerful people. The hardest fight of my life was against a Suzu, her uncle to be precise..." With that brief bit of background out of the way, Jinkama looked Lilia in the eyes again. "The main reason we have not made any attempts to end her is because of that power. It would require a lot of our manpower to do this. Though, lately, it has become even more difficult because... She is now the Mizukage, and a popular one at that."

So the Mizukage? Lilia took the information in as she began to think further. It would lead to a lot of political problems if the Dragon Lotus would end the life of a Kage. She could understand it wouldn't be a problem if it was somebody that had less public attention. Then something surprised her as she frowned in Jinkama's direction again. ''Why not try to ambush or such methods? Nobody can stay on watch all the time. Or keep watch of her until the moments..... Sorry, I was about to ramble.'' Lilia stoped. Both Jinkama and Zakito were people that were smart enough to think and lead a big amount of people. They likely ad already thought about options to face this threat on their own.

Jinkama hesitated a moment. Though, his hesitation seemed if anything to be out of pride. "A long time ago, the Suzu clan were infamous for their power. One man from that clan was considered to be as powerful as a hundred other shinobi. In general, their harsh pracitices and views on life led them to almost breed to produce powerful shinobi. Most were considered S ranked before officially becoming jonin. As much as it pains me to say it... Ambushing that woman just isn't a viable option," Jinkama informed her, looking away almost in shame. "While she has made no effort to undermine us or threaten us, we cannot do anything about her existence. Even if she does something... it will be a difficult situation to handle and one that Zakito and I have been working on for the past month. Basically, all I have to tell you about her..." He brought his eyes back to Lilia. "Assume she knows you, assume she hates you, and avoid her if the situation ever presents itself that you are in her presence. She isn't threatening to look at, and I almost pity her, but any attacks on her will not end well for anyone. Understand?"

''Understood, Gramps Jin- sir!'' Lilia told him on a serious tone. She couldn't but wonder about the abilities about this dangerous enemy, but Jinkama was clear about it. If Jinkama and Zakito combined had so much trouble with her, Lilia knew better then to even think about trying such a person. Deciding to shift it subtly to another subject, Lilia smiled in his direction. ''I still need to show you 'progress'. '' She told him, a glint appearing in her eyes as she finished her sentence.

The glint in her eyes made Jinkama smirk. And this was a much better alternative than admitting he wasn't powerful enough to handle all of life's problems. Standing upright, he motioned across the lake. "Well, you have all the room in the world. Try not to send anything over the walls. I don't own any property outside them," he told her, a smile on his face now. His irises shifted from purple to green now, the first color change in a while.

Nodding, she turned towards the lake as she focused. It wasn't perfected yet, but the basic was there. Weaving the handseals, Lilia felt the strong element in her stomach rumble. She knew better than to think it really came out of her stomach. Instead of the usual speed she performd handsignals, Lilia did it in a rather slow one. Dog, Boar, Ox, Serpent, Rat and ending in Tiger. Holding the last handseal, she took a deep breath before breathing out. And she breathed out, a column of blue fire spread out of the water, evoparting the water. The hissing sound and the amount of steam would show the heat that would come of from the flames, causing rimples over the water surfaces, as if someting heavy had landed in the water. After her performance, she curiously looked in the direction of Jinkama.

The older man was certainly impressed. He had never seen blue flames before, of all the unique styles he has seen in his lifetime. "Well that is interesting," he noted, before leaning a bit to the side to get a better view of the water. Now he was curious what the extent of this new fire style Lilia had was. He looked back toward the house for a moment and paused silently. No noise was made during his pause, creating an eerie silence. Then, rather quickly, he turned to face Lilia with a big smirk on his face. "Let's see what you can do, shall we?" Without warning, Jinkama made a rapid series of handseals and jumped backwards, with impressive speed considering he was allegedly bedridden, and brought his hand to his mouth. A fireball was rapidly formed and launched at the dock Lilia was still on, though if Lilia retained any memories well this fireball wasn't as big as his usual ones. Not to say it wasn't of impressive size regardless.

Lilia wanted to object, but she noticed that Jinkama began to form handseals. Not the lesser in speed when it came to handseals, Lilia narrowed her eyes. With the fireball coming towards her, she aimed at the center. Spitting out the column of blue fire towards the regular fire ball, she wondered if it would be strong enough. But the heat of the blue fire would 'consume' that of the fireball. As she noticed that it would happen, Lilia stopped her technique, wanting to warn Jinkama that he should move, but she noticed she was panicking too much. Something blocked her throat as she looked with a panicked look on her face.

Jinkama smirked as he saw her fire technique overpower his. However, he quickly saw that the blue flames were approaching dangerously close. Perhaps Lilia didn't quite have total control over this yet. His expression faded slightly as he skipped backwards somewhat, distancing himself from the blue flames enough to perform another set of handseals. This time, he brought his foot down hard when he landed. Immediately, a wall of earth jutted from the ground, easily a meter thick, to confront the flames. The blue fire crashed into the wall, and before it could even die down on its own, another layer of earth jutted from the wall to create a ceiling and two more walls. He boxed the flames in. With that done, to keep them from going around and spreading, the earth set itself to normal once the flames died off. "That was a bit unexpected," Jinkama remarked jokingly, before going into a coughing fit. Once he recovered, he walked back to Lilia. "I'm going to guess you didn't mean to give it that much oomph, yeah?"

Seeing he was doing okay, she sighed relieved. Though she was feeling a bit proud that she had surprised and likely impressed him, Lilia wasn't happy. ''Not really, considering your... Gramps Jin Jin, you should take it easier. Granny Moto and the others will kill me if they noticed this.'' Lilia told him, on a worried tone. She was glad to see that her Blue Fire Technique could overwhelm another Fire jutsu like that, but not at the cost of Jinkama's health. Besides, she really hoped that neither Akira or Keiko had spotted this. The thought of either of them being angry at her, made her already flinch.

He approached her and started laughing. "You'll be fine. It'd be me that would get in trouble... Oh, and here is some advice that I probably should've given Keiko when she was younger too," Jinkama began, before suddenly having an idea. He leaned in close to Lilia now. "When you are older, and have yourself a husband and family and whatnot... don't force your husband to eat only vegetables and fruits. Just don't. Trust me, it is great advice." With that, he busted out laughing and gave Lilia her personal space again. "But really, I am impressed with that technique. How long have you been working on it?"

Scoffing, Lilia acted like she was offended. ''Like if I am interested in a husband. I have my goal and career in front of me.'' She couldn't help but to smile after he finished. His second question was met with even a bigger smile as she giggled. ''For quite some time. When you taught me to use basic Fire Release, I began to experiment. You know, I always get a little burning sensation when I use Fire Release. So when I started to experiment of letting Mata-sama's chakra to flow in the regular fire, it turned out I can replicate his unique fire. Though it isn't no that finished.'' She explained to him.

Jinkama nodded several times in comprehension as Lilia spoke. "I bet Keiko would be really interested in seeing that. Once she's had her child, she can probably help you even further with your fire techniques," Jinkama mentioned, before chuckling. "Or she'll get jealous. Who knows?" With that, Jinkama started coughing again. When he finished, he looked at the hand he covered his mouth with and frowned. "I guess I haven't seen Chang in a while..." he mumbled to himself, before flicking his wrist in a rapid motion. Undoubtedly, Lilia would notice the blood fling from his hand. But surprisingly, Jinkama didn't seem to be bothered by it. "Anyways, that is quite powerful. You might want to focus on control before going for even more power. Next time you use it, there might be more trees or buildings or such in the area." He flashed Lilia a grin with his last words.

Flashing a smile back, Lilia had noticed the blood. It brought up a sick feeling as if she had eaten something wrong. Though Jinkama acted nothing was wrong, she turned a bit pale. ''I was planning... surprising mom with it.'' Lilia told him with a pause in her sentence. She tried to keep up her smile, while nodding as he advised to first focus on control before going for more power. Something that sounded reasonable to her. ''Gramps Jin... Is there nothing...'' Lilia began on a hushed tone.

Jinkama frowned with her words. Quietly, he leaned forward, to bring himself about eye level with Lilia again. "Look at it this way..." he began, his voice serious and equally hushed as Lilia was. "Everybody dies. I have outlived many friends and loved ones, Lilia. I have seen many different ways to die. I am blessed with the opportunity to pass on in the company of those I love. Something that nobody thinks about, but not many people get that luxury." With that, he moved back a little but maintained altitude. "I would much rather go out like this than in a way where my family never gets the sort of conclusion that comes with witnessing it. It's a burden on those that survive me, but I can guarantee from my own experiences that everyone will come to see what I see right now." With his little speech over, he stood up straight. "And let's not be too hasty. If I keep up my current behavior, Akira will kill me first." He flashed Lilia a grin now, before quickly looking over his shoulder at the house to once again check if he was being spied on by his wife.

Lowering her head, she wouldn't cry. She had done that already enough, alone when she had thought about Jinkama's fate. Though his words soften the pain, it didn't made it go away. It was still a scary and painful thought that he would soon be gone. She saw him as her grandfather, but they barely had know each other longer than for two years. Looking up, she noticed his grin and then suddenly puffed her cheeks. ''What if I will tell Granny Moto about this? What do you offer for my silence?'' She told him, on a serious tone though she was joking.

At first, he started chuckling. Then he began laughing. For some reason, he got an absolute kick out of Lilia's words. "Oh gosh. Well... ha... I guess I'm fucked," he joked, wiping a tear from his eye. After settling himself down, he looked up at Lilia with a cocky smirk. "I could you give a little lesson on your new seal, if that will keep you quiet?" he told her, a seemingly devilish smirk on his face. A suspicious one, for sure.

Thinking about it, Lilia giggled before revealing a smug. ''That might work. What is it then?'' She asked him on a hushed tone, as if they weren't alone. The words and information that Jinkama had told her before were still fresh in her mind and she wasn't planning on letting his trust in her down. It made her wonder a bit about something, but she decided to ask the question later as for now she was curious on what he would teach her.

"Your seal now allows us to keep track of your location, and if we have to we can communicate with you telepathically," Jinkama informed her, tapping the side of his head for emphasis on the telepathy. "However, there is even more to it. It can also be used a method of control for some of the more advanced members." He gave Lilia a sly grin before the seal on her back suddenly began to burn. Intensely and to the degree of near paralysis. However, this lasted for only a full second before halting. "I imagine it won't have to be used on you often. But just remember: I've been around the longest and can do the most with the seal." Though his words almost seemed threatening, his tone was rather joking and he even gave Lilia a wink.

The pain made her flinch. It was just when Matatabi's chakra had went through her system when she had lost control, due her emotions. Panting, she tried to keep standing on her feet as she listened to Jinkama. Recovering from it, she had heard every word of him. ''That means over time, I can control others with my Seal? Or is it more complex than that?'' She asked, though already figuring that the developer of such a powerful seal and technique would have that problem likely in mind. It did intrigued Lilia as she wondered about it. ''Who made this technique? It sounds highly advanced..''

Jinkama decided to answer her most recent question first. "It was designed solely by my sensei, Daisuke Uchiha. You might recognize the name as the Second Hokage," Jinkama explained, a smile forming on his lips as he remembered his old mentor. "It's slightly more complex than that. Using it on others comes with both time and practice. For example, while Zakito can use it on me, he can't use it on me to the degree I can punish him with it. In other words: it doesn't go up the ladder very well." Jinkama shook his head a few times. "So once you figure out how to use it, go ahead and try it on others. If anything, it will be funny at first."

The thought she had a seal of the Dragon of Konohagakure made her shiver. It was a shiver of excitment. The man had so many stories and achievements. And never came up to her to combine the nickname of Daisuke Uchiha with the Dragon Lotus. However, as he told her that she could expand her control on other, she had an interesting thought about it. ''So in theory, I use my own chakra to activate somebody's Seal and punish them with it?'' She decided to ask, carefully as she kept wondering on it.

The older man coughed, and then smirked. "Not for a good while you can't. And it won't really work on your equals or superiors once you can," Jinkama explained. "Remember, this seal was designed to keep Daisuke in control. Though he has been dead quite some time, the same principle applies for the other higher-ups like myself." He placed his hands behind his head and looked up at the sky. "But right now, the main purpose of the seal is for us to keep you safe while you're stil learning the ropes."

A frown appeared on her face. To keep her safe? She could understand that they had an unknown enemy, but it was strange. To keep them more in place, he would mean. ''You're keeping us safe with punishing us? How is that suppose to work?'' She asked him, wondering what he would mean with that. She could understand the idea, but it was just too vague for her now.

Jinkama chuckled with her words. "No no no. The punishment is for training. But what the seal also does is allows us to know your exact location," Jinkama began, still grinning. "We can determine the exact location of everyone marked by the Dragon Seal. No way to hide it, no way for it to vanish. In the instance something happens, we can find where you are in a heartbeat and plan accordingly. The seal will only go away if it is removed by someone very strong with seals, someone familiar with this like me... or if you die. Aside from those conditions, I can find your exact location at any time. That is the safety part."

Now that made more sense, but Lilia wondered about how that worked. There were so many questions that rose in her mind. Questions that she wanted to ask, but she knew that Jinkama would need to go inside and rest out soon. Lilia took one of his hand as she began to lead him back to the Estate. ''I think I get the idea. Does Granny Moto knows of this?'' Lilia asked, the question finally out of her as she had wondered about it, glancing with a serious look in his direction. It was something she would need to know in order to think about trust.

"Akira does know, in a way," Jinkama began as they walked. "For starters, I'm going to say right now it can be difficult keeping information like that hidden from loved ones. But I was blessed. She knows of Dragon Lotus, and that both Zakito and I are in it, but she has taken it upon herself to know not a thing more than that. She doesn't ask questions, she doesn't even want to know. I imagine she will soon learn that Katsuko and you are in it, though I'm curious how long that will take. Regardless, she is a very tempered woman. When she found out of my involvement, all she cared was that I would still be able to come home for dinner." With that, he chuckled to himself. By now, the two were at the house, and Jinkama paused a moment to stretch his back. "And by the way, I'm getting old."

''And we just confirmed you look like you just had entered your forties!'' Lilia teased him. But it was good to know that Akira Moto was aware of it. At least somebody that she could trust. Even though Jinkama's words made an impact on her. She couldn't trust nobody. Well, nobody on the outside. Matatabi wouldn't or couldn't sell her out. Neither did he had anything to gain with it. ''Is it okay if I later mom about it... I know her opinion on it, but... I don't want to keep too many secrets for her..'' Lilia asked on a hushed tone, as she was afraid Keiko would pop out of nowhere. Though Lilia remembered she had done that before, during the Hon siege.

Jinkama suddenly seemed serious and hushed as well. "If I were you, I wouldn't tell her," Jinkama explained. "I'm sure you know how she can get when she's angry. She feels that Dragon Lotus is only going to be able to betray her. I bet when she found out about my involvement, Akira didn't hear the end of it. Though I don't think it's dangerous or she isn't trustworthy... It's just that this is the kind of news you want to keep from her as long as humanly possible." After that, Jinkama chuckled a bit. "I'll let you decide on that one. Keep in mind she knows of several others and hasn't killed any of us, so you'd probably be safe."

Nodding, Lilia squeezed softly in his hand. ''Thank you Gramps Jin Jin.'' She told him on the same hushed tone as they went to the Estate. Lilia smiled as she looked up to him again. ''Besides, I never had an argument with mom before or having her angry on me. Think she won't be able to really get angry at me.'' Lilia said with a big smile as she thought about it. Keiko would maybe accept it if Lilia would join the group. Though she was taking in mind how Keiko could react. Probably it was better if she wouldn't tell Keiko it right away.

"You're probably the only one then," Jinkama noted, before laughing. Talking about it brought back memories of long ago, when Keiko was just a little girl. She always was an aggressive one, even before her parents died if he could recall correctly. Shaking his head with a smile on his face, Jinkama then turned to Lilia. "Anyways, now that you're in, we'll be testing you periodically. And before you ask, I cannot tell you what we will be testing you on or when. Or how long it will take. Just be thankful I'm polite enough to give you a little warning. If I recall correctly, Zakito didn't give Hiron any warning and I know I didn't warn Katsuko. Hehehe..."

''I'm used to grim trainings, Grams Jin. Besides, I will do my best and give it my all.'' She told him. Though she was a bit worried. Both Katsuko and Hiron were more than capable nin. Though if they had managed to get through it, why couldn't she? No, she would do her best. ''Though, I have another qeustion.'' Lilia said. ''If I recall it coreectly... Most members I have met before, are all missing nin. Is everybody outside Konohagakure that is a member, a missing nin?'' She wondered.

The two were standing right outside the house at this point. Jinkama paused a moment to think, but the moment was rather brief. "It would almost seem that way. The reason is that we need loyalty. And missing-nin typically don't have a loyalty beforehand so recruiting them is safer and easier," Jinkama explained, though now he was wondering who else Lilia has met that he didn't know about. "But not all of our non-Konoha members are missing-nin. We have friends in some high places. And some low places. We've got a web of influence, so to speak."

Her thoughts went to Ino, but she wondered who more were members. Lilia simple took in the advice of Jinkama. He knew what he was talking about. After all, he had been in it for way longer than she had been. It was just a bit worriesome. She had been hunting some missing nin and what if they were members of the Dragon Lotus? Deciding to ask it, as the last question, Lilia opened her mouth. ''What if I kill another member by accident?''

"That is... unlikely," Jinkama remarked, before chuckling. "Odds are once you're fully initiated, you'll have a good enough understanding of your comrades to be able to identify them. You might not meet them all, because we don't hold any monthly meetings or whatever, but you'll develop an instinct I guess." Jinkama looked at the door before looking back at Lilia. "You'll learn the names of your fellow agents, but you won't learn about any of our spies. It's a complex system, but you don't really want to know them anyways."

Nodding, Lilia thought about it. It wasn't an overload of information. But it was important information. She wanted to think and mesmerize it. Now she was part of it as well, thus following a bit in the footsteps of her adopted grandfather. It was both a thrill as something serious. The serious expression on Lilia's face changed. Taking the hand of Jinkama, she smiled towards him. ''I will remember it. And I will make you proud as well, Gramps Jin Jin. Promised.''

The older man chuckled with her words. "Don't bother with making me proud," he said, flashing Lilia a smile. He didn't elaborate, but figured she would catch the meaning. That it was inevitable she would. "For now, just smile and pretend this talk never happened. I really don't need Keiko getting mad at me right now. Jinkama laughed at his own words before opening the door and offering Lilia initial entry.

Entering, she nodded. Keiko wouldn't likely like this, but maybe later she could? But she wouldn't sell out Jinkama. A light shiver went over her back. It reminded her of that she was part of the the organization. Though she had more questions, she wouldn't bother Jinkama with it. ''What did you think of the Blue Fire? Like it?'' Lilia asked, with a curious tone and look in her eyes.

The two walked through the hallway toward the living room. Jinkama took a moment to think of how to respond. "It seems powerful, but your control isn't quite where it should be to maximize it's potential. Just having destructive force isn't enough. Controlled destructive force, however..." The two were in the living room. The house was eerily quiet, which led Jinkama to believe that either Katsuko or Hana wasn't home. For if the both of them were here, it would be noisy upstairs. Mostly yelling. "Keiko actually had the same problem when she was a little girl. She had the idea in her head that more destructive power led to more potential. Took her a good while before she came to understand that controlling her flames worked better."

It sounded like what Hiron once told her about Lightning Release. More didn't always meant stronger. It was thus like how the technique Sparkle worked. More lightning wouldn't mean that it would have more piercing power. It just meant she would become quicker exhausted. ''I have learned that lesson already. But its hard to control it. My chakra control is already good, in my opinion, but it just.'' Lilia flailed her arms in the air, as an annoyed gesture. ''Its even more stubborn than regular fire. Though it reminds me of...'' She felt silenced as she thought about the Beast that made it possible for her to use such an advanced Fire Release. Glancing at Jinkama, Lilia asked something else. ''Do you think its possible that a jinchuriki will be selected as .. Hokage? I mean...'' The thought about Matatabi brought the doubt she had these past weeks up again.

"Personally, I don't see how it would make much of a difference," Jinkama remarked as the two entered the living room. Jinkama took a seat in his chair, and immediately made an expression of distaste. He can tell someone had been sitting in it that wasn't him. He quickly shook his head and redirected his attention back to Lilia. "It's not what's inside a person that defines who they are. It's what they do that defines them." He flashed her a smirk now, before looking over his shoulder at the door to the kitchen. It seemed Akira wasn't in there.

Sitting in a chair as well, Lilia thought about it. It made sense, like it always did. Okay, most of the time did with Jinkama. But it didn't erase the doubt. It just pushed it back, into the back of her mind. Likely to slumber until it saw a chance to trouble her again. Then she decided to throw it on a whole other subject. ''I also asked it because... Some people tend to show fear for me. I know that I shouldn't be bothered with it and just continue, but..'' Though it wasn't a suitable subject to talk with Jinkama about, she knew that if she wouldn't do it, who said she could ever talk with him about it. After all, she would want to know what his opinion was. To a certain degree.

''I am too scared of that boys won't like me. In the future.'' Lilia mumbled, ducking her head as her cheeks flushed a bit red. Jinkama was a bit surprised by her last remark. In fact, he was completely caught off-guard. "Uh..." he stuttered for a second, trying to formulate a response. This would be the sort of thing Akira would be better at, but that isn't an option here. He thought about treating her as if she was more like Katsuko, but figured that would go horribly. "Well, look at it this way..." he began, starting off slowly but gaining his normal talking speed quickly. "If they are afraid of you, are they really worth your time? If they like you and respect you, you give them attention. If not, you don't. And besides... you aren't scary anyways. His tone changed now. It was evident he was about to tease her a bit.

"You're just a cute girl that wants to be Hokage one day. What's so scary about that?"

''The fact I am stronger than them. Won't that scare them off?'' She asked back. Though she agreed that everybody that wanted to bond with her, because they were afraid of her, was just a waste of time, she found it a bit painful. She wanted to become respected and loved. Not feared like she was some dreaded person. ''And am I cute? How so?'' Lilia asked, a bit surprised. Though she was asking that, to tease her grandfather back.

It seemed she wasn't going to make this easy. "The way you talk versus the way you look," Jinkama said, with a smirk on his face. "You have tough talk but don't look like you can back it up. In my opinion, that kinda backfires on the impression scale..." With that, he chuckled to himself. After calming down, he continued in all seriousness. "You probably are stronger than a lot of boys, but you can probably use that to your advantage. You see, if they're interested, they'll try to impress you. They might not even know they're doing it. So if you set the bar high..." he explained, intentionally trailing off to see if Lilia could finish the sentence.

''Then I can have some fun on my own.'' She said, with a growing smirk on her lips. It caused her to ease on the subject. Maybe it would be fun to see boys trying to do that. Of course things she found easy to do, which were hard for others. Giggling, Lilia responded once more. ''But what about mom- Keiko? How was she when she was mine age?'' Lilia asked.

"Oh lord, I'm gonna get a headache if I think about that," Jinkama joked. He briefly contemplated whether he should tell her the full truth about Keiko or just summarize it. He'd start by summarizing it. "She was the opposite of a role model, let me tell you," he began, chuckling again. "She's much better now, but picture this: Keiko as she is now, only ten times angrier, ten times more of an alcoholic, and having no respect for anybody. And that was Keiko Moto when she was about your age. Or rather, at your age was the start of that." Jinkama relished in the memories. A lot of them were bad ones, but he cherished them nonetheless.

That made an uneasy picture or imagine about the one she called her mother right now. Lilia wondered if she was like that, but she had respect for people. Those who had rightfully earned it. That and Lilia drank no alcohol. It made her wonder. Both Hiron as Keiko were heavy drinkers, but she never was intrested in trying it. ''Do you think that Hiron-chan or mom will get mad if I try some.. alcohol?'' Lilia asked, carefully as if she was already asking one of the two the question already. Also making it clear what she thought the answer would be.

Jinkama frowned at this question. "I don't know about Hiron, but Keiko would definitely be upset. She learned her lesson long ago and would want to keep you from learning the hard way. I can assume Hiron would feel the same way," Jinkama explained. He wanted to add that he would be disappointed, but that wasn't the question. And besides, his expression probably gave that away as well. "I can tell you myself: alcohol isn't all that cracked up. Just another vice someone developed to make money off of. You get addicted and then problems happen. I mean, a drink once in a while doesn't hurt, but at your age you'd best be celebrating something for that." He chuckled a bit at the end, to lighten the mood.

Seeing her respect and admiration for Jinkama, Lilia took his answer and decided that it was like she had expected. Nothing too fancy she was missing. Maybe it caused Keiko to be nagging often? Or Hiron to be serious and distant towards other people? Though she knew better than to try to keep them both from drinking. Though she had managed to both defeat both in single combat, she wasn't keen on the idea of getting them mad on her. ''Sounds like a waste of money then. Though, I do wonder. Sorry if I keep asking all kinds of questions, Gramps Jin, but...'' Lilia leaned forward. A playful smile came on her lips as she then asked the question.

''But I was thinking. What if I would make a new tradition? I had in mind for some time.'' She told him. The idea of traditions brought many memories back of his youth. Mainly to how he fought his father and how Katsuko fights him. Perhaps that was a tradition of this family? Combat? The thought made him chuckle, but he looked back to Lilia quickly enough. "What kind of tradition would you be thinking about? Coming from a clan myself, I too know some traditions. And likewise you're probably familiar with some yourself. What do you want to change?"

''The Hokage Mountain.'' Lilia said. The smile on her lips grew. On purpose she paused a moment. ''A mountain filled with all kind of faces isn't very ideal. I mean, it can support around some more faces, before it will become too crowded. Instead, I was thinking. Why not create a tomb? Like, creating there some statues and report the deeds of the Kages there?'' Lilia suggested. ''That way, you see more than just a face. Next to the fact, the Academy can create groups of students to go on a trip towards this tomb within the mountain to see who their past Hokages were. In full person, instead of just a face on a landsmark.''

Jinkama thought about this for a second. "But you see... the monument looks over Konoha," Jinkama began, looking out the window toward Konoha. Though it was too far to see, he knew which direction it was. "It symbolizes that they will always be watching over us, even after death. Adding another site sounds like a good idea, but the symbolism must remain in my opinion." Jinkama thought about it for a second. "I think a good idea would be to have the statue idea, but just wanted to remind you of why the faces are there." With that, Jinkama looked back to Lilia.

She nodded. ''I know, but it would lose its meaning if the whole mountain would be ful of faces. Maybe it would be best if there would become some place where its made public and then the tomb as the final resting place. Of the heroes of Konoha?'' She stopped. It was more than clear where she was going with her last suggestion as she ducked her head a bit, again.

The older man didn't respond quickly. There was a moment of silence between the two, and it wasn't a brief moment either. But Jinkama eventually spoke up. "I guess the idea is solid," he said, rather simply. Before he could continue, there was a commotion upstairs. Evidently his son was home. Ignoring the noise, Jinkama returned his attention to Lilia. "But you'll need more than just my approval for that plan. I'm not the one in charge of that sort of thing. I think you'd need to talk to Zakito or, even better, Hisoka."

''Gramps Jin..'' Lilia began. She wanted to tell him she was looking for his opinion. True, Zakito and Hisoka were very important. But they could be asked another time. She wasn't losing them to something she hated. Something she despised. A brief moment, she felt the cold, pure rage and anger boiling up. But she cooled it down. For now. ''I want your opinion, cause you're just as imporant as they are. To me.'' She told him back.

He paused again. "I know what we're talking about here," Jinkama said, rather bluntly. "And to be honest, it has been something that has been on my mind. For years. I guess... yeah. Yeah, I like the idea." He had to think about it a little bit. He didn't have any plans set in stone, but he knew he needed to. And the idea was good, but Jinkama's humility was holding him back. He didn't want to be paraded like a hero because he didn't feel he was one. Not yet. "I support the plan."

Lilia's smile returned. ''That is all I want to know and hear. If you want it or not. And... '' Her cheeks flushed red again. It was the second time she ever was going to say it. Actually, the first time was combined with another sentence. But she felt a bit shy, admitting something she was about to reveal.

''Gramps Jin, I think you're a hero.''

The line was said with a soft tone as she ducked her a bit. The first time, she had also said she loved Hiron, but it was evident she loved Jinkama. And she wanted to make sure he knew about it. Even hearing it.

Jinkama paused after her words. It seemed that she was full of ideas that required Jinkama to think a moment. "I don't think I'm a hero," he responded, but not so seriously. A smile was on his face. "I have met several heroes in my time, and having compared myself to them I don't think I'm up to it. Sure, I'm not kidding myself here but I was one of the most powerful shinobi in the world, and I have many accomplishments in my name. But a hero is more than that." Once again, there was some noise upstairs, but it died down quickly. "I got very good at killing people, Lilia. Hundreds, maybe even thousands in my time. Being a hero isn't just having the capability to accomplish something, but also being able to not accomplish certain things."

She had wondered about that. Many people had told her she was a progidy. But one that was talented in ending lifes, was that a true talent? She had always felt doubt about being called something like that. She had taken out, defeated and killed other called progidies. But to be good at killing or hurting other people, how could one compare that to art? Like, creating something that could make people smile? Or letting them think about something? ''Gramps Jin... I know that. But I tried other things. Music... Art. I have no talent for such things.'' She began, before turning a bit silent.

''What makes somebody a hero?'' She asked after a moment. This made Jinkama chuckle a bit. "It's hard to define what a hero is," he began. "It probably varies from person to person. But one thing is always in common: you can feel when you're in the presence of a true hero." He paused for a second to let that sink in. "When I was younger, I met several heroes. So I have a few examples I could use to explain a hero. Of course, using the First or Second Hokage would seem too typical, so I have a story you probably haven't heard of."

"Shizume Senju. The name might be familiar, because she was Sakamoto's aunt and once the leader of the Senju clan. Likewise, she was a close friend of mine and we grew up together under the tutelage of Daisuke Uchiha. She was also a member of Team 1, and when she was older she also served as a general for Konoha's army." Jinkama paused, now that he gave Lilia some background. "She died just several weeks before her 28th birthday. Relatively young, yes. She died protecting her son, whom she named after her father the First Hokage: Gakuro. During the Shinobi World War, her son was kidnapped and held hostage for her in exchange. She saved her child, but at the cost of her own life. She was a powerful kunoichi, who was once believed to be the next Hokage after Daisuke and also considered the most powerful of us generals."

"The point of this was that she lived and died by her beliefs. She was of a pure heart. Never swore, never grew angry, and only killed when it was required. Shizume was one of the kindest people I had ever known, and she lost her life fighting to keep that kindness." Jinkama paused to let it all sink in. "A hero is someone that can light up a world of darkness through acts of sheer kindness."

The tale made Lilia silence as she thought about it. There was something to the story, something Jinkama had told her before. She frowned, until she could form a proper response back. ''She sounds like.. she was a fine shield.'' Lilia looked back at Jinkama, realizing that he meant maybe that if she would become a shield, she wouldn't just become a Hokage. Maybe viewed as a hero as well. The same way he knew Shizume Senju.

Jinkama grinned at her words. "She was a damn fine shield. Always the nice, quiet one. But everyone knew just by her name that she was a force to be reckoned with. And they knew by looking that she was a force for good," Jinkama replied, a smile still on his face. "She never made it clear what her goals really were, either. She never said a word of wanting to become Hokage, but we all assumed she would eventually become one. Everyone liked her, and she did her best to support everyone. Humility, kindness, and strength." The smile faded from Jinkama's face now.

After all, he was telling Lilia about who used to be his best friend. One that died over a decade ago. "The ones who become heroes aren't just the ones that go down in history. There have been many men and women who died heroes and were never given that recognition. But a true hero doesn't need it. Think of it this way..." Jinkama pointed at Lilia now. "Be who you would want your hero to be."

Lilia took all the words in, the way how he said and even when he pointed at her. Her thoughts went through the words again. She could understand it all, but there was that last line. Being who you would want your hero to be? Lilia thought again about it. Normally, she had little problems with understand what was sometimes hard for her peers to grasp. But then she decided to ask a question back. ''Am I lik... Do you wish I was different?'' She asked on a soft tone back. The question was half of trying to see if she had grasped what he was trying to tell her as well wondering about his opinion.

It seemed that she was just missing the point. "That's not what I'm trying to say," Jinkama said first with a chuckle. About now he was wishing that he couldn't talk in such a cryptic manner. He could recall even the present Hokage having a little difficulty deciphering his words sometimes. "Not everyone has the power to change their life, but those who do can seize it. Those that truly want something will achieve. The way of the world is that those with ambition can see success."

"What we're talking about here isn't just about who the real heroes are. It's about your future. If you want to become something great, you have to be something great. You have the potential and the aspiration, but your ambition wavers. You don't have to change a bit..." Jinkama explained, feeling that he finally explained his point in a simple enough manner. Despite not being that simple anyways. "You keep doing what you're doing and you'll get what you want. I've seen it plenty of times throughout my life. Simply: don't quit." Jinkama smirked at that, before looking out the window. "You've gotten a lot of help to get this far, but I think you're getting to the point where the rest is up to you..."

So that was his point. Lilia nodded. She understood it now, all of it. Thinking about it, she was feeling a bit more sure about it. Flashing a smile towards Jinkama, Lilia nodded again. ''Then I guess I'll just have to keep going on. Not that I have experienced too much troubles.'' She said, with an amused tone. It was meant as a kind of joke. She thought back. The fights and spars she had been in. And the help she always had been receiving. ''I realized that last as well. I've always been relying on others, while I wished for them to rely on me. It has been bothering me for some time, but now that I have been able to claim this bandanna, I am going to make sure people can rely on me.'' She told him with a smile. Though in the back of her mind, she wanted to tell him that he could rely on her as well. But, she knew better.

Jinkama closed his eyes and smiled now. In a surprisingly quick movement, he shot his hand over Lilia's head and ruffled up her hair a bit. "That's the spirit!" To avoid retaliation, Jinkama also quickly retracted his arm away from Lilia's reach. After all, she was strong enough to dissuade most people from doing what he just did. "Also, want to know a key difference between you and Shizume Senju?"

She didn't use her Silent Shocking to make it clear she wasn't liking the ruffling. Jinkama, together with Keiko, Akira Moto and Hiron were allowed. Pretty much everybody else could count on a serious zapping. Though, when he asked the question, she couldn't help but to refer to it. ''People didn't ruffled her hair?'' She asked, with a little smile. She was truly curious. The thoughts in her mind were pointing to the obvious things. Like that she was a Hon and Shizume a Senju. And maybe Chakra nature and such.

"No believe me, Daisuke ruffled her hair," Jinkama said, before bursting out laughing. Not only was Lilia's remark funny, but it brought back a hilarious memory of his youth. After wiping away a tear, he straightened up. A smile was still evident on his face, however. "Shizume was given everything from the start. The family, the name, the respect, all that. She was given the title of a hero and grew to live up to it.... You are the opposite." The smile turned to a smirk now, and Jinkama watched Lilia's face closely to see how she would process that.

The smile on Lilia's face faded away. Though she could understand he meant it well, she thought back about her start. Indeed, she build everything she had now from the scratch. After all, the name Lilia meant nothing. ''Maybe.'' She said. Then she looked away. Though there was something she noticed. Something that Jinkama maybe hadn't. ''I am sometimes still jealous on some people. Aimi will grow up with a loving mother and father. And a caring sister. But though that key difference...'' She looked back to Jinkama.

''I have it all now. A family. Respect and maybe soon a name.'' She said, her smile returning on her lips. Jinkama continued to grin. "You built all your relationships and accomplishments. The difference between you and Shizume gives you something common with some other people I know though..." The smirk grew even wider as Jinkama raised his hand and lifted a finger. "Gakuro Senju." He raised another, now holding up two. "Daisuke Uchiha." A third. "Zakito Hon." A fourth finger. "Hisoka Uchiha." He held the four fingers up and paused. He had just listed the four Hokage.

Her eyes widened. The fact she had something in common with all of the Hokages, made her shiver for a moment. But then she thought of something. Or rather, somebody. A giggle escaped her lips. ''You forgot somebody.'' She began, raising slowly her right index finger. ''He isn't a Hokage, but he is my hero.'' She told Jinkama.

''Hiron Hon.'' She said with a proud tone as she said his name. Lowering her hand, she continued. ''Though, I am not sure if everybody views him the same way I do. But I think that is just personal taste.'' Lilia said, thinking a bit out loud about the fact that Hiron wasn't called the Serious without a reason.

"That's what's important. He's a hero to you," Jinkama remarked, a grin still on his face. He could remember Hiron when he was about Lilia's age. A rascal, so to speak. He felt the urge to remark that Hiron never grew up, only got bigger, but that would be a distasteful joke at the moment. But perhaps one to use the next time he talked with Hiron. "And so now you know what a hero is." There was another commotion upstairs, and soon afterwards a white cat appeared from the hallway. She simply sat down at the doorway and looked at the two, rather than entered to bother either of them.

Glad that she had managed to grasp the lesson, Lilia smiled. The words of him saying that she now understood what a hero meant, made her fill with pride. Like she had mastered a very hard jutsu and earned his praise. And in a certain way, hadn't she? When Hana showed up, Lilia giggled. ''Though I have to ask this.'' She looked back at Jinkama, a little glint revealing in her eyes. ''I managed to win from Keiko, but she used a jutsu that you became famous with. Is that a Moto thing or?'' She asked curiously.

The older man smirked. But this time, it was different. One of pride. "The Dancing Blade technique," he said, like he was reminiscing. "It's hard to call it a family thing. It's a technique of my design. In my early days as a jonin, I found a dilemna. My skills in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and kenjutsu were all incredible, but I couldn't do all three at once..." He chuckled a bit to himself. "It's funny to think of how my vain desire actually spawned such a powerful technique. It started out simple, but I found that I could control a lot more than just one thing. Though I've noticed that Keiko starts to lose control with multiple objects and Katsuko has a hard enough time controlling just one, so perhaps I'm a special case."

"But to answer your question: it isn't exactly a Moto thing." And Lilia thought about something. She had seen Keiko using it and it was a pretty lethal technique. The huge ball of fire, that could be used as a flail, was something that wouldn't be easily forgotten by Lilia.

But the fact it wasn't a Moto thing made, her ask the next question. ''So, an outside could learn this jutsu?'' She asked, still curious about it all. Wondering what it would take, Lilia waited for her answer.

A smirk formed on Jinkama's face, then a frown, then he grinned again. "Possibly. It is a difficult and powerful technique. I designed it myself, after all," he stated with a chuckle. "It would require a lot of chakra control, and also a lot of chakra to keep it up. Besides, I'm not sure if it would work on Samehada as it's a living thing, but it should work with most any tool or weapon. The more you control or the bigger they are, the harder it is." With some explaining done, Jinkama took a pause. Now the cat on the other side of the room decided to enter and jumped up unto the arm of Jinkama's seat. It appeared she wanted to be petted, so Jinkama obliged.

The information she gained was something she had expected. ''My chakra control is on par with Hiron, so far. So that won't be a problem. And with, Mata-sama...'' Lilia became silent. Just for a moment. ''I just need to know the basics. Are you willing to pas them to me, Gramps Jin Jin?'' Lilia asked. If it was ninjutsu, then she could try it. So far, it was just a few deptartments that were troublesome for her.

"I guess I could teach you the basics of it," Jinkama agreed. He thought about it for a second and his smile faded, but his tone didn't alter at all. "Not today though. I'm already a bit tired from dealing with your blue flames." He chuckled a bit to that, and without any warning Hana jumped off the chair and took off running. This puzzled Jinkama for a moment, but he came to the logical conclusion that she's just as crazy as any other cat. "I do warn you that it's difficult. It uses yin and yang chakra, like the Academy techniques, but on a larger scale you might not be used to."

Lilia became a bit more serious. ''I am not really used to non elemental techniques, but I think it won't become much of a problem. I mean.'' She thought of a way to explain it. ''I easily managed to learn the summoning jutsu and such. And we can do it another time. Think Granny Moto and mom will be mad if I will push you any further.'' She said, smiling. It felt both a bit bad as good. Being one that managed to tire a shinobi of Jinkama rank and strength was actually a feat, she realized. Until it dawned upon her that he wasn't like in his prime time. ''Shall I bring some apple pie next time I will come?'' Lilia asked with caution. As if Akira would be able to hear them both.

A smirk formed on Jinkama's face. "Just keep it on the down-low," he told her, before chuckling a bit. Almost like it was destined to happen, a voice sounded from the hallway. "Keep what on the down-low?" Akira walked in from the hallway, holding a basket of laundry. Jinkama grew a bit nervous now. "Don't worry about it. Business things, honey," he told her, earning a suspicious glare. After staring her husband down, Akira looked up to Lilia with a smile. "Hi Lilia. I hope you aren't getting dragged into something silly," she greeted, not even aware of the irony of her statement.

Lilia smiled as she shook her head. Life with Keiko had prepared her to set up a smile and simply shake her head. To act like she didn't know who had drink up all the alcohol. Or who had moved something, without her permission. Though the situation was a bit different, she did without even thinking about it. ''No, Granny Moto-sama. Just was suggesting.. idea to Gramps Jin.'' Lilia said, with a warm smile.

"Oh really?" she asked, but it was Jinkama that intercepted this question. "I'm going to teach her a new technique sometime." There was a silence in the room for a moment, where Jinkama and Akira looked into each other's eyes. It seemed almost as if they were communicating telepathically, until Akira nodded her head in approval. "Just make sure whatever it is you teach her, do it outside and away from the house." She flashed the two a smile before heading back down the hallway to deliver the laundry she was holding.

She felt a bit nervous, wondering if Akira would not allow it. For some reason she found that Akira in control of Jinkama a bit scary. She almost wondered how it would have been if Akira was a kunoichi. Thinking about it, she realized that she had to get home. At least, she didn't want to get late for supper. Or if Keiko would be in a bad mood and ask her what she had done all day. That was something she would have to avoid. ''I got to go. I will see you soon, okay, Gramps Jin?'' Coming out of her seat, Lilia walked towards Jinkama to give him a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

Jinkama stood from his seat and returned the hug. Considering the height difference, it was slightly awkward but it bothered him none. "You go have some fun now. And if Keiko gets angry just tell her I said to calm down," Jinkama told her with a grin. Of course, the inside joke was that telling Keiko to calm down had the exact opposite effect, but it was a decent goodbye joke.

Telling Keiko to calm down? Lilia suppressed a giggle, but she understood it was a joke. ''Will do. Maybe I will bring something nice from a mission or something!'' She told him as she took a step back. Lilia realized she had to go on a mission the next day. A B ranked one. But she was more looking forward to spent time with Jinkama again. ''Bye Granny Moto! Hana! Katsuko!'' She called out before smiling to Jinkama. Then she turned around to walk to the door.

After Lilia walked out the door, she would hear a voice next to her. "Hold on," Katsuko said. He was leaning against the house, right next to the front door. "I saw what you two were doing earlier. I have to say I'm... concerned." He stood up straight now, no longer leaning on the house. He was about as tall as Jinkama, but noticably smaller. "He will never admit it, but you know his condition is getting..." He couldn't quite bring himself to say it.

Lilia stopped and looked over her shoulder to see Katsuko. Turning half around, she listened to him. When Katsuko was about to say something about Jinkama's condition, Lilia nodded. ''I know. He was pressing himself. Don't worry. I didn't use my all in it. Don't worry Katsuko, I will make sure that Gramps Jin won't be hurt when I am around. Promised.'' Lilia said. Her green eyes weren't as bright as always, but neither too dark when she was angry or moody. It was more on neutral ground, though giving her tone, she was serious about it.

Katsuko nodded. "I also saw..." Katsuko began, before leaning forward and pulling the collar of his shirt to the side. From Lilia's view, she could see the Dragon Seal behind his shoulder. "Keep that from Keiko. Just trust me on this because I doubt Dad gave it enough emphasis. She will lose her shit." With that, Katsuko leaned back against the house. "I hope you can see the future a bit better. With that seal... things are going to change."

Seeing the seal, Lilia's gaze became darker. So he was a member too. Jinkama's words rang in her mind as she slowly nodded. At first she wanted to say that she would. ''Thanks for the heads up... Maybe I will.'' She paused. ''And I am inclined to say... things will change.'' She told Katsuko. For some reason she felt some tension. Never had she expected Katsuko to be a member of the Dragon Lotus. For some reason it made sense, but the warning of Jinkama alarmed her. ''I need to go now..'' She said, trying to sound polite.

The teenager nodded. "See ya around," Katsuko said, moving toward the front door himself. But before he entered, he stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Just remember to take it easy with Dad, okay." With his final words, he let out a sigh. Closing his eyes, he opened the door and stepped into the house.

Lilia heard his words. She wanted to say something back, but she heard the door open. ''Yes.'' She answered. With that she walked to the gate, to go home. Today she had learned a lot. When she was just out of it and closed the gate behind her, Lilia let her right hand rest on the gate. Her face dropped to a more sad expression. She made a silent vow.

She was going to keep Jinkama alive.['/center]

[Little Alice]

The First Mission of the Shadow.
A venture into the Snow.

A collab between Iceringer and Alice.
Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

SPOILER: Click to show

Waiting near a big oak tree, Lilia looked around. Her arms were crossed in front of her chest as she had a different outfit. It consisted of a more dark brown color. It had a hood as a right brown leather shoulder pad. Not to mention two bracers, with on the right a grinning wolf. Instead of Samehada, she had a sheath of a normal sword strapped to her back. The weather was as always nice, though the glance of Lilia was serious. ''Hhmm, wonder if he will be late again.'' Lilia mumbled, closing her eyes as she leaned against the big tree.

For once, Hideki had actually managed to be on time. Perhaps it was the occasion? Looking around the training fields, he spotted Lilia leaning against a tree. Judging by her outfit, it seemed she had prepared herself quite substantially for the mission they were about to venture on. Luckily, Hideki was well armed as well, his pouches filled with miscellaneous tools, were they to prove necessary. Approaching Lilia, Hideki pulled his black hood down, revealing his face. "Hey!" He called out, hoping Lilia would recognize him despite the distance between them.

''Hey Hideki.'' She called back, glad that he wasn't only on time, but also made it. At first she almost had the thought that he wouldn't come. Pressing herself away from the tree, she already walked into his direction. Wth a giggle, she noticed his outfit. ''Good. You've prepared yourself. Very good. How are you?'' She asked him, with a friendly tone.

Hideki scowled at Lilia giggling at his outfit, but his mood quicky lit up as she asked about his well being. "I'm good. What about you?" he replied, suppressing the urge to tell her how excited he felt. After all, the mission concerned the death of a former Konoha shinobi. It was probably no joking matter, despite Lilia not being particulary familiar with the man. Spinning in place, Hideki took a look at their surroundings. It seemed like Lilia truly wanted them to go alone. It would definitely not be a easy task. That was for sure. Returning his attention to Lilia, his eyes searched her face for any clues about their next move. "So..? Where are we going?" He asked, a questioning look on his face.

Pulling her hood up, she smiled again. ''Good. As for me, I'm doing fine.'' As he asked where they going, Lilia's smile faded away. It was time for serious busines. Besides, she hadn't told him what the mission had more in store. ''It's not in the Fire Country. Even more, you're not allowed to tell anybody of this. All I can say is that it's serves a good purpose. Though I had told you that were bandits at first, it seemed that my information was wrong. We're dressed like this cause I don't want anybody to think we're Konoha nin.'' She paused. Her voice was void of emotions. The tone was very serious as her eyes locked on his. ''We're going to the Snow country. There, we're needed to visit the capital of the country. Our targets are in that place.'' She explained. Planting a fist on her hip, she raised an eyebrow. ''Hideki. I trusted you with telling things, that almost nobody know. The thoughts I've about the Nibi. My feelings. Now I need your trust. Can you keep this between us?'' She asked him.

The news she brought took him by surprise. For a moment Hideki merely stood there, thinking about what she had said. This was definitely beyond his expectations. He had heard about the Snow country, but he was never familiar with it. Not at all actually. Eyeing Lilia, Hideki couldn't help but wonder how this mission was worth such a risk. In the end, he decided to keep quiet about it. "Alright, you got my word. Are there any other changes to the plan? Or are the details you told me yesterday all made up?" He asked, letting out a little sigh as he finished the sentence. It was not that he didn't trust Lilia, he really did, but he didn't want her to keep more secrets, at least not about their objective.

Biting on her lower lip, she looked away for a moment. ''There is one thing. Other than everything that will happen is a secret, I need to knock you out.'' Her green eyes revealed she had some trouble with it. Looking back, she clenched her right fist. ''Just trust me on this. I swear that in time, you'll learn. But I can't give you every detail. It's in a way...for your own good. All I can further say is that nobody will miss us. They will assume that we're on a mission. An escort mission, something simple as that. The people that will cover are tracks are also watching us. So, will you trust me?'' She asked him, her voice a bit shaking as she asked the question.

Despite the warmth of his clothes, Hideki could feel a chill running down his spine. "Knock me out.." He let out, pausing in the middle of his speech. He scratched his arm as he thought about the meaning behind her words. It was strange. In what way could this possibly serve for his own good? He had never even been to the Snow Country, so what business was there for him to attend there? And the way she talked about it also indicated that he might be gone for quite a long time. It was impossible to determine exactly how long from her words alone but he could assume she were talking about months, perhaps years. Or, they would be back as soon as a week. Looking over in Lilia's direction, he recalled their conversation yesterday, the one involving the beast she carried. Frowning, Hideki's teeth would clench as some sweat appeared on his forehead. Letting out a gust of air from his mouth, his jaw relaxed. ".. To be honest, I don't understand anything you're saying, but I'll.. trust you. Just answer this one thing, will we be returning to Konoha?" He asked her, a sore feeling in his throat.

Spreading out her arms, she took a step forward. Slowly wrapping him in a hug, she whispered in his ear. ''I'll make sure that we both will come back... alive. Sorry, Hideki.'' Before he could react or try to wring himself free, the lightning crackled in the air. It would be enough to shock and knock him out. As he would slowly fall unconscious, sinking in her arms, she kept whispering. ''You're a true friend Hideki. This means a lot to me.... and to....'' Her other words became strange as he wouldn't be able to stay longer with her.

''...We'll be there soon. Sleep now.''

---

The cold wind was blowing as she looked around them. With the scarf shielding the lower part of her face, the hood moved a bit due the wind. Looking at her right, she noticed a person that was dressed in a similar kind of outfit. Only black instead of dark brown. Her leather gloved hand touched the chest of the boy. ''Hey... Time to wake up.'' She mumbled. The spark that was sent into his nerves would likely waken him up. Though she kept her hand at his chest. If he would suddenly jump or jolt up, there was the chance he would fall of the rooftop they were sitting on. The snow was something that would be dangerous if one would careless jump around.

The small dose of electricity woke Hideki up with a gasp. Opening his eyes, he was forced to close them again, the snow way too light for his newly awakened eyes. "W-where are we..?" He asked, his voice rather meek. Shuffling into a sitting position, Hideki slowly began to open his eyes again, his sight gradually clearing up. Before him, as long as the eye could spot, there was snow. Literally everywhere. More than he had ever seen before. Gulping, he looked over at Lilia behind him. "We're already here!?" He exclaimed. His question however, was interrupted by something of a very different nature. All of sudden, he was freezing. Wrapping his hoodie around him, he glared at Lilia. "Hey! Don't you have any warmer clothes or something?!"

She scoffed. There were noises below, on the street level. ''Be glad that I didn't throw any water on you.'' She retorted back. Looking at the rooftops of the place they were in, she sighed. ''Give me a little rest, okay? It wasn't easy to just get you here. I'm not some kind of bulky person that can carry everybody around. Not to mention, keeping you... asleep.'' She told him. Waiting for a moment, she then made a gesture. ''We need to find the person that lives nearby. I wanted to wake you up. How are you feeling? Any pain?'' She asked him, a bit guilty. Lilia had used her mastery over Silent Shocking to keep him knocked out. Not to mention that she had used it quite often, to also make sure that his nerves wouldn't transmit the cold or anything else. More than that was out of her reach.

Hideki gave Lilia a quick look, acknowledging that he got her message. Rising up into a crouching position, he pulled the hood over his hair. Then he searched his pouch for a pair of gloves, hoping they would help fend off the cold, at least to a certain extent. "I'm fine. Is that person.. you know, our target?" Hideki asked, his expression serious. Putting the gloves over his fingers, he looked at the scenery around him. Oddly enough, it was exactly what he'd imagined. Snow Country. It stayed true to its name.

''No. He is a bit..quirky, from what I've been told. But he is on 'our side'.'' She told him. Patting him on his shoulder, she spoke with a more soft tone. ''Sorry for what I had done.'' Rising up from her sitting stance, she looked down on the streets. There were people walking them, as it was around noon. Most were likely wandering the streets to do some shopping or heading to their work. Or doing errands for their work. ''Follow me.'' She told him, on a rather polite tone. Walking over the rooftop, she used her Tree Climbing technique to be sure to have a better grip. ''Use the Tree Climbing Technique. It will not really neutralize the danger of the snow on the rooftops, but will... provide more grip.'' She would guide him to ladder, from which they would descend to the street level. ''What do you think of the Snow Country?''

Following Lilia's lead, Hideki channeled chakra into his feet, making use of the Tree Climbing Technique as he walked on the snow. As they neared the end of the roof, she would guide him to a ladder, in which he would descend. The ladder lead him to the streets, and as expected, the cobblestones were filled with snow. He eyed Lilia as she asked him about his opinion regarding the snow country. "Well, I dunno. It's .. cold, y'know." He answered, reminding himself of the freezing weather. From his point of view, it seemed like Lilia was familiar with the place they were at. How could that be?

''That is a new way to view it.'' She responded, making a joke about it. Guiding him through the streets, it didn't take long before they stood in front of a home. It didn't look that nice, but not too bad either. Knocking on the door, she glanced at Hideki. ''Listen. What ever is being asked. Don't give your real name or the fact you're a Konohagakure nin. Not that I think he cares about it, but it's safer.'' She adviced him. Lowering her scarf, he would see a little smile. Though she wanted to say that she was glad he was her, she wavered.

Being led through the streets, they arrived at their destination, and as Lilia would knock on the door, Hideki nodded at her warning. "I-I will." He stammered in response, a slight shake in his voice. His eyes focused straight ahead at the door. For now, he could only await what was to be revealed to him. Would the answer be hidden behind this door perhaps?

She patted his shoulder, smiling more as she wanted to say something. Suddenly the door opened as an old man glared at them. This made Lilia glare back. ''What do you both want?'' Lilia wasn't fazed by the harsh tone. ''Nina is reporting to the lord of the snow.'' The man narrowed his eyes as he then sighed. Suddenly he looked around before he would get out of their way. ''You're both late. Get in and be silent. The enemy is watching from everywhere!'' Sighing, she nodded to Hideki as she walked into the house. There was an odd smell, that made her wrinkle her nose. ''What is his name?'' The voice of the old man asked as he closed the door behind them.

Hideki's eyebrows rose at the scene before him. This encounter didn't exactly contribute to cure his confusion. As a matter of fact, it only made it worse. Not only did the old man mention that they were being watched by so called "enemies", but Lilia also adressed him as "Lord of the Snow". Oddly enough. Seeing Lilia walk into the house and beckoning him to follow, Hideki got rid of his thoughts and followed after her, stepping in through the door. The smell forced him to cough once. And to his contempt, he recognized it. "Ah! Y-Yukio, sir." he replied to the old man.

Instantly, the man reacted. He pulled out a kunai, grabbing Hideki as he placed the weapon against the throat of the boy. For what he looked like, he was quite fast. Lilia gasped as she tried to act. ''Why did he wavered? Is he one of them? Is he?'' ilia rose up her hands as she tried to calm the man down. ''Calm down, he isn't. Else he wouldn't be with me. He is just a new one.'' The man leered at Lilia, but she didn't looked away. Finally, he released Hideki. Quickly, she went to her friend as the man grumbled. He walked into the next room, where the smell came from. Worried, Lilia placed her hands on Hideki's shoulder. ''Are you okay?'' She whispered.

Being released from the man's tight grip, relief washed over him as he could breathe properly again. And as Lilia would rush to his aid, Hideki gave her a reassuring smile. "Y-yeah I'm fine, surprised me, though." He said, unable to hide a slight shaking in voice. In a way, this was much more frightening than the Siege of the Hon Stronghold had been, disregarding Lilia's outburst. In this country, Hideki was a stranger. He felt lost. His eyes drifted off to Lilia. "Thanks." He said, following up with another smile, indicating that he was indeed fine.

She looked worried, like she was doubting if he spoke the truth or like planning to get out of here with him, but the old man's voice sounded. ''What is taking so long? Is he crying? Or are you plotting? Are you?'' Lilia rolled her with her eyes as she whispered to Hideki. ''We won't stay long, promised.'' She told Hideki, hoping that would cheer him up. Beckoning him to follow her into the next room, they would see what looked like a strange lab. The man had some glasses on and a lab coat. There were splatters of blood on the coat as he had been cutting in the corpse of a man. He frowned. ''Sit down. You there, what are your abilities?'' He asked Hideki the question. Lilia walked to a table where there were four chairs. Though she said nothing, her eyes kept close watch over Hideki.

Tailing behind Lilia, Hideki entered the room that closely resembled a lab. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of a corpse, but he did not flinch. He'd expected it from the smell. He had grown familiar with death ever since the Ippozenshin had launched their campaign. A mere body wouldn't make him move. Not after the slaughter he'd witnessed. Heeding to the man's "order", Hideki walked over by the table and took a seat beside Lilia. He looked over at the man. "I'm an Hyuuga. In short, that means I'm a Taijutsu practitioner." He added, unsure if the man was aware of the existance of his style. His voice was much more steady now. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

Lilia wanted to say something, but the old man was faster. He looked up from what he was doing and there was a frown present on his face. ''So you're from Konohagakure?'' He asked, with a cold voice. Lilia quickly replied, with a warning voice. ''Does it matter? We're here to pick up the package and information. Unless you're one of them.....That means thus that we might need to 'arrest' you.'' She told him, her voice turning into a threatening one. She placed her right hand on the handle of the hilt, of the blade that was in the sheath on her back. Her eyes narrowed as the old man looked confused. ''Huh?! What? I'm not one of them! Or...Maybe..No...NO! I'M NOT ONE OF THEM!'' He started to scream. A bit fazed, Lilia glanced in the direction of Hideki, before speaking again. ''Proof it..'' The man looked with a mad look. He pointed at Hideki. ''I want to know something first...Does he have the mark? On the forehead? Show it! NOW!'' Lilia wavered, still holding her right hand on the hilt of her blade. ''You don't have to..' She whispered, knowing that the Curse Mark wasn't something that Hideki would like to show.

At the mention of his Curse Mark, Hideki flinched. Narrowing his eyes at the man, he suppressed his rage. He didn't want to show it to anyone, and especially not to Lilia, despite her being such a close friend. The truth was that he was ashamed of it. But as it seemed, he had no choice. A dangerous light emitting from his eyes, he loosened the knot of his black headband, lowering it for the man to view his Mark. "Satisfied?" He hissed, baring his teeth.

The man suddenly grinned, then chuckled before laughing. Lilia looked at the Curse Mark. It was just pure curiousity, but the way Hideki spoke made her look the other way. Her cheeks blushed as she felt ashamed. ''Not quite. I-'' ''Will give us the package... Now. Or do I need to say that you're working with them?'' She threatened. Standing up, she raised her right eyebrow. The old man scoffed as he walked into another room. The noise made it clear he was searching through stuff. It went on for like a minute before he came back with a package. It was like a box. Placing it on the table, he shoved in their direction. ''There. The information of what I could find is in it. Happy hunthing.'' He grinned in the direction of Hideki. ''Maybe I may borrow an eye next time-'' ''Come closer and I'll cut you down. Yukio, take the pacakage. We're done here.'' Lilia said with a cold tone. She would let Hideki walk out of the building, covering him. Though the man was supposed to be an ally, she wanted to cover Hideki. Just in case the man would get funny ideas.

Wrapping the headband around his forehead, concealing his mark again, Hideki decided to ignore the old man's insults, grabbing the package instead. "Yeah, let's do that." He replied to Lilia, leaving the house before her, as she made obvious signs for him to do so. As they were outside of the house, Hideki's jaw was still clenched in his anger. He wanted to scream at the man. Oh, how he wished for it, but he couldn't afford to ruin this mission for Lilia either. He looked over in her direction. "So what's in the box?" He asked her, eager to peek into its content.

Once they were outside, she closed the door behind her. She let out a sigh. Directing Hideki away from the house, she heard his question. Thinking about it, she decided to answer it. ''Hopefully information that will aid us in the hunt. Not to mention something we're supposed to test out. I don't know anything else that would be present....Sorry by the way... I ..'' She looked at his forehead, before realising it was rude. ''...Shall we try to buy you a scarf and a warmer jacket? I can spend some money on it. So no worry about that.'' Placing her right hand on his shoulder, he would feel a warm and soothing feeling. She was moulding fire nature chakra to perform the move.

Hideki nodded in response. He was longing for a warm jacket, and he wouldn't say no to a scarf either. Anything that would help against the cold, he would welcome with open arms. His eyes averted as she apologized. "It's fine." He said curtly, keen on changing the topic. Looking around the town, he searched for a store, to no avail."Uh..? So what way?" He asked, his voice milder as he glanced in Lilia's direction.

Looking around her, she doubted it would be fine if they would open the box just in the streets. Spotting an in up ahead, she pointed at it. ''Let's rent a room and see what surprises are awaiting us in that box.'' She told him. Leading him towards the inn, they had no real trouble to rent a room. After all, Lilia gave a good tip, ensuring they wouldn't be bothered that much. They were giving the keys of the room for at least three days. Once they were in the room, Lilia sighed. Pushing the hood down, she double checked if the door was locked. ''Well.. The honor is up to you.'' She told him, though she looked curiously at the box.

Hideki picked up the box and placed it on the bed, sitting down beside it. Gulping, he gave Lilia a quick glance, then he proceeded with the opening of the box. Removing the top of the box, he peeked into its content. "This.. this is?" Hideki's hand reached into the box, and as it returned, he held two bracers, decorated with some unusual ornaments. There seemed to be something else attached to it as well. "What's this?" He asked Lilia, not taking his eyes of the strange bracers.

Her attention was more to the letter as she leaned forward to grab the letter. Placing it on her own bed, she then frowned, looking at the bracers. ''No idea. Honestly, I was told to try something. Maybe... Well, they seem like normal bracers.'' Lilia replied, taking one of the bracers. She examined it and noticed the metal parts. ''Strange construction, don't you think?'' She asked him, pointing at the metal parts below the bracer.

Hideki took no note of Lilia removing the sealed letter from the box, his attention primarily focused on the bracers, closely examining them. "Indeed.. I wonder what's so special about them.. Per-" Before he was able to finish his sentence, by touching a certain part of the metal, a slim blade came rushing out from the bottom of the bracer. And in his surprise, Hideki let go off the bracer and tripped off the bed, landing with his butt on the hard floor. "Waah! What the heck is that?! That's dangerous!" He yelled, rushing to his feet again, brushing off some dirt from his back. He studied the object from afar, refusing to touch it again. "Lilia?" He turned to her, a shocked expression present on his face.

Frowning as she looked at him, she giggled. ''Calm down.'' She had taken off her not decorated bracer to replace it with the one from the box. She studied it. It didn't felt any way different from the usual deal. ''Interesting concept.'' She patted the top of the bracer, but the slim kunai didn't came out. Looking at the bottom of the bracer, where the bladed tool would come out, Lilia tilted her head. ''I'm not sure, but seeing the blade is more or less concealed, I think they are weapons of stealth. Maybe even surprising a foe?'' She thought out loud. Sitting on her bed, Lilia shook her wrist. Still, it didn't came out. ''How did you even managed to do that?'' Lilia asked, a bit frustrated.

Looking at the bracer from behind Lilia's shoulder, Hideki decided to leave her alone with the mechanics, venturing over to box instead to further inspect its content. "No idea." He said. Rummaging in the box, he came upon a map of what he assumed was the town they were in. As would examine it closer, he noticed several red dots marked on the map. "Lilia..? What about this then? It seems to be a map of some kind, there's some red dots on it as well." He said, squinting his eyes in hope of finding additional clues.

Deciding to give up, she sighed and leaned a bit backwards over her bed. She noticed Hideki looking further in the box and taking out a map. Interested, she decided to come closer. At the edge of her bed, as she decided to lay on her stomach with her feet in the air, she frowned. ''I've an idea. I already wanted to suggest to scout the town when it's dark. Just to seek out any handy locations and such.'' She told him. Lilia pondered and then nodded. ''You should take of the map. I will read this. Oh and I really want to know how we can use these...bracers.'' She said, holding her left arm up, looking with a frown at the bracer. Then she took the letter she had placed on her bed and started to read it.

Looking over in Lilia's direction, Hideki tilted his head. "Is that so? Th-" He stopped when he noticed that Lilia didn't seem to listen to him, reading a letter instead. Mouthing a silent curse, he folded the map and placed it in one of his pockets. Then he walked over to Lilia, hoping to get a sneak peek of the letter she was reading. "So? What does it say? Anything about how to use these bracers?" He asked curiously.

Her eyes shifted over the letter. It was a short one. When he tried to get a sneak peak, Lilia smiled as she folded the letter. ''Tssshh, that is rather rude. But it's not really that important. Just more information about what we need to do here.'' She told him. Thinking for a moment, she unfolded the letter again and started to read it out loud. ''According to the lastest information, the 'target' is residing in a location that is too heavily guarded. The 'target' should be taken out with caution as we can't risk public unrest. The new tools should be an asset that could provide some help in case you could come close. The only other information we can give is the map. The red dots are locations of where the target sometime reside, but is often taking refuge.. in his villa.'' Lilia stopped reading and glanced at Hideki. ''How many red dots are there?'' She asked him.

Hideki listened attentively as she relayed the letter's information to him. As she finished her speech, he nodded, taking out the folded map from his pockets. Unfolding it, he studied the map closely. "Hmm. From what I can see, there's three spots.." He said, still searching for more red spots. In the end, he concluded that the three he had spotted where the only ones. "I'm pretty sure this one is an outdoor hot bath of some kind.." He relayed to Lilia, pointing to the spot. "As for the others.. I'm unsure but I believe this one is rather close to our current location, isn't it? If this is the inn.." He added, pointing to the other dot, as well as to what he assumed to be the location of the inn they resided in.

Listening to Hideki, Lilia's eyes glanced over the map. She nodded. The letter she was holding slowly turned into ashes as she dusted it from her bed. ''Well, we can plan to look at how the locations look like. Maybe planning a trap or such? The letter described a man of age. I doubt that he will go unguard, but the main problem is to not attract attention.'' She said, more thinking out loud than actually proposing something. Sighing, she looked at the bracer on her left wrist. ''I wish we could figure out how they worked. It looks rather handy.'' Lilia mumbled.

Once again, Hideki folded the map into his pocket. He gave Lilia a suspicious glance. It still bothered him that she weren't telling him the reasoning behind this coming "assassination". It wasn't that he didn't trust her, he just felt left out. Shrugging, he decided to not dwell on it too much, taking a look at the bracers again instead. Picking one of the two up, carefully this time, he examined the metal part of it. "Hmm. It's hard to say, I don't see any kind of trigger or anything.." He told her, continuing with his inspection.

Sighing, she glanced through the only window outside. The sun was almost down. ''Well, we might find out about it later. What do you say if we try to eat something. Then after we're done eating, going to explore the locations of the red dots?'' She suggested. Flashing a smile in his direction, Lilia already was formulating a plan. But they would need to see the locations first. Maybe a trap would be nice, but their strike had to be dealt swift and preferably unseen. ''We could try to see if we can find a sushi bar.'' Lilia suggested, hoping that would cheer him a bit up.

"That sounds nice! But, I'd like some warmer clothes as well, since we're going to be out for a while." Hideki stated. Truth to be told, his mouth was watering for the delicious food she had mentioned, but he couldn't deny that he would eventually freeze to death wearing his current clothes either. "Shall we?" He said, pulling his hood over his hair and making his way to the door.

Out in the snowy streets, Hideki wrapped his newly bought scarf around his neck, providing some extra warmth. "Aaah. This is nice! This jacket is so much warmer! Well now then, what about Sushi?" He asked her, pulling up the zipper of his new jacket.

Smiling, Lilia nodded. She had her hood pulled up as they walked the street. Nodding when he mentioned sushi, she looked around. Most people were wearing scarfs and such to block out the cold. So they wouldn't be looking too foreign. As the snow crisped underneath their boots, Lilia looked at the snow. It was quite a lot. ''I like it here. What about you?'' She asked Hideki while they in search for a place that would sell sushi. Though her own clothes were holding much back of the cold, she shoved her gloved hands into the pockets of her jacket.

Thinking about her question, Hideki took a moment to look around at his surroundings. It was quite beautiful. The town gave him somewhat of a soothing feeling. Perhaps that was the effect of the white snow? "It's nice. There's something about it that's relaxing, y'know." He answered. His eyes continued to wander around the streets of the town, glancing at people walking past him and inspecting the unusual building patterns the Snow Country seemed to favor.

''Indeed. That and I like snow. It reminds me of Christmas.'' Lilia said, smiling behind the scarf that hide the lower part of her face. The sky above them was clouded and she thought she noticed something. It slowly fell on her shoulder. Snow. ''Awesome, it's starting to snow.'' She said, in a rather cheerful way. Giggling, she suddenly kicked up snow as she enjoyed the sight. ''Snow is amazing, don't you think?'' She asked him.

"Wow. It is.." He told her, watching the snow fall in awe. Maybe this wasn't such a bad trip? It was actually kind of refreshing. Looking over in Lilia's direction, he made sure she wasn't watching when he would pull out his tongue to taste the falling snow. As a snow flake landed, he quickly withdrew his tongue. "Yup. It's snow alright." He stated to himself, thinking out loud. "Anyway, let's get a move on already! My hunger is killing me!" He wimpered, forgetting about his fascination with the town and its snow for a moment.

Lilia looked with a confused look at Hideki and then started to laugh. Wrapping an arm around one of his arms, she nodded. ''Yes, yes. I swear it. If you would eat as much as you thought about sushi, I swear that the Akimichi clan would mistake you for one of their own.'' She teased as they would walk to a nearby sushi restaurant. Standing in front of it, Lilia giggled. ''So, think the place is good enough or shall we look for another one?'' Lilia asked him, letting him decide it. After all, he was the sushi expert.

Hideki was uncertain whether or not he was being insulted when she referred to the Akimichi clan, but standing in front of the Sushi place, he quickly abandoned his thoughts. Gaping his mouth, he made a silent prayer. "It's perfect. I think I'm going to cry.." He said, his voice as loud as a whisper. Before Lilia got the opportunity to respond, he dragged her into the restaurant with him. Inside of the place, Hideki was even more awe struck. "Oh wow. This is so nice!" The place was decorated in a traditional Sushi restaurant manner, but what made it stand out, was the unique ornament paintings on the walls and the comfortable looking cushions, used instead of chairs. "Let's!?" He asked Lilia, unable to hide his excitement.

When he said that he was going to cry, Lilia couldn't help it anymore. She laughed as she was dragged into the restaurant. As they were inside, she kept laughing when he was impressed by the interior. Just nodding as he asked her, they went to a table for two. Pulling down her hood down and donning out the jacket, she shaked her head. ''Well, seems we can have some fun on this mission after all. Can't we?'' She asked, happy that it really managed to cheer up Hideki. Scanning the place, she noticed it wasn't that busy. So she wasn't worrying about anything. Leaning on the table, she giggled. ''Hope the sushi tastes good here.''

Hideki responded with a smile. "Yes! I hope so too!" He said. Despite how nice looking the restaurant was, there was only a few costumers as of now. That surprised him. Perhaps most people had already eaten, it was rather late after all. The sun was down as well. Hideki made eye contact with one of the waiters and in a moment, he was over by their table, taking their orders. "Eh eh, I'll take this one!" Hideki said, pointing at the dish through the menu. Seeing the waiter nod and write down his order, Hideki turned his attention to Lilia. "So what'll it be?"

''The same. Thank you.'' Lilia said, smiling. She planted her elbows on the table as she supported her head with her hands. Glad that it was pretty warm inside, compared to outside, she sighed. ''Thanks for coming with me, Hideki. I'm really grateful for it. You're a true friend.'' She suddenly told him with a big smile. Meaning the words, Lilia looked around for a moment. ''You know, I've been thinking. The Konohagakure Guardians is growing in numbers. And I've the feeling that I could use some.. help. To lead it.'' Wondering if it was enough of a hint, she glanced at Hideki.

Hideki looked a bit surprised as she thanked him all of sudden, but he thought no more about it. W-well, that's no problem, I guess." He told her. Lilia then proceeded to talk about the Konohagakure Guardians and its growing numbers, as well as planting a little hint. At first he nodded, but soon his eyes would widen as he realized the true meaning behind her words."But but, I'm not even a Chuunin yet! That's.." Hideki stammered.

''Most members of the Guardians aren't chuunin. I also asked Masami-chan. I need two capable lieutenants in case when I'm on a mission or such. After all, you can gain experience while helping me out. It may look tough or hard, but once you get a hang of it.'' Lilia explained. She actually loved to keep surprising Hideki. It just made her smile, though it wasn't a joke. Hideki had not only won her trust, but also respect. ''To think of it. I just made two Hyuuga's as the lieutenants of my organization. Guess your clan could be proud of you, hmm?'' She asked, trying to compliment him in her own way.

"I see.. Well, it does sound nice, but do you think the other members would accept it? I mean, after all, I am kind of new to the organization." He asked her back. He was glad she thought so highly of him, but he was still concerned about the opinions of the other members.

Frowning, Lilia then sighed. ''Everybody is new, Hideki. The whole group is even new. But they all listen to me.'' She told him. Not that she was annoyed or surprised by his reactions. Maybe she would've acted the same way? Pushing back a few strands of hair, she glanced through the windows. ''Besides, it might be a good experience for you. I wouldn't have asked you if you weren't capable enough.''

Looking over at Lilia, he considered her offer. It was unnessecary. He already knew the answer either way. "In that case, I'll take up on your offer, Ma'am." He answered, bowing his head as a jest. Looking up again, he noticed a waiter carrying two plates approaching their table. "Looks like foods here." He told her, grinning.

Turning her head, she noticed the waiter. Leaning back to give the man his space, she smiled. ''It smells great. Don't you agree?'' She asked him. Picking up the chop sticks, she beamed. ''On our succes! Now and later!'' She said, like if she made a toast. With sushi. The thought made her laugh before she started to eat a bit.

"Success!" Hideki cheered, as his fangs dug into his prey, the sushi. As they ate, they kept conversing about Sushi, or rather, it would be Hideki trying his best to explain the artform to her. Half an hour later, Hideki let out a silent burp. "Aaah! That tasted way better than I imagined!" He exclaimed when they were outside of the restaurant, standing in the streets. Most people had retreated to their houses by this time and the streets were no longer crowded as they had been before. Wrapping his scarf around his neck, he eyed Lilia, his expression more serious. "Uhm. Shall we proceed with.. that?"

She also pulled up her hood, once she had the scarf in place. Her gloved hands were placed on her hips as she looked up. It was still snowing. That was good, as it would cover up their tracks. Lilia nodded. ''That would be more than....'' She didn't finished her sentence as she frowned. Silently, she pointed at a person. It was the man from before. He was whistling a cheerful tune as he approached them. ''Hhmm.'' She hummed, though she seemed displeased about seeing the old man heading towards them.

Turning around, Hideki's eyes would narrow as he noticed the man from before approach them. "What now?" He said in disdain, loud enough for only Lilia to hear. What business did he have with them? If Hideki remembered correctly, they were already done with each other. Glancing at Lilia, he decided to stay quiet. He didn't want to ruin anything for her. After all, he had no idea about how important this mission was to her.

''And, how do they work? Tested them out yet?'' The old man asked, with a cheerful voice. Lilia scoffed as she was glad with the hood and scarf. Only her bright green eyes pierced through the shadows that were cast on her face. The old man clearly meant the bracers. Deciding to lie, she hoped Hideki would fall in with her. ''They work perfectly. What do you want?'' She asked him. The old man produced a letter from his pocket. ''Was ordered to give you two this. Happy hunting.'' He winked at them as he turned around. A bit surprised, Lilia was still cautious. For now, she hide the letter in her jacket. ''Weirdo... Well, you've the map. You may decide where we go first, Hideki.'' Lilia said, wanting to change the subject. Glancing in his direction, Lilia waited for her friend to decide.

Hideki followed the man with his gaze until he finally walked out of view, then he unfolded the map in his pocket and brought it out for view. "Hmm. Let's start out with this one then, it's nearby.. I believe." He spoke, studying the map closer to determine their exact current location. Concluding their position on the map, Hideki walked out in the streets, beckoning Lilia to follow him. "It might be faster if we travel on the rooftops, what do you say?"

''I say, lead on. Captain Hideki.'' Lilia reacted with pounding softly against his shoulder, with her left hand as she followed him. She would read the letter later. After all, she first wanted to do the first step with Hideki. The scouting. Realising suddenly her luck. Hideki was a Hyuuga! He could even see if there would be any people waiting or guarding places. That would make their mission much easier. ''Think you should really be in charge now. Captain, sir.''

Nodding, Hideki went over to the ladder they had previously used to descend the streets, and used it to climb the roof. At the rooftop, he made sure his feet were utilizing the Tree Climbing Technique before he would set off into a sprint, leaping across the rooftops. Once in a while, he would look back to make sure Lilia was still after him. As they neared the targeted location, Hideki pulled the hood of his new jacket over his hair, landing on a roof nearby. "This is it." He told Lilia, pointing to what he assumed to be a gambling house. "You ready? I'll scout ahead with my Byakugan to make sure there won't be any obstacles when we enter." As he finished issuing his "order", he brought his hands together for the Ram seal, activating his Byakugan. Using the Byakugan's ability to see through solid objects, his eyes focused on the gambling house and its surroundings, searching the area for any armed foes nearby.

Following Hideki, with ease, Lilia paid close attention. As she landed next to Hideki, she listened to what he said. The gambling house didn't looked like anything special. But looks could deceive. When Hideki told his 'order', Lilia nodded. Crouching, she placed her right gloved hand on the snow. The snow that was coming from the sky was slowly getting more. Wondering if it now would hinder them, Lilia glanced at Hideki. She was hoping it wouldn't get any worse or else her sight would be useless for them.

After analyzing the area for a while, Hideki could safely conclude that there weren't any guards nearby. Although, he still didn't have any information regarding the mission, except for the fact that they would most likely end up killing someone. Turning around, Hideki met Lilia's eyes. "Would it hurt to at least give me a physical description of this man we're "hunting"? He asked her. At the same time, he also took note of the falling snow. For him, it wouldn't be any problem, but he didn't know how Lilia would fare with her eyes in the current weather.

As Hideki asked the question, Lilia seemed to frown. After a moment of silence, she nodded. ''He is a bit of a plump bastard. Quite an arrogant facial expression most of the time. You know, like those people who think they are better than everybody else. So far, I have no other details regarding our target.'' She answered him. Trying to stay warm, she tried to mould her chakra with the Fire nature, to not let her legs or arms sleep. Staying crouched in this weather, even with the protection of their clothes didn't mean that they were really safe from the cold.

Hideki looked at her as she explained, but made no reply, nodding instead. Turning around, he wondered if that was really a reason to take the man's life. A cold wind howled past them, and Hideki pulled his scarf over his mouth. "Well then, so.. you said something about scouting this area? Right?" He asked, his gaze set on the gambling house.

''Yes. It's clear that the prick will be safe in his own home. With guards. Best thing is if we check the locations to see if we can set up an ambush. Or maybe a trap we can activate from some distance. If we can we can do that, we'll not have to deal with guards. Or getting things out of hand.'' She answered. Lilia looked around as the weather got worse. The snow began to fall with more and she wondered if he was having any trouble with it. ''You're the one that leads the scouting. I'm afraid, I can't do really that much.'' Lilia told him, hoping he would notice that soon if it would keep going on like this, she would really need to rely on him.

Hideki thought about the situation. They had almost no intel on the man they were supposed to "hunt" except for his location, and that he most certainly had guards. That was problematic. But that was life. Whirling around in place, Hideki faced Lilia again. "In that case, I propose we check the place out. Should be safe.. I think." Looking up, he noticed that the snow fell in larger amounts now, the temperature was decreasing as well. "It's starting to snow a hell lot, let's go?" He told her, wrapping his clothes around him tighter to prevent his shivering.

Nodding, she would try to follow Hideki as best as she could. The snow was limiting her vision already, but she was able to see where he was heading. Using the Tree Climbing Technique, in order to not loose too much grip, Lilia felt a bit uneasy. If a snowstorm was coming, it would mean they would've to cancel the scouting of this night. That only meant lost time. Not something she was fond off. ''Blasted snow. Is your vision not limited by it?'' Lilia asked.

Landing on the snowy street below, Hideki looked back at Lilia. "I got my Byakugan, remember?" He replied, a teasing smile on his lips. Continuing with the task at hand, he bolted towards the gambling house, entering a nearby alley and stopping there in order to make sure it would be safe to enter the gambling house. Peeking through the walls with his Byakugan, he didn't seem to notice anything odd. Casting a glance behind him, he located Lilia admist the snow storm, yet again with the assistance of his Byakugan. "Hmm. It seems safe enough. Are you sure this is the place? And, does he always have his guards around him? He asked.

After she managed to follow Hideki to a nearby alley, she heard his question. ''I'm not sure about anything. So far, you know as much as I know about the target. Only other thing that he needs to die for his crimes. Nothing else.'' Lilia told him, trying to look around. ''Why? Do you notice something odd then?''

"No, that's the thing. There's nothing odd with the place at all. I suppose we could check the place out, but will we find anything? That's what's bothering me." He mused, taking the weather into consideration. The hidden blades they had been given were on his mind as well, not to mention that disgusting old man. And despite how he felt about the whole morality of the mission, he couldn't deny that it intrigued him. Perhaps a little too much. It was almost off putting.

''Likely not. We need to find spots where we can lurk from or like I suggested, to place traps. Nothing less or more.'' She answered him. Her tone had became less friendly, but not just she had to repeat herself. Her green colored eyes were focused on the back of Hideki, but she was doubting that her friend had fully trust in her. Or was it just the mission? She couldn't blame him for that, but she was careful. ''How are you holding up? Not having it too cold, right?'' Lilia asked him.

Hideki raised his eyebrows, a little surprised. "It's freezing!" He exclaimed in a mild voice, making sure he wasn't being loud. After letting out a little chuckle, his thoughtful expression returned. "Mhm. If that's so, I say we go. Will you be able to keep up in this weather?" He asked. Disregarding the chill, Hideki could handle this weather just fine without any assistance, but he didn't know about Lilia.

Lilia nodded, but doubted he would actually notice that. ''The cold won't bother me, as long as I can mould my chakra into Fire chakra nature. Even some training, during this scouting. Only problem is that I need to rely on your eyes. I can't see not that much in this blasted weather.'' She told him. The snow was something she loved to watch, but on missions like this it was just annoying. ''So, are we going to move or do you want to keep waiting here? I doubt that our 'target' will decide to come here in the middle of the night.'' She teased Hideki a little bit. For a moment Lilia was considering to make a few shadow clones, but Hideki's eyes would be more useful. Until a thought hit her. ''Don't over do it. If you run low on chakra, let me know it. Okay?''

"I won't." He replied with a smile. Heeding to Lilia's teasing, Hideki turned around and took a route out of the alley, leading them to the back of the gambling house. His gaze continued to search the area for any potentionally "guards". Concluding that it was safe, he made his way to the entrance of the gambling house. Once in a while, he would glance behind him to make sure Lilia was following him. As he reached the entrance door, he saw that a lot of people were leaving. Most likely due to the weather, he assumed. Exhaling, he stepped forward, climbing the stairs leading to the door. "You okay?" He asked, making sure of her condition before he would enter the gambling house.

''Don't worry about me. I've been in worse. Way worse.'' Was Lilia's reply. She managed to keep following him. Knowing they would enter the gambling house, she already laid her hand on the hilt of the blade. The blade that was sheathed in the scabbard on her back. ''Are there many people inside? Remember, you're the one that leads the scouting operation. You're the one in charge. Okay?'' She told him, placing her left hand on his shoulder. A warm and soothing feeling spread from his shoulder, as she kept moulding her chakra into Fire Nature Chakra to create the feeling. Pulling her hand back after a moment, she waited for his orders.

Hideki closed his eyes as warmth surged through his skin, then he pushed the door open. In an instant, the howling winds went silent, replaced by loud voices booming throughout the gambling house. Hideki had never been inside a gambling house before, but from what he saw, it looked exactly as how he'd imagined it to be. People participated in different games, cheering loudly as they threw dices over oval wooden tables, clutching at their straws. It was strictly men there, and only a few women. A little bothered by the loudness, Hideki scanned the inside of the house. There was a staircase leading up to, what he assumed, was another gambling floor. The second level also provided a clear view over the first level. That was useful. He moved closer to Lilia. "What do you say? I believe we could get some proper observation from the second level, but I wonder if we're allowed to be up there?" He whispered. Not that it would actually mattered whether or not they would be allowed.

Lilia was glad that she could see on her own acount now. Not really fazed by the scenery, she glanced at Hideki. A frown present underneath her hood. ''We could use.. transformation Jutsu? Just a suggestion.'' She told him on a teasing tone. After answering Hideki, the eyes of Lilia scanned the area. Nobody seemed really that dangerous to her. At least, there were some big blokes, but nobody that seemed to be a threat to them. Even when they weren't the tallest, biggest or mean looking ones in the building. ''Remember, you're leading the scouting. You're the one leading now. Captain.~'' Lilia told him, trying to remember him that he should lead, not asking questions.

Hideki grinded his teeth in annoyance. "It's just so stupid. What the hell do they expect us to do with this little intel?" He said, venting his frustration. With a sigh, he thought about their next move. Naturally, their target would be residing in his home at this evening, due to the weather. Would a home infiltration be too difficult for them? They did have his eyes at their disposal, and not to mention the skill of Lilia. Then again, their target had guards, but would that really be too problematic? Were they even shinobi? He pouted his lips before he would turn around. "Do we have any intel on his estate?" He asked.

Hearing his question, Lilia smirked underneath her scarf. It was amusing to her to hear that he was disliking the amount of information they were having. Almost, she was eager to tell him of missions where the intel was even less and that they had to do with the intel they were given. But as she just decided against it, Hideki asked another question. ''Not really, to be honest. All the information I've, is given. If I knew anything about the estate, I would've suggested we could check it out. Unless you want to try to scout the location now? While it's snowing.. heavily.'' Lilia responded, trying to make her point. Out there, she would only be of use if he would keep her updated on where what was. But she had also told him that he was in charge of the scouting. Deciding that she would wait to see what her friend would do, Lilia placed her left hand on her hip as she lowered her right, away from the hilt of her blade.

Thinking about it, Hideki snickered. "I got it. The perfect plan." He said, a dangerous glint evident in his eyes. "It'll be a bit harder for you, but I'll be there to guide you." He said, flickering his hand towards the door in a gesture, signaling for them to leave. As they stepped out, they were greeted by the rapidly changing weather, cold winds howling past."Ugh." He muttered, heading out to the streets. "Right now, let's go back to the inn. I want to check out the new equipment, and also wait." He told Lilia, a smile on his lips.

Noticing the glint in his eyes, Lilia became curious to what he was planning. Seeing the gesture and hearing the words he told her, she had a vague hint of what he was planning. Probably checking out the estate of their target. It was confirmed asIt was confirmed as he told her that he wanted to head back to the inn and check out the new equipment. But Lilia's answer seemed a bit odd. ''I think we shouldn't head straight back. Let's take a little walk. Follow me.'' She beckoned him to follow her, as she was heading towards the nearby alley. ''Do you still have your Byakugan activated by any chance?'' Lilia asked him, looking briefly over her shoulder.

A little surprised, he obediently heeded to her beckoning. "No, but that can be solved." he said, performing a single hand seal with his right arm, his eyes flaring up as his Byakugan activated. "Done. Now what?" He asked her, a quizzical look on his face.

''Don't you notice the four blokes? They seem to be eager heading the same way as us.'' Lilia responded to Hideki's question. Now with that revealed, she picked up her pace. Walking fast towards the alley, where the snow was not limting her sight that much, she pulled out a kunai. ''So, what would you do? Four enemies are stalking us and likely know more about the terrain than us. Come on, we don't have all the time.'' Lilia said, spinning the kunai in her right hand. The four men were indeed trying to stalk them after they had left the gambling house. Lilia only asked him the questions, cause she knew that it wouldn't be much trouble for them if they would surprise the four men with showing what they got. Else, Lilia was sure that she could put the men down alone. Though that wouldn't be much fun.

A touch of excitement stinged Hideki as he entered the alley. He threw a glance at Lilia, eyes glittering. "Terrain eh? .. Let's take them out." He said. It was a reckless plan, but he couldn't deny his instincts. Looking up at the alley walls, he wondered if it would be possible to climb on them using the Tree Climbing Technique. It would work. Beckoning for Lilia to climb up the other wall, he filled his feet with chakra and leaped, his feet connecting with the wall. He began to slide, but as he regained control over his chakra, the sliding stopped. He let out a sigh of relief, and looked over at Lilia. He hoped that she would understand what he was planning without him saying it out loud. The men approached the alley in a steady pace. Hideki pulled out a kunai. Lurking in the shadow of the wall, he gave Lilia one last glance. It would be an ambush, a swift one. And if everything worked according to his plan, they would kill or atleast maim three of them, leaving one of them alive. He hoped the ambush would be over soon, before his nerves would get to him.

Climbing the other wall, Lilia had no trouble with it. As soon as she had her position, she looked at the entrance of the alley. Her left hand opened slowly as she narrowed her eyes. Her right hand was also pressed against the wall, using the Tree Climbing Technique to maintain even more grip. The crunching sound of snow being stepped on was heard, meaning the four men were approaching. ''You signal the ambush. I'll follow.'' She whispered, but kept her gaze locked on the entrance. It seemed that the four men decided to take a slow approach. Most likely wondering if they were heading the good way. Unlike Hideki, Lilia felt no excitement. It was likely that these men were just common thugs. Nothing special.

Hideki nodded at Lilia, confirming her words. The men had entered the alley by now. Judging by their looks, and the weapons they carried, Hideki assumed they were mercenaries. He gulped, tightening the grip of his kunai. Glancing at Lilia, he wished for one last reassuring look, but it seemed she was determined to let Hideki handle the ambush. He let out a breath, then he descended. He fell silently, arching his body in way so that he would be able to land on top of one of the thugs. However, one of the men spotted him, and with a shout the other thugs turned on Hideki. But it was too late. Before the others could interfere, the targeted thug had a kunai driven through his throat in a leaking pipe of blood. And with a gargle, he fell to the ground, glutching at his throat, trying to prevent the blood from bursting out. The other thugs charged Hideki, weapons flailing in the air. Now it was up to Lilia.

Glancing at the situation below her, Lilia scoffed a bit. She had let Hideki have his moment and he did better than she had expected. Without even using his Hyuuga blood line ability, those eyes, he had taken two out already. Dropping herself from the wall, she landed on one of the thugs. Her hands were brought quickly to his head, twisting it with a quick movement even before he had hit the ground. The sickening sound of the neck being broken in a swift moment, drawned the attention of the two other men. As she hadn't risen up yet from her stance, the only part visible from Lilia's face were her eyes. The scarf covered the lower part of her face as the hood casted a dark shadow over the other features. ''I spy, with my little eye.'' She hissed, as her left eye started to change from color. ''Just one scared little pig.'' This made the two look confused, but Lilia's words were a clear signal to what she expected from Hideki.

Hideki shuddered. Lilia was indeed intimidating. He had witnessed her power first hand during the Hon siege, and he'd paid the price for it. He could still recall her tail forming out of thin air - tiny globs of chakra gathering in place - and how it lashed out in almost blinding speed. Letting his thoughts go away, he dropped his kunai and leapt towards one of the men. The man was quick to react to his attack, and with a thrust of his sword, he forced Hideki to change the trajectory of his dash, almost crashing into the wall. He directed another violent slash at the shinobi's back. Hideki reacted instinctively, ducking as the sword passed mere inches from his head, Byakugan glowing with awareness. And before the man could prepare for another swing, Hideki whirled and placed a gentle fist in the man's solar plexus, causing him to double over with a grunt. Hideki pulled out another kunai, and froze. Guilt stabbed him. He felt nauseous at the prospect of the killing the man. A sore feeling entered his throat and it felt like he'd been drained from water. Grinding his teeth, he forced himself, his kunai disappearing into a blur of motion. There was a burst of blood, rippling along Hideki's clothes, staining them, and then a low thump as the body fell to the ground. The man's pleading eyes etched into his memory.

As Hideki killed one of the men, the other tried to get past Lilia. Wanting to use his weight and force, he tried to slam her out of his way. But his arm was caught with Lilia's left hand. Yelping, he felt the tight squeeze as Lilia scoffed. Without wavering, she kicked the man's kneecap. The breaking sound of bones rang through the air. But no scream followed as Lilia's right hand shot towards the man's mouth. With the gloved hand covering the mouth, the man was slammed against the ground. Now on his back and unable to fight back against the young girl, Lilia looked up. ''You okay?'' She asked, on a calm manner. Briefly, Lilia looked up with a worried glance. The irisses in her eyes were slithed, as the left eye had now a strange yellow color instead of the usual green.

Hideki's gaze remained, his eyes fixed on the corpse in front of him, bathing in a river of blood. "Yeah." He said, forcing himself to look away from the body. The plan had worked. But for some reason, he still felt dreadful. Clenching his teeth, he turned to Lilia, finally meeting her gaze. "So.. that's that... What do we do about the.. bodies..?" He asked. His voice was meek. One of the men had been spared, but they would have to kill him too after they had interrogated him. He felt ill.

Hearing the tone of Hideki, Lilia pondered. The man she held captive, suddenly tried to move, but in all of a sudden stopped. Removing her hand from his mouth, she sighed. Her left eye turned normal, just as she was about to answer Hideki's question. ''I'll leave a Shadow clone behind to burn their bodies. We can't let the target have any evidence that we're able to fend for ourselves. Or who ever has sent these thugs.'' Her gaze went to the man she had spared. ''I could let the shadow clone question this one. While we head back. What do you say?'' Still staying in a crouched position, Lilia glanced at Hideki.

"..Yeah. Let's do that." He said, a shiver rushing through his body. The temperature was colder than it had been before, and he pulled the hood over his hair. It seemed to have fallen off as he'd descended upon one of the thugs. How bothersome. Looking over at Lilia again, he couldn't help but feel a little jealousy. She seemed unfazed by the incident, much unlike Hideki.

Making a shadow clone, Lilia rose up. Before Hideki could respons, Lilia took one of his arms to guide him away. Using her chakra to mould some Fire Nature chakra, to keep the cold away, she spoke to him. ''You seem to improve. Took one of them out without wavering. I'm proud of you, Hideki.'' Lilia told him, hoping to cheer him up. Maybe not the best way, but she was unsure what way would be best. After all, he seemed to be a bit bothered by killing the men.

"That's true, I suppose." He responded, allowing himself to be led away by Lilia. Her words might have been a little crude, but it was soothing all the same. He suddenly felt tired, as if he hadn't slept for days. He longed for his bed. But if they were going to follow through with his plan, there wouldn't be any sleep for hours to come "Where are we going?" He asked.

''For now back. We'll decide what will happen tomorrow when my clone has the information out of the man. We could use some rest.'' Lilia answered him. Briefly she glanced at him, her green eyes gaining a little glint. The hood moved a bit due the wind. ''Unless you want to continue, but I feel like that is unwise. Seeing that we already had some of those thugs after us. Maybe the target is into us and trying to lure us into a trap.'' She continued. However, her mind continued. If the man was aware of they were coming, it meant that the mission had became harder. Not to mention, there could be an information leak somewhere. That meant she would need to place a strong barrier when both of them would try to get some sleep.

Hideki agreed with her plan. The night was still young after all. There would be plenty of time for them to prepare for their next move. But there was still something that pondered his mind. How exactly had the men found them? Was it their appearance at the gambling house that triggered the "alarm"? If that was so, it wouldn't be safe to visit the other locations. They would have to strike at the heart. He closed his eyes, depending on Lilia to guide him. Unless his suspicions were wrong, more people would lose their lives tonight.

It didn't take long before they were back at the inn again. Going straight to their rooms, Lilia sighed. Pulling the hood down, she then locked the door and closed the window. ''Well, I'll make sure that nobody will surprise us. You should go and sleep, okay?'' She told him, glancing one more time in his direction before taking out her jacket and scarf. ''And don't snore too much, Hideki.~'' Hoping that would brighten up his mood, Lilia walked to the front door to prepare a tag. It would shock somebody with a Sparkle technique if they would try to bash or enter the room without Lilia removing the tag.

Hideki forced himself to smile at her. She was trying his best to cheer him up and all he did in return was sulk about what had already happened. It was in the past now, and he'd have to accept it. "I can't promise that." He answered with a playful tone. Laying on his bed, he noticed the blood stains on his sleeve. It instantly brought back the images he tried so hard to forget about. The feeling of his kunai piercing the man's throat still lingered in his fingertips. He would have to clean his gear as well, but he was too tired. And with one last worried glance at Lilia, he succumbed to his fatigue.

After she was done with the tag, she received some information. Just as Hideki passed into sleep, her eyes widened. In a reflex, she looked at the window. But the dark night revealed nothing. Though if she had to trust the information, that was send to her by the release of her Shadow Clone. Sighing, she rose up and silently crept towards Hideki. He seemed to be asleep. That was good. Taking his blanket, she tucked him in good. Once that was done, she walked to her own bed. One last time she glanced outside the window. Tomorrow it would be full moon, she just remembered. As she tucked herself in, Lilia knew what that meant. But her eyes closed as she also fell into a deep slumber.

---

The next morning.

Slowly, her eyes opened. Blinking a few times, she heard some birds. Getting up, she rubbed her eyes before yawning. Looking around, nothing bad had happened. Hideki was still in his bed and after glancing at the tag, nobody had dared to sneak into their room. Getting out of her bed, Lilia made a ponytail. Once she had done that, she walked towards Hideki's bed. Softly, she placed her hand on his shoulder. Gently shaking him, she tried to wake him up. ''Hey, Hideki. Time to get up.''

Hideki let out a grunt as he was shook awake. "Mhm.. soon." He said, pulling the blankets over his head and turning his back to her. Opening his eyes, he noticed that it wasn't dark outside. Was it morning perhaps? He laid in bed for a few minutes, before he decided to sit up against the wall, taking even more time before he would go prepare himself. "What's on todays schedule?" He asked, brushing his teeth.

As he brushed his teeth, Lilia was checking her gear. Taking a moment, she then answered his question. ''We're going to hunt down our prey. He is moving out of the area today. This evening. We're betrayed and seeing the only person who could've done that is....'' Lilia didn't finished her sentence. It was already clear to Hideki, if he was awake enough, to realise who she meant. Once she had done that, she would also start to brush her teeth.

Hideki's eyes widened as Lilia mentioned betrayal, and for a moment he was baffled. Narrowing his eyes, hatred siphoned through him, rushing through his veins. He'd been stupid to not see it coming. The man had been suspicious to begin with, but Lilia seemed to have remotely trusted him and it was her mission after all. Putting down his toothbrush, he began to scrub the dirt and blood of his clothes. But in a way, it felt good. He despised the man, and he would not hesitate to make him suffer, especially after the performance he'd forced upon Hideki. "I see." He said, keeping it short.

Once she was done with her teeth, Lilia walked back to her bed. Opening her backpack again, she spoke again. ''We'll pay that bastard a visit first. Then we'll go to a spot where we can ambush the 'target'. Though I've heard the man is trying to move out of the village. So we'll have little time to rest. Okay?'' Lilia glanced at him, her eyes already revealing she wasn't happy about the current state of things.

Hideki resisted a smile, nodding instead. "Let's do that." He said, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. He couldn't have liked the plan more. That old bastard had it coming for him, and even better, Hideki had the opportunity to be the deliverer. "Shall we?" He said, taking a step towards the door. His eyes drifted off to the bracers for a moment, but he stayed quiet, and finally returned his eyes to Lilia.

''Yes. Let's go.'' She told him as she nodded as well. They wouldn't waste much time as Lilia wasn't planning on giving the old man much time to prepare for them. If he would see them coming. ''But we don't kill him right away. I first want to have some answers. If he doesn't have any. We kill him. Roger?'' Lilia didn't look at Hideki this time, but merely focused on the way they were heading. It was clear that she was really pissed off that the old man, who should be on the helping side was maybe now an inside mole. A traitor. Something Lilia really despised and even hated.

Hideki clenched his jaw, but stayed quiet. Lilia was right, getting answers from the man was the top priority. But even so, Hideki wished they could just get it over with right away. He felt a sudden pain in his chest. Why was he even wishing for blood? The old man had humiliated him, and betrayed them, but was that really a reason to kill the man? He pondered for a moment. Finally his eyes narrowed and he followed Lilia out of the inn. It didn't matter whether or not it was morally wrong, they were shinobi and he was a traitor. That was reason enough to kill him, despite the reason for his treason.

As they stood in front of his door, Lilia knocked on it. Clenching her right hand into a fist, she would wait until the man would open his door. The moment the door handle went down, she narrowed her eyes. With a fast movement, she kicked the door with great force open. The sound of somebody stumbling backwards was clearly heard. Even with the barely lightened hall, she could see the old man. Before he could get up, she punched him in the stomach. The fist channeled the lightning technique, Silent Shocking, in a rapid speed. Making the man moan in pain, Lilia looked over her shoulder. ''Close and lock that door. Time we spend some.... chating with our 'friend' here.'' She told him. Lilia would wait until Hideki had done what she had asked and then would leave the hurting over to her friend. The need to tell him that wasn't there, seeing he would likely be able to do the same with his eyes and Gentle Fist.

Hideki stepped into the house and closed the door behind him. When his eyes connected with the man, he felt a sudden rage well up inside of him. He gave Lilia a quick glance, then he returned his gaze to the old man, who was slowly trying to rise up. Hideki acted instantly, his gentle fist striking the man in the shoulder, causing him to fall to the floor again. "Stay down." He told the man as he stared at him, his Byakugan activated. Hideki bent down, and looked the man in the eyes. The old man boldly returned his gaze. "Now why don't you start fessing up?" Hideki hissed, and at the same time, another gentle fist struck the man at his other shoulder.

The old man looked surprised after Lilia released him from the technique that Lilia had used. Only to let out a surprised yelp of pain as Hideki struck him. For a few moments he seemed to been going to some nasty pain. He looked scared at the two after he was able to rub some of the pain off, just some of it. As Hideki asked his question, the man tried to get up. Lilia crossed her arms and simply nodded.

Hideki felt irritated by the old mans futile attempts at recovering his condition. He directed a kick towards the man, and it struck him clean in the jaw, sending vibrations up to his brain. Once again, he fell down onto the floor. "Not only are you stupid, but you're deaf as well?" Hideki asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. Hideki's next move surprised even himself. He pulled out a kunai and in a swift movement, he pinned the man's palm to the floor. Blood gushed out as a result. Hideki didn't know exactly how strong the old man was, and he didn't want to see it either. "Now, speak already.." He said, narrowing his eyes.

The man cried out of pain, and for a moment glanced with a desperate look at Lilia. The girl simply held her arms crossed, looking with a cold look at the two. Trying to say something, the man was stuttering. ''I-I-I-I don't know... I've do-done nothing wrong. I SWEAR!'' The man cried out, trying to hold his other hand in a protective way for his face. He was turning pale as he looked afraid into Hideki's direction.

Hideki's irritation was gone. It had been replaced by sheer amusement. "Really now?" He said with a whistle, bending down again. He slapped the man hard across the face, before pulling out another kunai. He tilted his head as he examined the man. "You sure there's nothing?" Hideki asked, reading his kunai for another stab, if the man's answer were to disappoint him.

The man shook his his head heavily. Lilia glanced at Hideki. ''Your decision. We already know the target is trying to move out of town. What should we do with him?'' Nodding into the direction of the terrified old man, who trembled all over his body, Lilia voice was neutral. Like she didn't cared much for what would happen to the old man. And in fact, she indeed didn't.

Hideki was trapped in a rollercoaster of emotions. Images from when Hideki had been forced to remove his headband and display his seal kept recurring in his mind, as if to convince him to kill the man. Hideki grinded his teeth, his head pounding. He felt a slight shake in the hand that gripped the kunai, and he noticed that he was holding it so firmly it almost hurt. He relaxed his hand and exhaled. Once again, it was a choice between morality and his title as a shinobi. He stayed quiet for a moment. Finally he looked over at Lilia. "You said you wanted answers, but it seems he's not willing to talk. Are you sure you wanna leave it to me?" Hideki asked, trying his hardest to keep calm.

Lilia looked back at Hideki. Slowly, she nodded. ''Yes. If he is being honest he doesn't know anything. Then fine with me. If not, then we can just slice his throat. Unfortunaly I have little knowledge about genjutsu that make people talk. And doubt we can exert a hell of a pain, unless we want to risk him to lose his life. The choice is yours Hideki.'' She told him with a serious voice. The man trembled more, slowly trying to get away from Hideki. Words came muttering out of the man, but due the panic and adreline that was rushing through his body, he was unable to formulate them in a manner that neither Hideki or Lilia could understand.

Hideki felt a pang of sympathy for the man, but he didn't forget what he'd done either. It was possible that the man was innocent, but if that was the case, would he be able to forgive them after this? Not likely. "Alright." He replied to Lilia, his jaw clenched. He twirled the kunai in his hand, hoping that it would prevent him from shaking. It didn't work. The shaking stayed the same. Hideki exhaled sharply. He never had a choice in the first place. The moment he'd graduated from the academy he was a Shinobi, and leaving a trace behind was not the way of a Shinobi. His kunai suddenly lashed out. It drove straight through the man's throat and the old man desperately clutched at it, as blood oozed out from the wound. Hideki wanted to look away, but he forced himself to witness his own deed. When the old man stopped gurgling blood, his eyes went blank and he merely stared at the roof above him. Hideki felt his stomach twist. There was no going back now. He promised himself to never forget the man, and the thugs he had killed the previous night too. "Sorry.." He whispered with a meek voice.

''It's okay.'' Hideki would feel Lilia's right hand on top of his right shoulder. ''Let's go. I will make sure... no trace will be left here.'' She told him. Already, a shadow clone walked into the living room. There were likely some papers, but Lilia knew that they had to dispose of the evidence. Anything that could lead to them would make it harder for them to continue the mission. And now they had to hurry. ''The target is on the move and we need to get some horses. If those scumbags were speaking the truth yesterday... Then he is trying to move to another place. With a carriage.'' She explained to Hideki. Hoping that she could distract him a bit with briefing him about the next part, Lilia felt no guilt for the death of the old man. It wasn't that she felt nothing, but it was part of their trade. Being a shinobi required sacrifices. And this was simply one of them.

Hideki looked at Lilia. There was disbelief in his eyes. "H-horses?" He stuttered. "I don't know how to ride a horse!" He exclaimed, and a sweat drop fell down to the floor. Hideki wondered where they could even get their hands on a pair of horses. Did Snow Country give them away or something? Maybe rented them out? His thoughts were in a disarray, and he had momentarily forgotten that he had killed a man on the very floor they treaded on.

Patting him on the back, she giggled. ''There is time to complain and a time to learn. I guess.'' She frowned a bit as they then entered the cold outside, the cold that the Snow Country gave to everybody that entered the country. ''But first let seek out a stable. We just need one horse. I can ride... a little bit.'' She whispered the last words, hoping that Hideki wouldn't hear them. Good thing was that Samehada wasn't with her, as she only had a scabbard of a normal blade on her back.

Hideki followed Lilia out of the house, and he wrapped his scarf around him. It was still chilly outside. The snow country actually stayed true to its name. "Eh.. If you say so.." He said. When he noticed that his Byakugan was still activated, he made it fade away, and his eyes returned to their usual whiteness, the veins disappearing from his face. "Well then.. lead the way?" Hideki told Lilia. He didn't know how to act anymore. The talk of horses had confused him to such an extent.

Noticing that he was a bit confused, she took one of his arms. Directing him as they would walk in a fact pace around, an explosion was heard. Lilia looked over her shoulder. It came from the house they had left, a few minutes ago. ''That will give us an opening to steal a horse.'' She mumbled. Looking around again, she noticed a smell. Something faint, but still something she could place. ''Come.'' Walking with him towards the place, they would see some carriages and horses. Stopping however in her tracks, she seemed to be focused on something. Or rather somebody.

At the place where some carriages were standing, armed guards were walking around and looking at everybody that came near. A person just entered a carriage and seemed to order it into moving. Several horses were taken by the escort as they would move to guard the carriage. ''Seems we just came in time... Are you ready?'' She looked at Hideki with a worried glance.

Hideki nodded swiftly, but there was a hint of doubt in his eyes. "Y-yeah, let's go." He told her, looking over in the direction of the horses. He was still frustrated over the fact that she wouldn't tell him why exactly they had to murder their "target", but nonetheless, he would comply.

With the target and his escort moving, Lilia thought of a plan. Stealing a horse now could attract too much information. But there was another way. ''Let's stalk them over the rooftops.'' She suggested, nodding in the direction of the rooftops. Already, Lilia was planning how they could ambush the escort and take out the target. But it would require the eyes of her companion. ''And you're doing great... stay confident now Hideki.'' Due the fact she still had one of her arms locked with him, he would experience the known soothing and relaxing warmth, produced by her moulding some Fire nature chakra.

"I will." He replied, and with a nod, he was off, heading for the rooftops. As he drew closer to a house, he formed a single hand seal and poured chakra into his feet. Then he made several jumps up the wall, using the Tree Climbing Technique, and landed on top of the house, with a crunching sound from the snow. He stopped for a moment to activate his Byakugan, and glanced at his back to see if Lilia was behind him.

Landing just one moment after him on the rooftop, Lilia had her hood pulled up. The scarf hide the lower facial features of Lilia as she nodded. ''Let's get at it.'' She mumbled as she made a hand sign to move out. Suddenly she poofed away, but he would hear her voice. ''We'll use the earphone communicators. Let's for now keep stalking those bastards.'' At this moment, he would likely already see her moving at the rooftops, at the other side of the street. Her bright green coloured eyes were following the carriage. It was just one and around twenty armed guards. No big task if they would plan their ambush good enough.

Hideki searched his back pouch, and when he found it, he put the earphone communicaters on. It was the first time he had used it in a real scenario. It felt odd. Seeing Lilia's movement, he followed suit, dashing across the rooftops, tailing the carriage with their target inside. He made a leap when there was a large gap between two houses, and pulled his hood over his hair when he landed. He continued his sprint. There was no time to waste.

As they followed the carriage, it seemed two others joined in. With more guards. Not only that, but the number of the guards had increased. Much like they had increased the pace. With them closing the distance to a gate, Lilia glanced at the other side of the street, to the rooftops where Hideki was. ''Time to ambush them. Follow after me.'' She ordered. Flicking her left hand, she heard something strange. Instead of the lightning, she noticed that the blade had came out of the sheath. So that was how the strange bracers worked. ''The blade come out if you flick your wrist... I think.. Just happened.'' She spoke through the communicator. Quickly, Lilia shook her head. It was time to come into action, not to be amazed. Running suddenly faster, picking up her pace, she jumped from the rooftop. Soaring throught the air, as she noticed she was moving toward the ground, she aimed to one of the guards. The moment she had landed on the back of the horse, another guard had noticed her. He shouted something. Sparing no moment, Lilia thrusted the blade into the spine of the guard and threw him of the horse. ''Hideki!'' She told with a firm voice, taking the reins of the horse. Due the alarming of the other guard, the escort and carriages were suddenly sprinting. It was time for the chase.

This was insane. Hideki hesitated for a moment, but in the end he did as Lilia ordered and he descended the roof, moving through the air swiftly, his gaze set on a horse parallel to Lilia's position. The guards were too occupied with the sudden appearance of Lilia so they didn't notice Hideki landing on the back of a horse, lurking behind a guard. He flickered his wrist, and to his surprise, a blade came rushing out. The guard glanced at his back, and when he noticed Hideki he forced his horse into a zig zag pattern, hoping Hideki would lose his footing due to the sudden movements. However, Hideki was quicker and the blade attached to his wrist slit the throat of the man, in the area where the armor didn't reach up to. As the man fell off, Hideki made a futile attempt to control the horse by pulling the reins. But to his contempt, it seemed he had no power over the alerted animal. "AAAH!" He yelled out, but he managed to keep steady on the horse as it advanced forward.

With a brief glance, she noticed Hideki could use some help. But then again, the target and the convoy were attempting to get away. Already, some of the guards were shouting that the gates should be closed behind them. ''Duck, Hideki.'' She mumbled. With her left hand, she picked out a shuriken. It was soon imbued by lightning as Lilia turned around and throw the projectile towards the guard that was sitting towards on the horse, where Hideki was at. The shuriken would be aimed at the throat and hopefully cut a clean cut through the neck of the man, thus killing him for sure in the process. Once that was done, she turned her attention to the convoy. ''Darn it. We must not let them escape.'' Mumbling the words, she tried to direct the horse in a faster pace.

Hideki complied and he ducked the shurikens. When he heard the sound of a man falling off his horse, he straightened again. He also heard the shouts regarding the closing of the gates, and much like Lilia, he made an attempt at increasing the speed of the horse. "Shitfuck.." He cursed to himself.

Though they weren't closing in that fast, the gates were closed too slow. ''Dammit. Hideki, stay in control of it. No time for goofing around.'' Lilia ordered, briefly looking over her shoulder. The convoy just rode out of the gates as both Hideki and Lilia would follow soon. Now that they were out of the city, some of the guards on horses drew their weapons. Seemed they would try to get rid of the following Konoha nin. ''Hideki, go to one of the carriage and take it over. Got that?'' Lilia asked, holding the reins of her the horse she was riding with her left. Her right hand moved to the hilt of her sword, but she didn't pulled it out of her sheath, yet.

It seemed the horse had felt the pulling of the reins, as it had increased its speed. Hideki was approaching the carriage at a steady pace. "Roger that." He spoke into the microphone. He hoped she wouldn't notice the slight shaking of his voice. The guards had their weapons unsheated now, but he was closer to the carriage than they were. He leapt off his horse and landed a few inches away from the edge of the carriage. The guards shouted out orders and more of them drew closer to the carriage Hideki hijacked. The number of guards was however much decreased, since they also had to keep track of Lilia. That was fortunate. Hideki slid to the left and with a movement, he kicked in the window of the carriage and slipped into it. Inside of the carriage, there were piles of weapons stacked on the many seats, as well as a single guard keeping watch on them.

It wasn't what Hideki had hoped for but it would do for now. The guard drew his sword and made a reckless swing at Hideki, which was avoided with a duck. Hideki flickered his wrist again and the blade came rushing out. His hand turned into a blur of motion as he directed it towards the guards hand. Fingers came flying off as a result, followed by blood and a scream. Hideki felt his heart jump to his throat, but he still followed through with his actions, his gentle fist striking the man near his stomach. The man doubled over and Hideki finished the job with the blade. It made him feel ill and he resisted the urge to vomit, peeking out the window instead. The guards were much closer now. He had to get out. Using the same movement, he swung his body up to the roof, steading his feet in the last second to prevent himself from falling off. His eyes drifted off to Lilia for a moment, to see how her progression was going.

Steel clashed against steel as Lilia fended off a guard. With a bitter look in her eyes, she tried to keep up with the others. But five guards were trying to cut of her way. Wielding her sword, she had managed to keep them away from her. One of them grew bold and moved in too close, swinging his sword. But before he was able to finish his swing, Lilia made a stab. The cold steel pierced the snow flocks and right through the throat of the guard. He dropped his blade and attempted in a desperate attempt to remove the steel that had pierced his flesh. One of the other guards tried to attack Lilia from the other direction, but his hand axe met nothing but thin air. By leaning to the side of the guard, she had stabbed, Lilia had managed to evade the attack. She was now however trying to balance as good as possible. Something that wasn't really easy. But she wasn't planning on releasing the hilt of her blade. Quickly, she glanced at the guard, who raised his axe in the air. He was about to lower it on her. Grunting, she narrowed her eyes.

The arm of the man was blocked as Lilia had quickly kicked her leg up. Though her attempt to avoid getting hacked was succesful, she felt that she almost was falling off her horse. Just in time, she managed to sit up straight and pull out her sword of the first guard. The four others were regrouping and again trying to seperate her from the convoy and Hideki. The cold wind bite against her forehead, as the hood was blown backwards. Looking to her right, the man with the hand axe was riding towards her again. With a quick swing, she drove him back, but wasn't able to wound him. The man had fended off her swing. The three others also attempted something now. One of them had a spear and was aiming at the head of the horse, that Lilia was riding on. With the man, that wielded the axe, Lilia cursed softly.

The guards were almost on top of the carriage by now, their weapons flailing in the air violently as they advanced. In the middle of the chaos, Hideki's ears caught onto a few of the curses they were throwing at him. Most of them involved his death and to what extent his scumbaggery reached. Hideki shook his head and advanced to the driver seat of the carriage. The man was slowly letting go off the reins, hoping one of the approaching guards would offer him a lift. When he saw Hideki creeping up on him, he let out a yell. To Hideki's surprise the man wasn't a guard, and neither was he armed. He seemed like an ordinary civilian. Hired perhaps? Whatever. Hideki's knee whipped up, and he sent the man reeling before he would fall off the carrriage. Hideki didn't spare him a second glance but his chest still hurt.

Taking over the reins of the carriage, he shouted a command and the horses increased their pace. It was probably the loudness of his voice that made them comply, and not so much the actual words he was uttering. A blade came swinging at Hideki's face from one of the nearby guards and he tilted his body to the left, but he wasn't able to avoid the whole attack and blood ran out from the wound that had opened up on his cheek. There was a look of terror on his face. More attacks came flying at him, and he wouldn't be able to manage it for much longer.

The horse screamed as the blade of the spear pierced the side of it's head. Lilia's eyes widened by the sight of it, but she managed to react fast enough. As the horse seemed to fall forward, she dropped the reins. Quickly, she jumped and landed on the back of the man that had stabbed the horse with his spear. He reacted surprised, but before Lilia could react, one of the other horseman rode with a mace towards them. He tried to slam the deadly weapon at Lilia's head, but instead slammed the weapon at the back of his fellow guard. Lilia had ducked and quickly stabbed the man with the hidden blade in the chest. Lightning crackled through the air, enhancing the blade's piercing damage. Pulling her arm back, she managed to push the other guard off the horse. Under the loud curses, she managed to ride her newly gained horse towards the carriage where Hideki was. ''Hideki! Jump!'' Even while the other two horseman were close on her trail ,she stretched an arm in Hideki's way. ''You can make it, jump!''

The sword attacks from the guards slashed open several minor wounds on Hideki's arms and cheeks, and he was panicking until he heard Lilia's voice calling out to him. He reacted instinctively, launching his body into the air. Another swing caused blood to gush out from his left arm. He yelped in pain. He clutched at it and let out a muffled scream, as he landed on the back of the horse Lilia rid on. "Oh god! Oh god! It hurst so bad!?" He yelled out. But as he took a closer look on the wound, it didn't seem to be fatal. He could still move the arm around, but it would need some patching so that he wouldn't faint from the blood loss. An alerted expression on his face, he rummaged in his back pouch for a bandage, and when he found one, he clumsily wrapped it around his left arm, preventing the blood momentarily.

While he was trying to patch his arm, Lilia pulled her blade out again. With a quick slash, she hacked through the neck of one of the horses. Blood gushed out of the neck of the poor animal as it fell towards the ground. But seeing the weight of the animal as well being attached to the carriage with three others, the other horses suddenly had to co-op with a corpse dragging them down. Panicked, as nobody was able to take over the reins that quickly, the carriage was driving towards a large rock. Though the horses managed to evade the rock, the wooden carriage didn't had that luxury. It slammed against the rock. Sheathing the sword, she noticed more of the horseman were forming groups, likely to attack them soon again. Knowing she had to keep Hideki in a condition he could fight, she wondered about her options. A whisper told her of one, one that she didn't really wanted to use. But what else could they do? ''Hideki..Stay calm and don't worry. It will just be for a few moments.'' Releasing the reins with her right hand, she tried to grab Hideki and managed to get hold of his leg. Her left eye started to change from color as she was about to pour some of Matatabi's chakra into Hideki's system. It was meant to transfer some chakra, in order to help his process faster. Though it meant she was using the chakra reserve of Matatabi, she was able to control, it was for helping Hideki. So it was not wasting away. ''How does that feel?'' She asked, hoping that was enough, trying to focus on directing the horse again. A horseman with a spear was trying to get close to them again, aiming his spear to the right hind leg of the horse they were on.

Hideki's eyes widened as the surge of energy rushed through him. "B-better." He replied, amazed by his recovery, even if it was just temporary. This was the Bijuu's chakra, he assumed. He didn't like to rely on a beast, but it seemed it was necessary now. He also noticed the spearman drawing closer to them, his spear aiming at the horse. Hideki was suddenly enveloped in an unexplainable rage and he pulled out a few shurikens, sending them flying towards the spearman. Was his rage another courtesy of the Bijuu? He wondered. The spearman steered his horse to the left and all except for one shuriken passed him by. The one shuriken that hit home stuck at his spear arm, preventing him from slaying their horse for another moment.

Though Hideki was now doing better, Lilia didn't cheered yet. They were outnumbered and if they would lose track of their target, everything would be for nothing. It would mean they had to seek his other location, which would take too much precious time. No, they had to finish it all here and now. Glancing at her left, she noticed the other carriage. It was an open one, with four guards on it. As more horsemen approached them, Lilia saw no other choice. Steering the horse she and Hideki were on towards the carriage, she ordered Hideki. ''On my mark, we jump to that carriage. Then we shall attempt to get our target.'' She told Hideki. Pulling out three shuriken, she aimed for a moment. Throwing the weapons, she only managed to wound two. One shuriken impaled itself into the right shoulder of a guard, while another guard was hit in the knee, dropping on his knee. ''Go!''

Hideki's wounds ached when he leapt into air, flying towards the carriage. He flickered his wrist, causing the blade to extend. With a quick slash, he managed to fend off the guards, preventing them from blocking the entrance to the carriage. He crashed onto the floor of the carriage with a loud noise. The guards were already upon him, sword slashes coming at him from two angles. With the help of his Byakugan, he managed to slip under them and appear behind them. They whirled, but Hideki's blade drove into a man's chest, and he twisted. The man screamed out in pain and in one violent motion, he brought his sword into a swing, aiming for Hideki, who had already pulled out his blade.

Landing on the carriage as well, Lilia noticed Hideki could take care of the guards. Making a shadow clone, who pulled out a kunai to guard Hideki's back, the real Lilia moved to grab the reins of the carriage. Much like the other, this was controlled by what seemed a mere civilian. But unlike the other, the man tried to punch Lilia away. Though her intentions weren't first to kill him, but to just force him away, it changed when his fist almost rammed against her face. Tilting her head, the fist missed her face. Quickly, she grabbed him by the arm and moved up her leg. The man grunted as he was kicked back. ''Out of the way.'' She mumbled as she kicked him again, making him fall of the fast driving carriage. Screaming out of panic, the man rolled over the ground as the group moved on. Now with the reins in her hand, Lilia would try to direct the carriage towards the one that was holding their target.

The shadow clone noticed that some of the horsemen were trying to get on the carriage. ''We must hold them back. But watch out that they don't pull you off the carriage!'' She shouted. Much to her dismay, it was starting to snow. And not in a light fashion too.

Hideki cursed loudly at the falling snow, but it didn't obstruct his eyesight due to his Byakugan. He continued to battle the one remaining guard. The other one had fallen off the guard and Hideki suspected he had been trampled to death, if the wound on his chest hadn't killed him by itself. It was hard to utilize his gentle fist on the armoured foes so most of his attacks involved the hidden blade. Hideki ducked as his opponents sword swirled past him. The blade caught onto the wooden floor and it seemed to be stuck. The man holding it panicked and in a desperate attempt he tried to yank it out. Hideki suddenly appeared in front of him, his hand disappearing into a blur as he sliced the man's cheek, causing him to stumble back out of shock. Hideki directed a kick to the man's gut to finish him off, and the guard fell. Almost falling to his knees, Hideki somehow managed to keep steady on his feet. He was panting heavily. The Nibi's chakra was slowly running out.

The shadow clone fended off other guards from Hideki. The kunai spun around violently as it kept most guards away. While the guards were kept at bay, the real Lilia suddenly drove the carriage to the right. Two horsemen were slammed of their horses. ''Take it easy, Hideki.'' Lilia's voice sounded over the earphone communicator. She noticed they were closing in distance with the other carriage. Almost like she could smell the success of their mission. But the guards were still an obstacle. With her shadow clone driving any guard that attempted to get on their carriage, the real Lilia pulled out a kunai with an explosive tag. Closing her left eye, she aimed for underneath the carriage. ''Just..... A little bit... There.'' Throwing the kunai with the attached tag, she looked over her shoulder to inspect on Hideki and her shadow clone.

Hideki held himself upright by supporting his weight on a wooden handle. He was still panting heavily. The blood loss from his wounds had increased and he was slowly starting to get dizzy, his eyesight betraying him. "Hurry up!" He shouted, then he heard an explosion. "What was that?!" He called to LIlia, an alerted expression present on his face.

Screams of horses, men and wood splintering were the sounds that were the results of Lilia's attack. Trying to steer the carriage she had control over away, some debris hit the guardsmen or their horses. Even Lilia's shadow clone was impaled by some wooden shard. Poofing away, Lilia realised she had to defend herself and Hideki. Releasing the reins, she raised both her hands. Lightning started to crackle as it formed a make-shift shield in front of them. ''Hold on, Hideki.'' She had used the barrier jutsu she had learned from Hisoka, but in order to make sure Hideki would be use of help, she had to attend to his wounds. There were sounds of guards moaning, grunting and muttering. It wouldn't last long or they had to face them again. Turning to Hideki, Lilia's left eye started to change again. ''Just one more time. I will focus more now.''' She told him, hoping she wasn't scaring him.

Hideki cowered when debris swirled past him, impaling Lilia's clone. He let out a muffled scream, but it seemed that the debris had stopped. Looking up, he saw Lilia's lightning shield, and the change in her left eye. "Do it." He told her. He had no idea how his body would react to that much chakra in such short succession but there was no other option. He offered her his arm.

The moment he said 'Do it' Lilia wasted no time. Pouring the chakra into his system, she made sure it wouldn't be pure Bijuu chakra. It was a mix of her own chakra. Already she noticed that the cuts were becoming smaller, but it was nowhere that efficient as a medic could. Sighing, she pulled her scarf down to flash a smile. ''Seems we did it al-''

Her eyes widened as she looked at her stomach. Blood dripped on the wood as the horses started to panic. Turning pale, Lilia breathed heavily. Her gloved hands shot towards her stomach, as if she was trying to cover up the hole in her body. ''No no no...Hi-Hideki.'' Was the soft voice of Lilia as she sank on her knees. The bright green coloured eyes seemed to look in panic as they locked on Hideki's eyes.

''That is one.. Now the next. Or do you wish a try, kiddo? Heh? Want to have some fun? Well?'' A tall man with a big grin looked at the direction of them. He spun a kunai in his right hand as he then started to laugh. A guard laid dead in front of his feet. ''Come on kiddo, answer me. You both have got me excited for this. Well?''

Hideki's eyes bulged at the sight. "L-lilia..?" He uttered as he rushed to the front of the carriage. She was on her knees, blood pouring from her stomach. He wanted to scream. In front of the carriage, the man with a kunai stood. Hideki bit his lip in order to prevent himself from screaming. "Wait a little, Lilia." He told her. His voice was shaking. Jolts of chakra flickered from his feet. He suddenly launched himself towards the man in front of them. The chakra made him feel vibrant, animated. He could do anything now. As he drew closer to the man, he couldn't supress his anger anymore, screaming the loudest he could as his gentle fists descended upon the man. He had no regard of how strong the man might be. His thoughts were too focused on killing him.

The man grinned as he noticed that Hideki was moving towards him. His eyes narrowed in delight as he then made his counter. With his fast speed, he managed to avoid Hideki landing a hit at the last second. Skidding to a halt, after he landed on the ground after the short jump, he scoffed. ''One more chance. Oh, seems that you're friend.... Ah. Hahahahaha.'' The man started to laugh as a heavy feeling of Killing Intent was radiating from Lilia.

Rising up, she looked angry at the man. The wound had almost faded. Red bulbing chakra formed around her. ''Bastard...'' She hissed. But instead of that the chakra cloak was forming a tail, it started to fade away. Not because Lilia had wasted all the chakra she had under her control, but because she didn't want to use Matatabi's powers near Hideki. Panting, as she still felt a bit tired from controlling that amount of chakra, she glanced at Hideki. ''You okay?'' Was her question through the headphone.

A surge of relief poured through Hideki at the sight of Lilia. He nodded. "I.. I'm fine." He spoke through the microphone. It was the truth, but he still wanted to kill the man. Make him suffer for hurting his friend. He looked over at the man, a grim expression on his face. The man had been much faster than Hideki had expected. Even though Hideki had received such large amounts of chakra from Lilia and her beast, the man had evaded his attack without even blinking. He had to tread carefully. Hideki narrowed his eyes, then he set off into a quick sprint towards the man. His Byakugan focused intently on the man's movements. He prepared for another gentle fist.

The man tilted his head, the grin changing into a big smile. His eyes had a strange glint in them. Like he knew about something they didn't. ''You seem like fun. I wonder...'' He seemed to prepare to charge Lilia, but something held him back as he then glanced at Hideki. It was like he was pondering who was going to be his first victim. ''Okay. Stay calm and let's work this out together. Keep following him with your eyes and let's play it defensivly. Seems he isn't..... one hundred percent.'' Lilia mumbled through the earphone. Pulling out her katana, she was eager to summon Samehada from the little scroll she had in her pouch. But it would slow her down too much. Against a fast opponent, she rather wanted to be fast on foot as well. ''So much fun... Think I will pick you first!'' Though he pointed at Lilia, the man suddenly charged at high speed towards Hideki. His laughter, that sounded odd, was all that was giving a clear warning he was attempting to attack the Hyuuga.

Hideki felt a shiver run up his spine. He stopped his attack midway and made for a halt, sliding on the snowy ground. The man was charging him with a speed Hideki couldn't dream of attaining. Would he be able to avoid it? Hideki could still read his movements with his Byakugan. That was positive. Hideki threw himself to the left. The man swished past him, barely touching Hideki. Falling into the snow below, Hideki rushed to his feet as quick as he could. His eyes locked onto the man again. He wouldn't dare to look away. If he did, he would most likely die.

With the attack evaded, the man seemed to slid through the snow to a halt. He looked already in the direction of Hideki, unleashing another strange laugh. He seemed to got excited as he charged again at Hideki. But before he was able to attack or corner Hideki, lightning crackled through the air. A hound of lightning tried to clash against the man, who barely evaded the attack from the side. Quickly, Lilia stood in front of Hideki. She held her blade with both hands as she glared at the man. ''Keep holding up. I do need your eyes to inform where he is heading too.'' She told him.

It seemed the lightning beast hadn't fazed or disturbed the man at all. Though he had evaded the attack, which meant he didn't want to get caught in the jutsu, he held a big smile on his face. Pointing at Lilia, he started to laugh again. ''Persistent are we now? Tell me... what are your names? Come on, you can trust good ol me! Come on...TRUST ME!''

Hideki took place besides Lilia, but his eyes were still resting on their opponent. He felt much more secure with her by his side. He bit his lip in anger. "And why the fuck would I ever tell you my name!? You tried to kill us!" Hideki shouted in response, his anger evident in his voice.

It only provoked a laugh from the man. While their foe was laughing, Lilia glanced at Hideki. ''There is no need to converse with him. He needs to die. That is all we need to do. Sadly, I've no intel about him..So stay on guard.'' She told him, though Lilia suspected there was little need to warn Hideki to be on guard. The man seemed to react again. He leaned a bit forward as the smile only seemed to grow. ''So I know what I need to set on your gravestone! That is why?! Now, TELL ME YOUR NAMES!'' He suddenly shouted. Lilia frowned at this display. Was their foe even sane?

Hideki imagined how it would feel to slit the throat of the man. Grinding his teeth, he locked eyes with the bastard. "Hideki." He said. "You deserve to know the name of the person who's going to kill you after all." He added. He felt his fist tighten. He was shaking. It wasn't out of fear though. It was shaking out of anger.

Lilia instantly glanced again at Hideki. He had said his true name! Cursing softly she tried to take a more defensive position in front of Hideki. ''Hideki, focus. I don-'' ''Kill me? Kill the Great Raze of Kumogakure? The Nightmare of the Raikages? Hahahahahahah! AHAHHAA!'' The odd laughter came back as he then suddenly charged at the two, but in a zig zag pattern. He was trying to confuse them. ''Hideki, where is he heading?'' Lilia mumbled as she readied her blade. Lightning was being channelled through the steel as she waited for her friend's answer.

Hideki was taken aback by the man's speed, but his eyes could clearly see through his pattern. "Left!" He called out, reading himself for an interception. It seemed the man was about to engage them in close combat. That was good for Hideki.

With a direction, she could prepare a counter attack. Focusing the lightning in the blade, she then unleased it after swinging in the left direction. Not sure if her eyes could follow it, but she swore that she could see a paniced image of the man's face. The lightning caught him off guard, even while he had managed to direct another direction. Instead of landing perfectly, he seemed to suffer some shock from Lilia's lightning. This made Lilia think. So far this 'Raze' had only shown some close ranged combat skills. ''Seems that our foe is a close ranged combat expert.... And fast. Got any suggestions yourself?'' Lilia quickly asked as the man was suddenly cursing and half laughing out loud.

"I figured as much. Hmm.." Hideki glanced at Lilia. He didn't really know how she fought. They had fought alongside each other at the Hon siege, but at that time the beast inside of her had taken over and it would have been impossible to determine her true fighting style. "How do you even fight?" He asked her bluntly. He hoped she wouldn't tell him she was a long range. It would be impossible for Hideki to handle the man in close quarter without anyone supporting him.

The question made Lilia frown. Trying to keep her attention focused on their foe, she answered the question. ''Euhm.. Close to mid ranged. Am capable of some long ranged jutsu, but that is a bit of a hassle for me.'' Lilia informed Hideki. The man seemed to have recovered from the contact with Lilia's lightning. Turning around fast, he then grinned. Suddenly, he started to run in circles around them, making two more normal clones. It was something that couldn't confuse Hideki, but it was working on Lilia. ''Well, if you're planning something. Better to share it now...'' She told Hideki as she kept looking around for any suddent movement towards them.

Hideki thought about it, and came to a conclusion. "Alright. I.. I'll draw him out. You're good with lightning, yeah? Try to stun him for a moment, and if I'm alright, I might be able to get a hit in." He explained. He gave Lilia a long sideway glance to see her reaction. They didn't have much time. It seemed like the man would make his move soon.

Hideki's suggestion made Lilia blink a few times with her eyes. She wasn't sure if that would be that safe, but hearing the manical laughter of their foe, she simply nodded. ''I will try to use my Lightning. But if you lure him out... Make as much distance as possible.'' She told him as she sheathed her blade. Lighhtning started to gather at her right hand, as she seemed to prepare something.

''COME AND LET'S PLAY! OR ARE YOU SCARED, KIDDO'S?'' Raze screamed at them, laughing again with the odd fashion style he had. It annoyed Lilia, but she wouldn't act on it. For now, she focused merely on the part she had to play. Her only worry was that Hideki could get hurt in the process.

Hideki nodded, and his eyes focused on the moving figure. He inhaled sharply, then he rushed forward, leaping as he came closer. Flickering his wrist, the hidden blade extended and he lunged it forward, aiming for the moving shadow. He wondered if the man would take the bait. Was he really that stupid?

''Hideki was it?'' The wrist of Hideki was grabbed as he had leaped forward. The man placed his other hand on top of Hideki's head, putting great pressure on the head of the boy. Likely causing some pain. ''Think I will make your gravestone-'' ''Not if I'm around.'' Lilia sneered. Lightning travelled through the air as it slashed through skin, flesh and bone. With using her Piercing Sparkle, which worked in the same manner as the Chidori Spear, Lilia had managed to cut one of the hands of their foe. Raze screamed out of anger, frustation and agony as she had cut off the hand that he had placed on Hideki's head. Narrowing his eyes, he used his great strength to fling Hideki back, towards Lilia. Seeing her friend being thrown, Lilia cancelled the lightning and attempted to catch her friend. It caused her to fall backwards with Hideki on top of her. ''Great plan..... You okay?'' She mumbled, feeling a sting of pain as a sharp rock had hurt her left ankle.

"Y-yeah.. Yeah, I'm fine.. Thanks." Hideki mumbled back and rose to his feet again. He felt a sharp pain at his forehead, but he resisted the urge to see if it was fine. They had a opportunity now. He looked over in the direction of the man. Raze, he had called himself. Hideki saw the blood pouring out of the stump where Raze's hand used to be. It made him shiver. He hadn't been able to see what had happened when he was suddenly flinged away. "Did you do that..?" Hideki asked, unable to hide the surprise in his voice.

Getting up, Raze kept cursing as he seemed to be in pain. Seemed that a great man like him wasn't even immune from the pain of getting a hand severed. ''Yes. I did that. Though I aimed to cut both his wrists. This will do however.'' She responded. Feeling tired, from using Matatabi's chakra that often as using the Piercing Sparkle, combined with chase, Lilia panted a bit. ''Seems he is focusing again...''

Raze indeed glared in their direction. Instead of the usual manical laughter and threats, he snorted. Walking towards them, he was gathering chakra in his left over hand. The chakra was slowly getting visible as he started to jog towards them. ''What is that chakra?'' Lilia asked Hideki, trying to get into a fighting stance.

Hideki's eyes drifted to the chakra gathering in the man's left arm. His eyes widened. "I don't know, but whatever you do, don't come in contact with that!?" He stressed, reading himself for a counter attack. Hideki poured chakra into his palm, and by pinpointing his opponents vitals, he sent forward a shell of vacuum, hoping to drive Raze away from his path. It was a rather futile attempt but it would have to do for now.

Surprised by Hideki's warning, Lilia simply nodded. As Raze came closer, slowly speeding up, Hideki's counter attack had his use. It drove Raze back, who cursed and then started to laugh. The moment he was pushed back, he placed his feet at the ground. With use of his strength he was able to keep standing as his hand slowly moved towards Hideki. ''Guess who is going to die?'' But before his hand was able to lay a finger on Hideki, Lilia kicked the arm away. ''Hideki! Now!'' She shouted as she narrowed her eyes and tried to duck for any attack that Hideki would launch.

Hideki was already on his feet, moving towards their foe. His eyes emitted a white glow as flickers of chakra gathered in his right hand. In a rapid movement, he sent his gentle fist forth, aiming for a chakra path near Raze's throat. This was the best possible chance they would get, and he could not afford put it to waste. He grinded his teeth. It was now or never.

Narrowing her eyes, Lilia hoped this would end it. Raze also seemed to be aware that it was now serious. As his hand kicked away, he couldn't fend off the attack of Hideki with that. Instead he brought up his leg in a fast speed and kicked the boy away as he then quickly leaped backwards. Panting, he looked with a frown at the two. Lilia had noticed the movement and caught Hideki. ''Almost.... Let's do the same again. This time, with more power. I'll make the distraction... Then we hit with all we got, okay?'' Lilia told him, glancing in his direction as she formed a fist and stretched it out in his direction. ''Here.''

Hideki's stomach was still flaring with pain, but he ignored it. There was no time to think about such minor things. He made a fist out of his hand and bumped it with Lilia, chakra surging through his veins at the physical contact. "Yeah.. Let's do it.." He said, voice hoarse in an attempt to hide that he was hurting. He was lucky to have Lilia's beast at hand, even if he didn't like to admit it. Rising to his feet, he scanned their foe again, his Byakugan allowing him to see the man's chakra flow. The amount of chakra contained within this one man was amazing, absurd. No, don't think about that, he told himself, shaking his head. "Ready whenever." Hideki said. He wouldn't be able to hold out for much longer against an opponent like this, but it was either that or dying.

''Good. He is coming at us again.'' She responded, making a shadow clone. If this wouldn't work, than it would mean she wouldn't have any more chakra for more. Already she felt she was at her limit. With her sword in hand, she saw how her shadow clone charged also at the man, aiming to slow him down. ''Time to finish this prick. When he jumps up...Go left.'' She ordered him. Her green eyes were narrowed as she readied her blade. The sword lessons of Kensuke ringed through her mind.

The shadow clone reached Raze, who jumped up as the clone tried to slide towards him. He leaped like Lilia had assumed. The whole fight she had analyzed the way this foe fought. He still thought they were small fishes. As he was in the air, he wouldn't be possible to suddenly leap backwards or such. Running to the right, a second after she had ordered Hideki, Lilia readied herself to leap at Raze. ''Let's do this, Hideki.''

Hideki nodded, and ran to the left as Raze lurched into air. He took a stand, waiting for Lilia's command, the Nibi's chakra still running through his limbs. When he heard her shout, he reacted instantly, ascending into air with a leap. He screamed, channeling his last reserve of chakra into his gentle fist, causing tiny jolts of chakra to gather around it. Then he sent it forth, adrenaline controlling his actions. The pain was almost non existent now.

At the same time, Lilia leaped up, holding her blade with both hands. Lightning crackled around the steel as it made a menacing sound. Narrowing her eyes, she noticed that their attacks would arrive at the same time. Just like she had planned. Raze who noticed both attacks, looked surprise. He was about to head to the ground as he lifted up his arm to defend himself. Problem was that he had only one. Seeing the sword, he already was confident that Hideki's attack wouldn't be able to finish him. With a grin, the man stretched his arm out.

Gasping for air, the hand was around her throat. But grabbing the arm, Lilia would make sure that Hideki would land the killing blow. Or at least, he wouldn't get away now. Driving her blade in his side, the lighnting was shocking Raze.

Hideki's gentle fist caught Raze at the throat, causing blood to instantly gush out of his mouth. But it was not enough. Raze was still conscious. Acting in pure desperation, falling towards the ground in a fast pace, Hideki flickered his wrist, the hidden blade emering from the mechanic. He drove it forward in a final attempt at killing Raze, the steel tainted with blood from the soldiers before. The world was starting to blur around Hideki, running dangerously low on chakra. Die, he wished.

The three crashed against the ground, dust whipped up. Panting, Lilia laid on her side, her eyes closed. The grip on her throat had loosened. Slowly, she opened her eyes as she saw the blood around the throat of their foe. He was clearly dead. ''Hi-Hideki?'' Lilia asked, worried as she tried to sit up straight. She was tired, in pain and worried. Not really a winning combination.

Hideki's back burned with pain as he crashed against the ground, sending vibrations up to his brain. There was a sharp sting, then the world slowly began to lose its color. Amidst the calmness he suddenly felt, he heard Lilia's voice, calling out to him. He'd have to answer later. For now, he was too tired. Had they succeeded? His vision turned black, and he succumbed to his fatigue.

Sighing, Lilia yanked out her blade out of the corpse. Closing her eyes again, she wanted to be home. This battle had been a real fierce one. Seeing that Hideki had passed out, Lilia knew that she couldn't take it easy. Sheathing her blade, she forced herself to stand up. Looking around, she finally noticed that the field had endured quite some attacks from the fight. In the distance she could see a horse. A way to get back, as using ninjutsu wouldn't be wise. Well, she could ask Matatabi, but she prefered not. ''Think we've earned some shushi....Hideki.'' Lilia mumbled, glancing at her friend.

---

Lilia looked her bruises. So far nothing seemed like she would get a scar of the previous fight. Glancing worried at the other bed in the room, Lilia saw Hideki. She had traveled back on horseback, wanting to be sure that Hideki would rest out in a warm bed. Though they were staying in another tavern. After all, heading back to the same tavern wasn't that smart. Even the same town wouldn't be wise. After all, she had the luck to meet some traders, who had told her where the most nearby village was. Getting out of bed, she walked to Hideki and gently patted his shoulder. ''Hideki?'' She asked worried, as if she was scared he wouldn't wake up anymore.

Hideki groaned awake, his every limb hurting. He opened his eyes, the lamp attached to the ceiling welcoming him back to life, swaying quietly. He was alive. That was a relief. As he was about to close his eyes and fall back to sleep, a thought struck him. Lilia! His eyes snapped open and he rushed to a sitting position, ignoring the aching of his wounds. There she stood, beside him. She was also safe. Another relief. Hideki inhaled sharply, then let it out. ".. Did we kill him?" He said softly.

Smiling, Lilia nodded. It was good to see Hideki.. doing what he did. ''Oh, he is dead.. By a certain.'' Clearing her throat, Lilia took a pose and lowered her voice a bit. ''You deserve to know the name of the person who's going to kill you after all." After that, she couldn't resist to laugh. ''You were amazing Hideki. Glad that you were with me.''

Hideki smiled faintly in Lilia's direction. She was right. The man had deserved to die and Hideki had only passed judgement. But then why did he feel so nauseous? The mere thought of him killing the soldiers sickened him, urged him to vomit. He resisted the feeling. "So, where are we?" He said, looking around in the bedroom, his voice still soft.

''Somewhere safe. I thought we could use some rest. Was quite... something.'' Lilia said. She still hadn't recovered fully, only having half of her chakra at disposal. Yesterday she had used quite some chakra from Matatabi and it had taken it's toil. She still felt weary after using that much. ''Though we will need to get moving tonight. The man we aimed to kill.... had fled.'' Lilia explained, in a defeated manner as she lowered her head.

"Ah.. Was that my fault?" Hideki said hesitantly. After all, he had passed out. And seeing how they were in some kind of inn, Lilia must have carried him all the way here. How pathetic he was. "I..I-I'm sorry for .. you know.." He finally whispered, almost regretting he even brought up the topic.

''Nobody's fault. We were too busy with fighting for our lives, so it is the fault of the man that is now dead. Though means we still have our mission going on. Though now it's a lot easier. This time we don't have to deal with a surprise like that.'' Placing her right hand on his shoulder, she smiled. ''What about if we eat some shushi to gain some strength? I already ordered a table for us. It's the next building. So if you want....'' Of course Lilia already was suspecting that Hideki wouldn't decline that offer.

Hideki had not realized how hungry he was before she mentioned sushi. He felt his mouth watering at the thought, almost replacing the nausea. "That'd be nice." He replied, stretching out his arms, groaning softly at the pain. "I'll have to take a shower at least." He looked down at his clothes. There was still some blood left. Blood from those he had killed. Murdered. He rushed over to the bathroom as casually as he could, pretending he was going over to the shower. He swung the toilet lid open, vomit leaving his mouth almost immediately. The bitter taste made him feel relieved in an instant, but he knew it would only be momentarily. "I'll be done in a minute!" He called out from the bathroom.

She wasn't deaf, hearing him vomiting. Though she let it slide. Walking to her bed, she felt still tired. As she sat first on her bed, she grabbed a small book that she had been reading. Laying on her bed, she would continue to read and give Hideki some time. Though she was worried, she could understand Hideki's condition. Though she had been raised at a young age to learn that killing wasn't something wrong, by Katsuro and then combined with the harsh rules of Hiron, Lilia knew that Hideki was likely raised up differently. Like if everything was okay, she kept on reading.

After approximately half an hour, they were seated in the restaurant near the inn. Sushi was being placed at their table by a waitress. Lilia had indeed ordered already. For how long had he been passed out exactly? He clasped his chopsticks and made a nod to Lilia. "Let's eat." Hideki uttered, craving for the food, his mouth watering. He didn't feel as sick anymore, but the feeling still lingered.

Nodding back, she started to eat. But slowly as she glanced at him. After some time, she decided to ask him something that had been in her mind. ''Hideki, do you dislike killing people?'' Lilia asked, putting her chopsticks down and taking a sip of her water as she kept watch on how he would react. Lilia already suspected a certain answer from him, but she wanted to be sure.

Hideki almost choked on his food in surprise. And with a shocked expression, he looked up at her, his eyes searching her face. "Well, that's a given, isn't it..?" He said, his voice alert. "I mean, killing people isn't good, or at least not in most cases, right? He paused, then continued. It.. disgusts me. How I just.." He trailed off, not finishing his sentence, remaining silent instead. The taste in his mouth was replaced by a fiery sensation, lingering on his tongue.

Lilia looked with a calm look back. She had expected this reaction from him. It was okay though. ''I can understand that, I think. I was just wondering if it is normal to not feel anything with their deaths. In other words, I don't care about them... And to see you... like that, makes me a bit..'' Lilia pauzed as she searched for the right word. ''Jealous. Do you think something is wrong with me, Hideki?'' Lilia asked, in a careful tone as she still looked with a calm expression in his direction.

Hideki made no reply, his eyes glittering with a hint of sadness. Finally, with a soft voice, he said, "'Course not. Everyone reacts differently. And you're probably right. I mean, those guys.. they tried to do the same to us, didn't they?" His words betrayed his thoughts, but he didn't care.

''They did, but why did you puked then? You don't seem to discard any thoughts about the killing. I'm not saying it's a bad thing, but I was just wondering. Sorry.'' Lilia felt that she was placing him in a bad position. She just wanted to know what his answer would be. After all, she had been wondering a bit about herself and the current time didn't look like a bad one to her. Taking another sip of her drink, she waited for his reaction.

Scowling, Hideki took another bite of his food, hoping it would make the burning sensation go away. Truth to be told, his own emotions were in a turmoil. And he did not know what to think about Lilia's words. He had no previous experience with business of this nature. Maybe he was wrong to react the way he'd done? Possibly.., he thought, returning his attention to Lilia. "You heard that, eh?" He said, not giving her any opportunity to respond before he continued. "It's hard to explain.. but it feels like, if I just ignore it, they will be forgotten. No one will cry at the news of their deaths, no one will mourn over them.. it'll just be.." Once again, he trailed off as memories flooded his brain. Luminescent shapes of those he'd killed appeared before him. Their faces were still vivd in his mind, staring down at him with contempt. He shook his head violently, forcing the haunting images to go away. The sensation in his mouth had worsened.

She watched him with a calm look on her face. She let him talk before she would talk again. He did seemed to have trouble with it. It made her feel bad as she knew that he wouldn't have to feel like this if she hadn't dragged him along this mission. ''There is an old tradition in the Hon clan, something some say before killing their enemies. That their death carries our names. It sounds odd, but somehow your reaction remind me of that. That we carry their deaths, that our action has decided we take the blame. Or something down that line. Yet, I don't feel sorry. Sick or disgusted by their deaths.'' Lilia glanced at her own hands and scoffed. ''I once thought about it. They say that a shinobi shouldn't feel feelings, but others say that feelings make you feel alive. You know...'' Lilia looked up with a very serious expression, though she had a sad glance in her eyes.

''I never want to scare or hurt you, Hideki. But I feel like that every time I'm using that chakra, I'm losing a bit of what makes me... human. It keeps me up at nights when there is full moon... What do you see when you look at me?'' Lilia asked, now clearly making it clear she was afraid by her own questions as her voice shook a bit.

Hideki leaned back in his chair, struggling to consider her question as he wrestled with the dead, haunting him. He looked at her. Seeing her in such a weak state still felt odd to him. Unnatural. In a way, he liked it, but in another, he hated it. Odd, indeed. "I told you, didn't I? There's nothing wrong with you. 'Course not!" He was silent for a moment, letting his reply sink in, taking another bite of his plate despite himself. After a while, he continued. "I think it's important that we care when we fight. Sure, they tell us to be emotionless tools, weapons. But I think that's ridiculous. In the end, we'll always be human. They can't deny us our nature. We care, and so we should fight while caring." He said, surprised by the maturity of his tone.

Being silent for a moment, Lilia nodded and smiled. ''You're truly a good friend, Hideki. Glad that you came with me. Sorry for being like that.'' Lilia looked at her plate and noticed there was a little bit of shushi. ''If you want, you may have mine. I am not feeling so hungry at the moment.'' She told him as she emptied her drink. Thinking about his words, Lilia looked outside with a calm expression, again on her face.

Hideki peeked at Lilia from the corner of his eyes. Her reply made him feel uncertain, concerned. He was convinced she still felt worried. But in the end, he did not resume the conversation. "Mhm. I'm not feeling to hungry myself, to be honest." Hideki said with a grimace, putting down his chopsticks next to his plate as he pushed it forward a few inches. The burning sensation in his throat kept replacing the taste of the food. It made for an unpleasant experience. A moment of silence passed between them. "What're you thinking about?" He asked softly, absently following her gaze outside.

Lilia kept looking outside, before glancing at Hideki. She gained a smirk as she winked at him. ''That I'll become Hokage one day and know that I will have somebody that is there to support me to the end. Right, Hideki?'' Lilia said, with a more cheerful voice as she raised her right hand, clenched in a fist. The smirk turned into a little smile, the one she usually had on her lip when she was happy about something.

Hideki snorted, suppressing a smile. It seemed his concern had been unnecessary. He raised his hand and formed a fist, then he bumped it together with Lilia's. "You're such a little shit." He said, a smile finally appearing on his face. Suppressing some laughter, he kicked her in the legs under the table, then he stood up. "Ah! Time to leave, wouldn't you say?" He said, stretching his arms. The pain still lingered, but it was definitely on the recovering side. The chakra worked its magic, it seemed. Despite that, he refused to show any appreciation for the beast.

The smile turned into a grin. ''Little, but tough. Aren't we?'' She stood up as well as she took out her wallet to leave some money and a tip behind. ''We still need to travel a bit to the last location. It's not that awfully far, but hope you didn't gain a fear for horses.'' Lilia said, laughing a bit as she made her way out of the restaurant.

"I did not! Didn't you see my moves on those things!?" He exclaimed, jogging to catch up to Lilia, then stepping up beside her. As they walked, the images vanished from his mind, no longer staring at him with those eyes. Eyes full of hatred. It would be temporary, he thought. Looking over in Lilia's direction, his expression was one of surprise. ""Last location"? What does that mean? Did you already know where they were going?"

She nodded as she kept walking. They would head to the stables, where she had two horses ready. ''Our target doesn't seem to be.... one to hide properly. He is currently in a big villa. So it wouldn't be that hard to track him. Likely he will have some guards, but with your eyes, that won't be a trouble. Unless you somehow forgot to properly use them.'' Lilia giggled as she put up her hood. It was slowly starting to snow again.

Hideki bit back a comment, pulling up his hood instead. He was surprised to find out that he was not freezing anymore. He'd actually grown accostumed to the cold. As a matter of fact, he enjoyed it. In a way, it was relaxing, soothing. Smiling to himself, he carried on down the road, walking beside Lilia as snow fell around them. He had to enjoy the little time he had before his demons would resurface.

Arriving at the stables, Lilia managed to arrange the things rather quickly as she paid the stable master and got two fine horses. Both grey in color and looking healthy. Mounting her own, Lilia glanced briefly at Hideki. ''The ride is about some hours from here. I think we can use the cover of the snow if it will get worse. They won't see us coming this time, that is for sure!'' She told Hideki, waiting for him to be ready before she would lead them on the direction.

Hideki unsteadily climbed the horse, balancing in its seat as he fumbled for the reins. With the adrenaline gone from his veins, the animal had suddenly grown much more fearsome. "Alright. If you say so then that's good." He said, pretending everything was fine, though there was a slight shake in his voice. "Ready, ready, ready." He mumbled, focusing on adjusting the reins as he waited.

Lilia wanted to giggle at him trying to ride the horse that well. Deciding to not pick up that fast speed, she began to lead them on the road. Lilia wished that she could ask him about to check the area, but she had taken care of everything already. They wouldn't be troubled on their way. However, near the villa, it would be a different story. It slowly became clear that a snow storm was going to start. ''We'll use the cover of the snow... To deliver our names to them.'' She looked over her shoulder with a grin. ''Still going good?''

"Uh-huh." Hideki replied absently, his attention still focused on the animal as he struggled to keep a straight path. The animal seemed experienced enough to lead someone as inexperienced as him, but it still felt dangerous. Shut up, Hideki. You're just fooling around again. As a snow flake trickled down his nose, he looked up at the sky and noticed the change in the weather. "Seems it's going to be snowing some more, eh?" He said, despite Lilia already mentioning it.

''Yes, but it will be in our advantage now. I doubt they will have again such a powerful foe... Unless it's hidden away from mine eyes.'' Lilia replied. She didn't want to worry Hideki, but she had a feeling that they wouldn't be able to just barge in and kill the target. After all, last time they had tried it, they had faced against a man who had pushed them to their limits or at least near it. She wasn't looking forward to such a fight, so soon after surviving the last one.

Frowning, Hideki trotted his steed forward, trailing a few meters behind Lilia's horse. "That'd be.. unpleasant." He replied as the snow steadily fell on his jacket, the weather changing rather rapidly. Hopefully they would arrive at their destination before the snow storm was in shape. He did not have any problem navigating in such weather, but the same couldn't be said about Lilia. After all, she didn't share his eyes. "Ah, how troublesome.." Hideki said, speaking his mind without noticing it.

''Isn't it always?'' He would hear through his headset. Lilia looked over her shoulder as the snowstorm was slowly making it impossible for somebody without the eyes like Hideki to see around. ''Okay, we need to travel to a old fence. It's the first sign. There will likely be no guards around. All we need to do is to get inside where there is no personel nor guards. Got that, Hideki?'' Lilia spoke through the headset, glad with the tools that were made standard some time ago to the Konohagakure shinobi.

It still felt unsual for him to speak through the headset, but he responded nontheless. "Yeah, let's go." He replied, the excitement gone from his voice. Here came the killing. Returned. Around him, shapes took form out of thin air, the dead returning once again, hatred siphoning from their restless eyes as they stared at him. He ignored them. They would disappear if he focused on the mission. He knew they would. He hoped they would.

''Hideki, don't goof around.'' He would feel a stomp against his right shoulder as Lilia rode next to him. She had put her scarf up, but still had trouble with the snow storm. ''I need you to be focused, not to be silent. Do you see the old fence already?'' She asked him, a bit worried if it was a good idea to come now. Maybe the conversation during them eating shushi had distracted him?

Hideki stirred in his seat, steading himself so that he wouldn't fall of his horse. "I know." He said, adjusted himself in his seat, regaining balance. He activated his Byakugan with a single hand seal, his vision suddenly filled with the colors of chakra swirling around him. He concentrated ahead, the snow disappearing from his view. "I see it." He said, as he pushed his steed into motion, picking up the pace slightly.

Following Hideki, as she had to rely on his eyes, they would near the fence quickly. ''Good, this is the first step. Listen.'' She dismounted the horse and took the reins, to tie him against the old fence. ''I've noticed something. Most of these snowstorms don't last long. If they do, it often starts not that suddenly. Just like when we came, they start at a much slower pace. That means we have little time to break in, do our job and get out.'' Lilia explained to Hideki. Placing her right gloved hand at the hilt of her blade, she nodded in his direction. ''That means you need to lead us inside, pass the guards to a fat man. The target. Once we've taken him out... we get out there. Got it?'' Lilia asked.

"Got it." Hideki said, looking ahead with his Byakugan. He'd been remarkably quiet for a while. It was not like him. Surely, he had not been affected by the looming shapes around him? No, that wasn't it. He dismounted with the slightest of hesitation and then followed suit, tying the horse to the fence. Glancing back at Lilia, there was a hint of concern in his eyes. "You ready?"

''Count on it.'' She told him, nodding again though she felt for a moment silly. With this limited sight, she could only see a blurred form of what was likely Hideki. Though he could see her. ''Remember, we need to avoid as much fighting and bloodshed as possible. I doubt we can take out a whole small army on our own.'' She told him, before trying to cheer him a bit up. ''Unless you feel like showing them the pride of the Hyuuga.'' She said, though with a bit of a mocking tone to challenge him.

Hideki swallowed a bitter taste. He was definitely not killing for the sake of the Hyuuga. But then, what was he killing for? To protect himself? From what? He did not even know why he fought. Letting his thoughts go away, Hideki stepped forward, leaping over the fence, his feet making contact with the snow on the other side. Before him, visible to his Byakugan, was a stone wall surrounding an estate. A rather odd place for an estate such as this one. He glanced back at Lilia to see if she had managed to follow him.

She was still following him. Trying to keep up, she found the snow annoying, no matter how much it would keep them off sight. It was just annoying for her as much likely for them. With narrowed eyes she tried to keep up as best as possible, holding her right hand at the hilt of her katana. Though she had more than enough confidence in Hideki, she didn't want to lower her guard for any suprises. ''If you run low on chakra... say the word, Hideki.'' Lilia mumbled through the headset.

The words stung him. How much did he depend on her exactly? How was he supposed to protect the Hyuuga if he couldn't even protect himself? A shape swirled past him, obscuring his vision for a split second. It seeped through the air to his side and stopped, regarding him with shimmering eyes. Hideki cursed silently to himself as he proceeded to move forward, stopping before the stone wall. "We're going to have to climb here." He told Lilia, glancing over his shoulder for a moment, before returning his attention to the wall. He brought his hands together and formed a seal, channeling chakra into his feet. Then he placed his feet on the wall and up became down for him as he climbed along the stone, making his way up the wall. When he reached the top, he adjusted his feet in a way that allowed him to slide down the other side, his feet meeting the snow once again. Looking back, he waited for Lilia.

Trying to figure out how he had done it, she soon channeled chakra to her feet as she leaped and ran over the wall, before flipping over it. Her left hand was pressed against the stone as she made her elegant movement and landing next to Hideki. Her right hand was still at the hilt of her katana as she nodded. ''Time to finish this.'' She whispered as she rose up from her crouched stance and waited for Hideki to lead them inside.

Looking ahead, there were two groups of guards patrolling the premises. One of them was unknowningly approaching them, making their way along the stone wall. Hideki flickered his hand to Lilia, signaling for her to follow him. Then he set off into a sprint, running towards the estate, his feet muffled by the obscuring weather. As he reached the estate, the guards had already passed the spot they had descended from, taking no notice of the fading footsprints left behind. The estate was three stories high and twice as wide. Not exactly an easy climb, but there was no other choice. Hideki was able to notice a balcony at the top, leading into the estate. Turning to Lilia, he nodded at her, then pointed at the balcony.

She barely could see his signs, but the time she had trained. Worked and fought at his side, it all was falling together now. While it was still something hard for her, she managed to keep track of where he went and what he signalled. Simply nodding, she became a bit nervous. Last time they had faced a rather nasty surprise. She wouldn't let that happen this time. Her right hand tighten the grip on the hilt as she exerted more force in her hand. This time she would make sure that Hideki wouldn't have to feel bad.

With Lilia's confirmation, Hideki channeled more chakra into his feet. Then he repeated the climb, sprinting the wall of the estate, chakra surging through his feet. He angled his feet slightly to the right, leading him towards the balcony. When he came close enough, he made a small dash, landing on its railing, barely preventing himself from slipping. He breathed out his nervousness and descended the railing, straightening himself on the balcony. There was no way in hell that there was going to be anyone waiting on the plateau in a weather such as this, and so he knew they'd not be discovered. Throat burning with an itch, he turned back to see if Lilia was still at his tail.

Following Hideki, she was a bit worried. The snow storm was hiding them from the guards view, but she was still worried. Without a dash she rather stayed careful and kept running to the balcony. With a quick leap, she managed to grab with her left hand the balustrade. With a kick against the stone, she managed to get on the balcony. ''Hideki... still okay?'' Lilia whispered, a bit worried as she looked around, feeling a bit useless as she couldn't use her eyes.

"It's fine. Let's carry on." Hideki replied, returning his attention to the wooden door leading inside the estate. There were guards stationed inside the estate as well, but they were in a fewer number as far as groups went. Hideki's eyes, however, lingered on the lock at the door, which prevented them from entering unnoticed. "You wouldn't happen to carry around a.. lockpick or something, would you?"

Lilia grinned as she picked out a senbon from one of her pouches. ''Keiko-chan once learned me how to do this. Just give me a bit...'' Lilia told Hideki. She could remember the time that Keiko had taught her to lock pick, but she hadn't really practised it that much. After some failed attempts, a thud was heard. ''Phew, was almost afraid that I would've to break through the door. After you.'' Pushing the door slowly open, Lilia made way so that Hideki could enter first.

Hideki entered, his eyes searching the room before him, carefully watching the translucent figures patrolling inside of the estate. The room was filled with riches, and for a moment, Hideki was stunned by the sight. The walls were adorned with beautiful carvings and the windows shrouded by red curtains, complementing the lively color scheme. The owner of the estate seemed to have a weakness for art. Ignoring the shapes of the dead brushing past him, Hideki moved forward, silently leaving the room behind him. They came to a corridor. As far as design went, it looked almost identical to the room they just left. Opposite to them was a room with a plump figure sitting behind a desk, his hand moving rhythmically. Writing something.

Finally... And end to this. She thought as they walked inside. She couldn't see what Hideki saw, but she was sure that he was leading them to the right room and right person. Slowly, she pulled out the katana, Silver Lightning, out of it's sheath. ''Hideki... If you want, I can do this alone.'' She told him, patting his shoulder as she stopped him. Lilia didn't want him to feel sick again for witnessing another murder, certainly not by his own hands.

"Whatever. I'm here already, aren't I?" Hideki said curtly, though his voice was soft. Before they would enter through the door, his eyes searched their surroundings once more, making sure they wouldn't be interrupted by any guards. They'd probably be alarmed by the screams either way, but that wasn't something he could prevent. He suddenly felt ill again, the looming shapes around him growing much more defining, features no longer blurred as he could clearly make out their faces now. And their eyes. He bit his lip, forcing himself to look straight ahead.

Slowly removing her hand, she looked at the door. ''Yes. You are.'' She told him back as she looked at the door. The sound of lightning crackling through the air was the only warning before Lilia slashed through the door with one cut. With her scarf and hood up, her eyes were the only features of her face that the man saw, when she walked through the door. The plump man gasped for air as he jumped out of his chair. But while he opened his mouth, it was like fear itself was preventing him from making any sounds. Scoffing, Lilia mumbled something. ''Even this bit of Killing Intent shuts him up? What a leader...'' Spinning her blade, to hold it in a reversed grip, she looked at Hideki to see what he wanted to do. Either let her finish him off or would he want to do it?

Hideki's head was spinning as he watched the scene before him. He felt a cold sensation running down his spine, and he froze. Move, you fool. Finally, he forced his feet to move forward, walking up to the man. With every step, he grew more nauseous, the shapes spiralling around him in a raging pattern, resembling a tempest. He stopped as he stood in front of the man, his gaze flickering to Lilia. Unless he'd do the deed, he had to at least watch the event unfold. That was the least he could do. Remember each and every face of those who died in his path. Etch them into his memory.

Lilia narrowed her eyes as she readied her blade for the slash. ''Out of the way!'' Suddenly she leaped and pushed Hideki aside. Several kunai were thrown at their previous location as Lilia got up and looked around. The sounds of the plump man gasping and breathing heavily were disturbing any sounds their attacker made. Great, one that could suppress his or her chakra. ''Hideki, can you see any signals of movement?'' Lilia asked, looking around. She couldn't see any movements in the surroundings. If she couldn't see their opponent or attack, it meant the enemy was using a jutsu that Kensuke also used. The Hiding with the Camouflage technique.

Clicking his tongue, Hideki focused beyond the shapes swirling around him, sweat running down his cheek. There he saw a figure moving towards Lilia, visible only due to his Byakugan, the shape of a kunai in his translucent hand. He was fast. "He's coming! Watch out!" Hideki uttered, still carefully to not draw any unnecessary attention. Flickering his wrist, a blade emerged from the mechanic strapped to his forearm.

Hearing Hideki's warning, Lilia wondered where their foe was. The fact that he was attacking and could be spotted now, meant that he could only keep himself hidden when he wasn't attacking. Spinning her blade, Lilia quickly turned around, but she didn't see anything coming towards her. ''Where-'' She couldn't finish her sentence as she was kicked backwards by a feet, sending her rolling backwards over the ground. The attacker seemed to vanish from Hideki's sight again, as a voice was heard. ''Tick tak... Tick Tack.'' The only other sound that was still heard was the plump man, their target, breathing heavily as he was trying to get away from the room.

Hideki bared his teeth in fury as he surged into motion, moving towards their fleeing target. He had to take him out before he'd be able to call the other guards. The kick which sent Lilia reeling was not strong enough to knock her out. She'd be fine, and he had to act. His wristblade disappeared into a blur of motion as he directed it towards the plump man, whom desperately trying to leave the room. His attack was interrupted by something heavy pressing down on him. His face crashed against the ground mere moments later, his head vibrating with pain as some blood left his mouth.

''Tick...T-'' Lightning travelled through the air, attempting to hack what kept Hideki at the ground in half. But no trace of blood or sound of pain was produced. Looking angry, Lilia held the blade pointed forward, as a stream of lightning had came out of it. Using the Piercing Sparkle, together with her blade had managed her to extend the range of the technique. ''Tch.. Hideki, you alright?'' Quickly, Lilia darted towards Hideki. She found it annoying that she couldn't tell where their foe was. Though summoning Samehada was an option, she figured that she wouldn't have the time to get the small scroll as well using the item to bring forth the feared tool. ''Keep it together, Hideki.'' Lilia said, still looking around for a trace. There had to be a way to figure out where he was, before he would try to attack.

Hideki forced himself to stand up, his head still flaring with pain. Something warm trickled down his forehead and dripped off his cheek, leaving for the floor. He was bleeding. There was always so much blood. The thrill of the battle slowly faded away, replaced by sheer nausea. How could anyone enjoy this? This was all inhuman. Monsterous. But still, he chased after the target, whom was running down the corridor. He hoped Lilia would follow him. He did not want to leave her alone with whatever the enemy was.

Lilia followed Hideki, her eyes still darting over the surroundings. The fact they were tormented with a foe that could attack without being traced was more than annoying. As she ran out of the door, she was slammed backwards, feeling a punch against her temple. Stumbling backwards, she noticed a flicker of chakra. Chakra flow... She thought as she readied her blade and managed to parry the attack. ''Hideki, finish the target and run.'' She mumbled, trying to keep her ground as she saw the blue flicker of chakra. The only bad part was that her foe kicks and punchs were unable for her to notice, meaning she was being driven slowly back.

Hideki made no reply, obliging to her request, despite it being against his will. In front of him, the estate owner stumbled into a fall. Hideki lurched forward, his speed increasing as he leaped onto the target, straddling his back. Hideki wanted to scream. His nausea telling him to vomit. He ignored it, and with a movement of his hand, his wristblade ripped through the target's throat, shearing his skin and causing blood to burst out in masses, rippling along Hideki's clothes, staining them. A moment of gurgling passed by, and then there was silence, except for the faint sounds of combat coming from behind him, where Lilia and the camoflagued enemy fought. With unsteady legs, Hideki rose from the body, shaking. Another shape formed out of the air above the body, taking the form of the plump man he'd just murdered, his eyes as hateful as the others. Hideki turned his back to the luminescent figure and ran towards the fighting, his emotions in a turmoil.

Ducking, she managed to evade the flicker of chakra, but was kicked back. She felt that she would get bruises, a lot of them if she wouldn't figure a way to force her foe back soon. Holding her sword with one hand, she took a more defensive stance. The flicker of chakra vanished, meaning she had no idea where her foe was. Looking around, she bite her lower lip. But she had an idea. Moulding her chakra, using her Lightning affinity, she used the Silent Shocking technique. Her mastery over the nature allowed her to use the useful technique to be done without any handseals. Hearing something, Lilia quickly turned around. The flicker of chakra was coming towards her neck. With a quick move, she parried the slash and then felt that the foe tried to grab her shoulder. Using her free hand, she grabbed the arm that had tried to grab and hold her. She heard a voice, of a male, gasping for air as the lightning technique was zapping him. Slowly he appeared in sight. A masked man, but Lilia didn't care for that as she readied her blade to pierce him. But before she could, the other hand of the man grabbed her by her throat and lifted her up. Mumbling something in an unknown language, she tried to free herself before she noticed what he was doing. He was absorbing her chakra! ''Hi-...'' Trying to get herself free, she felt how her feet were off the ground, as her hands clawed at the arm that was strangling her.

A blast of vacuum sounded along the corrider as it crashed against the figure strangeling Lilia, passing her by mere inches. The masked assassin was sent tumbling along the floor, but rushed to its feet swiftly. That must have alerted the guards. Hideki stepped up besides Lilia, panting violently. With eyes red out of exhaustion, he looked down at her, concerned. "A-are you okay?" He asked, his voice strained.

Trying to get some air, she nodded. Getting up, she kept her eyes at their foe. He was slowly preparing himself, likely surprised by Hideki's attack and now more cautious than before. ''Y-Yes.... Thanks..'' Now up on her own feet, Lilia's left started to change color as she was getting angry. But she knew better than to go all out. The yellow color in her left eye shifted back to green. Using too much of his chakra in such a short time span would work taxing on her, even with her current control. But what else? Hideki wasn't in the best shape either and sharing chakra again wouldn't be good for the both of them. ''You had the order to run, why didn't you followed it?'' Lilia asked him, picking up her katana as she readied herself.

Despite the situation they were in and his worsening condition, Hideki managed to smile. A most bittersweet smile. "Just shut up, and let's finish this." He said softly. There were sounds coming from the floor below, likely from guards climbing the stairs, alerted by the sounds coming from above. They would soon find the body of the owner. Hideki breathed out, taking stance. He did not want to die this soon. He would at least like an opportunity to make up for all those he'd killed. That was all he wished for in this moment. Maybe that required him to die? No.

''Stubborn fool... Fine. Listen up. I'm going to give you an opening.Make use of it... After that, I won't be able of much.'' Lilia told him, spinning her sword before with a fluid movement sheathing it back. Her left eye started to change again as she opened her right hand. Lightning started to gather a fast speed, creating a menacing sound. To use that jutsu, she wouldn't have much chakra left after it. It was either win or die. And the latter option didn't really appealed to her, at all. ''Remember... Don't even waver or I'll kill you.'' She told him before rushing off towards the masked assassin. He was turning invisible again as he seemed to scoff at Lilia's advance. Though she knew it didn't matter. The punch behind the attack was what would likely caught him off guard and create the opening. As she neared the spot, she stopped and slided over the ground, raising her righth hand. Forming it in a fist, she used every inch of strength she could muster for a punch. The lighting teared up the ground as Lilia closed her eyes. The masked assassin tried to make some room, but he was standing with his back to Hideki, as Lilia's attack started to tear up the ground and the nearby wall.

Vacuum exploded from underneath Hideki's feet as he surged forward, utilizing the Wind Swallow Step. Moving at an incredible speed, surpassing his previous limits, he stretched out his wristblade, the steel gleaming in the light of the lamp. Then he lashed it out, the blood of the estate owner mixing with the assassins as his too stained the blade. The man gasped, the blade piercing his back, and tried to reach out for Hideki, clutching at the wound with his other hand. Hideki slid backwards, pulling the wristblade out, twisting it. The man roared with pain, but there was little time for him to make a move as Hideki lunged at him yet again, his blade flashing, shearing against skin. Finally, after a flurry of slashes, the man fell against the floor, groaning silently as a pool of blood formed underneath him. Guards burst through the door and gasped at the sight before them. Hideki regarded them with sickened eyes. A new shape came alive in the corner of his eyes.

Panting, Lilia walked out of the dust cloud as she had dirt over her clothes and skin. ''Sorry to disrupt this all, but we're going.....Hid-Hideki.'' Lilia lowered her head a bit as she glared at the guards. Raising her Killing Intent, she had one last thing she could do before she would collaps out of exhaustion. Blood ran from cuts of her right arm. Quickly, she brought her left thumb across a cute, before weaving several handsignals. Crounching she placed her hands on the ground. ''Hideki, come.'' She mumbled. A black rose slowly crept out of the floor, right in front of her.

Hideki felt empty, hollow, as he stumbled to the rose, his feet unsteady. With his Byakugan, he was able to see the chakra leaking out of the rose, seeping off into the air. He did not know what it was, but neither did he care. He just wanted to get out of this devilish place. Escape. But it seemed he would never be able to flee from the dead. The shapes followed him as he stood at the rose, their features once again blurred, glimmering eyes reflecting contempt as they stared, judged.

As the guards took out their weapons and charged at them, Lilia scoffed and made a signal that he shouldn't react. Dark colored chakra was being formed into a sphere, slowly shielding and isolating them from the world. As the guards charged, the sounds of armor, battle cries and such faded away. Slowly Lilia felt how it became not only dark for around them, but also for herself. She had been using too much of Matatabi's chakra in such a short time span, that she couldn't even stand on her own feet. ''Hid-'' Falling on the ground, Lilia's eyes were closed just when she felt the warm grass against her right cheek.

Hideki gasped as he fell against the grass. The familiar sensation tingling in his hair. His eyes snapped open, but exhausted as he was, he dared not to move, afraid it would all be a dream. He let out a breath, then closed his eyes. The shapes towered above him, regarding him with a mixture of confusion and contempt. He was too tired to care about them. For now, he'd sleep. A terrible possibility shattered his tiredness. Lilia! Hideki scrambled to his feet, forcing himself to move despite the blossoming pain in his head. To his relief, Lilia was by his side, her eyes closed as she lay against the grass. Best be sure.. With the slightest of hesitation, he checked her pulse by lightly pressing his fingers against a certain point in her neck. There seemed to be no irregularity. She was alive. His shoulders slumped and he sank down to the ground, exhausted. They were both wounded, but it wouldn't be critical for either of them. Yet another relief. Hideki closed his eyes again, a feeling of serenity washing over him. A soothing wind howled past, birds chirped, leaves rustled, branches creaked, and beside him, Lilia snored softly. They were alive. They should be dead, but they were not. It was exhilarating, thrilling, and at the same time, relaxing. He could get addicted to this feeling. But yet, there was something hollow inside of him. A hole. For now, however, he'd sleep. No, there was something else. Still laying in the grass, Hideki turned to Lilia. Suddenly he felt embarrassed, but he continued nontheless. "Honestly, Lilia.. I-I.. Oh god. You better be sleeping, or I'll embarrass myself for a life time. T-thank you.. Thank you for saving my life against.. that one. Thank you for always supporting me. Thank you for standing beside me. Thank you for trusting me. Without you, I'd be dead..

But then again, I wouldn't be involved in these kinds of businesses unless you had dragged me into it. You better take responsibility, you brat. Ah.. I'm getting sleepy too. Good night. Or maybe good day? Ah, whatever." With that, he closed his eyes again.

[Little Alice]

The Explosive Battle!

A test of arms,

A collab between Fiery and Alice.

Time : 6 months after the start of the timeskip.

SPOILER: Click to show

The morning was slow. There had been many mornings like that the past... Eiji didn't know how long. Her death had made everything unclear. Luckily Sachi was there to help him keep track of time otherwise he would probably have sitten on the couch for ever, not doing anything, just smoking. Sachi kept him going. His morning would start with her as she would cry out and his nights would end with her as he would put her back to bed. Now that she had drunk her milk and was content doing something in the living room Eiji stepped outside. Slowly he took the pack of sigarets out of his pocket and lighted one. He raised his hand up to the sky for a moment in prayer to god.

Sleep well.

So this was the place? Pushing the hood down, the green coloured eyes looked around. She wasn't sure if she liked Amegakure. Standing underneat the roof of a building, she was sheltered from the rain. She liked rain when she was inside, but not when she was outside or even worse : travelling. If it was true what had been said to her, she was near the house of Eiji. The man who had beaten her guardian, Hiron, some time ago. The bandanna she was carying had became a bit wet, so Lilia took it off and mumbled something. It was annoying, but she didn't want to approach the man without it. Though who said he would recognize it anyways? Still, she used the small Fire chakra control training, warming up her hands to make the cloth piece dry again. Once that was done, Lilia donned on the bandanna again as she looked around. Just as she had pulled up her hood of her cloak, she noticed a man stepping outside. Deciding to ask this man if he knew somebody with the name Eiji, a nin of Amegakure, she noticed he was doing something. Frowning, Lilia stopped and waited till Eiji had finished his prayer, though that was unknown to Lilia that he had prayed.

After she was sure he was done, she approached him, lifting her hood a bit up so he could see her face. Glad that she hadn't had her headband in view, Lilia greeted the man. ''Excuse me, mind if I ask you a question?''

He had been consumed in his thoughts when the girl approached him. He took a drag of his sigaret, blew out the smoke away from the girl and ticked some ash away on the window post. "Of course. Except I cannot guarantee an answer." He said, giving her a better look. He had never seen her in the city before so she was clearly not one of the Genin as he seen most of them during their gruaduation. "Ask away."

''I know and am already grateful you wish to hear me out.'' Lilia told him. She thought how she could formulate the question. ''I'm searching for an Amegakure jounin that holds the name of Eiji. I need to ask him a favour.'' Lilia said, hoping that the question didn't seem to odd. It would be a bit if she would state the favour she had to ask of the man. After all, it wouldn't be a great thing if she would just announce she had came to Amegakure to challenge a jounin.

Eiji raised his eyebrows slightly and grinned. "The Amekagure Jounin named Eiji would be me." He said as he pushed his sigaret out on the window still. Samaki would have hated that, he realized and quickly swept the thing to the ground. The rain smothered it in seconds. "What can I help you with, miss...?"

So she had found the man. Carefully glancing at him, as Lilia knew better than just trust his word, she slowly pushed the hood back to reveal the bandanna. ''I'm the protege and adopted daughter of Hiron of the Hon Clan.'' Lilia just said, waiting for his reaction. Even though she hated it when the bandanna would become wet, her eyes were focused on the man in front of her. Though she looked with a calm look and had spoken so far with a polite tone.

Hiron Hon. Eiji was silent for a second as he looked to the bandanna. "Aha," he said then. "It has been a long time since I heard of Hiron Hon. So he passed that bandanna on, didn't he. That is exciting. So what are you here for, miss Hon." Eiji asked as he gave her the same calm look. He was pretty sure that he knew what the girl was coming to collect. It has something to do with the headband that was laying on the mantelpiece, there was hardly any doubt about that.

This is the man. At last. Lilia thought to herself. Nodding, she responded to Eiji. ''I managed to earn this bandanna after I beat Hiron-chan. He then told me of a great skilled Amegakure Jounin. That has his headband. I came to recover it, Eiji-san.'' Lilia told him with the same polite and calm manner. She felt a bit nervous as she had heard he was an Explosive Release user. But what did that mean? Would he explode if she would anger him?

He was right. That is why she had come. "You are aware that I cannot give it back. I won it in combat and I believe Hiron and I promised something along the lines of; if he wanted it back he would have to fight for it. And beat me." His words were serious, but honestly he was curious of this girl. She had beaten Hiron, that was no small feet. Sure he had done so, but Hiron had been strong.

Slowly raising her right hand, she pointed at the bandanna with her thumb. ''I'm aware of that Eiji-san. And I hope this is prove enough that I'm up for the task to try it. The reason I came...'' Her calm expression changed to a very serious one. ''Is cause not of Hiron-chan. It's not for Konoha or anybody else than my own goal. You see, Eiji-san.'' She wavered as she felt a bit embarressed that she was ranting on like that. ''I want to keep showing Hiron-chan I'm more than able. Able to keep making him proud, Eiji-san. That is my goal.''

Interesting, Eiji thought as he looked at her. She was deadly serious. It was definitely a challange. He hadn't had a challange since she died. He just... didn't do it. His eyes turned sad by the thought. "Things have changed since that time, miss Hon." Eiji said slowly. "As things always do. I accept your challange, but..." As if on cue Sachi's crying sounded from inside the house and Eiji automatically turned towards the door. "But that." He said.

Lilia's expression changed. She was happy he said that he accepted her challenge, but hearing a baby crying, Lilia felt a bit stupid. She stood on the doorstep of Eiji, wanting to get something she wanted, just to make Hiron proud? How selfish and rude was that! Lowering her head as she felt stupid, she then looked up after a brief moment. ''Sorry Eiji-san.. I-I didn't know you were a father. May I else come inside to speak more with you? I would like to know the man that has earned some praise of Hiron-chan.'' Lilia said.

"Of course you didn't know. I wasn't back when I fought Hiron, and even if I was, it doesn't exactly come up in a conversation when you fight." Eiji said as he opened the door and gestured Lilia to come inside. He spoke to her as they walked through the hall. "Hiron spoke of me. I find that rather surprising. I never spoke much of him I am afraid though..." They entered the living room where Sachi was crying in her crib. Smiling softly Eiji walked over to her and picked her up, mumbling words to her. "You might find the mantlepiece interesting." He said to Lilia as he looked over to the thing and to Hiron's headband. His eyes didnt dwell long on the object though but moved on to the picture of Samaki that stood in the middle of the mantelpiece.

Walking inside, Lilia put out her shoes as she listened to Eiji. Entering the living room behind Eiji, Lilia looked around. As Eiji spoke that she would find the mantlepiece interesting, she noticed the headband. Hiron's old headband! ''I do, Eiji-san.'' Lilia said with her little unique smile, as she only smiled in such a manner when she was truly happy. Though, she shifted her gaze back on Eiji, as she was suspecting him that he would just give her the headband. ''Besides, Hiron-chan did just say some praise about you Eiji-san. Though I must add you're a kind man.'' Lilia told him, unsure if she should take a seat without him offering one.

Eiji rocked Sachi back and forth. "That is kind of you, miss Hon." He said. "And I said that I accepted your challange did I not. How about we change the rules slightly and don't make it a battle to the death." He asked her. Sachi stopped crying and turned her eyes towards Lilia. She hiccuped and then stared.

Looking at the child, Lilia nodded. ''I wouldn't like to carry the guilt of knowing I am guilty of depriving.... a child of her father. May I ask her name, Eiji-san?'' Lilia asked. She didn't make any move towards them, though she was curious about the child. Maybe that one looked a bit like Aimi? Though Lilia knew better than to think like that. The fact she didn't make any movement towards them was because it was clear she was a kunoichi of another village. Not to mention, she had requested a spar between them. Not really a person she would like to have near Aimi, as she thought about it.

Eiji gave Sachi a look. "What do you say?" He asked the girl. "Can I tell her your name?" The baby muttered something which Eiji interpretated as yes. "Her name is Sachi." He said to Lilia with a smile, but then his tone got darker. "And that is naive miss Hon. It is clear to me that you are a ninja with experience. You have killed before I am sure. Maybe you robbed children of their fathers, of their mothers. The guilt doesn't seem to weight on you right now. Ninja's kill." His hands closed tightly around Sachi's body. "People die. Still," he continued on a lighter tone. "You are kind and I appreciate the understanding."

Though she didn't reveal any emotions, she wanted to spite out that it was weighing down on her. That she had spent nights, gazing at the stars and questioning if she had a gift or a curse. Her motives to kill weren't clean, but she decided it would add nothing to the peaceful conversation they had now, so she decided to keep her calm. ''Though I wish I could formulate a proper answer, to prove I feel some of the guilt, I thank you for your kind words Eiji-san.'' Lilia pauzed. ''I wish to add that I like the name of your daughter. It sounds...lovely.'' She told him, as she smiled. Though her eyes told another story. They looked with regret as she wished that somebody had held her like that. Just like a father, but the image of Hiron came. She shouldn't drown herself in pity like that. ''If you want, I can try to stay at Amegakure for some days. Truth be told, I was sent here on a mission, but I've the time to wait if you want to... Make sure that somebody will watch over Sachi. Eiji-san.''

Pondering Eiji looked at her. Sachi was attacking his finger and he let her. "I was scheduled to go out this afternoon anyway so I have a nanny look after her. We can settle this then. Do you know anything of Amegakure's layout? We could meet at any of the trainingsfields, preferably Field E." He said to her. She had killed. Her eyes told him so. And she was sad. Eiji wondered who this girl really was, but didn't question her. It was really not his business to pry too much.

Shaking her head lightly, she replied. ''I'm not familiar with the lay-out of Amegakure, Eiji-san. This is my first visit and though there are some things that interested me, I've yet to explore it a bit further.'' Pauzing, she asked him a question. ''May I ask where this Field E is?'' Lilia asked him, wondering why the field had a letter instead of a number. Or was that an usual Amegakure thing?

"It is in the east of Ame. It is not that hard to find as it is basically the most east point of the city. It is a good field. It is in the east after all." He said musing to himself. "So a challange it is, but the question is: what will you give me when I win?" It was not that Eiji was overestimating himself, but there was always a valid chance that he would win this battle, or maybe spar would be a better word. "You don't seem to have your headband ready."

Thinking about the question, Lilia's right hand disappeared in her kunai pouch. ''I've many things that I hold dear to me and wouldn't part with them, unless being dead.'' She told him, pulling out a kunai. ''The Hon clan have their own kunai. They aren't special, except for the meaning of the inscription.'' Flipping the kunai in her hand, she looked with a serious look in his direction. ''It's a kunai that only is given to outsiders when they have gained the respect of a Hon. If you would let me, I would put this kunai up in case I lose, Eiji-san.'' Lilia told him. She wanted to avoid the reason why she didn't had her headband with her.

"Done and done." Eiji said. He outstretched his hand to her. "Why don't you figure out where the field is and meet me in two hours there so I can take care of this little girl here. Then we can find out if you were just to beat Hiron."

---

Walking towards the field, Lilia felt for a moment her heartbeat in her throat. The feeling of when she knew a serious fight was going to happen. The excitment and the craving for adrenaline, in the rush of battle. This time, a large bandaged sword was on her back, as she had used the little scroll to summon the weapon to her side. This would be a battle where she would likely need to use everything she had. Nearing the field, Lilia tried to empty her thoughts, but she kept thinking of the headband. If she could recover it, then she could surprise Hiron with it. Else, this would be for nothing. No, she had to think of doing her best, not of failure! Trying to breath calmly, Lilia entered the field as she wondered why he had chosen this field.

A couple of minutes later Eiji would arive too, finding the girl he would be fighting on the field already. He walked up to her, his hands deep in his pockets, the rim of his coat pulled up to shield him from the rain. The water had made his hair stick to his head. One day he would get that umbrella. He let his eyes go over the familiar terrein. It was an open space, quite large and quite muddy. Several trainingdummies were lined up along the edge. On one side trees were obstructing the view over the rest of the fields on the other sides were small houses. It was the outskirt of Amekagure that lined the field, places where Eiji didn't really want to live. On the oposite side of the field the houses had already started to give way to the fields with rice. It was basically the only thing that grew close to Amegakure anyway because of the rain.

Eiji liked the field. It had a good letter and lay in the east. He sneezed and looked to Lilia. A large weapon of some kind had appeared on her back and Eiji narrowed his eyes slightly. That blade looked somewhat familiar. "Well then, miss Hon." He said. "Shall we begin?"

Slowly putting off the black cloak, Lilia nodded. The black long hair was tied in a ponytail as she didn't put on the bandanna yet. Her hands, dressed in fingerless gloves, went to her pouch to retrieve the piece of cloth. ''Before we start, Eiji-san, I have to admit that I'm looking forward to this. I hope I won't bore you.'' After she put on the bandanna, Lilia made the Seal of Confrontation with her right hand, waiting patiently for Eiji to do the same.

"I doubt you will..." Eiji said more to himself then to Lilia. As they had talked he had tried to study her and she was interesting to say at least. In his pockets his hands had found their way towards his poi and he had wrapped them around his wrists already when he removed his hands from his pockets. The poi were hidden by his sleeves so Lilia would not be able to see them yet. Politely he made the Seal of Confrontation as well and then lowered his arms again. "Give it your best shot."

Lilia's eyes narrowed as he told her to give her best shot. Simply nodding, her right hand seemed to go to the hilt of Samehada. Knowing the rank of her foe, she knew better than to simply charge and try to overwhelm him. Her fingers slowly wrapped around the hilt, before tighten her grip on it. Then she suddenly flicked her left wrist, making lightning crackle through the air as she generated Lightning chakra. After a few seconds she made a forward thrust, forming the lightning into a big hound that started to move towards Eiji in a zig zag pattern. Though she kept directing the hound, her focus was on Eiji.

Eiji didn't seem to move when Lilia prepared her attack. He waited and observed. If she was going for the sword immediately he would have to figure something out. But she didn't. A lightning hound appeared and raced towards him. Lightning, that gave her a distinct advantage here in the rain. He should have expected it really seeing as she was Hiron's protege. Suddenly swiftly Eiji moved his arms. He unwrapped the poi from his wrist and gave them a whirl. Quickly they spun around next to his body, but he didn't keep them there. Pushing chakra towards the weapon he moved both his hands closer together to form the Encircling Shield technique before him. He wanted to know what strength she could muster up.

The hound would crash into the shield, lightning would crackled between the poi and then disperse. Eiji's eyes were concentrated. That was quite strong. Still, this was blockable. As soon as the lightning technique was dispelled Eiji's hands moved apart, though the poi kept spinning. "Your control over lightning is admirable. You should considering moving here. The rain would aid you well." He said.

Remaining silent for a moment as she stood still, her left arm still forward, Lilia slowly closed her hand and nodded. ''Thank you for your kind words, Eiji-san.'' The fact he had managed to react that fast made it clear. He had some good reflexes. The green eyes quickly scanned the area and she had and idea. Focusing again on Eiji, Lilia took a stance as if she was about to charge Eiji. The muddy terrain and rain would give her an advantage and she would use that to full effect. Suddenly, she started to run to left, but not towards Eiji. Again flicking her left wrist, Lilia started to use the Lightning Hound technique again. But as she started to run left, she made the hound go right. With the hound approaching Eiji from the right, she would ready herself for her next move.

So she wanted him to divide his attention. To Eiji is was pretty clear that she was testing, seeing what he would do. That was fine, because he was doing the same. Considering the force of the hound it would be impossible for him to block it with one hand, of that he was pretty sure, but it would be stupid to turn his attention away from Lilia. Quickly Eiji let the poi wrap around his wrists in one big swing as he brought his hands together to form a couple of seals. "Earth Release: Earth Style Wall." He said as he finished the string. The poi were now on its way back and spun away from his wrists now. The hound would be met with an earth wall to his face while Eiji kept his attention on Lilia.

As the hound crashed against the earth wall, Lilia frowned. Though it damaged the wall heavily, Eiji had defended himself against the tactic she wanted to use. That and she now knew he used Earth Release. A release that she disliked as most Earth Release users often traveled through the earth to sneak upon their foes. So she had to keep Samehada with her or else she wouldn't be able to tell where Eiji would be. On the other hands, she had another plan she could use. ''Earth Release.. Thought Ame nin always used Water Release.'' Lilia said, as she took out a smoke bomb and threw it on the ground, hiding herself in the smoke. As she was hidden away in the cover of the thick smoke, she created three shadow clones that used the transformation jutsu to look like normal rocks. That done, Lilia grabbed four shuriken to throw them in the last direction Eiji was at before throwing already one of the rocks to the right.

"That is quite a prejucide you have there." Eiji said. "Then again my father originates from Iwagakure, so that might also be a reason." As Lilia set of a smoke bomb Eiji moved back. He had no intentions of getting caught up in the smoke screen. He was not a sensor after all. Having his sight blocked would be inconvenient. Luckily the rain would make sure that the smoke screen would not stay for long, but until then... Until then he would apparantly block shuriken. The poi of his left hand sprang up and spun around, kicking them out of the air with ease. As the poi had hit the shuriken they would after that hit the ground, but nothing would happen.

As the smoke started to fade away, Lilia had dropped one of the rocks. Now two shadow clones were in position. Just one more. Running out of the smoke, Lilia had her eyes focused on Eiji. The temptation of going in close combat was great, but she had to keep focus on her plan for now. Running towards his left, she dropped the last transformed shadow clone as she pulled out Samehada. But instead of going in with an attack, she stopped and kept some feet distance between her and Eiji. A grin appeared on her face. ''Ladies first?''

"Ninja's don't do favors in battle." Eiji said as he brought his hands together and formed the same seals as before. The earth beneath Lilia would shift and would start to rise up. Meanwhile Eiji's poi would hit the earth before him a couple of times as he took three steps backwards.

The last rock transformed into a shadow black, as it started to run towards both Eiji and Lilia. As the earth beneath her started to shift and rise up, Lilia quickly leaped up as well holding Samehada in a defense manner. She was unsure what he was up. While the shadow clone rushed towards Eiji, it started to generate lighting around her right hand, preparing the Sparkle Technique.

Behind him were steps that splashed in the mud. Eiji was quite suceptable to the sound as it often meant that Kuni was about to jump on his back. He spun, the poi spun with him and attempted to smack the Lilia behind him full in her chest and swipe her aside. As for the other Lilia, as she would come sailing down past the wall, the mines Eiji had planted their with his poi would be set off and would hopefully blow Lilia away.

The shadow clone tried to duck and evade the poi as she noticed it, but was too late. The impact made the shadow clone yelp and looking surprised, just before she disappeared in smoke. Noticing this, the real Lilia was sallying down the to the ground, but was suprised as something went off. Explosive tags? No, she hadn't noticed him using any tags. Preparing as best as she could, she tried to hold Samehada in a defensive way against the explosion. Though the blade managed to protect her well, she felt the hot air against her skin. Tch, how did he.. Due the fact she had to change mid-air, she didn't had the time to land properly, thus rolling over the ground before managing to get up. Ignoring the grunting of Samehada, Lilia was still confused on how Eiji had managed to make the ground explode. Taking a defensive stance, she waited for what he would do now.

The clone was defeated, Lilia had not been blown up. Of course the explosive mines he had planted in the wall would not be as strong when Lilia would go past them. But still they managed to stop her immediate attack. The poi spun slowly now. Eiji was not usually a person who attacked first. He would stand, wait and react to his opponent, however Lilia seemed to do the same right now. That could be a boring battle, but he had the idea that Lilia would attack him again within seconds if he just waited. So he observed her again with that blade. "I wonder how you acquired that blade. Doesn't it belong to the Mist?" He asked Lilia.

''This blade belongs to nobody, Eiji-san.'' Lilia reacted. Shortly after that, the bandaged sword shivered as it made a soft sound. ''Tch, don't ruin it now. It was cool to say that.'' Lilia mumbled back as Samehada clearly was touched by her words. ''Sharky was once in the hands of a Mist shinobi, yes. But now he is my partner.'' As it seemed that Eiji wasn't going to attack, Lilia started to think. There was a way he could set up explosives without tags. The vague hints she could gain from the things Hiron had told her about his fight with Eiji made it clear that Explosion Release was something to be careful about. But if it was a release, it meant he used chakra. Slowly Lilia's left green eye started to change from color as a huge amount of Killing Intent started to radiate from her. ''Think that holding back isn't going to give me that headband, eh? Eiji-san.'' The iris of her left eye became slitted as Lilia prepared herself to attack.

"No..." Eiji said slowly. Something was going on. Normally Eiji was not very suceptive to Killing Intent. He was a Jounin after all, he could hold his ground, but this... He could feel the power almost bouncing of his own skin. Where did that come from? His stance became more defensive. Seems the time to test each other was over. He didn't raise his own Killing Intent, the effort would be wasted but instead lowered his right hand to his pouch. The poi in that hand stopped spinning as he took out several shuriken. She would probably block them but maybe he could make it a little bit harder. With a quick move he flung them towards her while forming the seals for Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique. The weapons would multiply and soar towards Lilia.

Uncle Zakito's technique? The dozens of kunai would be annoying to block, but she knew something to counter it. Readying Samehada, Lilia swinged the great sword to parry the attack, sending the shuriken up or at least away from her. Taking her stance again, she was considering to drag the battle as she was confident she would last longer with chakra. ''Here we go.'' Running towards Eiji, Lilia didn't go with full speed as she wanted to be cautious. The fact she hadn't figure how he had placed explosives without tags made her wary. What if he could place such explosive on her? The thought wasn't that pleasant.

When the huge sword would obstruct Lilia's vision for a moment, protecting her from the shuriken Eiji quickly made one of his trade mark Explosive clones to replace him while he disappeared underground. He would move below to surface to get behind Lilia and wait for an opportune moment. The clone stood on the exact same spot as Eiji before and started to spin his poi faster as Lilia approached. He would wait for her to attack with the blade before moving.

Intending to carry on with her attack, Lilia smirked as she intended to strike him down. The bandaged blade was aiming at his mid section, so that if he would try to attack her with his poi, she could try to duck or jump a bit.

The clone reeled back to avoid the strike only barely and lashed out with his poi to the blade that had passed by him. He would intent to wrap the poi around the blade and pull it, to wring it out of the girl's grip, while simultaniously moving forwards. If the poi would miss he would still be in close enough range to blow himself up.

Keeping the grin on her face, Lilia let him wrap the poi around the blade, only he would find it hard to wring it out of the girl's grip. Looking him into the eyes, Lilia narrowed her own. The enhanced strenght of Matatab's chakra made it possible for her to keep the blade in her grip. Now with the poi wrapped around the blade, she saw a chance. Quickly, Lilia infused Samehada with lightning, trying to zap him, so that she could then attack him with Samehada. The faster he would be without chakra, the faster she could reclaim Hiron's headband.

As it was struck by the lightning the clone was unable to stay alive. With a loud bang it blew up, the force of the explosion would probably lash Lilia in her face and created a small dust cloud as it messed up the earth it was standing on. At the same time as the explosion Eiji would pop up from the ground behind Lilia. His poi twirled around and then lunged for Lilia, wanting to hit her from behind. If they did they would explode on contact.

Surprised, Lilia tried to shield her eyes from the dust. Samehada managed to leech most of the explosive chakra, but couldn't stop the dust. It was annoying as Lilia stumbled backwards a few steps. Trying to prepare herself for the next attack, she heard Samehada's warning grunt. Though not possible to react, one of the hidden shadow clones transformed back. Now only one, transformed as a rock, remained. The appeared Shadow clone, rushed forward as she prepared the Sparkle. Lightning crackled in the air as the clone aimed to lash out with the lightning to drive Eiji away or shock him. Unlike cutting, the shadow clone didn't want to slash through Eiji. The image of Sachi briefly appeared in Lilia's mind.

They looked with regret as she wished that somebody had held her like that.

It was pretty hard to stop the poi once they were moving in a certain direction. Eiji noticed to clone to late and tried to real back to avoid the attack, but the poi were already before him. He tried to pull them back so he could attack the clone, but then she was already on him. He jerked his hand back and caught her punch, but immediately regretted that decision as lightning coursed through his body. Stupid. However he had to hold it for a second as the poi attacted to the hand came flying back because of the fact that he had pulled his hand back and would hit the clone if it would stay were it was.

Lilia's hands around the hilt of Samehad tighten the grip as she turned around. The shadow clone had managed to shock and attract Eiji's attention, so there was a gap. An opening that she had to use. Gritting her teeth, she quickly turned around saw how the situation was as she swung the bandaged sword. Eiji was clearly under some shock by the weakened Sparkle Technique. It was clear that the shadow clone couldn't evade a counter attack from the fast poi as holding Eiji under shock, so the real Lilia narrowed her eyes as she aimed to slam the bandaged sword at the side of Eiji. Just need to hit him. Lilia thought to herself, feeling the rush of adrenaline through her body.

The poi hit the clone and it disappeared along with the lightning. His nerves still felt like they were being shocked though, but there was no time for a breather. The real Lilia - at least that was what he figured but now that he saw her apt use of Shadow Clones, this could be a clone as well - came for him with her blade. Eiji decided to run. He had never been a guy with pride anyway. So he disappeared in the earth using the Hiding Like a Mole Technique, took a pause of a second and then tried to reach up and grab Lilia's feet to drag her down into the ground.

Lilia muttered a curse as she saw the bandaged sword fly over Eiji's head. It went too fast as Samehada made a soft grunting sound. He had no time to take some chakra of Eiji. While she tried to ready herself, she felt a hand. Knowing this was bad, she tried to activate her Silent Shocking Techique while preparing Samehada for another swing. Hopefully she could shock him well enough to at least hit him. As long she could exhaust or take more chakra from him, she would be able to turn the battle more in her favor.

Eiji had wanted to release Lilia's foot as soon as possible, knowing that she would be able to shock him if he didn't drag her down soon enough, but her technique was faster then he had anticipated. Apparantly she didn't need seals for it. That was a problem. However because of the lightning that hit him his hand closed down in a tight grip, the muscles contraction making it impossible for him to let go. With his eyes shut against the pain Eiji tried the only thing he could do to get free: blow up Lilia's foot to counter the lightning with his Exploding Palm tachnique. Surely the electricity would shield her for the most part, but at least he would be able to pull his hand back and move away from the girl.

Gasping for air as she felt something at her foot. Samehada slammed against the ground, were Eiji was a moment ago. Hissing in pain as she dropped to a knee, she looked at her foot. Burnt marks were visible as some steam was coming off from the spot. The left eye that already had a slitted iris became slowly yellow as Lilia looked in Eiji's direction. Slowly getting up again, she heard the soft grunt of Samehada, but released him. Taking a breath in, she started to form several handseals. ''Blue fire Style : Roaring Inferno.'' Spitting out a small column of blue fire, she was planning to not hold back anymore. Or maybe she was losing a bit self control?

Blue fire. That was new. And strange. Eiji had never heard of someone using blue fire before. Still it didn't look half as daunting as the electric hound she had set on him before. Eiji assumed that this was her second nature then. It was pretty impressive to have such good control over that already. His raised his hands and the poi spun. Both of them formed a shield before Eiji as the fire crashed against it. A grunt escaped Eiji's lips as he realized that the blue fire was definitaly not normal fire. Still the poi could dispell the technique and moved back to the sides of Eiji's body. "Where did you get that ability?" He asked the girl frowning.

The same question Hiron had asked her, during their spar. Lilia didn't answer the question as she started to form the handsignals again. But slower this time as the Killing Intent started to rise. ''From somebody... special.'' She mumbled before taking a deep breath. Spreading out her footwork, to stand in a more stable position, she narrowed her eyes again as she performed the same techique again. This time she made it spread out a bit more as she wanted to keep his attention on the blazing fire. The last Shadow clone she had hidden away as a rock poofed up and started to head to a position where she could attack Eiji from the back.

Lilia gave him no answer and also didn't give Eiji the time to think about it. Her Killing Intent was growing again. And the fire was coming. However this time Eiji was ready. He knew what he needed to block the technique. He moved his left foot back so that he was facing Lilia sideways and let the poi take the blow. It took some concentration, but that was okay. Fire wouldn't do well in the rain, blue or not, in the end it would die. While still spinning the poi as a shield Eiji started to walk forward towards Lilia.

The shadow clone started to perform also some handseals. But this wasn't Blue Fire. It was a normal Great Fire Ball Technique towards Eiji. The real Lilia kept spitting the Blue Fire towards Eiji, as she would need to keep the pressure on him. Feeling a light feeling in her stomach, she knew that she was pressing her limits, with the Blue Fire. The shadow clone would manourve behind the fire ball, to launch a surprise attack on Eiji.

Suddenly Eiji was confronted by two types of fire on two sides. He couldn't step aside because the poi would always be a tiny bit later then him and would cause the blue fire to hurt him. Same for hiding in the ground. So the only option was blocking both of the attacks. Luckily the second fire ball was just a regular one, one created by a clone no doubt. Both the poi spun faster on both sides of his body and just before the fire ball could hit him he slammed them down in the ground, creating a massive explosion that shook the ground and send the techniques away. In the cover of the dust that was created and with the hope that Lilia was slightly surprised by explosion Eiji rushed forward and tried to lash out with his poi to the girl, hoping to get her in his Enclosing Grip technique.

The shadow clone poofed away as she had been too near the explosion. Even the real Lilia felt the gust of air as the explosion went off. Grabbing Samehada's hilt with her left hand, she glared at the cloud of dust, a product of the explosion. Her plan to put pressure on Eiji hadn't worked out like she had wanted, but noticed Eiji rushing towards her with his weapon. Time to ready herself wasn't granted as the poi was faster than she could react properly. All she could do was to put up Samehada and brace herself for the attack.

That sword always got in the way. Instead of the girl the poi encountered the blade and blew up as soon as they touched it, still wrapping around it though. Meanwhile Eiji was stepping sideways. He was panting slighly. The explosion to blow away all that fire had taken quite some chakra. He was getting tired. With a quick move he pulled one poi back and send it in a curved arc towards Lilia's unprotected side as he tried to keep Samehada into place with his other poi.

Surprised by the explosion, Lilia's eyes widened as she looked when the explosion went off. As the explosion went off, dust and debris were sent flying up. Coughing, Lilia feared that she would suffer some real injuries now. A soft grunt made her look around. Her vision was blurry and she heard a high pitched sound. Just like when a cannonball made an impact near you. Trying to shrugg it off, Lilia tried to focus on the fight again. Trying to move in a stance, she noticed it was harder to move Samehada. Using the enhanced strength, from Matatabi's chakra, Lilia suddenly yerked the blade. ''Get over here.''

The sudden pull on Samehada made Eiji lose balance as he was pulled to the side, his poi still stuck wrapped around the blade. How did this girl get the strength to drag him around like that? The other poi moved harmless past Lilia as Eiji stumbled and tried to get his poi back from the blade. With a flick of his wrist the iron thing freed itself from Samehada and Eiji could move back.

Lilia wanted to rush in and attack Eiji, but she knew better. Calming down, she knew that the rush of attacking came from using the Nibi's chakra. It caused her to rely more on instincts. Dropping Samehada, she performed several handseals. If he could create explosions that could still hurt her, while Samehada was close, she had to make sure her defense was properly up. Finishing the streak of handsignals, Lilia focused on moulding her chakra as underneath her clothes and kunoichi garb, a blue kanji, Fox, was formed on her right shoulder. It took five seconds, as then a blue-ish aura formed around her. ''Before we're going at it again, Eiji-san. I want to say that you're holding quite your ground. I hope that I've not gone overboard, yet.'' Lilia said to Eiji, as her right hand started to move slowly towards one of the pockets of her flak jacket.

"You are doing extremely well yourself." Eiji said, catching his breath. He froze however when the blue aura appeared around the girl. What was going on? The only tales he knew of people who had blazing aura's were... That could not be true. A city would never let their Jinchuuriki run around freely. Right? Eiji stance lowered, turning more defensive as he checked his poi to see if they were still in good shape. One of them was blackened by the explosions but looked fine otherwise. He started spinning them as he waited for Lilia to come for him.

Picking out a small scroll from the pocket, she noticed that Eiji readied himself again. Knowing that his explosions could repel the Sword Dance Technique if she would try to summon the swords towards him, Lilia decided to not directly use it to attack him. There was however a problem. Even due not having exhaust her chakra, she felt that she had to be careful now. If she would keep on burning through chakra, she wouldn't be able to beat Eiji. The jutsu of the Konoha Guardians was also not likely able to completely repel his explosions, as some were clearly stronger than an explosive tag. ''I have that to thank to somebody else. But don't worry. It will stay between us.'' Rolling out the small scroll, holding it with both her hands, she summoned the fourteen swords. As they were launched in the air and dropped around the field, Lilia stored the scroll. ''I'm going to get that headband.'' She whispered, readying herself for the next step of her plan.

Eiji was actually facing the same problem as Lilia. His chakra was getting low. He should be careful or he would run out to soon. And she wasn't coming. Instead she summoned... swords? Eiji brought his hands together and an explosive clone poofed in existance. If she was preparing then so could he. The clone moved to Eiji's left and started to spin its poi as well.

Lightning was crackling in the air, from the swords, but now from Lilia as well. Around the chakra coat, a bit of lighting flickered. Using the Secret Ninja Art : Will of the Leaf with her lightning chakra nature, she wanted to be sure that she could move without needing to worry too much about his explosive jutsu. At least the weaker ones. Rusing towards a blade to her right, thus his left, she picked it up. But instead of holding it, she threw it towards Eiji. And she wasn't slowing down either. Instead, she ran to the next blade, throwing it as well towards Eiji.

Both the clone and Eiji rushed forward and to the side, clearly not expecting Lilia to thrown the swords at them. Eiji deflected the first with his poi, immediately feeling the lightning running over his arms. No deflecting thus. That was annoying since deflecting things was something he was good at. The clone was rushing in on Lilia from the side as Eiji narrowly avoided the second blade that was aimed for him.

So his reflexes were good. Picking up another blade, Lilia skidded to a halt as she turned to face Eiji. The clone was rushing in from the side, but she didn't focus too much attention on the clone. Her coat should do his work. Hopefully. Lilia suddenly ran towards Eiji, readying the blade she held in her right hand. However, she started to cause some confusing afterimages to create an opening. The Secret Sword : Moon Shadow technique, as she was using the after images to conceal her real strike. Lilia would try to move in and only attempt to shock Eiji. She couldn't put out Sachi of her head. The thought alone to wound Eiji with a weapon, that could slice through him, was enough for her to feel a bit sick.

While Eiji waited for Lilia to come to him the clone tried to intercept the girl by jumping in front of the Amegakure shinobi holding up his arm. However it hadn't anticipated the fake after image. Noticing its mistake the clone formed a handseal as Lilia passed by and exploded in an attempt to blow Lilia away or at least slow her down. Just like the clone Eiji had mistaken the after image for the real Lilia. He hadn't expected her to be that fast. Once again lightning would hit him. It really started to get painful and suddenly Eiji felt slightly lucky that he had only settled for a spar. Maybe this girl could actually kill him if she set her mind to it. Before he could force his body to move against the lightning he was blown back by the explosion from the clone and cursed before lashing out with his poi towards Lilia's middle.

With the strike being a success, Lilia had to narrow her eyes. The coat did it's work, protecting her from the blast. The flying dust however was still annoying as it limited her sight, but she was certain that she had hit him. Panting a little bit, she wanted to move again, before noticing the poi. It really bothered her actually that he could move so fast with that weapon. And at the same time she admired Eiji for it. ''Oh no, not again!'' She mumbled, readying the blade she carried to try to defend herself from the fast weapon with a quick swing, trying to cut the cord.

Steel resonated with steel as the sword hit the metal cord of the poi and then, due to the lightning enhancement, cut right through it. The, now loose, end of the poi went spiralling past Lilia and burried itself in the mud. Eiji faltered one step due to the weight loss, but didn't waste any time. He let go of the cut of poi and his hand went to his pouch. One kunai with explosive tag appeared in his hand that he send towards Lilia's right, while he swung with the poi he had left to her left.

When she had cut through the cord, Lilia glanced with a cold look in Eiji's direction. Seeing the kunai with the explosive tag coming towards her, she simply took a defensive stance. Preparing for the incoming blast, she didn't move away as she tried to focus on disarming the last poi. The coat technique would protect her for the blast, but the problem was that she would be blinded. Not something she would like against an opponent of Eiji's calibre.

As he had expected Lilia was going for his poi. She wanted to disarm him. Eiji noticed that the hand that was now without poi was cramped. The lightning shocks had done a number on him. The poi went for her blade, but this time it was enhanced with chakra and wrapped around the blade as the kunai exploded. Eiji gave his poi a strong pull downwards, hoping that Lilia woud let the thing go. At the same time while both of their visions of each other would be obstructed he reached for the blade that Lilia had thrown to him before.

Noticing that this time she wasn't able to cut through the cord, Lilia whistled suddenly as she let the sword go instead of pulling back. With both their visions being obstructed, a strange sound was produced. While she had dropped the bandaged being, Samehada had been slithering away and waited for the command. Though he was moving fast, the vicious sound it made would clearly alarm Eiji that it was coming for him. In the mean time, Lilia tried to recover as she stumbled backwards. Even unharmed, she was rubbing her eyes and tried to keep standing after the kunai had exploded. The flash and the blast weren't something she could neutralize with the coat.

With the sword out of Lilia's hand Eijij swung his poi and wanted to throw the sword behind him when he heard the sound. He turned his head to look back and realized that he had forgotten about the weird sword. Without thinking he send the blade he had just freed from Lilia's grasp towards the incoming Samehada. He dropped the sword he had just picked up and brought his hands together to form the seals for the Earth Wall. The ground before Samehada would rise up in an attempt to cut the blade off and stop him from coming to its master.

The growling got worse as Eiji's plan had worked. The sword deflected as it cut through the bandage. It sucked the lightning chakra out of the steel, leaving it unharmed. But now it couldn't attack Eiji, making it quite angry as it kept producing hissing sounds. Having recovered from the blast, Lilia slowly opened her eyes as she looked in Eiji's direction. For a moment, she simply stood there as she decided what she should do. Going on would likely exhaust Eiji's chakra, but she wasn't in favour of that. The more she relied on Matatabi's chakra, the harder it would become to keep the aggressive thoughts back. Grabbing her right wrist with her left hand, Lilia opened her right hand. The coat with the lightning started to fade away as it was gathering at her hand. ''Time to end this, Eiji-san.'' Lilia said with a confident voice. Taking a stance, low and with her right hand ready, she was focusing on controlling the lightning as pint pointing a way to strike at Eiji.

Surely Samehada would find a way around that wall within minutes, Eiji figured so he had to move fast or that blade would bite him in his back. So he turned back to Lilia. Her coat was fading. Eiji wasn't sure if this was because it was too exhausting to hold up or because she was going to use a big attack. He would prefer the first option, but seeing what she was doing he suspected the second one. He took up the blade again and let the poi he had left wrap itself around the hilt. "Let's." He said, his breath heavy.

WIthout a warning, Lilia advanced towards Eiji, at a fast speed. She was focusing on moulding the fierce Sparkle Jutsu to just paralyze. There was no need to slice through or attempt to wound Eiji. But as she went in a straight line towards Eiji, she wouldn't play it in a fair way. Because when they would become close, Lilia would use the Secret Sword : Moon Shadow technique to create only one after image. Hopefully it would buy her time to strike at him when he would maybe fail for the fast speed movement.

As soon as Lilia moved towards him Eiji readied the blade and threw it towards Lilia. His skill in swordmanship was not nearly good enough so fighting with it would probably result in something bad. However, now that it was connected with the poi, he had a longer reach and could possibly hit Lilia before she could come really close. But she was fast. His sword flew past her because of the after image and Eiji tried to pull it back but Lilia was on him before he could get his weapon back. He tried to move sideways to dodge the attack, but her lightning was too fast and hit him full in his side. Four shocks was quite enough Eiji's body decided. He gritted his teeth as his knees shook and wobbled. He raised his hand and tried to grab Lilia's arm, explosive chakra coursing through his fingers, before dropping to one knee.

She had hit him, but had slammed with an open hand palm. Making sure that it the lightning wouldn't pierce through his flesh in any kind of way. But she was surprised that he could grab her wrist. Her eyes widened as she felt somehing, one moment before being blast backwards. Rolling over the ground, in an backward way, she came to a halt. Her body was shaking as the sleeve and finger less glove on her right arm and had were torn apart. Slowly trying to get up, Lilia's left eye had turned normal as she felt the aching pain in her arm. It made it hard for her to get up, as she could only use her left arm. Though she wasn't standing really good on her feet, she looked with a confident look in Eiji's direction. ''Heh... Fancy another?'' She asked with a smug. Lilia knew that if he would say he would like that, she had to back up her words. And now using her own chakra, she wouldn't be able to perform the same combination. Samehada finally managed to overcome his frustation, but wasn't moving as Lilia hadn't whistled a command.

At least that worked Eiji thought as Lilia was send back to the ground. His body was still shaking and aching. He tried to stable himself with a hand on the ground, but found out that he needed both them to even stay upright. When Lilia spoke he looked up and grinned slightly before letting his head drop again and shaking it. "Not particulary." He said. "I think you have proven to me that you deserve to get that headband back. Unless you necesseraly want to get a victory by knocking me out, but I would prefer just yielding to a severe headache."

Surprised actually about his words, Lilia beamed before falling backwards. Falling on her back, Lilia started to laugh before moaning about her right arm. She was so happy that she had managed to win back something important like that. It was worth the pain in her right arm as she closed her eyes. Already she was looking back when she could go back home, surprising Hiron with the headband. ''Thank you Eiji-san.... Thank you.'' Lilia said, still beaming with her eyes closed as she laid still on her back.

Eiji forced his body to somehow move next to Lilia before letting himself drop down next to her. The mud was wet and so was the rain, but that was okay for a change. His limbs felt numb anyway with the rain or without it. "No problem I think..." He gave her a look as she lay there. "Hiron must be proud."

Opening her eyes as she looked at Eiji, she kept beaming. ''I hope so... I believe Sachi can be proud on such a father. I know I would be..'' She told him as she slowly reached out with her right hand towards Eiji. Clenching it in a fist, she let out a giggle. ''It was a honor, Eiji-san. It was a honor to spar with somebody like you.'' She told him.

It took a moment for Eiji to make a fist of his hand too due to the fact that his limbs were still a shaky, but in the end he bumped his fist against hers. "Now we are lame and soaked." He said grinning. Then he dropped his hand and lay back. The rain was no more then drizzle now and it tickled his face. "She can be proud of her mother too..." Eiji mumbled more to himself then to Lilia. "But strength in combat is not really a thing a father needs to be a good father. What about your father? Is he a strong ninja as well? He must be impessed by you."

Lilia giggled at first. But then she became quiet as Eiji continued. Her father? Slowly looking up with half opened eyes to the grey clouds that poured the rain on the land, she answered back. ''I mean you're a good father, cause you're able to protect your daughter. But also because when two people exchange blows, sometimes they can pick something up... I think you're a confident and loyal kind of person. Some father that wouldn't abandon his child.'' Lilia told him, a calm tone with a slight undertone of bitterness. As she kept looking, she was glad with the rain. It hide the few tears of anger that rolled over cheeks. ''As for my father? I think he is...'' Lilia wanted to say that she wasn't sure. That it was a question for her as well. That it tormented her when she thought about it, but then she saw a person. A person that was like a father for her. Somebody who had taken care for her, like a parent.

''I think he is...'' As she finished, she felt that she started to smile. It felt strange as she didn't want to smile. It just happened like that. But it was something that made her feel happy.

Lilia's bitter tone wasn't lost on Eiji and pondering he looked to the rain. "You know, Sachi's mother is dead." The bitterness of Samaki's death was clear in his voice. He searched his pockets for his sigarets and his lighter. "It means that, to Sachi, it might seem like her mother has abandoned her. But that is not true." He lid his sigaret. "No parent just abandons their child. I am glad you found a way to move past it and find a new person to rely on, but remember you father never truly abandoned you." Smoke rose up to the sky as he poked with the sigaret on Lilia's chest, leaving a small burn mark behind.

"He is right there."

Smiling a little bit, the unique little smile she on her face when she was truly happy, Lilia nodded slowly. ''... I know. Eiji-san, I know. Truth be told, I never met my mother. So I can relate to Sachi. If I may..'' The smile faded away as she closed her eyes and showed a bigger smile. ''Please never change. This is what I meant. You're a good person, but a better father, Eiji.'' Lilia told him with a cheerful tone. He kind of remembered her of Hiron. The way he had just managed to drive away the bitter thoughts and the taste it brought in her mouth. The way he made her able to smile like that. Thinking of how he had held Sachi, she was certain.

That little girl was one lucky one. To start her life with such a loving and caring father from the start. And for once, she wasn't feeling any envy or being jealous. No, she was actually happy. Very happy, to know a same little girl would have a man guiding her life.