[b][center] Hiroshi Hon & Sayuri Cho & Hirudora[/b][/center]

[b][center]A not so dead lead.[/b][/center]

[center]One week earlier ... [/center]

Hirudora listened to the young ones talking between each other, and witnessed their actions when he announced them that the lead was dead. He knew Hiroshi sent the two of them with him so that he could observe how will they behave to each other in his absence. The tiger though that they are starting to get along, but when the lead was announced to be dead, the real test began. The one Hiroshi wanted him to witness. The boy seemed quiet as he was until now, but Hirudora thought that he is just thinking in silence and trying to come up with something reasonable. The girl, on the other hand was pacing around nervously, her fists clenched. But she remained calm and did not burst out, so Hirudora guessed that Hiroshi would be satisfied. He continued to observe them for a while, before speaking up.[b]" We should resume the patrol pattern. Hiroshi and that other girl may have more luck than us ... "[/b]

Hiroshi and Sayuri were heading in their direction at a good pace, but they saw litle to no to hints of the traitor they were pursuing. Sayuri was fighting with her curiosity for a long time, but finally gave in.[b]" Hiroshi-Sensei? If I may ... "[/b] The blonde haired Jounin turned at her and nodded.[b]" Go ahead, Sayuri."[/b] She nodded and took a few seconds to collect her thoughts.[b]" I kind of do not understand this sepration. Hirudora is appearantly an expert in tracking, and I don´t know about you, Sensei, but I am not that good at tracking. At this rate, we end up losing him and ... having the ANBU involved will not give us a good reputation, isn´t it that way, Sensei?"[/b] Hiroshi thought for a few seconds before replying to the girl.

[b]" A valid observation, Sayuri. I am not an expert on tracking either, so I always rely on my old friend Hirudora with that issue. No, the reason I sent Hirudora with Akira and Chinatsu was for Hirudora to see how they behave to each other when I am not arround. Teamwork will be important in the future of our team, as the missions we will undergo will be increasingly dangerous, just as your abilities will increase over time, but good teamwork will be our most important weapon against future enemies. In order for that to wokr, we need to work together. Even when I am not arround. I hope you understand that, Sayuri."[/b]

The read headed girl thinked about it for a while, then nodded.[b]" I ... I think so, Hiroshi-Sensei."[/b] If he was testing Chinatsu and Akira, this means she will be tested too. The only problem was that she had no idea when it might be - but she decided to think about it later. The current mission came first. Just as she was about to respond, Hiroshi raised his right hand and stopped on a plank, with Sayuri stopping next to her. The branch was covered in blood and a piece of cloth was pinned to the three with a bloodied kunai. Hiroshi tapped his earphone quickly.[b]" Chinatsu, Akira! We might have found a lead on our target! We are currently at the very end of our patrol vector, near the point where we should reunite. Ask Hirudora to locate me and come to us as quickly as you can!"[/b]