[center][b][i]Getting awakened,
Getting information,
Had some sort of medicine.

A collab between Chromehound and Gerontis.

Summary :[/b][/i]
Shikaroku wakes up and has a chat with Hiron about the last match and what may happen later. Then they hear of the announcement and Hiron answers a very important question of Shikaroku. Fun times![/center]

[hider=Hiron's medicine]
[b]''Took you long.''[/b] Hiron said with a more or less a neutral tone. One that would even make one that knew him for quite some time wonder if he was disappointed, mad or content. Sitting on a chair, the man was reading a small book. Throwing a glance sideways, at one of his students that was laying on a bed, Hiron returned his attention back to the small book. [b]''Was wondering how long it would take before you would be awake again. You worried the medics quite, you know? Having no visible injuries and yet kind of collapsing.''[/b] Turning a page, Hiron almost barely nodded. [b]''Very... bothersome.''[/b]

Reaching up with one hand, Shikaroku pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to remember what had happened. Pushing himself up into a sitting position, Shikaroku leaned forwards. He could still feel a dull throbbing in his temples, and tried to massage them briefly to lessen the sensation. Hiron's words made their way through to him and suddenly everything came crashing back. His eyes widened and he leaned over his knees, dry heaving. As the panic attack subsided, Shikaroku managed to bring his breathing back under control. [b]"My opponent... sensei... did he...?"[/b] Unable to finish his sentence, Shikaroku turned his head towards Hiron, his eyes pleading.

Hiron seemed to keep reading his book, but after a moment or two, he replied with a calm tone back to Shikaroku. [b]''As dead as a doornail.''[/b] After the phrase, Hiron turned another page as it didn't bother him in the slightest. [b]''Another reason why I am here and not a shadow clone. Though incidents like this can happen, you wouldn't believe what kind of consquences it can bring. Perhaps some team member would like to claim your life?''[/b] Hiron briefly looked at the door, frowning as he continued to think out loud. [b]''Or perhaps an angry parent that wants to avenge their fallen child? Very problematic, very bothersome.''[/b] Hiron mumbled the last few words as he lowered his head and continued to read the small book.

Everything went numb as soon as Hiron confirmed that the other boy was dead. The world around him seemed to dim, and it felt as if he was listening to Hiron from under water. Slowly, Shikaroku began rocking back and forth. Clutching his head in his hands, the boy was lost. [b]"Why... why didn't they stop it..."[/b] The question wasn't really meant for anyone in particular, and Shikaroku wasn't even aware that he had spoken out loud.

The question made Hiron sigh as he then shook his head, closing his eyes as if the question was a dumb one. [b]''Why not?''[/b] Hiron asked back before he would close the book with his right hand and frowned at Shikaroku. [b]''You're not going to tell me you didn't see it, right? I even saw it and I don't have any pesky irritating dojutsu that makes me see every small insect that decides to crawl over a piece of dirt. The boy was already dead when he entered the field. Everybody who has trained genin for years and pay attention to how one walks and acts could easily figure this one out.''[/b] Hiron paused. He knew that Shikaroku wouldn't like to be treaten like this. He wanted to hear probably something comforting. Something to ease the pain and probably the guilt of knowing that he would be seen as the one who delivered the killing blow. Yes, it was sad that he had to experience it as Hiron hadn't prepared him for it. He had half expected Shikaroku to actually fail his match. No, he had hoped for it. That it would be a good motivator for him to try to train even harder. Yet, that it would go like this? He hadn't expected anything like this.

[b]''The referee is supposed to step in when they are needed. Truth be told, I think that everybody was a bit surprised that you managed to end the match that soon and intercepting the attack would be... unfair. In a real fight there is no referee who will seperate you from your enemy. It is either kill or be killed in most situations.''[/b] Hiron explained as he glanced at the door again.

[b]"This wasn't supposed to be like that!"[/b] Shikroku suddenly shouted. Surprising himself as he turned towards Hiron with a hardened gaze. [b]"You told me this was supposed to be safe! That nobody was supposed to... to end up like this!"[/b] His head throbbing again, Shikaroku pressed both hands against his head, turning away. Bringing himself back down to a more controlled level, he spoke quietly. [b]"Why would he come out to fight like that... if he... if he wanted to die?"[/b] Shaking his head again, Shikaroku was fighting to retain control.

[b]''Who knows?''[/b] Hiron calmly responded. His right hand trembled but he didn't slam the book in Shikaroku's face when the latter had shouted. He simply sighed and looked sideways at his student. [b]''And yes, I had told you that. But you should always know that there are risks. Factors that can spell trouble. I would have jumped in and try to fend off if you were in the boy's situation.''[/b] Hiron's tone became somewhat stern. [b]''And though I have asked myself why that poor sod was allowed to fight, sobbing won't help. I can understand that this won't feel like a victory, but you better get used to it, Shikaroku.''[/b] Hiron looked at the small book. The rather ominous title of ''A grim death'' was a novel that was about a shinobi that had tried to become great, but eventually died. He had died because he wasn't able to accept several things, which lead to his downfall eventually. Flipping the book, Hiron placed it on the bed, near Shikaroku. [b]''Right now, troubling yourself and beating yourself up won't do you any good. You have won, fair and square. Get that in your head. Cause while it won't feel like a sweet victory, it won't be anything else out in the field.''[/b] Hiron paused as he thought about his word choice. He didn't want to push Shikaroku too much. And some things could be a bit too early, but would there be any time better than now?

[b]''The time of when you will need to kill others to protect your comrades and country will be there soon. And while I can try to prepare you for it, lets be honest. There are only a few who can kill without remorse. And like me, you can't kill without question yourself if you should be feeling proud or guilty for ending a life.''[/b] Hiron kept his gaze on the Nara, a rather stern one before he leaned a bit back. [b]''So, congratulations on your first kill.''[/b] Hiron said with a grim tone.

Looking down at the sheets on his bed, Shikaroku wanted to be sick. This whole situation was not what he had expected. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, he knew Hiron was right. That didn't mean he had to like it though. Shaking his head slowly, he couldn't look at his sensei... not right now. [b]"I... I am sorry Hiron. I've let you down yet again..."[/b] The words felt hollow, and Shikaroku wasn't even sure if he meant them, or if he was just trying to pacify both Hiron and himself. [b]"What am I supposed to do now...?"[/b] He asked quietly. [b]"How am I supposed to go back out there and face everyone. They treat me like a killer... like... like I wanted this..."[/b]

He didn't know if Hiron had the answers, truth be told, they weren't really fair questions, and Shikaroku knew that. But in that moment he didn't care. 

Sighing out loud again, Hiron crossed his arms as he glanced at the ceiling. Genin and their endless supply of questions. But he wouldn't start to grumble about that right now. Not only had Shikaroku won his match and thus earned himself some peace from Hiron's grumbling, but he also had experienced something that wasn't easy to accept. [b]''You didn't really let me down, kid.''[/b] Hiron said, thinking about something. It was hard to just be straight and honest with the boy as well trying to not be too blunt with him now. That could backfire and cause the boy to complain, shout, growing angry or worse. Cry. [b]''In fact, I was hoping you would suffer a defeat. It would have been a quite valuable lesson, though I can't deny that this one can serve quite a purpose as well.''[/b] 

Then he shrugged, like he was simply dismissing the fact that he had told Shikaroku a moment ago that this could be taken as a lesson. That the death wasn't that serious or much of a problem. But truth be told, Hiron saw no value in the life or death of Shikaroku's opponent. [b]''As for the people let them talk. It were mostly those who just saw what they wanted to see. I bet that there are people out there who don't think you tried to kill your opponent on purpose. Every capable sensei with a pair of working eyes have seen that you just did your best and that your opponent wasn't near being ready for the exams. Or in any state to fight.''[/b]

Leaning back, Shikaroku let himself fall back against the pillows. Staring up towards the ceiling, he sighed. The logical part of his brain had started to take over, more as a defense mechanism than anything really, but it still bothered him that he was now thinking of things in more of a detached way, without emotion. Hiron was right, and Shikaroku could not deny that. Much as he may have wanted to.

For now, he would restrain his emotions. A proper shinobi did not show them, as they could be a weakness. Taking a moment to gather himself, Shikaroku sat up again and turned to Hiron, any sign of his prior feelings vanished. Save for the slightest hint of darkness in his eyes. [b]"How did Masami-san's match go? Did she do well?"[/b]

Glad to see that Shikaroku seemed a bit calmer, Hiron was briefly wondering what went through the mind of the boy. In his own opinion, he could understand if the boy wouldn't accept the words and that was just fine. Perhaps it was a bit too early and it wasn't like Hiron thought that Shikaroku was running short on time. But this was one of those fundamental lessons. If he would start to become somebody who would swear to never kill again, then Hiron would lose his respect for the boy. And probably drop him as a student. Such weak attitude wouldn't be accepted in his team. [b]''She is fine.''[/b] Hiron looked at the door again, but he didn't seem nervous. He frowned. [b]''Her match went a bit more exciting, because her opponent was quite tenacious. But nothing less expected from one that hails from the Inuzuka clan. They are quite known for their fierce shinobi.''[/b] Hiron then looked back at Shikaroku. [b]''But she won as well.''[/b]

Nodding his head, Shikaroku looked away. [b]"Good."[/b] It was all he said for a long moment. Turning back to look at the book Hiron had left on the bed, he almost laughed at the irony of the title. Locking eyes with his sensei once again, Shikaroku spoke. [b]"Does this mean that we are both participants in the second round then?"[/b] His tone remained entirely neutral, no trace of emotion left.

[b]''Unless you get your throat sliced before the rounds start, yes.''[/b] Hiron calmly replied to Shikaroku. He cocked his head a bit to the right as his eyes then moved to the door. [b]''Cause I wasn't joking. I suspect that I might be a bit too cautious at the moment, but I rather stay and prevent somebody from getting any funny ideas. Not that I think the Raikage would allow any of his subjects try to maim at you or as much touch you. That would cause a lot of political problems and then result in all kind of chaotic events. Quite problematic, you see.''[/b] Hiron slowly grinned. [b]''Though now you're in the rounds with the real veterans, I suppose.''[/b]

[b]"Heh."[/b] Shikaroku laughed humourously. [b]"Then I suppose I had better bring everything that I've got."[/b] He glanced quickly to the hospital gown he was wearing, a look of distaste upon his face. [b]"When can I leave here?"[/b] The question made Hiron shrug. [b]''You haven't suffered any injuries. I however thought this would be more comfortable than a hotel or such. The more people around the less I need to worry that somebody will try to muster some gut and then try to beat you up or worse.''[/b] Hiron answered. He thought about it and then sighed as he brought up his right hand to his neck. Though he wouldn't admit it, he felt a bit odd. Without a bandanna, his short dark brown hair was ruffled a bit as Hiron scratched his neck and moved his hand up to the back of his head. 

[b]''But for now take it a bit easy. This might be a better place to stay for the moment than many other places, I imagine.''[/b] Leaning back as far as he could, Hiron placed both his hands at the back of his head, trying to make it himself comfortable.

Once again, Shikaroku found it difficult to argue with Hiron's logic. [b]"Can I at least get changed back into my regular clothes?"[/b] He asked, after a long pause. A chuckle was heard and soon followed up by Hiron answering the question. [b]''I wouldn't mind it. Just take care to not try to throw a kunai at me, okay?''[/b] Hiron closed his eyes as he leaned back with the chair, leaning against the wall.

Getting up from the bed, Shikaroku felt a sharp pain at Hiron's jest. Ignoring it, he moved over to where his clothes had been simply thrown haphazardly onto a chair. Wondering for a brief moment who had changed him, Shikaroku threw one worried glance towards his sensei, shuddering at the thought. Withdrawing his clothes from the chair, Shikaroku quickly dressed before turning back to face the jounin. [b]"So what now?"[/b]

[b]''We wait.''[/b] Hiron said, his eyes still closed as he didn't move. [b]''For now I suspect that you will have a bad name. Not a really infamous one as it is just a kill. A nobody, I suspose. Won't get you any infamy for killing another genin. Would be different if you would end up killing each opponent however. Now that would be quite interesting.''[/b] Hiron calmly stated. Pausing, he opened his left eye half. [b]''For now, rest out a bit more. You will need every moment to get your calm and cool back. I predict the next round will take a hell lot more than what I have been preparing you for.''[/b]

Slowly, he nodded. Walking back over to the bed, Shikaroku sat down, leaning against the wall. Letting out a quiet sigh, he rubbed his temples. Hiding like this... it didn't feel right, but he couldn't do much to change that. Sitting up straight, Shikaroku steepled his fingers and rested his chin on them. All he could do for the meantime was sit and prepare. Unless...

Lifting his gaze to meet Hiron's, Shikaroku's eyes had a strange glint to them. [b]"I don't suppose you'd fancy a game of Shogi while we wait?"[/b] 

[b]''I don't see any harm in that.''[/b] Hiron responded. Still having the chair leaning against the wall, he made the sign to produce a shadow clone, who would exit the room. Closing the door behind, Hiron's shadow clone would try to find a place where it would be able to fetch them the board game. [b]''By the way, that tactic of yours was quite nice. I would recommend to use another one in the coming fight, to be sure that your opponent will be less prepared though.''[/b] Hiron said as he closed his eyes again, his hands moving to the back of his head.

Relieved that they would have something to do to pass the time, Shikaroku leaned back again, considering Hiron's words. [b]"Thank you sensei."[/b] He said after a short time. [b]"To tell you the truth, I hadn't used that technique expecting it to work. I had a more extensive plan but..."[/b] His thoughts travelling back to the match, Shikaroku couldn't continue. Every detail had been brutally, and cruelly, etched into his mind as if to punish him. The memory was going to haunt him for a long time, but Hiron was right, and right now Shikaroku had to somehow put it aside... at least for the time being.

[b]"Do you think I could end up fighting Masami-san?"[/b] He asked quietly, a hint of concern in his voice.

[b]''The chance on that is quite big.''[/b] Hiron told back as he thought about it. He could keep information he had heard and learned for himself, in order to not demotivate Shikaroku. In order to make sure that Shikaroku wouldn't be already more nervous than he could be right now. Then again. [b]''Right now most of the genin who passed to the next round are quite some fighters. Masami isn't going to be your only concern. I can tell you several names of people who have passed and what I have been able to learn about them. Or what I know already of them.''[/b] Hiron said, deciding to lay the decision in Shikaroku's hands.

Thinking for a long moment, Shikaroku realized what Hiron was really asking. He wasn't sure he was ready to hear just how skilled his opponents were going to be, but... he was going to need every advantage he could possibly get if he was to have even the slightest chance. 

A sudden thought occurred to him and he tilted his head as he looked up at his sensei. [b]"Would... would it be considered cheating if I went into the fight with information about my potential opponents?"[/b] The question made Hiron open his eyes and glance at Shikaroku with a frown. [b]''A shinobi is bound to follow the rules, that is a common thing. If a shinobi doesn't follow the rules and honor them, he is nothing but scum.''[/b] The tone was a bit harsh, but then Hiron grinned slowly. [b]''But remember that the best shinobi fight like they are scum. And if nobody catches you on breaking a rule or two, who would be able to call you scum? A shinobi fights diry, kid. There is no way of cheating if nobody catches you on it.''[/b]

Grinning at Hiron's words, despite how grim he still felt, Shikaroku made his decision. [b]"Well then, Hiron-sensei... What do I need to know?"[/b] Slowly pushing off the wall, Hiron made the chair he sat on stand on all his four legs. Leaning a bit forward, Hiron glanced at the door as he was thinking about the information he had learned. It was in some cases quite easily. People talked about a match for some time, after one had ended. From such talk one could simply see what information could be useful and what not. Besides, it wasn't like he had spent all his time sitting next to Shikaroku while he was being inspected for any injury.

[b]''You know about Masami and I think that I need to say little about her.''[/b] Hiron started, thinking about another name. [b]''I have heard some talk when I walked around about that a girl from Kumogakure won her match. Using two swords and lightning release. Couldn't gather anything special about her, other than that she had defeated what some said that her opponent was a troublemaker. Reyna was her name, but I couldn't catch her surname.''[/b] Deciding to move to the next, he thought about another match. [b]''There was also a draw. Which is quite interesting as those don't often happen at exams. Means you either fight a kind that uses some tricky water release. Also the son of an infamous bastard. His surname was Deshuga. Didn't really find it interesting to learn his first. His opponent was Katsu Uchiha. A new genin that is under the wing of Aiko. Probably just allowed to participate for the same reason as you, but who knows? If he is a student of Aiko's, then there is a big chance he has learned a thing or two about poison. Quite nasty, poison.''[/b]

Hiron sighed as he kept thinking about other matches. He told about some matches. Most of the genins he had heard about were just average. But that was likely cause they didn't had anything interesting he knew about. That and it wasn't of his concern to really learn everything about them. [b]''Then there was this match between Koike Hon and Ezuri Hyuuga. Went quite fast as it seems that Aiko taught Koike some nasty poison. I suspect that my nephew has some more tricks up his sleeve and he always had a knack for close ranged combat. Then as final, there is Hayate Hyuzu. A kid I know and quite experienced.''[/b] Hiron thought about it. He had heard that Hayate had managed to win his match, but he wasn't that surprised. [b]''He hails from a clan that has some bloodline ability to mould and use metal sources, able to do techniques with them. That and he can use Earth Release. Combine that with being quite experienced, I say he and some others are opponents I would watch out for. Or..''[/b] Hiron chuckled. [b]''Try to learn more about them. There will be some time that we can try to indulge in ''learning'' about your potential future opponent.''[/b]

Listening very closely as Hiron spoke, Shikaroku began sizing up the list of opponents in his mind, trying to formulate ways to take them down. He would not allow himself to be shaken or intimidated by the fact that almost everyone else remaining in the exams was far more experienced than he was. From the sound of it, the entrants from Konoha were making a strong showing so far, and Shikaroku didn't want to let his village down. If he was to gave a chance at getting through this round, he was going to have to learn as much as he could about the other participants. Thankfully, the files for the Konoha genin shouldn't be too hard to get a hold of, but in order to get information on any of the participants from the other villages... Shikaroku wasn't sure how he was going to accomplish that. Yet...

[b]''Heh. That is what I want to see.''[/b] Hiron said as he chuckled. [b]''Seems like you're thinking. But.''[/b] Suddenly Hiron pushed himself and the chair off the wall as he let out a sigh. [b]''I guess we should get moving.''[/b] He sounded a bit more serious as he raised himself up from his seat. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants, Hiron sighed again. As if the movement was already so tiresome. [b]''Our game of shogi must wait. My shadow clone managed to attend to the announcement of today. Seems you're fighting against... Masami.''[/b] Hiron informed Shikaroku, wondering what his students thoughts were. It was a bit odd as fun to see his students fighting against each other. He had half an idea on how it would end or go, but both had shown that they were full of surprises. Just what he would like to see.

[i]Crap.[/i] Was the first thought that went through Shikaroku's mind, as Hiron made the announcement. Masami was a highly skilled shinobi, and Shikaroku had been secretly hoping that he wouldn't have to face her. It wasn't that he was intimidated, but he had every right to be. Shikaroku was not looking forward to fighting a teammate. He was worried that he wouldn't put everything he had into the fight, not wanting to injure someone he had trained with and bonded with. Shaking his head, Shikaroku realized how immature he was being. A shinobi had to look past these things, and if he was to become a proper one, then he would have to look past them too. Trying to bring his thoughts back under control, Shikaroku looked up at his sensei. [b]"I... am ready Hiron-sensei."[/b]

[b]''Good. As am I.''[/b] Hiron said, a bit grinning as he gestured that Shikaroku should follow him. Walking towards the door, Hiron briefly let out a laugh. [b]''There is one good thing to this match up. This time you can bet your ass that somebody will jump in if things get too hot.''[/b] Hiron told Shikaroku. He thought of Masami and decided that he would give her a little kind of pep talk later as well. Would be very unfair if he would just give Shikaroku some comforting words, wouldn't it? Making another shadow clone, Hiron felt a bit weird. Though he hadn't waste that much shadow clone as they weren't destroyed and he hadn't been using any kind of other technique these past days, he wasn't that comfortable of making that many a clones in such a short time period.

Letting out a half smile as Hiron made his comment, a sudden realization struck Shikaroku... [b]"Hiron-sensei... if they just released the next matches... how long have I been out of it?"[/b] While they would walk down the hall, Hiron turned his gaze sideways towards his student. [b]''That is a good question. Drugs, Shikaroku. Drugs.''[/b] Hiron said as he then proceeded to whistle while they would continue to walk.
[/hider]