[center][b][i]Flashback.
The briefing passed on.

A grim word about the mission.
Time : Just before Hayate and Kiyomi actually went to the gathering point of both team 2 and 7.[/center][/b][/i]

[center]summary :
With Hayate being more introduced into the Dragon Lotus, he is being briefed by Kiyomi personally about the coming mission.[/center]

[hider=A grim word.]

Waiting on the special spot, Kiyomi looked at her right and then at her left. She was disguised as Kelly, leaning against a wall with her arms crossed out front of her. She had made sure that Hayate would receive her special note. Her mind was however still at the briefing of the coming mission. It would be an official mission for both Konohagakure as for Dragon Lotus. But the things she knew that were coming. It was just disgusting! Trying to keep herself cool, she would wait until Hayate- no, Lars would arrive on their meeting place.

Making his way towards their meeting place, Hayate felt weird about having to be in disguise once again. He understood the necessity however, and for now he would just have to put up with being Lars. It did not take him too long to get to the place, and after a short time he caught sight of Kiy--Kelly... A brief twinge of frustration hit him but he shrugged it off before walking towards her, smiling. [b]"Kelly-chan! It is good to see you."[/b]

Turning her head to look at the disguised Lars, Kiyomi had a tough time to stay in act. She smiled while pressing herself from the wall. Smiling as well, she walked towards him and placed a kiss on his cheek. The first sign of trouble. [b]''Lars! Come, I am so thirsty! Lets have a drink. On me!''[/b] Pulling him by an arm, Kiyomi made herself look very happy. But still, the dark thoughts of before kept circelling inside her mind. Knowing a place where they could talk in peace without anybody eavesdropping on them, she hoped that Hayate would be able to bear the briefing. If he wouldn't be able to take it, she had no hopes others would.

His eyes very briefly grew quite sharp, before he snapped back into character. Allowing Kiyomi to lead him along, Hayate tried to look happy. Something was clearly awry, but he had no idea what. He would wait for now however, knowing that Kiyomi would inform him of whatever information he needed to know soon enough... or, at least he hoped. It didn't take that long before they were there. It was a small pub in a small alley. Just the typical place where two could talk about shady stuff. Actually, the owner was an aquintance, so to say. Opening the door, Kiyomi nodded only to the man behind the bar. Nodding back the man continued to whistle loudly as cleaning glasses. Though nobody was present in the bar, Kiyomi kept leading Hayate to a table at the back.

[b]''Sorry for the secrecy. But I have to brief you in. Dragon can't do it, because of some security reasons. As long you don't have the mark, you're not allowed to see him.''[/b] Kiyomi said, feeling still guilty that Hayate was getting dragged more and more into the underground world of Dragon Lotus and everything it had do with it. [b]''I want to say sorry in advance, Lars. I mean Hayate.''[/b] She said, a sad smile appearing on her lips.

[b]"You have nothing to apologize for Ke--"[/b] He hesitated for a moment, before realizing that she had used his real name as well. [b]"-Kiyomi. I made the decision to follow you did I not? And I understand a thing or two about secrets, so please don't feel guilty about any of this. I've already told you I am here for the long haul, and everything that comes with it."[/b] Hayate paused again, she had mentioned a briefing and he was a little curious as to what she had in mind. Judging from the way she was acting, it wasn't anything too pleasant. [b]"So what kind of trouble are we getting into now?"[/b] He said, trying to keep his tone semi-lighthearted.

Leaning back, she would make an irritated look on her face. [b]''More than last time. This is something that was long time a highly classified secret. Most of the top don't even know or remember it anymore. Hell, I would give up my bank acount to bet that only a very small group that isn't involved with the underground know about it.''[/b] Kiyomi told him with a grim tone. Finally she could show that she was really troubled. [b]''We are sent on a mission that serves as cover. There have been some disturbance around an old bunker. As one united team we need to purge it from rogues. That is the official briefing everybody will get. However,''[/b] Kiyomi paused. [b]''Remember those douchebags we fought down south? Guess who's base we are going to waltz in.''[/b]

Hearing mention of their mission to the south, Hayate inwardly cursed. That mission had been incredibly dangerous, and both Kiyomi and he had been quite seriously injured. Though so much good had come out of that mission, it still left a bad taste in his mouth. [b]"Why do I get the feeling this isn't going to be as easy as it sounds?"[/b] He said finally. Even now he was a little worried as to what laid ahead.

[b]''When is it ever?''[/b] She said with the clear amusment as sarcasm in her voice. [b]''There is however something else. That place... Don't think poorly, but..''[/b] Kiyomi became silent as she lowered her head. [b]''During the reign of the Second and Third Hokage, there were some grim situations and times. The Great War could be a reason, but it seems it was even done before the Great War. We're going to a place...''[/b] Kiyomi bite her lower lip.

[center][b]''Where they conducted research on living people.''[/b][/center]

His eyes widening with shock, Hayate tried to process what she had just said. [b]"What... what kind of research? And who performed it?"[/b] He was still a little confused, but it sounded disturbing. Hayate was getting strange images of weird laboratories and people being put into strange contraptions. Shaking his head to clear it, he locked eyes with Kiyomi, waiting to hear her response.

[b]''Research on turning people into weapons. Much like how I and some others are.''[/b] Kiyomi calmly said. She had still a disgusted look on her face as she spoke about it, but she wasn't angry. As a Jinchuriki, she could even understand it better. The reason why both the Second and Third Hokage had done such a thing. But it wasn't only them. [b]''I will not go on about the history lesson I had gained, but it were volunteer medical nin from Konohagakure. People who fully knew what they were doing.''[/b] Kiyomi told Hayate. [b]''It continued for some time, until the Third Hokage closed it off. The cutting edge that the secret research gave was too small. If this would ever leak out, there would be some civil unrest. That would need to be put down for the greater good.''[/b] Kiyomi paused. [b]''It is actually.. understandable. They even took children for the research, Hayate. People who were younger than us. Those who had hopes and dreams. Only to serve to make the technology and understanding to be common knowledge now.''[/b]

His stomach began knotting as Kiyomi spoke. A wave of disgust passed over him briefly, but he continued listening intently. Hayate's voice grew a strange, bitterly cold tone that he himself was unfamiliar with. [b]"You are not just a weapon Kiyomi..."[/b] He wanted to say more, but a cold rage was growing in him. There was a reason why he hated people, and this was just one such example. Gritting his teeth, Hayate managed to calm himself. [b]"I...understand the desire to create the perfect weapon... To craft something so strong that you can protect the ones you care about with it... But people should never be used for those goals... Innocent people... Only a scumbag would sacrifice a child... Only a true monster would put one in harm's way."[/b] His eyes were dark, darker than he could remember them getting before. 

[b]''You're a real naive and dumb person at times like this.''[/b] Kiyomi slowly said. Like him, her eyes had turn darker. Even with the disguise of Kelly, it was pretty clear she was near a boiling point. But it wasn't because of Hayate's opinion. It was more because of the history. The dark secrets of the Hokages. [b]''As much as I like to deny it, I am a weapon. Shinobi themselves are a weapon. Denying it will lead to projects like that. To the desire of creating a weapon, so that ''shinobi'' won't have to be that weapon.''[/b] Kiyomi started to explain. Sighing, she lowered her head a bit. [b]''I almost attacked.... I lost my control almost. Hearing that other people had to vanish for what makes our lifes more comfortable. It not only happened here. According to the information, it happened everywhere. There is still even.... information that... that.. It goes on in the Wind Country.''[/b] Kiyomi said. She clenched her right hand into a fist. Narrowing her eyes, she continued. [b]''It doesn't matter what we think. It happened and I can understand it. In fact, I would have done the same. Innocent lives were lost, but in gain-''[/b] Kiyomi stopped suddenly. Her shoulders trembled. [b]''Sorry. But as I was saying it happened, but not in this country anymore.''[/b] Kiyomi told him.

Lost in his thoughts for a long moment, Hayate did not know what to say, or rather, he did not know how to say what he wanted to without getting angry. Looking away, his eyes remained dark and cloudy. Thoughts raced through his head, so many things that he wanted to say... [b]''Like I said, naive and dumb. Getting angry over it, won't do you any good. You realize that people like you are the same? You're a weapon too by definition.''[/b] Kiyomi said. She noticed how Hayate looked and knew him well enough that he was thinking about some things. [b]''If you have something to say about it. Do it now. If you do it there, then know I need to silence you. One way or another.''[/b] Kiyomi said, with a very serious tone.

Shaking his head slowly, Hayate felt lost. Slowly, he let his anger fade before looking back up at Kiyomi. His eyes no longer contained the same anger in them, this time... they held only sadness. [b]"You misunderstand what I am saying Kiyomi-chan... Call me a naive fool all you want. I would rather accept my place as that then willingly sacrifice the life of another for the chance, the possible chance to learn some small thing. But!"[/b] He paused slightly, staring straight at her. [b]"But, I am not arguing with the desire to protect those that you care about, whatever the cost... As much as I can pretend to sit here and preach about how evil sacrificing someone else for another is, I... I know that there are moments where... put in the same spot..."[/b] Again the spark of sadness, [b]"...I would sacrifice whatever and whoever I had to, to keep those I love safe..."[/b] Looking down, he was unable to meet her eyes. [b]"Just doesn't mean I have to like it is all..."[/b] He muttered quietly.

[b]''Finally. I was wondering when you would just speak back. I have been waiting for some time until you had some damn guts to speak like that.''[/b] Her tone sounded a bit more happy. There was still a sad smile on her face present, but her tone made it clear she wasn't probably going to call him naive or stupid anymore. [b]''Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. However, there is little good or evil in this world. Even this sacrifice and research that we both disagreed on, has managed to save hundreds, if not thousands, of innocent lives. The Decade of Peace was made by the blood of the innocent to preserve the same innocent blood of others.''[/b] Kiyomi paused. [b]''That being said, it doesn't mean there ain't blood on the hands of the past leaders and higher ups. But from what I understand is that there was not much of a real other choice. The idea seems to be unreal, but imagine a world where such research didn't happen. The only other way how people strive forward in such a pace is through war. Imagine that we would do no such evil. It would be replaced by other evil. If not war, then something else. It is naive to say different ,cause human will strife to improve their own situation.''[/b] She sounded like she was going a bit hysterical. Even a smirk was growing on her lips and weird look on her face made it almost like she was going crazy. [b]''It is pitiful that humans are like this, isn't it? Pitiful and damn sad.''[/b] Pausing Kiyomi sighed and lowered her head. There came a bit of silence.

[b]''So don't judge too harshly yet. Just know that it happened and accept it. Only thing we can do is becoming Hokage together.''[/b] Kiyomi leaned forward as she placed both hands on of his. [b]''I know that we have different views on this, but trust me. I don't want this to happen either.''[/b] Looking up the smirk and weird look in her eyes was gone. There was a much darker look in her eyes, but also a small glint. A glint that only showed when she was really happy about something. [b]''But if you would help me to get there and be there, I think you can do something about this. To ensure that we can find a way to prevent this kind of evil to rise ever up again. Maybe even finding a solution for it.''[/b]

A long pause followed... Hayate stared straight into Kiyomi's eyes, not saying a word. He was... well he wasn't sure exactly what he was feeling at the moment. But as the pause went on, a small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Hayate realized that this was something he wanted more than anything in the world. The chance to be by the one he cared for most in the world, as she followed her destiny. [b]"I... I would be honoured Kiyomi-chan... I have already told you I would follow you anywhere, but to hear... to hear that you think I may actually be able to help you in your goals... I would want nothing more."[/b] His head cocked to the side as he looked at her. The sadness was gone from his eyes, and in its place was... contentment? Hayate understood what she was saying, and he understood the unfortunate history that had led them to where they were now. Had he been in the same position... he wasn't sure whether or not he would have made the same decision, but the idea of being able to help change the future, to help shape a brighter one, it brought him great joy. And the chance to do so beside Kiyomi... well... That made everything even better.

[b]"I truly believe that you can change this world Kiyomi. And I think that you should... I am sorry, if some of my opinions appear naive, and if I sometimes sound like an idealistic fool... I just, I just think that there is another way sometimes. A way that is not necessarily as easy, and not entirely without sacrifice, but a way that can nevertheless achieve the same results."[/b] He smiled slightly, a smile that didn't entirely feel true. But he squeezed both of her hands to let her know that he was truly happy in that moment. Despite everything around them, he was happy.

Staring at their hands, she was smiling. But it was unlike his, a sad smile. His words made her feel better. They really did. But they also caused some pain. She called him naive, but she was the one that was truly naive. She had always used the reason she would make changes when she would become the next Hokage. Now when she was finally being prepared for that, she was learning every day that she wouldn't make any change. She would do things she would despise. Why? Cause it would be the way she prefered. The way to a more bright future for the later generations of the people she cared for. [b]''I know, Hayate. I know.''[/b] Kiyomi said. Taking a deep breath, she sighed out loud. They had been off track. Though she wanted to talk about this, it wasn't the main reason for this secretive meeting.

[b]''There is something else. I want you to have something.''[/b] Slowly pulling a hand back, Kiyomi reached for something in her pocket. Pulling out a folded paper, she started to blush. More than usual. [b]''I-Its is something I thought you would like to have. I-I... I hope you like it.''[/b] Placing the folded paper on the table, she shoved it towards him as she stared at this hands. Thoughts about how he would react to it were running through her head. She really liked the sketch that Katsu had made for her. But the point was, what did Hayate thought about it?

Reaching out, Hayate took the paper. Unfolding it he looked at it for a long moment. His expression remained neutral, but on the inside Hayate was feeling a surge of emotions. [b]"It... it's..."[/b] Looking up at Kiyomi, he realized just how well the picture captured her likeness. His face was deadly serious as he asked, [b]"Can... can I keep this Kiyomi-chan?"[/b] Looking back to the drawing he gripped the paper tighter. He couldn't quite explain why, but it felt like something incredibly special, something he didn't want to give up. Hayate could feel a few tears welling up behind his eyelids for reasons he couldn't fathom. [b]"It is beautiful..."[/b] He said softly, his voice barely audible. 

Her cheeks started to fluster more with the reddish tint as he told her that he found it beautiful. For a moment, she wasn't sure what to say. [b]''Of course you can, jerk.''[/b] She mumbled. Kiyomi didn't want to ruin the moment, but she didn't know anything else to say. Staring once more at his hands, she tried to say something else. But the moment wouldn't let her. He found it beautiful. That meant he also thought she looked beautiful, didn't he? [b]''I also want to talk about us. The rule that is there that we can't be together... and this talk about sacrifices. I am going to make one.''[/b] She paused. [b]''I love you and care about you. But I am not going to put you in danger. For that, I am going to openly put somebody else in danger. I know you wouldn't agree, but... wouldn't you do the same in my shoes?''[/b]

Silently folding the paper after one last look, and placing it within the folds of his jacket, Hayate looked back up at Kiyomi. As she called him a jerk he couldn't help but smile a little. The picture meant a lot. With everything that was going on, amidst all the chaos and during the times he was forced to stay away from Kiyomi, he would have something to remind him of her... Something to keep him rooted. It... it was relieving in a way.

Hayate listened to Kiyomi as she continued, her words growing more serious. When she asked him the last question, his eyes darkened slightly, and he responded without any hesitance. [b]"In a heartbeat. If it were you... there wouldn't even be a question."[/b] A small part of him felt like that answer was somehow morally wrong, something that he should have had a harder time answering... But as Hayate stared into Kiyomi's eyes, he knew the truth. The truth that he would sacrifice the world and everything in it if it meant keeping her safe.

[b]''That is what I wanted to know.''[/b] Kiyomi said. Knowing that they should be going, she didn't want to. Even while disguised and hiding like some runaway criminals, Kiyomi enjoyed her time with Hayate. Maybe more than anything. It wasn't even that bad what they had been talking about. They were just together and she didn't had to hide away her feelings. But there was one more thing she wanted to talk with him about. Something that he wouldn't like either. [b]''I ate apple pie today. When I noticed I was alone, I-I... ate some apple pie.''[/b] She told him. 

Nodding his head ever so slightly as she confirmed what he had said, Hayate hoped that they wouldn't have to leave soon. Looking around the room, he once again wished that they didn't have to hide in such secrecy. He hated so much about secrets, his clan was just such an example of how they could break things apart. Turning back to Kiyomi, those feelings faded away. He was about to say something else, to try and lift the mood, when Kiyomi spoke again. Hayate stared at her for a moment, his eyes growing sad. There wasn't much time to waste. Reaching out with one hand, he clasped her hand in his own and gently squeezed. Reaching within his jacket, Hayate pulled out a handkerchief and slowly passed it over to Kiyomi. [b]"We should go somewhere quieter... Somewhere we can be alone. Unless, unless here is okay too?"[/b] Hayate was concerned. He knew just how much Kiyomi wanted to keep her illness a secret, and if she was about to have an attack he wanted to get her somewhere where people wouldn't see it, but at the same time, he didn't want to move her if it would make things worse. Not only that, the fact that she had purposely eaten apple pie... That was a whole other matter that he understood, and yet still wanted to talk to her about.

[b]''I am fine, Hayate. I am now. It will take hours before it will happen anyways.''[/b] Kiyomi told him. [b]''I-I... I don't care anymore. I woke up this morning and decided that I don't care anymore. It isn't in the state that it is dangerous, but I don't care. I have always managed to beat the odds, but now this? I am not going to let this rule my life.''[/b] She told him. Sqeeuzing in his hands, she accidently would sqeeuze harder than intended to. [b]''I just want you to know that it isn't because I don't take the medicines. I do take them on time, but I-I... I don't want to let it rule my life. It is so small, but yet so much of a bother. I can't enjoy the food that Hiron cooks for everybody at home. I can't go out with friends to restaurants or have dinner at somebody else their home. I just can't, cause of that messed up part in me. I miss it.''[/b] She didn't want to sound or act sad. Her voice was angry in fact. She was angry, but she wouldn't do anything stupid. She had already done enough stupid things for today. [b]''I thought you would just want to be warned in advance... I don't want you to think badly, like refusing the medicines I get.''[/b]

There were many emotions that he should have felt at that moment. Many reasons that he should have felt saddened, hurt, guilty... But instead, despite all that... Hayate smiled. Slowly pocketing the handkerchief, he never once took his eyes off Kiyomi's. Though his hand hurt a little from when she had gripped it so tightly, Hayate ignored the pain and continued holding her hand. [b]"You amaze me more and more, each and every day with just how strong you are Kiyomi-chan. You... who shoulders so much... who harbours so much pain... You never stop fighting. Never give up on staying true to yourself. I... I am in awe of you Kiyomi. I want you to know that from the bottom of my heart I will do everything that I possibly can to help you fight this, and I truly wish that you never had to deal with this... You could never make me think badly of you for this Kiyomi."[/b] Hayate paused. Reaching out with one hand he gently brushed away a strand of loose hair that had fallen in her face. [b]"Promise me that you will always stay true to yourself, and I will forever promise to never be disappointed in that. I... I can't pretend to know how it feels, how it feels to have so much taken from you... But if there is something, anything that you can do to make yourself a little happier... to make things easier... Then how could you ever expect me to judge you for doing them?"[/b]

[b]''I.. I don't know. Sometimes I feel like I am disappointing everybody. It is just that I think like.... a naive person at times.''[/b] She said back. Staying silent for a moment, she decided that it was time. [b]''We will talk later about this. I just wanted to let you know what is coming. I-I... am glad that it is you, Hayate. I seriously am.''[/b] Kiyomi said as she flashed a rather sad smile in his direction. [b]''One day and we can be together. But for now we need to go. I think you should head to the meeting place. Did you received the note from Ezuri?''[/b]

Quietly nodding as she spoke, Hayate also let out a small smile. [b]"I know Kiyomi-chan. I am just happy that it is you as well... I don't know what I would do..."[/b] Shaking his head for a moment to get off the topic that only brought pain at the moment, Hayate met her eyes once again. [b]"Sorry, I did indeed receive the note from Ezuri, but I decided to act on the one I found of yours first. It seemed more important."[/b]

Kiyomi shook her head lightly. [b]''That is okay. I am glad you did that. But we can better prevent from arriving at the same time there. I want to prevent any funny ideas. And seems that people do keep getting them. You will head towards the meeting place directly while I shall pick up Leo.''[/b] Kiyomi told him. [b]''I have kind of spend little attention and time on Leo. I bet he must be a bit lonely on his own.'''[/b] Kiyomi mumbled. Slowly pulling her hands back, she flashed a more warm smile towards Hayate. [b]''Also, I am going to say it now. Just to prepare you, but you will become the second in command for this mission. Even while there is a friend of me joining, who is a specialized Jounin, I am going to pick you.''[/b]

Feeling a pang of sadness at the mention of Leo, Hayate wanted to say something, but instead held his tongue. His eyes widened with surprise when she mentioned that she wanted him as second in command. Blinking several times, he remained silent. [b]"Are... are you sure Kiyomi-chan? I... Do you honestly think I am capable?"[/b] It wasn't her opinion he doubted, not that at all. But he did doubt himself, something that he consistently found himself doing. Especially when she said that she was bringing along a specialized jounin... What could Hayate possibly offer that a jounin would not instantly be able to beat. He was honoured of course... Honoured to the point of disbelief. But Hayate still wasn't sure if he was qualified.

[b]''No, that is the reason why.''[/b] Kiyomi said, sounding amused. A smirk started to creep on her lips. [b]''I will need a right hand that can also lead others. Though I can't let it happen that this mission becomes a mess, I might need the extra challenge to keep me cautious. If you would be the second in command, we have to be honest.''[/b] The smirk vanished as the eyes of Kiyomi became darker. There was even a sudden cold breeze passing by, while no window nor door had been opened. [b]''If something would happen to you, I wouldn't accept it.''[/b]

Slowly, his eyes shrunk from the size of saucers back to their normal size. Nodding his head, Hayate understood what she was saying. Looking back at Kiyomi, he met her gaze with equal intensity. [b]"Then you need to know that it will be the same for me. So let's both make sure we get out of this thing safely, okay?"[/b] Hayate's tone was deadly serious, and he wanted to make sure that they understood each other. Once the mission started... There wouldn't be a chance to discuss things. He had the feeling this was going to be an incredibly difficult challenge.

She scoffed as well raising her chin a bit up. [b]''As if I was planning to let this have another outcome. The only one who may hurt you is me. I know that the world doesn't know that yet, but I am sure as hell going to make that clear.''[/b] Kiyomi told him on a serious tone. But she was trying to lighten the mood again. It just went like that. They went from sad to sweet and shifting to almost every direction. But she loved it. Rising up from her chair, she looked at the door. [b]''I am going to fetch Leo.''[/b]

Grinning from ear to ear as Kiyomi stood, Hayate felt a surge of happiness. He would never in any way refer to his and Kyomi's relationship as normal by any means, but he wouldn't have it any other way. What they had worked, and it matched them perfectly. Standing as well, Hayate moved a little away from the table, and slightly closer to Kiyomi. [b]"I suppose I should get to the training field... And Kiyomi-chan..."[/b] He gently grabbed one of her hands and squeezed. [b]"Thank you."[/b]

[b]''Oi. What did I told about thanking me while I did nothing?''[/b] She asked, almost sounding irritated. But she softly sqeeuzed back. [b]''See you there.''[/b] Planting a kiss on his cheek, she winked at him before walking already towards the door. The bartender was still whistling and cleaning glasses. [b][i]''Good day miss.''[/b][/i] Not turning around, Kiyomi raised her left hand as a greeting back. [b]''You too.''[/b] With that, she opened the door and would walk towards the direction of where Leo and previously Yumi lived.

Turning to watch her leave, Hayate felt a flush of warmth. He waited for a while longer before he too made his way towards the door. Things were going to get interesting from here on out. 

After having made some distance, the transformation went off smoothly. Not like a poof of smoke, but like it was some reflection. Now Kiyomi was walking around like she was dressed. Her bandanna, together with her jounin garb, donned on. Sighing, she shoved her hands into the pockets of her pants. It did came to note that she did that more often. It made her think of two others who she had seen doing that a lot. A smirk crept up as she would pull out one of her hands. Holding something in her hand, she would unwrap the lollipop before placing it in her mouth. Maybe by now, Hayate would discover the lollipop she had stealthy placed in his pocket. Looking up to the sky, she knew that the time wasn't there to think a time of peace and joy was coming. But she couldn't help it. She felt quite happy.
[/hider]