Gerontis

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Ryo Katsu
Konohagakure Chuunin | Team 4

Member of the Ghost ANBU.

Ryo was biting his lower lip. This situation wasn't to his liking, but he had seen no way out of it. Besides, he wouldn't chicken out if there was a way to. His muscles trembled due the pain as he leaned a bit forward. Yet, he felt little regret at the moment. He had done this to safe not only his life, but to continue his duty. Thinking about it, he would die anyways. If it was now or later. With Yumi first leaving and then Katsuko, Ryo wanted to say something. Only to be silent when Katsuko said what he was going to do. He was going to spend his last day with his family. Ryo lowered his head, like he had just been defeated.

Family?

He hadn't worried about it for a long time. He had experienced so many things that he had forgotten about his situation. How strange it sounded, he only realized it now. He had none. Sure, he had friends that stood at his side and were always ready. But in these situations, he had nobody to rely on. Everybody had their family. Though he saw Katsuko and Kensuke as brothers and to some extent even Tsubasa as an older sister, Ryo could now see the illussion he had held up for himself. They had their families and loved ones. Who was there for him?

Midori.

The memories of Midori brought briefly a smile on his lips. The time that they had spent together were memories he truly cherished. Only then to remember a detail. She was in Kumogakure. Thus he wouldn't even be able to spend a day with her. His last day alive. He would be alone. If it wasn't depressing enough that he had no family, it was now like it was somehow slammed into his face. Not crying, he felt like he would. Simply, he would leave for his own apartment. First over the rooftops, but after some distance, he would take it to the streets. Landing on the ground without any trouble, Ryo looked around him. People were minding their own business. Like nobody looked after him. It made Ryo stand still, in the midst of the street. Nobody that called out to him or wanted to spend a day with him. It was just like those years back.

He had worked hard for the bonds he had now. Today would be the last day he would have most of them. But even while he had worked all these years for them, tomorrow they would mean nothing. Ryo stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants as his head was lowered. It troubled the mind of the young man. Strange. Like his efforts for a better life and such goals were nothing worth. They had been taken away, just like that. Or they would be. Confused, Ryo felt something on his cheek. Rubbing his left hand over his cheek, he didn't care about it anymore. Or at least, that was what he tried to tell himself. He didn't want to care about everybody. Nobody cared for him. If they did, where were they now?

No, they were with families and people they wanted to spend the day with.

Not with him.

Continueing to walk towards his home, Ryo thought about what he had been through. Training for the chuunin exams, missions with team Sayomi and getting placed into another mission. Losing contact with Katsuko for quite a long time and the war with Sunagakure. The Elders taking over Konohagakure, the march from Keishi to the Rice capital. The fight there and everything. Was it all for nothing? Ryo wondered about it. He had always lost something, but gained so much in return. Kensuke, Tsubasa, Sayomi, Katsuko and Midori. Of course, there were more people he had became friends with. But it was just that it seemed so pointless.

Opening the door of his appartement, Ryo looked around. Closing the door, he went to his own room. He knew what he was going to do. First he would arrange something. Ryo wouldn't sever his bonds just like that. No, he would try to give them one more memento of him. Two people he really cared for. Sitting down on his bed, Ryo sighed. A glance to his right and he noticed the photo frame he really loved. It had the picture of Team Sayomi. Slowly, his hand went towards it. And then turned it around, not wanting to see it anymore.

''So this is it. Guess I should arrange this first.'' Ryo picked up a kunai. He looked at the weapon that he had pulled out of the holster. Pricking his thumb, he would set the first step of his ''goodbye''. Already he felt something warm moving over his cheeks. Without anybody around, he felt no shame in crying.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Zakito Hon,
Konohagakure Jounin Commander,
Hon Clan Leader.

Finally, Hisoka had made clear who had to do what. Zakito waited for a brief moment before he would give the next command to the jounin. The most important thing that they had to do was to keep the peace. It was very disturbing and frightening that the Host of the Kyuubi had been kidnapped. It would be bad if the word would spread, both for political as for civil rest. ''Listen up. I want every jounin to keep doing what they had done before. Those who have moved out, just go on a regular patrol. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything, but don't act right away without permission. Our main task will be guarding the peace in the Leaf for now.''

With that, Zakito would head back to the Konohagakure Office. Walking, instead over the rooftops running and jumping. He was thinking about what they could do. Chang would hopefully be able to learn more about the rather brutal and effective assault soon enough. If he would have that information he could order the troops better around. But he would also need to form a team or such. It would be a wrong signal if they would do nothing to recover the host of the Kyuubi, who was also a nephew of him. It troubled Zakito a bit that he wasn't able to do more for Miharu, but he was also responsible for a huge group of people. Sending shinobi all over the place would do no good and could result in unrest or worse.

''I want Team 2 and 7 to rest out and then to meet me at the Jounin comandder office. This must happen within two days.'' Zakito ordered through the earphone communicators. He had a special reason for listing those two teams and why they had to be ready within two days. Hopefully by then they could pin point where Miharu was. That and those two teams were not just regarded by Zakito as two good teams, but for their abilities. At least, the captains of the teams as both were trained by him. Hopefully he could place his faith and trust once more in those two. Approaching the Hokage Office building, Zakito sighed.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Gyuki,
The Hachibi | Midori's Tummy Monster

Hearing Midori's reply through their bond, the beast snorted. A loud and clear sound that was a signal. One that Midori knew. Gyuki wasn't agreeing. ''Listen up. He is a drag. Mine chakra can reduce the time of the poison, but even chakra can't neutralize poison fully. It will just adapt to the change of chakra and then you will have to do it without my help.''[ Gyuki responded with a stern voice. He wasn't angry, but she didn't see what was going to become a problem. And there were some already rising. ''That boy is going to cause our downfall. Drop him.'' Gyuki further said. Chasing the bird? The beast wasn't even aware if they could make it that far. Like it would be easy to capture the sparrow. That would mean she had split up some chakra to go to waste.

''If I go after the bird, I will not last longer than three minutes. Now we can maybe just barely reach that place of yours. Alone. The more we try to do something, the sooner the poison spread. The punch was to drive him back as we can't have him with us. That and don't get comfortable with me, Midori.'' The stern voice that held no aggression or anger started to shift to a more growling one. It wasn't a topic Gyuki liked at all. ''You're borrowing my chakra to sustain yourself. Don't even try to transfer chakra to that miserable pest.'' The idea alone made him grow angry, something that if she could sense with ease due their training. Midori was so far the only one he would grant his chakra without much of a hassle. Everybody else, no matter the situation or condition wasn't an option. Both for his personal reasons as for safety. Bijuu chakra wasn't something that everybody could endure!

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Hiron Hon,
Konohagakure Jounin | Team 9

Rallying the team.

Hiron had heard the news of Miharu's capture. Then it went a bit wrong. But he kept himself calm and cool. There was no need for him to also command people around. All he did was to rally his team. Indirectly he would keep his team together as well trying to aid to the situation. Only problem was that he already had gained a reply back. Masami was kept back at the Hyuuga Compound. Of course, the Hyuuga clan had just to irk him. Grumbling, Hiron's mood was already dropping.

Now he was waiting in front of the main gate, for his other two students. It wasn't a meeting he had set up, but he was sure that he had made sure it was needed for them to gather up as soon as possible. Thinking about what they are going to do, Hiron realized that he would have to watch out what he was going to say. Revealing too much information wouldn't be good for either him or them. Placing his right hand on the hilt of his tanto, Hiron briefly checked if he could draw the weapon quickly. Putting it back, he wondered again if his students would show up soon. Time was of the essence now.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Gyuki,
The Eight Tails, Hachibi.

The ink clone of Midori, threw a glare towards Deidara. He said nothing back. He had nothing to say against such an inferior live form. He just wanted Deidara to stay away from Midori. Noticing that the boy made a water clone, Gyuki felt the need to scoff. The fact he could move better in a clone body was due the quantity and quality of his chakra. It empowered the technique, to the point that he could move a bit better. To see Deidara trying the same made Gyuki think even lower of the boy. Midori. We need to get out of this mist. That and your friend needs to shut up. We're in a situation that we aren't aware who or what is around us. Neither of us are sensors, remember? Gyuki spoke in Midori's mind. He had no intention to co-operate with other humans, nobody else than Midori. That and the poison is going to become annoying. Even my chakra can't withhold it for that long. We need to get back to that place of yours. Gyuki advised her. The only part he left out was that Deidara couldn't get any help of his chakra.

Probably they would have to find a way to drag him over there, though Gyuki wouldn't mind if they would leave him. It wasn't like he was of any value to Gyuki.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

@Eklispe

The CS looks good, save for it from the custom technique.

''Covers the body of the user in water which slows down any impact before it can reach the skin, This technique lowers the speed of the user but essential enables then to react to any attack before it lands.''

Before any attack lands? That sounds quite odd. It lowers the speed, but yet enables to react on any attack? You should likely take that out. As for weakness, I think you need to say that it lowers the speed and lightning. Fire is actually the thing that a water armor would be useful against, but would be suicide against a lightning release user.

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

It looks good, but you should remove the Beast Wave Palm technique. Seeing it can cut through anything, that is a bit too much. The Blade of Wind Technique is already a better technique than the Beast Wave.

As for the custom techniques, I am pondering on the first custom technique. It is saying it pulls the victim/target into striking distance. But how is that limited? With the target having less strength, so that it will become kind of pulling between the user and target? Is sight on the target required? It does remind me of some auto-hit, as I would like to know how it is one custom technique while it has two kind of techniques : The push and pull and then the lightning.

I also think you need to look at this :
J8's review

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

Gyuki,
The Eight tails,

Midori's Tummy Monster.

Midori would hear a scoff. The beast was laying on his stomach, his head resting on his arms as he conversed with her. ''Let me take over the clone.'' He told her. It sounded more like an order than an actuall suggestion or proposal. But he had his own reasons for that. Slowly opening his eyes, Gyuki spoke once more. ''Though with this sad state you are in, the clone will not be anything better. But I can do.. some satisfying actions.'' The Tailed Beast waited for Midori's reaction.

The clone that was created with ink flawlessly formed into Midori. Making use of the action as well that Midori would likely not prevent him, Gyuki quickly took over control. The clone seemed to be a bit confused. The touch of the air outside always felt like a relieve. Only for the thought to come up later. He wasn't free. With her back turned to Deidara and Midori, the ink clone of Midori didn't move at first. The poison was annoying. But Gyuki had anticipated that it would make it less easy to move around. The area suddenly felt like there was some heavy pressure leaning on everybody. Turning around, the ink clone rammed a fist towards Deidara. Due his state, he wouldn't be able to dodge the sudden attack, combined with the brief amount of killing intent that would take everybody by surprise. But the ink clone wasn't aiming to hurt Deidara. That was just something Gyuki would enjoy. It was to drive Deidara away from Midori.

Speaking, the ink clone had the same voice as Midori. ''First we need to find a way to help Reyna.'' Then Midori would hear Gyuki's voice. That and I realized something.... We need to talk later, Midori. For now the clone would provide some back up. But Gyuki was aware that the poison wouldn't allow him to control the clone without some empowering chakra. However, it was a risk worth it. Else he could always make Midori spin some lie.

Or else...

Take over and tell it himself.~

The Shadows of Aeios

I will have a post up today as well. ;)

Naruto : The Rise of The New Generations

The bonding training of Hiron!
A new way to train!

A collab between Chromehound and Gerontis.

Summary :
Hiron have called for Shikaroku to train and meet him. However, considering him to be the newest and least experienced member of the team, Hiron decides to take the training into a way he has never done before. The start of the sensei-student bond of Hiron and Shikaroku!

The Bonding Training

His hands stuffed into the pockets of his pants, Hiron was simply waiting for one of his students to arrive. Standing near a ramen shop, Hiron was dressed in the usual jounin outfit, a little straw tugged in the corner of his mouth. With the lovely weather and little amount of clouds in the sky, Hiron had taken a position in the shadows, leaning against the wall with his back. While he seemed to wait, while looking calm around, he was actually thinking about something. But he would wait till one of his students would come to the meeting place.

Making his way through the streets of Konoha, Shikaroku looked around at the people. They all seemed so preoccupied, going about their daily business. A part of him wished things were that easy for him, that he could simply focus and not rely on the damned meds. Shaking his head sadly, Shikaroku kept moving. He was supposed to meet up with Hiron-sensei and he did not want to be late.

Approaching the ramen shop that they were supposed to meet at, Shikaroku looked around for his sensei. Spotting the jounin lounging against the wall, he made his way over. "Good afternoon Hiron-sensei."

Hiron looked up when he heard the voice of his student. ''Same to you as well, Shikaroku.'' Hiron calmly replied back. Pushing his back from the wall, Hiron briefly rolled his right shoulder as he brought his right hand out of the pocket of his pants, to scratch his neck. ''I take it you're doing well since the mission?'' Hiron asked, as he then half turned around, beckoning the genin to walk with him.

Falling into step with Hiron, Shikaroku thought about the question. It was an easy, harmless question, and yet Shikaroku hesitated. "Well enough I suppose sensei. How about you?" Shikaroku wasn't very used to small talk, and it wasn't something he had ever thought he would be having with Hiron. The man seemed to be the epitome of serious, befitting his nickname.

''Been the usual. Spent some time at home, with the wife and kid.'' He answered the question. Still talking a rather calm and almost polite manner. Still walking, the streets weren't that bustling as they weren't near the more busier quarters of the city. Heading to a restaurant, Hiron glanced in Shikaroku's direction. ''Do you like to grill?'' He asked, in all of a sudden.

"That sounds... nice I'm sure..." Shikaroku responded as he mentioned staying at home with his family. Cursing himself for how awkward he sounded, Shikaroku looked down. As Hiron asked him if he liked to grill he looked up. "I do... Were... were you wanting to grill?" He wasn't sure how to take this side of Hiron. It seemed nice, in a sense, and Hiron seemed sincere, but Shikaroku remained a little wary. He hadn't known his sensei for very long, and one could never be too careful.

''Over there.'' He nodded towards the restaurant. It was one he was familiar with. A rather nice place to grill. Nearing the place, Hiron briefly sought through the pocket of his jacket before pulling out his wallet. ''I will treat us both for now.'' He mumbled as they would enter the place. Asking for a place, they were lead to a place, though the restaurant had no other customers at this time of the day. Sitting down in the bench, as on each side there was a bench. With a table, in which there was a grill build in, Hiron sighed. ''So, I think you wonder why I called you alone and not the others. Right?''

Staring up at Hiron from across the table, Shikaroku pondered how to answer. He had indeed played through a million scenarios in his head, not many of which seemed probable. But he had managed to think of a few that seemed to make enough sense. Finally, he spoke quietly, his voice calm. "I assume it is because I am the least experienced member of the team. I am also the newest, and we have never worked together before. I would assume that you wanted to talk to me alone in order to make sure that I understood how things work in your team. And to find a way to make sure that I am not a weak link in the team." Locking eyes with Hiron, Shikaroku wondered what the man would say.

Hiron listened to the answer of Shikaroku. ''Heh.'' Hiron seemed to make it himself more comfortable as he leaned back in the bench. Looking at the grill, he answered back. ''In some way, yes. You're the least experienced member. But I am not saying that makes you the weakest. Masami is also new, but she had her fair share of sensei's before. But that isn't the purpose of this meeting.'' He said, looking up. ''You might realize it now, but the introduction of the team was a short one. I already know what I need to know about Masami. You on the other hand..'' Hiron made a gesture with his right hand, as if he wanted Shikaroku to talk now. ''I would suggest to tell me something about yourself.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku looked away briefly. So Hiron wants to get to know me huh? He thought to himself, before turning back to look at his sensei. Formulating his answer properly, Shikaroku spoke. "I am assuming that you have already had a chance to read my file. So there is not much about me that you don't already know. I suppose this is a more polite and personable way of asking though, so I shall do my best to be forward with you. What is it you want to know about me Hiron-sensei?"

''You're good at analyzing, but you are making a mistake here.'' Hiron slowly smiled as he leaned forward, on his side of the table. ''I haven't read your file. Like some, I don't expect that a file will give me the informaton I will need. I am more of a person that wants to see how somebody else operates. I want to know who your really are. What are you hopes and dreams? What do you expect from me as your sensei? Such things.'' Hiron explained, before leaning back once more.

As Hiron mentioned that he hadn't read his file, Shikaroku's eyebrows rose up briefly in surprise. "Then it seems I owe you an apology Hiron-sensei. There are not many that I know who choose to take such a route. I am afraid though that I must apologize. You may not have read my file, but I did my research on you. Nothing too personal Hiron-sensei, but I wanted to know the man I would be training under so that I had a better opportunity to conduct myself accordingly. So you see, from what I have discovered about you, it seems that this is a little unusual for you. Most other information that I have found says that you generally prefer to keep to yourself. Not that I mind of course, I am just a little curious is all." Realizing that he probably talked to much, Shikaroku paused, holding his tongue. It was not like him to speak this much, nor did he want to get off on the wrong foot with his new sensei. Staring back at Hiron he grew an apologetic expression on his face. "I am sorry sensei. It was not my right to pry, and I apologize for my tone. You wanted to know about me, so I shall tell you a little. Please understand that there is not much to tell. I am a relatively simple person. I want to become strong enough to protect this village, and to protect the people that I care about. I do not have dreams of becoming the Hokage or such, as I believe that there are many better suited to such positions than myself. I also don't have any aspirations of becoming the strongest shinobi in the world or anything. I just... I just want a simple life. As for what I want from you, I am not sure honestly. I suppose if I am being entirely honest I would say that I hope that you could help me find a way to focus better, and to not be a weak link in the chain. I want to become stronger, but I also want to be able to rely on myself, and only myself." His thoughts quickly shifted to the meds again, but Shikaroku bit his tongue. He wasn't ready to bring them up, not yet.

"I am probably not the most ideal student, and for that I apologize. I am not looking for glory, nor am I looking to impress anyone. But I will do my best, of that I promise."

Staying silent the whole time, letting Shikaroku finish his story, Hiron slowly raised his eyebrows as he responded with the same polite and calm tone. ''So? I am not the most ideal sensei. If you did your homework well, you already have figured that out.'' Hiron said. He then rubbed his chin as he started to think what he could say more. To be honest, he was a bit surprised that Shikaroku had done some research on him. Most genins just went along with assumptions. It earned the boy some good point with Hiron. ''And that goal is the same as mine. Don't worry, if you do your best then you're already there. Just trust me now and then. It will be fun in time. I think I can maybe even promise you that.'' Hiron said, smiling faintly.

Surprised that Hiron was not angry with him, Shikaroku remained quiet. Bowing his head slightly, Shikaroku looked Hiron in the eyes. "Then I shall trust you sensei. Thank you." He was still confused as to Hiron's friendly attitude, but at least now he felt a little more comfortable around the man. It would truly be nice if things got to the point where they could be called fun. Shikaroku knew that for him that probably meant he'd have to still be reliant on the meds in order for that to happen, but the thought itself was still nice.

''I hope you will. After all, its my task as sensei to guide you. A guide you can't trust is not going to work.'' Hiron said back. Noticing a waiter coming to their table, Hiron ordered some sake for himself, but would let Shikaroku order for himself. Looking around, Hiron then would wait till the waiter was gone. ''So, now we have rounded that talk up a bit, what do you think of Team 9 so far? Other than the name I have managed to get with them. Just your own opinion.'' Hiron asked.

Ordering a water, Shikaroku pondered the question. "I think that it is an interesting mix. We have to sensory nin that both show a lot of potential for combat capabilities. As of this moment I think that we need to train a lot in order to develop proper formations, and to work on our teamwork. While Mia and Masami are both very skilled in my opinion, I feel like we could use their abilities in combination to achieve much greater effects." He paused as he began to feel a slight numbing sensation at the back of his head. Focusing like this was difficult, especially when he was on the meds as he was now. Shaking it off, Shikaroku tried to continue. "I think you will be a more than capable leader for us Hiron-sensei. I just hope that I will be able to do my part to make sure this team is as successful as it can be. With the proper training and preparation I feel like we could be a very strong team indeed." His tone was entirely matter-of-fact. There was no trace of bragging or arrogance, Shikaroku was simply stating his thoughts as honestly as he could. He just hoped that Hiron still wanted to hear them.

His view on the team was one that made Hiron briefly smile. Though he didn't say it, he thought of it in the same way. But for Hiron it was both interesting as nice to see somebody thinking in some similiar fashion regarding the team. ''I feel the same way about it. Though you might consider me as a capable leader, it depends on you and the others. If somebody isn't willing, I will just go with those who want.'' Was his reaction. ''That and I also want to talk further about your medication. I have read some notes about it in your profile, but are you willing to further making the situation clear to me?'' Hiron asked. Though he was aware of that his genin took medication, he was trying to see if his student was already open to discuss such things with him.

Hesitating, Shikaroku locked eyes with Hiron. His first thought was to deny it, or to say it wasn't a problem... But, Shikaroku had been honest so far, and Hiron had also been honest with him. Lowering his gaze, he wondered where to begin. "I... I had hoped that you wouldn't have to find out about that. It, it is something that I am rather ashamed of." Managing to bring his head up and lock eyes with Hiron once again, Shikaroku began to explain.

"As you are probably well aware, the Nara clan is well known for their strategic genius, and their intelligence in analyzing. I... I have so far failed to live up to that name. When I was young, my family tried to get me to study and practice strategy games that were supposed to help me grow more intelligent. I found it incredibly difficult to focus on anything for any length of time... My head would start to hurt so badly that I couldn't do anything, and so I distanced myself from all of that. My parents just thought I was lazy, and they thought that I would grow better as I got older." Taking a breath, Shikaroku realized that his explanation was a little long winded and he did not wish to bore Hiron.

"I failed them, and I failed my clan. I do not know why, but I still to this day get the most intense migraines whenever I try to concentrate. The medication that I made... it is the only way I can dull the pain, but it comes at a bit of a cost. It makes me less effective in some ways. I can't think straight when I am on it, I pretty much am reliant on just following orders. It blocks me from focusing on anything specific, and so I lose any strategic value that I may have previously held. But it takes away the pain... And that is all I can do at the moment. I wish there was another way, truly I do." His face was filled with regret and self-loathing. Shikaroku had to look away, for fear that Hiron would think of him the same way that Shikaroku thought of himself.

Letting his student speak and tell the story behind the medication, Hiron waited a bit more. The waiter came back with their drinks and Hiron ordered that they would grill. Once the waiter was gone, Hiron thought one more time about his words. ''My clan is rumoured to be a shinobi clan, filled with elite shinobi. And if you believe the rumours, all of them have white hair. Why? Cause it is because people are stupid.'' He told Shikaroku. ''I am not some kind of wise ass as most sensei's. My code of honor and manners differ from other sensei's and so far they had some results. Both good and negative. That said, you shouldn't worry about that you're a failure to your clan. Instead, look in the mirror and wonder if you're a failure to yourself. So far I see, you're a kid that tries to reach a goal but just needs to overcome a burden that keep chasing him.'' Hiron said. Pouring some sake in his glass, his eyes stared at the alcoholic drink. ''You know, I keep seeing more of myself in the kids these days. I am not sure what is up with that, but let me tell you something else.'' Picking up his drink, Hiron turned his gaze back to Shikaroku.

''In my team, there are winners or losers. The difference between the two are simple. If you give up and start to see yourself as a failure, you are one. If you keep on driving yourself forwards, I will be calling you a winner. I hope that I will never have to say that again. You're a member now of Team 9, like it or not. And with that, you're now my student. If you did your homework well enough then you already know. I like winners.'' Placing the glass to his lips, Hiron grinned as he took a sip.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku considered his words. They made sense, but a part of him still wasn't sure whether or not he could call himself a winner. He would not give up, of that he was certain, but... The pain... sometimes it became too much, and in those times, Shikaroku wasn't really in control of himself. Glancing back at Hiron, he took a sip from his own drink. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. Your words are kind, and honest. I want you to know that I will never intentionally give up. But sometimes... sometimes I almost can't control myself. It is those times I fear the most. I do not want to put my teammates at risk, but I cannot guarantee that I will not. I just... I hate this burden Hiron-sensei." Shaking his head, he took another sip. "You saw me while we were taking down the turtle. You saw how ineffective I was. I tried to do it without using the meds, I tried to make a plan, to focus on executing it... But then the pain came back... I almost lost my hold on the thing, during a simple training excercise I almost failed. And all of that is because my body betrays me." Shikaroku's head dropped again. Anger and shame filled him in equal measure.

Hiron heard the emotions in the voice of his student. With the waiter coming back with a plate of meat to grill and the other requirments, Hiron thanked the man as he told him that he would be able to do it himself. Silently he started to light up the grill as well putting the plate with some of the meat in front of Shikaroku. ''Doing your best would suffice for now. As with your trouble, I think I know a person. There is only one condition I think that will come up.''' Hiron said. He knew that they had to wait a bit till the grill would be warm enough to prepare their dinner. ''We will need information of your body. Blood, structure and such. This means you will be examined several times. Though I think there might be a better solution, you will face more pain. For a short time. Are you prepared to face that if it means you'll suffer less from those headaches?'' Hiron asked.

Looking up, Shikaroku's eyes widened. Was Hiron being serious? He studied the man for a moment more. From what he could tell Hiron was being serious. "I would give anything, do anything for this thing to go away. But... how is that possible? I have looked through my family's medical books, I... I don't know what exactly is causing this thing, but I haven't been able to make a cure. Do--do you really think that this can be fixed?" He hated that his voice was now filled with a dim hope. Shikaroku did not want to sound needy, or like he was begging, but he could not control it.

Placing a piece of meat on the grill, Hiron answered the question. ''Only one way to find out. I have seen Chang doing things that no other medical nin has done before. I think we just need to examine more than your family medical books. The problem isn't there.'' Hiron had almost said that he had the problem, but he decided against it. There was no need to do that as it was already something they both were aware off. ''But first, don't worry about it, kid. Enjoy your meal first.'' Hiron told him, the grin replaced with a friendly smile.

"Thank you sensei. Truly... this means a lot." He looked at the food that Hiron had started to cook. It smelled amazing. Glancing back at Hiron, Shikaroku spoke. "I don't tell many people about my problem. Most people don't understand... and those that do usually tell me that I need to stop trying to be a shinobi, that I will only end up failing. You-" Hiron raised his right hand to make Shikaroku stop.

''I am not a wise guy, nor one that follows others. I do believe that as your sensei, I am needed to offer guidance and help. Even if that means that I need to understand something others can't.'' Hiron told the boy, taking another sip of sake. Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku smiled. It was a genuine smile, and it felt strange on his face. "How long have you been teaching Hiron-sensei?" He suddenly asked, changing the subject.

For once, he couldn't form an answer directly. Not a serious one, that was. ''For too long!'' He suddenly started to laugh. Though briefly, he found his own answer quite amusing. ''But to be more serious, I haven't counted the years. I reckon that I have been teaching since my 19th. Since I am twenty-two now, that are three years. Three years...'' Hiron stared at his glass. Much had happened in those years. A lot of genins had been under his care. Some of their faces were more easy to remember than others. He sighed. ''Sorry, I sounded like an old fool. But I do have some experience to back my rank up as a sensei. Why you ask?''

"It just seems like you have been doing this a long time is all. You are certainly wiser than you let on." Shikaroku let out a small laugh, realizing that it had been a long time since he had done so. "Have you enjoyed teaching? Or rather, do you enjoy it?" He asked.

''Now and then, I had. I have experienced all kind of students.'' Leaning back, he thought of several. ''Once I had a kid that was unstopabble. He so full of energy. It was just crazy. Even managing to creep in my house and causing some mess. Heh, he was a good kid.'' Hiron briefly seemed to become silence. There were some details he had left out about that student. The Fox Bull. That was his nickname. ''I will become independed! I will become better than everybody else.'' The voice of the past briefly sounded through Hiron's mind. Taking another sip of his glass, filled by sake, Hiron continued. ''Also a Hyuuga. Garu Hyuuga. He was one of Team 9's best. So far the youngest person to become a chuunin, at the age of ten. He was able to learn at a good pace and even making me sweat when he and I sparred.'' A grin crept on Hiron's face. ''Yeah, I sure had my share of teaching. And I have enjoyed it.''

Smiling, Shikaroku thought it was a good answer. He stayed silent for a moment, just thinking. "Have you ever had any students fail you...or fail themselves?" He finally asked, a little hesitant at first. Shikaroku wasn't entirely sure that he wanted to hear the whole answer, but it was important. At least to him.

''Full of questions, are we?'' Hiron slightly amused asked before he would answer the question of Shikaroku. Only a damn fool would miss the point of the question the Nara had asked. It was however a question that Hiron wouldn't need to think long about before he would have an answer. ''I had several genins that I had sent back or made them resign from duty. Some died in action.'' Hiron calmly told Shikaroku. ''I have learned that as a sensei, there is one important rule. Don't get too soon attached to your student. It may sound cruel, but lets assume you will die in the next mission. There is another genin waiting to join ranks, replacing you. I even can be replaced tomorrow and then you will be having another sensei. Though, you can see that as how it's an individual success or failure. I can go further more about what my view is on a team's success, but I don't want to risk to keep on talking all the time.'' Hiron politely finished. He wasn't sure if his answer would help his genin. But that wasn't up to him, but Shikaroku's decision.

Nodding his head, Shikaroku accepted that. "Sorry for consistently asking questions Hiron-sensei. I... I am not usually so invasive." He hoped that the jounin was not upset with him for asking such personal questions. He wanted to learn, and Hiron seemed like a good person to learn from. Reaching over, Shikaroku grabbed a piece of cooked meat and popped it into his mouth. Chewing, a smile came to his face. It was delicious. "You know, you're not a half bad cook Hiron-sensei."

Hiron grinned as he also picked up a piece of grilled meat. ''Guess who is the cook in my household?'' He asked, but he wasn't joking around. Placing the meat in his mouth, he chewed on it After swalling it, he spoke again. ''Once you're on your own, than you will learn how to cook. Or know where the good places are for a meal.'' Hiron joked. He noticed that there wasn't any tension between them, which was good. ''Though I am better at training taijutsu and such than cooking. Sorry to disappoint you there, kid.''

"If that is true then you must be a taijutsu god!" Shikaroku joked briefly. It felt odd to be joking around like this, especially with one whom everyone called Hiron The Serious. But, it also felt good. Shikaroku felt like he could trust Hiron, something he hadn't been able to do with any body else for a long time. Grabbing another bite, he tossed it in his mouth, savouring the flavour. "I want to be good at something..." He said simply. His voice was not sad, nor was he looking for pity. It had just come out unexpectedly.

Simply continueing to eat a bit, Hiron had heard the last sentence of Shikaroku. But he didn't react to it right away. In his opinion, Hiron thought that it was too early. Kids that were good at something at an early age would sometimes have a harder time to bloom when others were doing that. ''Just give it some patience. Try to survive first and then try to become good at something.'' Hiron replied back as he raised his glass again.

It made sense. Shikaroku thought as he grabbed another bite. Finishing it off with a sip of his water, he looked out the window for a moment. "Thank you for taking the time to talk with me Hiron-sensei. It wasn't something that you had to do, but I appreciate it."

Emptying his glass, Hiron placed it on the table before he poured more sake into it from the bottle. ''It is something I had to do. Not because I am your sensei, but because I think I can't get to know you from just training and reading some paper that has some details about you.'' Hiron answered. If it wasn't for his polite tone, it would look like he was cold about it. Which wasn't also the case. ''And sometimes you just need to talk about something to then figure out what is troubling you.'' Taking another sip of sake, Hiron sighed.

The words were true, and it brought Shikaroku a sense of warmth knowing that Hiron actually cared. He hadn't really known what to expect when Hiron had asked him out here. But he was glad at the outcome. For the first time he had hope, hope that he might be able to get rid of the burden that always held him back. The thought of that pain being gone... It was a better feeling than Shikaroku could ever describe. He ate in silence, enjoying his meal and the company.

Taking up another piece of meat in his mouth, Hiron decided to ask something. So far the conversation had gone well and they had even talked about something that could be seen as something very personal. The amount of progress they made was more than he had anticipated at first. ''Do you know the game shogi?'' Hiron asked, curiously. There was a reason why he had asked that, but he figured that Shikaroku likely knew about it with his past. Though Hiron had a different idea on how to play it with his student.

At the mention of Shogi, Shikaroku looked up, his eyes widening slightly. Of course he knew of it, Shogi was one of the few games of strategy that he was able to play without the migraines kicking in. Somehow he managed to get lost in the game to the point where he would forget about the rest of the world. It didn't feel like focusing when he was playing, it instead brought him a strange sense of peace. "I do know Shogi. It is actually one of the few games I enjoy... Though, I have not really played against many people... Do you play sensei?" Shikaroku asked, hopeful that maybe they would be able to play sometime.

''Not often. But I do like playing it when I am needed to think about something. If you want we can play in a bit.'' Hiron suggested as he took a sip of his sake. It was good to know that he could distract his student with a game of shogi, as it was the main goal of his suggestion. Maybe the bonding too as Hiron was starting to see some potential in his newest student. ''Though I am not that great in shogi, just so you know.''

Shikaroku's eyes brightened further as Hiron suggested they could play later. When the jounin mentioned that he was not that good in shogi, Shikaroku let out a small laugh. "I think you will still be able to teach me a thing or two. I have not really played with many opponents, so my experience is a little one-sided." He smiled and took another bite of his food.

By hearing his student saying he could still learn a thing or two, Hiron also laughed briefly. ''Well, that is my job. Teaching you things. Only if they are useful, that is up to you.'' Hiron said back as he also took another bite of his food. ''Also, I will need to arrange some training. Your fighting style is vastly different from Masami or Mia's style. Though I have an idea for that, but its for later.''

"I consider any form of learning to be useful." Shikaroku responded with a smile. Hiron had piqued his curiosity when he mentioned that he had an idea for Shikaroku's fighting style. He had always known he was a little different when it came to fighting, but he only hoped that it wasn't going to be a burden to his team at all. "I am sorry if my fighting style does not work well with this team... If, if there is anything I can do to change that then please trust me when I say that I am willing to change whatever I have to in order to fit into this team." He realized that his voice sounded a little sad, and he avoided Hiron's eyes.

''Change? Sorry?'' Hiron repeated with a hushed tone before he shook his head lightly. Sighing, he looked up to Shikaroku. ''You are also in need of more faith in yourself, kid. You fit in perfectly with the team. The test showed that. I wasn't in need to say to you all that you would need to work together to bring down the turtle. While I had to do that with one of the most strongest formations of Team 9.'' Hiron said to Shikaroku. Xinsai, Mia and the Fox Bull. He still could remember that team formation. ''I think you should have more pride in your abilities as I think you will become good. We will just work on that insecurity of yours as well.''

Nodding his head slowly, Shikaroku took a long moment before looking up. He knew that he lacked faith in himself, it was something that made it difficult for him to reach his full potential. Shikaroku always held himself back, it was easier than taking a risk in front of everyone and failing. There was a part of him that knew he had potential to be stronger, and to be better. But that part of him was overshadowed by the pain and humiliation caused by his migraines. "Thank you Hiron-sensei. I will try to have more faith in myself. If you say that I fit in with the team as is, then I shall do whatever I can to make sure it stays that way."

''I know you will.'' Hiron said back with a friendly tone. Raising his glass, filled with sake, towards his student, a grin was placed on his face. ''I say, welcome to Team 9, Shikaroku Nara.'' The jounin then placed the glass on his lips, emptying the sake with one go. A brief chuckle escaped Hiron as he then filled his glas again.