Kiyomi's Kirin

"Right." Kiyomi nodded. "Kara Organization built a base there."

"Is it dangerous?"

"It's all right." Kiyomi didn't want to worry him. "The Hokage and Teacher Sasuke are there."

Shinra stared at her for several seconds.

"You're lying."

Kiyomi froze.

"I can tell," Shinra said. "Your eyes look tired, and there's fear in them."

Kiyomi fell silent.

She really couldn't hide it from him.

"Those Cyborgs..." she said softly. "They were all ordinary people once."

Shinra didn't say anything. He just took her hand.

"Don't dwell on it," he said. "You did everything you could."

Kiyomi looked up at him.

Shinra's gaze was gentle.

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me." Shinra let go of her hand. "By the way, Lord Gaara said he's going back to Sunagakure tomorrow."

"That soon?"

"The exchange program is over," Shinra said. "And there's business back in the village, too."

Kiyomi felt a little disappointed.

"Then... see you next time?"

"Yeah." Shinra smiled. "I'll be stronger next time."

"So will I."

The two of them stood in front of the Hokage Building, neither making the first move to leave.

"Um..." Kiyomi suddenly spoke.

"Hmm?"

"That person you mentioned... the important one..."

Shinra looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

Kiyomi blushed.

"I... I think you're pretty special, too."

Shinra was taken aback, then broke into a delighted smile.

"Then it's settled."

"What's settled?"

"When I come to the Leaf next time," Shinra said, "we'll officially start dating."

Kiyomi's face grew even redder.

"W-Who said I'd date you..."

"Didn't you just say I was special?"

"That's different..."

"How?"

Kiyomi couldn't find an answer.

Shinra smiled and ruffled her hair.

"All right, I'll stop teasing you," he said. "We'll take it slow. I'll wait for you."

With that, he turned and left.

Kiyomi stood where she