Let's give this a go! [Naito]

It wasn't an usual occurence that Hibiki would go out of his way to a place like this. Sure, he enjoyed scoping places out, but there wasn't much to see in Hayabusa generally. Most of the place was the park, which wasn't bad, but still. There were many other places where one could go to relax. And that wasn't what Hibiki was intending with this one. Sure, he could probably use a break, after the whole fiasco at the Shrine, but sadly there was no time for that. They had to push on, and prepare themselves for the fight against the Gods. And yes, Kahn did say to actually take a rest till he called them together again, being in his leadership mode, but Hibiki figured it wouldn't hurt if he felt like he could. They needed to get stronger to win this, there was no way around that. Kahn was the one to want to protect his comrades no matter what, but that didn't mean Hibiki wanted to just follow behind and let him do everything. It was a team effort in the end, so he should give his best too, even when not prompted, right?

Right now, Limbo was out of question for training, as they had learned that going in was only making the situation worse, therefore the option left was to get a human sparring partner. And there weren't many choices in the first place. Ruo was missing, Destiny didn't seem like the fighting type, and he was trying not to bother Kahn, who appeared to be going on his own agenda. Coming to a conclusion, he wasn't totally sure he wanted to risk the one person left, but what choice did he have if he wanted to go through with this? That was, if Naito even considered it worth his time. He knew the silver haired teen could be a bit of hard to get around. Well, it wasn't as if there was a fee for trying. For now, Hibiki kept pacing around the farther part of Hayabusa, surrounded by woods, waiting to see if his companion would show up. He wasn't really fond of being alone, but it was obvious one would not do this with people around, hence the slightly sheltered place. The image of a fight in a park was a bit funny though.

"So instead of going after that strange looking toaster, instead you call me to the middle of the woods? Are you not confident in your abilities to be a Hero, Hibiki?" The Silver haired young man was sitting on a tree stump with a book in hand, and clear crystal eyes staring at the pages. He spoke with an indifferent expression, however there was a bit of teasing behind his words. Closing his book, he'd place it behind him on the stump and look up towards Hibiki with narrowed eyes. "Coming to your dear Naito-san for advice on the situation? I don't blame you. Attaching yourself to others is a sign of weakness. Atleast that's what I'd say. However, having bonds with others can be a sign of strength, I suppose. But when one of those bonds are taken and put in a hopeless decision, perhaps it's best to cut it. I'm speaking of that woman, of course. You do not know if she is alive or dead, so would you risk your life to save her knowing this? Especially when there are two Gods that need to be defeated to save the masses. One life does not equal the lives of the gathered throng. A toaster can always be rebuilt anyway." Naito straightened his tie as he lifted himself from the stump and placed his free hand on his side. His black bangs draped across his forehead, and he let a partially annoyed sigh escape his lips.

"So anyway, what do you plan on doing here? Training to get stronger, or possibly just wasting time until Ueitawa turns crimson?" The young man crossed his arms over his chest while tilting his head with a half assed stare. He didn't seem all too interested in the details of why he was called out here to the middle of the woods. Especially since this was an area similar to where that clown Marah was killed in cold blood.

Hibiki wasn't even sure whether he had expected better or worse from this, but one thing was certain at least, and that was Naito being himself. Of course he would ask something along these lines, that was almost a given. But he had come, so it was better than nothing at all. Hibiki was sort of glad Kahn wasn't around, because he figured the redhead would not take such wording well, with his views on the situation. ''A rescue mission on one's own would be a death wish, and the hero factor would change nothing about that.'', he'd say, attempting to sound calm about it. He didn't come here for an argument, so he wasn't really going to try and rebutt to whatever Naito would say. It'd just be a waste of time on their part. His current companion went to analyze the subject, clearly stating that they shouldn't bother with saving Ruo at this point. Hibiki couldn't deny there was some truth to it, even though it sounded cruel towards her. They were walking on a thin thread already, and couldn't afford to act on a whim. It was still sad that they let it happen in the first place. But there was no way to change the past, and they would have to move forth with what they had at their disposal.

''Not advice, really. I am aware it would be a dangerous task to go and try to rescue her right now, you needn't remind me of that. It is true that the Gods are a more prominent problem at this point, that's all I'd say to that.'' Hibiki would shrug lightly. He wasn't particularly happy about this conversation, and while he saw the point, he did not want to talk about it much. It just wasn't a pleasant topic. Really, who would enjoy talking about their friend in this way. ''From that, I'd choose the former. I believe we had wasted enough time already, did we not? There isn't much else to do, as the others are doing their own things apparently.'', he'd say, meeting Naito's stare. He wasn't sure whether the part about waiting till Ueitawa turns red was supposed to be a joke of a sort, as with the silverhaired teen, you never knew where exactly you stood, but in whichever case, he wasn't in a humorous mood right now, after a conversation like that. This was going to be a very interesting meet, indeed...

The Tsurinai reached into his shirt and removed two brown gloves. Placing each on the appropriate hand, he'd narrow his eyes and look towards the darkness of the woods. "This was an interesting choice in location, Hibiki. You are well aware a body was found in these parts of the woods, correct? That young blonde that the Smiling Mask had captured. For some reason he seemed to be a target of the Killer aswell. Isn't that something to think on? I wonder how long you all will cogitate over this mysterious case until you find your answer. After all, Scarlet is out of the picture and Smiling Mask is behind bars. That means this Killer, as I said before, is a separate person. Most likely someone who goes to Kizuna Academy. It could be a student or a teacher. Regardless, they are most likely someone higher up on the ladder if they can walk around the halls without looking suspicious." Naito stretched his fingers as his clear eyes focused on Hibiki once more. "More importantly, if this Killer is so willing to kill, would you kill them so others survive? After all, I doubt they are the time to turn themselves in like Smiling Mask. You have no proof they are a culprit, nor can prove it if they do not summon their Persona. They'd just get out of police custody and start killing again. The only way to stop that person would be to kill them first, correct?" A thin smirk came across his face as he rolled his eyes and shifted his weight to his left leg.

"Well, enough of that. Excluding myself, you're the only other person that has a Prime Persona. Yet all I see is you following orders. Are you afraid to make decisions for yourself, Hibiki? I recall we had a discussion before about the weak and the strong. Back then, I spoke of it as only physical strength, but most of it comes from Will. Even though you seemed to have so much potential, you're still following the orders of others without a voice of your own. Heh, no wonder you lost that mechanical toaster of a woman to the mask. But I guess that's enough talk. What do you want? Coming to get more orders since you can't walk on your own two feet?" Naito was practically provoking the fellow Persona-User. There was some respect for Hibiki since he also held a Prime Persona, but the fact the young man was wasting his potential did bother the Tsurinai quite abit. Now he wondered what the response would be.

Someone was surprisingly in the mood to talk today, although Hibiki was starting to feel as if Naito was trying to mock him in any way possible. Or at least point out everything there was. This wasn't particularly what he wanted to deal with right now, but he'd have to humor the silverhaired teen. Maybe there was a reason for this talk? He didn't even know anymore. ''Well, it would make sense. You weren't there for the discussion, but the man that had been controlled by the Mask told us that the Killer was just his 'Other Self' that was trying to achieve the goal in their own way. Whatever that meant. But it'd suggest that Marah probably knew or had something that didn't sit well with the Mask, and therefore the Killer went for him too, if he is this Other Self as it was said. And it's not as if we aren't trying to figure it out, but it's not that easy. There is still a number of people the Killer could be, even if we assume it is someone from the school.'', he'd say before thinking on the following question for a while. It was true that he disliked harming people, but if it was for the good of majority, he knew he'd have to make an exception when it came down to that. The Killer deserved that, didn't they? It was a distasteful thing to murder like that. ''I won't deny that I dislike the idea of killing someone, but if it has to be done, like in that situation, I wouldn't back off. The death of one person is still better than letting them kill countless others, as twisted as it is.''

Hibiki would sigh lightly. This conversation was far from his tastes, and he didn't want to think about that much, but Naito did have a point. It was just unpleasant to ponder on. He knew he'd have to though, when it came to that in the future. 'Great..' Now this turned to a discussion about him following orders. That...was a tough one. What was he to say to that? He didn't really feel like rebelling against others just to prove his point in a tight situation such as this. ''Don't worry, I remember that conversation well. I know what you're reffering to, but I haven't had a reason to do anything else so far. It's not that I couldn't act on my own, but I don't find it worth it most of the time. Besides, I wouldn't be here if I simply followed orders. Kahn, did practically tell us to rest until he calls us up, after you left off, and I doubt this counts as that. And I wonder how does losing Ruo factor in all of this, as you were the first to get caught by it, because you decided to smash the thing. You were lucky it didn't take off with your body in the first place. She was less fortunate apparently, and it could have went for either of us, not just her. There are many factors in this, so I don't think you can simply say it's a fault of not acting. Just saying. Or would you have preffered any of us got killed by trying some stunt?  As for what I want, I assure you it's not orders, but thanks for offering. I just thought it would be better to get ahead on either training or something on the case, and the rest were practically busy. Destiny isn't the battle type, and I wasn't about to consider Kahn, as he wast the one to call for rest. But whatever you say.'' It wasn't often that Hibiki took the bait, as they say, but he was really staring to have enough of this. He had not wanted an argument to come out of this, but he was starting to realize that maybe that was just wishful thinking on his part. Naito knew how to be pushy. If that's how he wanted it, the he'd have it so, as much as it wasn't Hibiki's style. But he'd adapt, if necessary. He was willing to go with most things, but this was getting a bit too far. Just what was Naito's deal really? Was he trying to make him angry? Well, it would be too late to regret being blunt about it either way. And maybe if this worked, he would consider deaing with Naito in that fashion more often. He wasn't a fan of being thrown around just for the sake of it, if he could help it. If it was for a good case, be it, but not like this.

The silver haired teen remained silent through the explanation from the other user. It was true he was mocking him, and maybe even teasing him even more than normal. Why? Who knew, but the Tsurinai shrugged his shoulders and closed his eyes. "I suppose that's enough talking from me. I was just probing your mind alittle to see where you currently stood. Sadly, I still can't say if you've found any sort of resolve during all this chaos in Ueitawa recently. But if you want to train, feel free. Just don't expect me to "pull my punches"." Naito flicked his left wrist and summoned his O-katana to hand. The first soul bound weapon he had ever received. However, he'd soon flick his right wrist and summon a second blade to hand that was similar, yet different from the first. Dual wielding O-katana took practice, especially since they were longer than just regular katana in length. This training would help him aswell. He wondered if he'd even need to summon his Persona against Hibiki. No offense to the teen, but he didn't seem like the combat oriented type.

Rolling his shoulders back, the silver haired teen looked up at the sky with an indifferent face. "I'm ready whenever you are. I'll give you the honor of making the first move." With those final words, Naito raised one blade towards Hibiki while the other remained down by his side.

((Blah, I knew I was forgetting about needing to post somewhere >.>))

''I didn't expect that you would.'', Hibiki would shrug slightly. He chose not to comment on the part of Naito questioning his resolve, as he had about enough of that conversation. Still, he did kind of wonder if that was the only reason Naito actually prodded into him like that. Well, to each their own. Hibiki would blink a little, noticing that the other teen had two weapons this time around. 'When did that happen?' He didn't even know that was a thing until now. Well, good to know either way.

''Alright, if that's what you want.'', Hibiki didn't really mind who went first, as he doubted that would change anything. Naito apparently wasn't going to use his Persona yet, which probably meant he was confident enough to fight without it. Well, he was indeed pretty strong, so it didn't seem impossible. Summoning his scythe into his right hand, he'd just keep it there, opting to follow up with summoning his Persona. In a way, he wanted to see what Naito would do. Though he knew the teen's Persona had some powerful physical moves, and that would surely hurt if it came to that. No pain, no gain, eh? But he did somewhat hope he wouldn't have to take that straight ahead.

Thoughts aside, Byakko would swipe his tail excitedly as he appeared. The tiger's blue eyes focused on Naito for a moment, before sending forth a wave of lightning, that would be at about the level of his opponent's waist, hoping to keep him aback, if anything. Those blades would surely hurt in a close range. Hibiki would stay where he was for now, keeping his weapon ready, as he figured Naito might be smart enough to get to him anyway. Better be prepared.

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As the attack came his way, the Tsurinai braced himself and gritted his teeth. The lightning slammed into him and it through his head back alittle, but he did not scream or show much sign of pain. Instead the grip on his blades became tighter and his arms trembled before regaining their usual selves. Giving a slight scoff, he'd lower his head and look towards Hibiki with narrowed eyes. "As I thought. You're still too weak to do anything, Hibiki. You're nothing. That's why that toaster of a woman was taken from you so easily." The silver haired teen rolled his neck and then his eyes. As he did this, he secretly activated his once more function. With this done, he shot forward towards Byakko with his blades drawn as if he were going to attack the Persona himself. Pulling back his left arm, he'd make the motion as if he were attempting to slash through Byakko's neck.

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Well, this was interesting. Hibiki had to admit he did not really expect Naito to just take the blow, but if that's the way he wanted it. There maybe was a reason for it, aside from letting Naito ridicule him again. Just because he could take it, it did not mean being completely weak. But everyone had didfferent opinions apparently. ''If you say so.'' Hibiki wasn't in the mood to argue about that anymore. And even less so during a fight. It was all the same either way.

Surprisingly, Naito decided to go after Byakko, rather than him. Not that Hibiki had any spare time to wonder why. Byakko was definitely not enjoying the close distance, and would back away a few steps, while sending another wave of lightning towards his opponent to keep him away. Meanwhile, Hibiki would make his way around, to get behind Naito, as he was playing with his sword. When getting to a close enough range, he would swipe his scythe from the right, in an attempt to get the sharp blade in front of Naito to block his movement. He wouldn't try and slice him yet, waiting to see the result of Byakko's attack first. Sure, that might not be the best if the other chooses to turn around somehow and slash at him with his swords, but in that case, he'd have to worry about the blade behind his back later. And the lightning itself, as the wave would most likely make a hit at around that time.

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