The next morning Hanako got up earlier than usual, which put the time at about 5am. She ate breakfast, dressed then headed to the training grounds where they had agreed to meet. The half an hour before their designated time Hanako started her warm up. She was finishing up with some side stretches when Orochimaru emerged like a snake out of the ground. Hanako was startled but managed to remain on her feet this time.
"Good morning, Orochimaru Sensei." she gave a respectful bow.
"Nice to see you've warmed up. Now let's get to work."
"You know you could at least say, 'Good-"
Hanako was cut off by a kick thrown in her direction that sent her flying through the air. As always though, she landed on her feet.
"Well at least you got the landing right. Your first lesson: If they're close enough to hit you, expect them to attack."
"Yes, Sensei." Hanako said now completely focused on the training.
Orochimaru launched another attack. She did her best to block and dodge, but he was too fast for her to keep up so she ended up going flying several times as they trained. He was more relentless than her previous sensei. Orochimaru sent her flying again and this time she wasn't able to land it.
"Again." he ordered.
Hanako got up and launched her own attack against Orochimaru with no questions asked. She had it pounded into her head by her previous sensei not to ask questions. When your sensei tells you jump, you don't ask how high you just jump; he'll tell you if you need to jump higher.
They trained nonstop till sunset. Hanako looked at her new sensei breathing heavily. She waited to see what he would do next.
"Good. We're done for the day. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yes, Sensei." Hanako gave her departing sensei a bow.
"That looked like some intense training." Shino said.
Hanako turned around to see Shino, Kiba, and Hinata all standing there.
"I must admit it was more than I expected, but I need his help if I'm going to take on Takeo."
"You look tired, Hanako. You should get some rest." Hinata suggested.
Hanako's stomach growled. "I think I need something to eat first." she tried taking a step towards her friends, but she felt her legs give out and she started to fall. Luckily, Shino was on the ball and caught her.
"Kiba, do you think that you and Hinata could get her some food? I'll take her home."
"Sure thing." Kiba confirmed.
"What would you like to eat Hanako?" Hinata asked.
"Ramen please."
"Ramen coming right up." Kiba announced as he bid farewell.
Shino carefully, but quickly carried her home. Once there he sat her on her makeshift bed and leaned her against the wall.
"Thanks Shino."
"You shouldn't push yourself so hard."
"If I don't then I won't get better. I need to get better to beat Takeo."
Shino was silent.
"I know it might seem extreme now, but my previous sensei was harsh too. He wasn't as harsh as Orochimaru, but I got used to his teaching method. I'll get used to it over time and get better."
"Just promise me you'll listen to your body and make sure you eat."
"Yes dad." Hanako mocked.
Shino smiled and gave her a gentle kiss. Her whole body relaxed as she kissed back enjoying his soft lips.
"Alright Shino!" Kiba called out making Shino break the kiss.
"A-Are we interrupting something?" Hinata asked.
"It's fine, come on in." Hanako said.
Hinata handed Hanako the food she had grabbed from a nearby restaurant. Her friends sat and talked with her as she ate. Once she was done she slowly laid down and passed out.
The next morning, Hanako woke up to the sun on her face. Opening her eyes she saw Shino watching over her.
"Good morning." Shino greeted.
"Good morning. Did you stay here all night?"
"Yes, I hope you don't mind. I brought my sleeping bag."
"I don't mind at all." Hanako gave him a pleased look.
"I found some fruit on your counter. You should eat before training today." Shino handed her a peach.
"Thanks." Hanako started to eat when it suddenly hit. "Oh Shit! What time is it?"
"It's only eight in the morning…"
"Crap! I was supposed to meet Orochimaru at seven!" Hanako leapt out of bed and, still in her clothes from the day before, ran off to meet Orochimaru.
When she arrived she could tell he was unimpressed.
"Forgive me Orochimaru Sensei!" She offered no excuse as to why she was late, but simply apologized and gave a deep bow.
"Well now that you're here we can start."
Hanako immediately took up an offensive stance.
"We aren't doing taijutsu today."
She stood down and waited for him to explain.
"I want you to try and hit me with your kekkei tota."
Without question she weaved the appropriate hand signs and shot it straight towards him. He safely dodged and sent some sort of snake arm flying at her which she barely dodged. Orochimaru stood down and began to explain.
"Do you know why I was able to dodge your attack easily and why you had a harder time dodging mine?"
Hanako thought for a moment. "Because you can control the direction your snakes go."
"Very good. Now imagine what you could do with your Leaf Blades if they behaved like my snake."
"It wouldn't be so easy to dodge."
"Exactly, for the next week I want you to do nothing, but try to make your Leaf Blades act like a snake. At the end of the week I'll see how far you've come."
"Yes, Orochimaru Sensei."
Orochimaru walked away and left Hanako to her training.