Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ A Tail of Two Bijus ❯ Teamwork ( Chapter 6 )

A/N: Greetings again my fellow readers! Time for another chapter. As stated in the AN at the end of chapter 5, yes I realise my mistake as to making Naruto and Yukiko WAAAAAAAY too powerful, so I'm going to try and compensate for that. Want to know how? Read on, because I'm not spoiling it for you! Also I agree that I developed their relation a little too fast, so I'm going to kind of level it out for a few chapters.

 

As always, I hope that my creativity gives you some semblance of pleasure to read.

 

Winner of Vote 1:

 

(A): Team 7 to the Snow: 2

 

Ok, since the next chapter is going to include Team 7's first big mission, It's decided! TO THE SNOW!

 

Second Vote:

 

(A): Kyubi Bloodline Limit: 2

 

(B): A Doujutsu (Eye ability) that allows the break down of both hand and carved seals to enable the formation of completely new and never before seen seals, and has 4 levels to it, each level gaining a new ability.: 2

 

(Personally, I'd have to agree with MoOn-ShInE-LoRd & Achalon on this one as it makes plenty of sense to Naruto's abilities and heratige, if you think about it. MoOn-ShInE-LoRd has given me the basic abilities of the bloodline limit. I'll come up with some sort of name for it too. Sticking with the Doujutsu tradition, I have to find a name that ends in 'gan', hmmmm this could take me a while. I unfortunately don't have any links to a good Romaji to anything translator, as they tend to give me pretty half baked results. If anyone can properly translate into Japanese, I'd love to hear from you. I've been meaning to find out the Romaji names for a few of my death type techniques that Yukiko knows as well.

 

(C): Other original Bloodline Limit: 0

 

Ok, basically it's tied at 2 all between A and B. I'm scrapping option C and have decided to incorperate both A & B into one bloodline. So, Naruto will have the Kyubi's abilities with a Doujutsu that has to do with hand seals and stuff.

 

Now get to the part that you've all been waiting for!

 

Legend:

 

'...Thoughts...'

 

“...Speaking...”

 

'...Biju Thoughts...'

 

“...Biju Talking...”

 

&&&&&&&&&...Scene Change...&&&&&&&&&&

 

A Tail of Two Bijus:

 

Chapter 6:

 

Nani?! Survival Training?

 

Outside the front door of 67 Teal Drive:

 

Naruto came to a stop outside his front door with Yukiko still in his arms. Blushing at each other, Naruto let Yukiko down and then fished the key out of his pocket. Just as he was about to put the key in the socket he noticed someone was behind them.

 

“Naruto.”

 

Naruto knew the old man wouldn't come out here unless he'd screwed up majorly. He sighed and turned around.

 

“Yes old man?”

 

The Hokage looked none too pleased. He sighed before launching into his lecture.

 

“What did I say about the contents of that box?”

 

“That they weren't to be shown to anyone but you, Yukiko and myself. I didn't think you also meant I couldn't show of the techniques I learnt from the contents.”

 

Naruto was kind of proud of himself for thinking he had outsmarted the Hokage. The Hokage just sighed and took another puff of his pipe.

 

“Naruto, do you have any idea of what I've had to deal with today because of your actions? What I got today was worse than when you painted the face of the Hokage Monument. People screamed at me non stop about how I could teach you such techniques. And how else was I supposed to tell them how you learnt it other than reveal the existance of the box? Did you even think about using the repucussions of those techniques before you used them? Naruto, I can understand that you want to grow up as fast as you can and become more like your father as soon as possible, but the village just won't accept it right now. You have to prove yourself through hard work that you're worthy of being his son. I've had no choice but to use one of your father's techniques to seal the box closed until you can figure out how to open it. By then, I think everyone will try to start accepting that you really are his son.”

 

Naruto couldn't believe it! Those people wouldn't accept the fact that Yondaime was his father? The bastards! Naruto had had enough. He shoved the key into the socket and wrenched open the door before dragging a very appologetic looking Yukiko through the door and slamming it in the Hokage's face. The Hokage just sighed and made his way back to the office to face the crouds that had no doubt began to grow to monsterous proportions outside his office.

 

Inside the house however, Naruto was very very upset. He began putting his mind into high speed thinking of all the pranks he could pull on the villagers. Yukiko saw the look of deep thinking on his face and started to worry.

 

“Naruto-Kun? What are you thinking about?”

 

Naruto looked up at his beautiful girlfriend and gave a smirk before replying.

 

“Thinking of all the pranks I could pull on those damn villagers. Maybe I could rig the wall between the men and women's bath houses so that I could pull a string and the dividing wall would colapse-”

 

Yukiko had to admit. Naruto may not use his head all the time, but when he did use it, he came up with some very good ideas. However, she wasn't going to let Naruto get into any further trouble. Using a method she knew by now calmed him down, she smiled a little seductively and whispered in his ear.

 

“If I gave you a kiss, would you forget about pulling pranks?”

 

Naruto hadn't expected such a... Forward way of dealing with his behaviour. None the less, it was a good incentive. He slumped his shoulders in defeat and smiled.

 

“You really know how to push all the right buttons, don't you, Yukiko-Chan?”

 

Yukiko smiled at her little victory before leaning in for a long passionate kiss. She put one arm around Naruto's head and the other around his upper back. Getting the hint, he slid his arms around her waist and they lost themselves in the moment. After about 3 minutes (New record! WOOT!), they slowly pulled away gasping for air. Naruto should have recovered quickly, but he realised that something was wrong.

 

'You finally realised it, eh kit? Yup, you've got severe chakra depletion. You even used my chakra for that damn summon! You really need to learn how to control chakra better. Right now, you're wasteing about 10 times as much chakra as you need for every technique you use. Go and get some rest, kit. We've got to meet the instructor tomorrow morning.'

 

Naruto gave a mental nod before he cupped Yukiko's face in one had. She snuggled her head in his hand, before looking at Naruto, who was actually breathing harder than when they had first broken the kiss.

 

“Naruto-Kun? You don't look too good. Your chakra levels are very very low. You should probably get to bed-”

 

Just as Yukiko said that, Naruto collapsed. He'd reached his limit, and passed it. She smiled at him, before picking him up and taking him to the bedroom. When she opened the door, she saw what the Hokage said was true. All the scrolls, parchment and objects had been put back into the box and she noticed a very unusual seal on the box, one she had never seen or heard of before. She gave a sad smile before placing Naruto on the bed. She just stared and smiled at how peaceful he looked.

 

'he's so cute like that. Makes me just want to...'

 

'Sleep with him?'

 

Yukiko immediately turned redder than a tomato.

 

'Sleep with him? It's a bit early in our relationship to be making love isn't it?'

 

'When did I say anything about mating? You can sleep in the same bed as someone without making love to them you know.'

 

Yukiko conceeded that point. She'd also reached her limit too. Using Mokudon: Jyukai Koudan alone had drained her of over ¾ of her chakra. If she was going to use that technique, she had to use it VERY carefully, as it was a one time use technique with her current chakra reserves. Nibi suddenly broke her line of thought.

 

'Go on. Get into bed next to him. We have to meet Kakashi in the morning.'

 

Nodding, she laid down next to Naruto and put her head on his chest listening to the rhythmic beating of his heart. She fell asleep to that sound, and they slept through the afternoon and night.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&

 

The Next Morning:

 

Naruto was the first awake. He sighed and tried to strech, but then realised his body was restricted. He was about to begin thrashing round when he was calmed by his tenant.

 

'Oi, kit. Bad idea. Open your eyes and take a look at what's pinning you down.'

 

Complying, Naruto slowly opened his eyes, letting them adjust to the light coming through his windows. What he saw completely freaked him out. Lying on his chest was Yukiko, who was sleeping soundly.

 

'Oh my god! WE SLEPT TOGETHER!? I'm not ready to have kids yet! I'm too young to be a father! I'm-'

 

The kyubi had enough of this crap and decided shut him up.

 

'SHUT IT BRAT. No you didn't mate with her last night. You just slept in the same bed. Notice both of you are still wearing your clothes. You're both still virgins. So shut up and go and make some breakfast for you two or something.'

 

Naruto calmed visably, but his little outburst had still woken up his girlfriend. She looked at him with he sleepy eyes and smiled before kissing him.

 

“Morning, Naruto-Kun.”

 

“Morning, Yukiko-Chan. Sleep well?”

 

“I had the best sleep ever. Listening to your heart was oddly relaxing.”

 

Naruto smiled sheepishly before deciding to get out of bed. Yukiko pouted at the loss, and Naruto completely fell for it. He got back onto the bed and gave her a hug.

 

“Neh, Yukiko-Chan, why don't you take a shower first and then go make some breakfast? I'll go see what I can do about that box while you have a shower, then when you get out, I'll take one, ok?”

 

“Sounds good to me.”

 

With one final kiss, Yukiko walked into the bathroom and started her shower. Naruto had been watching her hips while she walked, half arsed perverted thoughs going through his mind all the while.

 

'Let's go look at that box, shall we?'

 

Naruto sighed and walked over to the box and lifted it off the desk and put it on the floor, sitting next to it. He held the box at every angle until he found the seal.

'What do you make of it? I've never seen anything like this before...'

 

'Not surprised kit. That's a damn complex seal, considering a human made it. I'll give the creator credit. That seal's on par with basic demon seals, although it's composition is radically different. It seems as though it requires some sort of unique series of hand seals to disenguage it... You have no clue as to what I'm talking about, do you kit?'

 

Naruto grinned and scratched the back of his head.

 

'Nope! Heh heh heh...'

 

The king of the kitsunes sighed and decided to put it in terms this kit could understand.

 

'Basically, it seems like the key to opening that seal is a combination of hand seals. With me so far?'

 

'Uh huh.'

 

'However, the hand seals needed to open it are not your average hand seals. From the looks of things, the combination is comprised of about.... 7 or so completely unique hand seals.'

 

'EEEEEH? What the hell kind of a seal is that? Did the old man just expect me to pull hand seals out of my-'

 

'No. Infact, I think I remember seeing a seal like this once amongst the basic demon seals. Let me try something. I'm going to take control of your body to do these hand seals then release control, ok?'

 

Naruto didn't like this, but he reluctantly agreed. Hell, losing control of his body for a few seconds to get access to his father's treasuretrove of secrets? More than worth it! He gave up control of his body to Kyubi who searched his memory for the hand seals that he thought would activate this seal.

 

'Let's see... Ok, I've confirmed there is either 7 or 8 seals needed to open it. I'm going to try now.'

 

Naruto's hands formed some very strange and unheard of hand seals. He went through them slowly. As he activated the first one, the seal on the box activated. It appeared to be comprised of a large yellow circle with runes around the inside edge of it. At equal distances around the circumfrence of the circle, there were 6 smaller circles. Inside each of the smaller circles was pitch black. As Kyubi controlled Naruto did the second seal, one of the small circles changed from black to green. At the third hand seal, the circle to the left of it also changed from black to green. The fouth hand seal produced the same result. When they got the the fifth seal, however, the light did not go green, it changed to red. Suddenly, all the circles turned red and the red light ran down the lines leading from each circle to the middle of the main circle, which began to fill with red.

 

'Kit, I don't like this one bit. Get out of here. NOW!'

 

Without the need to be told twice, Naruto jumped out the door and slamed the door closed. The second he did that, he felt a rather large pulse of chakra go off inside the room. He also saw a blinding white light eminating from the room. After several seconds, the light died down, and Naruto slowly opened the door just enough to take a quick peek to make sure everything was fine.

 

'Kit, I'll hand it to your old man right now. That was a damn powerful seal. If we had still been in that room when that flash went off, I don't think we'd be still be alive.'

 

At this point, Yukiko burst out of the bathroom wearing only a town to cover her bare essentials.

 

“What was that?”

 

Naruto turned to her and started blushing profusely. He'd NEVER seen this much of his girlfriend before.

 

“Yukiko started blushing as well, but she was more interested about finding what that flash of light was.

 

“Naruto-Kun, did you try and disengage the seal?”

 

Naruto gave his trademark foxy grin and scratched the back of his head.

 

“Yup!”

 

Yukiko smiled. He reall wanted to get at the contents of that box, didn't he?

 

“Was the seal powerful?”

 

“Yeah it was! It requires seven non human hand seals to open it. I managed to get the first four with Kyubi's help, but the fifth one was wrong and that's what set off the seal.”

 

Yukiko gave Naruto a confused look.

 

'Unique hand seals? What on earth does he mean by that?'

 

'He means that he had to use hand seals other than the 12 ones humans have created for everyday use. Demons for example have their own set of hand seals depending on which part of the underworld they originate from. It seems that four of the Kitsune's demon hand seals are the first four needed to open it.'

 

“Naruto-Kun, go and take a shower alright? I'll have a look at the box. Maybe we might be able to find at least some of the remaining three or so hand seals needed.”

 

Naruto gave a huge smile for Yukiko. She really was a nice person, unlike the rest of the damn village.

 

“Ok, See you in a bit Yukiko-Chan. Good luck!”

 

“Thank you Naruto-Kun.”

 

With that, Naruto strode into the bathroon and stripped off before beginning his shower. Yukiko on the other hand turned back to the box.

 

'What do you make of it, Nibi?'

 

'This is a very complex seal. Whoever made it was obviously a master at seals. Let me poke at it a bit.'

 

Nibi extended a tendril of her green chakra to touch the seal. What she found surprised her.

 

'Hmm, it seems that this seal was made of a mixture of Kitsune and Cat handseals.'

 

'Does that mean?!'

 

'Yes, I should be able to open up the rest of them. However, I need Naruto to do the first 4 seals. I may be the queen of the cats, but Kitsune hand seals are a highly prized secret kept amongst the Kitsunes. We'll have to wait for them to finish. As for now, let's take the box downstairs and start making breakfast, ok?'

 

'Gotcha. Thanks, Nibi.'

 

'Don't mention it kitten.'

 

A few minutes later, Naruto stepped out of the shower fully refreshed and wearing a pair of clean clothes. He looked around the room to find not only Yukiko missing, but the box as well. Naruto then picked up a rather enticing scent that came from downstairs. Lifting his head, he took a series of sniffs of the air.

 

'Wow, that smells good! And it's not Ramen!'

 

'Why don't you go find out what it is then kit.'

 

Naruto bounded down the stairs two at a time and got into the kitchen to find Yukiko preparing a full breakfast.

 

“Wow, Yukiko-Chan! I didn't know you could cook!”

 

“Well, you never asked me did you? Anyways, take a seat and eat. I have some hopefully good news.”

 

Naruto grew wide eyed and sat at the kitchen bench. Yukiko then picked up two two plates and put one infront of Naruto, and the other infront of herself. Naruto picked out a piece of bacon and took a tenative bite, before opening his eyes wide.

 

“Wow this is really good! Maybe even better than ramen! You really are a good cook, Yukiko-Chan!”

 

Yukiko smiled and blushed slightly at the comment.

 

“Thank you Naruto-Kun. I'd be happy to make you food any time.”

 

“Really? Awesome! Neh, could you possibly make me some lunch as well?”

 

“I've already made lunch for both of us. It's packed into our packs which are next to the front door.”

 

Naruto whistled. He was never this organised. Not even remotely close.

 

“You're really well organised, Yukiko-Chan! You're organised enough for both of us!”

 

Yukiko's blush deepened, before she lent over and kissed Naruto on the cheek.

 

“Arigato, Naruto-Kun.”

 

The two of them ate in a comfortable silence. Naruto was anxious to hear what this 'good news' was. Finally after Naruto and Yukiko had finished their bacon and eggs, with a bowl of ceral and a glass of fruit juice, Naruto turned to Yukiko and looked at her with nothing but pure love in his eyes.

 

“Neh, Yukiko-Chan, I didn't think that that would be enough to fill me up, but it was! I'm completely stuffed! What's your secret?”

 

Yukiko smiled and turned to Naruto.

 

“There really is no secret, Naruto-Kun. It's just a fact that the majoriy of ramen doesn't fill you up very much because it lacks a lot of nutrience, so that's why you're able to eat a lot of it. Healthy food on the other hand, gives you ample amount of nutrience, and if cooked well, not only tastes good, but fills you up as well.”

 

Naruto just smiled.

 

'Is this what you call a mother's touch?'

 

'Probably kit. Just be thankful you have such a caring woman in your life.'

 

'Yeah, good point.'

 

Remembering the 'good news', Naruto decided to ask.

 

“Neh, Yukiko-Chan, what's the good news?”

 

Yukiko smiled and responded in just over a whisper.

 

“I think I may be able to open the final 3 seals on the box.”

 

Naruto went fish-eyed. Slowly, he started trying to suppress the pure joy that was about to come bursting out in the form of a lot of very loud shouting. He was stopped however, as his lips were sealed with a kiss. Naruto let out a muffled 'umph' before he relaxed and enjoyed it. Slowly, Yukiko pulled back with a warm smile on her face. She pointed to the box.

 

“I may be able to open the last three seals, but I can't even do them unless you first activate the entire seal then do the next 3. So why don't you activate the first four seals, then I'll do the last 3, ok?”

 

Naruto laughed and hugged her.

 

“Thank you so much for this, Yukiko-Chan. I really appreciate it.”

 

“My pleasure, Naruto-Kun. Now, tell me when you're ready, and I'll prepare for my part.”

 

Naruto closed his eyes and focused, letting Kyunbi take over his body again. He carefully activated the seal, then went through the first 4 seals. He then turned to Yukiko, and signalled her to go. The Nibi controlled Yukiko very slowly and carefully went through the first of her hand seals. The 5th light turned green. The next hand seal produced the same result. They looked at each other, and nodded. Yukiko slowly did the last hand seal, and the last light turned green. They dropped their focus and began to celebrate. Shortly after they let their concerntraition slip, the lights suddenly turned red, which both Biju's noticed and screamed at their containers to get out of the room. They dived out of the kitchen and hid under the stairwell. A bright flash of white light appeared, which blinded them for several moments. When the light faded, they slowly crawled from under their hiding space and peeped around the corner. They sighed. There was the box, with seal still intact. They were downtrodden. They had tried so hard and they had come so close, only to find out that they had failed.

 

'Oi, Kyubi. Didn't you say there was only 7 seals needed?'

 

'I said 7 OR 8. It seems that there's one final one. Sorry kit, I know how much you want to get into that box, but there's nothing we can do about it at the moment. Let's just drop it and go meet this instructor, ok?'

 

Naruto did something that few saw him do. He gave in. If only temporarily. He'd open that box, that's for sure. He then heard sniffing from next to him. He turned to her and noticed Yukiko was crying.

 

“Neh, Yukiko-Chan, what's wrong?”

 

“Im... I'm sorry, Naruto-Kun... I failed to open the box. I know how much that box means to you. I'm.. I'm so sorry...”

 

Naruto was dumbfounded. She actually took it that seriously?

 

'Oi kit. Show her what a concerned boyfriend you are. She needs it right now.'

 

“Yukiko-Chan, it doesn't matter. Knowing that there's one more seal I need to open that box makes me happier, not sadder. If it wasn't for you, I'd probably be stuck on the 4th seal permanetly. Without you, that box is not openeing. PERIOD. So don't feel so down about it, ok?”

 

With that he held her cheeck in his had and kissed her forehead. Yukiko really loved when he did that. She stopped her crying and just held Naruto in her arms. Naruto pulled back slightly and looked into those violet eyes he had come to know and love.

 

“Yukiko-Chan, we have to go see Kakashi. We still have about half an hour, so let's get going, ok?”

 

Yukiko just smiled and kissed Naruto before getting up.

 

“Ok. Let's go, Naruto-Kun.”

 

With that, the young couple picked up their packs and walked out the door.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&

 

6:55am, Room 12 at the Academy:

 

Sakura and Sasuke were already seated in the room and had been so for a good half an hour. They were wondering when the other two would show up. Sakura turned to Sasuke and hoped to start up a conversation.

 

“Neh, Sasuke-Kun, what do you think our Jounin instructor is going to be like?”

 

Sasuke turned to Sakura. He'd actually been thinking along those exact same lines, although he didn't let it show.

 

“Frankly, I don't care. As long as he's good.”

 

With that, Sasuke turned and continued staring out the window. Sakura saw that the conversation was over, and started thinking of ways to occupy themselves until their instructor arrived. Just then, Naruto and Yukiko entered the room. Both of them were dressed in the same clothes as they were yesterday. Naruto turned and glared at Sasuke who returned the favour, electricity could be seen sparking between their eyes. Both girls groaned, and Yukiko decided to break up the silent fight by standing infront of Naruto and kissing him. That was all the incentive Naruto needed. Sasuke just turned and gave his 'cool pout' and continued staring out the window. Naruto turned to Sakura and smiled as well as scratching the back of his head.

 

“Neh, Sakura-Chan, sorry about yesterday. I was a little out of it.”

 

This appology caught Sakura completely off guard. Naruto forgave her for belittling his father? Just like that? She was at a loss.

 

“No.. no problem, Naruto. I'm sorry about disrespecting your father, I just found it a little... hard to believe at first...”

 

“Eh, not suprising. I doubted it at first too until I saw the-”

 

Yukiko clapped her hand over his mouth. How could Naruto have been so foolish? Had he forgotten what the Hokage said just yesterday? She whispered in his ear just loud enough so only he could hear.

 

“Did you forget the reason for Hokage-Sama's visit yesterday?”

 

Naruto had indeed forgotten about it. He was thankful for Yukiko stopping what was about to come out of his mouth. He removed her hand and kissed her cheek.

 

“Arigato, Yukiko-Chan. I forgot. Gomen.”

 

“No problem, Naruto-Kun. Make sure you don't do it again, ok?”

 

“Yup!”

 

Sakura just watched this whole exchange with intrest and curiosity. Was Naruto trying to deny the claims he had made yesterday? It seemed Naruto wasn't going to be forthcoming with answers, so she let it drop. Naruto then turned to Sasuke.

 

“Neh, Sasuke. Sorry about humiliating you infront of the class. I kinda just wanted to prove I'm not really as bad as everyone makes me out to be. If you can forgive me, I might be able to teach you some Jounin level techniques... Heh heh heh.”

 

Sasuke whipped his head around and just stared at Naruto. 'Accept training from the dobe? You have to be kidding. Then again, he had completely outclassed him in each and every one of the Genin tests. This could prove to be useful.' Sasuke smiled. Not just one of his regular cocky smirks, but a smile that was just a little bit more genuine than his smirks.

 

“You're on.”

 

Naruto smiled. He was on his was to making his first male friend his own age. With that settled and everyone in a good mood, they took their seats and began to wait. The four of them continued to wait. 7 am came and went. 8 am came and went. By now, the four student were thoughorly pissed off. Sakura was the first to let her feelings show.

 

“What kind of an instructor trys to make the first impression that he's completely unreliable?”

 

“I'd have to agree with Sakura-Chan on that one. Yukiko-Chan, are you sure he's good?”

 

“Well, In the hidden Village of Snow, everyone who was not from the village was considered sub-human. The one exception to that was Hatake Kakashi. During a coup that took place the year I was born, The insurgents who were fighting for a less opressive leader opted for outside help. They applied to all the villages but no one offered aid. Their last option was the Village of Konoha. They decided to send one of their most ruthless Jounins out. He was supposed to arrive on September 3rd to help with the final push to overthrow the current dictator, but he arrived on-”

 

“5th of Spetember. I'm surprised of your knowledge young lady.”

 

They all wipped their heads to the direction of the door. Their before them was a very odd looking ninja. He had navy blue pants and long-sleeved shirt on, with a Jounin flak vest over the top. He had fingerless black gloves with metal plates on the backs of the gloves. But his face was just plain weird. He had his forehead protector covering his left eye, and he had a mask that covered the entire bottom part of his face and neck from his nose down. His hair looked like he'd used super glue to spike it up. His hair was silvery grey, and stood up in a shock leaning back and to the left. They stared in awe at their new teacher. Naruto was the first to wake up from his stupor and began a verbal assault on their instructor.

 

“What kind of an instructor comes to everything late? That doesn't give us a good impression you know!”

 

Sakura spoke up.

 

“Naruto's right! Do you even turn up for your mission assignments?”

 

Sasuke had had enough of the antics of his teacher and teammates and turned to stare out the window.

 

Yukiko just sighed.

 

“It seems that you still haven't lost your ledgendary punctuality problem, Kakashi-Sensei.”

 

“Well, I got lost on the road known as life today...”

 

The four students just glared at him. What the hell kind of an excuse was that? Not only was he completely unreliable to turn up on time, but he came up with a half baked corny excuse like that? Kakahi turned to this girl. So she was the girl from the Snow? Interesting. Very interesting. She definitely knew a lot about him then.

 

“Well, my first impression of you 4 is...”

 

The four leaned in to hear what Kakashi's verdict was. Kakashi turned his face towards them and closed his visable eye in a smile.

 

“Anoying”

 

All of them facefaulted. They quickly recovered though as Kakashi started walking outside before calling to them.

 

“Yo! You guys coming?”

 

They all filed out of the door and followed their new Sensei.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&

 

Somewhere near the Academy:

 

Kakashi stopped at a railing and motioned the four to take a seat on the steps leading down to the platform. He then turned to his new students and decided to kick things off.

 

“Alright guys, as you probably know, I'm your new sensei. I need to get to know you before we do anything as a team, so I want you all to tell me your names, likes, dislikes, hobbies and dreams.”

 

They were quiet for a moment, unsure of how to start. Sakura was the first one to speak up.

 

“Neh, Sensei, why don't you go first so we understand what you mean?”

 

“Ok, my name is Hatake Kakashi. I'm not going to tell you my likes or dislikes for that matter. My hobbies... Well that's none of your business and as for my dream, I don't think you'd understand it.”

 

With that they just stared at each other and began conversing.

 

“So, all we really confirmed was his name. We didn't find out anything about him...”

 

Kakashi decided to break up their little discussion by pointing to Naruto.

 

“Ok, you go first.”

 

Naruto shot up, glad for some attention. He adjusted his forhead protector and began.

 

“My name is Uzumaki Naruto. My likes are ramen, Yukiko-Chan's cooking-” Said girl started blushing. “and ramen. My dislikes are the three minutes you have to wait for the water to boil for ramen and people who look down on others while placing themselves too high. My hobbies are training, hanging out with my girlfriend and generally getting stronger. My dream? My dream is to attain the title of Hokage so that everyone will be forced to recognise that I'm my father's son!”

 

Unfortunately, the words were out before Yukiko could slap a hand over his mouth. She groaned, knowing that their Sensei know was now privy to the secret as well. However, the reaction that Kakashi had was very different to what they expected.

 

“Your father you say? He wouldn't happen to be the Yondaime would he?”

 

Naruto brightened up considerably.

 

“Yup! Uzumaki Arashi! Did you know him?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Naruto waited for the answer as to how Kakashi knew his father. No answer seemed forthcoming, so he pushed for one.

 

“Well, how did you know him?”

 

“That's for me to know and you to find out.”

 

Naruto was very pissed off at this. He was claiming that he knew his father, yet he didn't have the decency to tell him where from? Naruto was just about to pry the answer from him when he pointed to Yukiko.

 

“You next.”

 

“Oh. My name is Yakushi Yukiko. My likes are cooking healthy food that people will appreciate, my boyfriend and helping people. My dislikes are people who judge others by their first impressions, people who don't care about others and people that kill for fun. My hobbies are cooking, meditating and training. As for my dream... I want to replace Tsunade as the world's best medic and become the next female Sannin.”

 

Kakashi looked at this girl in suprise. She was not only intelligent, had power over the earth and death elemental jutsus, but she was a medic as well? She was going to be one VERY powerful young woman. He quickly turned to the other girl in his team and pointed at her.

 

“Next.”

 

“My name is Haruno Sakura. My likes are...” She gave a sideways glance at Sasuke. “my dislikes are.. Well, I don't know, maybe nothing... My hobbies are...” Again with a sidelong glance at Sasuke. “And my dream is...” People knew what to expect and groaned. Sure enough, there was the sideways glance at the object of her crush.

 

Kakashi thought to himself. She was one sick love puppy. He'd have to sort her out later on. Turning to the last of the four, he pointed to Sasuke.

 

“You next, Uchiha.”

 

Sauke leaned his hands on his knees and interlaced his fingers infront of his mouth.

 

“My name is Uchiha Sasuke. My likes... Well there's not many, and I dislike a lot of things. For hobbies, I train. As for my dreams... I have to kill a certain man and revive my clan.”

 

Naruto and Yukiko looked at him in pity and understanding. Sakura on the other hand thought this was awesome. Kakashi just sighed.

 

'Another avenger... Great...'

 

Kakashi just turned to the group and pulled 3 golden bells attached to red string out of his pocket.

 

“Ok boys and girls, listen up. You may have passed the Genin exam, but I need to know if you're still actually capeable of being ninja.”

 

“EH?! What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

 

“Why don't you be quiet and let me explain, blondie?”

 

Naruto just seethed at the comment, but decided it would be benificial to just shut it right now.

 

“Well, you may have passed the Genin exam, but that just showed you could use abilities. This test on the other hand, requires you to put those skills to use in a real life situation.”

 

Kakashi snickered to himself like he was laughing at some personal joke. Sakura took the bait perfectly.

 

“What's so funny, Kakashi-Sensei?”

 

“Well, if I told you, you'd probably blanch.”

 

“Try us.”

 

“Well, this test has a 25 percent failure rate at the very least. All those who fail are sent straight back to the Academy to redo their training.”

 

They all looked at Kakshi fish eyed and with 'O's for mouths. Kakashi just snickered again and smiled at his silent victory. He decided to give one final push.

 

“Oh and you better not eat anything for breakfast tomorrow. Otherwise...”

 

“Otherwise?”

 

“... You'll throw up.”

 

Now they were scared witless, except for Yukiko, who had her brow furrowed showing she was deep in thought.

 

'Where have I heard this before? Was it... That was it! I've taken this test before! This was the exact same test I took after graduating the Snow's Academy! The secret is teamwork! Score! Naruto-Kun and I will pass this test for sure!'

 

Although she made this quiet revilation, she hid it from view. Kakashi then decided to wrap this up.

 

“Ok kiddies, thanks for coming. Meet at training ground seven at 5 am. Got it?”

 

“Later.”

 

Sasuke began to walk home. Sakura ran up beside Sasuke and tried for the umpteenth time to go out on a date with him.

 

“Would you like to go out on a date with me, Sasuke-Kun?”

 

Sasuke just kept walking.

 

“No.”

 

Sakura began to mope her way home. Yukiko on the other hand was feverently thinking up a plan. She grabbed Naruto's hand and pulled him towards the other two.

 

“Neh, what's wrong Yukiko-Chan?”

 

“This test is not what you think it is, Naruto-Kun. We need to have a group meeting.”

 

Naruto just gave Yukiko a confused look but accepted it none the less. They finally caught up to Sasuke and Sakura.

 

“Sakura-San! Saskuke-San! I really need to talk to both of you about the test tomorrow!”

 

Both of them turned to look at Yukiko. Sasuke spoke up first.

 

“What do you mean, Yukiko? What's there to talk about?”

 

“Trust me, this test is nothing like Kakshi-Sensei is making it out to be. We have to go somewhere quiet and discuss this.”

 

All three of them had their doubts, but they decided that it wouldn't hurt to hear what she had to say.

 

“Where should we go then?”

 

“Well, I made Naruto-Kun and myself a rather large lunch... Perhaps a bit bigger than we can both manage. We could share our lunches and go to the park if you want.”

 

“Sounds good to me.”

 

“I'm in.”

 

“So am I.”

 

With that, they followed Yukiko to the park.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&&&&&&&

 

Konoha Park:

 

Once they were there, they took a patch of grass and sat down. Naruto and Yukiko took out their lunches. Yukiko shared hers with Sakura and Naruto begrudgingly shared his with Sasuke. Once they took the first bite, Sakura and Sasuke opened their eyes a bit.

 

“This is really good, Yukiko-San!”

 

“Not bad.”

 

The three of them stared at Sasuke when he made this statement. To people who didn't know him, they would have thought he was being rude. But to those who did know him, this was the closest thing to a compliment anyone was ever going to get from him. Yukiko smiled happily.

 

“Thank you. It's comments like that that make cooking worthwhile. However that's not what I came here to tell you.”

 

They all leaned in to hear what she said next, as it was barely a whisper.

 

“This is exactly the same test I took when I graduated as a Genin of the Snow. EXACTLY the same test. We failed that test, because the point that test is trying to prove is that teamwork is the key to success. If we want to stand a chance of passing, we have to work together. There's no choice in that matter.”

 

Sakura thought back and remembered that there had only been three bells.

 

“But Yukiko-San, there was only three bells! How is that teamwork if one of us has to take the fall and go back to the Academy?”

 

“You see, that's the crux of the test. The fact that there's only three bells puts you to the test to see if you can overcome your personal differences and work together as a team, despite the fact that one of you will fail.”

 

“So, what do you propose we do?”

 

“Despite the way the test is set up, there are several ways for all four of us to pass. Remember when I said teamwork was the key? If one of us somehow occupies him while the other three grab a bell, he'll realise that the person occupying him voluntarily took the plunge for the sake of his or her teammates. If one of us did that, I'm pretty certain that he would pass us all. What we need to do now is come up with some sort of base stratergy that we can all work on. Are you with me?”

 

The other three nodded.

 

“Ok, I don't have a complete stratergy yet, but I've got the basis of one. Here's what I was thinking...”

 

Little did the four know, in a nearby tree, Kakashi was sitting watching the team intergrate. He hated to admit it, but he knew this team was going to be above the trash he's tested so far.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&

 

5 am. Training Ground 7:

 

Sasuke was already there when Naruto and Yukiko walked up to him, hand in hand.

 

“Morning, Sasuke-San.”

 

“Hey, Sasuke.”

 

If anyone was reading Sasuke's mind right now, they would have been shocked. Although these two were people that used to annoy him, he was starting to warm to them. At least Yukiko wasn't like those damn fan girls. She at least respected his wishes and helped him as well as giving him personal space. Naruto wasn't as considerate as Yukiko, but he was still offering him to teach him some Jounin level techniques. He however, didn't show it.

 

“Morning Yukiko. Naruto.”

 

“Neh, Sasuke. Kakashi-Sensei's going to be late anyways, so why don't I start teaching you that technique I promised I would?”

 

Sasuke gave a smirk and got up.

 

“Sure thing.”

 

For the next one and three quarter hours, Naruto was teaching Sasuke Kage Shuriken no Jutsu. He was a suprising natural at it. Finally, after Sasuke managed to make 6 copies of each shiruken, he was satisfied with his progress.

 

“Thanks for teaching me that, Naruto. If you want, tomorrow, I might teach you a fire jutsu.”

 

“Eh? Really? Sweet! Thanks, Sasuke!”

 

Sasuke and Naruto just smiled at each other.

 

“I'm expecting you to be at least my equal Naruto. No more of this farting around like at the Academy. From here on out, there is only improvement.”

 

“You can bet on it, Sasuke!”

 

Kakashi took this particular monet to appear infront of them.

 

“Yo! I was walking here and a black cat crossed my path...”

 

Both Sakura and Naruto yelled in unison.

 

“LIAR!”

 

Kakashi sighed. He picked out an alarm clock and set it on the tree stump next to him.

 

“Alright kiddies. I'll explain the rules. Rule One: This clock will go off at 12 noon. You have until then to get a bell from me and pass. Rule Two: Whoever doesn't get a bell not only will be sent back to the Academy, but they will be tied to that stump and be forced to watch the others eat lunch!”

 

This however did not have the impact Kakashi thought it would. He ignored them and continued on.

 

“If you want a bell, you have to come at me with the intent to kill. Any half arsed attempts will just make you look stupid. However...”

 

Kakashi then reached into his pocket and took out a little red book.

 

“I have a feeling I can finish this book today, as I'm not going to need to pay much attention to you four. Begin!”

 

Naruto had had enough of this cocky teacher.

 

'Think we're trash, eh? Let's see what you think of us when I take that precious book of yours away!'

 

“Hiraishin no Jutsu!”

 

With that, Naruto turned into a yellow blur and snatched the book out of Kakashi's hand. Naruto then pulled his leaf headband over his left eye and imitated Kakashi.

 

“I have a feeling I can finish this book today, as I'm not going to.... have... to.... EWWWWWWWW!!!!”

 

The other three students looked at Naruto questioningly.

 

“Kakashi-Sensei's a pervert! He reads ecchi in public! GROSS!”

 

The other three looked disgusted. Kakashi on the other hand just looked amused.

 

“Kakashi-Sensei, I'm not giving this book back. I'm going to go find somewhere to burn it! That will teach you to read ecchi in public!”

 

Kakash suddenly got very very angry.

 

“No one threatens my book. I'm giving you to the count of 3 to return it. 1.... 2-”

 

Naruto knew he was way up the creek without a paddle. In desperation, he indicated to his team mates with two fingers, and they understood immediately that they were scrapping the original plan and going straight for plan b. With that, Naruto used his trademark technique and flashed out of there. The other's took the hint and body flickered away. Kakashi stormed off in the direction Naruto had gone.

 

Kakshi could suddenly smell smoke.

 

'Naruto wasn't kidding when he said he'd burn it! Shit! I have to get there in time!'

 

Kakashi sprinted in the direction the small plume of smoke was coming from and ran to find Naruto had already thrown the book onto the fire.

 

“Too late, Kakashi-Sensei! Should have been quicker, eh?”

 

Kakashi dropped to his knees and roared.

 

“That book. Was a pre-release edition signed by the writer of the series himself. Do you realise how much it was worth?”

 

“Eh, I don't care. Have you learnt your lesson yet, Kakashi-Sensei?”

 

Kakshi had had enough of this little runt. He was about to get up when he realised that he was suddenly taken in a full nelson hold.

 

“Quick guys! Now!”

 

The three others rushed in and Kakashi knew he had to do something. Fast.

 

Suddenly, Kakashi was replaced by the original Naruto, and the others crashed into him. They quckly realised their mistake and formed up in a diamond, backs to each other, looking for their sensei with a kunai or shuriken in their hands.

 

Naruto bit his thumb and went through a set of hand seals, before summoning a very small, white one tailed Kitsune. Naruto bent down and whispered to the Kitsune, who sniffed the ground and ran off. They all flew off in their daimond formation in the direction the Kitsune had gone. Kakashi however, was not in the direction they had gone, but had left his Jounin flak jacket for them to follow. He stood calmly with his copy of Icha Icha Paradise that he had found, glad that Naruto had only used a henge on some inatimate object to fool him. Kakashi smiled to himself. Those kids were good. Very good. If they kept this up, he might just be forced to pass them. With that thought in mind, he jumped through the trees towards the group. When he next caught sight of the group, he knew they realised he had been tricked. As he was about to step out in the opening, he felt some very sharp objects attach themselves to his hands and legs. He looked down in horror. 2 small Kitsunes and 2 small cats were keeping his hands from forming hand seals and kept his legs from moving.

 

“Now Sasuke!”

 

“Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu!”

 

With that, a huge fireball came rushing out from Kakashi's left. He know realised they had turned his trap into their own. He struggled and manage to throw both of the Kitsunes off his arms and began to form seals, but his hands were stopped when Yukiko grabbed one hand a used her chakra scalpel to cut one of the muscles in his hand, rendering it effectively useless.

 

“Now Sakura!”

 

Sakura then ran in and reached for the bells. Everything seemed to go in slow motion. Sakura's hand was several milimeters away from a bell when the noon bell rang.

 

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!”

 

“NO WAY!”

 

Sakura just fell to the ground, while Sasuke just let out a 'hmph', dispelling the fire technique.

 

The four ones that had been standing infront of Kakashi's jacket released their henge to reveal 3 Naruto Kage Bunshins and the original, who promptly disperesed themselves.

 

Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief. He then motioned the four to follow him.

 

“Alright kiddies, to the poles.”

 

He turned to Yukiko, who looked at him appologetically.

 

“I don't mind you using techniques to try and stop me, but did you have to use chakra scalpel?”

 

“Gomen, Kakashi-Sensei. I'll heal your hand now.”

 

“Arigato.”

 

When all four of them arrived at the stumps, they saw that there was now a fourth tray of food there.

 

Kakshi turned his back to them.

 

“Eat up you four.”

 

The four of them were unsure of whether they should or not, but Kakshi motioned them to go ahead. However, Kakashi was still unsure about one thing.

 

“When I told you 4 that one of you would be tied to the stump and would have to watch the others eat, why didn't you show any signs of recognising why I had really asked you not to eat any breakfast?”

 

Yukiko answered for them.

 

“Well Kakshi-Sensei, There is a saying that is known in the world of ninjas. 'Those who don't listen to orders are trash, however those who don't take care of their friends are lower still.' When I saw that Naruto was trying to put on a brave face this morning to mask how hungry he was, I decided it would be better for him to have something to eat. I knew he wouldn't be able to perform at his best if he didn't, and I convinced him of it. We then took some of the breakfast I had made to Sakura-San's and Sasuke-San's house and told them the same thing. We may not have listened to your orders, but at least we showed concern for our friends.”

 

Kakashi had confirmed it. These kids were something else. He sighed.

 

“I'm very impressed with your displays of teamwork. It seems that you understand the true meaning of this test. So I have no choice but to pass all four of you. Congratulations.”

 

The four kids minus Sasuke jumped up and gave a rather loud “YATTA!”. Sasuke just smiled.

 

“Starting tomorrow, Team 7 will commence missions. I want you all to report to the Hokage's office at 8am sharp. Good job team.”

 

With that, Kakashi poofed out of existance. The four of them finished their lunches and then went off their separate ways.

 

&&&&&&&&&&&&&a mp;&&&&

 

A/N: I hope I managed to even things out after last chapter. Also, Granite69, I got the name for the technique straight off narutofan.com. I also went back to the anime and confirmed it. I also realised that they don't say “such and such Element: Insert jutsu name here” it's actually “such and such Type: Insert jutsu name here.” If it was wood element: forest genisis, then you would be right. However thanks for making me look it up, I've been meaning to confirm that for a while now. Also, I'm going to try and incorparate a resized version of the first naruto movie into the next chapter for their mission to the snow. Anyways, until next time my avid readers!

 

Jan ne,

 

Specula.