Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ The Demon's of Konoha ❯ Placements and Genin ( Chapter 13 )

With the kids out of the room, Hokage Sarutobi stood up and shook out his robes causing it to cascade down towards the ground. Taking off his hat and placing it on his desk, he briefly ran his fingers through it pulling it away from his face, and away from his pipe. Feeling that his hair was away from his face and not likely to get burned he replaced his hat on his head and put his hands together, hidden by the long sleeves of his cloak. Once to the door he quickly opened it and stepped outside, shutting the door silently behind him while secretly pushing chakra through his thumb putting his traps in place.

 

Looking to the ANBU agent next to the door Sarutobi said “walk with me Kakashi” as they made their way down the long hallways to the hospital. “Honestly, how do you feel about taking them as a Genin team?”

 

“Honestly with their teamwork I wonder if I will even have to administer a test to them. They move flawlessly, even effortlessly. For the first time in a long time I truly think that I have a team to look forward to and it's not just a promise to Itachi either.” Kakashi said as he took off his ANBU mask and tied it to his belt. With one hand he ran his hand through his hair the other was reaching for his hitae-ate that he carried in his pocket. Swiftly tying it to his head and covering his left eye, Kakashi began to feel like a normal human being again.

 

“I am glad to hear that” Sarutobi said “they are truly powerful. Now go and enjoy your last night as an ANBU agent, for tomorrow you're a teacher. Teach them well Kakashi” Sarutobi said as Kakashi disappeared in a wave of leaves his visible eye appearing to be smiling.

 

Walking a few feet more Sarutobi took a deep whiff of his pipe and knocked on the door. Without waiting for an answer he almost glided into the room. Looking around the room Sarutobi saw its occupant sitting at a lone table by the window with papers all around him. “Ahh Iruka, glad to see you are still awake” Sarutobi said as he went and sat in the vacant chair at the table. “What are you working on here?” Sarutobi asked as he grabbed a sheet of paper with names listed off of it and some crossed off.

 

“I'm working on what is left of the Genin Teams” Iruka said before putting down his pen and looking up. “To what do I owe the pleasure Hokage-sama?”

 

“I believe Iruka that you have questions and as such, I feel answers are in order” Sarutobi said. “So ask away and I will answer what I can. Just remember everything revealed here must be kept secret, and you are one of the few people I trust so I feel you should have an honest answer.”

 

“Do those three really hate each other? Not everyone would help their rival. Does Naruto even live alone” Iruka asked starting off with the basics.

 

“Nope they don't, they live together actually. Originally there were four of them: Gaara, Hinata, Sasuke and Naruto. Hinata and Gaara grew up with each other since birth and consider them selves brother and sister, whether or not it's true I don't know. I do know they met Naruto at five and befriended him. Sasuke they met through Hinata, thus also meeting Itachi Uchiha.”

 

“When Gaara was kicked out of the Hyuuga's due to an incident he and Naruto got a condo, I guess you could call it, together. Years later Hinata moved in. Itachi began training the four, his brother included in secret until the night of the massacre. That night Sasuke moved in with them also. Gaara had left either last year or the year before I can't remember, he got called back to Suna by his father, regrettably the Kazekage of Suna. Hinata originally left with him and this year she returned and lived with the boys ever since.” Sarutobi said summing up what he knew.

 

“Is that why I wasn't allowed to adopt Naruto?” Iruka asked hurt in his voice, “So they could stay together?”

 

“Your wanting to adopt Naruto had no bearing on them staying together. I didn't even have a say in the adoption process. By the time I knew about it, you had already been denied” Sarutobi answered.

 

“How was Hinata able to heal me? No Genin has that knowledge in Konoha.” Iruka asked before pulling his shirt away from his body to show Sarutobi. “I don't even have a scar from where I was hit.”

 

“She has progressed far” Sarutobi said “I was expecting at least a little scar or minor healing needed.”

 

“When I got here they removed the bandages that I was patched with and found nothing to even indicate I was hit with a kunai, not even trace chakra, the stitches had already begun to dissolve when I got here.” Iruka said putting his shirt back on.

 

“Last year after getting separated from Gaara, Hinata began to train under Rin, who I am sure you know.” Sarutobi said taking a deep breathe on his pipe watching Iruka's eyes widening as he caught the name.

 

“Rin as in Rin the Exiled” Iruka asked. He knew Rin briefly from school even though she graduated a couple of years before him. She was one of the few people that paid attention to him in his hours of need, making him deeply sadden when she left. “Does Kakashi know where she is?”

 

“No he doesn't, and Rin has an open pass to visit Konoha at any time.” Sarutobi said. “Hinata trained under her for a year perfecting her healing techniques. From what I gather she had learned to heal without using chakra and only traditional doctoring skills, although I heard her ointments can cure just about anything.”

 

“Is Sasuke really a closet emotion person?” Iruka asked wondering more about the kids.

“Sasuke has been known to smile and even laugh on more than one occasion and he does have a sense of humor. Who do you think was helping Naruto prank people?” Sarutobi answered.

 

“Wow things I never knew.” Iruka said, “but at least Naruto always had friends, and wasn't alone like I thought he was.”

 

“No he's not. Now can I ask who did you have for his Genin team?” Sarutobi asked with interest in his voice.

 

“With his test scores I had placed his with Sasuke Uchiha to balance the two and for the female because he always liked her I thought to give him a break and have Sakura Haruno on his team.” Iruka said before he asked “was Naruto really as stupid as he was acting?”

 

“Nope his scores are up there with Sasuke's but because of a promise he had to strive for dead-last. I had him do his other tests here though so I could accurately gauge his intelligence and he is smart.” Sarutobi said “Now I know you have two extra Genin's this year so how about you put Hinata with the three so maybe Sakura can become a better kunoichi in the process.”

 

“Sounds like a plan, but I was about to put her with Shino and Kiba since she has the Byukugan.” Iruka said now wondering who he would put in there instead.

 

“Actually I have never heard of a case of Hinata activating it. I offered her training in it and she has refused, so it might be good not to count on that.” Sarutobi answered before taking his pipe from his mouth and pulling more tobacco from his sleeve.

 

“Then that shouldn't be a problem then” Iruka said looking outside and noticing the placement of the moon. “I shall have these for you in an hour on your desk. I'm sure you have the senseis already picked out. But no worry Hinata will still be with Naruto and Sasuke. Does she really stutter that badly and have confidence issues?”

 

“Glad to hear that Iruka, and for the record Hinata has to work hard at stuttering and acting shy” Sarutobi said standing back up. “I shall not distract you anymore tonight, but I thought you should know Naruto took your hitae-ate, so you obviously made an impact on him.”

 

“Thanks for taking the time to answer those questions for me” Iruka said “especially since you could have kept me in the dark.” Secretly he wanted to smile that Naruto had his hitae-ate, it made his feel that Naruto was sincere in liking him.

 

“It wasn't fair not to” Sarutobi said. “Only a few know the truth and that is the way it shall remain.” Sarutobi said leaving the room shutting it behind him. Taking another deep breath Sarutobi muttered `I'm getting to old for this' and then headed his way home.

 

The trio had left Sarutobi's office in silence only stopping to nod at the ANBU agent guarding the door. The night air with crisp and warm but the silence made it feel stifling and heavy making the kids want to suffocate in it. Together they walked on though each lost in their own thought and with many unanswered questions. Naruto in this regard was thankful though, he knew his friends wouldn't ask their question until he was ready to talk. For that he could count on, and right now Naruto wasn't ready to talk so in silence they walked.

 

Unable to take anymore Hinata said “I wonder who we will be placed with tomorrow or if even we will be together.”

 

Sasuke taking her cue unable to handle the silence anymore said “God I hope I'm not stuck with any fan girls, they care more about boys and their looks than they do about being a ninja.”

 

Naruto giving a small smirk said “we all know we will be on the same team together. It's what Itachi wanted; although Gaara isn't here anymore so maybe Sarutobi would want to split us up. Sasuke you're the only one with fan girls and what's wrong with a girl caring about their looks. Just because Hinata doesn't does not mean that all women don't.”

 

“Thanks a lot Naruto, nice to know I'm not a girl” Hinata said getting upset as she walked up the stairs to the condo and quickly released the traps. “I'm going to bed I will see you in the morning.” Hinata said making her way to her room, not caring to talk to the boys anymore shutting the door behind her.

 

“Good job Dobe” Sasuke said motioning towards Hinata's door. “I will see you in the morning” he said as he made his way to his bedroom.

 

“Night” Naruto said looking at Hinata's door wondering what he said this time before heading towards his bedroom.

 

“Alright Tani talk how do you know Kyuubi” Hinata asked entering her mindscape looking at a sad demon holding onto a picture.

 

`Hinata, please let's talk about this later. I need to figure out something. I promise I will tell you all later.' Tani said pulling her knees up to her chest staring at the picture willing the tears in her eyes not to fall.

 

Hinata at seeing Tani's normal cheerful attitude replaced with this sad shell said `Fine but if you ever need to talk just let me know. I will be here for you.' With that Hinata fell into a deep sleep.

 

Naruto feeling uncertain at his friends knowing his secret gave a big sigh. `I knew Gaara knew but not about Sasuke, and who knows if Hinata knows. I just don't want them to look at me differently. Gaara said once he could communicate with his demon if only briefly I wonder if I could. Ok concentrate…concentrate' Naruto thought as he cleared his mind and found himself in a dark room.

 

Far off into the distance Naruto saw a single light as he made his way there unable to see anything else. Slowly he began to walk only to soon here a dripping and small splashing sound. Without even consciously doing it Naruto gathered chakra to his feet and began to walk on the water. Soon he was in the lights distance and was able to see that he was walking in what appeared to be a sewer with dripping water falling from the ceiling. Walking closer Naruto seen a huge grey cage which appeared to have a paper seal on it holding the doors shut.

 

Walking towards the gate with a confidence he didn't know he possessed he then said “Hey fuzz-ball get out here I want to have a word with you.”

 

`WHO DARES TO AWAKEN ME FROM MY SLUMBER' a deep menacing voice said from inside the cage.

 

“I do Fuzz-ball now don't make me say it twice. Get out here and talk to me' Naruto said as he stepped closer to the cage.

 

`I WILL KILL YOU' the voice said as a huge red paw came out of the cage and took a swipe at Naruto. Naruto without breaking a sweat just grabbed the paw and pulled it forward, making what looked like a huge menacing fox to hit the inside of the cage.

 

“Now talk to me and don't make me say it again” Naruto said as he let go of the paw and watched it retract back into the cage. Slowly Naruto seen the shadows change inside of the cage as if they were changing shape.

 

With glowing red eyes, Naruto soon heard the sound of footsteps walking towards him as he soon seen the black boots as they came into view. `You are interesting kit, now what do you want?” Slowly the boots came into black pants and belt with a sword hanging from it. Up closer he walked showing a black shirt with a blood red trench coat with the sleeves missing hanging off his body. His eyes were a piercing and menacing red, his skin smooth showing aristocratic features. He had high brows and a proportioned face, showing features that appeared to have once belonged to kings and noble demons. His hair was a blood red tied at the top of his head that flowed like silk down his back.

 

“I want you to train me” Naruto said crossing his arms in front of him watching to see what he would say.

 

Kyuubi was soon laughing deep, hale laughs before stopping and said “and why should I help you. You have caused me to miss something very important in my life that I will never get back. Why should I help you insolent idiot?”

 

“Because I said so” Naruto said “and I can also control your cage size to something huge or as tiny as a hamster cage. Your choice.”

 

“And if I kill you where you stand instead” Kyuubi asked putting his hand on his sword.

 

“You can try but I learned something interesting from my friend Gaara years ago. Unless I allow you to you can't cause me any harm. The most you can do is prevent me from sleeping, and as it is I don't require much sleep.”

 

Growling deep within his throat he asked “and how would your buddy Gaara know this?”

 

“Simple he has a demon sealed in him also, but unfortunately he is in Suna for the time being.” Naruto said without breaking eye contact with Kyuubi.

 

“He is from Suna and has a demon sealed in him. When is his birthday?” Kyuubi asked hesitantly.

 

”December 27th he turned sixteen” Naruto answered and watched Kyuubi's face change from indifference, to shock, to scared.

 

“I shall teach you, for Shukaku is sealed in your friend. I take it he knows about me and when Shukaku wakes up we are in for a serious ass kicking, and hopefully we shall live through it. I slighted his sister on accident and missed something very important, for that he will kill me slowly as I would have him, if our situation had been reversed. To preserve our lives and insure our safety I will teach you, but heed me this training you got from the one called Itachi would be nothing compared to what I will give you.” Kyuubi said. “This I swear to you for I am Yoko Kyuubi, King of the Demon Foxes.”

 

“Glad to have you aboard, now let's get training” Naruto said as the scenery changed so he could begin to train.

 

The next morning the teens got up and got dressed in their `about town' clothes. Naruto put on his bright orange jumpsuit that he never seemed to be without. Sasuke his white shorts and dark blue shirt with the Uchiha fan proudly displayed on the back. Hinata in capri's and a big baggy jacket that didn't even hint at a figure on the kunoichi.

 

Dressed and eaten the kids walked to school actually showing up together and actually walked in silence. Unsure of where to seat they resumed to sit in their normal seats in hopes that what was left unsaid would hopefully soon pass among them.

 

“Hey Naruto, when did you pass?” Shikamaru said taking his place in front of Naruto sitting down in his ninja pants and metal mesh shirt with a small jacket over it displaying his clan symbol and hitae-ate.

 

“Turned in some extra credit to pass” Naruto muttered not sure of how much to give out.

 

“Troublesome” Shikamaru said without saying anything more. Turning around in his desk he placed his head down to take a nap waiting for class to start.

 

Ino and Sakura came running into the room next each vying for a seat hopefully next to their Sasuke-kun. The two continued fighting even when they spied Hinata in her usual seat next to the silent Uchiha. Ino was wearing her light blonde hair in a ponytail behind her head with a purple shirt on. Her torso was wrapped in bandages that went into a purple skirt.

 

Sakura was wearing her pink hair down also but was pushed away from her face by her hitae-ate. Her choice of attire was a red dress that went down to her knees but had slits up the sides showing shorts underneath. On her back was a red circle, which Hinata could only surmise as her clan symbol.

 

“EVERYONE SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN” Iruka said as he walked into the room displaying no signs of having sustained injury the night before. Once everyone had complied with his orders Iruka brought forth a set of papers and placed them on his desk. “First off I would like to congratulate everyone on passing the final exam. You are all gathered here today to find out your team placements. Since there is an odd number of students this year we will have two teams with four members instead of the traditional three. Now let's begin Team One” Iruka continued going through the teams.

 

“Team Seven is Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno” at hearing her name next to Sasuke's Sakura stood up and was taunting Ino. “In your face Ino-pig. Wahoo.” She continued before Iruka interrupted. “Sakura-shut up and sit down I would like to continue sometime today.” With that Sakura sat down. “Continuing on also on Team Seven is Naruto Uzumaki” at hearing this Iruka watched as Sakura slammed her head down on the table in disgust. Naruto at hearing he was with his rush stood up and said “yahoo” but sat down quickly when he noticed Iruka's eyebrow twitch. Once seated Iruka continued “and finally Hinata no Sabaku.” Hinata could only smile that she was on a team with the boys, but wanted to cry that Sakura was there also. `We shall take our man back from the pink banshee from hell' Tani said inside of Hinata. `Just you wait Pinkie; Hinata is going to take her man back, even if he is a moron, but dammit he's out moron..' `Hey' thought Hinata who was agreeing with Tani until she mentioned Naruto's idiocy, but could only sigh at the truth about Naruto realizing her feelings. “Your Jounin instructor is Kakashi Hatake.” Tuning out the rest of the name Iruka was going through until other started moving that they realize that they had broken for lunch. “Don't forget to meet your teams here at one.” Iruka called out as people went piling out the doors talking along the way.

 

“Sasuke-kun, since we are on the same team now want to have lunch and get to know each other better?” Sakura asked with hope and lust in her eyes.

 

“No” Sasuke said standing up and walked out of the room.

 

“I will have lunch with you Sakura-chan” Naruto said with a smile on his face full of confidence. If he could get training from a demon then he surely could get a date from a woman.

 

“No” Sakura said as she stormed off in a huff to search of where Sasuke disappeared to.

 

“O-kay” Naruto said “so Hinata want to go and have lunch with me?” Turning to look at his still standing friend he watched her disappear into a puddle of water that appeared to vanish out of sight. “Guess I'm by my self” Naruto said as he made his way to the ramen stand. `Hinata sure is acting weird' Naruto thought only to get the reply `idiot'. `What's that suppose to mean?' Naruto sent his thoughts inwards to Kyuubi. `Nothing, nothing at all' Kyuubi replied shaking his head at his vessels stupidity when it comes to women. With that being said Naruto went to celebrate with some much rewarded ramen.

 

Hinata walked into the condo and slammed the door behind her, only to see Sasuke with a sandwich in front of him about to take a bite. Seeing the anger and hurt on Hinata's face Sasuke said “what did the Dobe do this time. Sit I will make you a sandwich.”

 

“Nothing I am more than likely just over-reacting.” Hinata said sitting down watching Sasuke as he made her a sandwich.

 

“Let me be the judge of that” Sasuke said as he placed the sandwich in front of Hinata.

 

“Why am I always second to him?” Hinata asked taking a bite of her sandwich not having to elaborate since she knew Sasuke knew who she was talking about. “He invited Sakura to lunch first and then once she said no then he thought about inviting me. That and him pretty much saying I wasn't a girl last night I guess got to me.”

 

“Don't worry Hinata, one day he will notice you. I can guarantee it.” Sasuke said with a comforting smile. Finishing off their sandwiches in silence Sasuke looked at the clock and said “come on lets go. It's almost time to meet our instructor. Want to bet he's late?”

 

“With a small laugh Hinata said “Kakashi not be late. Come one missions are the only time he isn't late or when he's `challenging' Itachi you know that.”

 

“True” Sasuke said with a smirk. “Want to grab a book from the bookstore along the way?”

 

“Yeah let's go.” Hinata said as they left the condo and headed to Konoha's version of Walden's book store.

 

Sakura sat fuming sitting at her desk. Naruto was there but didn't sit next to her; instead he was playing what looked to be a blue and gray game in his hands that kept making beeping noise occasionally she could hear a `You can do it veemon' but as she wasn't really paying attention she wasn't sure. They had been there an hour waiting for their instructor to show up. Slowly they seen team by team leave and still Hinata and Sasuke had yet to show. Hearing laughter in the hallways Sakura looked up at wondering who was coming but felt her heart plummet when the doors opened to reveal Hinata and Sasuke each with a book in their hands and a small smirk on their faces.

 

Silently fuming at the thought that Hinata came in with HER Sasuke, Sakura wasn't having a good day. Finally looking up from his game Naruto commented “Hey I would have gone to the bookstore with you guys. Why didn't you tell me? Get anything good” Naruto asked jumping over the tables to meet the other three. This made Sakura even angrier, while she didn't want Naruto fawning over her all the time she didn't like to be ignored at all.

 

“You're late” Sakura said shooting daggers at Hinata before softening her look a lot before looking at Sasuke. “Sasuke-kun I would have went to the bookstore with you so you didn't need to go with Hinata. I love to read.” Sakura said causing Hinata to softly snort as she walked away to find a quite desk to read her new book in.

 

“That's alright Sakura; I wasn't planning on going to the bookstore anyways. It was just a spur of the moment trip.” Sasuke said grabbing his book and finding another empty desk, not realizing he just said more to Sakura in that one sentence then he did the entire school year. Sakura just stood there with hearts in her eyes as she glazed lovingly at the lone Uchiha. Slowly her feet guided her to her seat as she sighed happily about how much Sasuke loves her.

 

Naruto wondering to Sakura's reaction didn't like where his thoughts were leading him about his pink partner shook his head as if to jar the thoughts out of his head. Grabbing an eraser he got a small smirk on his face as he opened the door ajar and placed the eraser there, hoping it would fall on Kakashi's head when he arrived. Unsure of what else to do Naruto went and found a chair and took out his game wondering what had gotten into Hinata and Sasuke this afternoon.

 

Kakashi was on his way back from the Hokage's office and he was not thrilled. While he had gotten the team that he wanted he wasn't planning on having the pink-haired kunoichi there. After many protests about moving the girl Kakashi sighed and resolved to his fate, unsure of how he should act. Who knew what works Sakura would pose to the team? Resigned and weary Kakashi made his way down the hallway to where he knew his Genin team would be waiting. Hoping to calm himself after dealing with the Hokage, Kakashi took the long way to the school. He was late even by his standards.

 

Opening the door only to have an eraser fall on his head didn't help Kakashi's attitude any. “My first impression of you all is: I don't like you. Meet me on the roof in five minutes.” Kakashi said as he disappeared. Sakura was the first to leave heading towards the stairs, completely forgetting her team still in her thoughts of Sasuke only this time he was declaring his love for her.

 

With Sakura gone Hinata put her bookmark in her book and disappeared in a puddle of water only to be felt in the air as mist. Sasuke went to the window and with left disappearing into what looked like a lightening bolt. Naruto followed suit and left in a whirl of leaves only to reappear sitting on the roof with Hinata and Sasuke. Sakura made it a few minutes later out of breath and in shock at seeing the others sitting there already.

 

“How did you?” Sakura started sputtering before sitting down, not really sure she wanted an answer.

 

“Alright everybody” Kakashi said sitting down in front of the group. “I want to know your likes, dislikes, and dreams for the future.”

 

“Um, sensei, why don't you go first to show us what you mean” Sakura said sitting down in the only vacant spot next to Naruto.

 

“Alright my name is Kakashi Hatake. I have many likes and dislikes and hobbies a couple of those.” Kakashi said as if he actually thought about his answer. “You first pinkie” he said motioning towards Sakura.

 

“My name is Sakura Haruno and” she started only to get stopped by Kakashi.

 

“Is that your real voice?” Kakashi asked, completely wondering.

 

“yes why” Sakura asked still kind of screeching giving everyone a headache.

 

“Just checking, please continue” Kakashi said making his eye look like it was smiling all the while thinking `with that voice we are so screwed. I wonder if Hinata could fix it.'

 

“Ok let's see my name is Sakura Haruno and my likes are” as she looks over at Sasuke and giggles “and my dislikes are” she stops again and gives Hinata a death glare “my dreams for the future are “she then looks to Sasuke and begins to daze getting a small nosebleed.

 

“Alright” Kakashi said stopping Sakura from going on. `Great just like I thought fan girl from hell.' “You next Blondie”

 

“My name is Naruto Uzumaki and I love ramen and can't wait to be Hokage. I hate the three minutes it takes for ramen to cook.” Naruto said not sure how he was suppose to answer with Sakura there now, or even if he should drop the dumb act.

 

“Your next” Kakashi said pointing to Sasuke.

 

“My dream no my ambition is to kill a certain man. I have no hobbies only this goal and to eventually repopulate my clan.” Sasuke said with his hands in front of his mouth in his brooding pose. `If Naruto isn't playing his hand then neither will I' Sasuke thought congratulating himself mentally on his performance.

 

`Alright and finally you Pale Eyes” Kakashi said motioning towards Hinata.

 

“M-my n-name is H-Hinata no S-Sabaku. I-I like g-gardening a-and h-helping p-people. I-I o-one d-day h-hope t-to h-have a c-certain s-someone p-proud o-of m-me a-and n-notice m-me for m-me. M-my d-dream i-is t-to b-be a d-doctor a-and s-see m-my b-brother a-again.” Hinata said stuttering over every word, proud that she remembered to do it and refused to make eye contact with anyone but the ground in front of her.

 

“All right” Kakashi said “meet me at training grounds three at eight tomorrow morning and don't eat breakfast. I will be giving you a test tomorrow to see if you pass.” Kakashi said “question?” At seeing Sakura's hand raise Kakashi pretended not to notice and said “good see you tomorrow and don't be late.” With that he disappeared leaving Team Seven by themselves.

 

“Umm, Sasuke-kun want to have dinner with me to talk about the new team?” Sakura asked hopefully, not realizing her voice was grating on the raven-haired boys nerves.

 

“No” Sasuke said “I will see you guys tomorrow” Sasuke said walking through the doors to allow himself into the school. With Sakura there he wasn't ready to reveal his traveling methods just yet.

 

Hinata stood up and bowed to Naruto and Sakura “g-goodbye S-Sakura-san, N-Naruto-kun” Hinata finished with a blush on her face. “S-see y-you t-tomorrow.” With that she left to head towards work. Tonight was the last night she would be having reliable hours there. Tomorrow she could possible start missions and knew her hours would be cut back, Hinata could only hope the mission money made up for the discount she was missing out on.

 

“Bye Sakura-chan” Naruto said standing up after Hinata had left. When he went to Ichiraku's for lunch he was asked to work tonight since Ayame wanted to take a class at the local college. Naruto couldn't help but readily agree, not realizing he was leaving behind his pink-haired crush.

 

By seven-thirty the next morning the trio was already done training with Itachi and showers had been taken. Hinata had made several rice balls the night before and packed them into her bag making sure they were properly cooled. After a brief talk with Itachi this morning he advised them to still play their roles unless they were doing a mission outside of Konoha. Sasuke and Hinata readily agreed, while Naruto was more reluctant. He wanted to show Sakura he wasn't as stupid as she thought he was.

 

Sakura had shown up first glad she wore her tight red dress and made sure you could smell her perfume. `Today is the day Sasuke-kun will be mine.' Sitting down next to a stump Sakura began to wait for her other teammates to arrive. `I am so glad I skipped dinner last night.' Hearing noises come towards her she jumped away hiding to see what would happen.

 

Finding the three posts in the middle of the training ground Hinata jumped up on top of the middle one and sat down sitting Indian style. Taking off her pack and putting it in her lap she opened it up and pulled out her thermos taking a big gulp of the tea inside. Replacing the cap she grabbed her book from within and began to munch on a rice ball.

 

Sasuke sitting at the base of Hinata's post accepted her bag as she handed it down, grabbing a rice ball from within hiding it in the cover of his book. He knew someone was there by their chakra, but he also knew it was in no way Kakashi.. Slowly he began to eat it as he pulled up his book reading from it completely covering his face. Naruto chose the stump next to Sasuke and grabbed two rice balls and proceeded to eat them.

 

“NARUTO, HINATA WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” Sakura screeched, her voice hitting unknown decibels. “KAKASHI-SENSEI SAID NOT TO EAT. ARE YOU TRYING TO GET US INTO TROUBLE? SASUKE-KUN WOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT.” Sakura was stunned silence as Sasuke lowered his book, showing that he was eating a rice ball also. Feeling slightly rejected Sakura went to sit at the base of the other stump scooting closer and closer to Sasuke hoping he wouldn't notice.

 

“Hey Sakura-chan want a rice ball? Hinata made plenty and they are very good.” Naruto said with rice traces on his cheeks, not noticing Hinata's blush at his comment about her food.

 

“No thank you” Sakura said but not without muttering `I would rather die than eat her cooking.'

 

Hearing this comment Sasuke stood up and brushed the crumbs off his pants before saying “thanks for the rice ball Hinata.” Stretching real fast Sasuke walked to the nearest tree and jumped into the branches resting against the trunk there finishing his book.

 

Two hours later Kakashi had finally arrived and cringed when Sakura screeched “YOU'RE LATE” making Kakashi with he had packed some aspirin. Counting heads Kakashi noticed he was missing one until Sasuke jumped down and stood next to the post Naruto was leaning on.

 

“Alright put your stuff over by that tree while I tell you what this test involves.” Kakashi said as Hinata placed her bag by the tree motioned towards, along with Sasuke's book and Naruto's game. Holding out three bells and a wrapped bag which looked to have some take-out in it Kakashi said “the object of this exam is to get these three bells from me before the timer goes off. Those who fail go back to school to try again next year. Those who pass are on my Genin team. Its ten now and you have until twelve to get the bells. You must come at me with intent to kill or you have to hope of getting the bells. BEGIN” Kakashi said throwing smoke bombs onto the ground making a screen for the kids to disperse.

 

When the smoke was gone Kakashi was impressed he couldn't find three of the four chakra signatures that he was usually relied on. After waiting ten minutes Kakashi sighed and thought `Looks like I will have to go after them then. Let's go for Pinkie first, her I can find.”

 

Sakura was walking through the woods trying to find where her teammates or more in particularly where Sasuke was. `Where is he' thought Sakura until she stopped when she heard someone calling her name. Stopping and pulling out a kunai she whipped around to find a stabbed Sasuke making his way towards her. Feeling lightheaded and the urge to scream Sakura quickly dropped the kunai, not noticing her eyes had rolled into the back of her head as she collapsed.

 

Knowing what Sakura's reaction when he placed her in the Genjutsu Kakashi left to find his other three charges not realizing that if he had stuck around he would have seen Hinata jump down and catch the girl before she collapsed. Catching her then jumping into the tress Hinata met with the boys as she placed Sakura carefully down on the branch.

 

Grabbing her penlight she briefly checked her eyes for dilation Hinata told the others “She's just knocked out, she should be back to normal in a few minutes. What's the game plan?” Hinata asked looking at the two boys.

 

“It's obviously teamwork” Sasuke answered, “but how do we get Sakura to go along with any plan we have.”

 

“You know the answer to that one, Sasuke-kun” Hinata answered batting her eyes at raven-haired boy.

 

“I hate you some times you know that Hinata” Sasuke answered. “Fine for the sake of the team I will do it. Naruto, Hinata go and attack Kakashi. I have a plan that all four of us can do, but I need you two as a distraction.”

 

Not sure of what the plan was but knowing Sasuke they could trust it the two went off to challenge Kakashi. Looking at his two disappearing teammates Sasuke could only sigh, he was not going to like what he would have to do. Picking up the girl gently, because he didn't want her to wake up before hand Sasuke headed towards the fight.

 

Watching the three as they fought Sasuke smirked in satisfaction when either Naruto or Hinata got a hit in, making the Jounin grunt in pain. The hits were few and far in between but still they did connect. Seeing that Kakashi was behind Naruto in a crouching position with his fingers in the tiger seal, Sasuke knew it was his chance. Picking up the still sleeping girl Sasuke heaved her over his head and counted to three as he could feel Sakura as she begun to stir. Once he reached the count of three he threw Sakura as hard as he could, making her fly like a missile towards the fight. Quickly going threw the hand signs he gathered chakra into his mouth and blew out a series of fireballs straight towards Kakashi following the now screaming Sakura.

 

Kakashi hearing the wailing of a tortured animal stopped what he was doing not noticing what he thought was Naruto putting his hands over his hears as if in agony as he poofed out of sight. Hinata sensing something coming towards her dove to the right, moving out of the way of the whaling female.

 

In flight Sakura had awoken as she flew towards Kakashi. Looking back to see fireballs following her Sakura screamed as if her life depended on it. Arms flaring out beside her Sakura faired to notice that she had grabbed the bells on her way past Kakashi as she landed in the lake beside the training grounds. Feeling a sweat drop form on his head Kakashi wanted to laugh at the sight of Sakura with a lily-pad on her head. He didn't though when Sasuke stepped out of the woods and asked “Missing something sensei?”

 

Reaching behind him Kakashi went to grab the bells only to find air instead. Chuckling softly Kakashi said “first time someone actually threw a teammate to get a bell. Alright then which one of you goes back to the school?”

 

“None of us are” Sasuke answered. “We worked as a team and got those balls, so if one fails we all do.” Sakura at listening to her beloveds' works not realizing Hinata had pulled a camera out of her bag and took a picture of the kunoichi with the pad still on her head.

 

Secretly both Hinata and Sakura wanted to send the other to the school, but knew that it was impossible with Sasuke's words. He was right; they made it as a team so they will fail as a team.

 

“Then you all pass” Kakashi said “for the first time ever a Genin team passes on the first time with me as there teacher. All we will do is a few team training exercises to iron out what could potentially be some rough edges, then we can begin our missions. Meet me here tomorrow at seven and we will begin team training and start missions after lunch.”

 

The team training exercises consisted of being tied together in different groups and having to work together to get out. Hinata found that as long as Naruto or Sasuke wasn't around Sakura wasn't hard to work with at all. It was only when either one of the boys around that she appeared to be dead weight. Kakashi knew this but could only hope that a real life or death situation would get Sakura to act like a real kunoichi, which is why he petitioned for his team for the newest C rank mission.

 

“Alright team gather around” Kakashi said as the sweating teens stopped their kunai practice and walked to where Kakashi was seated. “I have great news for you all. Since you have proven you're self to be pretty adapt at working as a team, I got us a real mission for tomorrow.”

 

“Sensei, if it is chasing after that flea-bitten cat again we don't want it” Naruto said plopping down on the ground, crossing his arms in front of him.

 

“The Dobe, has a point” Sasuke said glaring at Kakashi in a lesser extent of the famous Uchiha glare. “Since we have joined this team, we have chased that damn cat more times than Naruto showers in a week.”

 

“Right” Naruto chirped in before catching all that Sasuke said. “Hey Teme, no need to be mean, I bathe a lot I will have you know.”

 

“I agree with them Kakashi-sensei” Hinata said. “How can we tell if we will be good ninja if all we are doing is chasing a damn cat?”

 

“She's right” Sakura said as she loathed agreeing with the raven-haired girl. But then again Sasuke agreed this time right, so that means she is basically agreeing with him. Still that didn't mean she liked the girl. Working with her was one thing, but liking her was another. If she could find a way to get Hinata off the team, Sakura would more than willingly jump on it.

 

Her pranks that she has played on her so far haven't gotten her kicked out of school or the team yet, but that didn't mean Sakura wasn't ready to stop. She could feel it in her bones. Soon she would have enough information to make Hinata leave, leaving Sasuke for Sakura and Naruto to continue fawning over her. Sakura not realizing she had begun an evil laugh at the knowledge of being with the two boys soon stopped when she heard the subtle coughing of Kakashi.

 

“Glad to hear that, because tomorrow you will have a C rank mission. Prepare to be gone for a few weeks, because tomorrow at five in the morning we leave for the Land of Waves.' Kakashi said with a smile. “Meet me at the gate and don't be late” and with that Kakashi left in a whirl of leaves to take care of some matters he had left at his apartment.