Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Warning: Mentions of self-esteem issues/unhealthy eating habits

Notes: Cliche. Now stay with me ya'll, I have my reasons. The "personal?" reasons will be at the bottom. Also I added logic to it so, in the story, it makes sense. Maybe. Let me know how ya'll like the story.

Be youthful, you springtime flowers of youth!

Teams

Finally, the days of being an academy student are over. I was able to easily soar through the academic lessons with exceptional show of skill and understanding, as well as given opportunities to advance myself to higher classes; which I took without much thought.

Unfortunately as I sit in an mostly empty classroom, I was put on hold as the Konoha council, including the head of each clan, discussed the effects and consequences of the tragedy that befell the near extinct Uchiha clan. After much deliberation, a temporary law was placed to no longer allow any students to graduate earlier then attended, even going as far as pushing the young advanced students back with their original year mates as a precaution.

I, along with two other students who have shown exceptional skill and potential, were placed back within our age group. One was a civilian with an extraordinary amount of skill and precise chakra control while the other student was my Onii-san, Neji. While the council and the clans placed this law as an precaution of prevention, the children placed within the academy saw it differently. Backlash of jealousy and childish quips were rained upon the three of us as they created an idiotic belief that, 'we were not as good as we or others thought.'

Neji and I survived the harsh onslaught brought by the abrupt precautionary law, but the civilian did not. Within a week the civilian girl quit the academy by the result of unchecked bullying from her peers.

Konohagakure lost a potentially great medic-nin.

Then within three days of her withdrawal from the academy she disappeared without a trace. The girl was never found.

As rumors floated around that she became a potential missing-nin, even if she never truly earned her ranked, and a grieving family demanding justice for their lost daughter, the school hammered down the reasoning of three potential early graduates coming back and the repercussions the students have caused.

This was all spoken by every teacher with the attendance of the Hokage to at least quell the bullying of Konoha's great potentials. Konohagakure will not, could not afford any more lost of potentially exceptional ninja. While the bullying did become quelled against the favored, it did not even dent the bullying of civilians or any unfavorable students.

As six years went by in a rather slow pace, most students have been dropped or quit the academy by their own violation. The percentage ratio of being dropped out to self/parental withdrawal is staggering, 1 to 6. At the start of my time at the academy there were four different classes attending within my age group, now there is only one.

A slight shuffle from the occupied corner seat beside me brings my attention to the noise. Uchiha Sasuke, wearing a blue shirt and white shorts, sits beside me in the nearly unoccupied classroom. The distanced boy has a dark aura of imprisoned hatred and loneliness about him with his newly given Hitai-ate rests proudly on his forehead. The brooding boy was once considered for advancements, but considering the expectations set by his older brother which he did not meet at the time, put him as a potential of potentials.

Though after the massacre of his clan the boy began to rise and surpass any expectations set upon him. His newly showing genius was seen too late as the academy quickly inputted and followed the law of terminating early graduation. The ambitious boy lost valuable time to enact his obvious revenge.

His hands begin to tremble with gritting teeth and narrowed eyes while my new sensei, Umino Iruka, announced the termination of advancements and the possibility of early graduation. The mark of Uchiha genetics is plan to see on the seething and fracturing boy.

The top rookie stares down with a distance dullness in his dark eyes and begins to prepare himself for his arriving classmates. His black haired head sits on top of folded hands and gently exhales the air from his temporary seclusion from those he deems beneath him as well as the banshees of fan girls. A surge of annoyance funnels through my body while I also begin to prepare myself for what is to come.

Despite Sasuke's obvious disinterest and biting remarks, he is quite popular among the female species. In their vanity, the boy has become an idol among them with his favored genetics and obvious skill. United yet not, the boy's fangirls have two similarities among each other, their like for the Uchiha and their penchant for loud screams. A day does not go by without a chorus of girlish screeches sounding out through the classroom.

Though unfortunately, this is not the only reason I must prepare myself for the last harrowing day filled with children on the cusp of puberty. Unlike the boy I seem to shield by an unspoken arrangement we have, I do not have his popularity. If anything I am considered an outcast among my peers, from both genders.

Too cold, too mature, too different to be considered anything other.

Most of the one sided antagonistic relationships that have developed towards me stems from the Uchiha fangirls since they believe 'I am trying to steal their Sasuke-kun away.'

All because of an unspoken agreement made solely by the boy beside me. The last Uchiha who one day decided to sit in the empty corner seat beside the quiet piranha of his class.

Logically it made sense as most either avoided me or tried to fight with words, fists or both, and utterly lost. Within the three days I had been pushed back to my year mates, I proceeded to create an unflattering reputation. The reputation the brooding boy used to shield himself away from the stares of foolish girls and curious eyes.

I became his buffer between him and everyone else, especially when it all become to much for the boy who lost everything. During those times he would seek me out and hide within the occupied area or, perhaps sometimes, follow the clues I would think aloud about.

Certain spots no one would ever find. Places overlooked and abandon.

All because I was different from the others. I did not pity him, favor him, like him. I did not blatantly wonder about him. Nor did I whisper and stare with fixed eyes upon his withdrawn form.

The both of us had an unspoken agreement without the contamination of friendship. Something his fans seem to misinterpret on a daily basis. Though most would not dare confront me since many seem content to whisper insults or glare with childish jealousy. Expect for two, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino, who loudly state their dislike of me sitting next to their precious Sasuke-kun, but small mercies have been granted since that is all the two girls do.

Or even could do against me.

Both have lost much of their potential when they both began to focus in the vain pursuit of beauty to win an disinterested boy over. Though most of the girl's lost potential comes from a ridiculous dieting method they seem to follow to have a slim figure. A figure riddled with signs of malnutrition, especially the pink haired one, Sakura. A girl who seems to have taken the dieting farther then her former friend.

It makes sense. Haruno Sakura has been bullied since her start at the academy, perhaps even before that, resulting in self-esteem issues and insecurities. Her fears have clawed their way under her skin, letting her lose herself in them. She lost a good friend because of it, now she is losing even more.

Considering the extensive training we go through on a daily basis, our bodies have more need for sustenance than usual. This, of course, is without the added equation of a growing body on the cusp of puberty. Sakura seems to fair the worst of malnutrition as her body shows a lack of growth compared to the blonde one, Ino.

Compared to the Yamanaka heiress, the civilian girl lacks both height and curve.

The heiress may not show physical signs of malnutrition but it is shown in her training, less endurance and more easily fatigued. Yet somehow she is considered the second best Kunoichi when it comes to physicality compared to the rest of the girls.

The Haruno civilian is worst as she can barely complete the training required to pass and struggles even with basic endurance training. Though she does make up her stunning lack of physical prowess with her obvious intelligence and exemplary control of chakra. Sakura would most likely be the one with the title of top Kunoichi if I were not here.

With Sakura's natural inclination to chakra control and her clever use of it, she would be labeled a genjutsu type, a rare breed among shinobi of the elemental nations. She could be devastating on the battle field if she were to use her strengths. Though it would all mean nothing if she continued on the path she created.

Such wasted potential.

Like the pink haired girl, Ino has become wasted potential as well. Considering her clan's famed mind techniques as well as her head start in this life. Like her former friend she could be a devastating force against her enemies, by mind and body.

Both girls had a great amount of potential wasted and squandered over a mere boy.

I can't help but find it pathetic.

Though there is no need to bother myself with the girl's self-made choices, if I find myself not teamed up with them. Which is likely if I go by the preciously formed genin teams makeup. While it is not certain, more than likely I would be teamed up with Aburame Shino and Inuzuka Kiba, the heirs of Hiashi's old teammates.

A team formed and chosen because of their strengths and techniques that is extremely cohesive and fluid towards tracking. Just like Yamanaka will most likely be teamed up with the Nara and Akimichi heirs, because of the infamous Ino-Shika-Cho formations designed by the long histories of their clans working together.

Though I would not put it pass the Hokage to calculate a different formation, especially if potential members of a team do not get along. Like Kiba and I. Somehow, ever since the red tattooed cheeked boy has laid eyes on me, he has developed a rather obvious edge towards me. Even the pup who finds its home on top of the child's head and in his fur-lined hoodie.

Wariness enters both of their brown canine eyes when they sense me and each begin to bare sharp teeth at me like an animal cornered by a predator. Whatever they have sensed about me keeps them wary and distanced, with low growls and snapping jaws if I approach to close.

A part of me wonders if they sense death on me. If they both sense a wrongness about me.

Though Aburame Shino does not seem to share his classmate's opinion of me. The sunglasses wearing boy is rather quiet and distance since he finds better conversation and acceptance among the insects that dwell within him and the ones that dwell within the world he lives in.

The jacket covered boy neither likes nor dislikes me.

Clambering steps of excitement and nervousness fumble into the room as graduated students rush in before the final bell rings. Faces wide with smiles and scrunched by nerves begin occupying empty seats. The air begins buzzing from built up anticipation.

As always the seat in front of me and beside me is unoccupied while people try to avoid the outcast, the ice princess, the bitch, the one who Kiba can't stop growling at. All expect for a boy clad in orange and blue, Uzumaki Naruto. A boy who has nothing and barley anyone. A boy hated by the entire village, the 'demon brat'.

A big grin widens his whiskered scarred face as he sits in a sunny excitement. A restless and spirited nature consumes the bright-eyed boy and his left leg shakes in anticipation. His hands keep adjusting the shiny blue clothed hitai-ate with a proud look in his blue eyes.

Briefly I remember the Uzumaki boy failing, but it seems he has found a way to pass. Perhaps, the Third or Umino-sensei gave him another chance to graduate. Watching the blonde haired and blue eyed boy continually play with the metal fabric tied across his forehead, I feel my finger touch my own.

I let my white eyes fall onto the hitai-ate tied against my left arm. The metal with Konoha's symbol shines in polished brightness among black fabric. The tied cloth blends seamlessly against the black turtleneck short sleeved shirt, fitted tight across my torso. Like the upper half of my curving body, formfitting thick black pants and the universal black shinobi shoes covers the lower half of my growing body.

Black on black on black.

Softly I blow against the strands of bangs covering my forehead and the side of my face, reminding myself I need another haircut since my bangs have begun to reach my eyes. Without much thought I also flick a bundle of hair, left from my messy styled bun, off my shoulder. The dark blue strands sway across the middle of my pin straighten back.

"Huh? What are you doing here Naruto?" The unmistakably laid back voice of the Nara heir questions the restless boy. His stature while straight and tall has an undeniable laid back and laziness to it as one of his hands hang limply in his gray pant's pocket. "This is the graduating class, dropouts can't be here, remember?" Despite an almost uncaring tone in his question an flash of intelligence and unmistakably curiosity shines in his brown eyes as he assesses the spiky haired boy.

Eagerly the boy straightens himself and points with his thumb toward the, now slanted, forehead protector. "See this Shikamaru?! See it?! This right 'ere is a hitai-ate. I got it fair an' square, dattebayo." The sunny boy's grin widens even more with his eyes closed in a jubilant triumph. "We're gonna be training together, Shikamaru. How'd ya like that?!"

Uzumaki's voice rings loud and clear through the noisy classroom, "You an' me are gonna train together from now on Shikamaru, dattebayo."

From there the conversation begins to halt as the spiked ponytail Nara sighs in exasperation, "Mendokusai."

Like his friend sitting before him the heir has a verbal tick as well.

The Nara gives a slight wave with a yawned goodbye while he leaves to sit next to his best friend, Akimichi Choji. The sound of a crinkling bag and the crunching of eaten chips are heard and Shikamaru is offered a chip from the bigger boy. Lazily he takes the offered chip before he lays his head down onto his tanned crossed arms.

The noise begins to die down as most begin to converse with friends in a more leveled tone. Even the fangirls seem too occupied with the coming announcements on team placements to add more noise to the sound level. A soft exhale of breath leaves me and I soak up the sun shinning through the glass window standing tall beside the Uchiha.

A door slams open and two heavily breathing girls begin to argue about who won their little race. The noise level rises as two voices loudly declare themselves the winner. The distinct voices of Haruno and Yamanaka begin to drown out most conversation. The fidgeting boy in front of me perks at the sound of the pink haired girl. A blush spreads across his ever smiling cheeks when he turns toward his crushes' voice who gazes around the room.

The boy goes unnoticed as Sakura finds her target, Sasuke. A small smile spreads across her face when she gazes at the lone Uchiha. Quickly she finds her way over to him. Unfortunately for the boy in orange he mistakes her actions for the Uchiha boy for him.

He stands quickly with sweaty palms and his blush reddening a bit more, "Hey Sakura-cha-" The girl in a red dress rudely throws the boy down behind her without breaking her gaze from the brooding boy, "Sasuke-kun.." A pause comes from her as the disinterested boy looks at her.

"M-ma-may I sit with you?" The words come out soft as she fiddles with the hem of her red dress and her cheeks tint red while she awaits an answer from the dark haired boy.

She steps closer to the seat she threw the boy out of. "I can even move take her seat if you want me too, Sasuke-kun." A glare is pointed at me and I begin to challenge the girl with my narrowed eyes to step up.

She takes a quick step back as her former friend appears quickly beside her with a protective glint in her eyes, "Oi, I was here first, Forehead!" The blonde haired Yamanaka grasps her smaller friend's arm and moves her slightly behind her with a soft yank, "So it should be me!" Irritation clearly glints itself in Ino's pupil-less eyes when she stares down her friend, but friendly affection and protection swirls beside it in her blues.

The girl's emotions are ignored while the pink haired girl obliviously tramples her way through, "No way pig, now move." But before any more blundering can be made, other fangirls begin to gather around like witches at black masses. A chorus of girlish voices screech and yell as they all pit against each other for the scowling Uchiha.

In their midst of fighting a brightly coloured boy weaves his way through to gain the attention of the Uchiha himself. Mentally I sigh and watch the play before me. The lonely orange boy scampers up the shared desk to the lonely blue boy to stare his rival down.

Without any hesitance Sasuke partakes in the staring contest against Naruto. They gather closer to each other as electricity forms between them. To invested in the mini contest between them each boy does not notice anything around them.

A slight bump from a careless classmate and the orange boy accidental falls into the blue boy's lips. Shock and surprise quickly form on their features while their minds stutter to comprehend what is happening. Within a second each boy wrenches away from another and each rub accidental kissed lips with fervor.

The action elicits an unexpected quietness from the arguing fangirls who witnessed the incident. Shock and dawning comprehension form on the girl's faces as they watch two dry retching and heaving boys. Then in a split second, irrational anger and jealousy forms as well as plans to plot some sort of violent pay back on Uzumaki.

Sensing the danger Naruto immediately straightens and gazes toward the angered children. Slowly he backs away when fist begin to crack and pop in anticipation for the coming violence, "Naruto! You'll pay for stealing Sasuke-kun's first kiss." Sakura begins to move closer with a rallying angry mob behind her.

A flinch forms from the boy as he backs away with some fear, "I-it-it was an-a-an' accident Sa-saku-sakura-chan, dattebayo!" His pleas fall on death ears.

"Enough." My voice rings across the classroom. The approaching fangirls immediately stop in their mission to hurt the innocent boy. Low growls sounding from the Inuzuka pair begin to fill the air. Alert eyes of every classmate fall upon me.

"Take your childish jealousy elsewhere and leave the boy alone." I can practically hear the disbelief coming off the children, especially the defended boy, "If you wish to fight do it among yourselves and outside of this room."

Audible gulps are heard and most of the horde of girls back away. "Perhaps, you will do us all a favor by knocking each other out while you are at it. Your banshee screeches are basically intolerable." Gasps and two wary growls resound across the room as I speak in utter annoyance at the girls.

Still sitting, I await with no fear for any sign of retaliation. None come as Umino-sensei enters his unusually quiet classroom. Confusion enter his features while he stares at his shocked students in question, but as no one answers he casually shrugs off the abnormality before he signals the class to seat down. Rather quickly any students standing stumble into any open seats.

Haruno and Uzumaki take the seats in front of Uchiha and I.

As all the students settle down Umino-sensei begins his speech on his pride for us and being newly made genin. When the scarred man's speech winds down he begins to list the three man teams who will forge a strong bond between another. Slowly he goes down the list and enunciates every name and every team with a clear strong voice.

"Team 7 – Uzumaki Naruto," The blonde haired boy perks like a puppy at the mention of his name. "Hyuuga Hinata" Quickly he turned towards me. His eyes hold a warring confusion as he stares at my cold attitude.

A frown mars his face.

"And Uchiha Sasuke." The staring boy immediately slackens in his posture when his rival's name is said, while the lone Uchiha scoffs in irritation and looks at the disappointed boy.

After the dark eyed boy glares down at the blonde boy in front of him, he moves his assessing eyes towards me. Languidly I move my head to stare back at the revenge riddled boy. Dark eyes that seem like endless caverns hold an ounce of relief in them. He practically screams his thoughts as he holds my stare, 'At least I have someone tolerable in this pathetic idea of groups.'

Feeling the eyes of jealous fangirls on my form, I contemplate the newly formed team 7.

Notes: Okay so like I said I have reasons for Hinata being on team 7. The most prominent will be for Sakura's development. I mean she has soooooo much potential to be even more. I am not saying she is useless because in the later series, like shippuden, she did do a lot. Saving people ya know. killing an akatsuki. But... I thought she could get the potential earlier on with more skills then just badass strength and healing. To accomplish that.. well.. No team 7. I mean Kakashi (I love the man) was a horrible teacher. Then add in Sakura's crush on Sasuke, and Naruto's crush on Sakura, and Sasuke's crush on revenge, it was just disastrous.

On to the second reason, I low-key wanted to write with a known story line. I know im lazy.

Also background characters will be soooo much more. Naruto and Sasuke are definitely strong characters but there are others. Yes the background characters will be mostly in the background but when they show up there will be character building moments and their own badassery.