I was eating breakfast and running over my notes one last time for the written part of the chunin exams. You never know what they'll test you on, so it's best to be prepared. The tv was on and an old clip of my great grandfather, Naruto Uzumaki, was playing.

"The most important thing is to communicate properly, you know?"

The phone rang and my father went to pick it up. I listened to the recorded broadcast as I read over my notes yet again. The newscaster continued to brag about the Seventh Hokage's efforts and how it was thanks to him that they were in a time of peace.

Great grandfather would agree with her occasionally with his typical 'you know' phrase tagged on the end of it. I enjoyed watching these old recordings. They gave me confidence to press forward. It was funny. I never met him, yet his words reached down and stirred something in my soul.

"Woah, slow down, dad. What do you mean he's gone?" My father was obviously talking to grandpa Boruto. Grandpa was always worrying about something and dad was always trying to settle him down again.

"Do you have any words for the genin who will be taking part?" The woman on the tv was referring to the chunin exams.

"Just remember these three things! Teamwork… and perseverance… That's all."

I couldn't help but chuckle every time at that part. Great grandfather was an amazing ninja for sure, but when I watched recordings of him he seemed like a big goofball.

I turned off the tv and set my dirty dishes on the counter.

"Of course I understand!" My father was sounding more upset than usual. "Yeah... Alright… I'll make sure that I tell the Hokage… Don't worry dad. You know how he gets. He'll probably be back in a few days…"

Grandpa's voice could be heard over the phone, but I couldn't make out what he was saying.

My dad let out a sigh. "Yes, of course. Keep me posted if anything new arises… Goodbye, dad." My dad hung up the phone.

"Natsuo? Is everything alright?" My mother asked as she put the last dish away.

My father ran his hand through his blond hair in worry. "I hope so."

I tied my straight long blonde hair back into a high ponytail and activated my byakugan. My dad's chakra network was going haywire. It only ever did that when he was stressed out or upset.

"What's the problem, dad?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"Liar."

"Nakira!" My mother corrected.

"What? It's clear he's stressed out."

My father glared at me. "You used your byakugan again, didn't you?"

"Sorry, but whenever you get into a heated discussion like that with grandpa…"

"I don't want to talk about it right now. Just go. You don't want to be late for the chunin exams."

"And don't forget to pick your brother up from the academy once you're done." Mother added.

"I know, I know." I waved. "Bye!"

I ran out the door and went full speed to meet up with my team.

I arrived at the place where all the other teams had gathered for the first part of the chunin exams. I quickly found my team.

"Nakira! There you are!" Amari and Yukina waved at me.

"Amari! Yukina!"

I joined my friends. We'd been friends since we were in the academy. Amari was part of the Inuzuka clan. His pup, Akamaru, was always close by. He'd named his pup after his great grandfather's dog because he looked up to him, much the same way I looked up to my great grandfather.

Yukina was part of the Sarutobi clan. She was the only one I knew who could be immature when she wanted but still command respect when she raised her voice. She was a force to be reckoned with. I'd never been on her bad side and I never wanted to be.

"I told Amari you wouldn't be late. Not today." Yukina explained.

"I never said she would be! I just said that today would be a bad day to be late! That's all!"

I couldn't help but giggle. "I was running over my notes again."

"And watching your great granddad's tape I bet." Yukina added.

"You caught me."

Before we could continue our conversation, a booming voice echoed over the whole crowd.

"Alright, listen up!" Everyone was quiet. "Form a line single file and enter the door when you're instructed. Once everyone is through, we'll start the exams!"

"Well, I guess that's our cue." I stated confidently. "Don't worry! We'll get through this! I know we will!"

The exam finished and I was overflowing with excitement when we passed the first part.

"What do you saw we get some food to celebrate?!" Amari suggested.

"I'm game. How about you, Nakira?" Yukina asked.

"No thanks. I have to go get Haruka from the academy. I promised mom I would."

"Of course. Nakira never breaks a promise."

"Damn straight! I'll see you guys later!" I waved as I ran in the direction of the academy.

When I finally arrived, Haruka was sitting on the swing that was just in front of the academy.

"You're late." Haruka complained.

"Sorry. I had the first part of the chunin exams today." I explained as we started walking home

"How'd you do?"

"Our team passed with flying colours!" I announced triumphantly.

"If you become a chunin, does that mean you'll finally start being on time?"

"Hey! I can't help it if the exam went long!"

"You always have some sort of excuse!" My brother smirked. "Maybe you're cursed to be late for all of eternity!" He made his voice as creepy as possible.

"Yeah right. Even if there was such a thing as a curse, I could totally whip it's butt!"

"You're such a bragger."

"And you're a pest."

My brother and I teased each other like this all the time. It may seem like we're beating up on each other, but deep down I would die for him.

"Race ya home!" Haruka took off running.

"Hey! No fair getting a head start!" I took off after him.

When we arrived home, we came crashing through the door as we tied our race. My brother may be younger, but he was fast.

"And you call yourself a ninja. You can't even beat me in a race!"

"Keep talking and I'll use my byakugan on you!"

"You'll do no such thing!" Mother interrupted our little spat.

I only had the byakugan because dad had ended up marrying a Hyuga, just like great granddad.

"Well I'm going back out to go train! I'll see ya later!"

"Not so fast!" I turned back around and mother placed her hands on her hips. "You need to eat before anything else."

"Fine." I grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl on the counter and stuffed it in my mouth. " 'ere, 'ahhy 'ow?" I mumbled.

"I'll still expect you to eat when you get back."

" 'eah, 'eah." I ran out the door and went to the nearest training grounds.

I ate the apple and went straight to practicing my gentle fist style. I needed to train hard for the next month if I was going to do well in the next part of the chunin exams.

I trained for hours. Before I knew it, it was dark. I shut off my byakugan and sat on the grass. I looked up and admired the stars. It was a beautiful night. I loved being out on nights like this. But no matter how nice it was, it was time for me to get back.

I got up and only took a few steps when I felt a prick in the side of my neck and everything went black.