۰ Hideki Matsui had always been a normal kid. Well, he was born in America as Charlie Bryant, but changed his name after learning as much as he could of Japanese. When saying goodbye to those parents he would miss so much, he thought of his coming life as somewhat Kappa Mikey-ish -- going to Japan, calling his parents every night, et cetera.

۰ As Hideki settled down into Konoha, he had begun classes at the Academy, meeting "celebrities", such as Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, and others. Hideki looked them all over before deciding to sit next to Naruto. As he sat, Naruto began telling him all about he was better than Sasuke.

"Hey, what's your name?" Announced Naruto.

"H-H-Hideki." Stuttered Hideki.

"You don't gotta be so shy around me! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, World Champion Shinobi of the World – or, at least, I'm gonna be once I graduate from this dumb Academy.

"Hm… sure. Me too!"

"Wanna get to know this place, Hideki? You can come with me after class and we can head out for some ramen."

"Sounds great!"

That's how Hideki made his very first friend.

۰ Hideki had made some other friends, too. He didn't have a "fan club", but some girls did like him, including Sakura and Ino. Sure, they were pretty, but he didn't wanna start anything with any of 'em – he barely knew them! But now was graduating day, test day, whatever you'd like to call it. That's where our story truly starts.

Iruka-sensei called on everyone else, except Naruto and Hideki.

"Hmm, okay. Hideki Matsui, please step up."

Hideki gulped, oblivious to Naruto's cheers.

"Okay, Hideki, I'd like you to perform a basic transformation jutsu."

"Yes, sir." Hideki gulped again. Basic, shmasic! This was one of his weak spots and he knew it. He started with the hand sign, readied his chakra, and transformed. Into what? He thought of something basic, and came out with an almost perfect imitation of Iruka himself!

"Hmm… if I do say so myself, that looks great!" Iruka flashed a smug grin and turned to the class. "Okay, this young Shinobi has graduated!" As the grads clapped, the sensei called Naruto up, and he failed – poor Naruto.

۰ Naruto did graduate sooner or later, and the class was called together again, to sort the young ninjas into teams. Iruka-sensei finally made his way to Team 7, he announced, "Since we have an odd number, I think I can fit four into this one…yeah. Okay, Naruto Uzumaki. Sasuke Uchi –"

"WHAT?! I HAVE TO BE WITH SASUKE?" came a heated cry from the group.

"Yes, Naruto, you have to be with Mr. Uchiha. Okay, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno, and I'm going to squeeze Hideki Matsui with you. Okay, Team 8…"