It's a sunny, clear day and everything is going fine. Ok, as fine as anything can go in the middle of the Forest of Death.

It's the Chuunin Exams. She may only be 11 years old but it has been worth it. She graduated the Academy early and was considered a genius, well by a few senseis and her mother. The other two people on her team were new and disagreed on a lot. That's what happens when you put siblings together. Just her luck that she had to be moved to a different team than Genma. Even though he could be annoying, the senbon chewing boy was still cute in some ways.

"Let's go! We have both scrolls."

The three set off through the trees hoping to make it to the tower within the time limit.

"We made it!" The three yelled before falling down exhausted.

"So its you who is making all the ruckus." Said a familiar voice. "Come on Shiori, up you get."

Once Shiori was right side up she looked up into bright blue eyes. She only knew of one person with eyes that color. "Minato-sensei!" She yelled. "What are you doing here? Did team 7 make it back?"

"Calm down. Those three are fine. It was actually Kakashi who sensed you coming. He said something seemed wrong so I came to check on you."

"I'm fine." Shiori suddenly felt dizzy. She gripped Minato's arm. "Damn Kakashi, he was right." With that being said she fainted against his side.

Performing the necessary hand signs he transported her to the hospital. The cloud of smoke had everyone running.

"Get her attention now." He ordered as someone took Shiori from his arms.

'I'm gonna have to tell the rest of her team, my team and the third. Great, just great.' He thought as he disappeared.

Everyone had been informed that one of their own had been poisoned during the second part of the exams. The other two teammates, Yui and Yukki had repeated the events a few times and were a little tired of reliving the past. Minato and his team were sitting around Shiori's bed waiting for any kind of sign of her waking up, it had already been 3 and a half days now.

"What is she gonna do now? She had her heart set on becoming a Chuunin. Now the exams are over." Obito said.

"She pushed herself to her limit and beyond. Her chakra was already low when I sensed it." Kakashi said with no emotion.

"Maybe something can still be done. I'll be back. Rin and Obito, you two go train. Kakashi stay here in case she wakes up."

*poof*

Before anyone could protest or complain he was gone in a flash.

"Let's go Rin before he comes back and makes us do anything else." Obito sighed.

After they left Kakashi relaxed a little more than most people are use to seeing from him.

It seemed like it was hours later when he noticed that her breathing had changed. "I know you're awake Shiori."

Her eyes flashed open. Glancing around the room in all about a millisecond before landing on him. Not sure what he saw in her eyes, there was no chance to figure it out before all emotion was gone. In all about two seconds she had launched herself from the bed and onto him.

"Kakashi! What are you doing here? Where is everyone else? My teammates? What happened?"

And before anything else could come out of her mouth he had placed a hand over it.

"Calm down. I was told to be here in case you woke up. Rin and Obito are training. Your teammates are home. Minato-sensei is talking to the Hokage." He looked her in the eyes. "You were poisoned."

Realizing he answered every question she let it all sink in. He removed his hand. "How long was I out?" Shiori whispered.

"Three and a half days."

She placed her head on Kakashi's shoulder. "So I didn't pass, did I? And what about you?"

"No one has said anything. That's why sensei went to the Hokage. Yes I passed." Kaskahi said softly against her shoulder.

Being close to anyone was something he always tried to avoid. Why he wasn't seemed to be lost on him. Maybe there was something that was different or the fear he felt coming from her.

Minato came walking in at that moment. His eyes went wide with what he saw. Feeling his presence Shiori jumped off Kakashi's lap. "Sensei! What brings you by?" Noticing his hands behind his back.

"Just wanting to drop by and see how you were doing." He paused. "And since you are awake, to give you this." Pulling his hands from behind his back he held up a green Chuunin vest.

"Are you serious?" Shiori quietly spoke.

"After your performance in the Forest of Death was reviewed and hearing how hard you fought and came up with a strategy on the spot the Hokage decided to pass you. Congratulations."

"Thank you!" She flung her arms around his waist. After a second he placed his hands on her shoulders. Pulling back she looked at the vest in her hands. Looking at Kakashi she questioned him, "When are you going for jonin?"

"As quick as I can. And you?"

"Same, so be ready. After that I'm aiming for ANBU."

Minato looked between them before his eyes settled on Shiori. "Are you sure you want to join?"

"Yes. My mother pretty much disowned me after my father died. My old teammate has new members and I don't like my new ones."

He chuckled. "You haven't known them very long. Give it time."

Noticing that she had moved the screen to separate herself from him and Kakashi. "What are you doing?"

"Getting dressed. I'm getting out of here. I hate hospitals."

She walked out from behind the screen dressed in her normal gear, blue skirt with black shorts underneath, a blue shirt with silver lining and her new Chuunin vest over it, and last but least black sandals.

"Well, come on let's go!" Shiori exclaimed, while moving towards the window.

"Don't you ever use a door?" Kakashi asked.
"No. I picked up the habit from two certain someones." She looked at them.

Kakashi just smirked while Minato scratched the back of his neck.

The three of them took off through the Hospital window, over the rooftops and towards the training grounds.

Arriving at the training ground they found Rin and Obito sparring. Noticing they weren't alone anymore they stopped and faced the newcomers.

"Shiori-chan, you're awake!" Cried Rin.

"And became a Chuunin." Obito said with a smile. "How?"

"Her displays of leadership skills and last minute strategy plans." Answered Kakashi hoping that they could train more if he answered.

Everything was quiet for a couple of minutes while the two of them just stared at him. Minato noticed and decided something. "Ok since you two already sparred, how about," he turned to Shiori and Kakashi. "you two go against each other. No jutsus. If you're up for it."

"Sounds good to me." Replied Shiori already walking further into the training ground. Turning around she saw Kakashi coming at her. Ducking underneath his attack she swepted her leg around to knock his feet out from under him. Leaping up he charged her.

They kept their spar up for hours. Or at least long enough that the other three sat down against the trees, Rin almost falling asleep. They watched in amazement as Shiori snuck up behind Kakashi. He turned a second too late and found himself flat on his back pinned underneath her. Kakashi just looked up at her with wide eyes. 'I can't believe I lost to a girl.' She just smirked at him.

"Alright good job you two." Minato called. "Everyone go home. Team 7 and team 9 meet at the gates around 6am. We have a mission together."

"My team has a mission with you?" Shiori asked. "Why?"

"I wasn't told. Just that I had to tell you your team needs to be at the gate at 6am. It will only be me with you six so behave."

"Yes sensei. I'll see you guys in the morning." Shiori said in a disappear of leaves.

"I never should of taught her that jutsu." Minato groaned. "I'll see you three in the morning." Before he could leave Kakashi spoke up. "They're going with us because something happened to their sensei, didn't it?"

Minato sighed, "Maybe. I don't know much. None of you say a word of this to Shiori. Got it?"

"Hai sensei." All three said before going their separate ways.