Author's Note: All the stories I found with this idea were left unfinished, which is very saddening. So I figured I'd give it a good go, hope you enjoy the first chapter.

© Anime by Masashi Kishimoto

Chapter One

Analysis

There had been quite the number of graduates this year, meaning there were many potentially talented shinobi, so undoubtedly there would be three teams hopefully consisting of the usual three members. Nine rookies. Nine rookies who would need good leaders, sensei, if their real potential was to be fleshed out. Given Kakashi's skill as a Jounin, the fact that Hiruzen wanted him to take on a Genin team of his own came as very little surprise to him.

But, Kakashi had been pretty reluctant on accepting the Hokage's offer. As over the years he has encountered many newly made squads. He had been assigned to a variety of them and they all seemed to be the same; nothing more than a cluster of immature children.

They were always so certain of themselves, believing they could do anything and everything on their own, missing the entirety of being grouped into teams in the first place.

There was more to how a ninja opperated than what was seen on the surface, there was more to being one in general. No one, not even the strongest of ninja, can do anything on their own.

They always came to the notion that they didn't need each other. They belittled one another and underestimated one or the other's abilities. Which would only lead to the age old "every ninja for himself" situation during Kakashi's bell test.

They took one another for granted and acted as if they didn't care much for each other in general. It definitely did a fine job of disgusting Kakashi, which was why he had no remorse when he failed all those teams. Their expressions of shock always made up for the utter disappointment they showed him. They were very lucky to have each other, they just didn't see it at the time. Your team was your rock, the people who would always be there for you when no one else is. Who will believe in you when no one else does.

Kakashi missed his old comrades achingly, he'd give the world and more to have them back. Because teammates were a treasure, and if his students couldn't even understand that... well, then they had no place in the ninja world simply put.

Whether his new team would be any different, well he'd see for himself. But, he'd be lying if he said he didn't have any low expectations from them.

He'd seen this years graduates many times, he hung silently around the Academy from time to time for at least the entirety of their final year. For observational purposes of course, to analyse where they were as far as ability.

Kakashi Hatake was no child predator, his curiosity merely got the better of him. Curious to see if this year's graduates could really cut it as ninja.

Many of them stuck out, like Ino, Shikamaru, Chouji, Hinata, Shino, and Kiba. All because of the respective clans that they all hailed from. Each with it's own notoriety within the village. But the one's who stuck out the most were the Jinchuriki, the surviving Uchiha, and the pink haired civilian girl.

Naruto Uzumaki, the vessel for the beast who attacked the village twelve years ago. Leaving many of the villagers dead or brutally injured in it's wake. He was... quite the little trouble maker, but what did one expect? He'd been ignored his entire life, treated like some outsider; like he didn't belong. His actions were fueled by the people around him and their own actions towards him. You don't look his way? Then he'll do everything to make you look. If making a fool of himself and causing trouble were the only types of ways for him to get the interaction that he craved, then so be it in his mind. The boy was practically starving for the attention that people refused to give him.

As far as his skill went, he was very poor. For reasons that were not his fault, but the Kyuubi's. Naruto, he had large reserves all on his own, but the immense power of the fox demon in addition to it made chakra control immensely difficult for him. The more of it you had, the harder it was to mold and disperse. He could do the simpler jutsu, like the henge technique, with no trouble. But some proved to be more complicated for him, like the clone jutsu. He never had anyone sit him down and show him how to do something either, to tell him what he was doing wrong so he could fix it. As result, he was poor in a lot of his skill points.

He wasn't book smart either, he was more of a powerhouse. Someone with a more than acceptional amount of stamina and strength for his current age, who could keep fighting and using jutsu for a long time without growing fatigued. Though despite that, he was the worst student of his year.

Sasuke Uchiha, the only one who had been left alive during his family's genocide. The crime which was committed at the hands of his elder brother, Itachi. No one was very clear on the reasoning to which Itachi left him alive, and no one dared ask if Sasuke had known himself. That night changed him, possibly for the worse.

He was the best in the year, as far as physical ability. Having mastered jutsu that someone of his age, who isn't even a ninja yet, should not have known how to do. He was one of the quickest learners, non surprising given his status as a genius and prodigy, and he was very handy with ninja tools. Something that was extremely common with that specific clan.

He, however, was very uncooperative, refusing help from anyone as he thought they'd only get in his way. In his mind, everyone was below him and thus useless. He would've been number one in his class, had it not been for his failing grades in teamwork and communication. Due to this the Yamanaka girl came out on top. He was one of those "ninja" that Kakashi didn't really care for, but at the same time Sasuke was very intriguing. He reminded him a lot of himself when he was that age.

Sakura Haruno was a girl who wasn't very impressive when it came to strength, combat, and jutsu. But she seemed to make up for it in her intelligence. She was the straight-A honorary student who knew information outside of what you learn in the Academy. Her knowledge was far outside the basics of the Academy, she knew things that should've been far too difficult for someone at her level to learn. He's seen her, on rare occasion, reading Chuunin and Jounin level material during his student scoping.

It was quite impressive, but the disappointing part was that she was a preteen girl. At that age she was more interested in boys, Sasuke to be exact, and the way she looked instead of any actual ninja training. Which would probably explain her physical lacking. She was unfortunately just like the other girls in class, in terms of how she acted.

They were each a bit odd in their own right, but interesting to the copy ninja. They reminded him of his old team, Naruto's father being his old sensei making it even more so.

The Jounin were all set to gather in the Hokage Tower, to discuss the team formations of the students. For orientation was to begin the very next morning. And, as usual, Kakashi was the last to arrive. Making everyone wait another hour and a half while he burned time at the Memorial Stone, speaking to Rin and Obito just like he did at the beginning and end of every day.

Some Jounin, like Kurenai, simply rolled their eyes at the pitiful excuse he had made. While others, like Asuma, only laughed at him. They fully expected something like this from him.

Kakashi's tardiness was due to his losing track of time while reminiscing in front of that stone, but using the same excuses that Obito use to when he was late for something was Kakashi's personal way of keeping him alive. Sometimes, it just helped in easing his depression a little. Even if it was only temporarily.

Once Hiruzen was sure everyone was present and accounted for, he began. "There has been a change in the team formations, I first must say." he said, taking his pipe out of his mouth.

"What type of change?" Asuma questioned.

"A change that results in each team now having the standard three members." Hiruzen answered, making some people perk up in curiosity.

"How?" Kurenai inquired next. "There were only twenty-six graduates this year, you said one of the teams would be a two man group."

"That, or two teams would be a four man group." Kakashi added, Kurenai quickly nodding in agreement.

The odds between both options would probably be in the favor of the former, as with a two person group the Jounin would be able to give more attention and training to the two equally. The amount they could learn from their respective teacher could possibly even increase.

To get these same results with the later could be done, but it certainly wouldn't be an easy feat. It was a tad challenging just to teach three, teaching four would only make it more so. The more students you had, the harder you had to try to give them the amount of attention they require.

It was too bad, Kakashi had been more than willing to teach the two man team. Especially if the Uchiha were to possibly be on it.

Hiruzen shook his head. "Uzumaki Naruto has been passed, the number of graduates is now twenty-seven. Making nine teams of three."

They all seemed a bit surprised, but nodded. "Well then ... how did he pass if he failed his Genin exam?" Kurenai asked once again, making the Hokage chuckle.

"Iruka passed him, following the ordeal with Mizuki." he answered, and it was no wonder. After hearing from Iruka about all the clones, Shadow clones at that, he produced in that forest, it was clear his level of skill was higher than it appeared to be. If he was able to master such an advanced technique in a only matter of hours.

"I can understand why ..." Asuma muttered underneath his breath.

"Now that each team will have it's capacity of members, we may discuss who goes where." He turned to Kurenai. "Yuuhi Kurenai, I believe the team you will lead is to specialize in tracking. Correct?"

She nodded. "Yes, that's right."

"Judging off of their skills, the three Genin who would work the best under that area are ... Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino, and Hyuuga Hinata." he stated, skimming over their files that he had off to the side.

They did sound like they would be a good tracking team, Kiba had just as good a sense of smell as any hound. Just like anyone else from his clan, he'd be able to find his target just from tracking them by their scent.

Shino's "critters" could not only warn him of approaching enemies, certain bugs of his could be used to track down the enemy if placed on them. They'd be able to tail them with ease.

The Hyuuga clan's Doujutsu, Byakugan, grants near three-hundred and sixty degree vision. Upon its activation, the wielder is granted an automatic 50 metre field of vision around themselves which can then be extended at their discretion. As well as the ability to see through solid objects. It would be very useful in scoping from a distance, she wouldn't have to change her position (at least not very often).

At best, the Hyuuga seemed like she'd be the better member when it came to tracking. Her or Kiba.

"They will be your new team." he concluded. "Kakashi, you are to be the front line assault team?"

"Yes,"

Hiruzen put Team Eight's files away and pulled three more out in front of him, opening them. "Hmmm ... just as I thought. From what I can see here, the best combination for a team of that nature is ..." he trailed. "... Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Saku—"

"Actually Hokage-sama," Kakashi cut off. "I have a suggestion, if you don't mind of course." Hiruzen nodded, signaling for him to go on. "I think it would be better if Hinata were placed on my team instead."

The Jounin were staring at him. "Really now? And why is that Kakashi?" he asked. "Kurenai's team is a well constructed one, consisting of the three Genin who would have best tracking abilities. Do you not think this is good?"

Kakashi shook his head. "Oh no, it isn't bad thinking. Grouping together students with similar skills, well, that's what some would want in a team. It's good, I guess." He shrugged. "But, too much of something good can turn into something bad."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "Care to elaborate?"

"Gladly," His only visible eye crinkled closed, he was smiling. "while it may seem so I don't believe it's very wise to group together only students of that caliber. There are risks that come along with that, one's that could put the whole team in jeopardy if they aren't careful."

"Like?"

"Like a trap," he answered. "they may be good at seeking people out, but what about their abilities to see through deception? Someone with a great eye and intelligence level would do well for that, someone like Haruno Sakura."

The Hokage hummed. "So then, you think Sakura and Hinata's team placement should be switched?" Kakashi answered with a 'yes'. "Why is that? You strike a point with Sakura, but what makes you think Hinata would be a better candidate for your team?"

Even though his only purpose of checking on them all at the Academy was to assess where they were ability wise, he saw just a little more than that. Hinata interacted with absolutely no one, she always shrank back and kept out of everything. This and how she always stayed in the background, refusing to really meet the gazes of anyone, gave off the vibe that she was quite the shrinking violet. She also appeared to be pretty unconfident, she didn't seem to be very pleased with the things she could already do.

Kakashi hadn't known it, but her father Hiashi had to do with that. While training at home she was always compared to her younger sibling Hanabi, her father always told her how she showed far more promise than Hinata. That she would make a better clan leader than herself, and Hinata would get nowhere if she didn't shape up.

He called her many things, ranging from a weakling to a disappointment. Stating to her that her lack of complete grasp of the Hyuuga fighting style was utterly pitiful. In his mind, telling her these things was a way to give Hinata incentive; a drive to better herself. Inside he knew Hinata was capable, he was just trying to draw it out of her.

But this tactic wasn't the better way to do it, as it had the opposite effect of what he wanted. Instead, it caused her to developed some self-esteem issues. It caused her to not believe in herself very much all together, to doubt her ability as both a ninja and Hyuuga clan member as opposed to trying to improve it.

"She's someone with a low level of self-esteem, it could affect her performance if nothing's done about it." Kakashi answered. "I feel she should be on a team with at least one person who can encourage her strengths, that's where Naruto comes in." Naruto was the type to never give up on himself, or anybody else. "It would prove to be very beneficial towards her development and growth as a kunoichi. She may not seem like the 'front liner' type at the moment, but with someone like Naruto influencing her that's sure to change. She'll need it if she wants to truly bloom in her ninja career."

Hiruzen nodded. "That's plausible..."

"It would be good for Naruto as well." the copy ninja added. "He'll need reassurance and someone of his peer group who believes in him, if he's to really evolve. And I highly doubt he would get something like that from Sasuke and Sakura, this would help the team dynamic." he explained, from what he's seen of her; Hinata was the only one in his class to really pay Naruto any mind.

It reminded him of his late teammates, Rin Nohara and Obito Uchiha. Rin always acknowledged Obito's strength and potential, a lot more so than his own clan did. His shaping up into such a fine willed and skilled shinobi was the result of having that one person who believed he could be so much more than some 'dead last'.

"I also think it would do good, having a tracker in our midst. With someone like that on my team, we'd be even less likely to lose track of something or someone. Not to mention, collecting information would be much more efficient. Since that Byakugan of hers would be able to easily find our target with it's degree and distance of vision, is what I mean. Things, missions, could go a lot smoother."

It would probably even help Sasuke, as Hinata would not give him any problems. Without Sakura there clinging to him like glue, the relationship amongst the team would not be as strained.

Hiruzen nodded. "I see your point," he said, leaning back in his chair. "But, regarding Hinata, how can you be certain this will help any personal issue of hers?"

"It takes only one person to make a difference in someone, Hokage-sama." Kakashi answered, and Hiruzen cracked a smirk.

"I suppose you're correct about that, Kakashi." His smirk then fell, maybe he wasn't there enough for Orochimaru. Had he been, the outcome of the snake man's actions could have been so very different. "Very well Kakashi, Haruno Sakura will be placed with Kurenai instead." He turned to the red eyed woman. "Any objection?"

"Not in the slightest," she replied, shaking her head. "he drives a very fine point."

"I agree," Asuma piped. "I think this will better both teams."

Hiruzen turned back to Kakashi. "Hyuuga Hinata shall be placed with you, I'd also like for you to keep me updated on her development. Along with Uchiha Sasuke's and Uzumaki Naruto's."

Kakashi nodded. "Understood."

╭（′▽‵）╭（′▽‵）╭（′▽‵）╯ GO!

Hinata sat quietly in her now old classroom, while other students stepped in now and then and took their own seat.

She was worried, she had been ever since she found out Naruto had failed. He would still be an Academy student while she was out doing missions, when would she ever get to see him again? This wasn't like their childhood days, when she could just admire him from afar and remain content. They would be from two different world's now.

That made her feel even worse, since she never even had the courage to tell him how she felt. And, maybe now, she would never have the chance. She had all the chance to tell him before, but instead she played the role of the coward. As always.

She wished she were as brave and bold as Naruto, it was what she loved about him the most. Because he was exactly what she wanted to be, heroic.

By now, nearly the entire class had been filled with their graduating class. Not like she'd noticed it however, for she'd been far too lost in her own thoughts and worries to even pay attention. It wasn't until she heard the familiar voice of Shikamaru, speaking to her possibly favorite person.

"What are you doing here Naruto?" Her head snapped in their direction and her eyes widened at the sight of him, her mouth hanging open a little.

There he was, with a hitai-ate tied tightly around his head. Naruto. 'Naruto-kun... he passed after all ...' she thought happily to herself, it was a big relief. It gave her the hope that she'd see him more often than she previously thought.

It was then that Sakura and Ino burst into the room, startling the Hyuuga girl for the most part (as she was seated near the entrance), arguing about who made it in first. She glanced at Naruto, her heart jumping when she saw he was looking in her direction.

'I-Is he looking at ... m-me?' She saw a small blush spread over his cheeks, making a brighter one spread over hers. Her pale complexion didn't help very much, why was he looking at her that way? Did he ...

She saw Sakura quickly jog past her, Ino questioning where she was going, and towards Naruto. His face brightened up even more, and it was then that the white eyed girl realized he had been looking at Sakura the whole time.

Her heart sank as she sighed in anguish, she was silly for even assuming something like that. He never even noticed her, why look her way now?

He stood up and waved when she approached, "Good morning, Sakura-chan!"

"Get out of my way!" she snapped, quickly shoving Naruto to the side. Knocking him onto the ground, for the sole reason of asking Sasuke if she could have the seat beside him. To which the Uchiha gave a glare that the pink haired girl seemed to not even pick up on. Too busy awaiting his answer.

Hinata was sad to see Naruto shoved away from someone he was very fond of that way. But at the same time, she was very happy to see his feelings for Sakura were completely unrequited. She felt guilty for feeling that way about his situation, in her mind that made her bad and selfish. It was like what she wanted was more important than his own happiness.

Though, there was that small portion in the back of her mind that didn't seem to care though. He would never be happy with someone like Sakura. To Hinata, Sakura was too much of a brute. Or, at least that was what she saw. She was only ever hitting Naruto it appeared. Her dislike for Ino was far more than her dislike for Naruto, yet she's never laid a hand on the blonde haired girl.

To Hinata, that was a bit unfair. Especially because of how Naruto felt on his end.

Ino was quick to interject, challenging the apparent right that Sakura had for that seat. Claiming she should get it, since she 'deserved' it for beating the Haruno to the door.

Sakura threw a menacing glare over her shoulder, towards her rival. "Beat it hog, I was here first!" she snarled out, then her attention was drawn to a separate girl who decided to step up.

"I was here before any of you, I should get to sit next to Sasuke-kun!" That ended in every female in class, aside from Hinata, to mob together. Arguing over who got the privilege to sit right next to the mysterious boy.

Hinata couldn't help but giggle, the way they were behaving over a boy who failed to notice them (or he ignored them, it was hard to tell in his case) was very silly. But she kind of envied them a little. They may have been pushy with their affection, but they had enough guts to make it clear to Sasuke how they felt about him.

Naruto ended up walking around to Sasuke's end, climbing onto his desk so he could glare at him from a close proximity. Sasuke more than willingly returned his look of clear dislike, this seemed to provoke Sasuke's "army" even more. It was made even worse by the boy behind him's lack of awareness, which made him lean back and bump into Naruto.

In turn making Naruto fall onto Sasuke, it made them kiss by mistake. All was quiet while the two shoved each other away, coughing and spitting while they wiped their mouths off. As soon as Sakura screamed, it made the other girls follow. Like a domino effect, the looks of pure anger they gave Naruto made evident that this was not going to end too well for him.

'Poor Naruto-kun ...' Hinata trailed in her head, watching as some of them began to crack their fists. They all beat him senseless, their jealousy of him being Sasuke's first kiss was put into the blows from their fists.

Hinata didn't want to just sit there and watch, but she couldn't seem to look away. She was too scared to intervene, but she knew someone had to do something. Before things escalated even further.

When she finally worked up the nerve to, she began to stand up. But Iruka body flickered into the room before she was all the way up, quickly yelling at them to break it up and take their seats.

Sakura won that spot, and Naruto was right next to her. Looking like he got trampled by a stampede of angry bulls, in a way he kind of did.

The room was quickly filled with gasps and whispers, after Iruka announced everyone would be separated into teams of three. After hearing something like that Hinata was beginning to grow excited, and nervous at the same time, while she twirled her index fingers. Her mind was racing with the thought of possibly being paired together with Naruto, or being separated from him.

"Team Seven, Uchiha Sasuke ... Uzumaki Naruto ..." Naruto scowled, sending a glare at Sasuke. While the Uchiha had a bit of a sour look on his face, ever since Iruka gave them the "news". He wasn't particularly fond of being thrown into some group. Sakura's expression grew into one of hope, staring at Sasuke lovingly as she waited for her (at least what she believed to be) name to be called. ".. and Hyuuga Hinata."

Sakura's eyes widened, and her head snapped back in Iruka's line of direction. "What?!" she and Ino shouted at the same time, then looked at Hinata.

Some girls were muttering words of jealousy or disappointment, but Hinata payed no mind. She couldn't have, did she hear him right? 'I-I'm gonna b-be on... Naruto-kun's t-team?' Her face was easily as red as a tomato, and she could hear her heartbeat in her ears. It was beating so fast she thought it would burst out of her chest at any given moment.

She was surprised she was even still conscious.

Naruto on the other hand was disappointed, since Sakura wouldn't be on his team. And angered, since he'd now have to see Sasuke everyday. "Why do I have to be stuck with him?!" he asked Iruka, standing up and pointing at the Uchiha.

Sakura spoke before her sensei got the chance, "Shut up Naruto!" Sakura snapped, she was already upset; her tone of voice reflected this. His outburst didn't help, he was lucky to be on a team with someone like Sasuke. He should've acted like it. "And sit down!"

Naruto blinked, then frowned. He didn't like it when Sakura yelled at him like that. "That's just how it has to be," Iruka finally answered. "please sit down Naruto." Naruto grumbled something, then plopped back down onto his seat.

He curiously turned around, to get a look at Hinata. And she gasped, quickly looking away from him and down at her desk. Twiddling her thumbs as she grew even more nervous, her blush deepened.

Naruto turned away, sighing as he rested his hand on his cheek. He took her reaction the wrong way.

"Team Eight, Inuzuka Kiba ... Aburame Shino.. and Haruno Sakura." Kiba and Shino remained indifferent, not really caring about the team formation.

But Sakura shivered before slamming her head onto her desk, she hated bugs and wasn't very fond of dogs. "I'm doomed." she sulked, lifting her head back up. She had a big red mark on her forehead from the desk. Ino chuckled from behind, teasing Sakura about it. Only to end up in the same state when her own team was announced.

Being paired with the lazy bum and Mr. Eats-a-lot wasn't exactly what she would call 'great'.

Once the team assignments were complete, everyone was dismissed for an hour lunch break. Sasuke was one of the first ones out of the door, followed by Sakura who tried to keep up with him. And Naruto, who was trying to get Sakura's attention; leaving Hinata alone with her bento.

She looked down at her feet sadly. She should've known better, Sasuke was quite antisocial. And her and Naruto have never even talked before, why would they want to eat lunch with her? She shouldn't have been surprised that they were ditching her like this.

She took her time walking outside, and once she had left the building she caught sight of Sakura walking away from Naruto. He hung his head in disappointment while Sakura walked on, calling out for Sasuke. He figured they could have taken this time to actually get to know one another, since they would be separated after today.

But she had plans to do that with Sasuke instead, she wasn't even the slightest bit interested.

She continued to stare, while he watched his crush walk away. With a defeated sigh, he picked up his head and turned around. Only to see Hinata standing a ways away.

Her heart skipped when she saw him looking, she was staring just like he was. Only his stare was a curious one, he was trying to read her face. Was her expression one of shock, or one of fear? He tilted his head in confusion when her cheeks turned pink, was she sick or something?

"Uhh ... hey." he greeted, giving her an awkward wave while he rubbed the back of his head. "You're Hinata, right?" He knew who she was, but he was only clarifying. Plus he felt he should say something, instead of instigating a staring match.

Hinata gulped, slowly nodding her head. "Y-Yes ..."

"Oh ..." he trailed, then after a short while started to walk over to her. She clutched the cloth of her benton tighter each step that he took, by the time he stopped in front of her her knuckles were whiter than the rest of her hands. "Can I ask you something?" She wanted to speak again, but the words were caught in her throat. So she only nodded. "What do you think about ... being on a team with me? Like, how do you feel about that?"

Why was he asking? He didn't possibly think she had a problem with that, did he? Or maybe he was only curious, she gulped again. To swallow the nervous lump in her throat. "Um, w-well I-I ..." she trailed, then was silent.

Naruto's shoulders sagged, she was nervous around him. She must've been scared, "Never mind, I'll just leave you to yourself." he said, turning around to leave. Her eyes widened.

"W-Wait!" she said, stepping forward. Then stepped back when Naruto turned around.

"Yeah?" Her blush deepened as she tried to think of what to say, then she shifted around on her feet. Her eyes were glancing around at everything.

"I think ... I-I'm very l-lucky." she admitted, catching Naruto off guard.

"Lucky? You really mean that?" When she nodded, he beamed. Making a blush rise up to her face again, for being the cause of that smile. "Wow, I never expected you to say that!" It made him feel better, then a thought crossed his mind. "Hey, since we're gonna be a team and all, do you maybe wanna eat together?" He didn't have anywhere else to go since Sakura turned down his offer. He definitely wasn't going to look for Sasuke.

Her blush deepened at his question, he wanted to eat with her? Oh gosh, she nodded. "Great!" He then smiled sheepishly. "I, uh, don't have any lunch though."

"T-That's okay!" she quickly said, holding up her box lunch. "I h-have a lot, maybe we c-can ... s-share ..."

"Share?" He grinned. "That sounds like a plan, thank you Hinata!" He threw his arms around he and brought her into a hug.

Her entire face turned a burning red, and her mouth fell open. She froze up and began to feel light headed. 'He's ... h-hugging me!' she thought, beginning to feel a little light headed. Then his stomach growled loudly. Making him pull away, an embarrassed blush on his face.

"I hope you've got enough in there." he joked, laughing. His sunny demeanor made her giggle a little with him.

╭（′▽‵）╭（′▽‵）╭（′▽‵）╯ GO!

Naruto did most of the talking while they shared her food, which was fine as Hinata was more of a listener anyway. He talked to her about how excited he was to start going on missions, and how much good he was going to do.

He'd even confided in her of his dream of being Hokage, the best one that Konoha has ever had and seen. That was when she spoke up a little more.

She always believed in Naruto from the very beginning, that he was more than capable of doing whatever it was he put his mind to. When she timidly voiced that she thought he'd make a good Hokage, it made him very happy.

People normally laughed at him for having such dreams, muttering to each other about how no one would want some beast as a leader. Some even directly called him a fool for thinking he could be such a thing, so to hear differently for once was very refreshing for him.

He even joked about making Hinata his trusty assistant, earning a smile from the shy girl. Hearing it put a blush on her face, even though he was only jesting. It made her heart leap all the same.

Lunch soon came to an end and all of the students were back in the classroom, slowly getting picked up by their assigned teachers. Sakura was telling Sasuke about how she was trying to find him during their lunch break, as she wanted to spend some time with him before they had to leave. Since it was unknown when they would see one another again.

"We aren't a team." Sasuke had cut off in the middle of her explanation. "Why would you waste your time searching for me, when you could've been with your teammates? People who probably actually wanted to eat with you."

That statement pierced Sakura right through the heart, making her cease her talking all together and sigh glumly. What Sasuke said sounded rude, but that was only how he spoke. He said what was on his mind without sugar coating it for you. That was just how he was.

Kurenai soon walked into the room, glancing Iruka's way. "I'm here to collect my team," she said, resting her hands onto her hips. Iruka look around at Sakura, Shino, and Kiba.

"Team Eight, your sensei has arrived." he said, Kiba and Shino moving from their spots and towards Kurenai.

"'Bout time." Kiba muttered, making Kurenai narrow her eyes at him. But she ignored it, she looked at the girl who began to move forward. Seeing how she kept taking glances at the Uchiha.

'She must've really wanted to be on his team.' Kurenai shook her head, she could only imagine how she'd feel if she found out she almost was.

Sakura sighed again before walking up to her new sensei, and leaving with her new team.

Eventually, Team Seven were the only one's in the room who remained. Iruka had left some time before, while their sensei had yet to show up. It was beginning to irritate Naruto, who wasn't very fond of waiting on someone.

His sensei's lack of arrival made him come to the assumption that he didn't take them very seriously, at least not serious enough to show up on time. If he couldn't do that, what would he do with their training? Would they actually learn anything, or just be underestimated by him? He must have thought them some kind of joke.

All these things he thought about made him even more irritated, so he did the only thing he could do in that moment of time (to ease his nerves and get back at sensei); he pulled a prank.

He stood on top of a stool, wedging a chalkboard eraser in the top of the door. Hinata watched him while Sasuke just couldn't bring himself to care. "U-Um, Naruto-kun?"

"Hm?" He turned around to look at her. "What is it, Hinata?"

"I-I don't think you should do that ..." she trailed, her gaze shifting to the side. "Sensei might get m-mad."

"No he wouldn't," Sasuke scoffed. "Because he's a Jounin. He'd never fall for some idiotic and juvenile trick."

Naruto hopped down from the stool, a devious smirk adorning his face. "You won't be saying that when it happens!" Not too soon after that statement left his mouth, the door opened. The masked man with silver hair known as Kakashi Hatake poked his head through, the eraser falling onto his head. Leaving chalk in his hair.

Sasuke stared at him, not believing that someone of his level actually fell for something so stupid. Hinata stared because she was afraid of how he would react, his silence wasn't helping. She thought his anger was building, to let out a belting scolding.

Naruto on the other hand decided it was priceless, laughing at the fact his bastard of a sensei fell into his trap. "Hahahaha, I got you! That's what you get for being so late!" he exclaimed, pointing at him while he continued his laughter.

Kakashi calmly dusted the chalk from his hair and picked up the eraser, and Naruto's laughter slowly began dying down when he had failed to get a reaction out of him. The copy ninja stared at the object in his hand for a few seconds, before his eye scanned over his students.

The Hyuuga certainly had no part in it, judging from the expression on her face as she stared at Kakashi. The Uchiha appeared to be in shock, for whatever reason Kakashi wasn't aware of; but he didn't seem to hold any part in it either.

But they could've talked him out of it, that coupled with Naruto's clear level of immaturity made him come to a quick conclusion. "... You all must be morons."

They all hung their heads.

Hinata was relieved that Kakashi didn't shout, but she didn't like being called a moron either. Sasuke didn't like being grouped with Naruto in that regard, especially since he did absolutely nothing. The only moron here was the blonde fool, and he had to be stuck on a team with him no less.

Each were stuck with one another, and everyone's feelings on the matter differed.

Author's Note: At first I was just gonna begin with the classroom setting, but when I really thought about it it wouldn't make any sense. There would have to be actual reason for Hinata's team placement being different. Thus, the first part of this chapter was born -insert baby cries-. I hope the reasons given suffice enough.

On a side note, no character bashing in this story is intended.

They say crushing even a butterfly in the past can drastically change the present. While the changes may or may not be drastic, expect divergence in canon due to this little change. But be warned, no big change is gonna be sudden and quick. It's gonna be a bit of a slow burner.

The basis of Kakashi requesting Hinata for his squadron revolve around how he and his team were when they were younger. How Obito was so determined and blooming with confidence because of Rin's encouragement, no matter how often Kakashi may have mocked his abilities. Because she believed in him, it did a lot of good for him as a ninja. (Pointing this out here since I don't think I explained it well above, if even at all)

Similar to how Hinata believes in Naruto, he thinks it will help to better them both. Also, her personality is going to slowly change as the story goes on. Just putting that out there, in case any of you prefer meek, blushing, Naruto obsessed Hinata and all that jazz...

Reviews give me love everyone, so please avoid ghost reading. If you decide to stick around for this tale, then I hope you enjoy it. Criticism is fine by me so long as it's constructive.