Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto in any way
Summary: Now as teens, Squad 7 is finding out what's the most important thing in their lives
Setting: The Hokage's office and Naruto's apartment
Notes: Naruto's thought's are in italics, Sakura's are in bold, and Kakashi's are in bold italics
It's been three years since the Chunin exams were held in Konoha, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Squad 7 has been making a name for themselves being the most successful squad in Konoha. They haven't failed one mission since they all became Chunins. However, their ranks may have changed, but their attitudes haven't. Sasuke Uchina, heir to the most powerful clan in the hidden leaf village, the Uchina clan. In this clan, there is a kekkei genkai, which means bloodline trait. The Uchina clan has the sharingan, which can be seen in the eyes. It allows the user to see through an opponent's moves, mirror them, and devise a counterattack. Sasuke still uses his favorite word when talking to Naruto, loser. Sakura Haruno, a konoichi, a female ninja. She has the brightest mind of the hidden leaf village. Although her feelings for Sasuke have lightened up, there's still that little glimmer of hope. Sakura has toughened up a little thanks to Kakashi's training methods. Last but not least, still the number-one, hyperactive, knuckleheaded ninja, Naruto Uzumaki. Believe it…
Their leader, Kakashi Hatake, is now recognized as the most skilled jounin in all of Konoha. He still wears that headband over his left eye and he still covers most of his face. But now squad 7 has a new mission, one that will test their very heart and soul.
Some time at the Hokage's office… "Kakashi, as you know there was a recent incident involving the village hidden in the clouds." He started. "Yes." Kakashi answered, "The entire village and all the clans inside were wiped out." "That's correct, but there was one survivor. A boy around the age group of your squad and from what we recovered from what we recovered at the village, he has always made a perfect score on his tests and always passes his oral exams." Interesting. "There's more. The kid is from the Yami clan and his name is Ayato Yami. He is a fully registered jounin ninja…"
"Huh!" the hyperactive ninja exclaimed as he woke up from a tiresome night. He sat up only to notice the weight on his chest. It was none other than Sakura… What the hell happened last night?
(Flashback)
"Well it looks like we have another successful mission on our hands, Squad 7." Kakashi announced. "All right! Another step towards being Hokage!" "Naruto, you loser, we haven't made it back to the village yet." Sasuke interrupted. "Yeah Naruto. Do you want every enemy to know where we are?" Sakura added, "Use your head for once!" "Like I care. I say bring it on, I can take on any enemy at any time!" The group eventually made it to the village. When they got there it was nighttime. Of course they thought the mission would take longer than one day, so they had nothing planned for the weekend. Well, except for Kakashi. "You guys need a break, we've been working for a week straight. I'll talk to the Hokage after I file my report. For now, you deserve a rest." With that he vanished. "Sensei is always showing off, but one I'll be the one showing off to him. Believe it!" Of course, Sasuke always had a comeback ready, "Whatever." "Arrgh! SASUKE!" Maybe I should ask him now. "Hey Sasuke, how about we go on a date?" Sakura asked hopefully. "Sorry, Sakura. But I've got to get more training in before tomorrow. Besides, I'm not interested anyway." His reaction didn't hurt her because she was used to it. As Sasuke said his final remarks, he left. It was just Sakura and Naruto. Now she was waiting for Naruto to ask her out like he always does after a mission, but nothing… "Hey Naruto." She began. "Huh?" "You haven't tried to ask me out yet. Why?" "Oh, I figured you would say no anyway." Naruto answered, "Did you want to go out, Sakura?"
"I'm here to file my report, Iruka." Iruka Umino had once been a teacher at the ninja academy. Now as a jounin, he works as the Hokage's aide. "Kakashi! I didn't expect you to be back for three days!" Iruka exclaimed. "Well, I have Naruto to thank for that. As usual, instead of a plan, he rushed in and we had no choice but to follow him. But it got the job done quicker." This made Iruka laugh. "I need to speak with Lady Hokage." "About what, Kakashi?" "My squad and I have been working for a week straight. We need a break, Iruka." "I'll see what I can do."
"Did you want to go out, Sakura?" "Oh, well, I mean—if you wanted to… I guess." She spoke nervously. "Cool!" Naruto yelled proudly, "I got a date with Sakura!" Some things will never change… They both went to the Ramen shop, Naruto's favorite place, but Sakura didn't mind. They finished their dinner and were walking in the moonlight. Wow. I never thought Naruto could look so calm. "So what do you want to do next, Sakura?" Naruto asked confidently. I should do something nice for him. "Well, I've never seen your apartment." She said slyly. "Uhhh… ok" he said as clueless as ever. In about five minutes they reached his apartment. "Well it's not much, but…" "Where's your room?" Sakura asked. "Right behind you." "Huh? Oh." I guess now I could. "Naruto, do you still like me?" He looked up with awe and embarrassment. "Uhhhhh. I guess… I mean not as much as I used to—but…" He was interrupted by a tug from Sakura motioning to the bed.
(End Flashback)
"This new kid, Ayato Yami, is going to be your new apprentice and the newest member of Squad 7." "What! Pardon me, Lady Tsunade, but I really don't see…" "Kakashi!" The Hokage interrupted, "This kid is talented and would be a valuable asset to the village. However, you are one to notice talent. You are to give him one of your hardest tests and if he passes, you will train him personally. Understood?" "Yes, Lady Hokage." Kakashi answered. And with that he vanished. "Since he's a full jounin, he should have no trouble beating my squad. I can also test their strength as well."