Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own "Naruto." …If I did, I would be one very, happy girl!
A/N: Wow! I can't believe that this is my FIRST fanfic! I wanted write something original, but it's hard to when there are so many good ideas out there that have already been put to paper…or became digital documents in this case! However, I assure you that I'm doing my best to keep this "one-of-a-kind," so please let me know what you think!...ENJOY!
Also, I want to take this opportunity to thank ShipperTrish for being my "FanFic-Sensei". She has been very kind-and extremely patient-with me and all my MANY questions. So, thank you!
Talk-at-ya later!
Skishy
"What a drag!" one very bored, restless Uzumaki Naruto exclaimed to no one in particular as he and the rest of Team Seven impatiently awaited the presence of their ever-so-tardy sensei.
"You've been hanging around Shikamaru again, haven't you?" asked Sakura, irritation clearly in the tone of her voice and in the look on her face. "We are all tired of waiting for Kakashi–sensei, but your wining is annoying Sasuke!" Not to mention me, too! thought inner Sakura. She glanced in the said young man's direction only to have her gaze avoided. Uchiha Sasuke was one very rude, distant guy who seemed like he would rather throw kunai at you as to shake your hand. Haruno Sakura, however, was one love-sick kunoichi who seemed oblivious to the idea that Sasuke may never return her feelings or even acknowledge her worth to the team.
As Naruto was doing his best to defend himself to Sakura, the team's quarrel was interrupted by a single greeting of, "Yo."
"Kakashi-sensei! About time you showed up!" Naruto shouted with a smile on his face that was a mixture of frustration and relief—because now the conversation would go in another direction instead of revolving around Sasuke. Sakura always has to make him the center of attention. Honestly, what does she see in that guy?...He's so annoying! Believe it!
"Sorry. I was on my way here when this turtle came up to me and asked me to help devise a plan to beat this rabbit he's racing in a couple of days. I came up with a sure way for him to win, but I had to repeat it several times because he's just a little slow."
"Liar!" all three of his students shouted in unison, well, Sasuke's reply was more like a loud, "Hmmph!" but the meaning was still implied. Yet, they would never own up to it, but they always did wonder what excuse their sensei would use next.
"What?" Kakashi asked innocently.
The team just sighed. After all, this was their sensei, the famous Copy Nin Hatake Kakashi—famous throughout the village for his procrastination rather than the mysterious sharingan in his left eye.
"Well, are you guys coming? We have a long way to go before the day gets away from us." With that, Kakashi moved to the front of the group and headed out of Konoha.
What?! He makes it sound like it's "our" fault if we're late delivering that stupid scroll! Inner Sakura fumed as she took her travelling place between the two boys who were currently glaring at each other. Ugh! Boys!
The day came and went and the day and night after that as well. They really did have a long way to go before they reached their destination. However, late into the third day, signs of fatigue were beginning to show on the weary, less experienced travelers. Kakashi took notice of this and after some calculation, came to the conclusion that they were a little ahead of schedule and could afford to set up camp for the night—besides, that shady tree by the small lake was looking rather inviting. With the decision made, the group split up (well, sort of, Sakura made sure to stick to Sasuke like a flea to a dog and Naruto kept an eye on Sakura to make sure that she was safe from any foreign, enemy attacks). Kakashi just sighed and pulled out his trusty, well loved Icha Icha Paradise and commenced reading the words that he already knew by heart.
As night fell, the three genin laid flat on their backs looking up at the sky.
"It's so beautiful! Don't you think so, Sasuke?" Sakura asked as she turned toward the motionless boy to her left.
"Hmmph" was the only reply Sasuke gave her.
"Well, I think no star or Ramen House Special could compare to you, Sakura," Naruto chimed in feeling quite proud of his smooth line that was sure to win Sakura away from Sasuke, although he may have fudged a little when it came to his beloved Ramen—but man, it sure did sound good when he said it!
"Huh, did you say something, Naruto?" Sakura asked, only partly acknowledging Naruto's presence.
What?! She wasn't listening?! Oh, man! Now I can't remember what I said! Defeated, Naruto continued to look towards the sky when something caught his eye; it was a small, reddish, storm cloud that seemed to roll in from no where and was rapidly increasing in size. "That's the funniest looking cloud I ever saw!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly to his comrades.
"You're right Naruto. I've never seen anything like that!" Sakura said, now fully aware that Naruto was indeed making a point to be heard by all. Even Sasuke took the time to humor them and directed his attention skyward.
Kakashi turned his attention to the cause of all the excitement. That's no ordinary storm cloud. It reminds me of something in a story the Hokage told me when I was a boy; And if I remember correctly, something or someone could be popping out of that thing any minute! "Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura! Don't let your guard down! Something is definitely not right here!" With that, everyone immediately armed themselves and took cover beneath the protective branches of the sturdy, old tree. All that they could do now was to simply watch and wait for whatever or whoever was about to make their grand debut.
TBC…
A/N: Well, what do you think so far? Your thoughts and comments are very much appreciated! Please review!
P.S. Remember, this is my FIRST fanfic. Please let me know if the characters seem believable. That is always something important that I look for in the fanfic I read. Also, ideas are welcome!
P.S.S. Thanks again for reading my story!
P.S.S.S. Kakashi rules!!...Sorry, just had to get that out there!