Well… let's see this as more of an exercise to get me back on track. Enjoy.
Disclaimers: You already know.
Team VII: Dark Thunderstorm
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"Alright! I'll play along, but there's no way I'll be the damsel in distress!"
"Then what will you be, nee-san?"
"The knight protecting the princess."
"Hey, we want to be the heroes too!"
"Yeah!"
"I'm merely protecting the royal line, the rest of you can fight over the hand of a fair maiden."
"So who's the dragon?"
"Kid, she's far worse than one."
"What was that?!"
"Nothing! Just trying to figure out who'll be the hero."
"Go fight it out, history is written by the victors."
After the meeting, Kakashi gathered his team to announce the incoming Chunin Exam. He found it surprising that Sasuke was the only one who shows a glint of excitement, his two teammates stoically taking the news with a maturity befitting of a seasoned soldier.
Knowing well enough of most of his students' backstory, the Jounin was worried that they had finally casted away what childhood they were denied. Seeing how they finally gave in to play with Konohamaru and his friends, its unexpected moments like this when they were able to reveal their hidden child that brings a smile on his masked face.
The mask also helped hide the growing grin while remembering that for a team of supposedly hard-core Genin, they can still be quite immature.
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"Eat your vegetables."
"It's basically everything. Can't I just go fishing?" His blonde teammate humorously coughed 'King of Fishing'.
"First: It's late, the fishes need their rest and second: you'll waste energy finding a river, let alone in the dark. So quit whining and finish you're dinner!" she countered that sounds like an order from a mother.
Kakashi never thought camping would be so entertaining: a dinner and a show from his aspiring students. He had already finished his meal, but the masked shinobi doubt they would give any attention if he ate longer with how steadfast those two were going at each other. Naruto doesn't seem to care as he was more focused on the veggie stew Sakura cooked for them.
"Stop being such a child. Surely you know that it's good for you, Naruto does." pointing to the disgruntled blonde who was downing his bowl.
Sasuke only glared at his comrade-turned-traitor. "You ordered him."
She blushed in denial at the accusation. "No I did not. Right, Naruto?"
"No, ma'am." the blonde half-heartedly saluted.
He didn't know how long it lasted but hunger finally won over. Sakura had a small smile of satisfaction as Sasuke tried rinsing off the taste. But Kakashi was fortunate for the mask because the boys' face was priceless when she handed them each a cookie for their childish endeavour.
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"It's just a boat! Get on and stop being a chicken head!"
"Easy for you to say, duck butt!"
Looking towards the client, Kakashi can't help but share Tazuna's disbelief. One moment they fought with skills of seasoned shinobi, next they squabble like the children they are.
The stance alone from their initial meeting showed enough discipline to deter any of the client's complaints. And their performance against the Demon Brothers further cemented their credibility. But what won Tazuna over was what they did after the old man finally revealed what he left out.
Sakura was very vocal with such dishonesty and Naruto was on the fence, but Sasuke, of all people he did not expect, reached out for their hidden kindness. It took a while to stop Tazuna from bowing before the boy like a benevolent royalty.
So he's trying it again for Naruto, who they found out can get motion-sickness. And after the blonde brandished that large sword earlier…
"Naruto!" All commotion stopped at the impatient shout. After a calming breath, Sakura stood from her place on a boat. "I may have a way to help but you have to trust me."
After a moment of uncertainty, whether from recalling past experience of a boat or her, Naruto nervously agreed. She extended a hand. "Now come here."
He took hold, the grip tightening while slowly being guided into the rocking vessel. "I'm feeling whoo- WHAM!"
…
…
…
They were able to set sail, but the rest of the passengers can only silently stare at the scene. Naruto was resting peacefully, his head on Sakura's lap. It would have been a tender moment if it wasn't for the girl knocking him out cold evident by her gingerly tending the bump.
Finally, only Sasuke was brave enough to venture an inquiry. "Sakura…, was that payback for when he suggested the more… girly disguise?" A previous mission required them to look as inconspicuous as possible, Sakura was dressed the part of a flower vendor… courtesy of Naruto. How he was able to match the outfit was anyone's guess, but he appeared melancholic afterward that urged Sakura to set aside further grievances.
"I don't know what you are talking about." she calmly answered, not as heated as one would expect from such icy temperament.
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When Naruto mentioned an amusement park on their way home, Kakashi thought he's been under the sun for too long after that mission near the border of the Land of Wind. But the surprise appears to be a good idea to unwind as a festival was in full swing. Despite initial reluctance, they all enjoyed some of the attractions.
Kakashi indulged in some of the more familiar funfair while buying some small trinkets. Naruto headed for a… unique racing event but stayed clear of couple-themed attractions like the gondola. After a fishing contest and arcades, Sasuke sampled the food court. While Sakura… they embarrassingly agreed that that they lose track of her passing the cotton candy booth. After settling a misunderstanding due to a flock of chicks (baby chicken) trailing behind Naruto, they searched for their wayward kunoichi.
They eventually found her in a shooting gallery amidst a cheering crowd, some were kunoichi if his trained eye were right. But Sakura barely paid them any mind as she had a focus the likes reserved for a high-ranking mission.
Her objective? To take out the targets with nothing less than pin-point accuracy to obtain the grand prize: an adorable plush-toy of a hor- PONY! …pony that would finally complete the main six or something...
Well, everybody has a hobby. He collects erotic novels, Sasuke weapons and Naruto are giant racing chickens. The soft smile the young girl had when she tenderly hugged the toy was worth the threat of silence.
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So… that's it for now. Hope you enjoy... even for a bit.
Ideas and suggestions will be taken into consideration. Keyword: Consideration.
See yah people.