Chapter 2
Sakura wakes up to a busy morning. She lives beside the brothel, where men can get aggressive in the morning after spending a night. She prepares her pack with weapons and first aid materials before dressing herself. Out of habit, she applies lip gloss and bright eyeshadow. Naruto usually picks her up thirty minutes before they leave; not because he wants to be on time, but because he wants her to make breakfast. Speaking of whom, two knocks hit the door.
"Who's there?" she giggles.
"You."
"You who?"
"YOO HOO!" Naruto shouts while entering her residence. They share obnoxious laughter as they embrace.
The boy skips into the kitchen, asking his friend what she will make. The girl does not say a word until she finishes cooking. She discovered early on that when it comes to food, she cannot multitask like her beloved mother. Finally, the meal was complete. A fresh dish of nori, a bowl of steamed rice, and kitsune udon was presented to Naruto.
His eyes widen in delight. "Itadakimasu!"
She grins and strides to her seat. "No problem, Naruto-kun."
He chokes on his rice at her abnormal address, while she calmly takes a bite out of tofu. It is only a short time before they exit.
"I am going to ask Okaa-san if there is any help needed."
Naruto frowns and questions, "Is that necessary?"
She doesn't reply and opens the doors of the brothel. Some of the prostitutes smile in recognition of the duo, but others gaze upon them with concern. Men brush past them to leave after fulfilling their desires. Instead of Mebuki approaching them first, it is the owner. Unlike Yumi, Naruto thinks that this man is a conniving, money-grabbing bastard. He doesn't even defend "his women" and forces Sakura to work at the bar, like he is about to do now.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto bites his tongue; that man doesn't deserve to say her name like he cares about her. "Do you mind getting behind the counter?"
"I can only be here for a few minutes. I have training," she insists.
"Aw, you can't stay longer?" the owner, Dorobō, persists.
The Uzumaki interjects, "Our teacher is very strict, dattebayo. He threatened us to not eat!"
The man hums, "Of course you two are on the same team. I will not delay you then. Sakura, do what you can."
When they move to the back, a previous tension is lifted off of their shoulders. The exotic girl pours popular drinks to be displayed for the clients. A rule of thumb for every woman – and Naruto – is to never drink from the bar. Dorobō made Mebuki, a cunning woman, add aphrodisiacs and drugs to them after overhearing one of her lessons.
Naruto thinks that Dorobō has a weird fixation on both Sakura and her mother. Who the hell makes a child work in a bar? Ever since he met the guy, he feels obligated to protect Sakura around him, a duty that Mebuki highly encourages. Normally, the protector does not hover over the independent girl because she is amazing, but this Dorobō drives him insane with his persuading tongue and wicked eyes. Sakura definitely sees it, too. She keeps him close to her, as if she would be taken away the minute he moves.
Sakura sets the bottle down just as the clock strikes 750. Without looking up, she grabs her companion and they walk away quietly to avoid suspicion. They successfully leave the establishment without bumping into daring men.
"What are you dazzled up for today, Sakura-chan?" Naruto says, breaking the tense silence.
"Nothing, Naruto-kun," she smiles slyly.
Naruto smirks back, knowing the answer. Whenever she is ready to put on her A-game, she acts like a different person. It is a mask of mystery and confidence to deceive her opponents. In his opinion, she is pretty hot; he thinks this aura is what caused him to develop a crush on her. The other guys in their class mocked her, but when she becomes one of the greatest kunoichi to exist, they will be begging to even talk to her.
They arrive to the training grounds to see Sasuke brooding, like always. Birds are chirping; the wind whistles through the trees; the rays of the sun beam down upon the team.
"Ohayo, Sasuke-kun," greets Sakura.
Sasuke looks up in surprise. Most would not be able to gauge his reaction but Sakura and Naruto are experts at reading others. "Hn."
Naruto lets out a cry of indignation and pouts. The bastard won't fool me.
Sakura snickers. "I wonder when Sensei will get here. I don't think you two can last more than fifteen minutes before you begin to fight."
"Yeah right!" Naruto protests. Sasuke simply rolls his eyes.
The loudmouth then remembers, "Can you tell me more about my clan?"
Sakura nods. "I told you that they come from Uzushiogakure and Mito-sama married Shodaime-sama, correct? Before I continue, that makes you blood-related to Senju Hashirama. Isn't that cool? And Sasuke is a descendant of Uchiha Madara. You two are destined to become great."
The boys eye each other in contemplation and look warily at the fascinated kunoichi. "That is not good . . . ?"
"Of course their ending was not very peaceful, but the journey was glorious. After all, they were friends in the beginning. Maybe you can change the shinobi system into what they dreamed of. Oh, I am getting off topic again," she rambles.
"Anyways, the Uzumaki clan was known for their prestigious abilities in fūinjutsu. They usually have this beautiful, bright red hair, but you are an exception. I would assume that your facial features are like your mother's."
Naruto grins, "What if she had whiskers, too? Or fangs? Or sharp eyes?"
Sakura ponders, "I do wonder. Of all the things, how did you end up with whiskers?"
Sasuke replies, "It is . . . fitting."
Naruto snaps his head towards him, glaring with hurt. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
The cynical boy rolls his eyes. "Not about the thing. Your personality. Mischief and whatnot."
Originally defensive, the kunoichi relaxes. "I see it! They also emphasize your smile to make you cuter."
The flattered ninja blushes. "You think I'm cute?"
Sakura smiles. "Yes. You're absolutely adorable!"
Naruto leaps at Sakura, engulfing her into a hug, while Sasuke looks stormy.
Meanwhile, Kakashi secretly observes the children. Many people are under the impression that when he is late – which is almost all the time – he is lazing about. In actuality, the shinobi is busy gathering information or at the cenotaph; this case is the former. Team Seven appears to be tight-knit, maybe uncomfortably close from what he can gauge in that embrace. They have no fear of their fates and act like it is a normal day.
If anything, the openness of emotions is the only flaw that he can see. Even the Uchiha has his trigger and tells. Kakashi is relieved to see that his sensei's son is not alone, but if he passes the test, anything could happen to knock him over the deep end. The girl is too intelligent, too mature to not get into trouble. Her knowledge of the Uzumaki clan is already bordering illegal grounds. As Naruto's close friend, she is prone to figuring out secrets that are meant to stay undisclosed. The Kyūbi, the Fourth Hokage, and even his relationship to Jiraiya-sama are all banned from discussion. It would be devastating if his friend was imprisoned.
Kakashi figures that he shouldn't keep them waiting much longer. Personally, he has the patience of a saint and could watch them sit in boredom or try to entertain themselves all day; but the girl may have things to do, considering she is the only one with a parent. He poofs in front of the team after watching them for a little less than three hours.
"Yo!" he smiles innocently.
"YOU'RE LATE!" screams the bright pair.
"Well, you see, a black cat was in my path, so I had to go around and take the long way."
They stare at him in disbelief before Sakura states, "Why didn't you teleport past the cat like you just did?"
Kakashi chuckles. "That is a question for another time."
"Now, on to your test," he begins, "you all must get these bells from me by noon."
Naruto points out, "But there are only two bells!"
Kakashi explains, "Whoever does not get a bell will not get lunch and be sent back to the Academy."
The trio look at each other in contemplation, and Sakura taps her wrist.
He continues, "When I set the timer, you may begin. Come at me with killing intent."
They tense as he places the timer on a rock. The birds are quiet; the wind is still; and the sun is blocked by clouds. It is as if nature can sense the change in tension.
Ding!
Naruto and Sasuke dart to Sakura's side and she drags them far away from the clearing. Yesterday, they discussed different tactics on how to approach the test, but they did not count on one of them returning to the Academy. Luckily, the teachings of her mother and her innate ability to decipher a trick leads her to the true meaning of the test.
She whispers, "Guys, genin teams are composed of three genin, not two. No matter what he says, we must fight him together and get the bells."
Naruto and Sasuke pout at each other, but nod in agreement. Sasuke proposes, "Let's start with Plan 2. Don't get distracted and be on your guard at all times, Sakura."
"Right," she affirms.
Kakashi reads his book in the clearing. A team might pass for once, if their simultaneous disappearance in the same direction is anything to go by. He would spy or even sneak up on them but it is not like they will win against him. Suddenly, a kick is aimed at his face and a punch flying at his back. He calmly grabs the leg and flings the body attacking him towards the fist. Luckily, the boy behind him spins out of the way to avoid harming his teammate.
"Lesson 1: Taijutsu," mutters the ninja.
On the sidelines, Sakura watches in amazement as the man dodges and reciprocates every attack thrown at him without breaking a sweat. The Naruto clone beside her is speechless. The fluidity and speed of his movements make it nearly impossible to win. Sakura reminds herself that it is fine to lose against someone as powerful as him. Of course, even this cannot distract her from the purpose of her standby action.
She discovers that he relies on his right hand – although he can use both given the opportunity – and right side in general, so his eye tends to focus on things to the left of him. His taijutsu attacks do not hold any lasting or hard impact, but his defense focuses more on deflecting rather than evading. She relays this information to the clone, who disappears to send it to Naruto.
However, when the clone disappears, Sakura swears that she can see Kakashi's eye crinkle during the battle. At her. A pile of leaves rises around her and she is in a different location. There is a lot of trees surrounding her, a stark contrast to the grassy area she was just at. The kunoichi hears a growl behind her and stiffens. Something about the situation does not feel right. No wild animals besides squirrels and rabbits are at the training grounds.
"Kai!" she shouts and the scene morphs into the one she is familiar with. Although, the girl is still some distance away from her original spot.
"Lesson 2: Genjutsu," says the jōnin. But she is not finished yet; he breaks the subtle illusion cast upon him. "If I hadn't have surveyed this area plenty of times, I may have fallen for that. You pass-"
With chakra-enhanced speed, she flies at Kakashi. Recalling a familiar technique by a legendary kunoichi, he smartly dodges her fist. She was not exactly aiming for him.
"Cha!" yells the girl as she causes a minor fissure in the land. This sets off the traps laid by Sasuke, and Naruto's shadow clones emerge from the trees. Like lightning, Kakashi dodges past the fireballs, weaponry, and clones. When it seems as though the team has finally gained the upper hand, a peculiarly swift clone dives to retrieve the bells. He almost gets the bells, but the holder turns into a log.
Kage Bunshin no Jutsu and Gōkakyū no Jutsu are not genin-level, the real Kakashi thinks to himself. He supposes that he should bring the dangers of baby ninja getting ahold of these types of techniques to the Hokage. He should also scold Iruka for not observing the children properly in the Academy. After all, his little kunoichi is right about the lack of active shinobi, and he would not want anyone to be responsible for children dying before they even leave the school. Maybe it is time that the percentage of graduates increases. He and the Sandaime are going to have a long conversation after he reports back. Kakashi smirks in amusement.
Rinnnng!
"Well, none of you got the bells," says Kakashi, "but that was the best run so far."
"Did we pass?!" exclaims Naruto.
Kakashi smiles. "I guess you did. After all, the purpose was not to retrieve the bells, but to work together."
Sakura stutters, "Th-that was it?!"
The sensei tilts his head. "You had to prove to me that you could actually fight, but yes."
The team flops to the ground. She weeps, "All our time spent on battle formations and traps . . . all of my practicing . . . for teamwork?!"
Kakashi sweatdrops. "The five teams before you have failed to understand my test. They tried to attack me individually. Some even turned against one another in hopes of eliminating competition."
He walks to the memorial stone. "Do you see this? Some of my friends are on here, due to being KIA." And one of them by my own hand.
"What does KIA mean?" asks Naruto.
Sakura replies, "Killed in action."
"I am showing you this because my old teammate taught me something very important. Those who break the rules are trash, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."
Naruto beams, Sakura smiles, and Sasuke wears a microscopic smirk. Having a team may not be so bad.
Omake 1:
Hatake Kakashi, 83 YAF, Jōnin+
Personality
- Usually late, first impression: doesn't like us, introverted, lax but only because he is confident, stresses on the importance of camaraderie, don't piss him off
- Does he deal with mental illness?
- Proof: Who the hell quotes their dead friend to children whom he has only seen once before?
Ninjutsu: elemental-based
- Earth Style
- Water Style
- Lightning Style: Chidori, Raikiri
Taijutsu: speed-based
Genjutsu: surroundings-based, native Konoha-style
Speed over Stamina and Power
Kekkei Genkai
- Sharingan: 1000+ jutsu copied
- White chakra emission
- Is the Sharingan transplanted?
- Proof: Third Shinobi Wars, only in left eye (always covered)
Special traits
- Good at everything?
Uchiha Sasuke, 97 YAF, Genin
Personality
- Usually an asshole but is cooperative when necessary, major PTSD that is not treated, quiet, competitive
Ninjutsu: elemental-based
- Fire Style: Gōkakyū no Jutsu
Taijutsu: speed-based
Genjutsu: unknown
- Will unlock new ones after Sharingan activation
Speed over Stamina and Power
Kekkei Genkai
- Sharingan (not activated): in a way it slows time – giving the user more reaction time
Special traits
- Penchant for different weapons
- Why was he really left alive by Uchiha Itachi?
Uzumaki Naruto, 97 YAF, Genin
Personality
- Ball of sunshine, outgoing, just wants to be loved, prankster, brash, smarter than he lets on
- Does he have ADHD?
- Proof: hyperactive, his low attention span affects his ability to learn
Ninjutsu: traditional-based
- Clones: Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, Bunshin no Jutsu (lower scale)
- Transformation: Henge no Jutsu, Oiroke no Jutsu
Taijutsu: brawl-based
Genjutsu: none
Stamina over Speed and Power
Fūinjutsu: unknown but there is a seal for the Kyūbi
Special traits
- Jinchūriki no Kyūbi
- Is he the son of the Fourth Hokage?
- Proof: they have the same hair and eyes, Namikaze sealed the fox into him – meaning that he must have known the child
1. Nori is a side dish of dried, seasoned seaweed. Kitsune udon is a soup topped with sweetened tofu pockets.
2. "Itadakimasu" is a phrase of Japanese etiquette, translating to "thanks for the food"
3. "Ohayo" means "good morning"