Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or the franchise, this is purely a fanfiction.

Don't forget to comment and review


Naruto listened quietly as Iruka called out the team listings for his graduation class and when his name was called out along with Uchiha Sasuke and Haruno Sakura, with Hatake Kakashi as their sensei, he didn't even blink.

In an ideal world the top student was paired with the dead last to balance the teams out, but this year the scores were fairly even across the board. He refused to entertain a failing grade despite some efforts to sabotage his training, however he also didn't want to tip his hand on all his skills so being in the middle was acceptable.

And if he read the situation correctly, several of his more astute classmates followed the same view, although in the case of Shikamaru it had more to do with him being lazy than anything else.

The sounds of shuffling and conversations picked up and Naruto glanced up to see Iruka had dismissed the class and Jonin sensei's' had come to pick up their teams. Soon enough the class was empty leaving his team, team 7 to wait for their leader.

Naruto snuck a quick glance at Sakura and sighed wistfully. In truth he had a bit of a crush on her and had tried to get her attention on multiple occasions only to be summarily rejected each time. He had toned down the number of times he flocked to her but he couldn't stop looking at her, her pink hair called out to him and her green eyes spoke a language only he could understand. Naruto shook himself from that line of thought.

Naruto glanced at the clock, wondering how long they were expected to wait and couldn't hold the surprise back when he realised how much time had gone. 95 mins since Iruka left them and their sensei was not here! What was he playing at!

Naruto sighed drawing the attention of his teammates, then he reached into his pack and pulled out a book and two scrolls. Ignoring the attention he gained he began making notes in one scroll, pausing once in a while to consult his reference book and the other opened scroll.

"Hey Naruto" he looked up and saw Sakura standing in front of his desk fidgeting slightly but curious. He snuck a quick glance at his other teammate and noted the closed of stance and complete lack of interest, coupled with Sakura's behaviour he quickly deduced the situation

'Sasuke must have blown her off again' he thought with a sigh, and now she comes to him because there is nowhere else. Still… "Can I help you Sakura-Chan?"

"I just wanted to know if you knew anything about our sensei, I mean, he is running late" Naruto shook his head at her query and went back to his scrolls. Sakura looked down at his notes.

"What are you working on?" Naruto looked up to her again then he spun his scroll round for her to see clearly. She picked up the scroll and began reading some of the amendments.

"It's easier to work with poisons and stimulants if you have a basic idea of their makeup" Naruto elaborated as she read on "if I can grow some of the more common herbs and plants I can make what I need or exchange them. Plus it would be easy to modify if I knew the compounds involved and had a small supply".

"Wow, I didn't realise you took things this seriously" Sakura was shocked at the work ethic Naruto displayed. Not that he goofed off often but most times he seemed to struggle really hard and couldn't perform so people assumed he was incapable. Not to mention in majority of the spars he was far behind most in the class, especially Sasuke-kun.

Naruto just shrugged at her statement, content to look through the reference book as she read his notes. He kept one eye on her as she sat next to him engrossed in his analysis and watched as she reached for his pencil and made several alterations to his findings. He gave up the pretence of reading when he realised she wasn't stopping anytime soon and moved closer to see what she was writing.

Sakura looked up suddenly at the intrusion and blushed as she realised what she had been doing.

"I'm sorry I didn-"Naruto waved the apology away as he looked over her alterations and compared it with the reference scroll. Somehow her alterations made more sense than what he had originally put down and more importantly was easier to implement effectively. He continued to glance at the changes she made and then finally looked at her worried face.

"Sakura-Chan, do you mind just looking over my findings for a while please" seeing the shocked look on her face he hurried on "it's only for a little while and you are really good, I've been struggling with that particular compound for weeks now.

At that Sakura blushed red, but with a large smile on her face and agreed to help. Sakura proved to be godsend as her perfect memory and general brilliance made short work of the notes and they both discussed the potential strengths and drawbacks of the more common poisons and stimulants and whether they could get their hands on the more exotic and restricted compounds.

"Ano" an amused voice sounded behind them "I don't know why cute kiddies are looking up Black Lotus unless they want to really cause someone to see horrific things before they die, but anyways we can't get that in Konoha, banned by a joint move between the Uchiha and Hyuuga Clans."

'I didn't even sense him come in, what the hell!?' Naruto thought wildly as he took in the intruder. He was tall, wearing standard Jonin uniform with a mask covering his lower face. He wore his Konoha headband slanted covering his left eye, and finally his hair was full on grey and spiked upwards. He remained crunched on the table behind them, his sole visible eye focused on the notes they had been working on.

"Then again-"he continued nonchalantly, seriously the guy was beginning to freak Naruto out "-that particular poison is very effective against doujutsu users". He turned his attention to his stunned audience, and then smiled jauntily raising one hand

"Yo" gobsmacked silence met his greeting; Sakura vacillated from shock to confusion at a rapid pace, Sasuke's eye constantly twitched at the Jonin's attitude, if this was their trainer then he needed to make chuunin ASAP.

Naruto's shock lasted barely a second but his mind quickly focused on a new dilemma. Working with puppets had taught him much in regard to spatial awareness and also significantly chakra sensing. He couldn't for sure say when he started noticing or "sensing" other people's chakra, however he was quick to capitalise on the benefits. As time went on it was getting easier and easier to identify individual signatures and general locations, combined with a strong spatial awareness only the Hokage had been able to get by him. So who in the world was this guy!

"Meet me on the roof". With a quick poof and smoke he disappeared. Sasuke got up, knocking Naruto and Sakura out of their stupor and made his way out of the class. Both his teammates gathered Naruto's items and hurried to catch up.


"Well, I think it's time for some introductions hmm?" Kakashi began once his students were settled. He himself was leaning on the roof railing, an orange book in hand.

"What do you mean sensei?" Sakura queried.

"Y'know, your names, likes, dislikes, dreams." He replied nonchalantly. "That sort of thing"

"Why don't you go first sensei" sakura continued. Seeing his raised eyebrow she hastily continued "I mean, we don't know anything about you" she stammered out. Kakashi paused and then nodded at her reasoning.

"Well, I am Hatake Kakashi, Jonin." He began "my likes are…" he trailed of, team seven leaning forward in interest, nothing.

"My dislikes…" nothing again

"Well I have lots of hobbies". At this point they pre-teens looked on incredulously at the introduction they received, they didn't even learn anything at about the sensei!

"How about you go next pinkie" Kakashi indicated to his female student. Sakura blushed, indignant at the nickname and huffed.

"My name is Haruno Sakura" she began "My likes are-"at this she glanced at the Uchiha and blushed heavily. Naruto noticed and rolled his eyes at her fawning.

"My dreams-"again she glanced at the Sasuke and squealed drawing an amused glance from Kakashi at her behaviour. Naruto unable to hold back scoffed which drew Sakura's attention and ire.

"And your dislikes" Kakashi asked, mirth in his eye.

"Naruto" came the Strong reply. Naruto turned away in a huff, Sakura just didn't appreciate what he had to offer her yet but it was okay for now. Hearing his name he glanced at Kakashi, it was his turn for introductions.

"My name is Uzumaki Naruto; I like training, reading and Sakura-"he stole a quick glance at Sakura only to see her inch away from him.

"Forget it Naruto" Naruto sighed despondently.

"I don't have many dislikes, but my dream is to become the greatest Hokage and puppeteer ever"

Kakashi blinked at the statement, did he just say puppeteer?-

"yes sensei, puppeteer" damn he must have spoken out loud, then again a Konoha genin stating he wanted to out puppet the creators of the art, especially when said art was not native to Konoha but Suna, it was fairly out there.

"Pathetic" all heads turned toward the voice, Sasuke had been quiet all through the introduction, not particularly interested in what they had to say. Hearing Naruto's declaration however filled him with derision.

"Knowing that you are incapable is one thing but to pander around with dolls, what a waste of time" Naruto stilled at the mocking tone, his previous defeats at the hand of Sasuke stinging. Sakura looked caught between them, thankfully Kakashi took control

"Well, why don't you tell us about your goals Sasuke?" Kakashi shot Naruto a look to be silent, Sasuke ignored the byplay fingers locked in front his face.

"I don't have time for dreams, my sole ambition-"Sasuke's mood darkened considerably "-is to revive my clan…and kill a certain man."

Everyone was silent after the declaration; Kakashi's gaze lingered on Sasuke for a bit then he brightened up and addressed the 3 of them.

"Well that's it for today, and depending on how well you do tomorrow we may see what this team is capable of" that definitely go their attention.

"What do you mean by that sensei?"

"Well, at the moment none of you are actually genin, tomorrow we have a survival test and there is a 66.6% failure rate" was it just a tad mean that he enjoyed the stunned looks on their faces…yes, yes it was.

"So, th-that means only-"

"Of the 27 graduates, only 9 can become ninja this year" Sasuke cut in, his eyes narrowed.

"I suggest you guys go and get ready, we'll see if you have what it takes to be a ninja of Konoha. We meet at training ground 7." at that Kakashi disappeared in shushin.

"Only 9 out of 27 huh?" Naruto swore under his breath, he glanced up to see Sasuke heading toward the ledge.

"Sasuke, maybe we sho-"

"Save it"

The instant reply cut Naruto short, Sasuke's stance was firm, unyielding and even Sakura was apprehensive at his current behaviour.

"Anything you want to say or ask is meaningless to me. You were not a capable ninja before and you aren't one now" glancing backwards he locked gaze with Naruto.

"I have no time for weaklings, teaming up will only slow me down. Both of you work together if you must, just don't get in my way." Gripping the ledge he hopped over and disappeared.

Naruto clenched his fists tight; Sasuke always seemed to make his blood boil. Well now he had no reason to hold back and then, then he'd make Sasuke eat his own words. No matter, he could always team up with Sak-

"Sakura Chan?" he turned round only to find her gone, Naruto sighed at the lost opportunity.

"Well no time to waste" he said to himself, he left the academy and made his way to his apartment.

Once he got home he unsealed Byakuya and did a cursory check, inspecting the weapons and limbs, testing to see if everything moved properly. To be honest he was a bit nervous as this would be the first live combat use for Byakuya and this would determine the flow of his ninja career. His hands shook slightly as he did simple manoeuvres, Naruto shook his head and tried to regain focus but his fears only seemed to grow.

A sudden crash jolted him into focus and he saw his table knocked over, items broken and spilling everywhere. Byakuya was on its knees; its body looked like it was struggling to rise. However its eyes drew Naruto in, there was no anger or pity, hate or sympathy, no expectations of greatness or failure.

There just was.

Even though he wasn't a real person, Naruto could feel strength flowing from Byakuya into him. And in turn strength went from him to Byakuya, without him it was it; it couldn't move or do anything. Byakuya had no reason of expectations from him but his gaze was on him, waiting for him to act.

Waiting for his choice.

Once again he connected to Byakuya this time his hands were firm and he remained focused, going through the manoeuvres once more. Byakuya moved seamlessly in response, no hesitations no stalls, flowing from step to step. Naruto kept it going for a while the slowly came to a stop. Using his strings he quickly picked the table and tidied up, and then he sealed Byakuya into his storage scroll and got his other tools ready.


The next morning the various members of team 7 converge on their training ground, anticipating the test with their sensei. Naruto sat cross legged by a stump with a note pad in hand; he had been the first to arrive and made a thorough check of his surroundings, noting everything about the area. Kakashi had been deliberately vague on the nature of the survival test so he couldn't afford to make detailed plans; still it never hurt to be flexible in one's approach.

As he made his notes Sasuke approached the training ground. Naruto took a quick glance, noting the extra materials his teammate had carefully concealed about his person. No matter what Naruto thought about him Sasuke was competent and very skilled individual and what made things worse was he was a natural, things often came quickly and once he applied himself he was hard to beat. It took others months of trying to get what takes Sasuke days, Naruto included.

'Well, at least until I learnt Kage Bunshin from Saru-Ji' Naruto thought smugly.

Naruto shook himself out of his thoughts and gave a quiet greeting, he got none in reply.

Moments later Sakura turned up.

"Morning Sakura-Chan" he greeted warmly, drawing a small smile from her.

Morning Naruto. Good Morning Sasuke-Kun" she added with a blush as she glanced at her crush. Naruto sighed enviously on seeing her expression; it seemed things won't change for a while yet. Well for now he would focus on passing, getting Sakura to like him would come later.

"Sakura-Chan" that got her attention "I was hoping you'd consider us teaming up for this test"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, Kakashi said only 9 of the 27 will pass correct?" Sakura nodded in reply.

"Well I was thinking if we worked together, pooled our skills we could make sure at least we pass right?"

Sakura thought over what Naruto said, truthfully she was a bit worried on how well she could do in the survival test especially when only 9 would pass, however Naruto had offered a possible solution to that problem.

"That does sound like it could work" she said slowly, thoroughly working the idea out in her head. Naruto beamed at her and was about to reply when he was cut off by a mocking scoff.

"Something you wanna say Sasuke-Teme?"

"Naruto! Don't call him that baka!" Sakura replied hotly, Sasuke just kept the same mocking look on his face.

"You already know my thoughts on those plans dobe" Naruto gritted his teeth in frustration.

"There is nothing wrong with teaming up to accomplish the objective. Besides we all want to be ninja and this way have a better shot of passing and being accepted" he snarled out.

Sasuke slowly shook in his head bemusement and casually moved closer to Naruto.

"I never said the plan was bad, tactically it is well thought out and effective." Naruto blinked in amazement. Sasuke just complimented his idea, he was not expecting that.

"The only flaw-"Sasuke was now in front of Naruto, looking down at him "is you, both of you."

"What are you saying Sasuke?"

"I am saying you are both weak, unskilled and while teaming up might offer the only real advantage you would ever have it is not enough and you will only slow me down. In the end I would be trading my ability to pass with the very real possibility of failure by teaming up with you."

Silence permeated the area Sakura couldn't help the wounded expression at her crushes statement and her worries of passing seemed to increase at each barb. Sasuke turned around and began walking away.

"You know nothing of my skills Sasuke" Sasuke stopped at the statement and shrugged.

"True, but I have seen no reason to believe or accept otherwise. Team up if you desire but leave me out of it".

Naruto had nothing to say in reply and so the group fell into silence, each consumed by his own thoughts.

"Yo" Kakashi appeared above on a tree leaning casually with book in hand

"Kaka-sensei, you're late!" screeched Sakura, Kakashi rubbed his head apologetically

"Sorry, the was a black cat in my way and I had to take the long way round"

"Liar!" He shrugged unrepentant and jumped down, he retrieved a clock and put it on one of the stumps. The genin team zoomed in on it and noticed the alarm seemed to be set for 12 noon; Kakashi turned to face his team and began

"Your survival mission will last until noon, if you fail you will not graduate and be sent back to academy" Kakashi then reached into his pocket and pulled out two small bells.

"Your mission is to retrieve a bell during the time limit; those who don't have one will not pass"

"Ano, sensei there are only 2 bells-?" Sakura trailed of hesitantly.

"Yes, the one who does get a bell get sent back to academy" Kakashi tied the bells to his waist and set the alarm

"You have till noon, go!" at that each one disappeared.

Naruto quickly made a Kage Bunshin to watch Kakashi while he went to search for Sakura. With only 2 bells someone had to take the fall and as far as he was concerned he and Sakura were better off. Homing in on Sakura's position he moved quietly through the bushes.

"Psst, Sakura-Chan" Sakura spun round, gasping in shock. Quickly Naruto grabbed her and muffled the sound, his body tense as he tried to determine if they were spotted.

"Ne, is there anything here I should worry about" an amused voice sounded behind them.

Cursing loudly Naruto jumped into the clearing, Sakura in tow and spun round to face the threat. In swift succession he place Sakura down and threw several shuriken at their previous position, before grabbing his storage scroll to unseal the content.

"Sloppy, very sloppy" Naruto stopped cold at the voice behind him, once again he didn't sense the approach and it was throwing him off his game.

"You have decent reflexes that's for sure, but you waste a lot of time and resources with your motions" Kakashi commented as he sat nonchalantly on a stump beside the alarm clock, his eyes never leaving his orange book.

"Had you thrown your weapons as you moved it would have been a better option, not when you have reached your destination. After all you can't expect your opponent to remain there can you?

Naruto calmed himself at the impromptu lecture and unsealed his puppet.

"Sakura" he kept his complete focus on Kakashi as he addressed his now alert teammate "you head into the trees; I'll engage Kakashi and give you enough time to find cover".

Sakura shook her head in protest but Naruto cut her off

"At the moment we are at a big disadvantage, find a place to get your focus back then we can work on getting the bells." Sakura bit her lip as she glanced between Naruto and Kakashi, the she nodded in determination.

"Right, good luck Naruto" Naruto tried to maintain a calm façade but judging from the looks Kakashi gave him it was a fools endeavour.

"Well, now it's just you and me" Kakashi glanced up from his book once Sakura was completely out of sight.

"I am curious to see what a puppeteer from Konoha is capable of"

Naruto crouched down, his fingers flexing as chakra flowed into strings and connected to his puppet. Byakuya clicked into life and slowly drew its sword and locked its shield into defence mode. Naruto then flung his arms out, lurching Byakuya into a forward charge on Kakashi.

A quick flick from Naruto's fingers had Byakuya come in with a strong broadside, Kakashi without looking leaned away from the attack coming clear. More flicks and Byakuya's top half spun on its axis and came in again for another swipe, Kakashi ducked past the attack and moved to disable the sword arm, only to make a hasty retreat as a side panel fired a series of senbon needles at his previous position.

Naruto couldn't help feel a smug pride at the appraising look he got from Kakashi, this only got larger when he saw sensei snap his book shut with a decisive click. Without further statement he launched Byakuya once again at his sensei. He fired off several more senbon to keep Kakashi occupied as the puppet closed in.

Kakashi merely deflected the needles and weaved past the puppets attacks, not once letting the puppet come within striking range. He slowly drew the Byakuya further from Naruto and as he moved round the puppet he catalogued every movement and potential capabilities.

"Not bad Naruto, however" Blitzing passed the puppet he bore down on the shocked puppeteer "if I close the distance on you your puppet becomes useless" Naruto swiftly recovered and reached into his pouch but Kakashi was already on him with a knee to the midsection.

Naruto's eyes almost rolled back at the impact, Kakashi grabbed his arm and twisted into a hold, but Naruto rolled with the manoeuvre and swung himself unto his Kakashi's shoulders. Pulling his hand free he latched onto Kakashi's head and spun into a violent twist that would have broken his neck.

Like lightning Kakashi broke out of his grip and pulled him downwards, freeing his arms from the wriggling grip he kicked his student sending him flying backwards. Naruto flung his arm outwards as if to catch something or brace himself but there was nothing and he tumbled into the ground and rolled a short distance.

Naruto got to his feet and wiped the blood from his lip, his eyes lit with raw determination, snapping his fingers he reconnected the strings to Byakuya launching it forward for another round, this time taking care of Kakashi's manoeuvrings. Kakashi however seemed content to mostly avoid the puppet, occasionally making contact while avoiding projectile counter attacks.

"Not bad" he commented as he ducked below a cleave that would have removed his head. "You use that thing well, but you still haven't learned-"he dashed passed again, coming within striking distance when Naruto smirked and pulled sharply. Kakashi's eyes widen when his leg crumpled dropping down to a knee and his arm tightened around him leaving his ribs exposed. Kakashi glanced downwards in shock as he felt and saw thin strands of ninja wire wrapped neatly around his body and limbs. Naruto capitalised on the moment and focused a burst of chakra into his legs; he covered the distance and with the momentum gave a strong sideways kick into Kakashi's defenceless ribs.

Kakashi's eye bugged wide as the kick hit with the force of a rampaging bull and he was launched away only to suddenly stop as Byakuya caught his leg and pounded him into the ground.

"Tch" Naruto cursed, the wires had given slightly when he went in for the kick and although he managed to hit Kakashi, it had not been a sure thing. Fortunately he had Byakuya on intercept to finish his combo. Once the dust cleared he froze in shock.

Instead of a beaten sensei, there was just a splintered log – Kawarimi!

"As I meant to say" he stiffened at the voice behind him "you are not yet fast enough to be efficient with that puppet of yours, though you do cover the obvious weaknesses quite nicely".

Naruto contemplated movement, only for the decision to be taken from him, shurikens came from the trees and he quickly substituted with Byakuya to get in the clear. Without wasting more time he pulled Byakuya to himself and dove into the forest, he had to find Sakura and fast.