Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A Fox's new skulk

Chapter Three: The kit and a mismatched pack.

Hinata woke up early in the morning, there was a moment of panic about what her family would do to her, she hadn't been home since before the exam. But seeing Naruto's sleeping face, and him actually holding her hand dispelled her fears.

Looking around his apartment she saw the same familiar mess. She was tempted to star cleaning it for him but didn't know if that would seem pushy. He hadn't really said how he felt about her.

Naruto stirred. "Good morning."

"Good, good morning, Naruto-kun. You, you stayed." Hinata said

"Yea, I still don't know about any of that stuff but I guess I can stick it out awhile longer and see what happens. Hungry?" He said.

She nodded her head. Surprisingly he did have more than Raman in his kitchen. Though his milk had expired and she refused to let him use it.

"Oh come on what's cereal without milk?" Naruto said.

"I could, go buy some." Hinata offered.

Naruto agreed and gave her some money, insisting since it was for his apartment. While she was gone he made several shadow clones to clean his apartment. The mess had never bothered him before but with Hinata around he suddenly wanted it to look clean. After all he didn't want to scar her away, and that thought lead him to another, he really did hope she came over a lot.

When Hinata got back she handed over the milk and change. Naruto stared at it for a moment before laughing. "Right right I forgot."

"Forgot what?" Hinata said.

"The shop owners always charge me double." Naruto said.

"They do?" Hinata said.

"Yea, well the ones that will sell to me at all. I'm so used to it I don't even notice anymore." Naruto said.

They ate quietly, Hinata not sure what to do, Naruto lost in thought. So much had happened. I am a ninja, I am the kyubi, I am the kyubi's jailer. It was all so much to take in, not to mention Hinatas confession to him. He wondered if he should ask the Third about it.

After breakfast Naruto told Hinata to go ahead to the academy and that he'd catch up, he needed to unpack his things. She hesitated but agreed. In truth that was only half of it, he also didn't want to show up with Hinata at the academy. He was worried that if she was seen with him to often the villagers might start to bother her too.

Naruto paused, why didn't I ever think of that all those times I asked Sakura out? Of course this led him to think about how he felt about Sakura now. She was cute, but so was Hinata, he had seen that during their training when she took off her oversized jacket. Being cute was about where the pluses ended for Sakura though, Hinata was nice and smart, she talked to him and never hit him, outside of sparing.

He shook his head, this was just too confusing, he defiantly needed to talk to the third about it soon.


The Third Hokage sat in the council room. To say he was unhappy would be an understatement. First thing that morning the civilian side of the council called an emergency meeting. While it was within their powers it was only to be done in the most urgent of situations. And he already had a good idea what this meeting was about.

One of the representatives from the banking guild stood. "Thank you all for joining us so early. I wish this meeting had never had to be called but, devastating, events have occurred."

There was mumbling from most of the council as they tried to figure out what these devastating events were. The Third took note of several who remained quiet. Clearly they already knew. With a sigh the Hokage stepped into his roll. "And what devastating events are you speaking about? Surely if they were really that serious we would all already know of them."

"Not everyone has my, connections, honorable Hokage. The event I am speaking of was the attempted defection of the, of Naruto Uzumaki, last night." He said.

The council burst into a rage. "Ungrateful brat!" "How dare he, after all we have done for him." "Should have known better." "He has betrayed us."

"Enough!" The Hokage slammed the table hard enough to lift the far end. Piles of paper filled the air and several council members made grabs for their reports. "Naruto did not defect or even attempt to do so."

"But honorable Hokage, didn't you personally lead a tacking team to his apartment and dispatch several others to our boarders?" The representative said.

"Yes, I received information that Naruto was planning to leave. However when we arrived at his home he was there with no intention of leaving." The Hokage said.

"If the source was not credible then why were such measures taken?" He asked.

"I was meanly preparing for a worst case scenario. I can assure you that Naruto is as loyal to this village as anyone here." The Hokage said.

"I am glad to hear that. Then the second matter in the team assignments for the graduating class." He said.

"That is a matter for me alone to decide." The Hokage said.

"I beg to disagree. Among those graduating this year is the last Uchiha. That makes this a matter for everyone." He said.

"You are over stepping your authority." The Hokage said.

"But I am not." Said Hiashi, Hinatas father. "I have received a copy of the team assignments. While I would normally trust you in such matters I must disagree with the assignment of my daughter. Placing her on the same team with the demon and the Uchiha."

The rest of the council was outraged. The Third had hopped his team choice would slip by unnoticed. All of them had issues but he felt together they could overcome their problems and become the strongest team in over a decade, perhaps even since his own. Plus, they all needed a family.

It was a shame that the council didn't see that. "How dare you place Sasuke with two children who lack the basic skills needed for a mission! Are you trying to get him killed?"

"You will not speak of my daughter that way." Hiashi said. The civilian side of the council cringed but most of the shinobi noticed there was no real threat behind it. "I request that my daughter be moved to a different team. There is no love between the Hyuga and Uchiha but even I would not wish her onto him."

The council shifted uneasily, they weren't sure what to make of that. And most had been in politics long enough to know how dangerous not knowing where to stand was.

The Third was not happy, if it had been anyone else he could have refused but the Hyuga were one of the most influential clans in the village and several council members were under Hyuga thumb. "Very well, I will move your daughter to a different team. Naruto however, will remain."


The students fell silent as Naruto entered the classroom. There were surprised mumbles from some, outright glares from others. He ignored them and took a seat in back next to Hinata. She blushed as more eyes turned towards them. Thankfully both of them were saved by a cat fight at the other side of the room. Sakura and Ino had each other by the hair trying to pull their rival away from the empty seat next to Sasuke.

"Give it up billboard brow." Ino said.

"Shut up Ino pig! Me and Skanska-Chan are meant to be!" Sakura said.

"Sasuke-Chan!" Ino said.

"Opps, didn't you know that's how our relationship is?" Sakura said. Ino grabbed her other hand and they started to spin around until they crashed into the wall. Sakura pinning Ino between herself and the hard surface. "Give it up."

Iruka coughed for attention. "I won't speculate on what you to are doing but take your seats. Now!"

They both turned to grab the empty seat next to Sasuke, only to find it already filled by another student. Grumbling they moved further alone to other empty seats. Iruka surveyed the class to make sure he had their attention. "Congratulations! As of today you are all Shinobi of Konohagkure!"

The students cheered. Hinata smiled when Naruto jumped onto the desk yelling as loudly as anyone. Iruka let it go on for several minutes before motioning for their attention. "Listen carefully. I'll skip the speech because I am sure your new sensei will give all of you their own version but remember I am very proud to have taught each and every one of you."

He looked at Naruto as he finished. "Listen closely for your squad assignments."

With each passing team Naruto became a little more hopeful that he and Hinata would be on the same one. There was no one else in the academy he'd rather work with. "Squad Seven, Sasuke, Naruto and Hin-."

A puff of smoke cut him off as an ANBU appeared next to him and handed him a paper. Iruka looked it over. "You can't be serious."

"Orders from the Hokage himself." The ANBU said.

"Fine." Iruka scowled. "Squad Seven, Sasuke, Naruto Sakura. Squad Eight."

"Hey hold on a second! You changed the squad!" Naruto shouted.

"Orders from the Hokage Naruto, there's nothing I can do." Iruka said.

"Then get the old man down here and have him explain it himself!" Naruto said.

"Naruto! Show respect for the Honorable Hokage." Iruka said.

"Oh I'll show him something I'll show him my." He was cut off as Hinata slapped her hand over his mouth and pulled him back into his seat.

"Sorry Iruka sensei!" Hinata said.

"Thank you. As I was saying Squad Eight. Hinata, Kiba, Shino."


The classroom was empty except for Squad Seven. They had been told to wait for their new sensei but that was over an hour ago. Naruto spent most of the time fuming, he was sure Iruka was about to say Hinata before the ANBU appeared. He had already decided to go see the Hokage soon and find out what that change had been about.

Sasuke remained a static fixture by the window. Even Sakura's constant attempts at conversation and offers for dates couldn't get him to speak.

The door opened and an eraser Naruto had left on top of it earlier hit a man with gray hair. He blinked, his mouth and nose were hidden by a pull up mask, his head band came down to cover his left eye. He looked at the three young ninjas. Someone must hate me.

He could take the Uchiha, in fact he'd practically demanded Sasuke. He could handle his little fan girl too, but the Kyubi. This was something he just wasn't going to do. "How should I put this, my first impression of you three. I hate you. But since I have to at least give you a chance meet me on the roof." Everyone that is besides the demon.

On the roof they sat facing their sensei. "Alright, so tell me a little about yourself. Hobbies, hope dreams that whole bucket. I'll even get you started. I'm Kakashi, I have a lot of hobbies, likes and dislikes. And dreams. Alright your turn. As our only female you can go first."

"Alright, my name is Sakura, my likes are, well more of a who." She blushed looking at Sasuke. "My hobbies, I can't really tell you." Her blush was almost neon. "I hate, Naruto."

Kakashi smiled. "Good, there might be hope for you yet."

He looked expectantly at Sasuke. "My name, Sasuke Uchiha. I will restore my clans honor. I don't like much, and I am determined. There is someone I have to kill."

Kakashi nodded. As expected.

"I'm Naruto. I like ramen." And Hinata. Whoa where did that come from?

"Naruto? Hello? Is that it?" Kakashi said.

"Sorry spaced out for a second. I don't like the three minutes it takes to make ramen at home. I will become the Hokage and earn the villages respect."

Kakashi frowned. No you won't. None of us would ever follow you. Still I suppose it is best to have you where I can watch you. And if I lose you on a mission.

"Alright, tomorrow you have your first mission, survival training with me. This will be a little different then what you're used to. No I won't tell you, you'd just chicken out. And I should warn you, this is also a test. If you can't cut it you go back to the academy. Out of your whole class only nine will actually advance. So get some sleep, and don't eat breakfast. I hate when kids throw up during training." He said.

In a swirl of leafs he was gone leaving the newly formed team alone of the roof. Sakura pounced on Sasuke. "Do you want to go get something to eat?"

"No. I'm going to go train." Sasuke said.

"Oh, Great! I'll come too!" Sakura said.

Sasuke only grunted as she followed him like a lost puppy. Naruto still felt his old jealousy but watching them he also felt a strange relief. He shook his head and walked back to his apartment, wondering how Hinata and her new team were doing.

He didn't have to wonder long because she was waiting for him outside his apartment. "Hinata-san, what are you doing here?"

"I, was wondering how you liked your new team." She said.

"It's ok, our sensei was really late. I wish we'd ended up on the same team." He said.

"You do?" Oh my god he wants us to be on the same team too!

"Yea, you're a lot cooler than Sasuke. And all Sakura did today was glare at me. So how's your team?" He said.

He thinks I'm cooler than Sasuke. "They, they nice. And Kurenai-sensei is very knowledgeable."

"So you wanna come in and celebrate our teams?" Naruto asked.

"Ok." She said and followed him in. All he had besides cereal though was instant ramen so he set up two cups.

When it was done he raised his cup in a mock toast. "To our teams and our first mission."

"To our teams." Hinata said.

"So Hinata-san. Did your sensei mention anything about a test?" Naruto said.

"Yes. Tomorrow we have to pass something or we have to go back to the academy. I'm nervous. What if I ruin it for my team?" She said.

"You'll do fine! After all we've practiced a lot and you're defiantly strong enough to handle anything the village can throw at you. Beside you're the smartest girl I know." Naruto said.

"Naruto-kun, I'm really the only girl you know." She said.

"Oh yeah, well I'm sure you're still the smartest." He said

"Thank you Naruto-kun. I need to be going. My family will be wondering where I've been." Hinata said.

"You know, if you wanted, you could stay here awhile longer." Naruto said.

"I, I would like that. But I have to go home some time." Hinata said trying not to pass out from the offer.

"Oh ok right. Do you want me to walk you home?" Naruto asked.

"Alright." Hinata said.

Whispers and dirty looks followed them as they walked down the street. Hinata could barely believe some of the things she heard. It seemed everyone thought that Naruto had only been made a genin so that he could accidently die on a mission. "Don't listen to them Naruto-kun."

"Of course I won't! I'm going to become Hokage after all. So I can't go dying on a little D or C ranked mission."

Hinata mimicked his excitement. "Right!"

"So Hinata-san, what's your dream?" He said.

"My dream?" She said.

"Yea, guess you don't have to tell me if you don't want to." He said.

"No. I never really thought about it. But I want to become stronger like, like you." She said.

"Like me? Well no worries there! You're already as strong as me when we spar." He said.

"Thank you." Hinata said, stopping in front of a large gate. "Well this is where I live." She said.

"Wow! This place is huge! You actually live here?" He said.

"Most of my clan does. Good luck tomorrow Naruto-kun." She said.

"Thanks, you too." He said.

Hinata had the urge to throw her arms around Naruto and hug him good bye but she knew several member of her clan were probably watching so she resisted. Much to Naruto's disappointment.


Naruto crouched on a training post. His stomach growled, a complaint at having skipped breakfast. They had been waiting three hours for their sensei. "Hey Sakura, can I ask you something?"

"Like I could stop you." She said, angry that her time staring at Sasuke had been interrupted.

"Ok, say someone you like offers to walk you home." He said.

"Stop! I don't want you to walk me home." She said.

"I wasn't, ugh ok say Sasuke offered to walk you home. What would you do when you got there?" He said.

"Well, I'd offer to let him come in and we'd kiss and." She looked away blushing.

"Is that how it's supposed to go?" Naruto mumbled.

"What are you blathering about?" She said.

"Nothing." He said, already ignoring the rest of the conversation.

Kakashi appeared in a puff of smoke. "Good morning. I'm glad to see, well one of you."

Sasuke gave him a bored look. "Let's just get this over with."

"Alright, the test is simple. I have two small bells. You have until noon to get them. More than enough time. Each of you needs a bell or you fail and to top it off you won't get lunch."

"But Kakashi sensei, there are three of us." Sakura said.

"Right, so one of you will automatically fail. I suggest you come at me with the intent to kill." He said.

Naruto charged him. In the blink of an eye Naruto was on the ground, Kakashi's knee pressing on his spin and a kunai at his throat. Guess I should have expected that from the demon. "I didn't say go."

He released Naruto and took out a small book. "Go."

Sasuke and Sakura disappeared into the surrounding woods. Naruto stood up and grinned. "Alright, time to show you what I can do."

He charged Kakashi again. The Jonin sighed in boredom. Maybe I can just break a leg or something and be done with him. He grabbed Naruto's arm and slammed him to the ground, caught him on the bounce and threw him into the forest. With any luck he'll be gone until this is over.


Naruto climbed out of the tree rubbing his leg. "There's no way any of us can get those bells. Unless."

He quickly made several shadow clones to find Sasuke and Sakura. It didn't take long for him to find her. She was trampling through the forest making more noise than a marching band. "Sakura."

"What? I'm busy trying to find Sasuke." She said.

"Listen the only way we can get those bells if the three of us work together." He said.

"You're just too weak to get one yourself! I'm sure Sasuke can handle this. You just want to tag along and grab one at the last minute. It's the only way you can pass this after all. Besides if we work together there'll still only be two bells." She said.

"We can figure that out after we get them." He said.

"Yeah right." Sakura said punching him. She blinked in surprise when he disappeared in a puff of smoke. Cool, wish that'd happen more often. Hope he doesn't come back soon.

Naruto cringed when his clone was destroyed. It took half an hour for one of the others to find Sasuke along the edge of the woods watching Kakashi. Who was still standing in the middle of the clearing reading his book.

"No." Sasuke said.

"I haven't said anything yet." Naruto said.

"I know what you're going to say but I don't need your help. I've been watching him and I know his blind spot. So just get out of here." He said and stabbed the clone.


Kakashi shook his head. Why was the demon the only one who seemed to have picked up on the real goal of the test? It was so frustrating. He had his own clones watching them reporting in by radio. But it was getting boring. He ordered his clones to start pushing them. Let's see how far you can really go.

"Fire Release: Rolling Flames!" Sasuke charged into the clearing. A wave of fire rolled over the ground burning the nearby trees. He looked around for Kakashi. Where is he? That shouldn't have incinerated him. A hand shot out from the ground and pulled him in until only his head was above ground.

"Damit! Let me out and fight me!" Sasuke shouted as Kakashi disappeared.


Kakashi watched from a nearby tree, one of the ones that wasn't currently on fire and frowned. Sasuke hadn't even noticed he'd dropped one of the bells by him. Then he smiled, Sakura was stumbling toward Sasuke. One of his clones had shown her a Genjutsu of Sasuke impaled by kunai and throwing stars. This should be good.

Sakura was covered in cuts from running aimlessly through the forest. When she stepped into the clearing she saw Sasukes head sitting on the ground, watching her. He Gave her a bored look. "Yo."

She fainted.

"Hey! Wake up and dig me out!" he shouted at her.

Kakashi smiled, this was fun, he should have gotten students sooner. In the moment he relaxed a kunai sailed towards his head. He spun just in time to avoid it and twisted around to see a flash of orange. Naruto.

A second kunai came at him from behind again and sliced into his mask. Clever, you were disguised as the first one. He recovered and landed on the edge of the clearing. He was greeted by a grinning Naruto. "Got you!"

"A lucky shot hardly counts as getting me." Kakashi said, he rushed forward and punched Naruto in the stomach. Then grabbed his jacket and tossed him into a pond. "Now that's getting someone. I wonder what would happen if you drowned."

Naruto jumped out of the water and charged him. Kakashi sighed, he'd actually expected something. Guess you can't count on a demon to use anything but brute strength. He stuck out a foot and tripped him watching Naruto roll.

There was a series of splashes, Kakashi turned and saw several more Naruto's leaping from the water and throwing kunais at him. He dodge and threw several of his own. All but one Naruto disappeared. The real Naruto cried out and a kunai pierced his shoulder.

He fell to the ground panting and pulled it out. Kakashi had another kunai in his hand. Guess that was his last hurrah. "Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire!"

Kakashi turned to see Sasuke freed from the earth. He was just distracting me so he could free Sasuke! Sasuke was making numerous smaller fire balls this time. Kakashi dodged the attack easily. The injured Naruto wasn't as fast and one fire ball struck him in his uninjured shoulder. He spun into the water.

I suppose I should get on his case about injuring a team mate but considering who it was I think I'll let it slide. Kakashi pulled out a roll of ninja wire and quickly strung up Sasuke from a tree. "Why won't you fight me!"

He ignored the genin and turned back to the pond where a soaked and panting Naruto was climbing out of the water.

"Times almost up, going to try another surprise attack?" Kakashi said.

"Nah I can't beat you in a head on fight but I still have one option." Naruto said.

This should be good, what's he going to do? Threaten my family?

Naruto bowed. "Please give me one of the bells."

Kakashi nearly fell over. If any other student had pulled that he might have actually given them one, but this was the Kyubi. So instead he tied Naruto to a training pole just as the timer went off. "Times up. Looks like no one got a bell. Let's see the only one I want to pass is Sasuke, Sakura should go back to the academy. And Naruto. You'll need to be kicked out altogether."

"But, at this stage teams pass or fail together. So all of you pass riding on Sasukes coat tails. Someone should tell Sakura when she wakes up." With that he disappeared.

"Hey wait someone untie me!" Naruto shouted. "Sasuke! Hey Sasuke let me go I dug you up!"

"Get out on your own." Sasuke said.


Hinata stood with Kiba and Shino. Akamaru, Kibas faithful dog sat on his head sniffing the light breeze. The training ground they were at was a mix of open fields and patches of trees. Their sensei looked over them approvingly. "This test is fairly simple; I've adapted it from a Jonin training exercise. Because you will primarily be a tracking team your goal today is to locate a tag identical to this one."

She held up a slip of paper with 'pass' written on it. "I have hidden the tag somewhere within this training ground, and set up a few traps and trick along the way. While your ultimate goal will be to pass for now just get as far in as you can. It should take you three months to retrieve the tag. Oh and you only have an hour. Begin!"

Her image wavered and disappeared. Kiba looked at the now empty space with wide eyes. "That was so cool! She's gotta teach us that!"

"It was only a simple genjutsu." Shino said. His insects had already confirmed she had never truly been there. "We should go."

"Right I'll find that tag in under an hour!" Kiba and Akamaru charged into the nearest patch of trees.

Shino turned to Hinata. "I suppose we will have to explain that running into an unknown situation in a hostel territory is not a viable course of action."

"Yes, yes we should, find him." Hinata said ducking her head down. She found the silent insect user intimidating.

"I believe your Byakugan would be the quickest way to locate him." Shino said.

"Oh right of course! Byakugan!" She found Kiba pinned to the ground by a net with Akamaru trying to dig him out.

Shinos insects had him cut out in seconds. "That was a rash and careless move."

"Hey we only have an hour!" Kiba said.

"Yes. Which is why we should function as the team we were designed to be." Shino said.

"So what should we do bug brain?" Kiba said.

Shino ignored the insult. "Hinata, please check the area for the tag."

"Alright." Thankfully their sensei had had them meet near the middle of the training ground and she could see the whole area. " I see three of them. I, I can't tell which one is real."

"Which is closest?" Shino asked.

"North North East, three hundred and fifteen meters. Under a bush." Hinata said.

"Traps?" Shino said.

"I can see several trip wires and two small explosive tags. I don't see any way around them." Hinata said.

"We can set the traps off from a safe distance." Shino said.

"Hey you better not be planning to use Akamaru!" Kiba said.

"My allies can take care of them with minimal risk. You should both be alert for hidden traps. Considering our sensei appears to favor genjutsu she may have hidden traps from even Hinatas sight. Your ability to pick up on minute scents will be crucial." Shino said.

"Right. Lets get moving team!" Kiba said. They moved towards the first tag with him and Akamaru on point. Both Shino and Hinata were happy to let him play leader. They broke from the trees and crossed a large clearing. Kiba stopped sniffing the air. "Fresh turned earth. Hinata see anything?"

"A pit fall five meters head, another one to the left six meters and two more ahead and to the left." Hinata said. How did I miss those? If it wasn't for Kiba we'd have already lost. I'm just dragging them down. I have to do better!

"My allies do not sense anything out of the ordinary. Hinata lead the way." Shino said.

They moved cautiously across the field. There were more pitfalls the closer they got to the first tag. Shinos insects were able to safely trigger the traps by chewing through the trip wires. Several nets covered the ground and surrounding trees. When Hinata gave the all clear Kiba reached for the tag but it dissolved in his hand.

The second tag was directly south. There were fewer traps around the tag which was located on a tree. Shino was becoming very uneasy as they drew closer to it. There had been only two trip wires so far. A clear path lead to the tag. Shino held up a hand to stop them as his insects moved across the trees and ground checking for hidden traps. One reported back a weak amount of chakra on one of the trees. Soon others were reporting the same. "Explosive tags under a genjutsu. Hinata can you determine their exact locations?"

"Yes. I mean I'll try." She looked closely, now that she was looking for it she could see a thin layer of chakra covering several spots on the trees ahead of them. I should have seen them! Stupid! What good are all seeing eyes if you can't spot simple traps. If Shino and Kiba figure out how worthless I am will they want me removed from the team? No do what I can and push forward, just like Naruto! "Second tree to the right, three meters up below the lowest branch. Third and fourth on the right. Both at the base. Fourth on the left, two together, a matter and a half up in the center. Sixth tree on the right near the fifth branch, just above the broken one."

"Alright Akamaru time to show them your precise targeting!" Akamaru jumped off of Kibas shoulder, spinning in the air he released a stream of urine. The path before them exploded. When the smoke cleared Akamaru barked happily on the other side. Hinata confirmed that all the tags had been hit.

Shino touched the tag and it dissolved. The last tag was to the North West. They moved as quickly as they dared avoiding the traps fairly well. Except Kiba who found himself in another net. As they approached the third tag which was stuck to a rock in the middle of a clearing they slowed down checking for hidden traps. But there was nothing noticeable, anywhere. A red flag for any ninja.

They crouched on the edge of the clearing. There were only five minutes left. Shino was not happy about the lack of obstacles. Clearly this tag was being guarded by something on an entirely different level from the others. "Kiba, do you smell anything?"

"No, nothing. Literally, the whole areas been covered in some kind of scent neutralizer. It's creepy." Kiba said.

"Hinata?" Shino said.

Hinata activated her Byakugan, and couldn't see anything. The entire clearing seemed to be covered in fog. But when she deactivated them it was gone. "There's some kind of fog blocking my view. I, I'm sorry I can't see through it." Without my Byakugan I nothing. What would Naruto do?

"A genjutsu that is only visible to the Byakugan and can block it. That must be extremely high level. My allies sense chakra covering the clearing but can't pinpoint its location. We are effectively blind." Shino said.

"So what are we supposed to do? We've only got four minutes left." Kiba said.

"Even if this tag is another fake we won't have time to find the real one. I suggest we hold nothing in reserve. Charge the stone in three separate paths. Excuse me four. Touch the ground as little as possible, and do not stop for anything." Shino said.

They nodded and broke from their cover. Kiba and Akamaru were first, then Shino and a second later Hinata. Kiba ran to the right and curved towards the rock; Akamaru did the same but skirted the edge of the clearing.

Kiba was several meters out when roots burst from the ground tangling his feet and tripping him. He tried to cut them but more grew to replace the ones he got. Akamaru saw him go down and rushed to help, becoming trapped in the genjutsu himself.

Shino took the direct path heading straight for the rock. He was almost half way there moving in a series of jumps. Fire encircled him. The heat was intense but just within his tolerance. Despite knowing it was a genjutsu he was unable to pass it and his insects would not approach the fire no matter how much he assured them it wasn't real. Out of options he simply sat in the middle of the flaming ring.

Hinata saw Kiba fall and seem to struggle with something. Shino simply stopped and sat down. But somehow she was able to keep going, skirting the left edge of the clearing. Until a wall of earth shot up in front of her. She tried to jump it but it grew to match her progress and when she back tracked it followed her. Effectively trapping her in an earthen ring. Slowly it closed in around her until she was pressed in tight. Not uncomfortably so but enough she was unable to move. Finally it lowered to her shoulder so she could see the clearing.

Kurenai appeared between them. "Not bad. I hadn't expected you to get this far for two and a half weeks. I am very pleased."

"Kurenai-sensei, how could we have gotten past the genjutsu?" Hinata asked.

"Well you could have dispelled them, but well work on that later. There is also a single clear path. Straight from the rock to that rock outcropping. If you had been extremely lucky one of you might have run along it."

"Thank you Kurenai-sensei." Hinata said before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Her teammates and sensei stared at the stop where she had been a moment before.

Kurenai knew it was impossible but still she had seen it. Turning a moment to late she found Hinata at the rock, panting but holding the tag. By pure luck she had hidden by the rock outcropping to watch her Shadow clone.

Kiba was cheering like a mad man and Shino stood as static as ever.

"Hinata where did you learn that?" Kurenai said.

"What do you mean where did she learn it? They taught us at the academy." Kiba said.

"No, that is an illusion. What Hinata just used was a solid clone. Most certainly not taught at the academy." Kurenai said.

"Naruto-san taught me Kurenai-sensei." Hinata said.

That thing taught her? Where did it learn, and why teach her? What twisted plan is it up to? But the fact she was actually able to use it, incredible. I wonder what her clan would think of that. "Alright. I am impressed with all of you. There's a lot of work to be done but you're well ahead of what I was expecting. Clearly I will need to rework some training. You have the rest of the day off." She said before disappearing.


A few days Naruto sat under a tree, a sleepy breeze rustled the leaves and he was beginning to drift off to sleep thinking about Hinata. They hadn't had a chance to speak with each other since the day of team assignments.

"Skipping training already?" Someone said.

Naruto opened his eyes, Kiba was leaning over him with Akamaru riding on his head. The rest of his team was behind him. Including Hinata. "Naruto-kun would not do that, would you Naruto-kun?"

"Yea, Kakashi sensei told me there was nothing I could learn from today's training and to leave so I thought I'd just relax." He said getting up.

"Naruto-kun! What happened?" Hinata said.

He looked around confused, until he remembered he hadn't had a chance to fix up his jacket yet. One shoulder had a charred hole in it the other a bloody slash. "Oh nothing I…"

"That's not nothing let me see." Hinata said trying to wrestle his jacket off. The rest of team eight watched in shock. She had barely been able to say two sentences to them and here she was practically stripping Naruto in the middle of the training grounds. Kurenai shook her head. I can't blame Kakashi for not wanting to train the demon but how'd my squad get sucked into this? And what's got Hinata acting like this towards him?

Hinata finally got Naruto's jacket and shirt off. There were no traces left of his injury's. "See Hinata-chan. Just got a little roughed up during our test, I'm fine. Uh, can I have my clothes back?"

His clothes? Hinata looked down at her hands; she was clutching his jacket and shirt. "Eeeeeeehhhhhh."

She threw them at him and ran behind a tree turning red with embarrassment. Oh god! I just ripped his clothes off. I can't believe I did that. He's going to hate me now.

"Hinata-chan? Are you alright?" Naruto said poking around in the trees looking for her.

"I, I'm sorry. Naruto-kun, I , I didn't." Hinata said.

"No problem, it wasn't too bad actually." Naruto said.

Not too bad? Does that mean he… her thoughts were interrupted by Kiba. "Hey Hinata! Come on we've got training. Naruto why don't you come too, then you can see a real ninja's skill. That ok right Kurenai sensei?"

Wonderful, the demon brats the last thing I want to deal with today. Still it'll be a good chance to see just what he's like. And if my squad can show off a bit all the better. "Alright, for today Naruto will be training with us. So since we have a guest let's have a little compotation."

She pulled a white tag from her pocket and two watches. She tossed one to Hinata and the other to Kiba. "Hinata Naruto it's you two against Kiba and Shino. Each team will start from a different training ground. I'm going to hide the tag at the waterfall three kilometers north of here. In twenty minutes head there and find it. Hinata Naruto you'll start from the fifth training ground. Go get in position."

"Alright!" Naruto grabbed Hinatas hand and pulled her towards their starting point.

Kiba growled. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Don't worry I'll be keep an eye on them. And if you're concerned you just need to finish this as quickly as possible." Kurenai said jumping into the woods.


Naruto stared impatiently at the watch. There were still five minutes until they started but he couldn't wait. "Can't this thing count any faster!"

Hinata gave a light laugh but he didn't miss the nervous glances she kept throwing towards the forest.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"I, don't know if I can do this. What if I mess up? Let you down?" She said. She hated admitting to him that she was so nervous after the confidence he seemed to have in her but she felt that not voicing her doubt would be a far worse insult to him.

"You'll done fine! I know it. With your x-ray eyes we'll find that tag in no time!" Naruto said.

"Right!" Hinata said. Trying to believe it. When the watches went off the two teams made a mad dash towards the waterfall. Hinata and Naruto arrived first spired on by his excitement.

"Alright let's get looking. I'll help." Naruto said making a dozen shadow clones that started looking under nearby rocks and plants.

"Byakugan!" Hinata began scanning the surrounding area.

Kiba and Shino arrived a moment later. Kiba dropped to the ground and started sniffing. Shino watched. "Anything?"

"Everything smells like ramen! What about your bugs?" Kiba said.

"They're having a hard enough time just keeping from being stepped on, he's like an elephant stampede." Shino said.

"Fine we'll do things old school." Kiba said and started looking by hand. Shino sighed but joined in. Kiba was just climbing a tree to get a better look around when Hinata called out.

"Naruto-kun! Behind the waterfall!"

All the clones disappeared as Naruto ran towards the waterfall. Oh no you don't! Kiba jumped from the tree and ran flat out, Akamaru stuck close. Naruto reached its base and started climbing. Kiba jumped onto the cliff face above him and swung into the water. There was a small cave behind the water. "Ok where is it?"

"Hey that tags ours!" Naruto said climbing in behind him.

"Not until you get it!" Kiba said.

"Like you could find it." Naruto said.

Kiba grabbed Naruto by the jacket. "Watch what you say. I can beat you in anything."

"Sure you can." Naruto said. Then lost his footing and pulled both of them into the water. They splashed into the pond at the base of the cliff.

Kiba pulled himself out first. Akamaru shook himself to dry off. "That won't stop me I'll still beat you!"

Kurenai appeared next to him. "It's a little late for that."

She pointed to the tree Kiba had been climbing. Hinata was sitting on the top branch holding the tag, smiling. "Sorry Kiba-san. It was Naruto-kuns idea to lie about finding the tag to buy time."

Kiba walked over to where Naruto was still trying to climb out of the water. He reached down and pulled him out. "Fine you won one. But next time I'm taking you down."

"Anywhere anytime!" Naruto said.

Kurenai watched with interest. Maybe there's more to the demon then I thought. At least he can use his mind for more than pranks and trouble. "Alright that was a good tracking exercise. Let's move onto some sparing. Hinata Kiba you're up first."

They took their positions. "I won't hold back Hinata."

"Right." She said.

Kiba charged her. Hinata blocked his first attack and even managed to counter. He was impressed. She actually had the upper hand for the first few strikes. Then she missed a block and began to retreat. In just a few more exchanges he had her pressed against a tree. He swept her feet out from under her and held the kunai to her throat. "You're really improving."

"Hey Hinata-chan! Why were you taking it easy on him?" Naruto said.

Kiba glared at him. "What are you yelling about?"

"I'll show you." He said taking position to spar with Hinata. "Just like always."

"Ok." She said sliding into her stance.

Naruto attacked, holding back until she fell into her normal rhythm. Their movements speed up until their kunais were a blur. Naruto made a shadow clone and they charged her. Hinata didn't retreat this time. She ran forwards, sliding between them. She threw her kunai through the clone and hit the real Narutos leg sending him into a tumble.

He jumped back to his feet, and found a kunai in front of his face. "I win Naruto-kun."

"Woop! Way to go Hinata-chan!" Naruto shouted.

Kiba Shino and Kurenai stared in astonishment. Hinata had just fought on an entirely different level than any of them had ever seen before from her. I don't know why she responds that way with the demon but I should keep any eye on him from now on. If this keeps up she may actually prove her stuck up clan wrong.

Hinatas teammates ran toward her. "That was amazing! Why didn't you fight like that with me just now?"

"I didn't, I mean." She said searching for an answer.

Kiba threw his arm around her shoulder. "Whatever! Who knew you had it in you."

"Alright everyone, to celebrate our little Hinata kicking Naturo's butt I'm treating everyone to dinner." Kurenai said.

As they were making their way back towards the village Naruto talked with Hinata about what he was going to get if they went to this restaurant or that one. Shino fell into step with Kiba. "I thought you did not trust him."

"I don't but. That was a good plan he had. And, well have you ever seen Hinata smile like that? Or fight like that?" Kiba said.

"No, it was, surprising." Shino said.

"Yea. If he can bring that out of Hinata I'll tolerate him for now." Kiba said.

"He does seem to have a way of bringing out peoples best. Not just Hinata." Shino said.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Kiba said.

"You seemed to be trying harder than normal today." Shino said.

"What are you talking about. I think those bugs of yours finally ate your brain." Kiba said. "Did you notice he was calling her Hinata chan?"

"I did." Shino said.

"Should we be worried about that? He doesn't have the best reputation." Kiba said.

"I do not believe it is any of our business right now. We should not get involved unless it becomes an issue for the team. Also I believe it is due in greater part to Hinata herself. My allies have been picking up several pheromones." Shino said.

Kiba blushed. "Yea, I noticed them too."


Kurenai lead them to a restaurant. The owner greeted them at the door. "Ah welcome! Right this way we have an open."

He stopped when he saw Naruto. "Hey you get out of here! You're not welcome!"

He shoved Naruto back out the door.

"But Naruto-kun." Hinata reached for him but Shino held her back. Interested in observing their Sensei's reaction.

Kurenai frowned. What will you do now demon?

Naruto looked at the ground, then gave them a big cheesy grin. "It's alright, enjoy your dinner guys."

He turned to leave but Kurenai grabbed his jacket. "Naruto is a shinobi of this village and will be treated with the respect of such."

"Like hell I will, that demon has no place here. And I ain't gonna let some bitch that never should have become a ninja tell me otherwise."

"What did you say?" Kurenai asked. Debating if it would be inappropriate to deal with him in front of her students.

"I said I ain't gonna let some bitch that slept her way to her position tell me what to d-." he was cut off as Naruto struck him in the gut, he doubled over.

"Shut the hell up." Naruto said.

"Damn, you brat. Die!" The owner drew a butcher knife and swung at Naruto's throat.

Naruto stepped backward and grabbed his own kunai to defend himself with. But never got the chance. Akamaru jumped from Kiba's head and bit the hand holding the weapon. The owner cried out in pain and dropped the knife, Kiba grabbed his other hand, Hinata grabbed the knife. The air filled with an angry buzz and dozens of small insects swarmed over the owners legs.

"Enough!" Kurenai said. Making sure Hinata still had the knife. Kiba and Akamaru let go of the man, Akamaru waited until the insects had left before peeing on the owners shoes.

The man glared at them. "You brats and bitches made a big mistake!"

Kurenai had a kunai knife at his throat. "No, you did. You attacked a shinobi of this village. You'll be lucky if you're left with a few coins after I inform the Third about this."

He scrambled back into the restaurant and slammed the door. Kurenai turned towards her students. "All of you, what was that!"

"What he started it." Kiba said.

"I don't want to hear from you yet Kiba, Naruto! Why did you attack him?"

"Why? Didn't you hear what he said about you!" Naruto said.

He was angry over what the owner said about me? "That's why you attacked him? Not because he called you a demon?" She said.

"Nah I'm used to that." Naruto said. He was so casual about it Kurenai had little doubt it was the truth.

"I see, and the rest of you?" She asked.

"Cause of what he said about you, Naruto just got to him first." Kiba said.

"He pulled a weapon on Naruto-kun." Hinata said.

"He threated my teammates, sensei and a fellow shinobi." Shino said.

"Alright, I should really lecture all of you about what you did but I'll let it slide this time. Come on i still owe you a dinner." She said leading the way to a BBQ restaurant a few blocks away.

This time Naruto was allowed in without a word but the cook didn't look very happy. He led them to the table furthest away from the others. It didn't take long for Naruto and Kiba to get into an eating contest. Kurenai smiled as she watched them. She didn't know why she had acted the way she did when the owner tried to throw Naruto out. She supposed it was because she knew what it was like to be treated poorly because of something you had no control over. Treated like a demon, but he doesn't act like one. Maybe we've been wrong about him.

"Go go Naruto-kun!" Hinata cheered.

"What Hinata! Were teammates you should be cheering for me!" Kiba said.

"Woof." Akamaru chimed in.

"Ah not you too Akamaru." Kiba said.

Naruto snatched the last piece of meat. "I win again!"

"No fair! Rematch!" Kiba said.

Kurenai silenced them. "Another time. You two could eat a small fortune. Good job today team eight, dismissed. Oh and Naruto I hope you'll join us again."

"Sure." He said.


(A/N: Here we go the third chapter. Hope you enjoyed. As always feel free to ask any questions or send me your comments. See you all next time!)