Chapter 4: The New Squad 7

I jumped to the sound of my alarm clock. It was now 6:00am. Instead on growling, I tapped the button turning off the alarm and jumped out of bed stretching. I couldn't remember the last time I slept so well! I walked by my mirror to see I was still in Shin's jacket. There was a flutter in my heart remembering the time we spent together last night. I nuzzled my nose into his jacket still able to smell his scent.

My morning routine was still the same but with a little pep in it. I was too excited for the day to start finally as a Genin. After finishing in the bathroom, I put my clothes on and strapped my equipment to me. I tied my hair back as usual looking myself over in the mirror. When done, I felt something was missing. I ran my fingers through my bangs trying to figure out what it was. That's when it hit me! I grabbed my headband from the top of my dresser and tied it on. "There! Now I am aGenin!" I smiled with a peace sign.

I skipped down the streets that were waking up preparing for the busy work day. With a bright smile on my face, I said a friendly "Hi!" to the ones who I knew. They smiled back waving and saying, "Good morning!" I still kept my eyes on the Hokage Memorial especially on the Seventh Hokage remembering my promised to Iruka-sensei. I was going to prove to him I will be the best ninja in the world even surpassing the Great Seventh Homage himself. I thrust my arm out pointing at the Seventh Hokage's carved face. "I'm coming for you! Believe it!"

Walking through those doors of the Academy seemed like I was entering a whole new world as a Genin. The class seemed to be quite different as well. They were still pretty noisy, but the noise was about being a Genin. Even the obnoxious fan girls were settled down actually getting along with one another. It seemed we have really matured as a class. We now had more responsibilities than ever finally being able to go on missions. I spotted Shin sitting in his same spot as usual. But, there was a huge change in his attitude. He seemed more light and happy.

I rolled up his jacket into a small roll behind my back. I didn't want anyone to find out about last night. If word got out about what happened, I probably won't be able to live to see another day due to all the fan girls killing me. One thing I knew I was really well in was stealth. It something that all assassins needed to master or it was pointless in being one. I used my swiftness to get to Shin avoiding everyone's radar sliding into the seat right next to him.

"Shin!" I whispered. He turned his attention to me saying good morning. I hinted him to look down underneath the table. Shin peered down to his jacket rolled up in my hand. "Thank you for letting me borrow it. I forgot to give it back to you," I said feeling guilty. Shin took it and placed the jacket underneath the table in the corner.

"Nikki!" I looked to my right to see Daiki walking up with a bright smile. He was waving his hand wearing his headband proudly in an awkward fashion. Instead of wearing it normally where the silver plate of the headband could be seen. He wore it sideways.

"Morning, Daiki!" I waved back. "What's with wearing the headband like that? A new fashion trend?"

"NAH! It's took look even cooler as a Genin!" he replied. I chuckled softly for his reason.

"Honestly, how did Daiki pass?!" someone asked when Daikin had arrived. They still couldn't understand how the most dumbest person in the world had passed and became a Genin. They assumed he'll be the one to fail. Daiki ignored them and sat in the seat right next to me. It was kind of cute how he was glowing with happiness and constantly tightening his headband making sure it wouldn't fall off. It's like watching a little kid finally achieving his dream.

"Nikki, what are you staring at? Is there something on my face?" Daiki asked pointing to his face.

"It's nothing Daiki!" I yelped blushing that he caught me staring.

Thankfully, Iruka-sensei walked in to begin class so I could avoid any questions from Daiki of why I was staring. I turned my attention to Iruka-sensei wondering how class was going to work like. Since we're Genin, I heard that we would be doing missions now meaning more maturity and responsibility. I assumed that Iruka-sensei was going to bump up the intensity of training from her on out.

"Well, I'm glad to see everyone wearing their new headbands!" Iruka-sensei exclaimed with a smile. "Now it's time to officially start as Genin!" Everyone began to clap and cheer excited of what the rank of Genin would bring. We've worked so hard for it. And now we must train even harder to hopefully become as high as an Elite Jounin. Elite Jounin is sort of like a higher group of people in the Jounin rank. They are usually considered to be high enough to become candidates for Hokage. "Just because you became a Genin doesn't make you a top notch ninja. Genin is still only a level one ninja. You are now going to face a lot more hardships than ever before, and it's only get tougher from here on out. I taught you all that I could and I'm very proud in each and every one of you. But, now it's time to begin as real ninja. Now making Genin, you'll all be put in a three man squad that will be led by a Jounin. You will stay in these squads as you begin to go on missions and field train underneath your Jounin squad leader."

I had mix feelings about becoming a three man squad. It seemed really cool and the fact we were going to be trained by a Jounin was even better, but I really wanted Shin and Daiki to be in the same group with me. It wasn't that I didn't do teamwork well; it was because those were the two I felt the most comfortable with. And the fact we were staying in these groups probably until we make Chunin, I wanted to be in a group I was comfortable in. But, Lady Luck has never been on my side. There have been so many times I wanted to be in the same group as Shin, but it never happened. I sighed knowing I was going to get stuck with people I was just going to have to get used to. I knew the fan girls were very excited hoping to be in the same group as Shin with their feverish whispers and begging.

Iruka-sensei was looking at a piece of paper that I assumed had the groups already set on it. He looked over it, and he kind of laughed to himself. It perked my curiosity wondering what he found so funny. "I will announce the squad number then call the names of the three individuals who will make up that group. After all of you are assigned to a group, I will allow the squad leaders come in, and they'll take it from there. Ok, let's begin! Squad 1!"

I rested my chin on my hand bored waiting for my name to be called up. However, I could feel the anxiety of my heart beating rapidly wanting direly to be on the same team as Daiki and Shin. I heard the cries of disappointments of those who didn't like their group or didn't get to be with Shin. The way Iruka-sensei was calling out the names seemed to take forever. We were only on the fourth group and my anxiety kept spiking up.

"Squad 7: Nikki!" I held my breath hearing my name finally announced. However, I complained a little wishing my name was called last for the squad, so I would know who were already in my group. I try not to get my hopes up in fear of disappointment. Instead of hoping for Daiki and Shin, I was praying for a well-rounded team, people who I knew I wouldn't have an issue with.

"Daiki Arashi!" Daiki cheered and was glad we were on the same team. I muttered an in audible yes happy that at least Daiki and I were together. That's when I disregard not letting my hopes up and prayed desperately that Shin's name would be called next.

"And finally…Shin Nakamura!" A huge relief washed over me as a let out a long sigh. I sat back in my seat putting my hands at the back of my head smiling. For once, luck was on my side.

"NOOOO WAY!" Or so I thought…

Both Daiki and Shin were very furious having to be in the same squad. "WHY DO I HAVE TO BE IN THE SAME GROUP AS HIM?!" they both yelled in unison pointing at each other. They both turned on one another yelling, "HEY! THAT'S MY LINE!" The two pounced grabbing each other's collar.

"Loser!" Shin growled.

"Jerk!" Daiki snapped.

Blinded by my selfishness, I forgot how much Daiki and Shin hated one another. Ever since I could remember they were rivals always trying to get the upper hand on the other. Daiki hated Shin for his popularity and aloof attitude. Shin hated Daiki for his stupidity and lack of skill. And now the both of them were on the same team forced to work with one another. This was a formula for disaster. What was Iruka-sensei thinking?! And to think this was going to be enjoyable. I'm stuck right in the middle of it!

"DAIKI! SHIN! THAT'S ENOUGH!" Iruka-sensei yelled stomping his foot. "I expected the both of to be mature about this!" Daiki and Shin both gave each other disgusted looks before sitting down. My thought of a perfect group had gone right down the drain.

"Each group is formulated to balance all three members out. It's also to prevent from one group getting high scored individuals," Iruka-sensei explained.

"That doesn't explain why I'm on the same group as Shin! Nikki is just as good if not better!" Daiki fought back.

"Daiki, you're the lowest scored in the class. Shin is the highest scored," Iruka-sensei went on. Shin smirked hearing Daiki go ballistic hearing Shin was better than him.

"Just stay out of my way, Loser!" Shin smirked.

"WHY YOU!" Daiki lunged toward Shin ready to strangle him. Shin was also on the offense ready for the attack.

"BOTH OF YOU KNOCK IT OFF!" I yelled finally reaching my boiling point.

Through the entire dividing up of squads, I could feel the rising heated tension between Daiki and Shin who were still resentful of Iruka-sensei's decision. And if that weren't as bad as it is, I could feel each and every fan girl wanting to kill me. I shrunk smaller and smaller into my seat wishing this day had never happened.

"Now I'm going to let in all the squad leaders and they will stand in a line with Squad Leader 1 starting on the right side of the room all the way to Squad Leader 12 on the left. After all of squad leaders line up, you'll be dismissed to your squad leader." Iruka-sensei walked to the doors but stopped short. He looked up at us and smiled That feeling was coming back when he first saw us. "I'm so proud of all of you!" He opened the door and the whole atmosphere changed.

One by one, the Jounin entered the room creating a tense, superiority, and authoritative atmosphere. Just by looking at them, you can see how unbelievably strong they were. Most wore the traditional flask jacket uniform while others wore their own unique style that still was as intimidating. They walked with power in every step and were swift and strict as they turned to face us with great military precision. They were Jounin!

As the last Jounin walked in and stood in line there was a total of twelve highly talented ninja standing before us. I couldn't help but in awe looking at every single one of them showing so much pride, charisma, and authority. I wanted to have the same presence they brought into the room as well.

Iruka-sensei finally dismissed us to leave. We were first hesitant in getting up looking at all those Jounin watching us. Slowly, we began to rise from our seats and head over to our squad leaders. I counted the leaders slowly looking at each of them closely as I descend down the stairs with Daiki and Shin behind me. I did not want to over react when meeting our leader. I prepared myself for whoever it was that will be handling Daiki, Shin, and I. Will they be a male or female? What's the person personality like? How does the person even look like?

1…

2…

3…

4…

5…

6…

"Seven…" I muttered looking into kind, green eyes. Her skin was fair and pink hair framed her kind face. She looked at me and smiled. Someone pushed into me. I turned around looking at Daiki and Shin who looked at her in awe. She was very beautiful, but there were something about her eyes I found mesmerizing. They were filled with kindness and love.

The sun was bright and warm sitting peacefully in the blue sky as two birds flew across until disappearing from sight. The trees were rustling in the nice breeze that flew by as leaves were caught by it dancing in the wind. She seemed like a flower watching her pink hair flow with the wind. She had brought us to the top of a building so she could formally introduce herself.

"Welcome to squad 7," she began with a perky voice, "Each time I have a new squad, I like to start things off with a simple introduction so we all get to know one another. Just tell us your name, your likes and dislikes, and what your goal in life is. I'll start off!" She was beaming from side to side like an angel. There was a motherly-like essence about her that I really enjoyed about her. "My name is Sakura Haruno. My likes are finding new things to improve my medical ninjutsu and hanging with my friends. My dislike is spicy food. My dream is to protect my friends and my village. Who wants to go next?"

Daiki jumped up and down raising his hand in the air eager to go. Sakura-sensei smiled awkwardly allowing him to go. "My name is Daiki Arashi. I like eating ramen and pulling off pranks. I also like to train to get stronger. I dislike anything involving too much thinking. My dream is to become Hokage!" He smiled brightly like he just impressed everyone. Sakura-sensei laughed amused by his introduction thoughtfully nodding her head.

"How about you go next, Mr. Grumpy?" she asked turning her attention to Shin.

Shin grunted and became suddenly dark. "My name is Shin Nakamura. I don't have many interests other than getting stronger. I despise people who get in my way and my older brother. And my goal is to defeat him." Sakura-sensei lost her light and completely went dark. She was deeply saddened, and it seemed she was in a whole another place.

"Sakura-sensei, are you alright?" I asked sympathizing her.

"I'm alright!" she said laughing her lie off. "It's your turn."

"Well, my name is Nikki. I like to train and learn as well as draw, read, and write. I dislike people who whine, complain, lie, and hate others for no reason. My goal in life is to defeat the Seventh Hokage and becoming the best ninja there is !" I seemed to shock everyone with my outrageous goal. But, I made a promise to Iruka-sensei to strive to be number one exceeding even the Great Seventh Homage, and I don't break promises. I also promised Moki to become strong as well.

"Well, it seems you all love to improve yourself. That's good to hear!" Sakura-sensei exclaimed.

"SAKURA!" There was an orange flash flying through the air landing right next to Sakura-sensei.

"Naruto, what are you doing here?" Sakura-sensei asked casually.

"Lord Hokage?!" I gasped seeing him pop up out of nowhere. He smiled mischievously.

"Hey!" he exclaimed waving a hand in the air.

"Shouldn't you be working?" Sakura-sensei asked eyeing him down.

"I wanted to check out how you guys were doing!" Lord Hokage laughed uneasily.

"It seems more like sneaking off work to me," Sakura-sensei said ignoring his lie.

"Sakura-sensei, do you know Lord Hokage?" Daiki asked seeing how they were so casual with one another. Both the Hokage and Sakura-sensei smiled at one another.

"Lord Hokage and I were both on the same squad when we were Genin," Sakura-sensei replied. It was cool having a strong, woman presence for a squad leader, but it was even cooler she was on the same squad as the Hokage.

"I can see why you put them on the same squad as me," Sakura-sensei went on.

"I knew they would be strong enough to become Genin with the whole only nine Genin can pass!" the Hokage explained only to be punched in the face by Sakura-sensei. She was really strong able to throw him across the other side of the building. The Hokage got up rubbing his swollen cheek.

"Naruto, you idiot!" she growled shaking her fist in the air. The once pleasant and beautiful lady turned into a very scary witch with raw strength. I was afraid what will happen to our squad with her seemingly high temper. But, I was more focused on what the Hokage meant that only nine Genin can pass.

"What do you mean only nine Genin can pass?!" Daiki, Shin, and I yelled in unison. Sakura-sensei sighed and held her head in frustration shaking it.

"I was planning to tell you tomorrow, but seeing how the Hokage leaked the truth, I guess I have no choice but to tell you." Sakura-sensei became very serious as tension started to fill the air. "In truth, only nine Genin can truly become Genin. Those who failed get sent back to the Academy." I couldn't believe my ears. Only nine?! I thought after being in the Academy for five years was enough for you to become a Genin. But, there was another test you had to pass to actually secure your rank as Genin?!

"This whole pass and fail thing doesn't make sense," Shin said with slight tension in his voice.

"It's to see if you really have what it takes to become Genin," Sakura-sensei explained. "This test is to see how well you react to an unpredictable and pressuring situation. In a way, it's like a simulation if you were in a real battle with your life on the line. Your life I meaning you rank as Genin. Those who fail the test get sent back to the Academy for another year."

"So, do we all have to take the same test like in the Academy?" Daiki asked.

"No. Each test is different. It's up to the squad leaders to decide how they want to test their Genin," Sakura-sensei replied. "Look, it's okay to be worried. You just need to try your absolute best." Sakura-sensei walked over and grabbed the Hokage by the ear. He yelped in pain as she dragged him away. "Oh! I advise you not to eat breakfast. You'll end up throwing it up anyway."

It seemed whenever I succeed in something another obstacle stands in my way greater than the one before. Seeing how amazingly powerful her raw strength was, I was very afraid to see her at her full power. There was nothing but to worry! Finding out we still haven't become Genin was mind blowing and set me on the edge of going insane. I knew I had to push my limits to secure my rank. Even though it's still a level one Ninja, it was better than going a whole another year in the Academy again. More importantly, I have to prove how strong I was.

Sakura-sensei called told us to meet her early the next morning. The sun was barely reaching over the trees when we arrived. The sky was still half asleep in purple. She told us to come to Training Area 54 near the edge of the village. I yawned loudly making my way to the training grounds carrying my packed bag with me. To me, this was ridiculously early in the morning to be doing a test. My body wasn't fully awake for this. I just had to take her advice about not eating breakfast.

Daiki, Shin, and I reached Training Area 54 at the same time. Daiki looked like a mess. He seemed to be a walking zombie. Shin on the other hand was still Mr. Cool Calm and Collected. He didn't even give the slightest hint of sleepiness. I assumed he was used to getting up this early. Daiki fell over in the grass snoring away once we reached a stopping point. Shin rolled his eyes annoyed. I walked over to Daiki and bent down next to him. "Daiki, get up," I yawned shaking him. He swat my hand away and mumbled something about ramen. "Daiki!" I said more forcefully this time. He faintly woke and sat up with drool down the corners of his mouth. He yawned smacking his lips.

The training grounds were very large and the perimeter was covered by tall wired fence and nature. There was a forest, a small lake, and a few large mountains. The area we were at had a few woods near the right and part of the lake to the left. There were also three random wooden posts a few yards from us. The only thing that really caught my eye was a large, marble stone gleaming far from us.

Sakura-sensei came walking up in her with her pink hair tied up. She waved at us with a smile. I saw in her hand a plastic bag. "I'm glad you're all here!" she exclaimed. "Let's begin the exercise!" She reached down in her bag and grabbed a timer clock, which she placed the clock on the middle post. Next, she pulled out two, small silver bells each had a red string tied to them. "In this exercise, all you have to do is get one of these silver bells from me."

"But, Sensei, there's only two bells and three of us," I pointed out. She smiled.

"The ones who retrieve the bells from me will past and get lunch," she explained pointing two the marble rock where she placed the bento boxes. "The one who doesn't will get tied to that post and watch the others eat." She pointed to the post with clock on top of it. "The one who's tied to the post will also fail and be sent back to the Academy!" I gulped feeling my throat go dry. She was shameless! "You have till noon to get the bells from me." She hooked the bells to her side of her pants and walked over to the timer setting it. "Here's some advice: If you don't come at me with the intent to kill, you'll never get these bells. Your time begins…NOW!" she pressed the top of the timer and it began to tick!

Shin and I leaped into hiding. On the other hand, Daiki stayed put. I hid in a thicket of trees shielding myself from sight but still be able to see what was going on. Daiki did the exact opposite of what we were taught in the Academy. Instead of hiding and devising a plan to defeat your enemy, he and his impatient self charged for the bells that Sakura-sensei was wearing on her side. "Idiot…" I murmured. Sakura-sensei kept put bonking him on the head. He sat up from the dirt with a large bump on his head.

"IT HURTS! IT HURTS!" He cried rolling around the ground clutching his head. I smacked myself in the face of how much of an idiot he really was. He got up from the ground and swept the dirt off from himself.

"You're really not that bright…" she commented him. Daiki sneered and charged at her again. He swung up with a kick, but Sakura-sensei bent down evading it. He landed and went in for a side sweep. She hopped over it like it was a log. Then Daiki threw a punch. Sakura-sensei grabbed it and threw him like a pebble in to the lake. He hopped through the water before finally sinking into it.

Suddenly, asplurge of water shot up into the air with three Daikis emerging from the water. Sakura-sensei just smirked. All three Daikis pulled out shurikens and lashed them out towards her. Sakura-sensei was mind blowing, dodging them like they were nothing! She flew contorting her body into different movements avoiding the shurikens. The other two Daikis disappeared leaving the real one. He smirked pulling his arms restricting her. "Wire! Nice thinking Daiki!" I whispered cheering. The wire gleamed in the light wrapped around Sakura-sensei. I trailed the wire finding exploding tags attached to them. He was going to blow her up!

"Release!" Daiki activated the exploding tags releasing a domino effect of explosions. The ground began to shake as dust burst up in the air blinding the scene. I bit my lower lip anxious to see what had happened. The dust began to fade, and I could make out two shadows. The one I knew closest to me was Daiki, but the one farthest away was oddly shape to be Sakura-sensei. The dust finally broke reveling a stunned Daikin, and a log restricted by wire.

"She used the Substitution Technique!" I leaned forward scanning the area for her. Daiki was also confused and began searching for her as well. Next thing I knew, Sakura-sensei appeared right behind him raising her hand high in the air.

"Daiki! Look out!" I screamed. Daiki turned around as she swung her hand down. He shut his eyes waiting for the blow, but she stopped short. She looked at me from the corner of her eye smiling slyly. She put her hand out and flicked Daiki on his forehead. He was sent flying again tumbling into a tree breaking it in half. I covered my moth gasping realizing I gave away my hiding spot. Quickly, I ran from my spot hoping to lose her if she went after me. I ran quickly leaping from tree to tree then continued my way on the ground.

There was a sudden explosion and the ground shook violently. I stumbled over falling on my stomach. Looking behind me, I noticed a large crack on the ground that wasn't there before. Adrenaline spiked in my body as I quickly got back onto my feet and ran. I kept running when all of a sudden a large fireball flew past me burning part of the forest on my right. A large hole was burnt by the fireball revealing Shin and Sakura-sensei in a heated battle. I dove behind a half singed tree that was still hot from the ball of flames and peeked behind the tree to watch the fight.

Shin was fast attacking her aggressively with powerful kicks and punches. Oddly enough, Sakura-sensei didn't seem fazed. Instead, it looked like she was purposely dodging Shin as if she was reading his movements. Her eyes moved nonstop calculating each of his moves. Shin dove quickly into her catching her off guard. I heard a jingle from one of the silver bells. Sakura-sensei slapped his hand down and leaped back out of his reach. Shin charged after her again, but this time Sakura-sensei was ready for the counter. As Shin leaped for her, Sakura-sensei grabbed him by his shirt and threw him through the burnt out hole. My instincts kicked in, and I leaped from behind the tree catching Shin. Sakura-sensei charged up at us launching out a punch. I waited at the last second and bounced off a tree behind me blowing past her as she demolished the tree with her punch. I reached into my hip pouch and threw down two smoke bombs that blinded her from our escape.

Deep within the forest, I spotted a small area surrounded with thick brush where the trees were tightly packed in with one another. Carrying Shin, I leaped into the area from a tall branch setting Shin down. He grunted in frustration knowing he was so close reaching one of the bells. He walked over to a trunk of a tree and grunted as he punched it revealing a large crack. I gulped seeing him so angry.

"Damn it…" he cursed looking at his fist. "I was so close!"

"Don't worry about it. I'm pretty sure we'll be able to get them!" I exclaimed patting him on the back. He glared at me throwing my hand off of him.

"She's too good!" he growled.

"Maybe by yourself, but together I know we can find a way to get the bells!" I said reassuring him. He only looked at me as if I were some kind of alien. "Look… I know you're not the type to work with people, but it's the only way we can beat her."

He sighed knowing I was right. "What do you propose?" he asked.

"While observing your fight and Daiki's fight, I notice how she doesn't attack right away. She dodges your moves on purpose," I stated.

"I noticed that too," Shin agreed.

"She does it to read your movements. She's able to figure out your strategy when fighting and waits when you're open," I went on.

"Is that even possible?!" Shin wondered.

"It's very difficult but not entirely impossible. She must have been trained in reading movements. Not only that, she has incredible strength and her thinking is quick to get out of a difficult situation," I added in.

"And how are we supposed to beat her?" Shin asked annoyed.

"I'm guessing we should use a massive attack that will keep her on her feet, so she wouldn't be able to read our movements. While she's distracted will sneak up and get the bells from her," I explained.

"What kind of a massive attack do you plan on using?" he questioned.

"The Mutli Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Shin grabbed my shoulder; his eyes were wild.

"When did you learn that?!" he questioned.

"Well, I heard the Seventh Hokage learned it when he was still in the Academy, so I thought I would too!" I replied. "Trust me, it wasn't easy. At times I wanted to give up in frustration."

"So, we're using the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu to keep her distracted and then what?"

"I was planning to have you transform into me to pretend to be one of the clones," I answered. "Hopefully she'll get overwhelmed by the multiple of clones that she won't notice two clones slipping in for the bells."

"Glad to see someone using their brain for once," he said. I smiled knowing Shin never gave out compliments.

Shin and I spotted Sakura-sensei standing alone near the three, wooden posts with clock still counting down. We crouched low on a branch watching her doing nothing. I could see the full extent of damage Daiki and Shin caused fighting her. There were medium dents in the ground near the lake where Daiki tried to blow her up. It also included a broken tree from which she threw Daiki into. Towards the middle, I saw a couple of craters and cracks on the ground with piles of debris broken up from the ground. There was also the hole where the large fireball singed through from Shin's fight.

"Shin, let's go!" I whispered. He nodded his head, but stopped me from leaping out of the tree. He pointed a finger to a tree rustling awkwardly. Daiki suddenly leaped from it right behind Sakura-sensei attacking her only to be stabbing into a log. I was glad it was Daiki falling for her trap or our plan would have never worked. Daiki was looking around frantically jumping behind him to see if she would appear like last time. However, she didn't. I bit my bottom lip afraid she was going to pull off something weird. Daiki seemed to calm down as he began walking away. As he walked away, something must have caught his eye. He was jumping up and cheering as if he won a whole year's worth supply of ramen. As Daiki bent over to pick it up, a large log swat him away like a baseball bat out of sight. Sakura-sensei came into view laughing as she picked up the object that Daiki tried to get. She held it up to the sun and there was a glimmer hitting my eye. She had set up a trap using one of the bells as a lure for an idiot who would think she would actually drop one.

"Go now! Before she thinks no one is going to attack her!" Shin whispered harshly. I nodded my head jumping from the branch straight into the air blocking the sun. Sakura-sensei looked confused as she saw me flying above her. I put up my hand seal releasing the jutsu.

"Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu!" From the look of her eyes I could tell I had thrown her off. Her eyes were wide and so was her mouth. She backed up only to stumble over her feet landing on her butt. Thousands of clones of me appeared from the puff of smoke ready to fight. We all landed charging at her roaring our battle cry. Shin jumped from the branch and used the Transformation Technique to disguise him as one of my clones. We ran with part of the clones that were going around getting her from behind. We were too far to see if Sakura-sensei was actually fighting. She had stumbled over shocked to see all the clones appeared. We split up; Shin taking a different route to her. I continued to follow the group checking if Sakura-sensei figured out our plan. It was up to us now when we would attack.

One of my clones flew by almost hitting me. She crashed into a bush then poofed up into smoke. I gulped knowing Sakura-sensei had begun on the attack. I could hear clones being hit and puffing up into smoke. There was nothing but smoke surrounding the center. I took the chance and dove towards the center while the smoke blinded her from seeing someone take on of the bells. Another clone flew towards me, so I jumped to the left avoiding it. Sakura-sensei came into view, and she looked like she was having an easy time beating my clones. It's as if she was already used to it. She punched, kicked, and even grabbed clones using them as a weapon swinging and throwing them at other clones. I had to make sure I wasn't in her way when she did that.

Suddenly, a large flamed ball hurled my way taking out a handful of my clones. Sakura-sensei leaped out of the way only to be kicked in the face. I tightened my fist pleased Shin was distracting her. Sakura-sensei was back on her feet attacking more aggressively . She had her hands full dealing with my clones and Shin throwing out a few fireballs and kunais like I planned. She wasn't overwhelmed and was still keep a calm composure. Even though it wasn't exactly like I had planned for, it was still good enough to keep her frazzled not expecting two people trying to sneak in for the bells. The only down side was the smoke surrounded her was gone and she tried to push the clones far from her so they wouldn't poof into smoke blinding her. I began to think she was noticing me heading for her. The clones started to get smart and switched tactics leaping into the air for aerial attacks. They leaped into the air forcing Sakura-sensei to look up into the sunlight. I finally decided to throw caution into the wind and take a chance diving for the bells. Another clone had done the same and we both dived for them. It was Shin who saw the chance to attack as well. I smiled feeling the silver brush against my finger. My hand started to clamp down on it when she jumped up. She hovered above us slipping her right hand into a leather glove and slammed her fist into the ground releasing an amazing power.

The ground literally broke beneath us exploding into shards of earth erupting from the ground. The ground shifted pushing the earth up into a crumble. I got up to my feet trying to flee this massive earthquake. A large shard of earth rose from the ground precluding me from escape. I built up chakra into my feet, then releasing it to, jumped over the mound. Then something hard struck down and hit my head. The wind was knocked out of me and my vision blurred. I could tell I was still running, but I couldn't feel my body moving. That's when darkness consumed me and I went down.

My head was throbbing with pain waking me up. I groaned stirring awake feeling piles of heavy earth lying on top of me. I reached up pushing one of the large, clumps of dirt off of me to crawl out of the hole coughing from the dust. The pain in my head took a toll on me, and I collapsed on my stomach. Whatever had hit me knocked me out cold. I rolled over on my back looking at the sun high above me. The air was a lot warmer, and the sun was brighter. It was probably noon by now, and Daiki and Shin may have gotten the bells. I was pissed letting myself underestimate Sakura-sensei thinking my plan would have caught her off guard. She was a Jounin. As if she would actually lose to a Genin. There was no way I was going to beat her like that. Instead, my plan had led to my defeat, being badly scratched up, and the possibility of having a concussion as well.

All I did was take my time resting my head that was pounding and getting up while catching myself when my head started to spin. There was no use in trying to find Sakura-sensei, face her head on, and try to get one of the bells. That would be suicide. And I wasn't in the best shape to do so. All I could do was make my way back to the clock and be tied up to the post. However, maneuvering was difficult. My body ached from the pain and my head wouldn't stop spinning.

Whatever the amount of power Sakura-sensei used literally ripped apart this section of the training grounds. She just changed the whole surface in one punch. I couldn't make out where I was. I based my direction off on instincts and photogenic memory. There was a forest on my left and that was pretty much the part of the area I could at least see. The ground beneath my feet began to dip in. I notice a ginormous crater that was the epic center of the earthquake. Fear had struck me knowing I would have been demolished if Sakura-sensei punched down on me. No one would have been able to identify my body if that had happen. Like it mattered…

Due the size of the crater, it completely blocked the only way to get to the other side unless you went through the trees. I didn't have the chakra or the strength to do that. That left me sliding into the center hoping finding a way to get to the other side. Luckily, one side of the crater didn't receive as much force and it was fairly slanted- easy to walk on. I smiled looking up into the sun thanking Maki that I had survived that attack and trudged up the slant to the other side to see the lake up ahead. I made my way to the three posts imagining Shin and Daiki holding up the two bells and feeling sorry for me as I get tied up to the post. The day after, I would be back into the Academy feeling like a complete loser and disappointing Iruka-sensei, the Seventh Hokage, and Moki.

"Nikki." I sighed dazed looking to my right. When I turned, I was only an inch away looking straight into Shin's face. My face boiled into a bright, red tomato being able to feel him breathe against my skin. Stumbling backwards, I let out a loud scream causing all the birds in the area to fly away in a large flock.

"You didn't have to scream," Shin said in a monotone voice. He was coiled in rope hanging upside down in a tree. I clenched my heart hyperventilating for scared half to death by him. I shook my head furiously then slapped myself in the face getting back to normal.

"Can you get me down…please…?" Shin asked swaying upside down. I nodded jogging up to the tree throwing a kunai at the rope. Shin dropped landing into my arms. I put him on the ground where he loosened out of the rope.

"Shin, what happened while I was gone?" I asked curious to know if the test was over.

"Yea, where did you go?" he asked.

"After, Sakura-sensei punched the ground something hit me in the head and knocked me out," I explained feeling the swollen bump on my head.

"Daiki's tied up to one of the posts," he stated. I leaned over curious of what had happened. "When I was hiding in one of the trees, Daiki tried to eat one of the bento boxes. Sakura-sensei caught him before he could open it and tied him to one of the posts. After that, I tried to attack to her from behind only to fall for one of her traps. That's why I was hanging upside down."

"Do you think we still have enough time to get the bells?" I asked. The ringing alarm of the clock was my reply. I dropped my head sulking in defeat.

"I'm really disappointed. I thought you would all get the concept, but I guess not," Sakura-sensei sighed shaking her head. I sat there with my head hung barely looking into her eyes. Daiki was standing tied up to the middle post for trying to eat lunch before anyone else. Shin was on the other side sitting with no expression. I wasn't used to failing a test, so it felt awkward and uncomfortable to look in to Sakura-sensei's eyes knowing the disappointment. "This exercise was to see if you could come together and use teamwork. That's why I purposely only had two bells. I wanted to see if you would throw away your selfishness and use teamwork to overcome me." No one said anything.

"Did anyone of you even bother to read what was on that stone?" Sakura-sensei pointed to the fancy looking stone where she put the bento boxes on. I shook my head feeling her disappointment even more. "That stone has the engraved names of very special ninja."

"Special ninja?! What kind of special ninja?!" Daiki asked eagerly wanting to know.

"K.I.A," Sakura-sensei replied. I took a blow to the heart feeling guilty for not noticing how important that stone was.

"I wanna be K.I.A!" Daiki exclaimed.

"Daiki, K.I.A. stands for Killed in Action," I told him. He went very quiet.

"That stone has the names of many of my comrades that risked their lives during the Fourth Great Ninja World War," she explained. I remembered that war. It happened five years ago when I was only seven. It was a few days after I escaped the assassins. It was very hard on me, and I was scared out of my life. I didn't quite know how the war started, but I knew it was between the Shinobi and a small organization called the Akustki. Out of all of the World Wars, the 4th was the shortest and the most deadliest of them all. I heard a vast amount of people lost their lives for the sake of the Shinobi. Luckily, I didn't get caught crossfire of it all. So many innocents lost their lives as well. "There's not a day that goes by where I wish I could have done something more…" I could see the sadness and regret in her face and hear it in her voice.

"I'll give you guys one more chance," she began changing the mood to seriousness. "After lunch, you'll have till night fall to get the bells from me. I hope from your first failure, you've realized how important working together it. One more thing," she said before leaving, "since Daiki decided to eat lunch before anyone else, for punishment, he can't have any. Don't you dare give him lunch! Got it?" She tossed Shin and I the bento boxes and chopsticks before disappearing from sight. I took the box and opened it revealing some chicken, rice, and vegetables. It tasted alright nothing too special, but I was starving.

No one made a sound. Shin and I just ate our lunches in silence. Even though Sakura-sensei had told us not to give Daiki any lunch, I couldn't help but to pity him. Especially hearing his stomach cry for food. It was driving me up a wall! I really wanted to give Daiki some lunch, so he'll have enough energy to go up against Sakura-sensei. I also couldn't stand it knowing someone was in need while I had the ability to help them. But, I couldn't disobey an order! I have always obeyed orders from my superiors and rarely ever question them. I guess I get that kind of obedience from Lord Hiroshi. But, looking at Daiki's face, I could see the anguish and hunger. Maybe if I was quick enough, Sakura-sensei wouldn't see me giving food to him!

"Here…" Shin held up his bento box to Daiki giving it to him. Daiki and I were both shock. It wasn't like Shin to be helping someone especially Daiki! Daiki just looked at the bento box before denying it.

"I don't need it!" he said firmly. Shin was pissed for sucking up his pride and handing his food to someone he hated and only to be denied. Daiki's stomach made another cry of hunger.

"Daiki, stop being an idiot and just take it!" I chastised handing him my food as well.

"I refuse! Besides, I don't want to get you guys in trouble!" Daiki exclaimed.

"You're only going to make it worst for us if you don't eat," Shin growled.

"Shin's right. We all need to have our energy up if we want to defeat Sakura-sensei together!" I added in.

Daiki was reluctant to obey, but his stomach we kept urging him to take the food. "Can one of you feed me…my hands are tied…" Daiki asked sheepishly. I sighed bringing the food up to his mouth.

"Nikki! Hurry up before she comes back!" Shin pestered me.

"I know! I know!" I shoved mouthfuls of food into Daiki's mouth before Sakura-sensei came back. Luckily, Daiki had a big appetite and was able to gobble down food like there was no tomorrow.

"Thanks guys!" Daiki exclaimed chewing through his food.

"Daiki! Keep your voice down! Sakura-sensei might hear you!" I whispered harshly shoving another mouthful of food into his mouth.

"WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU GUYS ARE DOING?!" I instantly froze into stone dropping the bento box and chopsticks feeling the presence of a demon breathing right down our backs. Slowly inching my head around, I saw Sakura-sensei staring right behind us, and she didn't look too please. "DIDN'T I TELL YOU NOT TO GIVE DAIKI ANY LUNCH!" I gulped feeling my throat go dry. We were doomed. "EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"

Daiki stuttered trying to come up with a good explanation as to why we disobeyed Sakura-sensei's orders. "We knew if Daiki didn't eat he'll only bring the team down. He needed to keep his energy up," Shin said. Daiki nodded agreeing with him.

"Besides, it's against my morals not to help someone in need…" I added in. "We're a team!" I couldn't believe what I was doing! Was I actually not only breaking orders but also talking back?! I feel like I could just die on the spot!

"FIRST YOU DISOBEY ME! NEXT, YOU'RE GIVING ME ATTITUDE! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO SCUMBAGS THAT DISOBEY THEIR LEADERS?!" she whaled on us with fully furry. I knew she was going to fail us and send our butts back to the Academy. We'll probably never become Genin again with the stunt we just pulled! Her anger rose reaching the boiling point exploding into a raging volcanoe!

"YOU! …pass!" I was astonished. Were my ears deceiving me?! Did she just say we passed?!

"Come again?" I asked dumbfounded.

"You…pass!" she replied smiling sweetly. I was still puzzled on how we just passed… "You disobeyed me in order to help the team. That's showing teamwork which is why you pass. In the ninja world, those who disobey their superiors are, yea, nothing but trash. However, those who leave their comrades behind are far worse than that. Congratulations for making Genin!" I couldn't believe it! We actually passed! I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I pounced on Shin hugging him to death. Shin was struggling trying to get out, but I wouldn't budge. I was happy with everything we' ve been through to find out we passed! Sakura-sensei was laughing as Shin struggled to get out. His face was bright red too!

Daiki, Shin, and I made Genin and now we were part of a team: Squad 7! I wonder what type of adventures we'll be going on now. All the possibilities of fun… All we can do is let fate decide.