AN: Please review and take the poll on my profile on Naruto's Mangekyo powers. I already have a pretty good one in mind, but you'll just have to wait and see.


"Hmm...Where am I?" I groaned, head-spinning as I opened my eyes. My throat raged violently so it came out more as a dry croak than anything else. My muscles were less sore but some of them felt as if they were about to cramp-up. Almost immediately, my stomach growled, protesting for food.

"Hi, Naruto," a sweet, angelic voice responded. The voice sounded like Ino's, no question, but she never used such a tone around me. Only around Sasuke. My doubts, however, turned out to be false as sky blue looked at my face and neck in concern while I sat up aginst the comfortable bed. Beats a sleeping-bag on a tree branch. Also, it was actually warm, thoguh there was the annoying and irritating smell of anti-septic wipes and cleaning alcohol.

"Why am I in the hospital, Ino?" I asked, my voice ever so slowly removing the croak. The platinum blonde slumped her shoulders, utterly defeaated and deflated though she looked admittedly very pretty in that gold-white dress-or was it blue and black-that hugged her features and cut off at the knee. A pair of high top combat boots rose up just and couple inches short of the knee.

"Well, yesterday I asked Sakura and Shikamaru where you were because I heard rumors that you were in the hospital and I wanted to know. They pointed me to the room that you are in now, but when I arrived, you disappeared. I waited for six hours and still you were gone. I got extremely worried whether you were okay and the nurses and doctors were surpirsed that you weren't here because you hadn't checked-out. The next day I came back and still didn't find you and that got me worried sick. I started wandering around all over the village until I found Kakashi training Sakura and this new kid, Sai. He told me he thought you were in the hospital but was not surprised when I told him you weren;t there." Ino clearly was worried sick, but was it really because of me.

"I'm sorry, Ino, I was training with-" I started, reluctant but not wanting her to be worried.

"Chi-sensei, I know. He seems really cool and skilled. He used to be part of the ANBU and help trained Kakashi," Ino interrupted, smiling a little probably due to someone she just met telling the truth.

"Yeah, he's really cool," 'So that is what Itachi calls himself, interesting to know.'

"You know, Naruto, he is going to start training me as well if that is alirhgt with you," Ino said er cheeks getting a little pink. It looked like she was getting the same sickness as Hinata at the moment. That's curious.

"Uh, sure, I don't mind really," I replied with a smile, happy to have someone else to train with. And from what I had heard Ino has more chakra than Sakura, so it would more helpful. Besides, Itachi only looked like he had large reserves, he just has amazing chakra control so he doesn't lose any when he kneads it.

"Thank you. Sorry about the neck, Naruto, I kinda head-locked you a little too tight. I was just angry," Ino replied with a sweet smile. For some reason, I immediately fell in love with that smile. Ino started to turn around before she stiffened as if she just remembered something. "Naruto before I forget, here you go." Ino turned around holding a small bouquet of bush clovers. "I hope you get better soon, Naruto," Ino said putting them besides me, there aroma one of my favorite smells next to Ramen.

"Thank you, Ino, these are my favorite," I replied with a grin, happy to that someone was acknowledging me besides Kakashi, Itachi, Shikamaru, Gaara, and Choji. Sakura did sometimes just not as often, and when she didn't she was kind of a jerk. Ino blushed bright red and waved as she started out of the door. Just beofre she reached it, however, I could smell the familiar scent of Ichiraku's Ramen wafting from the hallway. And almost immediately, the door burst open to reveal I tall ninja that looked like Itachi except for a couple scars and a chin-beard and mustache.

"Order up, Naruto," Itachi said with a big grin on his face holding six bowls of Ramen. My mouth began to water seeing the food. "Oh, hey, Ino-chan. Nice seeing you here. I didn't expect seeng anyone here, but seeing that I have an extra bowl of Ramen, would you like to join us?" Itachi, disguised as Chi, asked kindly. He acted kind of like me in a few ways. Always smiling, excited, and pumped.

"Oh, um, are you sure you want me to be here?" Ino asked, surprised and slightly confused by Itachi's entrance holding a bunch of Ramen. "I haven't really had some in a while and only if it's okay with you and Naruto." Ino suddenly seemed a little shy, which wasn't really like her. She was looking at her boots and twirling a lock of hair.

"It's totally fine. Plus I think Naruto will need the comapny, right Naruto?" Itachi asked, I confirmed, happy to have people to be around and talk to. It had been a hard week of training and thinking of what-ifs. I just needed to cool down real bad. The Raven-haired leaf-nin plopped down on an armchair handing me three bowls, handing Ino a bowl, and starting on one of his own. Ino, seeing that no seat was left sat on the other bed and began eating. At first I thoughtshe wassn't going to finish it, but by the time I had finished my three bowls and felt satisfied, Ino had devoured it; Itachi had finished about the same time.

"Wow, Ichiraku's Ramen is really good! The pork, beef, and vegetables are cooked to perfectionand there aren't too many spices either. Thanks Chi-sensei!" Ino said, looking both full and happy. I grinned at her comment. Itachi on the other hand had a pensive look on his face as if something were bothering him.

"Well, do you taste any of the family love that Ayame-chan put in it?" Itachi asked Ino, clearly worried about the answer.

"Huh? I guess so," Ino replied after a couple moments of deep thought thinking about his comment and tossing it in her mouth. "Yeah, I do. By the way, Chi-sensei do you have a crush for Ayame?"

My eyes almost popped out of my head upon hearing that. The missing nin having a crush on the Ramen chef's daughter. I have nothing to complain about, but that just seemed odd for Itachi. When I was little I did have a crush on Ayame, but this was news. I heard she was still mourning the death of her boyfriend. Before I could ask sensei anything he replied.

"No, Ino, why would you say that?" His hand rubbed the back of his head smiling, his cheeks growing red. 'Oh my fucking Kami, Ino is right even I can see that,' I thought, sweat-dropping at the horrible lie. He even had a bruise that suspiciously resembled a hickey on the neck.

"You, Chi-kun, when it comes to lying about girlfriends or crushes, suck," a sweet familiar voice came from the door. Itachi jumped off the seat utterly surprised by it.

Only one person could possibly do that.

"Hi, Ayame-san, to what do I owe the pleasure," I said, bowing a little as she walked into the room. Ayame covered her mouth as she giggled as usual. She loved it when I did that because she thought it was cute and we were friends.

"Nothing, Naruto, I was just coming to check on you because Chi-kun said you would be here and that you were hurt." Ayame gave me a kind, worried smile. "I wanted to see if you were alright and if you would eat the Ramen I made this time. Sorry that my father couldn't be here or make some for you. He is on a business trip and i've been holding down the fort for him these past couple days."

"Ayame, you made these?" I asked incredulous and surprised at the brunette's comment. She nodded, anticipating the criticism. "This, this is, this is better than Tuechi's Ramen! How did you do it? Tell me everything." Ayame smiled at the pleasant surprise, she looked at Itachi for conformation who gave her a big grin and a nod. Ino just looked on captivated by Ayame for some reason.

"Um, Ayame," Ino interupted a little shyly, "That dress looks really beautiful. I was wondering where you got it, if you would tell me." Ino blushed a little, embarrassed by the comment but Ayame just smiled back and answered that she got it from the wind country when her teenage sweet-heart had come back from a mission there and gave it to her as a birthday gift. Soon the ocnversation devolved to me and Itachi talking about different jutsus and ramen while Ayame and Ino talked about fashion and guys. Time flew by because by the time Itachi and I finished talking, Ayame left and Ino joined in our ninjutsu conversation and when I checked the clock again, it was 1.00 AM.

Ino let out a yawn and lied down on the bed next to mine. She seemed completely exhausted as her eyelids started to fall over her eyes and she yawned. The sound of her soft rhythmic breaths brought me to sleep instantly almost as fast as her. Rather than fight it, afraid I may have nightmares, I welcomed it.


"Rise and shine, Ino and Naruto," a stern though kind voice said as a hand gently shook my shoulder. The skin on the hand was icy cool, though, jetting me from my sleep instantly though I fought it. My eyes fluttered open to see the open curtains of the window where the sun was up at about ten am. Standing above me was a long, raven-haired ninja wearing nothing but a black t-shirt with a White Raven and night-camo cargo-combat pants and boots. Twin scars and chiseled features with the mustache and chin-beard made the twenty year-old Jonin look roguishly handsome. He gave me a smile and motioned me to get up and help him wake Naruto. The blonde ninja looked peaceful and adorable as he slept, completely relaxed as he took long controlled breaths in his sleep with closed eyes. He still wore his clothes from last, reminding me that I had fallen asleep in the hospital. My parents might worry but probably not because I told them I would be training.

I pushed the adorable teenage ninja that loved to pull pranks. Sure sometimes he was rude and he acted like a clown, but he was Konoha's clown, my clown. I smiled before pushing him a little and telling him to wake up. Almost instantly, Naruto sat up whipping his head side to side before meeting my eyes. He raised an eyebrow at first, the gears turning in his head before remembering last night. "Morning, Ino. Morning, Chi," Naruto said with a burst of energy, stretching out his arms and legs before re-inserting his feet in his boots.

"Hey, Naruto, show Ino the way to the training ground and see if she can do that jutsu, will ya?"Chi asked, hurrying to pack up all his stuff. Apparently he had fallen asleep taking inventory of his gear and his notes, scrolls, and seals, ending up stuffing everything in his backpack without organization whatsoever.

"Wait, Chi-sensei, where are you going?" I asked, shocked by his hurrying to leave. 'Yes, he may have important matters but isn't it also a priority to teach your students,' I thought. However, before he could give an answer he disappeared.

"Probably off to get some more supplies and such. Maybe saying bye to Ayame-san. What do you think?" Naruto mumbled, bummed a little that our sensei ditched us. He hopped onto the white window-ledge and motioned for me to follow. His eyes became impatient and he started tapping his feet when I stood there.

"Naruto, we should head by my house first. My mom'll pack some breakfast and I need to get all my gear. Probably a sleeping bag, too," I mumbled, embarrassed that I was unprepared to train. First impressions count. Naruto just shrugged telling me that it was on the way, otherwise he probably would've protested. In any case, he owes me. I had to drag and use multiple replacement jutsus to get him here; I decided I'd let it rest. I jumped from the window atop the roof of the next building over, following Naruto's lead to get there the fast way. It took no more than three minutes, but we finally arrived home. I grabbed the key under the mat and unlocked the front door knowing that my parents weren't home. As I made my way to the staircase, I noticed two things, one, that my mother had packed what seemed to be ten pounds of food in a bag and second, that Naruto had stopped following me.

"Come in, Naruto, it's alright. I am going to take a shower, in the meantime feel free to help me pack my gear and stock yourself up on sealing paper and kunai and whatever else you need," I stated, forgetting that Naruto hadn't really been invited to other people's home. I gave him a reassuring smile as he came in tentatively. The respect and caution he showed was pretty cute, I had to forcefully keep myself from 'aww'-ing. Quickly, I bounded up the stairs to my room, telling Naruto where to find the stuff and not to worry because my parents didn't care about their kunai and other armaments. As soon as I closed myself in my room, I stripped out of my clothes and got in the shower, blasting the heat to loosen up my muscles for the on coming day. After scrubbing myself with with soap, shampoo, and conditioner, I just let the water cascade around me. We had a few hours before we had to arrive, according to Chi-sensei. Instantly, thoguhts about Naruto shot into my mind. The real reason why I wanted to be stronger and more powerful was to impress Naruto. 'But do you really like him or is it only because Sasuke left and basically showed no interest in you whatsoever?' I thought. Now that was the ultimate question to which I still trying to find the answer to. Maybe it was partly because Sasuke began growing even more distant and serious (even dark) and since he left that I realized that did love Naruto. After all, he would give his life to save his friends, his village, and those he loves even if they betray him or don't show kindness. And he is fun to be around, always talking, making jokes, and never giving up no matter how hard the obstacle; the latter is what made him so attractive.

It seemed only at most five minutes had gone by, but I heard an urgent knock on the door. When I didn't react, the fist rapped on the wood again, louder this time. "What is it?" I groaned, knowing it was Naruto, while turning off the shower, putting a robe on, and using my chakra to repel the water on my skin.

"Uh, Ino, I don't want to rush you or anything but it's been like forty minutes! And I already packed everything and got the seals and the borrowed kunai ready," Naruto moaned, a little tentative due to embarrassment but the message got through.

I grinned, concocting a plan full of mischief. On top of my undergarments, I put on my stomach-exposing short-sleeveless purple vest and a purple skirt that went just at mid-thigh length. I quickly brushed my hair, clipping it so that a bang partially covered the right-part of my face, though leaving my hair down otherwise. I re-donned the robe and opened the door quickly. The look on Naruto's face was priceless. Because he couldn't see a single piece of cloth on me except the loosely hanging bathrobe, he blushed and turned around but not before I caught his gaping mouth. I dropped the robe loud enough for him to hear, making him jump.

"I-Ino, w-what are you d-doing?" Naruto stuttered, completely embarrassed and taken aback. Before he could do anything, I swiftly turned him around making him look at me in utter confusion. "How did you get dressed so fast?" Naruto asked.

I giggled. "I was only teasing you, Naruto-kun. I had these clothes under the robe. Anyway, looks like what Sakura said is wrong." I knew that as I said it, I had Naruto hooked onto every word I was saying. I didn't say anything for a little while, just humming away as I put my medical ninja gear purse over my shoulder and strapped on my backpack. The air in the room became stifling as Naruto's anticipation and curiosity enveloped the atmosphere. "Alright, alright, Naruto I'll tell you what she told me. Sakura said that you were...hm, what is the nicest way to put it...a horny-pervy teenage boy," I replied, drawing the words out to create as much tension as possible. It was kind of fun seeing Naruto get riled up and seeing how far his reactions would go.

"Oh, she did, did she?" Naruto said as if it was news, slightly pensive. Knowing my blonde ninja friend, however, it meant that he had been guilty of it in the past.

"In other words, you used to be, Naruto-kun, hm?" I asked, rhetorically, "It's alright, I understand. Hormones and everything are hard to control at first. Also, you've outgrown it." Naruto blushed at the former only to be taken aback by the latter, probably questioning my sanity. Thing is, takes one to know one, but I wasn't about to admit that to Naruto. Frankly, it was too embarrassing.

Naruto laughed it off a little at first, scratching the back of his head. Though tentative and half-hearted at first, he burst out laughing melodiously. It too me a moment to realize that I rarely heard my blonde friend's real laugh. It's melodic, honeyed tone stunned me for I had never heard such a voice like this, melting my heart with an odd golden flame that reminded me of joy and desire. "Alright, Ino, ready to go?" Naruto asked with a big smile plastered on his face as his laughter died. Again I noticed that he had hid behind a mask of fake happiness and that before now, Naruto-kun rarely felt true happiness. I smiled at the thought that I could make the blonde feel happiness, almost immediately feeling blood warming my cheeks. Naruto hopped on the windowsill with the breakfast pack slung over his left shoulder. "By the way, Ino, thanks for making me laugh. I haven't felt remotely happy like that in awhile," Naruto whispered, giving me a thumbs-up and a semi-happy-and-sad smile.

This time my cheeks burned rose-red at the compliment. Quickly, I hid my face abashed. "Y-your w-welcome, N-naruto," I stuttered. 'Great, Ino, yo sound like Hinata now'. Naruto cocked his head ever so slightly, making my heart-race, hoping that he couldn't connect the dots.

"Are you alright, Ino?" Naruto asked, concern washing those beautiful cerulean-blue orbs. I nodded, not trusting my words at the moment, conflicted. "Your face was all red, so it looked like you had a fever was all." Naruto smiled, happy to see that I was indeed okay. In a sudden blur, the hyperactive ninja leaped onto the next building, waving me over with a grin and small glint of mischief in his eye; this sent shivers of excitement down my body.


Meanwhile, elsewhere in Konoha

After having given the message to Ino and Naruto and left them to themselves, I strolled down the road with my usual disguise, gazing at the care-free fluffy clouds in the deep blue sky. The birds chirped melodically though it was close to noon. Jasmine, honeysuckle, bush clover, and other flowers released their sweet, soothing smells that helped calm the mind while the slight warm breeze caressed the world. I took a deep breath and took it all in, longing to remain in Konoha, the place I loved. The faint jubilant shouting of children playing in the street, laughter of adult shinobi reminiscing on the good old days, chatter of women talking excitedly about news (not gossip, news). And of course the thrumming of chakra as genin teams trained. It felt good to be back, albeit not as myself, and brought back profound memories so filled with nostalgia that I had to force myself to hold back the tears as I strolled to Ayame's house.

'Ayame-chan, I can't believe I revealed myself to you and that you waited for me on the hope that I was alive. I never forgot about you Ayame, I just couldn't face the village again and the memories it holds' I thought to myself, praying that she would in time fully forgive me. Though she told me that she did, I knew that Ayame was telling the complete truth; it would take awhile before things could go back to normal.

After fifteen minutes, I finally arrived at her house. My palms were sticky with sweat and my stomach somersaulted like a gymnist, nervousness catching me off-guard. Now that she had a night and a morning to think about this clearly, Ayame may have decided against me. I couldn't blame her if that was the case, but still my heart wrenched at the very thought of it. 'No, Itachi, you can't think like this. She said she loved you last night, there is no reason to be afraid.' Taking a deep breath, I rapped my knuckles against the blue wooden door of the quaint white-washed single-story house. A faint scuffle of someone fumbling with things before hurried clicks of the unlocking door.

A blue blur lunged at me, wrapping me in the tightest of hugs ever. I hugged back, though short of breath as the oxygen was squeezed out of my lungs. Justas spots began to form, the caramel-haired beautiful young woman let go, allowing me to take the breath I desperately needed. "You finally came Itachi-kun, I've been waiting for you for well-over an hour, but it's alright. I'm just glad you're hear, love," Ayame whispered, her warm breath tickling my ear, a suggestive tone at the last words making me blush.

"Of course I'd come, I love you more than all the world," I whispered back, making her blush. Before I could stop myself, I gently guided Ayame's face to mine and wrapped my lips around hers, soft yet burning with passion. Sweet, soft lips met mine, fireworks of desire blazing. I pressed Ayame closer to myself, my hands carressing her back. Ayame's soft, tender hands ran through my long raven hair, moaning slightly against my lips. Stumbling through the doorway, we entwined ourselves, sharing the same hot breath. Savoring every kiss, I pecked my way down her jaw along her neck and to her collar bone before making my way up. Ayame moaned softly, before turning me around and pressing me against the wall, sliding her tongue past my open lips, pressing herself completely flat against me. This time I moaned, closing my eyes to savor it. It felt like heaven as liquid gold spread along my insides.

"I love so much Ayame-chan," I half-whispered half-moaned as she bit my neck in a few different spots. My heart raced and I followed suit, letting Ayame take the lead. She had always been the more aggressive one in the relationship. Just as I went to kiss her again, she gave me the biggest, love-filled smile I had ever seen on her face.

"Itachi-kun...I want to...tell you something..." Ayame replied, between kisses, the sun reflecting off her breathtaking eyes so their rich chestnut color gleamed. I mumbled a barely audible yes as I kissed her again. Again, the addictive burning sensation while we maintained the kiss. "I love you more" she whispered after taking a breath.

I threw my head backwards, forgetting that a wall was behind me, and let out a laugh, despite the jolt of pain from smacking my head against the wall. "No, I love you more," I added, still laughing, remembering similar playful fights about who loved the other more and how much. "I love you more than having the ability to eat a never-ending supply of your and your father's Ramen." This was saying a lot because I loved their Ramen more than most things in existence.

"Oh yeah, well I love you more than Ino obsesses over her looks," Ayame replied, knowing she got me on that. Despite my previous reply she pretty much had me stumped at the moment. That is before I remembered Naruto.

"I love you with more intensity and drive that Naruto has to become Hokage and protect the village," I retorted, sticking my tongue out at Ayame when she gave me a frustrated expression. She usually won the battles. This time, though, I had her stumped.

"Well, if you love me so much why don't you propose to me?" Ayame asked, quickly and in the same tone.

"In fact, I am going to propose to you," I said with a winning smirk before I registered the breathless and amazed look on her face. Using her reaction to guide my thoughts, I realized what I had said, shooting blood up my cheeks so I looked like a cherry tomato. "Heh, heh, so I spoiled my plan Ayame? I was planning to do it in about two months when I was sure about your feelings." I rubbed the back of my head, embarrassed and grinning madly.

Ayame looked at me wide-eyed at the sudden revelation and turn of events. She blushed and hid her face behind her long hair in a horrible attempt to hide it. "I-itachi-kun, do you really mean it?" Ayame asked hopeful yet abashed ever so softly. Ayame sounded so much like Hinata when she talked with Naruto. I couldn't help but grin, seemingly transported to the day that I first confessed my love for her when I took her to the Hokage monument. Her eyes held that same passion as they did those few years ago.

"Remember what I told you the day that I first told you I love you, Ayame-chan?" I asked. She nodded slowly, not seeing the point. "Well, the answer is the same," I said just as I kissed her on the lips. Almost instantly, she collapsed in my arms with a sigh. 'Shit, Itachi, you had go and make Ayame faint. Now people are going to be asking questions when I take her to the hospital. And I shouldn't leave her alone either.' Huffing out a sigh, I put on the genjutsu, rushed to the hospital darting from roof to tiled-roof. All I could think about is that I dug my grave in terms of a good impression with my students. I would be late for the first time in history and probably not the last.

Noon

"Hi Ino, Hi Naruto," I greeted from behind as I appeared in a puff of clouds. They were sitting down, chatting, and subconsciously holding hands it would seem, as they looked at there hands in alarm when they realized it. 'Well, shit. The blonde ninjas are too dense to understand they were cut out for one-another. I mean they seemed to be having quite a peaceful moment,' I thought to myself.

"Sorry for not being entirely prepared, sensei, we thought you would arrive a little later," Naruto apologized. The truth in those words would be evident to anyone who has been trained by Kakashi or a close friend as they tended to be late, especially the former. It had been a pain in the ass when we worked together on big missions and when I had been training him with his Sharingan.

"No problem, you guys, I had to bring Ayame to the hospital," I replied with a sad smile to show that I wasn't in the greatest of moods and I was fine with them not being fully prepared.

"Whaaat?! Is she going to be alright Chi-sensei?" Ino gasped. Her white face paled even more if at all possible; her brows furrowed in additional concern. Naruto showed similar signs of distress and concern.

'Crap, they think it's worse than it is! Think of something, quick!' I thought frantically as sweat trickled down my back. My heart raced quickly and I had to force my pupils to not dilate. "She passed out due to lack of sleep. She wanted to talk to me but when seemed faint when I arrived and had dark circles around her eyes. I think she hasn't been getting any sleep for a few days, hiding it with make-up," I spat out before another second could go by. A moment of pensive silence had me worried for a moment. 'They shouldn't know Ayame well enough to know that she doesn't wear any make-up.'

"Huh, makes sense," Naruto commented almost to himself, stroking his chin with his right palm, "And that is a major relief. I thought she was hurt badly or something." Naruto shivered at those words, probably imagining what could've happened before giving me a grin. "Anyways, let's go guys. We talk while we travel." With that Naruto bounded across the slope of the mountain range towards our training area with an immense amount of speed, leaving a faint blur of orange and black behind him.

"When did Naruto get that fast, Chi-sensei?" Ino asked, following me as I followed Naruto. "I mean even when he was using his chakra to speed himself up, this is a whole new level for him."

"Two simple factors really: increase of chakra control and increase in physical training. I developed a new training method for Naruto that I think you may need as well. It will help build your chakra levels and control dramatically as well as greatly increase your endurance, strength, speed, and reflexes," I summarized, making sure to keep pace with Ino in order for her to hear me as we entered the forest and flew from branch to branch. The breeze generated from the movement caused my ponytail to wriggle like a snake, though it kept me from overheating in my black jacket, pants, and concealed armored vest.

"Sounds good, Chi-sensei. I have a question though, your face reminds slightly of someone. Would you tell me if you're related to him or his clan?" Ino asked curiousity overlaying the barely detectable concern in her voice. It annoyed me that she would try to hide something and even more so that she could still draw similarities. I really didn't need to launch into it right now, but Ino's piercing blue eyes pinned me. I only nodded, not trusting words on this one. "Are you part of the Uchiha clan?"

"Yes and no," I replied, making Ino groan in frustration. Her eyes quickly locked onto mine again and threatened major psychological pain. So I elaborated: "I only share a small portion of Uchiha blood. Most of me is Sarutobi and civilian with Senju mixed in. I was brought up outside the village and moved here when I was still a child to train as a ninja. And I do have Sharingan, just so you know, but no one except Naruto and Kakashi know that."

Ino almost stopped, forcing me to slow down, semi-freezing surprised by my answer. She clearly did not expect to be let on to a secret, forget that yet another person had Sharingan. It took a couple minutes, but eventually Ino and I reached a pace faster than our original one to catch up with Naruto. We spent the rest of the time in silence with only a brief interruption to see if Ino had the stamina to continue or to tell me and Naruto to slow down. Naruto grumbled when ever the pace dropped, making me smile inside with the knowledge that he could handle more. It also amused me because we were making really good time. Just as the sun signaled it was 1 o'clock, I spotted the clearing up ahead. Of course them seeing it was another matter entirely.

"Your training begins now," I told them, breaking the concentration-heavy silence. The two blonde teenagers looked at me with expectant eyes. It always had to happen this way didn't it, explanations were always necessary unless the others had tactical and analytical aptitude. "I'll give you two your objectives. You are supposed to find the clearing and obtain two scrolls each. Similar to the bell exercise, this will determine whether you are ready," I sighed, exasperated at their lack of initiative. Finishing topping up my chakra, I used a replacement jutsu before they could ask any questions. I had to check up on everything and add finishing touches to the clearing. As soon as I popped into the clearing, I did a few quick though analytical scans to make sure everyone and thing was position.