Four Man Squads
Chapter 4 - Decisions
Obito was carrying the unconscious form Haku as Team 7 entered the gates of Konoha. It felt great to be home, Obito was sure Rin was probably worried sick about him. However, they had to report in to the Hokage first.
"Come on, we have to report in." Obito instructed his team. Naruto had went off towards the direction of Ichiraku's, however he'd have to wait.
"Come on, sensei. I haven't got to eat any good ramen in two weeks." Naruto complained.
"Mission first, Naruto. Then you can go eat." Obito replied.
"Fine, jeez…" Naruto said as he continued to Ninja Ops.
A few minutes later, Team 7 was standing in front of the Third Hokage with an unconscious Haku laying at their feet.
"Obito, who's the boy?" Sarutobi asked.
"It's a long story, but in short he's an enemy ninja that we captured. As far as I can tell, he's from Kiri. However, he's not affiliated with them in any way, I believe he was taken out of Kiri before he ever entered their academy." Obito explained.
"I see, and I guess you were thinking we could offer him a place in Konoha?" Sarutobi asked in response.
"Hai, Hokage-sama." Obito answered.
"Well wake him up, and we'll see what we can do." the Hokage instructed.
Obito bent down to Haku's body, "Release." Obito said as he tapped Haku on the forehead.
Haku slowly stirred, "Where am I? Last thing I remember was… Zabuza-san!" Haku sat up quickly.
"Careful now, you really shouldn't be moving like that." Obito warned Haku, "You're still pretty weak from the genjutsu. Also, you're in Konoha, to answer your first question."
"You killed Zabuza-san, my precious person." Haku said, anger coming into his voice. "I will kill you."
"I'm sorry, Haku. I had no choice, he was trying to kill my team." Obito replied. "Any of us would have done the same."
Haku didn't seem to hear him, "And you! You stopped me from saving Zabuza-san. Why? Why did you stop me?" he shouted as he rounded on Hinata. Hinata didn't look at him, and shyly backed away.
"Why are you getting angry at us?!" Naruto shouted back, "You're the ones that were working for that bastard Gatou!"
Haku didn't say anything in response, he just seemed to break down, "I'm alone again, no body wants me…"
"W-w-we want you, Haku-san." Hinata stammered.
"Hinata is correct," the Hokage chimed in, "Konoha would be glad to have you if you want to stay with us."
"Yeah," Naruto said happily, "You're pretty cool, those ice mirrors were amazing, you need to show me how to do that."
"Really?" Haku said, "You guys want me here, even knowing what I could do, even though I hurt you?"
"Yes," Obito said, "While you tried to hurt us, you deliberately tried not to kill us, and besides, we couldn't just leave you there."
"But, I'm a rogue ninja." Haku replied.
"This is true, but did you ever enter the academy at Kirigakure?" Sarutobi asked.
"No, but…" Haku answered.
"Then while you might be a rogue ninja, you aren't a missing-nin since you never belonged to a village anyway, so there's nothing anyone can say about us taking you in." Sarutobi explained, "However, you must know, that you will be under watch at almost all times until you prove that you are trustworthy, if you accept to stay. If you don't want to stay, then I'm going to have to ask you to leave Konoha immediately."
Haku looked around for a moment taking in the looks of the people he used to call enemies, but he wanted to call friends. Naruto was grinning at him. Hinata was also smiling. Sakura too looked on with approval. Sasuke looked interested, though he didn't really seem to have a preference. Obito nodded approvingly at Haku. "I think that I would like it here, I'll stay." Haku eventually said.
The Hokage smiled as he responded, "Good, well then, while you are on probation for the next 6 months, I will be assigning you to a team and instating you as a genin of Konoha. Sadly, one of our genin teams suffered a casualty on their latest mission, the boy that got hurt decided that he didn't want to continue as a shinobi, so that opens up a slot for you. I'll let Might Guy know that you have been assigned to his team, you'll be meeting him tomorrow, a messenger will come by with the details. If you'll wait outside, I'll have someone come by and set you up with an apartment and an advance on your salary so you can buy furnishings, food, and whatever else you may need."
Haku nodded, "Thank you Hokage-sama." Haku then left the room.
"Well, now that that's out of the way. What happened? That was supposed to be a C-rank mission, but you captured 3 rogue nins, and from Haku's reaction killed one of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist." Sarutobi asked.
Obito then launched into an explanation of everything that had happened over the last couple of weeks. His explanation included the fight with the Demon Brothers, the first fight with Zabuza at the lake, the tree-climbing training, then the final battle at the bridge. The Third simply sat and listened intently to the mission debrief.
"I must commend you for a job well done. While it will go down in the books as a C-rank mission, you all have just completed an A-rank mission as genin. I'm very impressed with your progress. If that's all you all may go, considering all you have been through I'm giving you all a few weeks off. The secretary at the front will give you your pay for the mission and the bounties on the Demon Brothers and Zabuza." Sarutobi dismissed them.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Obito said, then all of team 7 gave a small bow as they exited the debriefing room.
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"So, how about we go to Ichiraku's to celebrate?" Naruto asked as they left the Ninja Ops building.
"Sounds good to me." Obito said. Obito would have actually preferred to go somewhere else, but he knew Naruto loved the little ramen stand and it had been awhile since they were in Konoha. "What about the rest of you?"
"Sure, I'll go." Sakura replied. Hinata nodded her head in agreement. Sasuke didn't say anything, but followed them anyway.
After they had walked for a few minutes, Naruto dropped back to a position beside Sasuke. "Hey, Sasuke."
"What do you want?" Sasuke asked in a slightly annoyed voice.
"Umm… Back on the bridge, when Haku had us trapped in those ice mirrors. Why did you save me?" Naruto asked, "You know, we've never really gotten along, I thought you hated me."
"I don't know, idiot. My body just kind of moved on its own." Sasuke replied, "However, what happened after I passed out. How did you get out of there?"
"I don't know either…" Naruto answered, "I thought you had died, that's what it looked like. I got really angry, and then everything just went red. Next thing I know, I'm standing in front of Haku and he's pleading for me to kill him."
Sasuke and Naruto walked on in silence for a little while, neither one of them really comprehending what was happening between them. Were they becoming friends?
Naruto was the first one to break the silence, "So, how's the Sharingan?"
"Hmm… it's interesting." Sasuke replied. "It's like I can see things before they happen."
"That sounds really cool." Naruto said, "I wish I had the Sharingan." Sasuke just smirked.
A few moments later Team 7 had reached the ramen stand. The proprietor and his daughter greeted their best customer and his team warmly and asked what they wanted. Naruto ordered a multitude of bowls of every flavor. Sakura and Hinata both enjoyed some miso ramen, while Obito and Sasuke ordered some pork ramen.
While they ate, Naruto struck up some conversation, "So, Hinata, what was that awesome technique you used on Haku?"
"I-it's called the Eight T-trigrams Sixty-four P-palms." Hinata answered.
"You moved so fast, I couldn't even tell what you were doing." Naruto smiled at her.
"Yes, Hinata, it was a very impressive technique for you to unleash in the middle of a battle." Obito affirmed.
"T-thank you, N-Naruto-kun, Obito-sensei." Hinata replied shyly.
"Frankly, I'm impressed with the improvement all of you have shown." Obito complimented his team. "Sasuke, awakening the Sharingan in a fight like that is impressive. Sakura, your mastery of genjutsu continues to amaze me, and you picked up on those medical jutsus very easily as well. Naruto, you are getting better with your Shadow Clones, and you showed an ability for strategic thinking in that first fight against Zabuza."
"Thanks, Obito-sensei." all three of the genin responded almost in unison.
Team 7 enjoyed the rest of their meal, talking about what their plans were for their for the next few weeks they have off. Obito informed them that while they weren't going to be having any missions, he was still expecting them to show up for training as per their usual schedule. Everybody nodded in acknowledgement, and soon parted ways as they finished their meal.
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Hinata Hyuga was as happy as she could ever remember being. First off, Naruto had recognized her as a powerful ninja, not a failure like her clan did. Then, Obito had said the same thing, and she could tell that her teammates looked at her as a friend and equal. She was saddened slightly to be returning to her home. She could see the gates, and the branch family members guarding them.
"Hinata-sama, Hiashi-sama wishes to talk with you immediately." one of the guards informed her as she approached.
"Thank you, I'll go to meet him now then." Hinata responded. Her happiness was to be short lived it seemed. Hinata made her way up to her father's study and knocked on the door.
"Come in." Hiashi's voice commanded. Hinata opened the door and entered the room, she looked at her father holding a paper in his hand, scouring over it.
"Hinata, I have here a the initial report from your last mission. From what is said here you played a key role against one Zabuza Momochi, and then during the course of the battle unleashed the Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms. I figured I'd give you a chance to explain this, as I find it highly unlikely that you used such an advanced technique when your basic forms are so terrible." Hiashi said as his daughter entered the room.
"I-in respect to the role I played against Zabuza Momochi, I acted as Obito-sensei's eyes. Momochi used a jutsu which obscures everyone's vision with mist. However, the jutsu has no effect over the Byakugan, therefore I assisted Obito-sensei by telling him where Zabuza would be attacking from." Hinata stated.
Hiashi nodded, "Very good, Hinata." Hinata nearly fell, did her father just compliment her. Her amazement was short lived. "However, the more pressing matter here is you using the Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms, I trust that the Hokage would not send me a false report."
"H-hai, father," Hinata replied, "I don't know exactly what happened. There was another rogue ninja with Zabuza, a teenager by the name of Haku. Naruto had managed to defeat the boy, however I noticed with the Byakugan that Haku was building up chakra for a jutsu while Naruto was charging in for the death blow. I reacted on instinct, and somehow used the Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms. H-honestly, f-father, I don't think I c-could use it again if I t-tried, I c-can't remember anything about the t-technique."
"Hmm… I see." Hiashi answered, "It's not unheard of, for someone to use the ability in a stressful situation. While I'm impressed you used such a strong ability, I'm disappointed that you cannot recall anything of it. Hinata, you may unpack, however I wish for you to meet me in the training grounds in two hours. We'll see if we can break through this block in your ability."
"H-hai, father." Hinata replied as she left the room. She slumped up against the wall, he was impressed! He had never said anything like that to her ever. This day couldn't be any better so far, however know she was fretting over the training session to be held in a couple of hours. She couldn't fail now, she was now starting to earn her father's respect.
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Naruto was the first to arrive at Team 7's usual meeting place the next morning, even though he was 30 minutes late. Team 7 had started getting used to their sensei's constant tardiness. Naruto sat down on a bench and watched some kids playing on a jungle gym not too far away. It must be fun, having friends to play with at that age. Naruto wished he had friends that he could have played with at that age.
"N-naruto-kun?" Hinata's voice broke through Naruto's daze.
"Huh? Hinata-chan, what's up?" Naruto said, a grin returning to his face. He was so lost in thought that he didn't even hear her coming up the pathway.
"N-nothing, you looked l-like something was t-troubling you." Hinata said in reply.
"Eh, yeah I guess." Naruto answered, "Just thinking about how things were before I was on Team 7."
"Oh." Hinata murmured. She was saddened to learn of what was causing her crush's mood. Maybe if she wasn't so weak and shy, she could've been his friend and he wouldn't have had to suffer like that.
"It's all in the past though, I have friends now. Sakura, Sasuke, and you." Naruto said happily, "and, Obito-sensei is kinda like a big brother."
"Well, that's sweet of you to think of me like that, Naruto." Obito said. Naruto and Hinata gasped, they never heard their jonin instructor sneak up on them.
"How long have you been listening, sensei?" Naruto asked.
"I heard the whole thing." Obito replied. Naruto blushed, a rare thing, since his sensei figured out that Naruto regarded him as a big brother.
As Obito was joking around with his "little brother", Sakura and Sasuke showed up to the meeting point.
"Good, now that you are all here, I'll fill you in on the next stage of your careers as ninjas." Obito said.
"Next stage? You mean the Chuunin Exams." Sakura replied.
"That is correct, Sakura. You all showed good teamwork and individual skill against Haku and Zabuza. Therefore, I'm giving my recommendation for you all to take the Chuunin Exams in one month.
"Awesome! We are so gonna rock the exams, no one will know what hit them." Naruto yelled. Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"I'm glad you're excited about it. However, even though I'm recommending you all for the exams, it doesn't mean you have to take it. If you feel that you are not ready you may decline the invitation." Obito explained.
"Pfft, who would pass on this kinda opportunity?" Naruto asked rhetorically. Obito watched as Hinata looked down at the ground.
"Just remember this, the fact that I'm putting my recommendation in for you to take the exam means that I am confident in every single one of you as individuals, as well as a team." Obito explained. Hinata perked up a little, she knew who that comment was for.
"So, we have time off until the exam?" Sasuke asked.
"Yes, I'll be training all of you extensively. Sasuke, we'll continue fire jutsu. Sakura, I'm going to get you to train with my wife so she can teach you some more medical jutsu. Naruto, I think it's time for you to start learning some wind jutsu, and Hinata I'll be training you in earth jutsu." Obito replied, "However, I know we are all still tired from the Wave mission, so I'm giving you all the day off to help recuperate. We start training tomorrow, bright and early. Also, make sure you're here on time, Rin doesn't like it when people are late."
"Then how'd she end up marrying someone like you?" Naruto asked no one in particular.
"NARUTO!" Sakura yelled as she punched him in the back of the head, "That's very rude."
Obito smiled, "You know what they say, opposites attract." He then gave a very knowing look between Naruto and Hinata then walked away, "I'll see you all at nine tomorrow, enjoy the rest of your day."
Soon after Obito left, Sasuke left as well. As usual, Sakura was on his heels trying to convince him to go on a date or walk with her or just to do something with her. Sasuke, as usual, ignored her. This left Naruto and Hinata sitting alone on a bench in the park.
"Well, want to go get something to eat, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked innocently.
Hinata felt the blood rush to her face, "I-I w-would l-like that, N-naruto-kun."
Oblivious to his teammates emotional stresses, Naruto grabbed Hinata's hand and took off towards Ichiraku Ramen. It took every fiber of Hinata's being not to faint on the spot.
After leading her by the hand for a few minutes, Naruto finally released his grip on Hinata. They walked at a leisurely pace through the streets of Konoha. Eventually, they saw a familiar stream of long black hair along with a purple kimono.
"Hey, Haku!" Naruto shouted. Haku stopped and turned to see his new friends.
"Hello, Naruto, Hinata." Haku smiled at them, "How are you two?"
"We're good." Naruto answered, "How are you?"
"Well, I'm not used to being around this many people." Haku replied, "Zabuza-san and I usually kept to ourselves, but everyone here is so nice, it's a lot different than it was in Kiri."
"T-that's n-nice to hear, Haku." Hinata said.
"Hey, we were just going to get something to eat. Wanna join us?" Naruto offered.
"I would love to, Naruto. It'll have to be quick though, I have to meet Guy-sensei and his team in a couple of hours and I still have to buy some groceries and other things for my new apartment." Haku accepted.
Naruto, Hinata, and Haku strolled along for a few more minutes until they came to the familiar ramen stand. Naruto entered and sat in his usual spot, Hinata sat to his left and Haku to his right.
"Well, if it isn't our favorite customer, oh and he's brought another new face in. I'm Teuchi, the proprietor of Ichiraku Ramen, and this is my daughter Ayame." Teuchi said as he gestured to his daughter.
"Nice to meet you, I'm Haku." Haku replied.
"Nice to meet you, as well." Ayame replied, "May I take your orders?"
The three genin nodded and gave Ayame their orders. Then they talked among themselves while their meals cooked.
"So, what do you know about your new sensei?" Naruto asked.
"Well, from what I've heard, Might Guy is a taijutsu master, and has a very odd personality." Haku replied, "I tried to figure out more, but everyone just told me I'd figure it out when I met him. Something to do with the 'flames of youth', whatever that means."
Hinata blushed, she had met Might Guy only twice since he had become Neji's sensei. However, just from those two meetings she knew "odd" was an understatement. "I-I'm sure y-you'll be alright, Haku-san." she said.
"I'm certain you are right, Hinata." Haku replied.
"Here you are." Ayame said as she brought their meals over. The three genin quickly dove in to their meals, Naruto making a show of it, while Haku and Hinata ate in a more dignified and mannerly way. The next few minutes went by in relative silence as they enjoyed their meals.
"Now, I have a question to ask, Haku." Naruto said.
"What is it?" Haku replied.
"You know that thing you did with the ice mirrors? Can you teach that to me?" Naruto asked.
"Ha ha. I'm sorry Naruto, but I can't." Haku answered.
"Why not?" Naruto pouted.
"Because it's impossible for you to learn. It's a kekkei genkai ability, the only reason I can do it is because it's in my blood." Haku answered, "Just like your friend Sasuke's Sharingan."
"Oh, that sucks." Naruto said slightly downtrodden, "That's alright though, I can still get Hinata to teach me that cool move of hers. That Eight Trigrams thingy."
"N-naruto-kun." Hinata sheepishly replied, "That's part of my kekkei genkai."
"Oh, damn it." Naruto replied.
Haku and Hinata shared a laugh, "Don't worry Naruto, I'm sure you'll find some powerful jutsus of your own." Haku reassured, "Well, I got to be going, things to do and people to meet. Thanks for inviting me to lunch. Goodbye Hinata, Naruto."
"Later, Haku." Naruto said as he waved.
"Goodbye, Haku-san" Hinata said as she bowed.
"Wow, he is cute." Ayame said from behind the counter.
"Huh, yeah I guess. When I first met him, I thought he was a girl." Naruto replied. Hinata giggled as she remembered the first meeting she and Naruto had with the former rogue ninja.
"Anyway, thanks for the meal." Naruto said as he laid his money on the counter, "I'll be back soon." Hinata graciously paid for her meal as well, as the two left the ramen stand.
"So, you can't teach me the Eight Trigrams?" Naruto asked as he and Hinata walked down the street.
"No, N-Naruto-kun," Hinata replied, "It's t-tied to my Byakugan, and I d-don't even remember h-how to do it." Her mind flashed back to last night's training session where her father tried to force her to use the ability again, much to his dismay, she couldn't perform the skill again.
"Well, that stinks. We'll have to try and get you to remember what you did, cause that move was amazing." Naruto answered. "What does it do, exactly."
"W-well, with my Byakugan I can see a person's tenketsu…" Hinata began.
"What?" Naruto asked.
"Tenketsu are little openings where people release chakra, with my chakra I can shut those points down, making to where my opponent can't use their jutsu, or I can increase the flow through the points, allowing me or a teammate to use more chakra than normal." Hinata explained, "The Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms shuts down roughly half of the tenketsu of the target, rendering them almost incapable of using their chakra. There's a more advanced version, the One-hundred-twenty-eight Palms that shuts down all the chakra points."
"Wow, that's amazing, and a little scary." Naruto said, "Remind me never to get into a fight with you."
"N-Naruto-kun." Hinata said under her breath.
"It was nice hanging out with you, Hinata-chan. Maybe we could do it again." Naruto said as they were getting ready to part ways.
Hinata froze, did he just ask her out on a date? She couldn't handle it anymore, first the hand-holding, then he asked her out on a date, her mind went into overload, and the last thing she remembered seeing was the look of concern crossing her crush's face.
"Hinata-chan? Hinata-chan!" Naruto shouted as he caught Hinata's limp body, "What in the world was that about."
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The next few weeks passed quickly for Team 7 as they prepared themselves for the Chuunin Exams. Obito continued to teach Sasuke their clan's patented fire techniques, the instruction was only quickened by the addition of Sasuke's Sharingan, Sakura had began her specialized training with Rin and was mastering some of the lower to mid level healing jutsus, and Naruto and Hinata were continuing to train together. Hinata, while she hadn't yet rediscovered the Eight Trigrams Sixty-four Palms, was increasing her proficiency in the Jyuuken rapidly, thanks to sparring dozens of Narutos at the same time. Naruto and Hinata had also began learning ninjutsu under Obito. Naruto's repertoire increased to include the Fuuton: Kamisori, a jutsu that released a blade of wind sharper than the keenest sword, and Raiton: Shokkutsuchi, a jutsu that blasts whatever is in front of the user with a bolt of lightning. Hinata also learned the Fuuton: Kamisori along with the Doton: Hibiware, a earth jutsu designed to trap a foe in a ground fissure dozens of feet deep.
There were only a few more days left before the official start of the Chuunin exams. Obito had given Team 7 the day off to recuperate and otherwise mentally prepare themselves for the trials that awaited. Naruto and Hinata had yet again found themselves together again, if Naruto didn't know any better, he could have sworn the rest of his team was trying to set him up with Hinata every chance they got. However, this time around they had ran into Konohamaru and his two friends, Moegi and Udon. Konohamaru had been pestering Naruto about playing hide and seek with them, and finally Naruto agreed, if just to get them out of his hair. Konohamaru had taken off to hide when he ran into a larger boy in a black suit with face paint on, and a large bandage-wrapped bundle on his back. The boy also wore a Suna forehead protector.
"That hurts, you little piece of shit." the boy said as he picked Konohamaru up by his shirt.
"Don't, Kankuro, we'll get yelled at later." a blonde girl with a large fan said behind him. She too wore a Suna forehead protector, but hers was wrapped around her neck like Hinata's.
"Hey, fat ass, let go of him." Naruto yelled at the boy now identified as Kankuro.
"Let's play a little before the boss gets here." Kankuro replied.
"Bastard!" Naruto said as he charged Kankuro. However, Kankuro made some movements with his hands and Naruto tripped and fell to the ground
"What was that?" Naruto said as he got back up.
"Heh, Leaf genin are weak." Kankuro smirked.
"Let go of me." Konohamaru pleaded.
"Let him go, or I'll kick your ass, you idiot." Naruto shouted getting ready to start a second charge.
"Heh, you're annoying." was the answer from Kankuro. "I hate midgets, especially ther younger, rude ones. Makes me want to kill them."
"I'm not involved with this." The other girl from Suna said as she put her hands in the air.
"Well, after this one, I'll take care of that other annoying midget." Kankuro said as he prepared to throw a punch at the defenseless Konohamaru.
"Bastard!" Naruto yelled. It was all he could do, he wasn't going to make it before Kankuro got his bunch in. Suddenly, a rock flew and hit Kankuro in the hand that was holding up Konohamaru, forcing Kankuro to drop the academy student.
"What are you assholes doing in out village?" Sasuke's voice said. Naruto turned to see him sitting on a tree branch tossing another rock into the air.
"Another guy who pisses me off…" Kankuro said as he rubbed his hand.
"Get lost." Sasuke replied simply.
"Get down here punk." Kankuro challenged, "I hate show-offs like you the most." Kankuro took the wrapped bundle off of his back.
"Hey, you're going to use Karasu?" the blonde asked.
"Kankuro, stop it." an unknown voice commanded.
Naruto looked directly below Sasuke to see a redheaded boy about the same age as himself with the kanji for love tattooed on his forehead. "You're an embarrassment to our village." the boy continued.
"Ga-Gaara…" Kankuro started to plea.
"Losing yourself in a fight, how pathetic." Gaara cut him off, "Do you remember why we came to Konoha?"
"Listen, Gaara, they started it and…" Kankuro started.
"Shut up." Gaara interrupted, "or, I'll kill you."
"Okay, I'm sorry…" Kankuro relented.
"I'm also sorry." the blonde girl said.
"Sorry to you all." Gaara said to Sasuke. Then he disappeared in a swirl of sand, just to reappear on the ground next to Kankuro. "It looks like we got here early, we didn't come to play around, let's go."
"Wait a second." Sasuke said as he leaped down from the tree. "What's your name?"
"Gaara of the Desert." Gaara replied, "I'd also like to know yours."
"Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke answered simply.
"Hey, what about me?" Naruto asked enthusiastically.
"Not interested, let's go." Gaara responded as he turned around.
Naruto looked downtrodden as the three Suna-nin disappeared. "Do I look that weak?" he asked no one in particular.
"I-I don't think so, Naruto-kun." Hinata answered reassuringly.
Naruto perked up a little, "Thanks, Hinata-chan. Anyway, what do you think they're here for?"
Sasuke was the one who replied, "Obviously, they're here for the Chuunin Exams, idiot."
"Oh, yeah." Naruto answered while rubbing the back of his head, "Forgot about that."
"Looks like this is going to be an interesting exam." Sasuke said with a smirk on his face.
"Definitely." Naruto replied smiling.
Hinata looked down at the ground. She still wasn't sure if she was ready for the exams. She wished she had Naruto's confidence. She was going to have to come to a decision soon, the exams were only a few days away.
"What's wrong, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked when he turned to see his teammate staring at the ground.
Hinata looked up to see that Sasuke and the children had already left and it was just her and Naruto. "I-I j-just don't know if I-I'm ready, N-Naruto-kun. Y-you saw those S-Suna genin, they're s-so p-powerful."
Naruto gave her a reassuring smile, "You're ready Hinata, you can take on dozens of my Shadow Clones all at the same time, and I'm sure you're close to a breakthrough on you Eight Trigrams ability. I believe you are ready, Hinata-chan."
"T-thank you, Naruto-kun." Hinata replied as a familiar shade of pink came across her face. She still didn't quite believe she was ready, but the pep talk helped. She and Naruto continued on their way to a small teahouse that Hinata had convinced Naruto to go to. She had finally reached her decision, even if she didn't think she was ready, she was going to try. It's what Naruto would have done.
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A/N
Sorry this chapter is shorter than the others, but I wanted a small break chapter between the Wave arc and the Exam arc. Anyway to answer a few questions:
I never stated that Kakashi died in order for Obito to live. Don't forget, there's a fourth member for every team, that includes Team Minato and the Yonnin (Sannin, renamed for the fact there's four of them now). So, it could be that this fourth member of Team Minato is the reason Obito is alive.
Yes, Haku likes Hinata. However, if you're asking if Haku likes Hinata in a more romantic sense, I'm reasonably sure that's not going to be the case. However, I'm not going to say for 100% that will be true, because sometimes characters can surprise you as you write and end up going a way you didn't expect.