Hei, here is the update on this chapter. I am REALLY SORRY to one of my reviewers who tells me that my verb keeps changing from past and present tense and it confuses him. I am really sorry. I just suck in english and I know that is no excuse. I apologise once more.
Also, another reviewer states that I am not making naruto talk much with the other rookie 9. I apologise for that too as i plan to do that in the chuunin exams and beyond but i guess i can try to do that sooner. I already did in this chapter a little with Shika and Chou.
Hope you enjoy this chapter and please REVIEW.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
CHAPTER 6: TEAM SELECTIONS
The sun takes its place once again to give life to the great city of Konoha. The sun allows the crops to grow and lets the inhabitants to do their daily work. In an apartment, a twelve year old orphan wakes up from his slumber at the sound of his alarm clock. He showed his frustration by picking up the said device and throwing it to the wall, smashing it to pieces.
Naruto looked at his once clock. He did not really care. The clock woke him up just when he was getting to a good part in his dreams, where he and Sakura were married and was just about to kiss when the alarm clock had to disturb him. He scratched his head and realized that he has about an hour to get ready for school. Well, not really school but to get to the academy and see which team he will be assigned to. He does not care who his team mates are but he prayed that Sakura will at least be his team mate.
He took off his pyjamas and made his way to the bathroom to have a good early bath. He enjoyed the feeling of the water washing his body and soon, started to wash himself clean. After several minutes of scrubbing here and there, he switched off the water and wrapped a blue towel around his waist. He made his way to the sink to brush his teeth.
After he brushed his teeth, he looked at himself in the mirror. His blonde hair has really grown long throughout the years and thick too. He is quite surprised that he looked almost like the fourth Hokage. After making sure that his face is clean to look at, he walked back into the bedroom to wear his usual attire. He had several of the same black shirt and blue pants. It is pretty comfortable and Sakura liked him to wear this, so why not?
Today is a special day so he decided not to eat his usual instant Ramen for a breakfast which even caught himself surprised. He decided to at least try and eat something healthy. He opened his fridge and saw a couple of eggs. He took one egg and a packet of milk and brought the two items out and placed it on the table.
He looked at the clock above him and it he still has about forty minutes before eight. He started to cook the egg the best way he can and it took him a few minutes to do so. He placed the egg on a plate and poured the milk in a small glass and started to eat his breakfast. It wasn't that bad for a person to cook egg for the first time in his life. Then again, cooking egg isn't really anything to be proud off.
He washed the plates after he finished eating. He walked back into his room for one more important item. He found it on top of the table next to his bed. He picked up his headband and tied it to his forehead. He looked at himself in the mirror in the toilet and nodded to himself. 'I look pretty good.' Naruto thought to himself.
Satisfied, he grabbed his house keys, walked out of his apartment, locked it and started to make his way to the academy. The villagers of course noticed that he now has a headband on his village and they surprisingly, do not whisper to each other as much. They either got tired of it or probably thought that they should respect a defender to their home.
While Naruto is walking to the academy, he just can't believe what Maki told him yesterday. That he is actually the uncle of his crush, Sakura. To make it worse, he knows about the crush and actually encourages him to confess his love to her. He will not do that today, perhaps just in the near future.
He spotted the academy and found that as usual, Sakura has not yet arrived. He found an empty bench and took a seat, humming a tune while he waited for his pink haired friend.
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In the Haruno household, Maki is busy getting ready for his day. He knows that his niece will be picked into teams today. He is also one of the Jounins selected to be a leader of one of the teams. Sadly, he heard from Sakura yesterday that Naruto and her did well on the test and that is something that will separate them.
Since the two did okay, there is a high chance that they will be put into different teams to balance a team. They cannot have a team where the members are all good. Sakura and Naruto will most likely be put into different teams to help the weak ones and Maki could find no student that is very weak. All of the students did fairly well.
After tying his headband to his forehead and picking his placing at least five of his custom kunai's in his back pouch, he made his way down to eat breakfast. It is already seven thirty in the morning and he has to report to the Hokage's office in fifteen minutes. Well, actually all the Jounins that are assigned to a team have to be in the Hokage's office in fifteen minutes.
He found his niece downstairs eating her breakfast. She wore the same outfit like yesterday; the only difference is that she has her headband on her head, allowing the bangs of her hair to fall. She did not tie her hair today and Maki is surprised that her hair is almost down to her hip. Sakura turned to face her uncle and gave him a smile and then turned back to finish her breakfast.
Maki sat on the dining table and realized that a bowl of porridge has already been served for him. He picked up his spoon and started to eat his breakfast. Sakura finished just a few seconds after Maki sat down and walked back upstairs to get ready. Of course, in Maki's eyes, she is already ready. She has a headband so what else does she need?
Sakura came down a minute later with no difference in her attire. The curiosity got the best of Maki and he asked, "I don't see any difference in your outfit. What did you go back up for?"
"I just straightened my hair. A girl has to look good, uncle Maki." Sakura explained, making her way for the door.
"Really?" Maki asked, placing his bowl in the sink, "Are you trying to look good for someone?"
He received no answer and could just hear the door close in haste. He chuckled softly and realized he is also running late. He took out his wallet and placed a certain amount of money on the dining table for Suyuki to use for her grocery shopping. He then walked out of the front door.
He has about five minutes to get to the Hokage's office and he won't get there on time even if he used the rooftops. He sighed and made a seal and soon, disappeared in a puff of smoke. He appeared right in front of the Hokage tower and started to make his way to his destination.
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Uzumaki Naruto is already restless. He has been sitting on the bench for about twenty minutes doing nothing but humming a tune which he grew bored off. He saw a couple of his friends walk by and they had small talked before the entered the academy. Nara Shikamaru's conversation was the one that made him nervous.
Shikamaru seems to know about his crush on Sakura. Although he stated that a few of his friends found them to be suspicious, he knows of Naruto's true feelings. When asked why he doesn't tell anyone, Shikamaru simply states that it is too troublesome. Typical Shikamaru.
It is already seven forty five in the morning and Naruto is just about to give up waiting when he spotted Sakura from the distance. She waved happily when she saw him and he just couldn't help but wave back and grow a smile on his face.
"Good morning, Sakura-chan!" Naruto greeted her when she neared him.
She simply nodded, "Well, today is the day."
"Yeah. I just hope I will be on the same team as Sakura-chan."
Sakura had to agree, "Yeah. It will be boring without Naruto-kun. You always were able to make me laugh, even at least once when we are together."
The two made their way into the academy laughing when Naruto brought out a question he has been meaning to ask.
"Sakura-chan, is it true that Maki is your uncle?"
Sakura immediately became nervous. Her uncle has told her countless of times to not tell him anything but it seems that Naruto has already been informed about this. She turned to face him, "What makes you think that?"
Naruto turned serious, "Sakura-chan, Maki told me yesterday that he is your uncle so don't play games with me. Is it a yes or a no?"
Sakura sighed in relief. If her uncle was the one that told her then it means she has no problem denying it. "Yeah, he is."
"Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" Naruto asked, looking deep into her emerald eyes.
She shrugged, "He is the one that told me not to tell you."
Naruto looked at her for a couple of seconds and then turned back to look where they are going. The two continued on walking in silence. When they reached their classroom, they found the students to be all surprisingly quiet. Not a single sound is heard. Naruto and Sakura looked at each other and they just shrugged at the weird atmosphere.
They took their usual sits and waited for Iruka to tell them what to do, waiting in anticipation.
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Maki was leaning lazily on a wall in the Hokage's room. He knew most of the Jounins present and is surprised that even the famed copy ninja is present. Of course, this is not his first time. Kakashi is said to have never passed a team due to his difficult test. Maki's test is far easier compared to the one of Kakashi.
Maki has been selected to be a Jounin leader for a bunch of Genin a few years back and they are all now Chuunins so he no longer has to be with them. Maki did not bother to listen to the Hokage for the first few minutes as the Hokage has to introduce to the new Jounins what is expected of them. He could even see Kakashi is not paying attention, reading his perverted book.
The only reason why Maki came is that he wants to know what teams Naruto and Sakura are. He wants them to be together though he doubt that is possible but it can't hurt to try. He remembered when he was picked to be in a team exactly fourteen years ago.
He chuckled softly when he remembered how he wanted to be in the same team with Himura but was not chosen. He was close but not close enough.
Flashback
The whole class were listening intently as their teacher took out a sheet of paper to read to the class who their team mates will be. Maki of course, did not care who his sensei will be or who his team mates are, as long as one of them is Himura-chan.
He took a quick glance at his brown haired crush. She, as usual, is sitting next to the so called genius of the class, Nara Kawada. He has black hair and his hair covers his left eye. He looks like a freaking emo. He wears a simple brown shirt and a black jacket to cover it and strangely for a ninja, dark blue jeans. Why would he wear jeans? It is difficult to move around for something like that but that is not his problem so he didn't care.
"Now, team 4 will be comprised of Haruno Maki!" His teacher called.
The mention of his name put him to full attention. He is currently praying silently that Himura's name will be mentioned. His teacher continued.
"Naga Megumi and Akimichi Oda. You will report to your Jounin sensei at training ground number four!"
His two new team mates nodded while Maki slumped in his desk. Now he can never be with her. He looked at her and to his surprise, she is looking at him. Of course, they are friends indeed but he wants to be more than that. Himura simply smiled at him and that caused his heart to hurt more to not be with her in the same team.
"Team will be Nara Kawada, Hajime Himura and Aburame Akamatsu! You are to report to your Jounin sensei at training ground number five."
Maki saw the look of Himura's face when she is paired up with the genius. His day could not get any worse. Well, that doesn't mean he can't be friends with her. He can still try to win her affections though his chances are low since she will be with her crush. And he has heard that Kawada has interests in her.
He turned to look at the two of them once more and he can already see her giggling as Kawada whispers something in her ear. He clenched his fists in anger but calmed himself after he told himself that she does not belong to him. He will try and win her heart. That's what he will do.
End of Flashback
Maki frowned on that memory. The only thing he ever achieved with her is just being her best friend and that is just not good enough. He wanted to be more but the moment he heard that the two were dating, his heart was crushed. He was lucky that his friend, Megumi, was there for him and told him that committing suicide is never the answer.
He pushed all those thoughts away and decided to pay attention in the Hokage's room. After all, the Hokage is ending his boring speech soon so he will be informing them of their students in probably a minute. He looked around the Hokage's room to pass the time and never realized that the room is full of pictures on Konoha's memorable moments like when the first Hokage defeated Uchiha Madara at the valley of the end.
He was always busy just listening to the missions details that he never paid any attention to the room's surroundings. He stopped admiring the room when the Hokage finally ended his boring speech and took out a piece of white paper, preparing to read the list of Genin names. He just waited to hear his name and after a couple of minutes, his name is reached.
"Team seven's leader will be of Haruno Maki. The students under you are Uzumaki Naruto..." The Hokage said.
Maki heard his first student's name and that already brought in hope for him. He waited for the Hokage to continue.
"Uchiha Sasuke and Yamanaka Ino."
Maki cursed loudly and all of the Jounins present turned to face him. He just realized he said that aloud and looked at everyone. He could feel the heat on his face and scratched the back of his head nervously. He just muttered, "Sorry."
The Hokage continued on reading out the names but Maki did not listen anymore. He is already thinking to try and convince the Hokage to change his mind. He wants the best for Naruto and Sakura. He didn't want the two of them to be just like him. The only difference is that the two likes each other.
"Hei, you alright?" He heard a voice ask him.
He turned to face the masked ninja and he just sighed, "I just wanted Sakura and Naruto to be under my leadership." He whispered to Kakashi.
Kakashi has his book covering his face to avoid people thinking that he is talking, "Well, you are still training them personally right? You still have the two of them."
"That is true but I also wanted them to be on the same team." Maki replied.
"You can't have them all, Maki. You should know that." Kakashi stated out.
"I know. By the way, any students under you this time have any interests?" Maki asked, hoping to chance the subject.
Kakashi shook his head behind his orange book, "Nope. They will most likely fail this test although I plan to teach one of your students, the Uchiha kid."
Maki looked at him, giving him a confused look, "Why?"
Kakashi shrugged, "Well, he needs someone to teach him the use of the Sharingan and I am the only person in the whole village of Konoha that has the knowledge to do so."
Maki nodded, "You will have to ask the Hokage for permission. You don't have to ask me, I will definitely agree. I mean, I have no knowledge of the Sharingan anyway and Sasuke will have to learn how to use it in the future."
Kakashi thanked Maki and walked back to his original position. The Hokage spent another five minutes telling the Jounins who their students are before they are finally finished.
"Now," The Hokage said after finish reading the list, "Are there any further questions?"
Silence greeted the Hokage. The Hokage took a puff of smoke from his pipe and then nodded, "Then you are all dismissed."
All of the Jounins nodded and started to make their exit. Of course, they would have actually just disappeared out of the office by using that technique but there will be too many white smoke so they all used the door. The Hokage had a smile on his face as the Jounins used the door. He was after all beginning to wonder what the use of the door is if they don't use it anyway.
The only ones left in the Hokage's office is Maki and Kakashi. The Hokage glared at the two Jounins as they walked up front, standing next to each other and standing nearer to the Hokage's table. The Hokage lit up a match and relit his pipe.
"So, what is it that I can help the two of you with?" The Hokage asked, not looking at them.
Kakashi took a step forward, "If I may speak first Hokage."
Sarutobi nodded and Kakashi continued, "I am just wondering if I can personally train Uchiha Sasuke from today. I mean, I will also someday have to teach him how to use the Sharingan properly so I thought why not start now?"
The Hokage heard the request and started to think. It makes sense since Sasuke has no one else to turn to in the teachings of the Sharingan. Sarutobi looked at the silver haired Jounin and nodded. Kakashi bowed, turned to face Maki and smiled. Maki nodded and Kakashi walked out of the office.
Sarutobi then put his attention to the last Jounin left in the office. Maki took a step closer, "Hokage-sama, I am hoping to request that the students Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura be placed in the same team."
Sarutobi raised one of his eyebrow as he released a puff of black smoke from his mouth, "And what reasons can you provide for that? Naruto and Sakura did well in the exam and you know very well that the reason why we put them in different teams. We are trying to balance the team and from what the lists stated, these are the best we can do."
Maki bowed low, "I understand that, Hokage-sama. It's just that I thought it would be better that they be put in the same team since I have personally trained the two of them and they work best together."
Sarutobi shifted in his seat, "That is actually true. However, if we did put the two of them together, your team will be too powerful and one of the team will be too weak. We cannot have that."
Before Maki could respond, Sarutobi continued, "I know that you have already attached a kind of bond with those two and you should be glad that the two of them are still training under you. The only difference now is that they will be separated and in different teams but when they are not in missions, you can train them in their free time."
Maki is about to protest but he thought about the logic that the Hokage said. He could not win this and he should be glad that the two will still be together when they train with him. They just won't be able to spend as much as time with each other. Maki raised himself and thanked the Hokage for his time and disappeared from the Hokage's room, leaving the old man to return to his stack of papers.
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"This is so boring..." Naruto whined as Iruka is still talking about how he is proud that all of his students passed.
"Don't worry, you'll live." Sakura assured jokingly.
"And now, you are now considered to be ninjas of Konoha. There will come a time when you have to put your life on the line but know that you are doing something good for your homeland. As you progress in your ninja careers, it will be extremely difficult for you but as long as you hold the will of fire, nothing can stop you!" Iruka said, finishing his speech. Deep down, he felt bad giving so much to these young children only for them to find out that they still have to sit for the 'real' Genin test. He can already tell that one team will be kicked out if the copy ninja has a team under him.
Suddenly, an ANBU appeared next to Iruka in a kneeling position. He had his head low and gave Iruka a sheet of paper. Iruka thanked the ANBU and he disappeared in a puff of smoke, not even leading a single trace that he was there.
Iruka read the paper and frowned. He can see the name Hatake Kakashi on team six but luckily for him that Naruto's name isn't on that team. Iruka cleared his throat loudly so he can get the students attention.
"Alright, I will now deploy all of you into a team. A team will be comprised of three members and you will be provided with a Jounin to guide you. I will not be repeating this so you had better listen carefully."
All of the students immediately stopped their conversation or whatever it was that they were doing. Iruka then started reading the names and the Jounin's that they are under. Upon calling the first three names for team one, the Jounin leader of team one entered the classroom and called her students out of the class. This continued on while Naruto and Sakura waited for their names to be called.
One of the funny thing is that the Jounin of team six never appeared when Iruka called his name. Iruka expected this and continued on reading the paper.
"Now, team seven will be comprised of Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto and..."
Naruto slapped his forehead upon hearing the name of Sasuke. Of all the people that he has at least some kind of friendly relationship, it has to be Sasuke who never talks to anyone in class. As for Sakura, she is listening intently and prayed that it is her name that is called.
"And Yamanaka Ino. Your Jounin leader is Haruno Maki."
Ino squealed happily upon hearing her name called. The only reason she is happy is that she is teamed up with Sasuke. She is okay with Naruto but she is now so much happy that Sasuke is with her.
Naruto and Sakura are staring at each other. Sakura is depressed that first, she cannot be teamed with Naruto and now, it is her uncle that is their leader. Their team is going to be so much fun. She sighed.
'Damn it, why can't I be with Naruto-kun?' Sakura thought sadly.
'Yeah, that Ino-pig doesn't deserve to be on that team! It should be our rightful place!' Inner Sakura yelled.
'Well, this is what we get for passing the exam with flying colours.' Sakura thought sadly.
Naruto is also pissed as hell. He wanted to be with Sakura and now he has to not only put with Sasuke but also one of the loudest fan- girl of Sasuke, Ino. The only reason why he didn't really like the blonde girl is that she also constantly pick fights with Sakura because of her forehead. He hated that.
Iruka waited for Maki to enter but he did not show up. Iruka scratched his head, wondering where the pink haired ninja is. After waiting for half a minute, he continued on reading the list.
"Team eight will be comprised of Inuzuka Kiba, Aburame Shino and Hyuuga Hinata. Your Jounin sensei is Yuuhi Kurenai." Iruka announced.
Unlike team six or team seven, the door opened and a woman with long black hair entered the class. She is wearing some red outfit with full of white bandages of some sort. She ordered her team members to follow her and the three ninjas followed. Iruka called for team nine and their Jounin and they also left. Naruto wondered where the hell Maki is. He wanted to start training.
"And last but not least, team ten will be comprised of Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chouji and Haruno Sakura. Your Jounin leader is Sarutobi Asuma." Iruka announced and the door opened to reveal a man with black hair and a black goatee, just like the Hokage. He is wearing a Jounin vest and a piece of cigarette in his mouth with his hands in his pocket.
"Alright, whoever that is under me, follow me. We are going somewhere to eat and introduce ourselves." Asuma ordered and the two males made their way for the door, Shikamaru rubbing his eyes to wake him up from his sleep.
Sakura started to climb out of her seat. Naruto grabbed her wrist and gave a smile, "Have fun with your new team Sakura-chan. I'll see you later."
Sakura looked into his ocean blue eyes and didn't want to lose the eye contact but she realized she is still in class and shook her head. "Yeah, I'll see you later." She answered softly and quickly made her way out of the class, following her two team mates.
Naruto decided to try and sleep until Maki arrives. He is rarely late for anything. Iruka also excused himself out of the class and now, only team six and team seven are left in the class. Sasuke, as usual is still brooding while Ino tries to start a conversation with him but getting nothing more than a grunt.
Naruto almost drifted to sleep when he felt someone sitting next to him. He lazily opened one of his eyes and realized it is Ino.
"Hei Naruto." She said cheerfully.
"Hei Ino. What are you doing here?" He asked lazily.
"Nothing. I mean, I just thought I could talk to one of my team mates."
"Well," Naruto raised his head from the table and sat back properly on his chair, "I guess we have to be closer now that we are a team."
Ino nodded, pulling away a strand of hair from her eyes, "So, Naruto, what do you plan on doing as a ninja?"
"What do you mean?" He asked her.
"Well, I mean, like me for example, I have to be a ninja because I am the next heir for the Yamanaka clan. I actually never wanted to be a ninja but here I am now to make my dad proud and I don't plan in disappointing him."
Naruto nodded, rubbing his chin, "Well, I guess I want to be acknowledged by the villagers here. And the best way to do that is to become the Hokage so that I can protect all of them. So, I guess I became a ninja to become the Hokage, I guess."
"Wow," Ino said, impressed, "That is a very high dream."
Naruto gave her his grin and they stopped their conversation when the door opened and a man with dark pink hair entered the class. For the first time since Naruto knew Maki, Maki has a stern look on his face. He did not smile when he looked at Naruto and the other students in the class. He has his hands on his hips.
"Whoever that is under me, team seven, get out of this class and meet me outside of the main entrance of the academy." He barked with authority.
With that, he left. Naruto gulped loudly and Ino did not move from the shock of their new Jounin. The way he ordered them reminds her of her dad's friend, Ibiki. Sasuke is a little surprised but he did not show it. He just grunted and got out of his seat and has his hands in his pockets as he makes his way out of the class.
"Come on losers before he gets pissed off." Sasuke said without looking at his two team mates. The two blondes scrambled out of their seats and walked behind the Uchiha. Ino wanted to talk with him again but she thought it over. Now is not the time. They have to see what their new Jounin wants.
Maki waited patiently outside of the main entrance of the school. He leaned on the wall next to the entrance of the academy, his face is low so it is well hidden and he has his arms crossed. He almost laughed at Naruto's shocked face for his new attitude. He has to act tough to show his new students that he is in command and they are to not complain. The only person who will know that he is acting all this out is probably Naruto.
As he waited for them, he just wished that Sakura is under him. He saw Sakura walking to a barbeque restaurant with Asuma and two males as he made his way to the academy. 'At least she has a reliable Jounin to guide her.' Maki thought.
Maki's head shot up upon hearing footsteps nearing the entrance of the academy from the inside. A few seconds later, a boy with black hair wearing a blue shirt and white shorts with his hands in his pockets came out first. Sasuke. He is then followed by Naruto and another girl that Maki recognises as the daughter of the head of the Yamanaka clan, Yamanaka Ino.
Maki used his head to tell them to sit on the bench in front of him and the three of them followed his orders, all sitting on the bench which perfectly fits three people. Sasuke sat in the middle, Ino on his left and Naruto on his right. Maki walked in front of them and has a bored face, his hands on his hips.
"Alright," He said lazily, "I am your Jounin leader and we are team seven. My name is Haruno Maki and has served as a ninja of Konoha for about, fourteen years. Now, why don't you start introducing yourselves by telling me your name and why you chose to become a ninja."
Naruto and Ino looked at each other and then at Sasuke, deciding who should introduce first. Naruto using body language tells her to go first and she faces Maki, who looks at her and nods, telling her to start.
"My name is Yamanaka Ino and I chose to become a ninja is to make my dad proud I guess since I will have to take over the clan when my father retires."
"So if your father is not the head leader, you wouldn't have become a ninja?" Maki asked.
Ino now got nervous, trying to figure out to tell the truth or come up with a lie. She looks at Maki and then decided, "Well, yeah. I have more interests in creating herbs. I have interests in flowers and plants so I know the herbs." She says, which is the truth.
"Alright, that's all I need to know." Maki says and then faces the Uchiha and he just stares back. "Your turn, kid." Maki tells Sasuke.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke and chose to become a ninja is to make my clan proud and to kill a certain man." Sasuke says with no emotion in his voice.
Maki expected this. After all, it is his own brother that eliminated the clan so he expected Sasuke to dream of this. He is going to have to work hard to try and show that he should not be an avenger. 'Perhaps Kakashi can also help me with this.' Maki thought to himself.
Maki turns to face the blonde boy and Naruto fixes his headband and starts.
"The name is Uzumaki Naruto and I chose to be a ninja is to gain acknowledgement by the villagers. And the best way to do that," Naruto gets up from his chair and points to the Hokage monuments, "Is to become Hokage. That is my reason."
Maki nodded his head. He already knows of his dream so that is nothing new. He gestures for Naruto to sit down and when he did, he decided to give them the news. He clears his throat and looks at all three of them.
"Now that I know what I need to know, I need to give you the 'real' Genin exam to see if you have what it takes to be considered as a ninja of Konoha."
Ino raises her hand and Maki nods his head. "What do you mean 'real' Genin exam, sensei?" Ino asks.
"I mean that this will be the real exam to determine you have what it takes to become a ninja. Before you ask, I will tell you now. The exam that you passed in the academy is just to test and see if all of you have what it takes to become a ninja. It is also just to determine the team placement. And I wouldn't worry too much, Yamanaka. In the history of Konoha, not a single student that comes from a ninja clan has ever failed this test. Unless you will be the first to fail with the Uchiha over here." He points at Sasuke.
Ino gulped loudly and looked at her two team mates. 'Great, now there is pressure on my shoulders.' She thought worriedly.
"Hei, Sensei," Naruto said suddenly, "What happens if we fail the test?"
Maki chuckled, "If you fail, you will be sent back to the academy to restart everything. And trust me, everything means back from year one. You will have to spend another seven years in the academy and trust me; those that got sent back became normal civilians of Konoha."
Naruto's jaw dropped. He started sweating and clenched his fists. He knew that he can't fail this test. What has he been training with Sakura-chan and Maki here for two years for then? No, he must pass. He starts to calm himself down and turns to face Sasuke.
Sasuke did not react to the test. But in the inside, he too is scared. Even though Maki assured that a ninja that belongs to a clan never fails does not mean it is a hundred percent guarantee that he will pass. 'It's okay. I have Naruto here who is an equal here. The only problem here is Ino. But what is the test?' Sasuke thought.
"I will also tell you this," Maki said, rubbing his nose from itchiness, "This exam has a sixty six percent chance of failure. You now have the idea on how difficult this exam is so you should prepare yourself. But on the bright side, you are lucky that you are not under the team of Hatake Kakashi."
"Why?" Naruto and Ino asks at the same time.
"Let's just say that every year for the past ten years, he has been elected to become a Jounin sensei and to this day, none has past his test."
Naruto raises his hand and Maki allows him to ask his question.
"So sensei, when you said 'his test,' does that mean that the exam is different depending on the Jounin leader?" Naruto asks.
Maki has an impressed look on his face. He knew that Naruto has good observational skill but he proves himself once again. Ino also looked at Naruto, impressed but Sasuke is still emotionless.
"That is correct," Maki answers, "Each Jounin can test our team with our own kind of tests."
The three of them listened in silence. The only sound that can be heard is the breeze that blew past them. Maki waited for another fifteen seconds for them to ask but the three of them did not so Maki took that as the end of the conversation.
"Okay then, with no further questions, I want all three of you to meet me tomorrow morning for the test. I want you to be at training ground number seven at nine in the morning. And do not eat anything for breakfast." Maki informs them and dismisses them. The three students start to make their way to their respective homes when a voice is heard.
"Naruto! Get back here! I am not finished with you." Maki says loudly in a stern voice. Maki stopped in his tracks and by the voice; he can tell that he is not happy. Naruto reluctantly makes his way back to Maki.
Maki gestures for Naruto to sit on the bench where the team sat earlier. He sat in the centre of the bench and looks at Maki. Maki narrows his eyes on Naruto which made him even more nervous. Maki could not hold the laughter now and burst out laughing, shaking his head. Naruto now grew even more confused.
"Naruto, you should have seen your face when I entered the class earlier. And what makes it even more funny is the expression on your face you just had a few seconds ago. It's hilarious!"
Naruto sweat dropped and waited for Maki to stop laughing which lasted about ten seconds and took him another five seconds to fix his long pink hair. The pink hair reminds him of his crush and how he already missed her without her on his side.
"Alright Naruto," Maki said when he finally composed himself, "The reason I called you here is that we have to go and get Sakura for your daily training with each other."
"It would have been easier if Sakura-chan is here." Naruto complained.
"Look Naruto. I know you wanted to be in the same team with her, even me. I already tried to convince the Hokage but he cannot break the rules. The two of you did well in your exams so you cannot be in the same team or else, two teams will be imbalanced. Now, come on."
Maki then started walking away and Naruto followed. Naruto has his hands on the back of his head humming a tune while Maki just paid attention on where he is going. Naruto just has to follow the man next to him so he didn't really look where he is going. A few of the villagers looked at the two with disgust but they could not do anything with a ninja guarding the blonde.
They finally arrived at a barbeque restaurant. Maki leaned on the wall next to the entrance while Naruto has a confused look. He scratched his head and looked at the restaurants inside. It is beautiful and the restaurant is full with customers.
"Maki-sensei, what are we doing here?" He asks.
"We are waiting for my niece." He simply stated without looking at Naruto. He seems to be lost in thought.
"What would see be doing here? Is she on a date?" Naruto asks further, a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Don't worry about that. She is here with her team and if she has a date, she has to get permission from me on the date."
The moment Maki finishes his sentence, four people walked out of the restaurant, which were the members of team ten. All of them turned to face the two members of team seven. Naruto and Sakura looked at each other, lost in their own world in the eye contact.
"Hei, Maki!" Asuma said in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
"Asuma. I am here for training and to borrow one of your students." He answered, pointing at Sakura.
"Ah yes. She is your student as is mine so that is not a problem." He answered, looking at Sakura.
"Hoi, Naruto, how are you?" A voice said and Naruto turned to face Shikamaru.
"Hei Shikamaru! I am great. How is your sensei?
Shikamaru grunted, looking at him with his eyes but not turning his face. He placed his hand on the back of his neck, "I guess he's okay but his smoking is troublesome for me. It hurts our eyes and he seems to keep getting new cigarettes the moment he finishes one."
Naruto laughed and turned to face the chubby kid with them. He has brown hair and wears some sort of green jacket and brown pants. He is from the Akimichi clan and he can be a good friend. All you have to do is not call him fat and everything will be okay.
"Hei Chouji." Naruto said, waving at him. Chouji was patting his stomach, clearly satisfied with whatever he ate, "What do you think of your new sensei?"
Chouji's eyes flashed and gives a thumbs up, "He is the best! He just treated us to a full meal of barbeque and I don't think there can be a better sensei than him."
Naruto laughed nervously. This Asuma guy must be crying his eyes out right now. The last time him, Kiba, Shikamaru and Chouji ate, they had to pay mostly for Chouji's meal which is actually three times when Naruto ate at Ichiraku Ramen.
"Naruto-kun," Sakura said, catching Naruto's attention, "What brings you here anyway?"
Naruto pointed at Maki who is still talking with Asuma, "Your uncle said that we are going to train today. So, I guess we came here to get you."
Sakura then walked next to Naruto and waited until the two Jounins finished their conversation. Chouji took out a pack of potato chips and started shoving in chips. He offered it to Shikamaru to see if he wants but he refused and then offered it to Naruto and Sakura. They too refused and Sakura almost puke from the food. She is already full from the barbeque.
"Alright, I'll see you soon Asuma." Maki said, ending the conversation.
Asuma waved as he takes his two male students with him. Maki watched until they disappeared from sight and then put his attention to his two students of two years.
"Alright, meet me at training ground number five. Get there quickly." Maki then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Naruto and Sakura then started walking to their destination. It took them ten minutes to reach the training grounds.
"So, Sakura-chan, what do you think of your new sensei?" Naruto asks, hoping to start a conversation.
"He is okay I guess. I just don't like him smoking. It is bad for health and it hurts my eyes. But he seems to be a strong ninja." She answered.
"I wonder if Maki-sensei or Asuma is stronger." Naruto said as they opened the gate of training ground number five.
Sakura shrugged, "We will never know unless we can make them fight each other."
Naruto stopped walking and faced Sakura, "That's not a bad idea."
Sakura hit Naruto's head lightly, "Baka, don't you dare try anything like that."
Naruto apologized and the two made their way to the open field. They found Maki waiting under a tree and they could see from his expression that he has been waiting for them. The two approached the Jounin and he emerged from the shadows of the trees.
"What the hell took you two so long?" He asks, clearly displeased.
"Apologies but we just had to spend time with each other since we aren't going to have much time as we have now since we are on different teams." Naruto gave his excuse, not noticing the slight blush from Sakura upon hearing spending time together.
Maki still looked displeased, "Fine, but as your punishment, I want you to do one hundred push-ups, sit-ups and run around the training ground ten times. Now get to it!"
The two obeyed immediately and started to do the task at hand. Naruto dropped down to his stomach and started doing his push-ups while Sakura is on her back doing her sit-ups. The two of them took about ten minutes to complete the two tasks together and started running around the training grounds together.
It's no wonder Maki chose this training area. The field is three times larger than normal and so, it took them almost eighteen minutes to finish their warm ups. Sakura dropped down on her butt when she reached her uncle, panting while Naruto acted like normal although he is breathing heavily for oxygen.
Maki smirked, "Alright, today you will not be training. I want the two of you to fight each other. Your first spar against each other." Maki said.
"Spar against each other?" Sakura repeated, looking up at Maki, "Why?"
"Don't ask questions Sakura. You will be having your tests with Asuma and the two of us give the same tests. So, trust me that this spar will help you for tomorrow." Maki stated and walked to the tree earlier.
Naruto looked at Sakura and she looked at him, blue eyes meet green eyes. Naruto offered his hand and Sakura gladly accepted and he pulled her up. He used too much force and got Sakura off guard, so they were now in some sort of a hug. Naruto and Sakura's faces are just a few inches away, their noses almost touching. Naruto and Sakura blushed so hard; their faces almost looked like a tomato.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan." Naruto muttered his apology and let her go.
Sakura merely nodded. She missed the body heat even if it was just for a second. The two walked away from each other until they are quite a distance from each other. They faced each other and both are in an attacking stance.
Meanwhile, Maki enjoyed the show earlier. He had to stop his laugh or they would get mad at him. They actually hugged and almost kissed each other. He pulled that funny incident away and noticed that they are waiting for his order.
"Start!" He ordered.
Sakura threw three shurikens at Naruto who easily avoided while running forward. Naruto drew out a kunai and gripped it hard, preparing for hand to hand combat. Sakura did not move and just waited for him to attack, which made Naruto suspicious on what she might be planning.
Naruto finally reached her and kicked her in the stomach only to find that Sakura's body dispersed into pink flower petals. Naruto jumped back in shock and realized it.
'Genjutsu!' He thought, 'When did she cast it? I didn't see her do any hand seals.'
"If you are thinking when I cast this, it was the moment you avoided those kunai. They were used to distract you while I cast the genjutsu and I will torture you until you surrender, Naruto-kun." A voice said.
Naruto's surrounding then turned all pink with the petals all flying around him, clouding his vision. The petals then turned into different ninja tools, all slowly piercing his skin. The weapons are not attacking his vital organs, just small scratches. Naruto yelled in pain as the shurikens continue scratching him.
Then, the ground below him started to shake madly and a giant Sakura tree emerged from the ground. The roots grabbed Naruto's feet, causing him to be immobile. Naruto is already breathing heavily when he remembered Iruka telling him how to escape a genjutsu.
"Kai!" He yelled and the genjutsu dispelled and he found himself back in the training ground. He dropped to his knees in exhaustion. He realized that the wounds on his body were also part of the genjutsu and he found Sakura standing right in front of him.
"That is just a C-rank genjutsu, Naruto-kun. I suggest you surrender or I will put your mind to another torture." Sakura said, giving Naruto an evil grin.
Naruto made a seal and yelled, "Kage Bunshin no jutsu!"
Five clones of Naruto appeared and all of them ran straight to Sakura. All of the Naruto's surrounded Sakura and then threw a kunai at Sakura. Sakura grinned on Naruto's stupidity and jumped up high into the ground. Just as she predicted, the clones dispelled themselves by being attacked by their own weapons. Sakura smirked when she is suddenly shadowed by something above. She looked up to find Naruto there.
'When did he...?' Sakura thought but never finished that thought as Naruto lightly kicked her on her left shoulder.
She winced in pain as she started to fall to the ground only to feel Naruto grab a hold of her and placed a kunai on her neck. He gave her his foxy grin and despite the hurt on her shoulder, she could not help but feel her heart melt from looking at his grin.
They heard someone clapping and looked at Maki clapping as he made his way towards them, "Well done!"
Naruto put Sakura down and she had to use Naruto to balance herself. She is still wobbly but she can at least stand. Maki placed each of his hands on the two of their shoulders.
"The both of you did well but Naruto," He said, facing him, "You could actually lose when Sakura caught you in her genjutsu. Of course, she gave you a chance by putting you in a weak genjutsu. If she used one of her genjutsu's that even when you undo it(Kai), it will still not be able to release it. So Naruto, you have to be more careful."
Naruto nodded.
Maki smiled and faced the two of them, "Now, how about I treat you to some Ramen?"
His answer is responded by a cheering Naruto while Sakura watched him.
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In the Haruno household at dinner time, Maki and Sakura are eating hastily while Suyuki watched them in surprise on how hungry they are. They are eating like pigs. Sakura is understandable since Maki told her that she had training earlier today but she wondered what made Maki so hungry.
"So Sakura," Suyuki said, slicing a piece of fish for herself, "Who are your team mates?"
Sakura swallowed her food first before answering, "Akimichi Chouji and Nara Shikamaru mom."
Her mother smiled, "A boy from the Nara clan? That is good. They are known for being the smart kind. Perhaps it would be good to have an interest in him?"
Sakura nearly choked on her food and Maki had to pat her back. Maki had to grit his teeth in anger upon mentioning of trying to match a Nara together with her. He already had a bad experience with a Nara and he did not want history to repeat itself.
"Mom, we are just friends. I don't like him that way." Sakura said to her mother.
"Fine," She sighed, "At least the demon child is not with you."
"How many times have I told you not to call Naruto that?!" Maki yelled, slamming his a fist on the table, luckily not breaking it.
Sakura eating from fear of her uncle. She has never seen him this angry and why did her mother call Naruto a demon? Maki is now breathing hard and looking at Suyuki with anger. Suyuki calmly shrugged.
"He is, isn't he?"
Maki glared at her angrily and is about to answer when Sakura spoke, "What is wrong with Naruto? He seems nice to me."
"Sakura," Her mother said angrily, "Didn't I tell you not to be friends with him?"
"But he seems to be okay to me."
"Sakura! I don't want you to be with that... that demon!" She practically yelled.
"Sakura, why don't you go to bed?" Maki suggested, never taking his eyes off of Suyuki. Sakura gladly agreed, taking her plate and cup to the kitchen and after that, walking up the stairs. Maki heard Sakura's bedroom door close and then he spoke calmly.
"I already told you that she and Naruto are friends. What is so hard to accept about that?" He asked, controlling his anger.
"You know damn well why. He contains that beast inside of him. He might kill her just like he killed your brother!" She hissed.
"Don't you dare bring up Hanaki on this subject. Naruto is the container of the kyuubi and not the kyuubi itself. Why can't you get that into your thick skull?" He spat.
"I don't want to talk to you about this. There is no point. You probably never loved your brother and that is why you do not hate the demon child." She replied and made her way to the kitchen to clear up dinner.
Maki sighed heavily and made his way to his room, preparing for his sleep. He is going to have a headache soon if he doesn't sleep soon so he may as well sleep before it comes.
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Naruto is also preparing for his sleep. He just finished his dinner which was a cup of instant Ramen. The evening meal he had at Ichiraku Ramen with Sakura and Maki earlier really filled his stomach so he wasn't that hungry.
He brushed his teeth and once done, walked into his room and switched off the light in his bedroom. He walked to his window and looked at the Hokage's monument. The four Hokage's face are sculptured there and he can just see it now in the future his face on that mountain.
"Believe it." He said to himself.
He then dropped into his bed and dragged the blanket up to his neck. He closed his eyes and can't wait for his test for tomorrow. According to Maki, the spar he had earlier today is all he needed and he wondered why. He tried to ask Maki what their test are but his resolve is strong.
Naruto closed his eyes and hoped that he will be dreaming of Sakura. And if he did, he hoped that Sakura is dreaming about him.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. And those of you pissed that they have different team, i apologise as I am trying to have a different story line and attempt to slow down the relationship of naruto and sakura. they still like each other but throughout the story, there will be bumps in trying to disrupt the relationship so yeah. Dont worry, it is NARUSAKU.