Chapter 6: Team Seven

2 days later – In the academy

He sat in the classroom resting his head on his arms on the table, a wide grin on his face as a low chuckle escaped him very few moments. On his forehead was Iruka's headband, which he had spent the almost two hours last cleaning and polishing. He couldn't believe his incredible good luck at finally becoming a genin.

In his mind's eye were the jutsu's that he'd mesmerized from the scroll. Shadow clone jutsu had been the easiest for him to learn surprisingly. It seemed that his years of studying chakra usage and manipulation had paid off. He learned the kinjutsu in less than half the time it probably could've taken him. He was also thinking about what happened yesterday, when he met Konohamaru, the thirds grandson and end up teaching him his sexy jutsu.

Flashback

Naruto had just finished ninja ID photo with his card finalized. Surprisingly, he wasn't in the mood for jokes like painting his hands and face with feudal war makeup for his photo shoot, though it was tempting. After his ID card was made, Hiruzen told Naruto to head to his office so he could discuss something with him. Arriving at the office, Naruto stood in front of Hiruzen's desk.

"So what is it you wanted to see me about," Naruto asked. Hiruzen tossed a sealed envelope at Naruto who effortlessly caught it.

"Your unofficial B-rank pay for Mizuki's capture and the return of the Forbidden Scroll," Hiruzen said.

"Is that all," Naruto asked.

"No," Hiruzen replied, "There's something further I wish to discuss with you; something I neglected to mention to you yesterday about your clan's ties with Konoha."

"Alright," Naruto said, "You have my full attention."
"I'm sure you notice the red spiral designs that all of the ninjas of Konoha wear, yes," Hiruzen brought up.
"What of them," Naruto remarked.
"That spiral is the official insignia of your clan, the Uzumaki clan" Hiruzen stated.
"Say what," Naruto said.

"The Senju clan had very strong bonds and ties with the Uzumaki clan," Hiruzen explained, "In fact, both clans had a common ancestor thus they're practically cousins and brethren to each other. So close their ties to each other that first hokage fell in love and married Mito Uzumaki and decreed as law that all Konoha ninjas wear the crest of the Uzumaki clan. The Uzumaki's too were known for their red hair, which was basically their trademark."

"Amazing how this vital piece of the village's history was omitted from the Academy's lecture program," Naruto remarked, "I find it insulting that the village wears my family crest yet scorn the surviving heir and legacy of the Uzumaki seal masters. Wouldn't the first hokage be proud to see what his people have done?" Hiruzen didn't miss the stinging sarcasm in Naruto's words and tone. "Was the Uzumaki clan truly forgotten by the villagers," Naruto asked, "Or is it because that I'm a known Jinchuriki by the older generations that my clan's legacy which help build this village was kept classified from those of the younger generation?"

Hiruzen sighed, "…As I told you before, both your parents and clan made powerful enemies. You being the son of the fourth hokage and the rightful heir of the Uzumaki clan would price of huge price tag of your head."

"It's rather contradictory really seeing that my last name is Uzumaki," Naruto emphasized, "It'll be known to many others once you start assigning me C to S-class missions."

"Go straight from C to S-class," Hiruzen noted, "Aren't you sure of yourself."

"Why shouldn't I be," Naruto shot back, "My first lifelong mission is in fact a high S-class mission that my own father, your late successor, gave me personally a mere hour after my birth: Jail Kurama as its Jinchuriki while protecting Konoha from it. And find a way to use his chakra to protect the village. Tell me what about that isn't S-class, documented or not, especially since you and your unknown ninjas, eye witnessed me being given this mission though I wasn't an official ninja at the time of my birth? Perhaps you can start paying me thirteen years of S-class pay for my services which Konoha is far behind on."

Hiruzen's right eye started twitching as he listened to Naruto's words, most of it serious while the last part he was sure was a joke to get on his nerves. "Thirteen years of S-class pay," Hiruzen remarked as he took a puff of his pipe, "…Surely, you can't be serious."

A small youth with a white helmet and long blue scarf approached the door and quietly cracked it open enough to see Naruto and the Hokage talking to each other. The said youth held a kunai in one of his hands. 'I'll get him for sure, the youth said, He won't escape from me.' Grasping his kunai, the boy rushed through the door and went straight for his target. "You're mine Naruto," the boy yelled as he rushed at Naruto. The blonde Jinchuriki turned and side stepped the boy to the left.

"What the hell," Naruto exclaimed as the boy passed by Naruto. Moving too fast, the boy stepped on his own long scarf and lost his balance before falling facedown to the ground with an audible thud.

"Konohamaru," Hiruzen chided and sighed, "…What's the meaning of this?" Konohamaru whined and rubbed his sore face after crashing to the floor.

"Konohamaru," Naruto questioned, "And who's he exactly?"

"…My eight-year-old grandson," Hiruzen replied with a puff of his pipe. Konohamaru stood back up and turned to Naruto with his kunai pointed at the blonde.

"Why the hell are you trying to attack me," Naruto asked.

"I heard from some kunoichi's how you soloed my grandfather and all of the ninjas and wannabes with him at the ninja academy when you were nine years old," Konohamaru said, "If I can solo you, then I have a shot at beating my grandfather!"

Hiruzen felt the wound in his pride widened on hearing that. 'He placed me on a pedestal lower than Naruto's' Hiruzen mentally groaned as he could only wonder from which one the kunoichi's Konohamaru received his information. Naruto looked at the eight-year-old incredulously before smirking. His smirk turned into a snicker, which in turn turned into an all-out laughter. Naruto held onto his sides from the cramps that formed from his hard laughter.

"I like you kid," Naruto laughed loudly, "That's the first time anyone ever thought so highly of me to the point of believing that my defeat would mean having a shot at defeating the Hokage! After today you scored very high marks in my book!"

"Don't take me lightly Naruto," Konohamaru challenged as he ran towards him again with his kunai aimed at him. This time however Naruto rushed at Konohamaru at a speed Konohamaru's eyes failed to see. The next thing Konohamaru knew was that Naruto was holding him firmly with his right arm twisted and pressed to his back with Naruto holding the very kunai used against him at his jugular. The boy was able to feel the cold razor sharp blade up against the skin of his throat. Konohamaru cringed from the pain but trembled more so from the bloodlust that leaked from Naruto.

"You can't do this to me," Konohamaru whined while trying to hide his fear, "I'm the Hokage's grandson!"

"Konohamaru," Naruto said patiently, "I took out a Chunin, with the utmost brutality, just last night for pissing me off. You think your status as the Hokage's grandson matters to me? I could care less if you were the sole grandson of the Fire Daimyo himself!"

"Honorable grandson," the Jonin called out as he ran into the Hokage's office to see what was transpiring. After seeing the position Konohamaru was in, the Jonin looked at the one responsible. Upon seeing that it was Naruto, the Jonin gave the Jinchuriki a dirty and threating look.

"Disarm yourself and release the honorable grandson this instant," the Jonin warned, "Or suffer the consequences!"

"I'm in my rights," Naruto replied, "He attacked first and I merely acted on self-defense."

"He's telling the truth Ebisu," Hiruzen defended, "Konohamaru was at it again hoping to catch either me or one of my ninjas by surprise."

Naruto removed the kunai from Konohamaru's throat before he released him. Konohamaru turned to face Naruto. "You have a long way to go before you can beat your grandfather or anyone else at his level," Naruto said before dropping the kunai at Konohamaru's feet. The boy bent down and reached for it. When he did however, Naruto punched the back of Konohamaru's helmet hard enough to knock the boy to the ground on his face again.

"Ouch!" Konohamaru whined after feeling his face hitting the ground again.

"Honorable grandson," Ebisu called out as he hurried over to the youth. Hiruzen watched the scene before seeking to chastise Naruto while wondering what triggered Naruto's sudden actions.

"Lesson One," Naruto said, "Never lower guard and eyes to an enemy that had it within his power to kill you mere moments ago before seemingly sparing you. I baited you to pick up that kunai and you predictably fell for it, dropping your guard completely. If I were a true enemy, you'd dead now."

Konohamaru looked at Naruto with a frown but gave him no retort. "You dare talk like a know-it-all before the Hokage and his honorable grandson," Ebisu accused, "Have some respect brat!"

"My respect is earned not given freely," Naruto replied, "And who are you exactly?"
"I'm Ebisu," Ebisu said, "And I'm Konohamaru's sensei."
"Don't look like much to me," Naruto mocked, "More like another closet pervert."
"You insolent brat," Ebisu retorted indignantly, "Don't you dare insult me!"
Naruto shrugged and turned back to Hiruzen, "I'll be seeing you whenever!"

Naruto way over to the balcony and leapt off of it. Landing on one of the roof tops, he dashed off away from the tower. Hiruzen stood up and walked over to the balcony where Naruto took off from. Ebisu went over to Hiruzen and apologize, "My apologies Lord Hokage. I should have been more alert in keeping Konohamaru from being struck by the kid."

"You ought to be more concerned by the fact that my grandson is no longer in your sight again," Hiruzen pointed out as both turned to see that Konohamaru was no longer in the office. In fact, he was no longer present in the building.

"Now where did he run off to," Ebisu hollered.

Meanwhile

Naruto was making his way to his next destination, all the while thinking of what Hiruzen told him about the ties between the Senju and Uzumaki clans. While Naruto was thinking about those and other things, his eyes soon caught sight of something that didn't blend in well with the scenery of the wall. "If you're going to spy and follow me," Naruto replied, "At the very least, put more sincere effort into it."

Konohamaru dropped the blanket sheet meant to conceal him from Naruto's sight. "You're truly are a strong ninja Boss" Konohamaru praised.

"Boss" Naruto repeated as if the title was foreign to him, "No one ever called me that before. So what do want Konohamaru?"

"I want to learn from you," Konohamaru answered, "I want you to become my new sensei."
"What," Naruto replied, "Your sensei?"

"Yeah," Konohamaru said, "I heard things about you from a couple of kunoichi's that said from what they saw and see in you that you have true potential to be a great ninja."

"Are you making that crap up just so you can try to get me to drop my guard and attack me by surprise again," Naruto asked.

"No, I swear it," Konohamaru hurriedly confirmed, "On my honor as the future Hokage!"
"You want to become Hokage," Naruto asked.
"That's right," Konohamaru said, "You singlehandedly defeated my grandfather years ago."
"Actually," Naruto muttered, "I did it again recently."
"You did what," Konohamaru asked.

"Nothing, nothing," Naruto replied quickly, "Since I'm said to have bested old man and you wish to become Hokage like I do, why you would want me to become your so-called sensei? Don't you think that's a contradiction since we both want the same goal?"

"What's a contradiction," Konohamaru asked with a confused look.

"When certain chain of events, objectives or statements made that doesn't make sense or go together," Naruto answered.

"Whatever," Konohamaru replied, "I want you as my new sensei because of the way you treat and view me. You're not like Ebisu-sensei or the other villagers."

"Really," Naruto asked, "How so?"

"Everyone's always sucking up to me," Konohamaru said with annoyance in his tone, "They don't see me for me. They only see me as 'Honorable Grandson' of Hokage. It sucks always being under my grandfather's shadow and only be acknowledged just because of who I'm related to."

"What about this Ebisu person," Naruto inquired, "He's a Jonin, yes?"

"Ebisu-sensei is always talking about knowing short cuts to becoming Hokage," Konohamaru remarked, "So far I haven't seen any results. But what you taught me today at my grandfather's office proves what I heard about you, and you're not afraid to tell me or anyone else things as they are."

"And here's something else to learn," Naruto said, "There are no short cuts in life or in accomplishing anything we want to do. But tell me something; are you good at any ninjutsu?"

"I have studied and practiced using chakra," Konohamaru explained, "But I haven't gotten the part of henge or anything else down pack yet."

"Alright then," Naruto suggested, "Let's see what we can do about that. You up to it?"
"Yeah," Konohamaru said enthusiastically as he followed Naruto tot their next destination.

After a while

"Damn kid," Naruto remarked, "Your execution of Henge is atrocious!" What Naruto was looking at was a fattened and disfigured version of a young pretty woman that Konohamaru attempted to change into. Konohamaru failed miserably to execute henge in spite of his best efforts. "But on the plus side you got her clothes coloring correct," Naruto added before sensing bloodlust being aimed at him.

"Are you saying that looks like me," the woman said darkly before she threw a punch at Naruto from behind. Naruto side stepped her as her fist flew right passed him.

"Physically speaking, no," Naruto replied before he pointed to the still transformed Konohamaru and mocked, "But your violent behavior certainly reflects the ugliness quite accurately."

"Why you," the woman screeched as she chased after Naruto who screamed and ran from her.

"Boss," Konohamaru yelled worriedly as he changed back and ran after them. A couple of seconds later, Konohamaru was pulled behind a dumpster as the running pair turned the corner and disappeared from his sight.

"That ought to keep her busy for a while," Naruto grinned mischievously with Konohamaru looking at him with awe while trying to make sense of what just happened.

"Huh? But how," Konohamaru asked with a perplexed expression, "You were just being chased by that-"

"Things aren't always as they seem Konohamaru," Naruto interjected, "Don't always believe what your eyes see. Deception is just one of the many tools we ninjas use all the time."

"But if you're here," Konohamaru asked, "Then who was she chasing?"

"A Shadow clone," Naruto said, "I made one appear behind this dumpster and switched with it faster than either you or woman could see. It'll be a while before she realizes that she got duped."

"You're so cool boss," Konohamaru praised, "Much better than Ebisu-sensei! You just gotta teach me your secrets and how to be just as cool as you!"

"Everything takes time Konohamaru," Naruto said, "And it won't happen overnight either. But let's do something else. There's a jutsu I created that I like to teach to you."

"Really," Konohamaru asked, "What kind of jutsu?"

"A really strong one that can knock out males effectively," Naruto explained as he led the younger boy out of the alley and over to their next destination that was a couple of blocks away from where they were. "I usually would come here for my extensive research when I have the time to," Naruto said with a perverted smile, "The resourceful specimens I find here have proven to be most beneficial."

"What kind of research could you possibly get done here at the women's bathhouse," Konohamaru asked with a confused look.

"Research that helped me in improving my jutsu that I created and sharpening my sexual incentives," Naruto explained, "That's one of many instruments we ninjas also used to our advantage against unsuspecting targets, whether they're male or female."

"How do you sharpen your sexual incentives by looking at a bunch of naked girls and women," Konohamaru asked.
"Because Konohamaru," Naruto replied mischievously, "Girls talk."

"I don't get it," Konohamaru said with a dumbfound expression, "So what so if they talk. Don't we talk as we're doing now?"

"…That's not the kind of talk I'm referring to," Naruto sighed, "Let me explain to you in a way you can understand. But tell me, how much about girls do you know?"

"Not much really," Konohamaru admitted, "Except that I've seen some that looked really cute and pretty. I never kissed one either though sometimes they smell nice."

Naruto caught the blush that appeared on Konohamaru's cheeks after making that last comment. "Well," Naruto said, "What you told me so far is a good start. Come; let me teach you some things about them as we go elsewhere for you to practice that jutsu I'll soon teach you."

End of flashback

He was pried from his examinations of his jutsu ace when a familiar voice spoke to him. "What are you doing here, Naruto?" Shikamaru asked. "This class isn't for dropouts. You can only be here if you graduated."

Sitting up, Naruto tapped Iruka's Leaf headband that he wore proudly. He couldn't help but to add a bit of sarcasm to his voice as he answered. "Oh yeah… See this? Open your eyes, Shikamaru, it's a regulation headband."

The Nara boy scrawled at the blonde's attitude. He quickly zoned out as Naruto launched into a speech of how the headband was meant for him. But where Shikamaru hardly heard a word, Hinata was hanging onto every syllable. Her curiosity was starting to eat at her as to how he passed. She had been sure that he had failed once again.

A rather loud commotion from the doorway behind her drew Naruto's attention toward her, and Shikamaru used the distraction to escape. It was almost painfully easy to determine who the girls were behind her, even without using her Byakugan, Ino and Sakura. It was especially easy to guess from the way Naruto's face started to redden.

Since she was more concerned with watching Naruto, she could've sworn that he was actually looking at her. This thought brought a small blush to her face, it deepened slightly when she saw Naruto's blush get deeper. Was he actually looking at her?

That question seemed to be answered when his face suddenly started moving, following Sakura's movements. He stood up and waved to her, calling a happy greeting, her response?

"Move it!" she snarled, knocking him aside. She did this so she could stand close to Sasuke as she asked in what she thought was a sweet and endearing voice. "Good morning, Sasuke, do mind if I sit next to you?"

The Uchiha heir only spared her a glance before he returned to his brooding. It was like this every morning, this routine. If it wasn't Sakura or Ino, then it was some other kunoichi wannabe. He was getting quite sickened of the repetitious behavior these girls exhibited. So he becoming a genin was an even bigger relief than he wanted to admit.

Getting up with a glare, Naruto worked his way around the gathered and arguing kunoichi. With a small hop, he was landed on Sasuke's desk and squatted down. He glared at his rival, trying to see what was so special about him that made most of the girls turn into such bitches. He simply stated Sasuke a look stating 'Why can't you pick anyone in them, if you do so they will stop dreaming about you' to this Sasuke gave him his reply 'I don't like any of them, they are not meant to be a shinobi' Naruto didn't said anything but he simply nodded.

"Naruto" Sakura snapped. "Hey, stop glaring at Sasuke!"

The blonde spared the pink-haired girl a small, hurt glance. Then he promptly returned to glaring and scrutinizing the Uchiha. Sasuke returned the glare full force, making a mental note to beat the crap out of the blonde later. This glaring contest turned out to be a big mistake on both their parts as another genin-hopeful accidentally bumped into Naruto. The bump, however soft, was more than enough to send the blonde face first into Sasuke's face. Though it lasted scarcely a nanosecond, that unintentional and utterly disgusting kiss was forever burned into the minds the gathered girls. But when everyone noticed it was not Naruto that was kissing him, it was Ino.

Neither boy noticed the darkening expressions of the incredibly angry and jealous kunoichi as they broke apart and Sasuke immediately started to gag like he'd been poisoned. It was only when a wave of killing desire washed over him that Naruto felt it. Danger!

"Naruto," Sakura said in deceptively calm voice, speaking for the girls behind and beside her. "You are so dead."

Ino didn't have any thoughts, she was just happy that she kissed Sasuke while Sasuke was having a lot of thoughts 'He did it on purpose, I'll get you for this Naruto'

Hokage Office

"Most promising, young student, Uchiha Sasuke," a Jonin said quietly. Gazing into the Hokage's crystal at the brooding youth, he asked, "Is that him?"
"Yes," the Hokage confirmed.
"He's the only survivor of the Uchiha clan," muttered Kurenai, the newest and only female Jonin of the gathered shinobi.

She was looking for a familiar Hyuga girl, Hinata. It had been a few years since she'd last seen the girl, having to escort her to the academy when she was younger. Though she personally didn't appreciate the kind of attention that her father gave her, she could fully understand his need for precaution; especially after that cloud village incident almost ten years earlier. So she felt it her duty to continue watching over her and she all but demanded that the Hyuga be placed on her team.

"That's right," Hokage confirmed again as he sent the crystal ball into zoom in on the other students as well. It was a practice that was started with the first Hokage; showing the Jonin instructors the genin-hopefuls through the crystal so they'd have some idea as to what their possible students looked like.

As it came upon the group of gathered and bickering kunoichi, all the Jonin noticed one hot-headed blonde make his way over to the Uchiha. A silver-haired Jonin watched the pair's confrontation with interest since he already knew that they were on his team.

A rivalry between the best in the class and the worst in class, he realized instantly, not exactly original. With an unnoticed sigh, he suppressed the memories of his long-past teammate. They had been rivals, but ultimately friends in the end. He found himself not exactly looking forward to interacting with this group as he could already tell that they'd stir up a lot of unwanted memories.

"As usual," Hokage said, more to himself than the others. He sighed in resignation as he watched the kunoichi beat on a thoroughly terrified blonde. "Naruto's right in the middle of some kind of trouble."

"Lord Hokage" said one of the Jonin. "Is it really wise to let that boy become a shinobi?"

"What could be wrong with it?" Hokage asked, feeling a slight headache approaching. He knew that this was coming. It pained him to know that even a Jonin couldn't tell the difference between Naruto and Kyuubi. "He has shown exceptional skills, as I'm sure you've heard of his victory over Mizuki. And it remains up to his Jonin instructor to pass him or not." The Jonin nodded, accepting the silent order to drop the subject.

Back at the academy

"A three-man squad?" this was the collective thought of various genin-hopefuls throughout the room.

As whispers erupted around the room, many guessing as to who would be pair with who, Ino smirked. It was destiny that she'd be placed with her Sasuke, they were meant for each other. It didn't matter who their third teammate was as long as she could be with Sasuke, preferably alone.

"Well, someone's gotta be in Sasuke's group," she said down to Sakura who sat a row beneath her, between a still-brooding Sasuke and a severely bruised Naruto. "I wonder who?" she left the sentence hanging.

"I don't know," Sakura said simply, almost nonchalantly. Glancing back at her once best friend and current rival, she felt her 'Inner Sakura' flare up. "DUH, I'm gonna be with Sasuke, so stay away from him, you hag!"

As Iruka began announcing the teams, the class was strangely silent. That is until the kids whose names were already been called started talking amongst each other. But that changed with the arrival of "Team Seven: Uzumaki Naruto…" Naruto lifted his head at the sound of his name. "Haruno Sakura…" After a second's pause, Naruto let out a loud victory cry as Sakura's face fell in depression. "…and Uchiha Sasuke" In a flash, the pink-haired girl's positions changed. Sakura giving out a victorious yelp while Naruto didn't have a problem with it, because it was all his plan

'Well, I guess his plan worked and I don't have any problem with this team if only Sakura starts maturing a bit and act like a non-fan girl' thought Sasuke

'I won't be with Naruto then', was Hinata's saddened realization. She couldn't help but stare at his drooping head, feeling an urge to rush down there to comfort him. But she couldn't do that; he'd think she was probably some stalker or something.

"Now, Team Eight: Hyuga Hinata…" She returned her attention to Iruka and quietly acknowledged her fate. "…Inuzuka Kiba" The said boy chuckled at finally being called, more than happy at being paired with his beloved Hinata. "…and Aburame Shino" The said boy merely adjusted his sunglasses.

Turning back to Ino, Sakura chucked deviously as she shot her rival a victory-v. Her smirk was large and promised to grow in size at the blonde's disbelief and anger. "How did you get in his group?" she could barely stop herself from yelling that question.

Sakura didn't answer, but Inner Sakura was cheering, "Cha! True love conquers all!"

As Ino was growling and trying to restrain herself from wringing the pink-haired girl's neck, a familiar voice drawled out next to her. "I don't get it," Shikamaru said. "What do you see in a guy like that? He's not so special."

Looking at him in exasperation, she said the first thing that came to her mind. "You are so beyond clueless, Shikamaru. Don't you get it?"

Glancing at her with a slightly jealous and annoyed look, he stated the obvious, "No, I don't get it because I'm not a girl."

Seeing the jealousy in his gaze and voice, Ino sighed. A small smirk pulled at her lips at the thought that Shikamaru would be jealous over Sasuke having her attentions than him. Like he thought that she was better off with him than the aloof and mysterious Uchiha.

"You are so full of yourself," she muttered, leaning her cheek into her palm. "Jealousy is a terrible thing. I'd hate to be on your team." It was at this time that Iruka's voice caught their attention again with the sounds of their names. "Team Ten: Yamanaka Ino…Nara Shikamaru…and Akimichi Choji"

Surprised and slightly anger at this revelation, Ino stared at Iruka. Next to her, Shikamaru couldn't help but chuckle as he threw her words back at her. "Didn't you say something about 'hating to be on my team'?"

"Those are all the squads," their sensei said.

He'd been holding it since the declaration of Team Seven, only out of respect for the remaining teams that needed to be announced. Now that he was done, Naruto felt it was time to change his team or to at least get his questions answered. Clearing throat loudly, Iruka dismissed the class until after lunch. He watched as the members of the new Team Seven quickly exited the room, led by Sasuke with Sakura trailing him closely, followed by Naruto. Iruka couldn't help but think forlorn thoughts.

"Sasuke, where are you?" Sakura called out, in what she thought was a sweet and innocent voice. She felt a little hurt that he left as soon as they were dismissed. Didn't he want to spend time with her now, that they on the same team? Lunch together would've been a great starting point. Right? As these thoughts were going through her mind she heard a voice that she made her cringe. Oh, how she hated that dobe's very existence!

"Hey, Sakura?" he called cheerfully as he walked up to her. "I was thinking that since we're on the same team, we'd could have lunch together and get to know each other better." It was one thing to be followed; it was another that her follower had just mirrored her thoughts. The fact that it was Naruto who was following her had any kind of sweet notions she had turn sour instantly.

"Why would I have lunch with you?" she demanded accusingly. "How could that thought even cross your mind?"

If her tone had hurt his feelings, she didn't see it through his expert mask. The fact that she could only see his irritating face still in a smile tickled the anger she'd been harboring all morning.

"But we're in the same group and I just thought—"

"Naruto," she interrupted with a dangerous tone of voice and deadly glare. "You're annoying."

Glaring at him for only another moment, she turned and brought her hands up. Calling out in her 'sweet and innocent' voice again, she tried to adopt a similar look on her face. "Sasuke… Where are you?"

Up on the rooftop

"Alright," Ino said, in a foul mood. "If we're in the same team, then you've got to follow my lead. That's the only way it'll work."

Chewing absentmindedly on his rice ball, Shikamaru muttered out an annoyed acknowledgement. They sat together out on one of the balconies near the roof. It had a pretty good view of the village, which was why Shikamaru and Choji liked it so much. Ino had taken it upon herself to follow them and instill a 'leadership' role among team. Not that he'd raise a finger against her leadership as long as it wasn't a clear mistake. It was still going to be annoying as hell because the blonde was such a control-freak.

A small movement on the academy wall beneath them a fair ways drew his attention. If it weren't for the familiar blonde hair, he would've had a tough time identifying it as Naruto. Not when he wore a gray uniform similar to what Chunin and jonin wore.

"Sasuke" Shikamaru said quietly, identifying the blonde.

This statement drew Ino's attention. They watched as the raven haired boy snuck across the wall, silent as a shadow. He seemed to be heading for the open window where Naruto stood. Shikamaru had to admit to himself that if it weren't for his hair, he probably wouldn't have noticed him; especially with the clothes he wore seemed to blend into the academy wall.

The pair watched as Sasuke suddenly and silently hopped through the window, startling the blond. The movement jarred the window's support strut and it closed behind Sasuke. Their faintly heard Sasuke's warning growl and Naruto's 'pipe down!'

"Naruto," Ino said angrily. "If you so much as scratch him, you're on my 'enemy list' forever!"

Shikamaru spared her another exasperated glance as the sound of severe beating erupted from behind the closed window. They waited impatiently to see what happened. Then, almost as soon as it started, Sasuke opened the window and hopped out.

He smirked as he stood and walked away. Shikamaru was a little disappointed; he was sure that Naruto would've put up more of a fight. Especially when it seemed that he was training himself outside of school. Maybe he just wasn't as talented as Shikamaru gave him credit for?

"He beat Naruto without even breaking a sweat," he muttered to himself.

"What did you expect?" Ino asked. She was quite proud of her dear Sasuke. It slightly surprised Shikamaru that he'd spoken out loud without realizing it. "Naruto against my boy Sasuke… No contest."

As he continued to watch Sasuke walk away, he suddenly felt something out of place. Why would Sasuke walk away on the roof? Surely, he could've just taken the stairs, right? And where was Naruto? He knew that the blonde seemed more resilient than anyone else. So shouldn't he be up and around by now? That's when it struck him. The 'Sasuke' walking away on the roof wasn't really Sasuke! It was Naruto! A slight smirk crossed his face at this realization. So he hadn't underestimated the dobe after all.

With Sasuke

It had taken him surprisingly longer than he thought it would take. But he didn't finally get himself untied from the unbelievably tight knots that the dobe restrained him with. How could he possibly perform the Shadow clone while utilizing the Kawarimi and some other jutsu he'd never seen before? What was that strange technique he used? Just after Naruto had used the Kawarimi and the shadow clones were going to attack, all of the Naruto had formed the tora seal and blew out a dense cloud of smoke. It was then easy pickings for the blondes to tackle and tie him down.

Where did he learn such a strange jutsu? If the tora seal was required, then it must've been some fire jutsu. But the Uchiha clan specialized in fire jutsu and he'd realized he'd never seen a smokescreen used in the clan before it was destroyed. Did he create that jutsu? He just couldn't imagine him being able to do that. Yet there was no other explanation.

After confronting a badly blushing and rambling Sakura, he walked back to the classroom since the lunch break was close to being over. When a door was thrown open ahead of him, he saw the blonde boy rushing out, once again dressed in his orange jumpsuit.

Yelping in surprise, he skidded to a stop a few feet away from Sasuke. Crouching down, as if believing that Sasuke would suddenly attack, which he was seriously considering, the boy demanded, "Sasuke, what are you doing here? How did you get loose?"

"I used the escape jutsu," he said, smirking at the blonde's angry expression. He decided to provoke the boy's anger, since he decided to vent his own anger. "Nothing to it; it's a very basic technique, why did you do that, henge into me?"

"Oh that, I thought that after transforming into you I can get a date with Sakura" Naruto explained
"You know Hinata gives you more attention than Sakura, you should ask her out" replied Sasuke
"Yeah I know, but whenever I try to talk to her, she faints" replied Naruto
"That's because she likes you and plus the fact she is too shy" replied Sasuke
"Maybe I should try more and maybe it's time to get over Sakura" replied Naruto

"Good decision little brother, now mind explaining how you learned both jutsu that you used on me" asked Sasuke. With that Naruto began explaining him everything about that night and about the forbidden scroll.

"So tell me now, now when you know the truth, you still want to be friends, you still consider me your little brother" asked Naruto

"If I didn't want to be friends, I could have done it in the first conversation. And you are you not the kyuubi and my answer will always be yes" with that he poked his head.

Back to the room – 1 hour later

The first impressions went as smoothly as scraping sandpaper across butter. But thanks to each of the kids reactions to one another, he got a clear estimate on what they thought of one another.

"He's late," Naruto whined as the second hour passed. He had his head stuck out through the door, continuously glancing down the hallway impatiently. Sasuke and Sakura, though their pride would never although them to admit it, both were silently complaining and agreeing with the blonde.

"Naruto, just sit down," Sakura said, quite bored.

"I don't want to," he said, turning back inside the room. He looked towards Sasuke and spoke "Sasuke, do you have ninja wire on you"

He threw his ninja wire to the blond. His silent musings were cut short as Naruto grabbed an eraser and chair toward the doorway. Wedging the eraser between the door frame and the door, the blonde's chuckles sounded a tab bit like an evil crackle.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Sakura demanded, moving closer for a better view.

"That's what he gets for coming late," Naruto announced proudly. Hopping off the chair, he let out a triumphant yell of "Surprise!" and quickly placed the chair back in its original spot.

"Hey are you playing a prank" he asked the blond and when the blond just nodded he continued "Then, let's make it a little bit of interesting" with that he went towards the door and laid two more dusters there and yelled "Now this should be more fun" and with that he placed a seal on the dusters and came down.

"Hey is that one of my paint seal" with that Sasuke nodded and he continued "Damn why didn't I forgot that, thanks for reminding me Sasuke

"You're asking for trouble," Sakura said, very much like a goody-goody. "You know you shouldn't do that." That's what she said to Naruto, but inside it was a totally different story. Her inner and aggressive side was cringing with anticipation. "I LOVE STUFF LIKE THIS!"

Though he really didn't care, Sasuke felt he should state the obvious to his oblivious teammate. "Our sensei is a jonin, an elite shinobi. Do you really think that he'll fall for that?"

"Yeah," Sakura said, agreeing with her crush instantly. "You're so clueless, Naruto."

Two hour later

"Where the hell is he?" Sakura complained, "What kind of Jonin shows up this freaking late for his team?" Sasuke just grunted in boredom at his desk while Naruto was sitting at the opposite end of the classroom by the open window, snickering and blushing while reading his favorite Icha-Icha Paradise book. Sakura turned and looked at Naruto with disgust as he read the sexually explicit orange book.

"The shy and timid Shinto priestess and the lonely honorable samurai," Naruto snickered, "Well, Hikari ain't so shy and timid, and Daisuke's not so lonely anymore."

"How can you read that garbage?" Sakura exclaimed, "Furthermore, how were you even able to get a hold of that book?" Naruto just ignored her because he was too engrossed in the story he was reading. Another perverted giggle escaped his mouth with the blush ever present on his face. "You know, Naruto, if Kakashi-sensei were to catch you reading that stuff he'd be ashamed," Sakura remarked. "He would keep you from reading that stuff while we're on missions and training."

"Speaking of training, Sakura," Naruto spoke with his head still in his book, "I believe that all of us should be properly taught all lessons we would need in life. Therefore, being the responsible teammate that I wish to be, I'm going to give you some instructions in what being with a man and being a woman involves. After all, we've been learning how to kill so it only makes sense that we learn about other serious matters, don't you think?"

"What are you getting at?" Sakura asked curiously.

He started reading some passage from his book, he failed to see the red face of Sakura, even Sasuke was a bit affected, but he didn't show it. Naruto was so engrossed in his storytelling that he failed to see Sakura's fist plunge into the back of his book, ultimately causing the book to nearly crash into his face as he as fell off his seat and dropped his book in the process.

"Damn it, Sakura, what the hell?" Naruto shouted indignantly, "We were just getting to the best part!"

"Naruto!" a blushing Sakura screeched, "You disgust me! It's beyond me how Hinata could date and stand the sight of you! Kakashi-sensei will weep when he sees that we have someone as perverted, senseless, and untalented as you for a teammate!"

"You shouldn't make quick judgments about people you don't know, girl," a masculine voice said from the door. Everyone turned to see the man of the hour, three late hours to be exact. At that moment, the door slid open and the eraser landed solidly on the clump of silver hair. There was a second of total silence as the four of them realized what had happened. Then, all hell broke loose.

The next instant Naruto's loud laughter erupted with a victory cheer. "I got him! He totally fell for it!"

"Sorry, sensei!" Sakura said trying to appear innocent and thoroughly embarrassed for him. "I told him not to do it, but he wouldn't listen. I'd never do something like that!" "PERFECT SHOT" Inner Sakura cheered, giving Naruto two thumbs-up. Even Sasuke was found himself questioning the man's ability.

Picking up the eraser, the man stared at it for moment before entering a thinking pose. Then, more to himself than the genin team, he said, "My first impression of this group you're a bunch of idiots."

"I'm assuming you're Kakashi," Sasuke said. "You're just arriving here, huh?"

"Actually," Kakashi corrected, "I was here for a while when I got caught up in Naruto's enchanting storytelling. It was saddening when his brilliant narrative was interrupted by someone who evidently doesn't appreciate good reading."

Sakura's mouth dropped with her eyes widened in absolute shock at what she was hearing. Naruto got up and picked up his book. "So, you like Icha-Icha Paradise?" Naruto asked with a mischievous smile as headed over and stood in front of Kakashi.

"No, Naruto I don't like Icha-Icha Paradise," Kakashi replied, then grinned beneath his mask and exclaimed, "I love Icha-Icha Paradise! Plus I happened to be a huge fan myself!"

"Me too" Naruto said excitedly, and then asked "Did you read "The Chronicles of The Missing Textiles Diaries" series?"

"Did I?" Kakashi asked with a blush and giggle, "I recently bought the whole limited edition collection. They're at my home now after they arrived by mail yesterday."

"No fair!" Naruto shouted, "You have any idea how hard I've been trying to get a hold of that series?"

Sakura and Sasuke looked at Naruto and Kakashi in sheer denial and disbelief. "WHAT?" Inner-Sakura screamed, "You mean to say that we have a sensei who is just as bad and perverted as Naruto. Some higher power must really hate Sasuke and me! This isn't fair! This can't be happening! This so can't be happening!"

Sasuke cleared his throat loudly catching everyone's attention. "It's bad enough that you're three hours late, Kakashi sensei" Sasuke remarked. "But after revealing that you have hobbies similar to Naruto's as well, I have a really good impression of you."

When he was about to move again, the duster burst into orange and blue paint. At this Naruto and Sasuke started laughing again yelling "We caught you again"

With that he said "Meet me on the roof top in 15 minutes" and then he disappeared in a cloud of smoke

"Maybe this Kakashi-sensei might not be so bad after all," Naruto smiled, "His hobbies being similar to mine earn him major pluses in my book."

"Just what we need," Sakura remarked. "A pervert like you for a sensei"

Naruto and Sasuke ignored her as they disappeared in flame of fire to where Kakashi told them to meet him. It wasn't until another five minutes that they arrived at their destination. When they arrived, they found Kakashi sitting on the stairs with one of the books of the series Naruto had spoken of. Sakura didn't understand what just happened and decided to take stairs.

On the rooftop

"Kakashi-sensei" Naruto called out, grabbing the Jonin's attention as his eye reluctantly moved away from the book. "You two made it here faster than I expected," Kakashi said, "All right then. Now take a seat on the stairs here."

After 15 minutes Sakura arrived and seeing Naruto and Sasuke, she sat beside them. "Now that we're all here," Kakashi said, "Let's get things rolling. First off, we'll start off by introducing ourselves to each other; tell us your name, hobbies, interests, dislikes, future long term goals, and all that good stuff."

"Can you give us a demonstration of that, Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked.

"OK then," Kakashi shrugged, "I'm Kakashi Hatake. My likes and dislikes are none of your concern, as for my dream... never thought about that. I have many hobbies and one of my hobbies is reading Icha-Icha Paradise as you already know"

At that point all the genin were thinking the same thing 'He didn't tell us anything useful about himself'
'At least he likes Icha-Icha paradise, it can be used against him' thought Naruto
"Why don't you start Sasuke?" asked Kakashi

Sasuke started off with a calm and determined voice "I'm Sasuke Uchiha. I hate a lot of things and I don't particularly like anything. What I have is not dream because I will make it a reality. I am going to kill a certain someone and restore my clan"

'Sasuke is so hot' thought Sakura
"Cut the act" yelled Naruto
"Hey don't talk to Sasuke like that" yelled Sakura

"Very well" said Sasuke and continued with a friendly voice "I'm Sasuke Uchiha. My hobbies includes training, becoming stronger, and surpassing my limits and playing pranks with Naruto. I have many dislikes which also includes fan girls. I like spending time with Naruto and training. My goals include becoming a strong ninja, rebuilding my clan and kill a my elder brother Itachi"

"Well you can't do that unless you use those fan girls of yours" stated Naruto
"Don't talk to Sasuke like that" yelled Naruto
"Why? Don't you want that too" Naruto teased her and Sakura stopped speaking.

"Sakura you are next" said Kakashi

Sakura cleared her throat and started off, "I'm Sakura Haruno. My hobbies include studying, books…" she turns and looks at Sasuke, giggles and continues "…and hanging out with my friends. My interests are…" she turns and looks at Sasuke, giggles and continues "…and my long term goal includes" she turns and looks at Sasuke with a blush, giggles and continues

"And what are your dislikes?" Kakashi asked with a bored and lazy tone. "NARUTO" Sakura screamed loudly.

"Well, you're no breath of sunshine either," Naruto remarked.

Sakura was about to smack Naruto but Kakashi intervened. "No need for unnecessary violence, please," Kakashi said, then turned to Naruto and added, "Now Naruto, seeing as your name was screamed so passionately by Sakura, why don't you go next?" Sakura frowned and grumbled at the fact that Kakashi was already making fun of her.

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze" Naruto started with a large grin but before he could continue, Sakura interjected "Don't lie, your name is just Naruto Uzumaki"

"Just shut up and let me finish my speech" yelled Naruto and hearing this Sakura flinched and Naruto continued

"I'm Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze" Naruto started with a large grin "Besides eating ramen at Ichiraku, my favorite hobbies including training with Sasuke, spending time with old man third hokage and Konohamaru, spending time with old man Teuchi and Ayame, and pulling pranks with Sasuke. Also, my interests include reading Icha-Icha Paradise. My dislikes includes people who discriminate and prejudge me without knowing anything about me which includes most of the villagers, being blamed and looked down on for things that were never my fault and those who claim to be real ninjas but know nothing about what it really means and traitors. My long terms goals include becoming Hokage and to surpass my dad"

'Did he know' though Kakashi
"Don't lie Naruto, you are an orphan, you don't have parents" yelled Sakura

Before Naruto could say anything Sasuke spoke "His parents died the day he was born, they died protecting the village from the kyuubi attack. He is the son of Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze"

"Wait, I haven't heard their name, who were they?" asked Sakura
"My dad was a great ninja, he defeated the kyuubi" stated Naruto

"Don't lie Naruto idiot, it was the fourth hokage that defeated the kyuubi not your… dad…" she trailed off as she saw the looks of her team mates and sensei and the she shouted "WHAT, YOU ARE THE SON OF THE FOURTH HOKAGE" Naruto simply nodded and Sakura was left processing everything but her thoughts were put on hold when Kakashi continued his speech.

"Now that we've got the introductions done," Kakashi said, "We'll move on to the next objective, which is the test I'll give you three tomorrow to see if you all are really ready for the ninja life."

"Test" Sakura asked, "What test? We already took the Genin Exams"

"The academy merely gave you a test to judge whether or not you all could perform the basic fundamentals of jutsu and other arts. My test will judge whether you three will meet the merit of being a team of ninjas. Meet me tomorrow morning at 6 o'clock at the training ground in front of the Konoha Memorial Stone. And don't eat anything before my test. You'll just puke it up. Till then, enjoy the rest of your day" With that said everybody left. Sakura asked Sasuke about lunch but he declined and Naruto and Sasuke went to do their training.