Katie: LESS ESPLAININ AND MORE ACTION!

Lw: WHATEVER! * shoves Katie out of the picture * I own nothing!

Half the Crew

"Wow…" I mumbled. Konoha was totally underplayed in the manga. This place was frickin HUGE!

"Alrighty, I have to meet with the Hokage. I'll meet back with you in 3 hours. Can you stay out of trouble that long?" Sozi gave me an accusing look. What? I can be good. Most of the time….

"Ya ya ya, out of trouble… I get it." I waved a hand. No big deal.

Sozi started to walk away towards the Hokage building when I remembered a vital part to my adventure.

"Wait! Do I get a map? Or money? What if I get hungry?"

"Oh, I almost forgot." She handed me a sack of money and a map. "Don't spend it all, but it should be enough. Meet me back here." She pointed to a random place on the map and I nodded.

"OK got it." Nope, that was a lie. I just nod and smile. Good Katie.

Sozi started walking again disappearing into the crowd of people that was the market. Man I was totally gonna get lost in this place. Everyone was buzzing around doin their own little thing. Merchants were selling various items on the side of the road, kids were running around on the streets, people were running errands, and you'd even see the occasional ninja just out for a stroll. It was kind of nice.

My tummy grumbled and quickly forgetting about sightseeing, I decided to go get some lunch. Looking back down at the map i had in my hands, I started walking while I looked for the famous Ichiraku ramen shop. Why not get some of the best ramen in the world! But I couldn't tell where it was on the map, let alone where I was... This was gonna be harder then I thought…

"HEY! Naruto! Get back here! Watch where your going baka!" a feminine voice made me look up from my map. Naruto..?

"Hahah! Sakura-chan, you worry too much! Just watch me, okay?" a male voice called. That was definitely Naruto. But where were they? I looked around and didn't seem them anywhere.

"Ouff!" Something hard collided with me shoving me face first down into the ground, my map and moneybag scattering on the ground. "What the heck man! Watch where you're going!" I yelled.

A hand was in my face in an instant. "Hey! I'm so sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going!" a boy was standing in front of me and i was blinded momentarily by his bright orange jump suit. I grabbed his hand and he pulled me up.

"I didn't even see you there!" he put a hand behind his head in an apologetic manner. "Sorry!"

"Naruto you BAKA!" a pink hair girl punched Naruto in the head. "You could have hurt someone! And see what you did! You knocked this poor girl over!"

"Ahh.. Sakura-chan… I said I was sorry!" Naruto was rubbing his tender head.

"Well, maybe if you weren't trying to impress Sakura so much…" I mumbled.

"What was that?" the pinkette asked.

"Ohh nothing.. hahah." Mwahaha ! I smiled and waved a hand, "Its no big deal. He said he was sorry. I'm Katie by the way." I held out my hand to shake.

Sakura took my hand and smiled. "Nice to meet you Katie! I'm Sakura, and this –"

"I'm the GREAT Naruto Uzumaki! And I'm gonna be the next Hokage! Believe it!" He pulled a pose and fist pumped the air. I could feel myself sweat drop... Ohh Naruto…

A finger poked my shoulder from behind. "Here's your bag." A boy with dark, navy blue, duck butt hair handed me my stuff and walked next to Sakura.

"And this is Sasuke…" Sakura had dreamy hearts in her eyes.

I could feel myself sweat drop again. This was worse than I thought.. Sakura really has it bad for the emo prince! "Well thanks Sasuke. I didn't even hear you pick anything up."

"Hn."

"Emo prince…" I rolled my eyes.

"What was that?"

"What..?" Oh god this was gonna be fun! Mwahahaha!

Then my tummy decided to growl very loudly. I felt my face heat up... That was sounded like a monster and everyone was looking at me now!

"You hear that sound? That is the call of Ichiraku's ramen!" Naruto shouted. "Here! Let me treat you to a bowl since I hit you an all." He gripped my wrist and started pulling me in the direction of the ramen stand. I had no objections there!

"Are you sure? I don't want to seem like a burden." That was a lie, lead me to the ramen! Nom nom nom…

Sakura shook her head, "No no! You'd be no bother at all. Come with us!"

"Yeah! Plus, we were all headed there anyways! Just got done with some intense training." Naruto bragged

I laughed, "Well if you insist…" I was gonna eat a hole in his wallet.

Down at the ramen stand it was clear Naruto was a regular. He instantly broke into conversation with the two workers and he seemed quite popular. Naruto was already ordering his forth bowl while Sakura and Sasuke were still on there first. I was currently tackling my second. This stuff was so good! I could totally see Narutos love for the noodles! I ordered a third bowl...

"So Kaite, where are you from? You don't look like you're from around here." Sakura started the light conversation next to me.

"I'm from…" Oh shit.. Where was I from? Sozi didn't tell me a cover story! GAH! Think fast! Uhhh… "I'm actually from Konoha."

That earned a funny look from everyone. "Really?" Naruto said to my other side. "Iv never seen you around before." Everyone had the same curiosity in there eyes. Mother fuck. Why must they ask questions!

"Well that's cause I just got back from traveling with my… Aunt. We've been gone for a looooong time."

Nods of approval came from the three. But the pinkette kept asking stupid questions...

"So does this mean your not a ninja? I don't see a headband on you anywhere."

"Even though I don't have a headband, I've been training to become one. I haven't had time to come back and take the test, but I plan to soon." More nods from the three.

"Are you good?" Of course Sasuke would ask something ridiculous like that.

"What kind of question is that Sasuke-teme!" Naruto shouted.

"A logical one, dobe." Oooo so smooth and cool like. I saw Sakura get stars in her eyes again. I almost rolled my eyes. Oh brother..

"That's no way to treat a new friend baka!" Naruto yelled.

"Your not the boss of me!" Sasuke and Naruto then got into a glaring contest, electricity shooting between the two.

"Now now boys, no need to get your panties in a twist!" I tried to calm the two boys when the small ramen flap flipped up.

"What's this I hear about panties?" A boy with a grey jacket, red triangles on his cheeks, and a toothy grin entered the restaurant.

"Kiba! What are you doing here?" Naruto asked high five-ing his friend.

I recognized Hinata and Shino as they also followed after Kiba into the noodle shop. "Getting some food, what does it look like we're doing Naruto?" Kiba sat down next to Naruto. Hinata and Shino sat next to Kiba. The place felt slightly more crowded with the new trio.

"So who's your friend there? Is she your new girlfriend Naruto?" Kiba asked eyeing me after everyone ordered a new bowl of ramen.

"Pshh no! Her name is Katie and she's my new friend! She just got back from traveling around the world!"

"Oh really? That sounds exciting." Kiba smirked in my direction.

However, Naruto quickly distracted Kiba about training and who was going to be a stronger ninja so I leaned over to Sakura who was still nibbling on her ramen. "No offense to Kiba, but I kinda get the vibe that he's quite the flirt. Does he always hit on girls?"

Sakura sputtered, her hand covering her mouth trying to hold back her small laugh. After she swallowed Sakura nodded. "Yeah, kinda. Only new girls though." We both laughed. I imagined Sakura to be kind of bitchy to people, but i was pleasantly surprised. I could see myself getting along with Sakura, she seemed nice enough so far.

"What's so funny?" Kiba asked. He must have overheard our giggles.

Sakura looked at me and I just smiled answering for us, "She told me a funny joke is all. But hey, you never introduced me to your friends over there." I pointed to Hinata and Shino.

"Oh yeah! This is Hinata." She blushed when Kiba pointed and said her name.

"H-hi." OMG! She was so frickin adorable! I resisted the urg to glomp her on the spot.

"And this is Shino. He's pretty quiet." Kiba pointed a thumb at the bug boy.

Shino turned to me and nodded. I think he was even more silent than emo prince.

"And I'm Kiba!" he pointed a thumb to his chest with a grin. "And this is Akamaru!" He patted his puppy's head that magically popped its head out from his coat. "Arf Arf!"

"Awww puppy!" I squealed and grabbed Akamaru under his arms. "He's so cute!" I scratched behind his ears earning barks of approval. I loved dogs they were the shit.

"You didn't greet me like that…" Kiba pouted.

"That's cause you're not a puppy!" I smiled.

"Hey!"

Everyone laughed and kept finishing up their ramens. Naruto was the only one still eating while everyone talked about random things, and I enjoyed their conversations. I was surprised that everyone was pretty welcoming. Well, except for Shino. He didn't really talk all that much. Even Sasuke talked to me a little.

When Naruto finally finished his meal (I lost count of how many bowls he ate), our crew filled out of the tiny ramen stand and started walking down the street. Shino quietly excused himself and disappeared along with Sasuke so that just left me, Sakura, Naruto, Hinata and Kiba.

"So where are you headed to next Katie?" Sakura politely asked.

"Well actually, I need to meet up with my aunt soon. I lost track of time…" Actually I didn't know how long I stayed in the ramen shop and I was at a complete loss as to what time it was.

"Oh my god! I totally forgot! I have to help my mom with something! I have to go! See you some other time Katie!" Sakura then took off down the road to god knows where. Well that was unexpected.

"BOSS!" Out of no where, a random kid popped out from a poorly made disguise in the middle of the road.

"Konohamaru! What the heck are you doing?" Naruto screamed pointing at the young kid.

"Taking you away Boss! You have to teach me your awesome new techniques! Because your the greatest!" Konohamaru grabbed Narutos wrist and dragged him away. That too was unexpected…

"Things sure are random around here…"

Kiba shrugged. "Eh, that's normal." Then he eyed me. "So, where are you meeting your aunt?"

"Uhh…" Good question. I pulled out the map. "Here!" I pointed to the random spot where Sozi picked earlier. I had no idea where it was, or where we were headed now.

"Hmm.. that's kinda far. Want me to accompany you?" Kiba smiled. I mentally shrugged. At least he's a gentleman.

"Actually, I already asked Hinata to take me there." I smiled. Don't get me wrong, I liked Kiba and all, just not in the way he was trying to get at.

Hinata looked lost and confused. "W-what..?" Kiba however, didn't look convinced. So I wrapped an arm around Hinata and walked a little bit faster than Kiba leaving him behind.

"Sorry bud! Maybe next time!" I winked at him and led Hinata further away from the boy. After rounding a corner I dropped my arm.

"Sorry Hinata, I didn't mean to drag you away like that. I just didn't want Kiba to get the wrong idea, ya know?" maybe I was just being paranoid, but whatever. You can never be too carful.

"U-uh huh." She nodded. Awww! She's so cute! And shy. And adorable! GAH!

"Buy hey, I haven't been back to Konoha in awhile, and they changed a few things while I've been gone and I really do need help finding this place. I was wondering if you could help me find it?" I gave my most generous and kind smile I could give and it seemed to work.

"Oh, o-okay. L-let me see your map again." I pulled out my map and pointed to the spot again. She nodded and led the way. Walking with Hinata was nice. Along the way i tried striking conversation with her to lighten up the mood. She was still stutter-y but we ended up talking about a lot. In that short time, she and I really opened up to each other, just talking about literally anything! But the majority was random girly things.

Then all to soon Hinata stopped, "We're here."

I looked up and saw an old apartment building. "Thank you so much Hinata, I really appreciate it." I smiled at her. Gosh I couldn't help but smile at her!

"Y-your welcome, Katie-chan." Hinata blushed while she bowed and started to walk away.

"Hey wait!" my hand reached out to the violet haired girl.

"Y-yes?" Hinata turned a little.

"Its just Katie, okay? And you don't need to be so shy around me! We're friends!"

Then Hinata smiled too, "Alright.. Katie. See you around!"

"Bye Hinata!" I called. And like that she disappeared down the streets.

I smiled to myself. It was my first day and I already met half the Rookie Nine. That's so exciting! Im pretty sure i squealed a little... I'll have to meet the other half some other time. I looked back up to the apartment building and wondered what time it was. I didn't have a watch, so I couldn't tell if I was early or late. Mental note, get a watch...

"I wonder where Sozi is…"

"What about me?" I just about peed my pants when Sozi materialized next to me.

"Don't DO that to me! I'll get a heart attack and die!" I had a hand over my heart. I could feel my heart working over time from my little scare.

"You didn't get one though, right?"

"Yeah, but one day I will!"

"Whatever." Sozi smiled and then pointed to the Hokage building. "I just got back from a meeting with the Hokage. He wants to meet with you soon."

"What? Why?"

"Um. To meet with you?" Sozi said it like it was obvious.

"Oh.. well… will you be there?" I don't know if I felt comfortable meeting with someone of such a high rank alone. He was the fricken Hokage after all! Most powerful ninja in the village... Sozi started leading the way to the Hokage tower.

"Only if you want me to be."

I walked a little closer to her feeling even more like a little kid then ever. "I do, cause I'm kinda nervous."

Sozi laughed and patted my head. "Katie? Scared? Thought I'd never see the day."

"Hey! I said nervous. Not scared." I crossed my arms for emphasis.

"Same thing."

"So what do you think he wants to say to me?"

"I think it might have something to do with your future."

I gulped. "My future?" How lovely.

Lw: Tada! How was that? Good? I felt it was pretty good. Got the ball rolling a bit more.

Katie: Are you kidding? You left me hanging! What if I leave Konoha? What if I don't have a place to live? What he takes Sozi away from me? What will I do?

Lw: Oh shut up! You'll have to wait and find out in the next chapter! Mwahahah!