Small Steps

A sleepy kunoichinicknamed the Narcoleptic Ninjahas big dreams. Wanting to save her teammates Obito, Kakashi, as well as her sensei and his love, the sleepy kunoichi will have to work hard to see her dream come true. Reborn!OC


genin akemi-chan: team

years til nine tails: 6 years, 7 months

akemi: 11 years, 11 months

location: hidden leaf village (spring)


"Oh, welcome back, Dad," I say.

"Thank you." Dad, the son of Gramma, usually has his eyes reduced to a happy curve of black eyelashes. Despite that, he can somehow see just fine. He sits on the couch, pleasantly happy in his deep purple shirt too big for his body. Unlike everyone in this house, Dad has long hair he keeps in a low ponytail.

Typically, Dad is away on missions. As breadwinner of this family, he is the best civilian-nin we have to offer. He's also the very first one, trained by his mother no less. Perhaps it's the countless pranks Gramma's pulled on him while growing or having to deal with twin sisters that makes him so efficient. It honestly is a mystery.

But when Dad's home like this, it's hard to imagine him as a competent civilian-nin machine.

"Does that letter say something about being a Genin?" Dad says. "Why would you need that?"

(Or... competent in general.)

"She's passed the graduation exam, dear," Gramma says, using dear.

"Oh. Why did you that, Akemi?"

"To... become a Genin," I reply.

"Ah. So now you're a Genin." He smiles harder. "Congratulations."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Hm... Hanae won't like this," he says sagely, almost as if he doesn't know Mom is right next to him.

"Ahhhhh! My An-chan actually graduated? To think, I never once imagined you becoming a Genin!" With a shout, tears are falling down Sayaka's cheeks. Satoshi dimly pats her back, prompting her to lean into his shoulder and cry.

"This... this is something," Satoshi admits. "I'm really proud of you, Akemi!"

"Proud? Get this girl a present! Give her an early birthday!" Auntie slams her hands on the table, rocking it severely. "I feel like stealing something beautiful for her!"

"Are we having an earthquake?" Dad says, pretty mildly alarmed if we were having one.

"Thanks you all... I thought you'd be upset." I didn't tell them about taking it nor did I want their opinion. If they were going to protect me, surely they wouldn't want me to graduate. Yet here they all are, excited and proud. It makes my chest heavy, but with a good heaviness.

Until I look at Mom who's not smiling.

"Mom, I..." don't know how to finish this sentence.

At that, everyone stares at Mom nervously. Except for Dad who says, "Oh, Hanae, Akemi is a Genin. You said you'd be scared if this day were to come. Are you scared?"

Mom nods.

"Hm... yes, it is a bit alarming. A ninja is a dangerous path of darkness. But, in it, exists light. Things like Lord Hokage's strength... or being able to pay the bills and keep you all happy. Not to mention how great it is to run on roofs. Very convenient."

"Rinji Minakura," Mom warns.

"You'll always worry," Dad says, "that's just who you are. For your daughter to do something you tried and feared... it's hard to be happy, huh? Should I be upset, too? I feel glad." Confused, he scratches the top of his head before his oversized sleeve falls over his wrist and swallows up his hand.

"You liked ninja stuff... I could never," Mom says. "It doesn't make sense. Why am I the only one who sees how bad this is? Why are we all accepting this? Akemi isn't like any of us! She's different. We shouldn't hold her to our standards because that would be unfair to her!"

Nobody dares talk back.

(At any second, she'll cry and Auntie will have to keep her vow.)

"Protecting her forever," Dad repeats absentmindedly. "...Isn't that the same? Akemi didn't have a healthy beginning and it's possibly going to affect her life. But I just keep imaging that the alternative, keeping her safe in here, won't make her any stronger. I say let her work for whatever she wants—that's where strength lies."

"Rinji, you're supposed to be on my side! She's your only daughter! Don't you want her to have healthy, happy life? Despite all she's been through?" Mom's eyes are shining with unshed tears.

"...it's because she's my only daughter that I fight against you, Hanae."

The room temperature just got way chilly.

Auntie blinks in fear at Dad.

Before... Dad used to mention it was impossible to get Gramma to say I love you. Dad was trained as a ninja by a woman who wasn't one. She worked Dad to the bone.

"The sweetest thing Mother told me was dinner was ready," he reminisced to me, smiling. "If I was picky and didn't eat all my food, training would be hell the next day..."

...which wasn't surprising. Gramma lived through the Warring States period and two great wars already.

(She's a lot softer now,thankfully.)

One would think Dad would gain some kind of hardness from that upbringing, but no, he's a puppy to Mom's teddy bear.

Until he argued with Mom.

(This is the very. Very. Very. First time Dad has ever argued back.)

"I don't think sheltering her will lead to a happy life," Dad continues, thoughtfully. "If anything, you'd be very happy, which is nice, but it comprises her happiness. But... if Akemi is a ninja, you're not happy, and I want you to be happy, too. I say find happiness in the path Akemi works to build rather than being sad she hasn't picked the end you like. Just like Gramma believed in the you who would be a civilian-nin like your sister, your happiness is as a mother and leader of the house."

Mom... can't say anything. She looks like an abandoned stray, like fragile glass. Dad places an arm around her, but it's as if he doesn't exist from her lack of reaction.

"...don't worry, Hanae, let's give this pain some time to become bearable. In the meantime... Akemi, let's celebrate with your moon cheese."

"Huh? Oh? Right..."

I jog to my room, silently saying my thank yous to Dad. I had no idea how I would face Mom. Plus not many people in this house would volunteer to shatter the bubble of someone so caring. My solution was to just avoid the issue until I couldn't ignore it.

I'm so, so glad Dad came home today. Because, I just realized, he has a say so about my life just as much as Mom does.

I bring the moon cheese downstairs and serve a slice to everyone. The cheese tastes just like normal cheese to me, but Dad loves it.

Mom sniffs it and gives her slice to Dad. "That smells disgusting. I'm sorry, I can't eat this..."

Gramma takes a few bites. "Hm. Tastes old, doesn't it?"

Auntie is eating her cheese, eyes narrowed. "This... this tastes so... bland. It's like tofu, Hanae!"

Sayaka only eats a small piece of Satoshi's slice, having given it to Dad. When Satoshi takes a bite out of his slice, he grimaces and also gives his plate to Dad.

In the end, Dad and I share the cheese.

(Maybe there is something off about this cheese?)

Later that night, Dad and Mom go to their room early while the rest are quizzing me about what I should expect for my graduation ceremony tomorrow. Apparently, teams will be called, the Hokage will be there, and it's going to be this grand, moral-boosting thing for a world waiting to war again.

Sayaka personally tucks me into bed early.


small steps chapter 7 | team


I make it to the ceremony an hour before it starts, with my family on the way. Many children of all ages are here, including my classmates and my friend, Rin Nohara. On her head rests her forehead protector, simultaneously nostalgic and odd placed her once bare head.

(I still don't know what to do with mine...)

Rin can't stop giggling. "I'm so nervous! And happy! And nervous...!"

Until she said that, I felt nothing. Now, I keep thinking of Rin, Obito and me all splitting apart. "Ah... uh... me too."

"I'm also worried about Obito. I couldn't enter the Uchiha Compound today, probably because so many Uchiha are going to be coming here," Rin says, guiding me to our seats. "I guess it's a safety hazard."

"...he'll definitely be here. No matter what."

"Yup, I can always count on that. It's just... this is such an important, once in a life thing. I want to share this experience together..."

Rin saves a seat on the edge of the row for Obito. She's quiet right now and I don't think I should bother her.

I told him several times yesterday to not be late no matter what. I even told him Rin will be very sad forever. If he's still late...

"Sorry I'm late!"

Nothing in the world could measure how fast Rin perks up seeing Obito sit down next to her.

"I felt so bad not helping Granny today," Obito pants. "She won't be mad, yeah?"

Rin's smile is so bright, I don't think she can stop it. "Thank you so much for being here, Obito. I was really anxious but... since you're here, I can't be anymore!"

Obito blushes. "W-Well, I try my best! So... don't worry! This day will be awesome!"

The building is soon packed with kids, families, and ninja everywhere. All around us, hope is born. I can see it through smiles and laughs and the odd camera or two to record this event forever.

Even from here, I can see my family.

My heart beats fast.

Hiruzen starts off the ceremony with an inspiring speech and, with the aid of the headmaster of the Ninja Academy, all the graduates step up to get their certificates in order of their teams.

"Team Orochimaru," the headmaster calls, drawing everyone's attention. "Yaiba Yamahada, Ninigi, and Anko Mitarashi."

They claim their certificates one by one.

"Oh, Anko really idolizes Lord Orochimaru," Rin comments. "She's very lucky!"

Obito humphs. "Weirdo attracts weirdo, I say."

Rin frowns briefly at him, scolding, "Don't be so mean, Obito!"

All I know is that as Anko walks back to her seat with her certificate in hand, I feel sadness.

"Team Okibi," calls the headmaster. "Asuma Sarutobi, Raidou Namiashi, Kurenai Yuuhi!"

"Huh?" Rin pauses to wave at Kurenai as she passes by then adds, "Usually the top kunoichi is paired with the dead last and top ninja. So... Kurenai's team is completely off..."

"It's probably for the best," Obito says, grinning. "We'll be on a team for sure!"

I grip my sweater tightly. There's so, so many people graduating, so what if Team Minato ends up being different somehow—

"Team Chouza! Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Rin Nohara!"

Rin pales and stands automatically.

I...

feel...

faint...

So we're separated after all.

(Separated.)

I never wanted to imagine this scenario. If it were me, that's okay. Not Rin.

Rin drops into her seat, paler than the certificate held tightly in her hands. "I guess... we won't be on the same team."

"Why? That's no fair, Rin! Lord Hokage is right there, so ask him! That's not...!" Obito huffs.

"I'm sorry, I guess our skills aren't very compatible in a team," she says, voice growing soft. "Even so, this could be a good thing. Change is scary, but great."

"But, Rin...!"

Obito face is contorted with pain, just like that day he saw her die.

Still... Rin forces a smile to console him.

The very Rin who'd do everything for others and nothing for herself...

"Promise me, you two."

They both look at me.

"...no matter how far we get... promise me we'll always be friends," I finish.

Rin is my first friend.

Without her... the Ninja Academy would've worn me down. I would've quit.

Rin nods, mouth curved upwards, but it's lacking its usual charm. "Of course. This won't be the end of our friendship!"

Rin... I say this now because... I think I might know what will happen next.

"Team Minato!"

Call it a second soul or a crappy reincarnation, but I've always known what to expect in the future.

"Obito Uchiha—"

You'll probably hate me forever after this.

"Kakashi Hatake—"

I will make this up to you, Rin Nohara. How...? I'll protect your first friend, Obito Uchiha. I won't let him suffer such a tragic fate. And then maybe...

"Akemi Minakura!"

Somehow this slice of paper feels like a thousand kilograms.

"That's incredible, Obito, Akemi... you're on the same team as Kakashi," Rin says softly, wearily. "Tell him I say hello, okay?"

"Tell him yourself," Obito says. "You'll meet him again after I rant to Lord Hokage about these dumb team placements. I mean, me and Kakashidiot? Rin, we're supposed to be together! That doesn't make any sense...!"

"Obito, it's alright, it makes sense I'm not on your team! I don't have the proper skills. But, hey, I think I'll see him again around the Leaf! I can't wait!"

I don't know why... but I hug Rin.

She's frozen, not expecting a hug, certainly not expecting it from me. Then she hugs back, murmuring, "Hey... you are good with people, Akemi. Sorry... all of this... kind of... hurts my heart."

Rin leaves soon after the graduation is over with a forced smile and kind words. Obito and I, obviously picking up on it, trade a look.

"You and Kakashi," I say. "The Leaf... is terrible at team placements."

"I know! Can you believe they won't change it? It pisses me off!"

"...Rin is sad."

"Yeah... I hate it so much. It's no fair. Who'd a-thought things would end up like this."

My heart throbs painfully. But if I don't pay attention, it's almost not there.

"...so, we meet our new sensei tomorrow morning."

(The man himself.)

Obito isn't happy with the topic change, but says, "I'll be there. I'll try not to be late, Akemi-nee."

"Yeah. Me too..."


small steps chapter 7 | team


Excitement is buzzing all thoroughout my house hearing Minato and Kakashi will be on my team. Minato is already a brilliant ninja, a man who even makes Mom a bit relieved. And Kakashi... the twins couldn't stop talking about how much of a golden child he is.

He was! Chuunin! By! Six! Sayaka shouted. No doubt the great White Fang himself took the genius on missions! I'm so jealous!

Their energy remains long after my bedtime and at dawn. Too anxious to sleep, but too tired to stay awake, I float between some awkward medium while I eat a small breakfast and head to the rendezvous.

The training ground Team Minato is set up to have has a nice view of the Third Hokage's side profile... whenever trees aren't in the way. There are very few marks and cracks on the ground, meaning this isn't a popular hotspot. And with it being so far from the heart of the village, maybe Minato had picked this area to hide from villagers.

Or... fangirls and fanboys?

While I doubt I'll be as obvious as a stereotypical fangirl... I can't deny I don't feel any admiration for him. After all, he's Naruto's father and he loved the Kushina who believed she was a monster. Coupled with his amazing Flying Thunder God Technique he recreated from the Second Hokage and that his teacher was Jiraiya... I'll definitely admit some part of me is a fangirl.

(The line of my admiration blurs from things I've seen in this reality versus the memories given to me from another reality.)

Still, as I wait in the center of the training ground for my team, I don't have anything to do for three hours. If Minato will do the Bell Test, I shouldn't waste any chakra. He'll kick all our butts, but I want it to be a fair chance.

Oh, Bunny Gods, how the heck am I going to get Obito and Kakashi to work together? Kakashi has never even seen me once. We are strangers to the utmost degree. So, he'll have zero patience for me.

And how am I supposed to be the glue that holds those two together?

That's Rin's job.

I think... I'm going to just die of exhaustion, just like this...

"—uuup!"

The world is dark and my body is a ton. Something is shaking me, probably the wind... but the more I'm pulled from my dreams, the more I feel fingers and hands and

"Akemi-neeee! Get uuuuup!"

—such a loud voice I can't mistake at all.

Gingerly, I open my eyes, knowing how the sun is going to burn them. I shield my hurt eyes, mumbling, "Obitobi-kun...? How did you... find my house...?"

"What? What kind of bed do you have for you to think this is your house?"

Now that he mentions it, my room smells way too grassy. On my back is something tough and hard. This can't be a bed.

I look again. With my eyes more adjusted, I see greens and browns of a forest.

"Oh... how did I get here?"

"For the love of...! Up up up!"

Obito pulls me to my feet, making me stagger a bit. I rub the pain blossoming on my back from the awkward tree.

I bump into my pouch resting behind me on the way, hearing something metallic ring. Oh, it's not light either. It reminds me of my forehead protector that I didn't know where to place.

I was going to ask Obito where I should put it after Minato's test. If I asked fashion-savvy Sayaka... I'd probably get too annoyed by her antics.

Wait... if it's in my pouch still... does that mean...

I stare at Obito who measures my wakefulness. "Hey... are you... early?"

"Well, see, about that... Granny needed help and I was really sorry that I couldn't help out yesterday so—"

"...if I'm here... and you're late... have the others arrived?"

My heart twitches.

"They're the ones who left it up to me to wake you up," Obito says, as if it were obvious.

Where in the Rabbit Goddess are those two?

Slowly... very deliberately...

I lean past Obito.

Just enough to see...

A grumpy Kakashi who's already doubting my competency.

A blond Minato who smiles nervously and waves.

(Wow... his face is delicate... so pretty.)

My new teacher... is a total pretty boy.

I am... not prepared for this. Older Kakashi and his new students flash into my head—what are my likes and dislikes and hobbies and dreams?—and I am woefully unprepared. Overwhelmed.

So, somehow, I find myself behind a tree, slightly breathless.

Obito is at my side, saying, "Akemi-nee... you're hiding behind a tree."

"...uh-huh."

"Why...?"

"...dunno."

"We can't just hide here forever! Look at Kakashidiot watchin' us like we're morons! I wanna punch his lights out!"

"Do I have hobbies...?" I murmur. "Training... yes that counts. But... it's so boring, so..."

"Wh-What are you going on about? C'mon, he's really pissing me off!"

Obito pulls me back into the clearing.

No no no no no nonono no.

It's Minato. He's tall—which is a lot considering I'm taller than both boys—so from this angle his golden hair stands out against the vivid greens of tree leaves. The gentle color of his skin only highlights his sky blue eyes.

If he were a portrait, he would be magnificent. He would be the persona of brightness.

However...

His uniform is brand new. The color isn't the slightest bit faded, old blood or dirt scars don't linger, and the fabric hasn't created any permanent wrinkles to match his body type. He moves like a powerful giant who doesn't know his own strength. His furrowed brows, his wobbly smiles, his occasional fidgeting with the kunai in his rear pouch—something comfortable to him—it's all too obvious the competent Hokage, the father and husband of two amazing and trying people, is nothing but a kid who doesn't really know what he's up against.

(Somehow, he comes across as dorky, not a murder machine.)

"Uh, well," Minato begins, smiling again although a nervous bead a sweat falls down his cheek. "Good morning. Congratulations on becoming Genin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

Obito glares at Kakashi who stands (quite far away) on my other side. "Sensei, you're a bit too late for Kakashi."

Kakashi rolls his eyes.

"When you all graduated doesn't matter. What matters is how you will all continue as Genin from this point on. Now, I'd like to get to know all of you. Who would like to go first?"

Is sleeping a hobby? It's a nice pastime to do all the time...

(Oh, Minato is a ladykiller, what if he picks me first?)

Thinking that, my body turns and prepares to run for the trees.

A gloved hand catches my collar and presses painfully onto my neck as I stumble back. It's none other than Kakashi, saying, "Let's just get this over with. Stop running away."

"Hey, you let Akemi-nee go, bully! She's shy!"

My body orients itself to face Kakashi to prevent from falling. Without thinking, my eyes are drawn in to the pale skin above the dark mask.

His eyes are dark, far darker than Obito's. They are frosty. Cold. Where Obito's eyes would brighten upon seeing me, his eyes are empty. As if he sees through me entirely.

I have to look down to gaze at him. Yet, I feel so tiny.

His stance is so confident and vigilant. He's filtering everything from his environment and is prepared to attack.

I'm not even sure what I'd do if I suddenly saw a fly.

Just like that, a massive wall forms in between us... with little hope of tearing it down.

If I can't stick them together, what if this team will end up in an even worse state?

"Ah, then, let's let this energetic young ninja go first," Minato interjects from behind me.

The trance ends when Kakashi gives Obito an annoyed look. I stare at the grass and breathe.

"Haha! I'm Obito Uchiha, you know! I like helping Granny and getting nice treats! I dislike rainy days and people who think they're better than others." Insert glare at Kakashi here. "My hobby is training because it's my dream to become the Hokage some day! Be sure to carve out my googles and my Sharingan, you hear? Because those are the eyes that will stare across the village and make our enemies never wanna attack us."

His grin is brilliant. His eyes are shining. It's seems his bravado isn't anything less without Rin. No... I think Kakashi is now his new Rin.

I sigh. It can't be helped.

"Well," Minato says, smile almost having lost its nervous uncertainty, "I'm glad we share a dream in common."

"Don't humor him, Sensei," Kakashi says, turning Obito's glee into bitterness. "He wants to have a Hokage carving with bugged out eyes and goggles."

Maybe Obito pictures it, because he pales quickly.

(He never was good at making things...)

I turn back around to see Minato's eyes slide to me and I look somewhere else. "Akemi, right? Would you like to go next, to stop being so nervous?"

Kakashi warily holds onto my collar still.

"Um..."

I made a vow... I'll protect Obito. And by protecting him, I need to be stronger. So I can't be shy.

"I'm... Akemi Minakura. I like..."

well, I never really thought much about what I like and I'm blanking

"...hm, I don't care too much... I'm not picky. I dislike some things..."

but they aren't really important enough to say, huh

"because that's natural. And my hobbies..."

—training? Will they believe that—will it make me boring? Sleeping is a given. Studying is really boring, too

"I have some, probably? And... my dream..."

For a night, it was to complete a mission just by following Sayaka's and Yazuki's orders.

For some time, it was to enter the Ninja Academy so I wouldn't be a burden anymore.

For three years, it was to graduate to prove to my family I could do it.

And now... all I have is a vow.

That really isn't a dream at all. It's more like a nightmare.

"My dream is something," I conclude. "I'll... need some time for a new one..."

I'm expecting some polite words, but all I get is silence. I look to Kakashi first, feeling his hand trembling, just to see him glaring at the ground. Obito stares blankly at me. Minato... watches me with an unreadable expression.

"...wrong words?" I say.

"Wrong introduction." Obito gives me a thumbs down. "The only thing we know about you is your name!"

"What? Ah... oh... I guess you'd think that..."

I forgot I was having a mental debate with myself. Obito just sighs.

"Akemi."

I jerk at Minato's voice.

He's back to smiling, but it doesn't feel the same as before. "Are you satisfied with that introduction? You could say more, if you'd like."

"...it might end up even worse, honestly," I sigh.

"You two," Kakashi hisses under his breath, letting go of me. "You two are dumb and dumber. I can't believe you're my teammates."

There goes my credibility.

"Watch who you're talking to, Kakashidiot!"

"Why the Academy allowed someone like you to graduate is beyond me!"

"Say it closer, so I can punch ya right here!"

"Obitobi-kun."

Obito focuses on me. This is my first chance to try and see... if I can function as the glue of the team.

"What Kakashi said isn't true," I tell him. "Because... I'm dumb and you're definitely the dumber."

well, I just had to.

It's way too tense.

Obito knocks his fist on my head. "Don't say things like that! Is he corrupting you already?! Wait, why am I the dumber? You fell asleep on a tree and thought it was your bed!"

As Obito begs me for an answer, Kakashi speaks. "I am Kakashi Hatake and my ambition is to become the best shinobi by following the rules. I don't particularly like anything, and I dislike sweets. My hobby is training."

A chilly breeze blows between Kakashi and Obito and me.

"Kakashi," I mutter, "...is the only person... who can admit that and sound cool."

"True," Obito admits.

Kakashi, who'd been watching me since I called his name, suddenly tenses up.

"You three are all very interesting and diverse people," Minato says, diffusing the tension. "I will be glad to become your Sensei, as long as you pass a simple test."

"Test?" Obito and Kakashi echo.

It's the Bell Test, I think with fear.

To confirm my thoughts, Minato pulls two bells tied by a red string and shakes them, winking. "That's right. You all still have one more test to go, the test that decides if you remain Genin... or return to the Academy..."

It plays out beat by beat up until Minato says, "Let's begin!"

I turn to Obito to tell him about teamwork—

"Akemi-nee, run, you have to win so you can beat Kakashidiot!"

—but he's halfway across the clearing, shooting me a thumbs up.

And Kakashi is nowhere to be seen.

Wow.

(Wow.)

Why did I think that just because I know the future... just because I have some advanced maturity... would anyone benefit from it? If anything, everything is so much harder.

I can't be bothered to move.

My chakra won't even listen to me anyways.

I feel like quitting and going back into my dreamland, as if this was another failed civilian-nin mission.

Belatedly, I realize my eyes haven't left Minato's face in a while.

In fact, Minato and I hold eye contact for way too long, the awkwardness growing.

Eventually, he says, "Are you planning on fighting me?"

"Uh," I say intelligently.

I don't know where Obito is. I doubt Kakashi will take me seriously. And do I really want to fight the man who can curbstomp us? Double nope.

Rin should be here... not me...

I sigh.

"I surrender," I say.

Minato raises only one eyebrow. "Hm?"

"Just... let Kakashi and Obito pass this test," I clarify. "I don't want to do this. I can't... stand... this... I'm ending this right now."

A bit more confident in the words I can't take back, I continue. "Let me go back to the Academy. Because... there are so many people who deserve to be in my shoes... training under a legend and with a prodigy. That's a dream I'd rather let Obito have. And my first friend... Rin Nohara... she deserves this team more than I do. So, I quit, and I'm sorry, but—"

"What the heck're you doing?"

Obito bolts out of his hiding spot and runs straight up to me. "You're just giving up like this? What about Rin? She believes in us! She would want you happy, you know!"

I shake my head. "If I never showed up... she'd be top kunoichi... and you'd be on the same team. It's not fair—you two are a far better pair. I understand what my limits are, so... I'm not afraid to do this."

Obito's charcoal eyes shine under his goggles. "You idiot, Akemi-nee! I'm dead last! Rin and you... worked so, so hard and your hard work paid off! No amount of hard work I ever did showed! I'm... I'm the weak one here! If anything, Rin and you should be on this team. I quit!"

"Wh-What...?"

No. This... this isn't like Obito...

"You're going to be Hokage," I urge. "How can you quit...? I don't... have a real dream, Obitobi-kun. So please—"

"You two... are seriously fighting about this?"

We both snap our heads to Kakashi, always with his judging look.

"Rin seems important to you two," he continues, arms folded over his chest. "You and I... we're from different worlds. If this is to work, Rin should be here and not me."

"What..." I hear my voice.

"...the hell?" Obito finishes. I wouldn't say that, personally, but the feeling is there.

It's easy to tell Kakashi is surrendering because he probably doesn't want to be on a team with us, but... saying it out loud is different. As proud as he is, we would have never thought he could say such defeated words.

Of course with him, this means we're all trying to quit.

Why is this the first thing we agree upon?

The bells jingle, its silver ring vibrating through the clearing. Minato is placing the bells into his pocket, smile absent.

"None of you feel fit to be on this team," Minato states quietly. With his eyes downcast like that, I feel like I've gravely disappointed him.

"No, er... that... I guess you shouldn't... listen to those two," I say. "Because... they don't have anything to lose... See, if I fail this, because of the vow I made to my overprotective mother... I'll give up a life of being a ninja for good."

"What?" Obito grabs my arm, squeezing painfully hard. "What the heck are you saying?"

"I'm... kinda sick, so... my mom can't stand to see me a kunoichi. If I hand in my protector, there's no way... I'll ever become a ninja. Academy won't be an option. So, if anyone has to suffer... it's me. Don't quit."

Obito starts to tremble, his teeth scrape against one another. "I have something to lose, too! I'll lose Rin! If I don't get stronger... convince her I'm someone worth admiring like Kakashi... she'll be gone forever! I don't want to live in a world without her! She's my first friend, too! She's Kakashi's first friend when he started the Academy with us!"

Kakashi is visibly startled... and tries to hide it just as quickly. "...you two and first friends. If it really matters, I should quit as a price to my first friend. Maybe you two would stop whining..."

The insult is way too halfhearted.

Obito even dismisses it.

In the end, I can't even convince them not to quit.

(I'm such a horrible glue.)

"I understand you three much better than your introductions," Minato interrupts, solemn. "All I can say is that I believe you all just passed this test."

(I'm such an okay glue?)

We are all mutually thrown for a loop.

"Er... but we didn't fight you?" Obito looks at Kakashi and me as if to confirm his sentence.

"We made no attempt to get the bells," Kakashi adds.

"...didn't I... immediately give up?" I continue.

"The point wasn't the bells," the Jounin smiles, exposing two dimples. "The point was the bond between you three. If you're to become a team, you need to act like it. The bells are here to distract you. Those who can see past it truly deserve to be Genin. Although you made no attempt to get the bells nor fight me, you three still worked together. Even if the reason was quitting, that takes strength most Genin do not have.

"So I think that's reason enough to pass you three." And his grin gets brighter. "I'm glad to be your official sensei, now! Team Minato, we'll meet at the red bridge tomorrow for our first mission!"

Needless to say, that day, we're the only team that walks away without any scratches, bruises, or chakra exhaustion.

When I make it home, my family is surprised to see me in such mint condition.


small steps extra

minato's musings 1


The fastest man alive, a moniker I proudly claim as my own, is challenged by his student on the first day.

From my perch in the tree, I see my student sleeping peacefully near the tree roots. Had she camped all night? Nothing about her files reported her being excessively punctual. Could she be motivated to change her ways?

"Am I over thinking this?" I rub my nose.

Children aren't too complicated. Maybe her mother forced her.

Fifteen minutes before the designated meet up time, Kakashi arrives. He takes one look at the sleeping girl with a weary expression before sitting cross-legged. As the meet up time grows closer, he takes the time to prod her with a foot, then more harshly shaking her, before making threats.

Clearly, she is far beyond a light sleep.

Before Kakashi can burst a vein, I Body Flicker into the clearing and add a cheerful, "Good morning!"

"Ah, Minato-sensei! Good morning." Kakashi delivers a stiff bow, looking a bit too innocent. "Forgive her, Sensei, she refuses to wake up."

"Ah... I see," I say, crouching next to her. I sincerely believe she is not faking her sleep. Her chakra, far smaller than average last place Ninja Academy students, moves indolently. Some of my friends say her chakra is so slothful, it feels the same whether awake or sleeping. Impressive, frankly. I had to work hard to fake sleep using chakra.

At any rate, she does not wake up with my help. I pause and search for the last student's chakra, finding him twenty minutes away. If I give her time, perhaps she'll wake up. In the meantime, I chat with Kakashi to remove his hostile scowl.

By the time the third member arrives with an apology and almost unbelievable excuse, I say, "You're here now, and that's all that matters! That said, we just need to wake her up..."

He follows my gaze and immediately frowns up. "Excuse me, Sensei, she does this sometimes."

A repeat occurrence? There are no mentions of delinquencies in her report, though...

The Uchiha saunters to her and does all of the same things Kakashi and I did. If we failed, there is no way he will be anymore successful. How am I supposed to wake up a heavy sleeper?

"Hey, let's try doing—"

His shout cuts me off. I start to inhale and repeat myself with a touch more authority instead of my surmounting confusion. Then she begins mumbling: "How did you... find my house...?"

"What? What kind of bed do you have for you to think this is your house?"

I see her moving, mostly her head. Is she actually awake? Did she... wake up even though the same exact things we did... did nothing?

What is this? My first team is a little offbeat...

He pulls the sleepy girl to her feet where they chat for a bit. Their conversation lulls and she tilts her body to see around the boy. Her big black eyes, dull and somewhat unfocused, land on Kakashi first then me.

She really is awake!

I wave to measure her wakefulness. She does not wave back, so she must still be half asleep. Her eyes glaze over as soon as I stop waving and lower my arm, becoming unresponsive to her classmate's words.

Please tell me she hasn't fallen asleep again?

I did in fact hear she can sleep standing up from an old friend who works at the Ninja Academy. Somehow, I expected it to be a bit easier keeping her awake, but—

The girl sprints away to cower behind a tree, her confused classmate easily following behind. Kakashi growls under his breath, becoming impatient with their idiosyncrasies. Meanwhile, I do not understand why she's acting like this at all! It's absurd not being able to get a decent read!

Did she not intend to sleep this long? If that's so, she probably didn't sleep well the night prior. That must make her frustrated. Perhaps she's worried about a good first impression?

Intuitively, I feel that makes the most sense. I could be wrong. I have never been to read stoic people as easily as emotional people.

She does return, mostly pulled along with her classmate, not looking upset or nervous. Not even her chakra gives anything away. This really is weird! But very interesting!

"Uh, well." I decide to use the introduction I already prepared to say. "Good morning. Congratulations on becoming Genin of the Hidden Leaf Village."

The three of them are so unique and interesting in their own ways. I'm glad my first team is so spectacular... although I wonder if I can handle them?

Just as Jiraiya-sensei did before, I pull out his old bells and let their silver ring reverberate. I enjoy this so much! A true test in deception, perseverance, and teamwork! I can already see the competitive shine in the boys' eyes. No doubt Obito would be quick to rush in, perhaps using Body Techniques to make up for the lack of his chakra control. Kakashi would come in at a convenient yet clever time, using his prodigal talent to his advantage. And Akemi comes across as passive and reliant on Obito. Perhaps these three will see past the deception and show me true teamwork!

Because there's no way I can just let such talent go into the Genin Corps. I'm counting on you three!

As soon as it begins, Obito dashes for a nearby cover, chakra bubbling with excitement of a nature transformation; Kakashi Body Flickers away to an excellent vantage point where it seems he'll be operating with stealth.

Akemi is staring at me.

Nothing indicates any urge or passion to attack me.

Could this be a trick? Was she and Obito plotting behind the tree? That would explain the weirdness! I should have eavesdropped (then again it would not have be much fun knowing).

Is she hiding her intent like her constantly sluggish chakra?

Her absentmineded expression telegraphs no thoughts.

Her stillness starts to make me worried she's fallen asleep with her eyes open.

"Are you planning on fighting me?" I say cautiously.

Her brows furrow a minute amount for less than second. "Uh," she says after, looking at the sky.

Ah. There's nothing I could read because she genuinely was prepared for nothing.

Shouldn't I have realized that sooner?

Her sigh startles me. It is a sigh so weary, so suffering that I can picture Shikaku sighing, not a little girl. "I surrender."

What? Where did...?

If she's giving up just because she's too lazy or sleepy to fight, I won't dare hesitate to send her to the Genin Corps.

"Hm?"

If I say anything else, she'll definitely realize I am very displeased.

I find I don't need to. She explains her reasoning earnestly, revealing a self-sacrifical side I had no idea about. Obito jumps in to scold her before, too, insisting on surrendering. He talks of a Nohara girl he feels strongly towards. Typically, the Uchiha experience passionate emotions even behind their general stoicism. For him to declare surrender is no easy sacrifice.

Yet Akemi tries to one up Obito, revealing how her ninja career will be over, that the Nohara is somehow a better fit for a team hand-selected by Lord Hokage and Jounin-sensei. Not even realizing that I, personally, chose the dead last and top kunoichi... and reasoned with Chouza as to why he should receive Rin Nohara.

Most damning of all is Kakashi's leap on the surrender train. I know he doesn't have good feelings for his teammates, but I also understand he will not let anyone get in the way of his ambition. With his surrender, I truly believe Kakashi just may feel he doesn't need a team anymore. He has gone through so many, disliking them all. Perhaps he thinks he's cursed.

One thing is for certain.

These three are putting the good of their own hopes and desires and are thinking of others.

That is such a difficult concept for children as young as these three to understand. Just like a toddler finding it difficult to share toys, no average ninja will allow another stranger to interfere with their own dreams and hopes that carried them through a rigorous learning environment.

That's it. They've done it. They realize...

"I understand you three much better than your introductions," I interrupt as the silence begins to stretch. Three pairs of eyes lock onto me. Where is he going with this? they seem to say.

Yet, though they are afraid, they do not go back on their word.

"All I can say is that I believe you all just passed this test."


small steps chapter 7 | team


AN: I wrote an extra scene. I felt like the original scene wouldn't be as impactful through Akemi's eyes. Also, let me know if Minato's narrative is too identical to Akemi's because I can't stand how confusing it is to have identical narrators even though the characters are polar opposites. If it's that bad, I'll change it to third person limited no sweat. I'm deadly serious, yo. That has ruined so many books for me.

Anyway, that concludes the Bell Test. The next major plot points are identical to Naruto - first C-Rank and Chuunin Exams. Before the Exams, there will be four different missions to establish Team Minato with plots no longer than three chapters and are as little as one. I feel it's necessary to not only develop this different team, but to give ample build up in skill before the Exams and inevitably Kannabi.

Beyond the Chuunin Exams is a small time skip, another mission or two, and the Third War. When Exams begins, Kakashi is 11, so there will be two years until Kannabi Mission at 13 (judging on Studio P's character sheets that say Obito's 13 at death.) Whatever happens then, I will update on future plans.