Naruto was staring him down, glaring eyes drawn. The sounds of the rustling wind on the trees meant danger was eminent. The sight of his smile didn't fool him for Naruto knew that this was no ordinary exercise. This would be the differentiator between sink and swim—team or no team. Of course, he could always try next year, and Kakashi had successfully gone through life as a solo-act. Now standing before the very man that was his sensei, subsequently drawn up to be his enemy in this one paddle out to sea, this one hurtle, the silence was deafening...

"You're a bit strange aren't you." said Kakashi

Naruto was on top of him the next moment after he sped towards him at mach 7. He'd play along with his game for a little while and then he would join up with the rest of the team later.

"Not likely you'd get me with that speed, Naruto." said Kakashi as he grabbed his wrist. The split second to activate senjutsu was just enough for him to release a spike of chakra and throw him sideways.

Sasuke looked in terror. That was his full speed? And not to mention he just threw their sensei like a toothpick.

Their sensei did a flip and slid. Naruto was being teased, and because of this, he went him with a kick to his face. I looked like blood had been drawn, but it had merely been an illusion.

Sasuke looked in discontent and gave a tick. He had broken the genjutsu when he realized that Naruto was falling right for it. He was under a genjutsu and just standing there as he kicked and punched the air. It was almost embarrassing that he lost to someone so worthless.

"Hi there." said a voice. Sasuke jump and came out of the trees immediately.

XXX

Apparently the mirage of Kakashi had faded from Naruto's vision, and they both were now standing in the field out in the open staring at Kakashi.

"Shall we work together, Sasuke?" said Naruto.

"Ouh. I did didn't even see him to be honest. I'll tell you about the genjutsu, you watch my back with your eyes." said Sasuke.

Kakashi disappeared. "Genjutsu! Break it, now!"

Naruto released the genjutsu quickly and Sasuke went for a kick to Kakashi's head as he was now behind them. It was a rapid, quick exchange of blows. Even Sakura helped out by jumping tree to tree throwing kunai along the way, blocking kakashi's movements to point of even stepping in the path of a shuriken. Eventually Sasuke was sat on top of and Naruto was in a full nelson as they were sitting upon the ground.

"Alright, you guys pass. Sakura, try to do a little more next time."

The team heard Sakura giggle awkwardly, slightly discontented with her work. Sasuke just smiled on, just as Naruto was smiling.

XXX

At Ramen Ichiraku...

"So is this the restaurant? Are you really treating us?" said Sakura.

"Yeah, I thought I might. It's been a long day." said Naruto pulling back the curtains for her. With them both stepping inside, they both sat down.

Kakashi smiled. "Well, you guys earned it. And, free food from the Hokage Kid."

"It's too bad Sasuke had to bail. I'm starved." said Naruto. He patted his stomach and Naruto was beaming at him.

"Heeeyy! It looks to me like you got yourself a girl this time." said Teuchi. Sakura was blushing as Ayame came bursting out the back room to make sure this was real.

Sakura looked around and noticed Kakashi wasn't around. Oh no... did they think this was a date?

"Oh, no! This is just a friendly late lunch. I'm his teammate." said Sakura.

Sakura expected him to laugh, but he just smiled and nodded. She then looked to Naruto, but his face was emotionless. Either Naruto was taken aback, or he was just playing cool. But he coyly looked to her and gave a reassuring nod and a smile.

"Alright, maybe I have been looking at a certain person differently... I just didn't know how to react after today. You two really worked well together, Naruto. It's like you were cut from the same bark." said Sakura, smiling at him, tilting her head and blinking.

"I dunno Sakura!" said Naruto. Clueless as always.

"No, I really mean it!" said Sakura, doing the 'tone it down' motion.

Naruto scratched the back of his neck sheepishly and laughed warmheartedly.

This friendship would blossom like the very bud that Naruto was chasing after...

It was a great time, and a great life... but rarely do friendships make themselves like this.

What would happen now?

Sakura then looked down after an hour of talking, "Naruto, I just met you're already a good friend. I've never got the same feelings out of Sasuke... I just want him to be happy."

"It's okay... I think if he value's somebody, he'll be a lot happier. I'll make sure he doesn't stray too far towards that horrible goal of revenge." said Naruto.

Sakura looked surprised, but she knew exactly why he wanted revenge.

"I know we just met, but I'm sort of into other things at the moment. I'm not strong enough to protect you yet. Put your reliance into yourself before you can rely on other people. That way, you'll get strong." said Naruto one last time. He stroked her cheek, and she frowned intensely.

"Thank you Naruto. Its great knowing someone like you even has sort of a weak point. You just kinda... are a little soft, aren't you." said Sakura, shedding one tear and shrugging.

"The only part of our bodies that is hard is unfortunately our bones, and even then, when one is broken, you feel the pain all over." said Naruto

Sakura just stared. She would love to see this boy Hokage one day. Actually, in fact...

"Do you want to be Hokage, Naruto-kun?" she said.

Naruto winced, but not at the title, "We're not children or strangers. I guess it's fair since I called you Sakura-chan." said Naruto. "But for your question, I didn't know what it meant to be Hokage until the day my dad sat my butt down at bedtime when I was 8. He told me one thing. Be strong. And the rest just followed."

Teuchi and Ayame had long since gone to the back room, and they were left alone to share this moment.

"But you didn't answer me. How can you be strong, Naruto? You'd be perfect for Hokage." said Sakura.

"To tell you the truth, all I want is to surpass the Hokage. I didn't need the title. That's what I meant by the rest trailed behind me. I make my own path, not the path I walk, but the path that everyone follows me on. I walk a different road—the road of Ninja." said Naruto.

"Ah... oh well... seems kind of a waste of talent for me." said Sakura, nudging him.

"Well, maybe! Hehe!"

"Hehe!"

XXX

End of Chapter!