Chapter 8: Genin Team

The few weeks left in Akane's second year at the academy after her run in with little Naruto, changed into her last weeks at the academy as Akane along with Honba and Toroi Akaseki were given the privilege to take the academy graduation exam early. Akane knew this as she had looked into it knowing if all three passed, as they where only 8 years old while the rest where 12, they would most likely be palace on the same team. While Akane knew Toroi was third in class she was surprised that he would opted to take the exam early as he was lazy and enjoyed hanging out with the bottoms of the class.

The written test was a breeze, and the practical test was fairly easy as well, so in the end Akane passed and was a Genin now. Akane came out of it with the top Genjustu score out of this years graduating class… including Honba and Toroi. Akane scored fourth in Ninjutsu and fifth in Taijutsu.

While Honba had pass with the top scores for both Ninjutsu and Taijutsu, but her marks for Genjutsu were low and was surpassed by many that her rank was not worth noting. Meanwhile, Toroi had passed with fourth in Taijutsu, fifth in Ninjutsu, and tenth in Genjustu. So overall the three had made great marks toping many of their sempais.

Now, she just had to wait for her Sensei and team to be announced, though Akane was sure Honba and Toroi would be her teammates. There was the possibility that the Hokage thought it best too put each of the eight year olds with two of the 12 year olds, so none of the senseis had to worry about losing three 8 year olds.

Now, Akane and the Kirema triplets sat in the back of a classroom with many other children, all but two of them were older than her. As she looked around the room, she immediately recognized and pinpointed her classmates. Honba Hatake who was looking socked to see their classmate, Toroi Akaseki (a blonde that had red clan markings on his face, and wore a deep red shirt with light shorts). Tori for his part was just siting there sleepy.

Suddenly, a teacher stood in front of the class, and clearing his throat he call out, "Good job to all of you on passing the exams! Today you will be given your Konoha forehead protector as a symbol of becoming a ninja and a jonin will be elected as your Sensei. Good luck and remember, the path of a shinobi is a hard one, so do your best!"

The class applauded and the headbands were passed out. Akane placed her new Hitai-ate around her forehead. Akane watched as Honba carefully laid the dark blue fabric across her hands, staring at it, before she slowly removed the headband she was wearing and replaced it with the shinobi head band. Honba then wrapped her old headband around her wrist, using it as a wristband instead. Akane could guess at the happiness Honba was feeling. Then Akane watched as Toroi simply placed his around his forehead. Akane looked down at the Kirema and couldn't stop the smell from forming on her face. She was happy for the other two and herself.

Soon enough, the first Jonin walked in… the Jonin was a male, that had thick facial features and wore the standard Jonin uniform. Would he be Akane's Sensei? And would he have to deal with three 8 year olds?

No. He called for three of the older students.

Next came a tall younger man with bright blue eyes, but he to call for three of the 12 year olds, as well.

Then came a stern looking woman that wore a green dress, her hitai-ate was around her neck (like a collar), and had dark brown hair that covered half of her face, showing one green eye. She was also the first one to not be in the standard uniform.

"My name is Kalin Habu. I will now announce my team." The woman called out in her soft, but commanding voice, "Akane Nohara."

Akane felt excitement fill her, along with a slightly bit of nervous, before she stood up quickly and gave the silent command for the Kirima triplets to follow her down to Kalin-sensei.

"Toroi Akaseki." Sensei called out as Akane joined her up front.

Akane saw that Toroi's expression didn't change as he reluctantly stood up to join her and their sensei. Now Akane was pretty sure they were putting the three youngest together in a squad, but yet even as Honba prepared to stand up and join them, Akane knew it was possible the last name called could still be a 12 year old. That would most likely not be fun as the 12 year old may treat her and Toroi...

Akane watched as Kalin-sensei glanced at the eager Honba, a smirk playing on her lips, before calling out, "Alvin Grosskop."

Honba quickly sat back down, blushing slightly at the looks she was getting. Akane felt bad for her, but looked around noticing that the 12 year olds were looked around curiously, unsure if there even was an Alvin among them. One would think that would mean there wasn't one, so was sensei pulling their leg? Were they not putting the 8 year olds together or not? If not why put Toroi and her together?

"You shouldn't act until you know for certain, kid." Sensei stated teasingly, directing it at Honba. Some other students were now laughing and Sensei had join them letting out a laugh, before saying, "Just kidding. Honba Hatake."

Akane held her expression and had to stop herself from joining Honba in narrowing her eyes. What the heck was that for? Sure one shouldn't get ahead of themselves, but had that been necessary?! Was it just to make a fool out of Honba? But if that's the case what did Sensei have against Honba? If it was that little sister of the friend killer crap they were going to have problems! Despite Honba's reddened cheeks, she stood up once again and came down to our newly formed team.

Their Sensei said nothing, just gestured for them to follow her. Akane continuously looked over to Honba, sharing confused glances. Toroi stood behind everyone else, even the Kirema, (though they should be near Akane, so maybe he just was letting them do that easier) his hands behind his head and his eyes closed as he walked.

Kalin-sensei turned her head to look at the children following her. She was wearing a smirk again, as she silently gestured for the Honba, Akane and the Kirima, who were paying attention, to turn a corner. Toroi on the other hand kept walking straight, eventually falling into a pool of water.

Once again, Kalin broke into laughter as Toroi spluttered and coughed, pulling himself out of the water. "Hey! Ya could have told me we were turning!"

Kalin shrugged. "You should have been paying attention."

Toroi huffed and rolled his eyes. This seem wrong, sure one should pay attention to their surroundings, but this added with what Sensei had done back in the classroom...

As the team continued to silently walk in what seem aimlessly, they came across a group of stray cats. Akane had a feeling that it was now her turn to be played with, so she kept the Kirima calm as they passed the felines. While busy keeping the three ninkin under control, Kalin-sensei had grinningly and skillfully planted a layer of clear, unscented liquid in front of Akane and the Kirima, causing them all to slip and fall, making quite a scene.

Akane and the Kirema recovered quickly, moving away from the slick patch. But that had made Akane mad. So now it was the adage of—

"Always be prepared for the unexpected." Kalin stated, laughing, will cutting off Akane's thoughts.

The Kirima triplets growled, which Akane quickly put a stop to although she wanted to attack their Sensei as well. What the hell was wrong with this woman? This... Grr, was meant to be their new team leader. How the hell were they meant to trust this woman if she kept doing things like this?! What was the woman trying to do? What was her aim? What the hell was the point? This so called Sensei wasn't seeming fit for the job! How the hell did her past teammates trust this... with their backs?!

Eventually, the Team got to a grassy training area and Kalin-sensei gestured for them to stay still, in a line, while she walked several feet in front of them. Before she addressed them, "Well, now I'll explain what your test is."

"Test?" Toroi questioned as he shivered from still being drenched. "We already took our tests."

Honba crossed her arms, clearly thinking Toroi had a point… which he did. "We were already given our head bands because we passed the graduation exams. What kind of test are you talking about?"

They had taken their test and given their hitai-ate. The academy said nothing about any other test until you tried out for Chunin, Jonin, and if you so wished— ANBU ranks. Even the gossip circles that Akane had over hard about ranks never said anything about this.

Kalin smirked once again. "Come here and I'll tell you."

Everyone started to walk toward their sensei, but the ground below them gave out and they ended up in a pit filled with flour.

Akane hard Honba coughed a few times, before quickly getting herself out. Akane and the Kirima were right on her heels, but Akane was now positive that her frustration was clearly showing, but what she was sure didn't show was her growing distrust and dislike for her so called sensei!

Toroi took a moment to get out, and when he did he looked and smelled pissed. All the while, Kalin-sensei was breaking out laughing once again and clutching her stomach this time. Making Akane feel like she was close to hating the so called Sensei. While Honba looked down at herself, seeing that she like the rest of us was covered in flour.

It was not going to be easy if possible— not likely— to get completely off. The clothes the three of them were wearing would have to be thrown out. But Akane was more worried about how she was going to get the Kirema triplets clean! This thing was, so not fit to be a sensei!

Makkusu, Akane's little rottwiller was her boldest and most protective ninken, let out a growl, "What the hell was that for!? Flour!? I'm pretty sure you even put honey with it! This is going to be impossible to get off!"

While Kirino and Redi, both tried to shake themselves clean, but the effort didn't help. Her poor pups would need a lot of TLC once they could leave this monster that was called sensei!

Akane despite her anger reach down and patted Makkusu's head, and whispered, "Calm down, boy." Before she started to try to brush off the flour and honey from the triplets the best she could for now. Hopefully someone in the clan would have a idea on who to get the flour and honey out of the Kirima's fur.

"I agree with the talking dog! What is your obsession with tricking us!?" Toroi exclaims angrily.

Akane didn't care for Toroi calling her ninkin simple dogs and felt like giving him a lecture, she had to agree with him!

Honba nodded, "Just tell us what your stupid test is."

Yes, the stupid test from the worthless sensei, Akane thought snidely, as she tried to reacure the Kirima that they would get the rest out later.

Kalin-sensei calmed down and her stupid ass smirk shrinking into a frown, "Fine. Your all young but you've got to be kind of smart. After all, you all passed the academy graduation exams..." She paused, crossing her arms. "But you didn't pass my test yet. You each have to put a sticker on me by the time it gets dark, or else your all going back to the academy."

Akane narrowed her eyes and bite back a snarl. She was not going back to the academy! When she had pass the exam and definitely not because of this worthless bitch of excuse of sensei!

"But I should warn you, this whole area is littered with various booby traps. A few of them could probably kill you."

Toroi flinched slightly, while Honba and Akane glance at each other warily. Akane looked to the Kirmia and slightly start communicating again.

Baka-sensei was grining, "You can use any skill that you know, including real ninja tools. And again, if even one of you don't put a sticker on me, your all going back to the academy." She hands us the stickers. "Oh, and you can't just randomly stick it on me, you have to hit the target, which is any of my vital points. Begin!" Baka finishes before disappears in a flash.

Honba swear. "Damnit! She didn't say we'd have to find her first!"

Toroi grins lazily. "How hard could it be? It's three of us VS one of her. We've got the advantage."

Akane waves a stern finger, causing the still upset Kirima to growl at him. "You idiot! She's a Jonin! All three of us are eight years old, fresh out of the academy, we most definitely don't have the advantage."

Also before she could point out that it technically was six, do to the Kirima, Honba frowningly said. "Akane's right. Plus, we don't know where any of the traps are planted, and she does. We also don't know any of our enemies Justu. But we have to assume she knows about our abilities."

Which Akane knew she did as Jonin interctures were given the files of there Genin, but before she could point this out, Toroi scratched the back of his head, and glaring at Akane said, "But we've got you, Honba. You had the highest scores out of all of the graduates. Plus you train with friend killer Ka-"

Before he can finish his sentence, Both Akane and Honba smacked him, leaving two welts. The Kirima growl once again.

Honba got into the boy's face, her expression terrifying for an eight year old girl. "Don't you dare call my brother a friend killer." She growls.

Toroi gulped, nodding. "Geez. Sorry. But as I was saying, you train with your brother, who's a really talented ninja. Plus, your always around the Uchiha. And you've beaten everyone in class." He explains. "And Akane, your right up there with her in talent. We should have no problem."

Honba sighs. "Toroi. No one in the academy can last against a serious Jonin. Kalin-Sensei isn't going to use even half of her actual power against us. This is going to be hard."

Toroi frowned. "So what? Are you saying we don't have a chance?"

Honba smiles. "No. That's not what I'm saying at all. I am not going back to the academy, so we have to work as a team against Kalin-Sensei. That's the only way we can put these stickers on her."

Akane nodded, "mhm. We've got to work together. If we went at her by ourselves, it wouldn't end well."

Makkusu barked adding. "Right! So we need a plan!"

They all look at each other, seeing if anyone had an idea. Akane was trying to remember if sensei was in bingo books or had any clare things that Akane had heard, to use the knowledge against her.

Honba spoke up with an idea. "Well..."

Once their plan was formed, it was time to put it into action. First, Honba used shadow clones to activate as many traps as she could. Second, the Kirima tracked Baka-sensei. Third, Toroi approached their Sensei, randomly attacking her.

Baka-sensei dodged easily and scoffed at Toroi's poor attacking skills. He was acting stupidly, using slow movements and clumsy kicks on purpose. In all reality, he was actually very skilled in taijutsu after all he did come in fourth.

Akane and Honba snuck around to either side of their Baka-sensei and Toroi, trying their best to stay undetected, and on Makkusu's signal, Akane and Honba attacked.

Honba threw a Kunai knife at Baka-sensei, forcing her to dodge. At that moment, the three young genin charged at her with all of their power.

Honba and Akane had Kunais in hand while Toroi had a senbon needle. Baka-sensei looked up, her eyes widening as they all struck her, attaching their stickers to her vital points. The heart (Honba), the head (Toroi) and the throat (Akane). They backed up, breathing heavily and smiling.

"We did it!" Akane exclaims, feeling slightly surprised as she was sure it wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

Toroi laughed loudly, "See, we overpowered her! Three against one!"

Honba opened her mouth, but stopped and freezed as the Baka-sensei in front of them vanished into a cloud of smoke, leaving the three stickers on the ground. "Shadow clone!" Honba yelled and we were forced to dodge a Kunai coming from above.

Baka-sensei showed herself, smirking from where she was standing on a low branch. The Kirima who were tasked to alert us of anything unusual, were tied up. That thing had better not hurt them!

"Looking for me?" Baka-sensei questioned, as Akane, Honba and Toroi got in a defensive stance. This test wasn't over yet!

A few hours later...fine them still at it, though Akane had gotten her ninken back. The Kirima where not hurt and had just been out matched by the thing and tried up!

"How the hell are there still so many traps...?" Toroi questioned from his bent over position while breathing hard as just before he had fallen into a pit of boars.

Honba narrowed her eyes. "It's got to be her specialty... But it's pissing me off."

Akane nodded in full agreement, while keeping a eye on her pups, "How are we supposed to attack her if we can't even get past her traps?"

"I can't even use shadow clones anymore. My chakra is so low right now..." Honba said before trailing off and wincing as she bumped her injured arm against a tree. Honba had gotten caught in one of the deadlier traps earlier and barely escaped it.

"We are so screwed." Toroi muttered. "But it doesn't matter if we go back to the academy, right? I mean, we are only eight. The normal graduation age is twelve."

Toroi was right of course, but we head the talent and passed the academy! We are Genin! No Baka-sensei was going to send her back. Also what's to spot them from reassigning them or one of them back to the thing!

Honba shaked her head. "I'm a Hatake. There's no way in hell I'd wait that long."

Toroi scoffs. "Hatake. It's just a last name."

Honba shrugged and glared at the blonde, who's hair was white because of the earlier flour. "Your right but I'm still going to honor my last name. My brother told me he believed I could become a genin with ease, I'm not letting him down."

Toroi stood up straight. "You wouldn't be letting him down! Your eight! It doesn't matter!"

Honba stood straighter as well, getting into Toroi's face. "It may not matter to you but it matters to me. I need to start genin training as soon as possible. There's something that I'm striving for, and in order to reach it, I need to catch up with a certain someone."

"Who?"

"I don't have to tell you anything." Honba huffed.

"Your so full of yourself! It's annoying!" Toroi growled back.

"I'm annoying?" Honba snaped, "Why don't you take a look in the mirror, idiot!"

"I would say the same to you, but I'm sure the mirror would break!"

"Why you!" Honba grabbed the collar of Toroi's shirt, clutching it angrily.

Akane finally stepped in to stop their childish bickering, her arms crossed and the Kirima growling. She had various scratches littered across her body because she had been accidentally pushed into a thorn bush trap by Toroi. "Both of you, knock it off. We need to work as a team, remember? We just have to make a better plan, then we can attach the stickers..."

As Honba let Toroi go, Akane couldn't help, but think she maybe better off taking the change of being reassigned to the thing with a different team or with these two a little more grown up or even luck out and get… NO! Akane was a Genin and not going back!

Honba was trying to calm herself down, and not look at the idiot beside her. "Your right.. Sorry Akane."

Toroi smirks, a good insult coming to mind. "Earlier, you said you were proud of your Hatake name. I don't see why though, your father killed himself because he couldn't complete a mission and your brother murdered his own teammates. I'm sure you'll turn out badly too."

Honba's face morphed into complete rage in a split second and anger took over leading her to immediately raises her good arm to punch Toroi right in the face... repeatedly.

"Don't you ever say anything like that about my family again! How DARE you! You don't know anything! I'll kill you! ILL KILL YOU!"

It took Akane a few moments to go stop Honba because of her own anger. This boy had disrespect Kakashi-san and Honba! They were pack and while Toroi was teachnclley pack too this wouldn't stand. A big part of her wanted to let Honba keep beating the baka-ness out of him, as he deserved it, but she reluctantly pulled Honba off of Toroi, having to use all of her strength to do so. "Honba!" Akane yelled, "Honba, calm down! Makkusu, help me out here!"

Makkusu quickly lead Kirino and Redi to help Akane, completely immobilizing the furious Hatake. Honba spat in the bleeding and bruise Toroi's direction. Toroi's face was a mixture of shock and pain. He hadn't really expected Honba to attack him like that and thought she had a big sense of camaraderie.

While holding Honba back Akane's control over her own anger broke a bit. "Shut up, Toroi! You really don't know anything about Kakashi-san and Rin-itoko-ane (cousin, older sister)! Stop bringing up my cousin's death!"

Akane stopped yelling seething after that, her pups growling, but still holding Honba back who then continued to yell. "My brother didn't murder any of his friends! And my father was a hero! He chose to save his comrades over killing them off in order to complete the mission!"

Toroi said nothing in reply, as he held his sore face in his hands clearly still in a daze. He was starting to regret angering the girl before him... As she was scary. Though his other team mate wasn't any less scary. Great, he's on a team with two anger-prone women Toroi thought choiceing not to think about the so called sensei.

Akane still struggling to keep Honba contained, as the Hatake was in a complete fit of rage, called out to their male teammate. "Toroi you dummy! Couldn't you tell that this is a sensitive topic! Think before you speak why don't ya!"

"I-I'm... I...I'm s-sorry..." He whispers, his voice coming out funny because of the swelling that was already showing on his face.

Akane closed her eyes for a second to clam herself, before bringing her attention to Honba, who's movements were starting to stop. "Honba... He didn't mean to, y'know. He didn't know what he was talking about. Calm down, I think you gave him a good enough beating."

Honba took a few deep breaths, before speaking to Akane, "I'm okay now. You can let me go." Sitting up straight as Akane loosened her grip and the Kirima started to back off, which let Honba hold her injured arm. Slowly letting Honba go Akane watched Honba stand up and walks over to Toroi, looking down at him. Akane warily and ready to jump in again watched with the Kirmia at her feet.

"I really hate you right now." Honba stated. "But that's not going to stop me from working with you. We're all going to pass this test, so get up and let's make a plan."

Akane sighed in relief as she didn't have to break up another fight and wanted to focus on the task on hand. The Kirmia also relax slightly.

Honba turned to Akane as Toroi weakly got up on his feet, not wanting to argue with the frightening girl anymore. "We don't have much time left until it gets dark. Let's find Kalin-Sensei and try our best to put these stickers on her."

Toroi, Akane and the Kirima nodded in agreement.

"Eh I got bored waiting for you guys. I'm right here."

The Genin and Kirmia look up to see their Baka-sensei sitting on a tree branch and all got into defensive stances, holding the stickers tightly. All three Genin weren't very fond of the jonin woman.

Baka laughs. "You guys look pretty beat up. Especially you, Toroi, even I didn't think Honba would get that angry."

Akane bite back a snarl. Had the Baka seen all that? I sure need to train more on smell!

"I've actually been observing you all the whole time, all three of you are easy to figure out. Honba, your easily angered when on the topic of friend killer Kakashi." Baka ***** said nonchalantly while looking at her painted nails, to which Honba glared at the dark brown haired woman, but otherwise containing herself.

"Toroi, your lazy, don't care and you don't think before you speak." Baka continued, making Toroi flinch while holding his bruised face.

"And Akane, you rely a lot on those weak ninken of yours a lot."

Akane and the Kirmia narrow their eyes and start to growl. That b***** didn't just say that!

"I think I should just fail you all now. You don't even have a chance against me." The ****** Jonin jumps down from the tree, standing before the team, who all take a step back.

Before Akane and the Kirmia could do anything Toroi suddenly took out a necklace from his pocket, holding it up. "Secret justu: Jewel trap technique!" He yells, throwing the necklace at Baka, who simply catought it, but Toroi just smirked before clapping his hands together making the red jewel on the necklace stretch and grow, wrapping itself around Baka. "Quickly! The stickers!" He yelled and ran towards their Baka-sensei and slapped his sticker on her forehead.

Honba and Akane race forwards with their stickers and quickly placing them on Baka's chest, to which Baka looked surprised at first, but then started to smile. "Well, it looks like you pass, huh?"

Toroi removed the necklace and puts it back in his pocket and flashed a smile at his shocked teammates.

"What did you just do? I've never seen that before. Why didn't you use it before!?" Akane stated, cautiously approaching Toroi. Though at the same time if it was clan Justu then maybe it was meant to be a last resort.

Toroi shrugs. "It's a secret Jutsu that runs in my family, a kekkei genkai. I forgot about until now."

"Wow, awesome." Akane complimented before crossing her arms. "But your an idiot." How one could forget something like that?

"Yeah." Honba said reluctantly. "Nice job immobilizing her."

Toroi glanced at Honba. "Thanks but sorry about earlier, I guess I shouldn't have said that." He apologizes while rubbing the back of his head.

Honba walked towards us looking like she was going to hit Toroi, but instead pulled both of us into a group hug minuse the Kirmia and the Baka-sensei. "We're officially genin!" Honba yelled, "I'm way too happy to be upset!"

Baka-sensei crosses her arms and smiles at her new team. They may be young but they're more mature then she thought they were. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad, as long as they all got along.

Baka-sensei went to join the group hug, trying to pick up all of the Genin while exclaiming, "Don't leave me out!" But she missed one, because Akane jumped away from their Baka-sensei, resentment in her eyes.

Honba sighed with her face sort of squished. "Y'know Kalin-Sensei, your not too hard to read either. You like to pull tricks on people and you laugh about it afterwards. Your kind of childish, aren't you?"

Baka-sensei let go of the two, while warily glancing at Akane before glaring at Honba. "Your too smart for your own good, kid. You can all go home now. I expect you back here tomorrow at ten. Don't be late."

The three nodded and in unison said. "Right!"

Akane walked off with the Kirmia, after waving goodbye to Honba and Toroi, along with sending a glare to the so called sensei. Though one out of the other's seat she picked up her pups and ran to the compound to get help getting the flour and honey out of the Kirima's fur!

Akane had ran right past the guys on guard duty at the compound's gate and straight over to the head of the clan's house where she was sure to fine Tsume, Kuromaru, Haba, Kinba, Tsumemaru, Hana, Haimaru Brothers, and Kiba.

When Akane got to the porch she felt herself being picked up by the sruff area of her shirt. Taking in the scents and fount it to be Baku Daini no chichi with Kasshoku at his side.

"Your offly late pup… and in a hurry." Baku Daini no chichi said as he took her around back where the head family was.

Soon to be four year old Kiba was playing with Tsumemaru and the Haimaru Brothers, while his nine year old sister, Hana sat on their father's lap. Updating Kinba about what had been happening while he was away. Tsume was sitting next to them while watching Kiba play. Kuromaru and Haba laid beside each other at Tsume's side.

But as aways as soon as Kiba caught Akane's scent he was on them.

"AKANE!" Kiba yelled as Baku Daini no chichi sat her down. "How did it go? Your a Genin now! Why you carrying the Kirima? Wow Akane what happened to you?"

"Just some srapes, Kiba. Yeah I'm a genin with my friend Honba, and a boy from by class, Toroi. As for how it went lets just say we passed and I can't believe that … Sensei is fit to be a sensei…" Akane smelled at Kiba, before looking over to Tsume, "Sensei had a pit of honey and flour, which is all over and in the Kirima's fur. How do I get it out?"

As Akane said this she went over to Tsume and sat the three pups in front of her. Poor Makkusu, Kirino, and Redi were wipering as they tried yet again to rid themselves of the flour and honey. Kuromaru and Haba started to try to help the pups as well.

Tsumemaru sat down next to Kinba as he sat Hana down and knelt before the pups with Tsume. Hana pick Kiba up and sat by Tsumemaru be stay out of the way. Kasshoku rapped around Akane to give her some comfort while Baku rupped his chin in thought.

But it was Hana, who having given it a moment of thought said, "While maybe if we add a bit of olive oil it will loosen the honey and then we rinse this off with warm water, followed by brushing? As actually both are meant to be good for their fur… though not together."

After a moment Tsume agreed and while Tsume and Kinba made dinner, the older ninken played and watched Kiba, Baku helped Hana and Akane clean up the pups. During dinner–– the now clean pups sat happily by Kuromaru–– the group talked about Hana and Kiba's day. After words Kiba feel asleep and the conversation turned to Akane's day. Akane's recap of the day made everyone upset.

"Well pup, best you can do is set her straight and give it some time before possible requesting a sensei or team change from the Hokage." Tsume said before ruffling Akane's hair.

After a bit Baku Daini no chichi picked Akane and Kirino up and Kasshoku pick Redi up by her sruff leaving Makkusu to follow them back to their home.

The next morning Akane and the Kirima had to be pulled out of bed by Kasshoku, while Baku made breakfast. The two reminded them of what Tsume said last night. As training was at ten Akane did some morning training, before going and spending some time with Kiba and Haba.

After reluctantly leaving Kiba and Haba, Akane and the Kirima (Kirino in Akane's jacket, Redi on her head, and Makkusu beside her) she went and got her ninja id file picture taken, before slowly made her way to the grassy field where the newly formed team was supposed to meet. She plan to make it just on time, so she didn't have to deal with any chitchat from Baka-so-called-sensei!

As Akane and the Kirmia made it to the field they could see and hear the rest of the squad. Toroi was looking bored while Baka-sensei raised an eyebrow. "I didn't think you'd be on time, Honba. I thought you'd be like your brother and come late to everything."

Akane knew Honba had to have twitched her eye at that, but at the same time to have continued to force a smile. "O-oh?" Honba questioned in a tight voice. "No, I'm actually quite timely."

Baka-sensei nodded. "Good to hear. I'm thinking the Nohara girl will be late."

Akane already upset to have this thing as a sensei, got more annoyed and the Kirmia got a little bit more tense. Coming to a stop in front of the group of three just in time, right at ten, Akane greeted them with "Yo" that she had picked up from Kakashi-kun.

"Now that we're all here, why don't I go over what we're doing today?" Baka says. "First we'll be taking a group photo, then we'll be going on our first mission. It's D-rank, so don't get too excited."

Honba clapped her hands together, noticeable slightly excited.

Akane shrugged, nodding slightly. This was something she had been looking forward too and missions were good and while D-ranks were more chore like, but the sooner they did the required Ds the sooner they could take normal missions more eougen.

Toroi had a different take on this and rolled his eyes before complaining. "D-rank? Really?" Which earned him a glare from Honba before Baka-sensei points a ways away, at an old man setting up a camera (he was the same one that took the individual ninja resurrection photos). "Let's hurry and take our picture so we're not late to the mission." 'Sensei' said with a smile and then patted Akane's shoulder.

Akane shrugged the hand off of her shoulder and whirling around to face their Baka-sensei with a snarl and the Kirmia growled loudly with her before Akane yelled, "I know you had to test us, Sensei..." It felt wrong even calling the thing the title, "But the way you handled it makes me hate you. And if you can't figure out why, then that's that. Just because your my Sensei, don't think your my friend! Your not! Being on the same team means, I'll probably think of Honba as a sister," Akane didn't bother to say they were already pack, "and Toroi as a brother, but not you. I'll work with you, but you won't be my friend, and you definitely won't be like family." With that Akane stormed off towards the camera man. Kirino and Redi following at Akane's heels.

Akane could hear Makkusu barked at Baka-sensei angrily. "Keep your paws off Akane!" Then he growled before running to catch up with her and his sisters. Akane tuned out her teammates and the thing after that.

Honba quickly catched up and gave her a concerned look. "Hey, you okay?"

Akane let out a breath. "I feel better now." She paused. "As long as she behaves, then we'll be fine." Honba nodded in understanding, but at this point Baka-sensei and Toroi had caught up to them as they reached the photographer.

Baka-sensei casted a glance at Akane, but didn't say anything to her and instead addressed the whole team. "Well, time to get ready for the picture."

'Kalin-sensei' stands in front of the camera and gestures for the kids to get in front of her. Toroi stood straight in front of her, the other two Genin on either side of him. 'Kalin-sensei' put a hand on Honba's shoulder from behind them. Redi was on Akane's head, Kirino was in her jacket and Makkusu was being held in her arms. As the picture was taken, Akane and the dogs were glaring and growling at Baka while Honba and Toroi were grabbing onto each other, arguing. 'Kalin-sensei' was looking down at the group with an annoyed sigh.

The photographer handed the picture to the Jouin and left on his merry way, not giving Baka a chance to comment on it. 'Kalin-sensei' looked at the terrible photo, sighing once again. They definitely needed a retake.

'Kalin-sensei' turned back to the kids, frowning. "Alright." She paused, getting their attention. "I know that we're not all on the same page. Akane, you don't like me, I get that. Toroi and Honba, you don't get along. Well, every team has its pair of rivals. But if you all keep acting like this then this team isn't going to work out. Your all young, eight years old, but you need to grow up and learn to get along and work together. As soon as possible."

Akane rolls her eyes. "I can work with them, even with their bickering. You are my problem. The way you touched my shoulder just set me off today. You know what? I was looking forward to the team picture! I wanted to be able to mimic my cousin's team photo in memory of her!" Akane puts both her hands in a peace sign. "But now, that's ruined too. Making me stand next to you was not the thing to do." Akane turned around and walked a few feet away in anger.

Makkusu and the girls (Kirino and Redi) growled at Baka. "You don't know Akane! You don't know her at all, Baka!" Before running to join Akane. The gourd of four could still here the other three.

Honba sighed before addressing their so called sensei. "I get what you mean, Kalin-Sensei. Just... With how you acted yesterday... Even if it was just part of the test, you said some things you probably shouldn't have. For example, about my brother... I'm sorry Sensei but your really not our favorite person right now." Honba stated all this with a frown upon her face.

Toroi glanced over at Akane, then to Honba, thinking he was on a team with insane girls... Including Sensei. Which was making him start to regret taking the graduation exams early.

Meanwhile Kalin took a moment to ponder this with her hand on her chin, before sighing. She was now starting to realized that both of the girls on her team had some anger issues (this was not really the case, Kalin had picked at them in palaces she shouldn't have... In other words she had found the button one should press) and she had to be careful of what she said to them. It may take her some time to get on Akane's good side (if she keeps this train of thinking that will never happen). She looked to Toroi and Honba, before narrowing her eyes. "Well whatever. Let's just get to our mission."

The mission turned out to be cleaning garbage out of Mrs. Mebuki Haruno's garden. While she was busy with little four year old Sakura and her husband, Kizashi, was working in their shop. It went smoothly, other than Akane ignoring their 'Sensei' unless absolutely needed, and Toroi and Honba's contest to see who could pick up the most trash (Honba won, causing them to have yet another argument). Overall though the mission was a success and Mrs. Haruno was overall happy (maybe a little worried about the future if squads like this keep coming... And hopeing that this team would pull though or manage well enough to pass the Chunin exam and then be separated) with the outcome of the simple mission and indeed paid them.

After the mission, 'Kalin-sensei' (Akane was trying to keep in mind the Baka so called sensei's real title... The thing should be replaced with a different Jouin) set the team loose and told them that they'd be training the next day. Same time, same place.

Honba and Akane and the Kirima ended up walking to Honba's apartment to eat dinner together, stopping and buying new clothes for Honba along the way. It was a pretty basic black shirt with a blue qipao skirt and black leggings.

Honba looked down at the Kirima before entering the apartment with Akane. Shrugging, Honba asked "By the way Akane, is there something I can call your ninken without referring to them as dogs or by all of their names?"

Akane smiled, almost forgetfully, that she had told Honba their combined name… though she was put out that Honba would think dogs over ninken… after all Kakashi-san had a pack of them. "Oh yeah! I suppose you wouldn't know, but they go by the Kirema triplets. You can call them that." As explanation.

Honba nodded before entering the apartment. "Brother?" She called, unsure if Kakashi-san was home or not.

Hearing his name, Kakashi-san stood up and walked over to the younger shinobi, surprised to see Akane and the Kirima.

Honba seeing her brothers surprise quickly explained. "Oh! It's alright if Akane stays for dinner, right?"

Kakashi-san looked at Akane and the Kirima for a moment before answering. "Yeah... Sure."

Honba clapped her hands together. "Alright! I'll prepare the food!"

After a nice conversation while cooking and eating, Honba fell asleep on the floor due to exhaustion from the days drama.

Kakashi-san looked at his little sister and carefully moved her to her bed. He then sits down near Akane again and looks her in the eye, before questioning, "So... How did today and yesterday really go?"

With a sigh, Akane told her idol, "Well we both get that Sensei had to test us, but the way she did it and the things she's said has left us hating her." Akane paused to gather her thoughts, "While Honba and Toroi haven't said much to her, I've yelled at her twice today. I told her how I felt and that we'd never become close."

Kakashi-san narrowed his eye, "It sounds like I'm missing quite a bit of the story. Care to fill me in?" He asks.

Honba most have hold back when telling him. What would Kakashi-san think of all this? Akane thought while, looking down at her lap. "Well before I tell you about the last two days, I should probably tell you that some of the things that Toroi and Kalin-Sensei said dealt with what happened to Rin-itoko-ane… and you." Akane sighed, before looking up at Kakashi-san. "Also, Honba gets really defensive when that situation is brought up. She actually... well... attacked Toroi because of it."

Kakashi-san looked only slightly surprised. He must have suspected something like this or what Honba didn't tell him. Honba probably didn't want him to know that she defended him a lot. "I see." He said, before asking. "Are you okay?"

Akane smiled slightly, unknowingly reminding Kakashi of Rin. "It hurts, but I feel alright for the most part. I just don't like them... Talking about it like that."

Kakashi leaned back, closing his eye for a moment. "Understandable." He said, trying his best to sound comforting.

"So you wanted to know what happened?" Akane asked, offering another smile, before diving into what had happened today and the day before… though she did force herself not to call the thing names.

Kakashi simply nodded, casting a glance towards his sleeping sister.

Akane went through the events of the last two days in detail. After finishing explaining, she smiled once again and glances at the clock, then to Kakashi-san. "I should probably be heading home now. Thanks for letting me stay for dinner." She stated, standing up and exiting the apartment, the Kirema triplets following behind. They had add details when they felt Akane hadn't given enough.