The journey back was a peaceful one, it didn't take nearly as long to get because of the newly built bridge, as they arrived they decided to eat lunch together first and then go separate ways; Sasuke went home to take a nap then train, Naruto went to find Iruka to discuss their mission, eat and return to training, Sakura went home to bath and then sleep, Kagome decided to go to the flower shop and then stop by the memorial stone for a couple hours while Kakashi had to write his report.
"You guys get two days off…see you on Monday." Kakashi told them as they ran off.
"See you Kakashi-sensei." Sakura said with a sadden expression, Sasuke had denied her again.
"Bye Kakashi-sensei." Naruto replied happily as he ran off.
"Hn" was all Sasuke said in reply
"Bye Kakashi-kun." He turned to see Kagome vanish in a swirl of blue petals; damn…I was hoping I could talk to her before she left. Kakashi thought to himself.
Upon arriving at the memorial stone she realized Kakashi wasn't there at least not yet she smiled slightly, Kagome sat in front of it watching the stone her thoughts trailed off, as she spent time wondering where her remaining friends could be and repenting to those she lost that night three years ago.
"Hey…you guys…I'm sorry I didn't visit for awhile I had a mission." She spoke suddenly before returning to her thoughts, Kirara meowed in agreement.
Kakashi who had finished up the report hours later decided to stop by the memorial stone before seeing the Hokage, as he walked up that familiar hill to the stone he saw a familiar figure sitting in front of it, the sky had turned orange as the sun was setting and Kagome knew who was there but didn't move or say anything to let him know so, he continued walking until he was behind her watching her hair move in wind as she leaned against his legs, together they watched the stone until nightfall. Kagome decided it was time to go and picked herself up, walking by Kakashi she noticed something different about him, he was more relaxed then he looked the previous times she had seen him standing there. "Kakashi-kun." He turned to see her watching him with those piercing blue eyes observing him so completely that he almost thought she could see his soul.
"Yes Kagome-chan?" He asked.
"Would you like to join me for dinner?" She asked smiling slightly.
He was stunned, their friendship although different than any he had in the past was making act strange, he had never opened himself up to anyone like he did with her…and yet even though this was true she always had the ability to stun him...the fact that she wanted him over showed that she was beginning to trust him. "H-Hai." He stuttered but she smiled and took his hand with her still bandaged hand.
"Then come on." Kagome replied to him, he continued holding her hand even though it was no longer necessary for him to do so but Kagome didn't mind she just walked by him in silence leading him to her home. It was strange usually the atmosphere around them never actually needed words, just holding her hand in silence the stability of it was enough for the two of them, she had a way about her, being able to understand every moment between them without any words. When they got to her apartment she let his hand go to open the door, he silently protested but other than that he didn't show any reaction to this.
"Kagome." Both heard another voice say, turning they saw Iruka standing there, Kagome mentally winced at this, she wanted to spend time alone with Kakashi for some reason, it just felt right, she was thinking of telling him about her comrades that died three years ago so to see Iruka standing there was slightly irritating.
"Iruka, how are you?" Kagome asked politely, her door opened and she led the two men inside.
"I'm good Kagome, Naruto told me you guys were back and I came to check on one of my favorite students." Iruka replied, Kakashi picked up on the tone of voice he was using and it annoyed him but he said nothing of it. "How are you Kagome…and Kakashi-san?" He asked looking from Kagome to Kakashi.
"I'm good, and Kakashi-kun was stopping by for dinner." Kagome replied pulling some pots out of a cabinet.
"I am also good Iruka-san." Kakashi said looking down at the Chunin next to him.
"So aren't you tired of hanging out with your students all day?" Iruka asked with uncertainty
"I invited him over Iruka, he thought it would be rude to deny." Kagome answered for him.
"Oh alright…then do you mind if I also join Kagome?" Iruka asked, Kagome was about to deny when Kakashi answered his question.
"Yeah why not Kagome-chan?" Kagome's eyes widen but she agreed.
"Yeah sure…" She trailed off, stupid Kakashi didn't he see I was actually trying to open up to him…man…now I have to deal with both him and Iruka…just when I thought our relationship was actually getting closer he pulls this on me.
"Kagome what happened to your hand?" Iruka asked suddenly, Kagome looked down to see her hand was still bandaged up.
"Oh this I hurt myself in a battle and it just hasn't completely healed yet." Kagome answered not looking at Kakashi as she told this lie.
Kakashi was surprised by this but then he realized she was protecting him, she didn't want Iruka to make assumptions about what really happened like he attended to hurt her.
After dinner was prepared and Kirara was fed and napping, Kagome, Iruka, and Kakashi began eating, though Kakashi was already finished before either of them looked up, Kagome chuckled at this but stopped when she heard somebody at the door, opening it revealed both Sasuke and Naruto. "Hi you guys what's going on?"
"Kagome-chan do you mind if me and teme eat dinner with you?" Naruto asked.
"Whatever dobe." Sasuke looked in the other direction.
"Sure you two come in, Kakashi-kun and Iruka are here as well." Kagome told them.
"Really that's good." Naruto answered and the two came in.
"Hey you two look who it is; Naruto-kun and Sasuke-kun, they're going to join us for dinner." Kagome told the other two whom were surprised at this sudden interruption, Kagome smirked and poured both of them some food and placing it on the table for them.
"Well since we're mostly all here, why don't you guys tell me about your mission?" Iruka asked in a tiredly voice, all I wanted was some time alone with Kagome but no Kakashi-san had to be here and now Naruto and Sasuke are here too.
Dinner was spent with Naruto and Kagome telling Iruka about the previous success afterwards; Sasuke and Naruto ran back off to train saying short goodbyes. Kakashi said bye and before Kagome could stop him he was gone in a puff of smoke, Kagome sighed. Iruka stayed a little after dinner to chat with Kagome but was getting nowhere with her because her answers were brief and she didn't sit next to him but across as he was saying goodbye he smiled and left after brushing some of her hair away from her face.
Kakashi stood in the Hokage's office, he had known Iruka would pull something like this and probably wouldn't leave until later on so he got her quickly so that he would get back to Kagome in a bit.
"You never knock do you Kakashi." The Hokage asked.
"Sorry sir, I forgot." Kakashi replied.
"I know, your late again." Hokage continued, "Give me your report." Kakashi handed it to him as the Hokage sat and read through it. "Interesting so Kagome preformed well that is good, and she protected Sasuke and Naruto…she is self-sacrificing yes…even stopping you from killing Zabuza Momochi and Haku." Hokage said smiling.
"Yes she is, and she had proven herself an ally to Konoha so will she be moved?" Kakashi asked.
"No I will keep her there until after the Chunin exams are over…she has proven herself though so I will give her the benefit of the doubt because of that." The Hokage answered.
"Hai."
"Thank you for the report Kakashi, I shall see you in a couple days for your next team mission." The Hokage informed.
"Hai, goodbye Hokage-sama." Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Kagome was cleaning the dishes when she heard somebody at her door, opening it revealed a very somber Kakashi. "Kakashi-kun." Kagome said with uncertainty.
"Hai, sorry about leaving like that Kagome-chan…I had to drop the report off for the Hokage…is Iruka-san still here?" Kakashi asked.
"N-no…he left about ten minutes ago." Kagome answered.
"Good I don't think I could deal with him right now…may I come in?" Kakashi asked.
"H-hai." Kagome replied, opening the door wider to let him in. "Kakashi-kun is something wrong?" He walked by her to the living room and sitting down on the couch
"Actually yes…Kagome if during the Chunin exams, Orichmaru attacked wanting to place the curse mark on Sasuke what would you do?" Kakashi asked seriously as she sat down next to him.
Kagome's eyes widen "Kakashi-kun…you know why the Hokage put me on this team don't you? I would save him at every cost that I possibly could…even if it cost me my life I would make sure that Sasuke was okay…you know that." Kagome eyes watched him with the same intensity he had seen earlier. "I…I wouldn't want anyone to go through the same fate I did…Sasuke doesn't need that…and the Hokage knows I would do that."
"But what about your dreams and goals?" Kakashi asked.
"Kakashi…you of all people should know I'm a ninja first and a civilian second." Kakashi looked startled at that answer. "My dreams and goals faded when my world was destroyed…I am now only a ninja…my job is to defend those I was meant to protect and hope that's enough." Kagome said with a sad smile.
"Kagome-chan…" He trailed off before he could stop himself, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to him hugging her close to him so that she lied on top of him with his arms around her waist. "…at least promise me that you will try your best to live through this…" Kagome struggled in his grip but he just held her tighter to stop her squirming.
"K-Kakashi-kun what are you doing?" Kagome asked blushing a very noticeable red.
"Please promise me." Kakashi asked avoiding the question.
"H-Hai I promise." He smiled at the stammering in her voice but she slowly began relaxing in his grip until she was breathing silently against him, she rested her head on his chest listening to his heart beating, slowly the two got more comfortable so that he was lying down on the couch with her lying on top and they fell asleep like that.
Kakashi awoke in the middle of the night because of the cold air, looking down he saw Kagome laying on him shivering against him, he smiled at this and picked her up taking her to her bed, he closed the door behind him and shut her window and the curtains, after he tucked her in, he was about to take his leave when Kagome grabbed his sleeve, her eyes were unfocused but she could tell he was going. "Please stay." She asked gently, he smiled and kneeled down next to her.
"Okay." He pulled off the Jonin vest and laid it on the floor along with his headband, Kirara was in her cat bed watching the two but went back to sleep as he joined her, together the two fell asleep again not waking up until the next morning.
Kakashi awoke first as he tried to move his very warm pillow but then realized that his pillow was moving against him trying to snuggle into this warmth, opening his eyes he found Kagome sleeping there and then remember why it was she was there to begin with. He was elated with happiness for some reason that he couldn't figure out but knew it had must to do with the girl sleeping beside him, his arms tighten around the girl as he allowed her to snuggle more into him.
Kagome woke up finding herself in a very protective and warm grasp, looking up she saw Kakashi laying next to her and smiled, this is new, she knew he was awake but wasn't saying anything because he thought she was asleep. "Kakashi-kun, thank you for staying with me…I was having nightmares earlier and it felt better knowing you were there." Kagome told him.
He opened his eyes to see her blue ones filled with joy, he smiled back at her. "Anytime Kagome-chan." He felt her hand on his forehead and his eyes opened to see her face now studying the Sharingan, her eyes now purple. "Kagome-chan?"
Her eyes turned back to his face. "Sorry Kakashi-kun it's just, whenever you used the Sharingan you become weak and I was thinking maybe I could prevent that from happening…" She answered his unspoken question.
"Could you?" He asked as she continued examining it.
"I think so…your body isn't completely adjusted to it so in theory I could help it adjust to it but only with your permission of course." She smiled and blinked her eyes turning back to their usual blue, he relaxed seeing their usual eye color, he found her purple colored eyes too cold and analytical while her blues expressed her emotions more clearly.
"I'll consider it." Kakashi said with a smile she nodded understanding that he wouldn't want anything bad to happen if she did do this for him.
"So how does breakfast sound?" Kagome asked happily, she loved cooking for others, not that Kirara wasn't someone just human contact was something she strived for.
"Sure." She pulled off of him and he growled slightly at the lost of contact, she began pulling clothes out for the morning and went to the bathroom to change while he continue laying there trying to figure out why he was reacting this way, well it's not a total surprised that I like her…she beautiful, smart, strong…and different then most girls her age…but this is starting to get the better of me…I have never felt so annoyed at guys talking to a girl before…I don't know why I'm acting like this…do I really like her that much…
He's so hot in the morning, Kagome thought with a mental cheer, it's a shame I can't let him become more than a friend…I would like to but…I can't…not until Orichmaru is eliminated…I can't deal with another lost…otherwise I would never forgive myself.
Kagome came out wearing a brown shorts and a green tank top which brought out the edges of her blue eyes, Kakashi stared in wonder, how she could be so pretty wearing something so plain, after breakfast Kakashi left and Kagome spent the day training with Naruto and Sasuke trying to help them control their Chakra even more, they stayed most of the night with this training until Kagome told them it was time to eat and they went back to her home to enjoy another meal together, afterwards they left to go home while Kagome went to the memorial stone to do something thinking. Kakashi was there waiting for her, somehow this was how things work, one would stay and wait for the other even though both wanted time with the stone, Kagome walked over and sat down with Kirara in her lap leaning against his body once more and the two stayed like that until they knew they had to go, he walked Kagome home knowing that even though she didn't need him to, that she did in fact enjoyed his presence. Neither said anything about the previous night, the two stopped at her door before saying their goodbyes, she reached up and kissed his cheek and then went inside leaving him standing there.
The next morning it was time; they would meet as a team for another mission, Kagome and Naruto ate breakfast together and then set off to the bridge that Kakashi told them he would meet them at where Sakura and Sasuke were already waiting for them.
"Good morning Sakura-san, Sasuke-kun."
"Morning Kagome."
"Good morning Kagome-san." Sakura replied, their relationship was still a little uncertain since neither really knew how to react around each other.
"Good morning Sakura-chan." Naruto smiled and then his expression turned sour at seeing Sasuke who returned the gaze with a sour look, although the two spent the last two days together neither could get over the fact that Sasuke actually tried to save him.
Kagome giggled while Sakura looked between the two confused and then at the same time they looked away from one another, Sakura looked exasperated at the situation while Kagome continued laughing.
Oh no not again…these two…they've been acting sort of strange since we got back from the land of waves…oh it's almost uncomfortable…man and all Kagome does is giggle at the two like she knows what's going on but won't say…man Kakashi-sensei needs to get here.
Hours continued to pass on by and Kagome sighed. "Well obviously he lied about the time again…I'm starting to feel like he could care less about keeping anyone waiting."
"Hai Hai." Naruto replied.
Kakashi appeared finally. "Hi everyone…good morning." Kakashi said looking over the four of them, Kagome sat on the bridge rail, while Sakura, Naruto and Sasuke stood in front of her. Their eyes connected for a instance before they looked away embarrassed, Sakura noticed this and smiled slightly. "Today I got lost."
"Hey." Sakura and Naruto yelled together. "You're lying."
Naruto began asking Kakashi if they were going on any good missions again but he just put his hands up in defense and had a sweat drop moment, Naruto looked back at Sasuke with annoyance, he wanted to pay Sasuke back for saving him at the land of waves, Kagome sighed and flicked Naruto's headband. "Hey pay attention and maybe we will get a good mission." She told him while Sakura and Sasuke looked annoyed at him.
"Hai Hai Kagome-onee-chan." Naruto replied.
"Yes let us get going." Kakashi told them.
Together they ended up pulling weeds, where Naruto almost pulled all the ladies herbs if Kagome hadn't stopped him. "Oy stop that Naruto, you're concentrating on defeating Sasuke instead of actually gardening, which you are good at." Kagome told him.
"Okay Kagome", together they pulled the remaining weeds and then set off on their next mission, cleaning the river while Kakashi read his book under the shade of the trees. Kagome was annoyed at this so she threw a can at his head.
"This is a team mission Kakashi-kun you're suppose to help too." Kagome told him, he noticed her expression and knew there was no winning.
"Hai Hai." Kakashi replied and he joined them after a little while longer Naruto slipped while looking for trash and was beginning to fall down the waterfall when Sasuke and her saved him.
"Baka." Sasuke told him.
"Come on Naruto-kun." Kagome pulled him up over the waterfall.
"On to the next one." Kakashi called. "We need to walk dogs this time."
Naruto of course chose the biggest dog and was pulled away by it to a trap field while Sasuke, Sakura and Kagome stood there watching and Kakashi continued to read his book.
"That Baka." Sasuke said aloud.
"He had to pick the biggest one." Sakura continued.
"Here…take him for a bit." She handed Sasuke her own dog and went after Naruto before he would get hurt but he was anyways.
Together they began walking back, Sakura and Sasuke were carrying him while Kagome and Kakashi followed.
"Geez…you are too reckless." Sakura told him.
"Man you are too much trouble." Sasuke continued.
Naruto got annoyed at this and began to attack before an arm shot up stopping him and Kagome grabbed his shirt pulling him back. "If you don't stop, I'll finish you." Sakura told him while Kagome chuckled
"Hmm…teamwork hasn't been very good lately." Kakashi said aloud.
Naruto went on to blame Sasuke for this but Sasuke countered saying that if he didn't want to owe him big time then he should get stronger.
It seems like they are getting worse then before…Sakura thought as she observed this.
Sasuke's mind went to Haku this is stupid there are plenty of guys outside who are stronger than me…and not only that Kagome is way stronger than me…with all those unknown Jutsu and then her Kekkei Gentai…it doesn't help that we are going on these kind of missions.
"Well then…we should disperse." Kakashi told them, the others looked at him. "I do need to submit a report about this mission you know."
"Okay then I'm going home." Sasuke said turning around and begun walking away.
"Oh hey Sasuke-kun wait up." Sakura called after him.
Naruto looked sadden by this but Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder. "Oy let's go get some ramen and then do some training Naruto-kun." Naruto smiled.
"Okay Onee-chan."
"Hey how about…why don't me and you…why don't we work on improving are teamwork?" Sakura asked.
"You're just like Naruto…if you have time to spend with me, why don't you use it to work on your Jutsu?" Sasuke asked her. "To tell you bluntly, you're abilities are even worse than Naruto's and way worse than Kagome." Sasuke walked away leaving her standing there shot down.
"That's right…it was always like that during the mission…I was never able to do anything while…Kagome did…"
"Oh Sakura-chan why don't you come with me and Kagome-onee-chan to practice?" Naruto asked, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Kagome felt a familiar presence and turned to see a box the same color of the earth walking up to them. "Huh?" Naruto turned to see it too. Pretending to be…a rock? Naruto questioned while Kagome giggled, Naruto begun to walk away while the rock followed making Kagome giggle more and then Naruto begun to run back and forth the rock continued to follow him. Kagome laughed hard as Naruto said. "There is no such thing as perfectly square rock with perfect holes…it's totally obvious."
"Just what you'll expect from the man I respect." Another voice said from inside the 'rock' "You are my rival after all." The rock begun to shine, Naruto looked surprised while Kagome was amused by the whole situation, three smoke bombs went off and three kids sat in the mist of them coughing because of it. "Hey that's too much smoke." The three kids introduced themselves, Moegi, Udon, and Konohamaru.
"I knew it was you guys…hey why are you wearing goggles?" Naruto asked.
Konohamaru began laughing. "Were copying what you use to do Nii-chan."
"Oh."
"What's that about, you've been acting cold lately." Konohamaru observed
"You guys are so cute." Kagome said looking at them. "Hi I'm one of Naruto's teammates, my name is Kagome Higurashi." She informed the three of them.
"Hi onee-chan…are you Naruto-nii-chan's girlfriend?" Konohamaru asked.
"No I'm just a good friend of his." Kagome answered smiling at him, he blushed slightly at this.
"So why are you guys here?" Naruto asked.
Konohamaru backed away. "See cold."
"Hey leader do you have any free time?" Moegi asked.
"Nah…I have to train with Kagome-chan." Naruto replied.
"What but you said you would play Ninja with us today." Konohamaru yelled.
"Oh…? Is that right?" Naruto asked. Jeez…if I hang out with these guys, they'll make me play with them all day.
Kagome giggled. "Well you did make a promise…you can't go back on your word now Naruto-kun."
Somehow Sakura floated over. "Huh? Why would a Ninja play Ninja all day?" Sakura asked them. To think I'm worse than him. Sakura thought staring at him like she was going to kill him.
"Naruto-nii-chan, who is she?" Konohamaru asked his gaze went from Naruto to Sakura to Kagome. Does he like this pink haired girl…she looks dangerous while Kagome-onee-chan looks sweet…and nice…this other girl looks like she wants to kill him. "Nii-chan is she your…" He lifted up his pinky. "This." Sakura looked like he struck a nerve, while Naruto blushed.
"Wow you guys are pretty sharp for kids." Naruto replied, Kagome didn't do anything while Sakura punched him in the face.
"No way." She yelled. Well he did kind of deserve it you know…Kagome thought.
"Hey…what are you doing?" Konohamaru asked, the other two ran to him calling him leader and checking his pulse. "You ugly wench! Ugly wench!" Konohamaru called, Sakura cracked her knuckles and begun walking forward but before she could hit him Kagome caught her punch.
"Huh?" Sakura looked up into her face and saw her blue eyes were narrowed and calculating.
"Hey that's enough…he's only a kid…" Kagome warned, Sakura looked down.
"Hai…sorry Kagome-san." Sakura begun stalking off.
"Thank you Onee-chan." Konohamaru told her.
"You're welcome but don't use bad words like that again Konohamaru-kun." He nodded at the lecture.
"Is that girl for real Nii-chan…she doesn't even act like a girl." Konohamaru stated, Sakura turned slowly with a bad look on her face as she stared back at them and then begun running towards them, Kagome just stood there sighing at them.
"I may as well follow." She noticed they had got quite a distance away. "Man now I have to catch up with them…" Kagome felt something strong hit her from no more than several feet by the entrance. What is that…someone else has just entered the city…it's a Jinchuriki…that aura…it's the one tailed so the carrier must be from Sunagakure…I wonder if the Hokage knows of this…the carrier is coming from the direction they just ran in… Kagome thought "I better hurry." She ran to catch up to the rest.
Kakashi stood in the Hokage's office putting in his report, Iruka took it from him. "I have formally got your report now…is Naruto getting along well with the other two members of the squad?"
"Hmm…well he's doing okay…"
"Oh really, besides that time at dinner I haven't really got a chance to talk to him…I'm kind of worried about him…"
"As you know Iruka-sensei, Sasuke is also on our squad…and Naruto sees him as a rival which is a little straining…but he is developing well as a result and with Kagome-chan's help he's doing quite good."
"Yes Kagome has been good with him as well…but that's great Kakashi-sensei." The two smiled at each other.
Elsewhere.
"I think I'll break him…I don't like runts anyways especially smart asses like this one." This boy about their age told them as he was about to punch Konohamaru but before he could do so someone appeared behind him hitting him in the stomach as a rock flew down and hit his arm, he released Konohamaru and the figure caught him jumping over to the others.
"What do you think you're dong messing around in somebody else town." They looked up to see Sasuke holding a rock in his hand like the one on the floor.
"Kagome-onee-chan thank you." Konohamaru said hugging the older girl.
"You should learn to pick on someone your own size." Kagome told him, her eyes narrowed…the other person was in the tree even though his presence was hidden from most she could definitely tell he was there.
He's pretty cute the blond girl thought, she was wearing a headband around her neck a dress with a fishnet under it, her blond her was put up into four different ponytails and she carried a huge fan while the male wore purple all around him and had symbols on his face in purple ink, he also carried a bandaged figure on his back.
"Sasuke-kun." Sakura said happily.
"Get lost." He told the other two.
"So cool." Moegi, Udon, and Sakura thought together.
"Naruto-nii-chan you're lame." Konohamaru said crying after Kagome put him down, Naruto looked shocked.
"I would have took him down too." Naruto told the kid.
"Whatever." Konohamaru turned around and wrapped his hands around Kagome's legs, Naruto looked pissed probably blaming Sasuke.
"Hey punk get down here, you're the kind of kid I want to teach a lesson." He pulled the bandaged figure off his back.
"Hey you aren't thinking of using crow are you?" The girl asked.
"Kankuro, stop that." Another voice said, Kagome was watching as he walked out of his hidden area upside down on the tree limb.
Huh? Sasuke thought.
"You're an embarrassment to the village." This boy said, he had red hair, with the symbol of love over his eye, he looked as though he never got any sleep and his eyes were pupil less, he also carried a gourd on this back. The others looked shocked at this all except Kagome, even his allies were surprised.
"G-Gaara" The other boy said stuttering.
When did he get next to me…Sasuke wondered. He sounds like he would be on the same level as Kakashi with such stealthy footsteps…or Kagome…
So even his allies are afraid of him…this Gaara guy might form an issue…Kagome thought as she continued to watch them.
"I assume all of you already understand." The Hokage told the Jonin in front of him.
"So it's that time already…" Kakashi wondered out loud.
"The other lands have already been notified right? I've seen them here and there in the village…" Asuma told them.
"And when will it be?" Kurenai asked.
"In a week." The Hokage told them.
"That is very soon." Kakashi replied.
"Well then I'll make the announcement; in seven days from now on the first of July the Chunin Exam will commence." The Hokage certified.
"Gaara, they started." Kankuro tried to explain.
"Shut up…or I'll kill you." His eyes narrowed at his ally. He's not controlling his One-Tailed Shukaku at all…and his lack of sleep will make him more unstable…Kagome thought as she observed this Gaara.
"U-understood, I was wrong." Kankuro replied. "I-I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry about that…" Gaara told them.
This guy…has a nasty look…Sasuke considered.
To think that he managed to catch Kankuro off guard with ease…Gaara thought looking at Sasuke his eyes turned to Kagome…and her…even more then that she appeared behind him and managed to land a blow on Kankuro stomach while catching that brat right afterwards…not only that but she knew I was here the whole time…Sasuke rose but before he could do anything more, Gaara disappeared in the sand and reappeared in front of the other two. "Let's go…we didn't come to play around."
"I know." Kankuro replied they turned to go.
"Wait a minute." Sakura ran up away from the group
"What?" The girl asked as they stopped.
"Judging by your headbands you're from the Village Hidden in the Sand right?" Sakura asked. "The Land of Fire and The Land of Wind are allies, being here without reasons are in prohibited by the treaty so state your purpose." Sakura continued, Kagome grabbed her shoulder.
"It's because the Chunin Exam is coming up Sakura." Kagome watched Sakura's reaction. "Remember…if you take those then you can become a Chunin." She continued. "That's why you're here right?"
"Looks like they all aren't a lost cost." The blond girl stated, they begun to walk away.
Sasuke jumped down from his post. "Hey wait, what is your name?" He asked.
"Huh? M-me?" The girl asked blushing.
"No the gourd next to you." Sasuke replied pointing to the red head, she looked back at him and the other two turned around.
"I'm Gaara of the desert." He replied. "I have interested in you too…and the girl behind you…what is your names?" He asked.
"Uchiha Sasuke." Sasuke replied.
Gaara looked to Kagome. "And you?"
"Higurashi Kagome." She said watching him intently, she noticed that some other ninja were watching them as Naruto asked if Gaara was also interested in him but he said no, then together the three left.
"What do you think any good?" One of them asked.
"The gourd from the Sand Village, the black haired boy from the Leaf Village and the black haired girl from the Leaf Village though seem interesting…we should check them."
"Well then let's see who shall enter this year, let us first have those in charge of the rookie Genin come forward…" Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai walked forward. "Kakashi, Asuma, Kurenai, so are there any Genin from your squads you wish to enter into the Chunin Exams…as long as they have done eight or more missions they are available for entry."
There's no need to hear this, they aren't ready. Iruka thought. Well all of them except for Kagome-chan…
"Then you first Kakashi." Hokage told him.
"I, Kakashi Hatake, have led Team Seven; Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzamaki, Sakura Haruno, and Kagome Higurashi, I, Kakashi Hatake recommend these four for the Chunin Exam."
"What?" Iruka asked out loud.
"I, Kurenai, led Team Eight; Hinata Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame, these three, I Kurenai Yuhi, recommend the same."
"The Asuma led Team Ten; Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akimichi, these three, I Asuma Sarutobi, recommend for the same."
"All of them are being recommended that hasn't happened in five years…" The crowd was talking to one another.
The Hokage nodded at the recommendation. "Wait a minute." Iruka shouted.
"What is it Iruka?" The Hokage asked him.
"I don't believe any of the 10 names given are ready for the Chunin Exams, they need more experience." Iruka told them.
"I became a Chunin six years younger than Naruto is now." Kakashi replied.
"Naruto isn't like you, is it your intent to crush Naruto?" Iruka asked.
"All they do is complain about wanting more important mission…so teaching them a lesson will be fun so would seeing others attempt to crush them."
"W-what did you say?" Iruka asked angered.
"Well joking aside…I know what you are trying to say Iruka-sensei." Kakashi told him. "But…"
"Kakashi-Sensei enough." Kurenai told him.
"Stay out of this, they are not you're students anymore, they are my subordinates…" Kakashi warned him.
"B-but the Chunin Exam is also known as…"
"Iruka enough." Hokage stopped him from going any further. "I understand you point…there for I will conduct a special preliminary exam for these rookie Genin."
"Exam?" Iruka asked.
Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kagome stood waiting for Kakashi once again on the bridge, Sakura was getting frustrated. "Say, why is he always calling us out, then makes him wait?" She asked Naruto.
"You're right." Naruto agreed, Kagome and Sasuke sighed.
How do they manage to be so hyper in the morning. Kirara, Sasuke and Kagome thought together, they all looked up at the same time to see Kakashi sitting there.
"Yo, sorry about that I got lost on the path of life." Kakashi told them.
"Right, that's a lie." Sakura and Naruto said together, Kakashi jumped down to the bridge standing in front of him.
"Uh well this is sudden but I recommended you guys for the Chunin Exam so…here are your applications…you guys don't have to take them but if you want you can."
"Kakashi-sensei I love you." Naruto ran forward and jumped on the older man.
"Hey hey get off, cut it out already…" He said after swing around. "Only those who want to take the exam, sigh the application and come to room 301, five days from now at three p.m.…that's it." Together they left and thought about the Chunin Exam, Sasuke thought about defeating Gaara and maybe Kagome, Naruto thought about defeating Kankuro and Sasuke, Kagome thought about Orichmaru and the white haired man she seen not too long ago while Sakura decided she didn't want to be in the Chunin exam. I can't even keep up with these guys…how am I suppose to do anything useful at the Chunin Exam. The others left to go home while Kagome went to the Hokage's office.
"Hokage-sama…"
"Yes…oh hello Kagome-sama, what is it?"
"I wanted to talk to you about some guest that Konoha has received."
"Oh and what about them?"
"One-Tailed Shukaku from Sunagakure has arrived here yesterday afternoon." She informed him.
"What? What do you mean…?"
"I mean that another Jinchuriki is in Konoha and he's very unstable…" Kagome told him.
"How do you know?" He asked.
"I have the ability to sense auras as my file has told you and his aura is that of both a boy and unstable demon inside him…"
"You mention he was unstable before why?"
"He's unable to sleep because the demon will take control of any sign of unconsciousness." Kagome replied.
"Shit…" He trailed off. "The Kazekage is suppose to inform the rest of us when he sends a Jinchuriki into the exams."
"Yes I know this has me worried…I believe that the Kazekage may be planning a invasion…"
"Why would you think that?"
"Because Orichmaru…he was here not too long ago, and while I can't be certain of this…the Kazekage may be in league with him… because the feudal lord in The Land of the Wind has begun to cut funding in Suna and began requesting Konoha's help rather than Suna's…while I journeyed here I heard rumors that Orichmaru had created a land that borders Konoha named Otogakure…or the Village Hidden in Sound has just recently been created so I'm guessing that is the village that he has created…it's the only one that matches…and while in that area I sent Kirara here to spy for me so I know something is wrong with that village…"
"That cannot be…it doesn't sit well with me that Suna could be Orichmaru's mercy…"
"True it doesn't sit well with me either but I do know that there's only one thing that Orichmaru would really want and that's the destruction of Konoha and to take Sasuke away from here…the only reason I hadn't come up with this information before is because I couldn't really prove that Orichmaru and Suna have a treaty or if Orichmaru truly created Suna…all I know is the Kazekage would have told us that he was sending a Jinchuriki in to the Chunin Exams if he really was a friend…it may just be that Kazekage doesn't understand or know what he is doing but you should be careful Hokage-sama."
"That is true…thank you Kagome…your intelligence regarding this and the way you have gotten information on this is very comforting, I shall tell the Anbu and the strongest Jonin of this…"
"You are welcome Hokage…" She rose but didn't leave just yet, Kirara was on her shoulder with a questioning gaze.
"What is it Kagome?"
"You may want to be a little more careful on who you tell this to…I do not want to think about what would happen if Danzo were to recover this information…"
He became tense. "Right I forgot of him…I will be sure to tell only who I trust…is there anything else."
"Yes one more thing…if a war is to occur between Konoha and Suna I would advise you to pick someone you could trust to run this country right if the worse is to happen…otherwise the council will choose for Konoha and we both know they won't choose someone who has the guts to tell them wrong…they will go for someone who will follow their every order…"
"Yes I know…I would think Jiraiya or Tsunade would be the best fit." The Hokage told her.
"Hai…but Tsunade has long left this place because she has lost her faith in it…I would suggest sending Naruto to get her because he does have that affect on people." Kagome replied. "Besides that information I will take my leave…you have much planning you must do."
"Yes thank you again Kagome."
"You're welcome, goodbye." She disappeared in a blue petals
He sent the bird out calling in Anbu. "What is it master Hokage?"
"We have a situation on our hands…we need to defend against Suna and Otogakure."
Kagome arrived in front of the stone but was surprised to see Kakashi wasn't there. "Maybe he already left." She sighed. "I guess I shouldn't get too use to his closeness…it would be un-ninja like."
"I don't know about that." She turned to see him standing there, she grinned.
"You came Kakashi-kun." Her expression made him smiled.
"Of course I wouldn't leave my favorite student alone out here." Kakashi smirked, she sat down and he walked up standing behind her when she leaned against his legs.
"Kakashi-kun…"
"Yes…what is it?"
"When I'm taking the Chunin Exam…will will you come up here for the both of us?" She asked him.
He looked down seeing the sadness on her face. "Of course I will." He smiled down at the girl she smiled back and turned to the stone where once again the two got lost in their thoughts. "Kagome-chan."
"Hmm…" The two never startled each other anymore, they could speak and know the other was listening no matter how overwhelming the thoughts were.
"Tomorrow…you may be tested to see how well you off you'll be…be prepared." Kagome nodded at the warning.
"Let me guess…Iruka-san?"
"Hai…he seems determined to prove me wrong…" Kakashi said trailing off.
"He is only worried Kakashi-kun…don't think he doing it because he has a vendetta against you." Kagome told him.
"Hai Hai."
"Besides that why did you tell me, I thought that would be against the rules?"
"It is but I know you better than that…you could win either way, I just thought this would be more fun." He chuckled.
"Hai Hai." She replied.
The next day Iruka went around testing each Rookie, he thought about voiding Kagome because he knew she'll see right through him but he tried anyways; he attempted tricking Naruto using Moegi, then Sakura using Sasuke, he tried ambushing Sasuke and did the same to Kagome but each time they won.
Kakashi was waiting on the rooftops for him when he appeared he wasn't the least bit surprised. "How was it?"
"We went through all the trouble of having a pre exam but all ten rookies passed…you were right about them being improved." Iruka told him.
"Well we'll see how the real Chunin Exams go…" Kakashi replied.
In the forest three people were practicing their skills
"Did you hear all 10 rookies are going to be in the Chunin Exam this year." The boy told the girl
"Really…it's probably just a battle of wills between the Jonins…" The girl replied.
"No…actually among these groups Kakashi-sensei is one of the leaders." The boy in spandex told them.
"That's interesting." The other boy said.
"Well be that as it may…" The girl begun
"It'll be a sad story." The other boy ended for her.
Kagome, Naruto and Sasuke stood in front of the Academy waiting on their fourth companion, finally she walked up to them. "Sakura-chan you're late." Naruto told her.
"Oh I'm sorry." Sakura replied, she turned to look at the other two, her mood had been down ever since she heard about them being in the Chunin Exam. "Good morning Sasuke-kun…Kagome-san."
"Yeah." Sasuke replied. Something is strange about Sakura…
"Good morning Sakura-san…" Kagome noticed the down atmosphere around her, she put an arm around the girl. "You'll be fine." She told the girl warmly, Sakura's eyes widen in surprise.
"Thank you Kagome-san." Sakura replied.
"Then let's go." Going inside and up to the second floor there was obviously an argument about these guys letting in the Genin, Kagome sighed at how many actually fell for the Genjutsu.
"You will let me in." Sasuke told him. "And undo the Genjutsu place on this floor."
"So you realized?" They asked.
Sakura who still seemed down looked up when Sasuke said her name. "Huh?"
"You must have realized first Sakura, with your analytical strength and Genjutsu-know-how, has improved the most in your squad so…" Sasuke replied his eyes went to Kagome, who was smiling at him knowing that he too was trying to improve her confidence, he nodded at her acknowledging that she too must have picked up on it.
"Sasuke-kun…thank you…of course, I realized it ages ago…this is the second floor." Sakura said with renewed hope.
Kagome and Naruto just nodded, and Kirara meowed, "Well all you did was catch on…" One of them said as he started to attack, Kagome and the boy with spandex caught on fast and caught each leg, Kagome caught the other boy's leg while the boy caught Sasuke's, they were back to back.
He's fast Sakura thought he's different then he was before…
He caught my leg…is he using Chakra in his arm then? Sasuke wondered.
"Hey this isn't what you promised." The other boy told him as he the spandex boy and her released their legs. "You were the one who said we shouldn't be careless about are abilities."
"But…" His cheeks turned pink as he looked over at Sakura and Kagome giggled slightly.
"Oh boy." The girl shook her head.
He turned to her, "You still react quickly, Kagome-chan."
"Hai you too Lee-kun."
This guy…the mark that I left are disappearing…how does Kagome know him Sasuke thought, they watched as he walked right by them and to Sakura.
"Hey my name is Rock Lee, you are Sakura yes?" Lee asked.
"Huh?"
"Will you go out with me, I'll protect you until I die." Lee told her, and then smiled his teeth shining.
"Absolutely not." Sakura told him, and Kagome started laughing as he his head sunk low. "You're too intense." Sakura went on.
"Hey you there." The other boy in Lee's group came up. "Identify yourself." He said speaking to her and Sasuke.
Naruto turned irritated about this it's always about Sasuke-kun isn't it.
"When asking someone for his name you give yours first." Sasuke stated.
"You're a rookie right, how old are you?" The boy asked.
"I'm not obliged to answer." Sasuke stated, angering the other boy.
Cute was the girls thought.
"Sorry about him, my name is Kagome Higurashi, this is Naruto Uzamaki she pointed to the guy leaning against the wall, that's Sakura Haruno, and he's Sasuke Uchiha, what is your guys' name." Kagome said smiling sheepishly because of Sasuke. "You're obviously a Hyuga from your eyes."
The boy smiled slightly "Hmm…you are smarter then I took you for, the name is Hyuga Neji." She smiled and then look to the girl behind him. "And this is Tenten."
"Hai, see you guys later." She turned to the others. "Shall we get going?" Sakura grabbed one of Sasuke and Naruto's hand and Kagome hand was grabbed by Naruto's pulling them all along until they reached the stairs where they begun walking up again. Naruto seemed down at the lack of attention. "Don't let it get you down, Naruto, you will be Hokage one day and then everyone will know you." Kagome said smiling at her brother's attitude, he looked up at her and smiled back.
"Yeah you're right Kagome-chan."
As they reached the landing and were out of the doors they heard a voice. "Hey you, you with the unpleasant look"
"Huh?" They turned around to see Rock Lee standing there.
"What is it?" Sasuke asked.
"Would you fight with me?" Lee asked.
"A fight right here right now?"
"Yes…I gave you my name and yours is Sasuke Uchiha."
"So you knew…" Sasuke said trailing off. "How do you know Kagome?"
Kagome looked at him and then back at Lee. "We trained with each other once when Gai-sensei dragged her along with us." Kagome sighed. "But now is not the time for us, fight with me."
Kagome watched amused as Lee started sending hearts toward Sakura and confessed his love to her which she begun shuddering intensely at. "Lee-kun is that against the rules though, if Gai-sensei found out he wouldn't be too happy with you." Kagome told him.
"I know but we shall continue anyways…"
Naruto said he wanted to fight with him first which ended in him losing because Lee was a taijutsu expert, and then Sasuke agreed to the battle.
"You may want to watch out Sasuke-kun, Lee-kun is a taijutsu expert…" Sasuke ran forward trying to take Lee down but instead Lee got around his guard kicking him away, when Sasuke activated his Sharingan, but Lee explained that Sharingan could do nothing for Taijutsu true Sasuke could understand his move but his body couldn't keep up with it and right as he was about to perform one of his best moves, one of the bandages around his arms that he had loosen was pinned down by a small held windmill. They all looked surprised as a turtle stood there, with a string attached to his bandage.
Lee let himself go to the floor as Sasuke begun falling unable to catch himself like Lee, Sakura ran forward catching him while Kagome went over to Naruto helping him up, she helped Naruto back to the other two as they watched him get scolded by the turtle which began an amusing conversation of whether a turtle could even become a ninja teacher.
Then out of nowhere poof a man that looked exactly like an older version of Lee-kun, Kagome shook her head as the other looked completely shocked, and were even more shocked when the older guy punched Lee in the face sending him flying. Kagome begun to giggle as the two begun crying and then hugged each other. The older male looked up, "Kagome-chan."
"Hello Guy-sensei, how are you?"
"Good good, how's Kakashi-sensei?"
"Same as always Guy-sensei."
"Hmm…you know." He disappeared.
"My record is 50 wins, and 49 lost, that's one more then Kakashi-sensei, the guy bragged."
"Hai Hai." Kagome said in a bored tone.
He's better then Kakashi…how can that be? Sasuke found himself asking.
He chuckled, "Same as always Kagome-chan." He threw the Kunai at the thing stopping Lee's bandages. "You guys should go now, the Chunin Exams will begin shortly." Naruto noticed the way his hands were bruised. This guy…
"Sasuke-kun I told you before I was the best and that was a lie, the best is my teammate Neji…my target is defeating him but you will be one of my targets…oh and don't think I forgot about you…Kagome-chan…me and you haven't fought yet…and I'll like to see who's faster." Kagome nodded with a smile.
"Me too Lee-kun."
"Bye." He left them. "See you in the exam."
Sasuke gritted his teeth and looked away. "Sasuke-kun." Sakura looked at him worriedly.
"I guess the Uchiha Clan's not all that after all." Naruto said looking at them.
"Naruto." Sakura said holding her fist up.
"Shut up." Sasuke told him. "I'll get him next time."
"That's from someone who got knocked flat." Naruto told him.
"Naruto, what's your problem?" Sakura asked.
"Sakura he's right…Lee-kun isn't someone to be taken lightly…" Kagome told him.
"Kagome-san?"
"That guy did a heck lot of training…more than you ever did…day after day…that's all I'm saying…I mean did you see his hand." Naruto told them as Sasuke stared hard at him.
"Interesting…this Chunin Exam is getting interesting…" Sasuke said with a smirked.
"Yeah." Naruto replied, Kagome and Sakura smiled.
"Let's go, Naruto, Sakura, Kagome." Sasuke told them and together they walked inside the next room, where they found Kakashi standing in front of the door waiting for them.
"So Sakura you've come too." They looked up surprised at this. "Now you guys can apply for the Chunin Exam."
"What do you mean? You said it was the individual choice? Did you lie?" Sakura asked.
"Yes I did because even though you guys aren't really a three man cell it's necessary for all of the group to be here for you guys to go in…if one of you aren't ready then all of you aren't ready…I didn't say anything because Sasuke and Naruto definitely wanted to take the test and even Kagome…so they might have forced you to come if you weren't ready…but since all of you came of your own will then I will let you guys continue…Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, Kagome…good luck you four…I wish you all the best…and thanks for coming." He moved out of the way to them by, as Kagome passed him he slipped her a piece of paper into her hand which she accepted. "Don't open it until you sure no one is looking…" He smiled at her and continued walking. "Be safe you guys." Kirara took one last look at him, nodding at the warning together the four of them walked in and the door closed begun to close behind them, Kakashi took one last glimpse of Kagome who was walking next to Naruto. Good luck Kagome…please…don't die.
