Ch9

Me no owning Naruto. BTW, remember, sometimes Ami is sort of like the new Naruto, some things might happen to her similar to what happened to Naruto, they both had almost the same life style except Ami is a female…I think females are different than guys in the personality department…sort of.

Updated 09/13/09


Sasuke sat away from Hinata today in class, it was nothing against her, just that he needed to be alone right now but he promised to make it up to her, the sad look on Hinata's face made him feel bad. He was actually waiting for Ami, the other day he acted angry in class so he should probably keep up his angry charade until Ami comes to class…but this plan still had risks, he had empty seats around him.

The class just looked at Sasuke in confusion, Sasuke would always sit near Hinata but today he didn't. After yesterday, they all thought it had to do with Ami…she was Sasuke's best friend and she failed, it seemed like Sasuke was angry because of that but others had different ideas.

"So who's sitting next to Sasuke?" it was a harmless question another student had asked but it had awoken something long buried, something evil, something...annoying.

…His fan girls…

Suddenly it was one girl rising, then another, then another, and then finally…a group of girls started staring back at Sasuke, arguing who would sit next to Sasuke.

Sakura and Ino watched in annoyance as they could see a tiny twitch on Sasuke's forehead…he wasn't enjoying the attention. Throughout the years, they sort of knew that when Sasuke broods, he should be left alone. They looked at each other and nodded, silently they both moved towards Sasuke and sat on either side of him despite the protest of the mob…honestly, they had no life.

'Lucky I never became one…'they both thought before looking at Sasuke, '…officially…'

Sasuke nodded his head in thanks as the mob sort of died down a little. A few lingered as Ami entered the classroom. At first her appearance went unnoticed until she sat next to Hinata.

"Hey Hinata," Ami had a wide smile as she wore her hiate proudly on her head.

Hinata looked up at her in surprise then at her hiate and smiled, "You passed."

"Yup, told you I would." She spotted the empty desk to Hinata's side, "Where's Sasuke?"

"Oh, umm, he sat somewhere else…" her eyes were glancing elsewhere as Ami followed her gaze and found her looking at Sasuke, "Ami, did you guys fight the other day?"

Ami stared at Sasuke, watching his features, he was brooding which meant he was mad. "We did have something before the exams…" 'Is he mad at me?' Ami thought as she hopped up, "Let me talk to him."

AS she walked towards the Uchiha, she had remembered this morning, when she awoke this morning, she wondered where her little fox friend had gone off to, it saddened her that it had disappeared, but there was hope in her that she would see her fox friend again; she was really looking forward to making it her pet…

She quickly went to Sasuke's desk as the class soon took notice; they looked at her in confusion until several had spotted her hiate upon her forehead. Ami jumped on top of Sasuke's desk and crouched down, sticking her face in front of his.

"Sasuke…what's your problem?" Ami didn't know how to apologize… that well, or she didn't know what fault she had made, whatever the case, she was a bit forward in her actions.

The eyes belonging to Sakura and Ino had twitched as they watched in surprise.

"Ami," Sakura started as she placed her hands on the desk and lifted herself up to face the girl.

"What are you doing?" Ino finished while copying her friends actions.

She never kept her eyes out of Sasuke, staring at his dark obsidian ones as she spoke, "None of your business. Now Sasuke…"

She stared right into his eyes as Sasuke stared right back.

'Is she trying to apologize to me?' Sasuke thought as he laid his hand on his desk, "What is it Ami?"

"Umm…" others could see that thinking was not her strong point, whether she had a plan thought out for this encounter or not, she was left standing there, pondering what to do.

A small sweat drop appeared on Sasuke's face as he had to wonder for a moment at Ami's planning style. Something felt a familiar though as he stared at Ami and the closeness she was, a sort of de ja vu as this scene felt familiar somehow…then a student sat behind Ami as his friend pointed to them and he realized a little too late.

"Don't mo…." Sasuke started to rise but didn't finish when...

"Huh," the student turned around and his elbow bumped into Ami's back. She fell forward, her eyes surprised at the tap until her mouth met Sasuke's and….ohmygod.

They both stared wide eyes at each other, their faces as red as it could be, no one moved, no sound could be heard, as the class stood still and stared at the site. Ami and Sasuke had just locked lips…

"This is actually kind of funny…"muttered a grinning Asuma as he peered at the crystal ball among the other jounins.

They had been observing the students by using the Hokage's crystal ball. The Third Hokage was also there watching and he had to chuckle at the scene, he spoke, "Yes, Ami and Sasuke surprisingly are good friends and rivals, this just makes it interesting."

"Hmmm…" Kakashi thought out loud, "That wouldn't be their first kiss now….would it?"

The jounins looked at him in confusion before Asuma asked, "Kakashi, why does that matter?"

"Oh," Kurenei caught on, a person always remembers their first kiss, to a girl it was suppose to be special.., "Shh…just watch."

Her warm lips with his, he couldn't help but feel something nice about them as they slowly pulled apart. Their eyes watched each other, Ami's eyes suddenly became soft as they shared a moment together before they turned away, blushing madly, trying to figure out what to do next.

Several girls looked at the scene, staring with wide eyes and mouths open until they started to comprehend what exactly just happened. "S…Sh..She…took his first kiss." The girls gasped, one collapsed and was carried away by the others.

Ami started awkwardly, the blush never leaving her face or the taste of his lips that continued to linger, "S-Sasuke…" she didn't know what to say, shocked as everyone else with her mind frozen.

"F-forget it Ami," Sasuke shook his head and stood up, "it was an accident." His body moved away from her as he was trying to kill the blush on his face as he thought of that kiss and sat elsewhere, it's not like he had never kissed a girl before, 'At least, in this world.'

The whole class watched as a red faced Ami slowly walk away, back to her seat next to Hinata who stared back at Ami….her face neutral as if in thought but a small pink tint appeared on her cheeks.

It was quiet as Iruka walked in; bandages covered his body as he mostly limped instead of walked. He looked at the quiet class in confusion. 'What happened?' he thought.

"Morning class?" Iruka spoke as the whole class finally spotted him before letting out a gasp.

"Sensei, what happened?" one of the students asked.

"It's nothing, don't worry," He laughed it off, "But what happened here?" he asked as the students didn't answer, instead they seemed to look at two individuals. Ami and Sasuke refused to look at him in the eyes as Iruka came to several conclusions but settled with 'Are they fighting with each other, again?' The small blushes on their cheeks said otherwise…

"Alright class, congratulations on graduating. You will be divided into teams of three and your jounin instructors will collect you after lunch. I had a speech for you but I know you would rather not hear it but I'll say this; you are now ninjas of Hidden Leaf village, be proud of this status and be proud as you serve our Hokage as I am proud of each and every one of you. There may be a time when you would need to talk to someone, your Jounin senseis will guide you and teach you but remember, you were my students first and my door will always be open to you."

The class looked at him with warmth as they were practically glowing, Iruka had taught them throughout their lives, he had been strict, fair, and sometimes hard on them, but he was also funny, kind, and caring. He smiled at them with pride as he begun, "So now, TEAM 1 is…"

Iruka had called each student to enter a specific team. Students either rejoiced for their teams or sighed in gloom. When team 7 was finally called, Sasuke peered up in anticipation.

"Team 7…Ami,"

Ami looked up.

"Haruno, Sakura,"

They looked at each other and offered a small smile, they were in good terms, so they didn't really mind eachother.

"And…"

Sasuke stared intensely at Iruka.

"Uchiha, Sasuke."

Several things happened…half the girls sighed, Sakura jumped up and rejoiced, and Ami…blushed more and refused to look at him. Sasuke glanced at the both of them, '…Ok...this is going to be awkward between me and Ami…maybe I should avoid her during lunch.' Yes, such is the thought of an awkward man and that of the female species.

"Your Jounin instructor will be Hatake Kakashi,"

He went on and announced the other teams; Sasuke wasn't surprise that it turned out to be the same teams as his last dimension. It made sense here too, the Ino-Shika-Cho combo, team 10, here always worked in the past, and a Hyuuga, Aburame, and Inuzuka, team 8, would make a perfect hunter track team.

Things had gone smoothly as Iruka called for lunch. The class exited in excitement while Sakura and Ino walked up to Ami. They both practically dragged her with them as Hinata followed closely behind. Sasuke just looked at the scene oddly before heading out himself.

Sakura and Ino took Ami to the fields near the academy with Ami who had protested along the way.

"So what gives you two?" Ami sat on the floor, glaring daggers at the two girls. Her arms where crossed with her lips pouted while Hinata also wonder what was going on.

"Spill," Ino said as she watched Ami with her hands to her sides and a jealous look befitting her face.

"Yes, tell us how it was?" Sakura asked, she seemed disappointed but still excited as well.

Ami turned her head away as a fresh new blush appeared on her cheeks, "I don't know what you're talking about?"

Honestly that was a lie, she knew that they wanted to know how Sasuke's first kiss was and she would rather not explain.

'Hmmm…' Ami thought about it, 'It actually felt good.' She sighed as she stared ahead in a daze. Sasuke had also stolen her first kiss and in all honesty, she would be lying if she said she didn't like it.

"Umm…Ami…" Hinata poked her friend as she seemed out of it.

"Huh, what?" Ami snapped out of it. Hinata just needed to point back at the girls before giggling.

Sakura and Ino were staring at Ami, their eyebrows raised.

"So…he was that good," Ino sighed as she clasped her hands together.

"Don't tell me your starting to like him too Ami," Sakura joked as Ami blushed furiously.

"Hell no, it was an accident," Ami was shaking her head, "I didn't even enjoy it," she lied.

'Right…' the girls thought.

"Any ways," Ino started, "I'm going to have to sit with my group; you know, the whole get to know your team thing."

"Umm…yeah, me too." Hinata agreed.

Hinata stood as Sakura gently placed a hand on Ino's shoulder.

"Ino, could we talk in private."

Ino had peered at her curiously before agreeing.

"See you guys later," Ino said before she left with Sakura.

Ami already had her lunch out as Hinata looked at her. She knew it was out of character but she just had to say it.

"Ami…"

"Yeah," Ami looked up from her bowl of ramen, "Hinata?"

"You know what I think Miss Ami?"

Ami was cautious when she detected the change of demeanor as she answered, "About what, Hinata?"

Hinata gave a smile which was weird before she answered, her eyes filled with hidden mirth.

"The kiss."

'Dammit Hinata, not you too.' A fresh new blush appeared on the purple haired ninja, it was an accident, although to her, it was a very nice accident compared to other accidents that have happened to her in the past.

"What is it Hinata?" 'Come on, this is just pure loving, non-teasing Hinata…right?'

"Miss Ami…I think enjoyed the kiss very much and wouldn't mind another." Hinata giggled as Ami's whole face turned a rose color.

"HINATA!?" Ami yelled at her friend, she was shocked at the courage Hinata had for saying it. Hinata never was one to tease.

Hinata giggled as she left but said, "Sorry Ami, I'll see you later. Bye."

As Hinata left, a small frown graced her features before a light blush graced her cheeks while running off. 'Ami, you don't know how lucky you were…I wonder how it was?'

Ami ate her meal in peace as she had time to think. Sure she and Sasuke were friends but that was all she wanted, never more. Sasuke was her rival really, she wanted to become stronger and comparing her power to Sasuke was a good way to do it. 'I wonder if he'll still be my friend if he finds out about my condition.' She frowned at the thought.

Suddenly she didn't feel so hungry anymore. She laid down on the grass and clutched on to her stomach. 'I'm the Kyuubi,' she thought in gloom, 'No; I'm the jailor of Kyuubi. That's why the whole village hates me. What will happen if my whole class knows?' She closed her eyes.

An image of herself sitting alone as curses and stones were thrown at her, 'Monster, monster,' the shadows shouted, 'Get away from me,' another voice said.

She stood up and ran; none of her friends were even looking at her. She ran until she bumped into someone, but she held on tight as if begging the person not to forsake her. She was surprised who it was,

'S-s-Sasuke?'

He turned and gave her a fierce glare, 'what do you want,' he spat as Ami's tears trailed down her face,

'H-help me…please,' she whispered, 'aren't we friends?'

Sasuke just stared at her before turning away, 'Demon…you were never a friend of mine.'

Gasping out she fell to her knees, she couldn't take it, and she burst into tears as she fell towards the ground…alone and always will be.

She snapped out of her thoughts as she moved her hand and felt her cheeks. It was moist, she had been crying. 'Stupid, stop thinking like that,' she sat up and stared down on the floor. Realization had hit her; she was always proud and never admitted to any weaknesses but really in the end,

'I'm scared.

She hugged her knees as she waited for lunch to just end so she could return back to class and try to live out the rest of the day.

Scene Change…

Sakura lead Ino to a secluded spot before deciding to speak, "I'm in Sasuke's team now."

"Yeah," Her long time friend had answered, already knowing this and wondering what Sakura wanted.

"From this day on," Sakura stuck her hand out with her eyes staring at her friend in all seriousness "we're rivals."

Ino saw the look and smirked as she stuck her hand out to meet hers, "I guess we are."

"Thank you Ino," Sakura watched her as a comforting smile that reflected the years showed in her face, "you have always been my friend, always encouraged me to be stronger, but now, if we ever fight each other, don't hold back…alright?"

Ino chuckled as a response, "You had better not hold back on me too…Forehead."

Unlike last time, Sakura didn't become angry, instead, she gave Ino one last hug and told her, "Promise not to…pig."

They offered each other a sad smile before departing, they were growing up now, their lives as ninjas will begin with their instructors and they had learned that anything could happen in the fields. They both knew they would have little time to see each other now and less time to hang out unlike the academy. The next time they meet, one of them will be stronger, and that promise they made to each other will help them determine who was the strongest between them.

Sakura was walking back to the spot she had left Ami; she was going to ask her to come and help look for Sasuke. They were team mates now, and she had promised herself that she would be nicer to her.

'BRING THE TEAM TOGETHER, YEAH!'

'Inner voices, inner voices,' Sakura told herself as she felt excited for what was to come.

When she returned she soon looked in worry when she saw Ami who sat in the grass hugging her knees. Her eyes were recently moist as if she was crying and they were also unfocused, her whole attitude, it was helpless, something that was never seen on that girl, ever.

Walking towards her, Sakura felt sad just watching Ami like this, she was often the energetic one in the class, and she always smiled, now she looked…defeated and scared.

"Ami?" Sakura spoke softly.

It seems those words snapped her out of it. Ami quickly composed her-self and stood up. She gave Sakura a big smile but her eyes betrayed the look. "Oh hi Sakura, I didn't see you there."

Sakura didn't stop; she just continued looking at her, "Ami, what's wrong?"

"Nothing Sakura nothing really," Ami felt uncomfortable, she hated when people saw her like this.

"No, it's not nothing Ami, I just saw you a few minutes ago, what happened?" Sakura was getting irritated, 'Why is she acting like that, I just want to help her.'

Ami gritted her teeth, 'You wouldn't understand Sakura' she thought and said, "Sakura, just drop it now, I don't want to talk about it."

Sakura calmed down, she knew it would get worse getting mad at each other. Ami just really didn't want to talk about it…the girl could be so stubborn, sighing she spoke again, "I'm sorry Ami, but we're teammates now, I just wanted to help, but if you want to talk about it, I'll listen."

'And then run away when I tell you,' Ami thought bitterly but smiled none the less. "Thanks Sakura, what did you want anyways?"

"I was just going to look for Sasuke and I wanted to ask you to help."

Ami agreed and they both started their search for Sasuke. They walked in awkwardness around the academy, Sakura sometimes turned to look at Ami as if she was unsure about something before looking ahead.

The search was futile as they ran out of time. Entering the academy, a vein throbbed in both of their foreheads when they found Sasuke, who was the first student in his desk after lunch, sitting there calmly in his desk. Whenever they searched for him, they couldn't find him but he appears when you're not searching for him.

They sat next to him, Ami to his left and Sakura to his right. Sasuke took note of the gloominess that appeared in their attitude and he had to wonder what had happened between them.

As the students filled the room, Iruka had entered, accompanied by jounins of all kinds. Iruka had called for each team to meet their instructors, the instructors then lead them out of class. By the end of it all, team 7 was left alone in class waiting for their instructor as Iruka had to leave, he bade them a good luck before he left.

"Ok you two," Sasuke stood up from his desk and jumped to the front. Landing on the floor he stood up, arms folded. "What happened?"

Sakura looked at him then to Ami as Ami glared right back at Sasuke, "Wow, and the Uchiha finally speaks." Ami said bitterly.

"Ami, I would have spoken to you sooner if you weren't acting so childish the other days." Sasuke spoke right back.

"Me being childish!" she jumped right out and got into his face, "I'm sooo sorry," she spoke venomously, "I wonder what your best friend Sakura has to say about it, cause she will always be right!"

'No don't bring me into this, don't bring me into this.' Sakura frantically thought inside her head as she looked back and forth at the arguing figures.

"Is that what this is about!?" Sasuke had to look at Ami in exasperation, "you're jealous over Sakura, you think she's a better friend?"

"Oh, don't think so high of yourself Sasuke," maybe it was a little part of the reason but there were other issues…, "I know what you think of me." Ami was angry as Sasuke's face turned neutral.

"You think I'm weak, just like everyone else, you thought I couldn't pass the test without performing the clone technique…" Ami turned her back to him, "Well, you're right ok, I couldn't pass with that stupid clone technique, you were right, Sakura was right, and maybe I was wea..gack.." she grabbed at the top of her head with one eye closed when she felt the thwack on the head. She glanced back at the person who did it.

Sasuke still had his two fingers in the air, staring hard at Ami. "You can be such an idiot sometimes, Ami."

She got angry as she rubbed the spot in her head…Sasuke's taps are hard.

"What did you say?" her voice was daring him to argue back.

"I-said-you-are-such-an-idiot-sometimes… Ami," Sasuke said again albeit slower and with emphasis. Ami suddenly threw a punch but Sasuke leaned to the side, watching as the punch missed. Getting her balance back she growled as she attempted another. Sasuke dodged it again.

"Bastard! Keep still." She missed another punch as Sasuke jumped away and continued jumping from desk to desk.

Landing on the top desk he folded his arms and smirked.

"Come on guys, quit it," Sakura was already up and watching the scene, "We're teammates, we shouldn't be fighting."

Ami continued glaring at Sasuke, her fist clenched.

"Ami listen" Sasuke looked at Ami as she stopped, "Sure I agreed with Sakura but so what? No one is perfect and even though it hurts to know this, you're not perfect either. Now are you going to be calm enough not to attack me if go there?" He had asked from far away, at the top row of desks as he watched what Ami could do.

Ami calmed a little but folded her arms inwardly and watched Sasuke, "Whatever."

Sasuke flickered out in a puff of smoke and reappeared next to a surprised Ami.

"I promise I'll teach you that but anyways, sorry if I was worried about you passing, maybe I just won't care next time." Sasuke coolly said to Ami as she looked un-quite sure of herself, "Look, whatever it is, fine, I won't help next time, you were a friend and I was worried, but you have to learn how to take advice as it is, also the advices to change yourself."

Ami was too stubborn to admit she was wrong, even though she was wrong half the time…ok, most of the time, but what Sasuke had said was true, one comment and she blows up. It was a force of habit really.

Ami stood there, the words were said and she understood them. Sasuke stood calmly to her side as Sakura was watching her. She had started the whole thing with her attitude and maybe she was a bit childish… sighing, Ami turned to Sasuke, "Ok, ok, maybe I was a bit childish. Sasuke, sorry, I just thought you thought I was weak."

"Ami, you're my friend, I want you to get stronger, why do you think I taught you the Shadow Clone technique?"

'Yeah, that's true,' Ami thought again feeling stupid "Alright, Alright…"she sighed again, "You're right again Sasuke, always- always right."

Sasuke smirked as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Ami, I can be wrong you know, I'm not perfect," he chuckled as Sakura came up beside them.

"So…you guys alright?" Sakura asked, standing right beside Sasuke.

They all looked at each other and grinned, "Yeah, I guess we are…Hey you know what?" Sasuke said.

They looked at him curiously as he begun, "Our Sensei is late; maybe a prank is in order…Ami?"

They both grinned as they looked at each other as Sakura started backing away into her seat.

"Sorry guys," Sakura sat on her seat, "I am not going to be a part of this."

"YOU GO GUYS CHA!!"

"So Ami…any ideas?"

…Hours later…

Kakashi was walking down the halls, hands in his pocket, and his eyes looked ahead a bit droopily. He was here to pick up his students from the academy. This team was different than the other students he had had in the past and he was interested how this was going to turn out.

His ears twitched as he heard faint noises, being a ninja he had to always be alert and think ahead so when he heard noises, he concentrated on them.

He heard tiny shushing sounds and snippets of… "Quiet, quiet, he's coming…This isn't going to work…"

'Hmm, they probably set up a prank for me, might as well indulge them.' Placing his hand on the sliding door, he opened it and popped his head in.

The three students were sitting calmly in their desks as if nothing had happened, each staring at him.

'I must admit, they have good poker faces…no one is looking anywhere…nothing suspicious except that them being quiet is suspicious enough since I was late.'

Sasuke sat down watching Kakashi assessing them, one of his hands was underneath the desk, holding on to a wire connected to a contraption set up on top of the sliding door. He just needed Kakashi's head to come a bit further in.

'Come on… just a bit more.' They all thought.

Kakashi walked forward, 'NOW!' they thought as Sasuke pulled the wire.

Kakashi stepped in only to have a ton of water drench his whole outfit; the bucket fell down within moments later and covered his face.

Sasuke chuckled while Ami let out a full blown laugh, they had debated what they were going to do but they settled on something practical and original, besides, Kakashi wasn't a jounin for nothing, and knowing him, Kakashi probably already knew there was a prank set up.

Sakura went to check on their sensei apologizing.

CHA, THAT'S WHAT YOU GET!!

Kakashi calmly stood there, lifting the bucket with one hand and peering at them, his one eye turned an upward U shape. "I hate you guys…."

Ami and Sakura's jaw dropped as Sasuke inwardly laughed.

"Meet me up in the roof," Kakashi said before he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

They each looked at each other as Ami and Sakura waited for Sasuke. Sasuke soon joined them and they walked up to the roof together.

"You know," Ami started as they were on the stairs heading towards the roof, "You could have used that technique to teleport to the roof."

Sasuke shrugged, "Yeah but I rather walk with my teammates. I'll wait till you guys learn the technique." He said it casually, without realizing the impact those words had to both his teammates.

Ami's grin was from cheek to cheek the rest of the walk as Sakura was practically glowing with each of her steps.

Reaching the roof, they found an already dry Kakashi leaning near the edge of the railing. He waved them over and they complied by gathering around him and sitting in different spots.

"I am your Jounin sensei Hatake Kakashi, I want to get to know you better so tell me your likes, dislikes, and dreams."

Sakura looked up at him in confusion, "Sensei, shouldn't you go first as an example?"

"Hmm…ok then. Let's see…" he put his hand to his face in thought, "I like…things."

Ami fell flat faced while Sakura sweat dropped. Sasuke just rolled his eyes, 'here we go again.'

"I have dislikes…and dreams…well I'm not obliged to tell you," he was smiling under that mask of his.

'Sensei…you suck,' Ami thought.

"Ok now, you first pinkie."

DON'T CALL ME PINKIE GRR!!

Her left eye twitched as she spoke, "My name is Sakura and I like..." She blushed, "I hate bullies and perverts and my dreams…" she stopped right there.

'Hmmm…I see she needs work on," the gray haired Jounin thought before nodding towards the next person.

"Your turn shrimp."

Ami twitched as she glared at Kakashi, "My name is Ami and I like ramen, training, and my friends. I hate others who judge others without getting to know them. And my dream is…to become Hokage."

Kakashi nodded his head in approval, 'That's nice.' He looked at the Uchiha…he didn't know what to call him.

"You, next" he said to the quiet protests of Ami and Sakura who wondered why their teammate didn't have a nickname.

Sasuke decided to take a little page out of Kakashi's.

"My name is Sasuke and I have likes and dislikes." He said it smoothly.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow; he didn't expect that from the boy.

"But now my dreams…."

Sasuke closed his eyes for a second, as if in thought. He had thought about it, his dreams in this world would be fixing the Uchiha clan. The clan had too many dark secrets and he wasn't sure he knew it all; the Sasuke he had fought in his world only mentioned a brief history of the clan and the information her received, well, it wasn't pretty.

His eyes opened and his face took one of determination, "There are a few people I want to kill." He spoke darkly that it sent chills along the spines of Ami and Sakura, they didn't know who the people where but Sasuke had changed so much in the years that they didn't expect him to say something like that.

'That figures,' Kakashi thought a bit troubled, 'but who are the people, I know Itachi is one…'

"To reopen the Konoha Military Police and the most important one…"

They all waited while holding their breathes.

Sasuke smirked, "Reviving my clan."

'How can I fix a clan if I don't have a clan to begin with?' Sasuke thought.

Ami and Sakura blushed hard in imagination as Kakashi chuckled. 'Maybe I should give him a Come Come paradise book…might learn something.' He thought before reflecting on his team, 'ok, this is a pretty balanced team; let's see how they do in the test.'

Kakashi went on and explained that there was a final test to take despite the shocks and protests of the girl teammates. It quickly quieted once they found out the low passing percentage rate, then instructed them to meet in the training ground number 17 tomorrow morning at 6am.

"Oh and don't eat, you might throw up." He had said before smiling, "Bye." He disappeared.

Sasuke stood up and looked at the sky; they still had some time left before it turned dark. He noticed that none of his teammates moved.

"Hey, what's the problem?"

Sakura let out a nervous laugh before Ami started, "Sasuke, I never knew you wanted to kill anyone?"

"Well, I have to take revenge on my clan so yeah, there are going to be people who I have to kill."

"I thought it was just one person?" Sakura asked.

"We'll never know really, but I suspect he had to have help. I should have seen it before but, Itachi couldn't have wiped out the whole clan by himself, he wasn't that good." He huffed before shaking his head, "Never mind that, how about we practice before we go home. I'll teach you guys the body flicker technique."

Ami grinned and Sakura smiled, the Uchiha clan was always a sensitive topic for Sasuke, "Sure."

That was how the rest of the day was spent; Sasuke had trained them on the technique and made comments about their weaknesses. He told Sakura she needed to build up her chakra and then told Ami she lacked chakra control. They accepted the advice and worked to fix that but in the end, they were still able to do the technique. Ami had a blast moving everywhere…short distance high speed movement in smokes by the way…and Sakura found it extremely useful for travelling except for all that smoke but Sasuke said there was a way to change that, but later, they laughed at Ami's antics as her flickering had led her to some interesting places and in some interesting positions. Later, Sasuke had invited them out to dinner in which Ami picked Ichiraku's ramen shop as Sakura and Sasuke rolled their eyes at the obvious answer.

The ramen shop was filled with three laughing children as they enjoyed the night before the final test. Celebrating that they had gotten this far and chatted about almost anything, sometimes Ayame joined the conversation with Teuchi disapproving on some topics that were chosen.

Right now, Ayame was chatting with the girls as Sasuke continued eating his ramen, sometimes girl talks shouldn't be listened on.

"I'm surprise no one has claimed your handsome little friend there," Ayame said with her lips slightly tugged upwards while subtly pointing at the content raven haired boy eating his ramen. The two girls had to think about it.

"Yeah, I know what you mean." Sakura started as she appeared thoughtful "I remember a few girls asking him out but he refused."

"I don't know what the big deal is," Ami bit into her noodles and talked while chewing, "Swingmgle ish niece."

Sakura slapped her head and Ayame spoke disapprovingly, "Ami! It's not lady like to talk with your mouth filled with food."

Swallowing Ami spoke, "So? Anyways, what's wrong with being single?"

"I don't think you get it Ami," Ayame shook her head at the girl she knew Ami wasn't like most girls, she was tomboyish by nature so this would be something she wouldn't know much about, "Sasuke is a nice boy, and you would have thought he dated someone by now? Maybe a lovely girl unless…"

" Unless what?" Ami and Sakura spoke at once.

"Unless he was gay or…"

"WHAT!" Sakura and Ami both jumped up as Sasuke looked up from his ramen to stare at them.

"You guys ok?" Sasuke asked while wondering what had them staring at him in an awkward poise.

"Yeah, sorry, just found something out," Sakura answered while letting out a little laugh as they both waved their hands in the air awkwardly and they resumed their sitting position, harsh whispers where soon exchanged.

'Girls,' Sasuke shook his head and continued enjoying the heavenly broth, 'weird.'

"There's no way he's gay, he can't be." Sakura was nearly shouting but toned it down.

Ami just stayed quiet, quickly thinking to all those times she had made fun of Sasuke being gay.

"Well, have you seen him hanging around only girls?" Ayame asked.

"No, he hangs out with some guys too," Sakura spoke in defense, trying to protect her beloved Uchiha's reputation.

"Really, does he hang around them a lot?"

"Nah, it's mostly me and Hina…" Ami started to say before she realized that Sasuke's best friends were girls.

'Could he be…' they all thought as they looked back at the said boy. He just finished his bowl of ramen and was now asking Teuchi for another.

"No it can't be," Sakura was hysteric, her crush of her life, inspiration, and dark handsome prince…it just can't be. "He did kiss Ami today."

"O ho ho," Ayame covered her mouth, giggling.

Ami sputtered, "Sakura! You know that was an accident, everyone saw it."

"Yeah but maybe he enjoyed it?" Sakura said.

"I don't know that." Ami turned red at the accusation as she subtly glanced back at Sasuke who was leaning his chin on his right hand that was positioned on top of the table.

"Aww, little Ami is growing up," Ayame teased to the red faced Ami.

"Shut up," the blushing girl turned away while the teasing giggles of Sakura and Ayame continued on.

"Anyways, he can't be," Ami calmed, "Remember his main goal is to rebuild his clan, can't do that with guys…at least I am sure you can't."

"No you can't Ami; at least that's what I heard of." Ayame thought about it, "You ninjas are weird you know, with these powers and things, it makes me think you can do anything."

"I am pretty sure ninjas haven't come up with a ninja technique like that, turning themselves into women." Sakura answered.

"Let me just ask him if he is." Ami offered.

"Are you sure you want to do that?" Sakura asked.

"Yeah, yeah, he has been my friend for years so it's cool." Ami turned to Sasuke, "Hey Sasuke?"

Sasuke met Ami's gaze with a smile, he was still eating some noodles from the newly arrived bowl but he nodded for her to continue.

"We were wondering if…" Suddenly it felt weird asking it, "areyougay." She said it so quickly but Sasuke heard it.

He was left undignified as he spewed his noodles across the table. Teuchi had to yell at the mess as Sasuke apologized before offering to clean it up but Teuchi just sighed, took his rag, and went to cleaning it.

Sasuke stared hard at Ami, then the two girls who were listening intently for his answer.

"Is that what you guys have been talking about…you think I'm gay?" his voice was disbelieving, "why do you think I was gay, do I come out as a gay person to you guys?"

They each shook their head, muttering out a no. "Well it's just that," Ami started talking hoping that either Ayame or Sakura would finish for her.

"Sasuke, these girls tell me you haven't dated any girl yet…why?" Ayame thankfully asked.

"Oh is that it," Sasuke visibly straightened his posture as if relieved, "Well I think I am a little young to be dating right now, maybe when I'm 15 or 16 I'll start but for now, I need to concentrate on getting stronger but," he shrugged, "who knows I guess, depends how I feel."

"Oh" the girls chorused as they huddled together again.

Sasuke sweat dropped at the scene before shaking his head and ordered another bowl of ramen. "Girls," Sasuke muttered.

"Females in whole," Teuchi answered back to Sasuke as they both grinned at each other.

"Ok, strike that then." Ayame said.

"What was that other idea you had?" Sakura asked.

"Oh yeah, I was going to say, 'or he was already seeing a girl none of you guys know about'."

"Nah, I don't think so," Ami had to think again, "Well, maybe, I have seen him talking to a few girls before but never anything serious."

"Yeah, Sasuke mostly went to the shops he needed supplies from and I think the weapon shop is his favorite." Sakura added as Ami and Ayame looked back at her.

"And how would you know that?"

"Umm, I followed him around…without him knowing." Sakura blushed in embarrassment.

"And I always wondered why you weren't a fan girl, again?" Ami asked sarcastically.

"Oh shut up miss let me make a sexy technique for men."

"Hey, that's a great technique!"

"Whatever, it's un-dignifying to women everywhere."

"Excuse me, what's this sexy technique you guys are talking about?" Ayami asked as a small twitch was nearly visible, she had an idea. Ami gulped.

They enjoyed the rest of their meal and by the time they were done, Sasuke had joined them again and led them away from the ramen place. Along the splitting path, Sasuke had stopped them.

"Guys, I just want to say," He looked at each one of them as they in turn listened, "Remember, let's never give up and let's go down fighting in this test. If he fails us, it won't really stop us from becoming a ninja." He smiled softly as the lamp glowed bright on top of them. "Anyways, I am really glad to be with you guys."

Ami and Sakura stood there, staring at him as they looked at the person who had been with them throughout their lives; they both owed him a lot as he had done so many things for them.

Each one agreed with Sasuke with Ami promising she wouldn't give up and Sakura giggling but nodded her head in response.

"Now then, I bet you he is going to be late tomorrow so don't mind if I come late. I'm also going to eat breakfast despite what he had said; if I want to be a ninja then I should be able to control myself, if it is tough then I will take the consequences of my actions of eating. Now, get some sleep and prepare for tomorrow, anything can happen." Sasuke had spoken with a voice that the girls couldn't help but admire, it was confident and cool.

"Oh yes mighty leader," Ami joked as they laughed.

"So, see ya tomorrow, if a bit late but still, I'll see you guys tomorrow." Sasuke waved to them as he started back peddling the direction to his home.

"Yeah, tomorrow, we'll win for sure; believe it "Ami said in response.

"Yeah, no one can beat team 7 after this." Sakura added as the group finally separated, returning home.

The night home was spent with packing and extra training. Sasuke had returned home, checking a certain armor of his he planned on using the next day. Before going to sleep, he decided he would wing Kakashi's test.

…Early the next morning…

Sakura had gone to the field right on time, never one to displease. She had thought over Sasuke's words about their sensei being late and all but she would rather not find out what would happen if they were wrong…still, it was too early…plus she was hungry.

Ami slept peacefully in her home as she had set up her alarm to wake her up a bit later.

Sasuke woke up early just so he could stretch before heading out to the field. He knew Sakura would be there because she always listened to instructions, so he also packed an extra meal. After stretching, eating, and packing, he took the opportunity to stare at one of his prized possessions.

It was a pure black leather suit; leather buckles could be seen around some areas which would help secure the armor. Through the years, he had been funding for the special leather armor to be made for him, it had a mask that covered the lower half of his face, leather guards all over the body that could lessen a kunai or shuriken blow, or a ninja technique blast, pockets and slots for weapons and equipment, and seals he had personally placed on the suit. There was a seal on the mask that acted as a small chakra wall that blocked toxic gas; it would cling to the lower section of his face, similar to Kakashi's mask, but a bit thicker. He had filled the pockets with shurikens, kunais, summoning scrolls, and other gadgets; the slots contained his favorite weapon so far, the foldable Uchiha clan windmill triple blade shurikens that he had found while wandering around the Uchiha district. They were a bit bigger than the average shuriken, still easy to pack, and it was useful for manipulating wires and fighting like daggers in close combat. He experimented a lot with the weapon and produced satisfying effects.

Slipping on to the suit and strapping the buckles, he peered at the mirror. He looked intimidating in the armor if not also scary & mysterious; it would be hard to spot him if he went on a stealth mission. Latching the leather mask on he finished his gear by slipping on black leather gloves with metal plates built into the knuckle region, he moved around and tested his mobility, approved, then gathered his bag before body flickering out.

It was still morning as hours had already past, close to the afternoon, but Sakura still had to wait for hours, hungry, and pissed since none of her teammates were there nor her sensei. She sat underneath a tree, wondering if she should have listened to Sasuke's advice.

Sasuke had arrived on top of the tree Sakura was under. He was silently watching her as she rubbed her stomach, she was hungry. He decided to show himself, so he jumped down to the unsuspecting girl.

Jumping down was not the best idea, especially if you've dressed to kill and trying to surprise your pissed teammate.

"EEEEK!" Sakura backed away as the armored dressed Sasuke appeared in front of her. She had brought out a kunai and held it in front of her as she quickly scanned the new figure.

Sasuke had to put his arms up for Sakura to calm down as he slowly unlatched his mask and left it hanging on his face. "Sakura, relax, it's me."

Sakura looked on slowly before putting her kunai away, "Sasuke?"

"Yeah," He brought his bag out, "so what do you think?" he gestured to himself.

It was then Sakura had a better view of what Sasuke was wearing. He was covered in a whole thick black outfit, with looks of armor in certain regions, latches, weapons, and a mask. It didn't look uncomfortable on him, even though it fit him, but mostly he looked ready for battle. "You look great Sasu, black really is your color." Sakura answered him as Sasuke took an apple out.

"Here, I know you didn't eat," he handed the apple, "If you want something else, just ask and we'll see what I brought."

Sakura shyly took the apple and thanked him. Sasuke jumped back on the tree branch, leaning against the trunk as Sakura sat back down under the tree, enjoying her snack.

"Where did you get your suit Sasuke?"

"Oh this, I special ordered it from a weapon's shop."

"Really, it wouldn't be Tenchu's weapon shop now, would it?"

Sasuke gazed down at her, eyebrow quirking in surprise, "Yes…how did you know?"

She blushed, "I just know." Changing the subject she asked, "Do you think Kakashi sensei will be here soon?"

"Umm, I think it should take a few more minutes…I wonder when Ami is coming, I told her to be late but not later than Kakashi."

Just then, Ami came running to their area. "Oh, there she is."

"Hey Sakura, I'm not late am I," Ami looked around trying to find their sensei.

"Nope, Sensei is actually late." Sakura answered as Ami adopted a curious look,

"Where's Sasuke?"

The said person silently chuckled at Ami's seeking skills.

Sakura stifled a laugh, even though she herself didn't sense Sasuke, "Oh he's around…" she answered vaguely, swishing the air.

Ami just peered curiously at her; she felt like she was being teased…she just didn't know why.

"Well, wherever he is, he should hurry up soon before Sensei arrives."

"Actually, Sensei is right here Ami," a voice spoke from behind.

Sakura and Ami turned to look at their instructor; He was smiling at each one, one hand raised in a friendly gesture, "Good morning students."

"Kakashi Sensei, where were you this morning, I've been waiting for hours." Sakura complained.

"You actually waited?" Ami laughed.

"Hmm…and why didn't you wait Ami?" Kakashi spoke curiously.

Ami twitched as she thought about Sasuke's words, should she tell him or not, is this considered betrayal. Ami was having an inner battle.

She didn't have to answer since Sasuke made his presence known by jumping down to meet them.

Ami was startled as hell at Sasuke's armor; she thought they were under attack before she saw Sasuke's face, Sakura giggled at the reaction and Kakashi remained the same, most likely he already knew Sasuke was there.

"Sensei I can explain," Sasuke stood strait and looked at Kakashi, "After yesterday's meeting, I figured you would come late again in today's meeting, so I told my teammates to come later than the time you assigned. So really, it's my fault."

Kakashi gazed upon Sasuke, it was already obvious this team already had team work, but how much are they willing to sacrifice for each other? Plus they didn't look so hungry, must have been Sasuke's advice again…he sighed, no fun today. He decided not to bring in the bento boxes of food.

"Very well," Kakashi started walking, "Follow me," he said a bit too merrily.

Leading them to a different area, he had set up an alarm clock on a stool before taking out two bells.

"Now, the test is…each of you has to take one bell." He let the two bells dangle on one finger.

They looked at him in confusion before Sakura said, "But, there's only two?"

"Yup, that means one of you will be returning to the academy." Kakashi looked at each one of their faces.

Sakura looked shock and sad as she gazed at her teammates, Ami just looked angered at this, maybe disappointed to have an unfair test? Sasuke was…impassive but winked at him…which was an odd site.

"Don't worry guys," Sasuke placed a hand on their backs, "Let's just concentrate on getting the bells first, then we'll decide this one later, ok?"

The tension in the air cooled a bit as Ami let out a grin that she was ready, and Sakura smiled in confidence. Kakashi smiled inwardly; already he was beginning to like this team.

"Alright, come with me with intent to kill, when I say go, we'll start, now…." Kakashi raised a hand in the air as Ami and Sakura subtly shifted and Sasuke latched on his mask. Kakashi quirked an eyebrow at that, 'not a bad outfit', striking down his hand he yelled, "GO!!"

Sasuke and Sakura disappeared in a puff of smoke as Ami attacked head on. Kakashi reached into his pouch as Ami stopped.

Pulling out an erotic book Ami twitched in irritation, "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?"

"Oh this," Kakashi lifted his book, "It's a book I'm reading…so hurry up and attack me."

She blushed, she knew what book that was, so she decided to skip the warm up and start with the technique.

"Shadow clone technique," Several clones puffed into existence and all launched at Kakashi.

'Impressive ninja technique Ami,' Kakashi thought as the group of Amis all jumped on him.

Sasuke and Sakura where hidden in the woods nearby, watching the fight. Sasuke slapped his head when Ami strait out attacked instead of hiding. He went to Sakura's hiding spot, which startled her at first but he explained how they should work together, of course she agreed as they both watched Ami.

Kakashi disappeared as the Ami clones started fighting each other, confused, they had thought Kakashi transformed into one of them.

"Fine then Kakashi," The original Ami jumped away from her clones, "Meet exploding Ami."

Suddenly, the clones exploded; dust and twigs where blown everywhere as Ami stood in triumph; she looked around the damaged place. The hard part of the shadow clone explosion technique was just trying to produce the shadow clone but once produced, all that was needed was for the user to make a link with the clone and force the chakra stored in them to react and burst.

Sakura stared wide eyes at the technique while Sasuke chuckled and kept an eye on Kakashi who was hiding on top of a tree.

'Note to self,' Kakashi thought, 'She knows the shadow clone explosion technique, watch out for clones, especially if she has enough to produce that many and not get tired."

When nothing happened, Ami face contorted to shock, "OH CRAP!! I THINK I KILLED SENSEI!!"

Her face was shaking everywhere as Kakashi appeared behind her, "Ah, Ami," he shook his head, "Do you think I was that weak…"

"Oh, Kakashi sensei." Ami turned around as Kakashi tapped her head.

"Never underestimate your opponent," Ami felt a tug on her leg as Kakashi started walking away, one hand was raised. "Bye." He disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Ami felt the tug tighten as her whole body was thrust up in the air. Her body flew towards the nearest tree as she hung from the air, wires tied to her feet that were connected to a branch.

"Aww man…" she whined whilst dangling in the air.

Sasuke smirked behind his mask as he appeared with a laughing Sakura. Ami crossed her arms as she was tied, pouting at her friends as Sasuke asked

"So Ami, want to team up?"

…….hours later…..

Kakashi looked around for his students; so far, Ami was the only one who had attacked. They didn't have much time left for this test, so they either try something now or fail. He turned a page in his book, he decided to wait.

"Hmm…" He jumped up away in time to dodge several kunais. Sasuke appeared in front of him.

"Oh, I was wondering when you would fight me, Sasuke." He put his book away, "Nice outfit by the way."

"Thanks sensei," he sped forward and attacked, Kakashi had to block a fast high kick. Sasuke jumped back then dashed side to side towards Kakashi and threw a fast punch. Kakashi caught it, tsking all the way as Sasuke smirked.

Sasuke spun, grabbed Kakashi's arm and attempted to knee, as Kakashi in turn moved forward and choke held Sasuke.

"Kakashi…" Sasuke grunted as this was going well since he needed to get close, "Let me introduce you to…"

Kakashi spotted small wisps of fire appearing around Sasuke, while Sasuke held Kakashi tighter.

"Karyuu spread (Firedragon enshou)" Sasuke spoke.

Fire erupted around Sasuke's whole body and Kakashi had to quickly escape using the body change technique but the fire did singe part of his vest and sleeves.

Sasuke stood as fire enflamed around him, and then it quickly disappeared. Sasuke rushed up to Kakashi again as they met in combat. He threw quick punches and quickly pulled out before being grabbed. Punch, strafe, low kick, jump strike, and then back flipping away, he kept Kakashi busy. Kakashi only blocked each attack, jumping at the right moments or using his leg or arms to block. He was actually worried since the punches and kicks Sasuke had thrown burned with fire.

"Fire release: Flame Dragons," fire covered Sasuke and blazed everything around him as twin fire dragons shot out of the surrounding flames. It was a direct hit as the fire exploded where Kakashi once was.

The flames settled down as Sasuke stood over them, his hand had two fingers pointing out as a small light of fire could be seen at the edge. Sensing the area, he felt a rumble as he quickly jumped and avoided a hand that attempted to grab him from underneath the ground.

Twisting in the air, a path of fire spiraled around him as he landed. At the end of his two fingers, a nonstop stream of fire was being released as he twirled it like a whip. Kakashi had already risen and looking impressed, he waited to see the interesting move.

Sasuke shot his arm forward as the fire whip followed, and lashed the ground Kakashi had jumped away from, moving his hand again, the end of the whip followed Kakashi like a snake and with a flick of the wrist, the flame snapped again at the moving Kakashi.

Jumping out of the way, Kakashi landed on top of a tree branch, watching Sasuke. "Very impressive, what is this technique?"

"It's a secret Sensei," Sasuke smirked as the two fingers still glowed.

"Oh, really?" suddenly Kakashi felt the tree branches shake as a burst of Ami clones erupted from the forest, startling Kakashi.

Kakashi jumped down and avoided the fire strike that broke off the branch he was standing on and started engaging the clones, each one disappearing after a punch or kick.

Kakashi noted carefully to jump away when he sensed a slight change of some of the clones' chakra, those usually self-destructed. Sasuke joined in by hit and run tactics. He would rush in, strike, or attempt to steal a bell, and then allow the clones to back his escape.

Kakashi was having a real hard time, especially since there were traps set up in the field, and kunais and shurikens being thrown at him from inside the forest and because of this; He had almost missed the sound of the bell.

Sasuke and all the Ami's disappeared in a puff of smoke when the alarm rang, Kakashi walked towards their training 17 meeting grounds and found his students were waiting for him.

They turned to face him, Sasuke's mask was unlatched and hanging from his collar. Ami was grinning and Sakura was smiling, while they held out a bell.

As soon and Kakashi noticed the bells, he checked his side to find the bells missing.

He chuckled, "So, tell me how you did it?"

"You forgot about Sakura," Sasuke answered, "While me and Ami where distracting you, Sakura had set up traps and placed small genjutsus around the area. With all the noise and distractions, you missed it when Sakura snatched the bells from your belt with a little move I had taught her."

And for a demonstration, he placed two rocks on his hands, and then performed the technique which switched the rocks with two bells as Ami and Sakura held rocks on their hands.

Kakashi's head nodded, he wondered if Sasuke could teach him that, now then, they pass this test part but he needed to confirm it. "So, who gets the bells?"

Ami and Sakura looked up at Sasuke, their eyes surprised and in shock as he took both their hands, one at a time, and placed the bells on their hands.

"My friends," he placed his arms around their shoulders, Ami's grin was different, a shy kind of grin with her cheeks slightly red while she held up the bell on her hand. Sakura blushed at the contact but her eyes continued to stare at Sasuke, something that showed affection, "Besides Sensei, I will never abandon my friends, no matter what," The impact of that statement took home as he released his arms to the quiet sighs of the two girls. He turned around and started walking away, the path towards the academy.

'…If I return to the Academy, I'll pass it like nothing, so, it's alright if I don't have a bell…'

That's what he had told them earlier for his reasons but still, they felt discomforted.

"This is stupid," Ami spat as she threw her bell to the ground, "I would rather return to the academy then fight over this." She went to Sasuke's side. The dark haired boy glanced at her, watching as she gave a smile in turn and placed her hands behind her head and walked along.

Sakura agreed as well and placed the bells on the ground. She gave a brief bow to her sensei then quietly went to her friends' sides.

As Kakashi watched them, he had to smile, they were good friends, he ven saw each of them smile towards each other before he chuckled and stopped them, "In the world of the ninja, those who violate the rules and laws are called trash, however…" He gave each one a proud smile behind his mask, "those who don't take care of their comrades are worse than trash…Congratulations, you are now the new team7 report to the Hokage's office tomorrow morning for your ninja registration and your first mission."

Ami roared out a large whoop in the air as Sakura jumped up in joy, Sasuke smiled at his friend's antics and Kakashi chuckled before disappearing with a thought, 'I think I might like this team.'

"Hey guys, let's go celebrate, my treat," Sasuke said as Ami placed her arm around his shoulder and punched the air, "TO ICHIRAKU."

Sakura sighed as she slapped her own forehead, "How did I know?" she giggled as Sasuke agreed, they started walking away as Ami asked about techniques he knew, tomorrow they would start their missions as ninjas but tonight, it was time to celebrate.