DISCLAIMER: Some of the text and characters are from Masashi Kishimoto's Naruto, which I do not own. Only the characters & text that were not in the original manga/anime series are mine.
Recap: The prelims have been completed, now all that comes next is a month for the applicants to train. However, some applicants are injured like Sasuke and Sara and one of them doesn't know what fate has in store for her.
Never…Isn't Always Never
Kakashi reluctantly opened the door to Sara's hospital room. Sara looked at him and smiled. Kakashi flinched inwardly, I don't want to tell her! "Sara…" He began. "I have some…bad news…"
"Let me guess," Sara interrupted. "The doctors told you that I'll never be a ninja, right?"
"How did you-?"
"They said that last time too," Sara stated. "Don't worry, Master Kakashi, I'll be good as new in no time!"
Kakashi smiled at her enthusiasm, "Sara…do you realize that your bone in your left leg is slowly getting more and more hollow with every injury it takes? It won't be able to support your weight soon if it keeps healing like that."
Sara looked thoughtful for a minute. She scolded Phoenix, quit healing my bones as if they were a bird's you nimrod! "I'll be fine," she assured Kakashi.
"I'll feel better, once you've gotten some rest," Kakashi said. "I'll check up on you tomorrow, okay?"
"Sure," Sara said as she rested her head against the pillow. She was soon asleep.
Kakashi smiled as he walked out of the room, I need to tell her that I'm her guardian soon…I'll think she'll be happier…
Kakashi lay awake in bed in his room; it was like those used by orphans, but his lacked a kitchen. He ate out most nights. He stared up at his ceiling, I hope Sara's okay… It would be cruel if she couldn't be a ninja. Our village would lose a valuable ninja… What am I saying? I have to make sure that I check up on her, first thing in the morning.
The next morning at the hospital, Kakashi was staring, incredulously at Sara's empty bed. A nurse walked by and Kakashi called out, "Do you know where Sara Uchiha is?"
The nurse laughed, "No, she was here for her x-rays and than she skedaddled."
"Aren't you worried?" Kakashi asked, appalled by her apparent indifference.
"No," she did this last time. "She'll be back before visiting hours are over."
Kakashi scowled. "He grabbed the notepad by Sara's bed and began writing.
Sara, meanwhile was swimming. I know this isn't the best way to get better, but hey! It's the only thing I got! She always started with water aerobics to strengthen the leg and finished by doing laps, some doing the back stroke, others front crawl, the others were side stroke.
As she finished doing one hundred laps, she hauled herself onto the dock and sighed. I don't want to believe them this time! I am a ninja, and I will never stop being one! My leg is fine! She stood up and put some of her weight on the leg, it wasn't much, but her leg held out just fine. Little by little… she thought as she began hobbling towards the hospital.
She cautiously entered her room, worried that Kakashi was somewhere nearby. He'd kill me if he found out I was gone! She noticed a note on her table and picked up it reading:
Dear Sara,
Where the hell have you been? Do you realize how *&^%%&) I've been? You gave me a *(&%&*%&*( heart attack! You better *^%#(& pray that I'm in a ^$##&*& mood when I get back!
Sincerely,
Kakashi
As Sara read each cuss word she thought, didn't know that one, how do you pronounce that? What the heck does that mean? …I don't want to know what that one means…
She crawled back into the bed. She jumped slightly as Kakashi slammed the door open. She raised her blanket up; it will act as a shield…hopefully! Kakashi ripped it, literally, out of her hands. He ripped my blanket! And boy is he mad! She cowered.
Kakashi shouted angrily, "Do you realize how worried I've been?" Sara was about to make a comment. "I don't care that I'm not your guardian I still care about your well being! Did you even think for a moment, what could have happened? You could have hurt yourself more…you could have…" Kakashi trailed off. "Do you need anything?" He snapped.
"Not anymore!" Sara said.
Kakashi sighed and smiled as he said, "No, really, do you need anything?"
Sara said, "I could use a book on metals." Kakashi gave her a skeptical look. "No, really, I lost my braces in the Forest of Death, I need new ones, preferably light weight."
"I'll do better than that," Kakashi said. "I'll talk to the doctor and see what he can come up with."
"Okay," Sara said happily.
"Before I go," Kakashi said, giving her a meaningful look, "First, I'll be back tomorrow, second I want you to promise me that you'll stay in bed."
Sara said, "I promise that I'll stay in bed today."
Kakashi smiled, "Good, I'll see you tomorrow."
Sara smiled as she thought, sucker!
Kakashi found the doctor that was treating Sara, apparently, the doctor had been looking for him. "I need you to come with me," the doctor said.
He showed Kakashi the x-rays; one was the one he saw yesterday, the other was, he assumed, taken that morning. The doctor said, "I'm always amazed at her rate of healing, these minute fractures you see on the other one are completely gone now, and these larger fractures are healing nicely as well." Kakashi nodded. "Now you wanted to ask me something?"
"Yes," Kakashi said. "She is going to need a brace for her left leg, she knows it and so do I. Is there a lightweight metal that could be used to form the brace?"
The doctor was thoughtful, "Neither of you has given up the hope that she'll still be a ninja?" Kakashi nodded. "There is a metal that is none as 'the cloth metal' it is as lightweight as cloth yet it can withstand, even when shaped, an elephant's weight." Kakashi's eyes were wide with amazement. "I could fashion a brace for her, if you think it is needed."
"I believe she will be up and fighting in no time," Kakashi said smiling.
The doctor nodded, "Yes, much like you are when you realize where you are after being unconscious."
Kakashi blushed under his mask. It was true. He hated hospitals. Especially after a doctor had been unable to find a vein to give him a shot and used him as a human pin cushion. There were other experiences, but that stood out the most in his mind. The doctor walked out and Kakashi soon left for his residence.
Kakashi arrived at the hospital the next morning to find the same scene as the other day. He was livid. I'm going to kill her myself! She promised she'd stay in bed!
Sara was once again in the water, this time as she pulled herself onto the dock after two hundred laps, she put more weight on her leg. She smiled as she limped back to the hospital. Doctors are dumb…they don't know much about ninja do they?
She cautiously looked into her hospital room. Leaving the door open she looked on her table and sighed when she saw that it was note free. She stiffened as the door shut. She whipped around and saw a very, very, very ticked off Kakashi.
Kakashi snapped, "You promised that you'd stay in bed!"
"No," Sara said, correcting him. "I said I'd stay in bed, yesterday."
Kakashi looked confused for a second before he recalled exactly what she had said yesterday, he glared. "I came here to tell you that the doctor will be seeing if your new brace fits, so I suggest you stay here!"
Sara nodded, deciding that she would indeed stay in bed if it kept Kakashi calm. "I'll be here all day tomorrow, I promise," she said.
Kakashi nodded, "Good, I'll see you tomorrow."
Sara sighed, you would think he was my guardian with the way he acts. If he ever adopts me he'd better not be so protective!
The next morning, Kakashi was relieved to see Sara in bed. "Good morning," he said as he entered. "Has the doctor been in here yet?"
Sara nodded, "Yeah, you missed it. The brace fit perfectly."
"That's great!" Kakashi said, genuinely happy. He sat on the edge of her bed. "Was it light weight enough for your liking?"
"Yeah, it was as light as cloth, and it had a silk kind of texture to it!" Sara said enthusiastically.
"Good," Kakashi smiled at her. He added, "You will rest for the rest of today, right?"
"Yeah," Sara said pretending to pout.
"I know," Kakashi said. "I don't like hospital's either. I'll see you tomorrow."
The following morning as Kakashi entered he was surprised to see that Sara was actually in bed.
Sara watched him as he entered, I'll be leaving once I'm positive you're no where near the building! She glanced down at her mutilated headband. During her fight with Yakado his blade had hit the metal part several times, severing it into two metal pieces held together by the still tied cloth part.
Kakashi sat on the edge of her bed again and stared at it, "That headband's not going to do you much good anymore is it?"
"No," Sara said. She sighed, "I'll have to get a new one."
Kakashi smiled as he said, "Why don't you close your eyes for a minute and hold out your hands?"
Sara looked at him apprehensively for a minute before she did as he said. She felt a something placed in her hands. Kakashi finally said, "You can look now."
She stared down at a headband that was in her hands. She quickly looked at Kakashi who had his left eye close as he smiled at her. "But, Master Kakashi…I can't-!"
"Yes you can," Kakashi said. "Consider it an apology for me snapping at you a couple days ago. I can always get a new one."
Sara looked down at the headband, "Thanks, Master Kakashi."
"You're welcome," he stood up. "Now, I need to get going."
Sara waited until he was gone before she left and swam four hundred laps. Afterwards, she walked back to the hospital with a slight limp.
The next day passed without any incident, since Kakashi didn't come to check on her. She was beyond relieved as she swam her last lap out of her five hundred. Once she was on the dock, she smiled as her leg took almost all of her weight, it still needed a day or two before it would be as good as new…theoretically.
The next day, Kakashi watched as Sara sneaked out of the hospital, I think I'll follow her to see what she does…
A Story and a Secret
Kakashi followed Sara all the way to a big pond with a dock. He was amazed at how cautious she was as she looked around quickly before jumping into the water. She started off doing aerobics and than went to swimming laps. Kakashi smiled, she's making sure that she exercises all the muscles in that leg as well. I wouldn't doubt if that's the best thing for her chakra network also.
She folded her arms and was breathing heavily as Kakashi walked up. Her eyes were closed as she rested her chin on her arms, Kakashi said, thinking she had heard his approach, "One hundred more laps."
Sara was startled and went underwater. She came up sputtering a few seconds later, "When…? How…? What?"
"Swim one hundred more laps," Kakashi repeated.
Sara grumbled as she began to swim. Kakashi smiled, I know you just swam six hundred laps, but there's a purpose to this…
Sara finished her laps and dragged herself out of the water. Kakashi could have leaped for joy as she used a fire style to dry herself. He saw no visible signs that it had pained her either.
Kakashi said, "Now, I want you to try and catch me, I'll be at a jog."
"Keep dreaming!" Sara said as she began walking towards the hospital.
"I'll tell you a story about my life," Kakashi shouted after her.
Sara replied, "Not worth it!"
"I'll also tell you a secret that nobody but the Hokage knows about."
Sara turned around and walked back, "I'm interested."
"Good," Kakashi jogged off.
Sara sighed, I'm going to regret this later…! She jogged after him. Every few steps she tripped from pain and tumbled head over heels. Sara sighed again, that story better be good!
Kakashi was easily keeping ahead of her, every now and than he'd glance back to be sure she was still following. Sorry, Young One! This is the only way I could think of to trick myself into telling you that I'm your guardian… He whipped around a corner near a small stand that sold beverages and waited. Kakashi was surprised when Asuma and Kurenai appeared beside him.
"Trying to kill your genin?" Asuma asked as he lit his cigarette.
"No, we're training," Kakashi answered.
Kurenai said, "That's some training! She looks half dead!"
Kakashi sighed, "She's doing fine."
Sara staggered around the corner and collapsed. It's not worth it!
Kakashi said, "Come on, you're almost done!"
"It's not worth it!" Sara shouted to him.
"I know you can do this," Kakashi said. "Just try."
She asked, "Who are you and what have you done with my teacher? He never encourages people like that."
Kakashi shot her a dirty look, "I don't care if you have to crawl, just finish!" She remained still. Kakashi sighed before he walked within touching distance, Asuma and Kurenai stayed back. "Come on, I know you're not a quitter."
Sara tried to touch his pant leg but he took a step back. She sighed and began crawling. Halfway to the spot where Kakashi had stopped, she stood up and staggered along. Kakashi led her to a stool at the stand as he allowed her to tag his arm. Asuma caught her before she could topple off the stool and rested her upper body against the counter.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Kakashi," Asuma said before he and Kurenai disappeared.
Kakashi said to the stand's tender, "One water here please." The tender slid the glass down to Kakashi. Kakashi offered the glass to Sara, "Take a small sip, we don't want your stomach to have cramps." Sara took a huge gulp. "That wasn't small!" Kakashi snapped as he moved the glass out of her reach. "Can we get a straw down here?" The tender handed him a straw. "Sip it!" Kakashi snapped.
Sara obeyed, not wanting the water taken away again. She asked, "So…about that story?"
"Ahh…yes hmm…" Kakashi said, "Once upon a time I was the Head of the Anbu Black Ops and I did a lot of paperwork, the end."
"That was the crappiest story I've ever heard!" Sara snapped.
Kakashi chuckled, "I never said that it'd be good."
Sara grumbled, "That secret better be better than that!" She lowered her head onto her arms.
"It is," Kakashi promised. Sara looked at him expectantly. "Well…uh…I'm…I'm…" Sara dozed off. "I'm your guardian…and you're asleep." Kakashi paid the tender and picked up Sara, carrying her back to the hospital.
Halfway there Sara woke up, "I missed your secret."
"I'll repeat it, don't worry," he said to reassure her. "Now, go back to sleep."
When Sara woke up, Kakashi was sitting on the edge of her bed reading Make Out Violence. "Perverted jônin," she muttered as she sat up and wiped the sleep from her eyes.
Kakashi snapped his book closed. "I'm guessing you still want to hear that secret?"
"Yes, please," she said, now fully awake.
"Okay," Kakashi sighed. "Well…I-I'm…" He stood up suddenly, his back to her, "I'm your guardian! I've been your guardian since the day before the Chûnin Exam began." He turned around to see her reaction.
Sara was flabbergasted, okay I need to make sure I heard that right…did he just say he's been my guardian since the day before the Chûnin Exam?
Kakashi said, jolting her out of her thoughts, "Perhaps…you weren't ready to hear that…" He sounded like someone just kicked his favorite puppy.
"No," she said quickly. "I'm glad you're my guardian. I couldn't have asked for anyone better!"
Kakashi's mood instantly brightened, "That's great! Um…" What the hell? "Would you like to live with me?"
Sara was silent as she thought about it, it'd be better than living alone…
Kakashi said quickly, "Granted, I would understand if you wouldn't since you've gotten used to living on your own and-!"
"That'd be great!" She said happily.
Kakashi stared at her, shocked slightly, "Great! Do you want me to grab your things from your room?"
"Sure, saves me the hassle," she replied.
"Okay than," Kakashi said as he left.
A few minutes later, the doctor came in and told her, "Tomorrow you can leave, we just want to be sure you're okay so you'll stay here the rest of the night."
Can today get any better? Sara wondered as she curled up into her blankets to sleep.
Meanwhile, Kakashi was practically skipping out of the hospital. He did a flip once he was outside, startling Asuma and Kurenai who had been walking towards the hospital.
Asuma asked, "Kakashi, are you okay?"
"Never better," Kakashi replied happily.
"How's your student," Kurenai asked.
"Fine," Kakashi answered. "Do you two want to help me with something?"
Kurenai and Asuma exchanged nervous glances before they said in unison, "Sure."
Gotta See! Gotta Know!
Kakashi walked up the stairs, two at a time to Sara's room. He was a little surprised to find boxes outside her door; Lord Hokage's been looking in that crystal ball of his again! He shrugged off his annoyance and set to work packing her things.
Asuma questioned, "Kakashi…this is a girl's room…why are we in here?"
"Relax," Kakashi said as he picked up a white spotted dog stuffed animal that showed lots of signs of being loved. He stuck it in the box. "I know what I'm doing."
Asuma began to help Kakashi while Kurenai began packing the clothes. Within a few minutes all of Sara's stuff was packed, including the alarm clock. Using some shadow clones they hiked the stuff over to Kakashi's residence.
Kurenai said, "I don't think you have room for a house guest, Kakashi."
"Good thing I'm not living here anymore," Kakashi stated.
Asuma didn't ask, he just helped Kakashi pack his things. Kakashi picked up a note that said: All of your bills will be sent to your previous residence. Kakashi sighed, I really hate that crystal ball of his!
Within a few minutes, Kakashi stood in front of the house that he had grown up in. He set down the boxes he'd been carrying and walked to the door and unlocked it. Asuma held Kurenai back as Kakashi walked in, "I don't know much about Kakashi, what I do know is that his past was rough, let him take a look around first."
Kakashi sighed, the house was exactly the way he left it, it just had more dust. He stared at the kitchen it wasn't very big, just the right size for about three people, four at the most to sit in and dine together. The floor changed from tiled to carpeted as it went into the living room, if you could call it even that. It held a coffee table and a couch with a lamp for reading. Kakashi shook his head of the memories as he walked upstairs. He went into his parents' room first. Nothing had been moved since the day his father had died. Kakashi sighed and said, "Sorry, but I'll probably be claiming this room." He shut the door and moved to his old room that was directly across from his parents'. Opening it up, he knew it would need to be painted some it would be more appealing to its new occupant. He avoided the guest room, knowing that it was an avalanche waiting to happen, and he glanced into the bathroom, turning on the faucets to be sure that the water still worked. When he went back downstairs Asuma and Kurenai were waiting.
Kakashi said as they bent to pick up some boxes, "Leave them there for now, first we need to clean this place up and paint a room."
Kurenai, reluctantly got the cleaning job, while Asuma and Kakashi painted his old room. Using an ice blue paint, Asuma asked as he painted, "So…you finally adopted her, huh Kakashi?"
"Yeah," Kakashi said as he dipped his brush in the paint, "I hope she likes it here."
"Should," Asuma said as he avoided getting paint on the ceiling. "Any particular reason for this color?"
Kakashi paused in his painting for a moment before he said, "I have a feeling she'll like it." Kakashi suddenly changed the subject, "What can you tell me about Shikamaru?"
"Oh no!" Asuma said, "I'm not telling you anything. You have to deal with those two dating on your own." Kakashi groaned. Asuma said, pitying him, "Shikamaru's a good kid, you really don't have anything to worry about." Kakashi nodded in response.
Within three hours they finally finished, and Kurenai put them to work cleaning the upstairs, while she ventured cautiously downstairs into a basement that had a door that made it resemble a closet. Kurenai walked back up and said, "Everything's clean down there and all of the weight lifting machines work as well."
Kakashi nodded and said, "Thanks, Kurenai, we're done up here too."
Asuma said, "We'll take our leave."
"Thanks, both of you," Kakashi said as he watched them leave.
Asuma said over his shoulder as he walked away, "Good luck, Kakashi! You'll need it…"
Kakashi didn't need to be told twice. He closed the door and walked upstairs to his new room. He started to unpack his own things, since Kurenai and Asuma had helped him unpack Sara's. Soon, the room was how he wanted it and he laid on his back, staring up at the ceiling. I forgot how lonely this place gets…soon though it won't be like this anymore…
Sara woke up the next morning and began to get dressed, it all must have been a dream, I mean, Kakashi adopting me? Come on! I need to get back to reality.
Opening the door to her room, so she could leave, she was amazed to see Kakashi standing there waiting for her.
He asked, "Ready to go home?"
"Where's that?" She asked.
Kakashi looked startled, "With me, you silly genin."
"Phew! It wasn't a dream than!" Sara said happily.
Kakashi smiled at her and asked, "Can I do something I've been dying to do?" Sara nodded her head. Kakashi swept her up into his arms and spun her around saying, "I've missed you! I've missed you! I've missed you!"
Once she was, happily, back on the ground, Sara said, "You saw me yesterday!"
"I know," Kakashi replied. "That was making up for all the years we've been apart."
Sara shrugged and said, "Whatever!"
Kakashi smiled and shoved her playfully. Sara got a mischievous glint in her eyes as she bumped into his side. He grinned behind his mask and bumped her slightly. She smiled and shoved him back. Kakashi staggered slightly as he laughed. She tried it again, but it didn't work.
Kakashi said, "I don't fall for the same tricks twice."
"Dang it," Sara said looking disappointed.
Kakashi asked, sounding worried, "Sara…I'm going to forewarn you that…that I don't know what I'm doing, I'm unfamiliar with raising a teenager…are you sure you want to live with me?"
"Positive," Sara said. "But you raised me when I was younger…"
"Not the same thing, even than I had no idea what I was doing," Kakashi said looking a little nervous.
They took their time walking to their new home, Kakashi pointed out landmarks as they walked past, since the house was not within the busier part of the village. Sara nodded as Kakashi pointed out each landmark. She stared in awe at the house when they got there.
"Wow!" Sara said in awe.
Kakashi laughed, "It's really not much, but it's better than where I was residing." He unlocked the door and handed her a key. "Just in case I'm not home, or I don't hear you knocking."
Sara nodded and accepted the key as she walked in. She stared at the kitchen and living room.
Kakashi said, "Well, this is the kitchen and living room as you can see, there's not much too either one but…"
"It's great," Sara said to silence her teacher before he found other flaws in the house.
Kakashi motioned for her to go upstairs; she stood at the top of the steps and looked down the hall. Kakashi said from behind her, "To the near left is my room, to the far left is the guest room which I do not recommend opening unless you want to be squished." He smiled when he heard her laugh. "At the very end is the linens closet, you'll find blankets, bed sheets, towels, and a few miscellaneous items in there. To the far right is the bathroom, sorry we have to share it. And finally to the near right is your room."
She glanced back at him with eager eyes, asking him a silent question. "Go," he said releasing her as she opened the door to her room cautiously and stared in.
Kakashi walked up behind her and asked, "How do you like it?"
"It's perfect!" She exclaimed before she flopped onto the bed happily, grabbing the white dog with black spots.
Kakashi smiled as he said, "I'm glad you like it. I've pretty much shown you all of the house. Now for some rules…" She looked up at him. "Nothing too serious, just some basics that need to be covered; first, that radio you have is to remain off unless you're in your room."
"Why, though?" Sara asked.
"Because I'm the one paying the bill…unless you want to pay it?"
"No, I'm good, radio off, got it!"
He smiled at that, "Second, you are not to enter my room unless I've given you permission. Or else you'll be out of here in no time flat." Sara nodded. "Third… you are to respect my privacy and I'll respect yours. However, you need to keep in mind that I'm your guardian, I have a bit more leeway than you do." Sara nodded again.
She asked when he didn't say anymore, "That's it? No curfew? Nothing else?"
"Do you want a curfew?" Kakashi asked.
"No!"
"Okay than," he said smiling. "Than, yeah, that's all. Unless you give me reason to think of some other ones. Some rules I would think I wouldn't really have to mention…?"
She nodded, she knew what he meant by that, like asking permission before she did something or invited someone over. Simple rules.
Kakashi turned to leave, before he left he asked, "Anything in particular you want for dinner tonight?"
Sara replied, "No, surprise me!"
Kakashi smiled and walked downstairs.
Sara made sure she knew where everything in her room was, than she pulled a book from her new bookshelf (courtesy of Kakashi, the books and shelf) and began to read.
Her stomach growled around 4:30 but she ignored it figuring Kakashi ate around 5 like she did. At quarter to six, she walked downstairs hoping to see Kakashi cooking, he wasn't. He was relaxing on the couch, reading Make Out Violence.
"Master Kakashi," she began. "When's dinner?"
Kakashi looked up, "Are you hungry now?" She nodded. Kakashi got up and moved into the kitchen, "I normally eat around six, when do you usually eat?"
"Five," Sara said.
Kakashi asked, "Next time, how does a five thirty dinner sound?"
"Perfect!" She sat down and watched Kakashi look through the fridge.
He pulled out bread, butter, and cheese from the fridge and said, "Since you're pretty hungry, I'll make dinner simple tonight."
Sara was just happy to have something other than pizza as she tore into the grilled cheese sandwich Kakashi set before. He soon sat down with his own sandwich, but he didn't touch it. Instead, he said, "One more rule…if I do a chore like cooking, you need to do one too." He glanced pointedly at the dishes.
"Fair enough," she said as she stood up as she put soap and water into the sink and began to wash. Within a minute, Kakashi was beside her drying and putting the dishes away.
Sara asked, "Does this mean I have to do one more chore?"
"No," Kakashi said. "I just want you to wash the dishes if I cook."
"You hate doing the dishes don't you?"
"You're one hundred percent correct!"
Once they had finished the dishes, Kakashi relaxed on the couch and began to read again. He was sitting lengthwise, so his legs took up the rest of the couch.
Sara felt a bit awkward, no big deal, he's doing what he would normally do… So, I'll just go upstairs and read in my room like I would normally do!
Several hours later, Kakashi opened her door, startling her. He looked embarrassed as he said, "I'm sorry, I…we…"
She smiled at him, "I understand, it will take us awhile to get used to each other."
"I think you misunderstand," Kakashi said. "I'm perfectly fine with you being here. I'm just not sure how I need to do things…" He leaned against her doorframe.
Sara was thoughtful for a few minutes, does he think I'm any better at this? I don't know how we should interact! "Master Kakashi…I think you keep forgetting that this is new to me too."
Kakashi sighed, "Yeah…I guess I do…"
"How did your parents raise you?" Sara asked.
"My parents died when I was young," Kakashi answered.
"Oh, sorry!"
"Don't worry about it," he smiled at her as he walked into the room and sat on the edge of her bed. "Would you like to play a board game or something?"
"Not particularly," she answered.
"Okay," Kakashi said as he stood up, once again, and made his way to the door.
Sara thought, I should say something. She was just as startled as Kakashi when she said, "I love you."
Kakashi stopped, and turned around. He placed a kiss on her forehead, through his mask and said, "I love you, too." He shut her bedroom door behind him.
Sara sighed, that felt weird when I said that. Not a bad weird…just weird. It felt good though when he kissed my forehead and said it back though. This was exactly what I was pining for…a family.
At nine o'clock, she changed into her PJ's, Kakashi, amazingly, knocked on her door before he entered. He wore a white T-shirt and some black shorts. He said, "Looks like we think alike. I'm probably going to read a bit longer, but if you need me in the night, just knock on my door. If I don't answer, you have my permission to enter and to wake me."
She smiled, "Thank you."
Kakashi walked in and said as she hopped into bed, "Would you humor me please?" She nodded. Kakashi grabbed her sheet and blanket. She understood, she had seen Shikamaru's mother do the same thing to him when he was younger and she had spent the night. She lay down and Kakashi pulled the blanket and sheet up and placed it exactly where she liked it. He kissed her forehead again, through his mask, and whispered, "Thank you."
Sara sighed; she liked being tucked in, she said, "You could do this every night if you wanted to."
Kakashi laughed, "I just needed to get that out of my system. I used to do that when you were younger. You don't need to be nice to me if you don't want to be tucked in. I figure you were too ol-…"
"I don't remember being tucked in," she said. "So you could do it for a few years if you wanted to."
Kakashi laughed as he kissed her forehead again. "Let me know when you don't want to be tucked in anymore." He paused before he said, "I love you."
"Love you too, Master Kakashi," she replied.
Kakashi sighed and went to his room. Sara thought, this is a good life…
Kakashi sat bolt upright in bed as he heard Sara scream. He rushed into her room and was amazed to find her still asleep. She thrashed and kicked, making it hard for Kakashi to shake her awake.
"Wha?" Sara said as she opened her eyes.
Kakashi said, "You were screaming and thrashing in your sleep. I thought you were being attacked by ten Sound ninja!"
"Sorry," she said groggily as she fell back asleep.
Kakashi shook his head back and forth and left her bedroom door open a crack, he did the same to his door. He wanted to be sure that if she shouted for him, he could hear her.
Sara woke up the next morning, not to her alarm clock, but to the smell of breakfast. She sat up and sniffed the air. Bacon…eggs…toast? Where the heck…oh yeah! I live with Master Kakashi now. She got out of bed and walked down the stairs, just as Kakashi was walking up them.
"Oh!" Said a startled Kakashi, "I was just coming to wake you up."
"Breakfast smells good… Was there a reason my door was open slightly?" Sara asked.
Kakashi answered, "Since it seemed like you were having a rough night, I wanted to make sure that I would hear you if you needed me."
"Thanks," Sara said as she maneuvered past Kakashi to her breakfast.
Kakashi called down the stairs, "I'm going to be taking a shower."
"Okay!" She called back up as she sat down at the table. Kakashi's plate and utensils were already sitting in the sink along with the frying pan, which was currently soaking.
She ate her breakfast, wondering what her teacher was hiding behind his mask. I think I need something to drink! She thought as she nearly choked on her toast. She ran the cold water and was surprised to hear a shout from the bathroom. Shutting off the water, she glanced upstairs as she heard footsteps, the shower was still running.
Kakashi poked his wet head around the corner, a towel around his waist, and a towel over his face, "I should have warned you that when you turn on the water, it affects the water from the shower."
"Sorry, Master Kakashi," Sara said, embarrassed.
Kakashi went back up the stairs and finished his shower. The tea she had been making was no where near ready. "I'll take care of it," he said as he nudged her towards the stairs. "Go take a shower; we have a long day of training ahead of us."
Sara came back down the stairs, fifteen minutes later and the tea was only just ready. "I'll get it!" She said as she sprinted to get it before Kakashi, if I do this right, he'll never know that I threw the thing…it's one way to make him take off his mask…I hope he's not hurt… Sara picked up the pot and walked forward. She purposely slipped and tossed the pot. Kakashi ducked and than caught the pot by its handle and set it on the table.
"Are you okay?" He asked her.
"Yeah!" She replied, "Slipped."
Kakashi nodded as he poured himself a cup, but he didn't drink it. Instead he poured her a cup.
She picked up her cup and closed her eyes with pleasure as the hot liquid ran down her throat. She opened her eyes when she heard Kakashi cough. Kakashi had drained his cup as if it had been ice cold. That explains the cough! Why won't he take that mask off in front of me? Doesn't he trust me?
After they had finished doing dishes, Kakashi led the way to the training area with the Memorial Stone.
"Okay," Kakashi said. "Today, I'm just going to make sure you're ready for some serious training that will come later."
"All right, so what do you need me to do?" She asked.
"I need you to race against me again," Kakashi said. "I can't teach you anything if you're not at full strength."
"I'm ready," she said. I've jogged and I've had a day of rest, I'm ready for this.
Kakashi gave her no warning as he took off at a full sprint. Sara shot off after him. I need to go faster than him! Otherwise…I don't think he'll train me! Kakashi stopped and whipped around suddenly and sprinted the other direction. She stopped and whipped around also, falling behind slightly. She managed to catch up to Kakashi before he slowed to a walk.
They walked for a few minutes before Kakashi said, "Good, you're as fast as ever, if not faster… Is that your usual pace?"
"No, I usually don't run that fast, but I could do it…I think," she said.
"I know you can," Kakashi said as he pulled her against his side and rubbed her shoulder. "For the rest of today…we'll just relax."
"Sounds good," Sara replied.
A few hours later, Kakashi was resting with his vest open and his mask down. His book, Make Out Paradise was covering his face.
Sara stepped lightly as she proceeded forward. All I have to do is raise the book slightly and I'll see his face!
Just as she was about to grab the book, Kakashi said, his voice similar to a growl, "Touch my book and you'll be out of the house within two seconds!" Sara leaped away from him. He pointed at a tree and snapped, "Get behind that tree and don't move until I say you can!" Sara did as she was told.
A few seconds later, Kakashi was walking towards the tree. He said, "I told you to respect my privacy, and I'd respect yours…!"
Sara lowered her head, "I'm sorry… It's just…it feels like you don't trust me…"
"I trust you," Kakashi said, gently tilting her chin up so she would look at him. "I'm just not ready to show you what I look like. I've kept my looks secret for so long…old habits die hard."
"Okay," she said, not satisfied with that answer.
Kakashi ruffled her hair, "Come on, I've got a special dinner planned for tonight."
Sara glanced up at the sun, "How did we miss lunch?"
Kakashi laughed and said, "I have no idea."
Ho Chidori (Fire One Thousand Birds)
As they walked home, Sara asked, tired of the suspense, "Do I have a punishment or something along those lines?"
"I don't think so, unless you want one!" Kakashi said cheerfully. I'm willing to forget the situation…but if she wants a punishment…
"I'm good!" Sara quickly replied. If he doesn't want to give me a punishment I'm beyond happy!
Kakashi decided he would punish her slightly, not in the way she expected, either, "Maybe I should punish you if you're so ecstatic!"
How did he…? Did he just read my mind? Sara wondered, yet again.
"I did not just read your mind, no one can do that," Kakashi stated. Unless you've had the proper training.
"Hey!" Sara said indignantly. "You can read minds! You just said if someone had the proper training they could!"
"I didn't say that!" Kakashi said. Can she…?
"Yes!" Sara leaped into the air. Kakashi moaned. Since I can read minds…I wonder if. Ow! She had tried to go deeper into Kakashi's mind.
As Sara rubbed her temples trying to get rid of her headache, Kakashi said, "You have a lot to learn about that art, Young One."
Sara sighed, "So that means you can go as deep as you like in mine?"
"Maybe, do you want me to try?"
"Sure."
Kakashi focused on her mind and cringed when he found a very strong barrier. He began to rub his own temples, "Leave it to that bird of yours…!"
Sara laughed, since her headache was gone, "Served you right!"
"I know, but it puts my mind at ease also," Kakashi said smiling past the pain. "If I can't read your mind, neither can the enemy."
"Sweet!" She said enthusiastically.
Kakashi sighed, he said in her mind, this will also serve as a good defense since we can talk like this.
Sara nodded and asked, "What's for dinner?"
Kakashi laughed as he said, "That was a quick subject change!"
"I'm hungry," Sara said. "And you've spoiled my taste buds!"
Kakashi laughed again as he unlocked the door and walked in. "Go upstairs, and I'll call you down when it's ready."
An hour later, Sara walked down the stairs following a delicious aroma. She stopped dead, when she saw Kakashi eating threw his mask.
"You're using Genjutsu!" She said.
Kakashi nodded, "And if you release the Genjutsu you'll be out of here faster than you can say, 'jutsu'."
She nodded not wanting a repeat of the afternoon; she sat down and looked at the bowl in front of her. It looked like normal ramen, except she couldn't see through the broth, and she had a tentacle hanging off the side. She asked, "What is this exactly?"
Kakashi replied, "If you try it and don't like it, I'll make you something else."
"Not comforting!" She said. "What is it called?"
"I'll tell you once you've tried it," Kakashi answered.
Sara stared suspiciously at the tentacle and the ramen before she used her chopsticks and took a hesitant bite. "This is really good!"
Kakashi laughed as she ate the rest of the bowl. "You won't believe the name of the ramen…" She stared at him curiously. "It's called Garbage Ramen."
"Why?" She asked hesitantly.
"Well…let's just say it uses everything in the fridge that's edible, along with some herbs and spices," he replied.
Sara shrugged, "It's still good."
"Yes, but it's curious," Kakashi said. "Only Hatakes and a select few Uchihas like this ramen."
"I must be one of the select few Uchiha," Sara said.
"Yes," Kakashi said, not looking satisfied with that answer. Lord Hokage said that letter she got was cryptic, it said, from what the Hokage told me, was that "she is Uchiha and more" and I have a feeling that means another ninja clan's bloodlines run through her veins.
Sara studied her guardian, he looks pretty thoughtful over there… I wonder what he's got on his mind?
Once they had cleaned the pot (no leftovers), Sara was washing the dishes and Kakashi was drying, Sara asked, "Master Kakashi…maybe later…could we play a logic game or something?"
"Sure," Kakashi replied. He glanced warily up the stairs, "Whether or not I can find a game is completely different!"
"The guest room," she guessed.
Kakashi nodded. He shuddered as he said, "That room is an avalanche waiting to happen!"
They both turned to look at the door as they heard a knock. Kakashi muttered as he walked over to the door, "Who the-!" He opened the door and was surprised to see Lord Hokage, "Lord Hokage! What are you doing here?"
Lord Hokage replied, "I wanted to see how the two of you were getting along."
Kakashi smiled, "We're adjusting."
Sara chimed in, "We're fine! We're both much happier."
Lord Hokage smiled as Kakashi blushed under his mask, obviously startled by Sara's perceptiveness. She hit the nail on the head that time! I can tell she and Kakashi are both doing well… "I'll be going then since you two are well," Lord Hokage shut the door behind him as he walked back to the village.
Kakashi sighed with relief as the door closed behind the Hokage. "I'll go see what games are hidden upstairs."
Sara finished washing the dishes and began to dry the ones Kakashi hadn't gotten to. She listened to what sounded like an avalanche followed by Kakashi's voice cussing. Eventually he came back down carrying several logic games. She noticed one that was shaped like a lizard, or something very similar. What the heck is that?
Kakashi set the games down and followed her gaze. He picked up the game and pulled out some slots to reveal wings. "It's a game of Shogi. The board is just shaped like a dragon."
"Oh!" Sara said amazed at the craftsmanship behind the dragon. "Can we play Shogi?"
"Sure," Kakashi said as he shoved the other games under the coffee table in the living room.
After several hours of being beaten in Shogi, Kakashi said, "How about we call it quits?"
Sara snickered, "You're just sick of losing."
Kakashi sighed, "Yeah, and I would like to read my book for a bit before I call it a day."
"I don't mind," Sara replied.
"Good."
The next morning, Kakashi gently nudged Sara to wake her up, when that didn't work he tossed her out of the bed.
"Hey!" She said indignantly as she sat up from her new position on the floor. "What was that for?"
"Time to get up," Kakashi said. "Unless you don't want any extra training, than you can go back to sleep."
"I'm up!" Sara said quickly.
Half an hour later found them out in a field with a few boulders and trees; otherwise it was a fairly open spot. Kakashi said, "Today I just want to see if you can do this…" He made a hand sign and chakra began to appear on his hand making a static like sound. Sara watched in wonder, she had never seen a move like it before. Kakashi rushed at one of the boulders and hit it with his hand as he said, "Lightning Blade!" He backed up from the boulder as the chakra disappeared from around his right hand. "I just want to see if you can make the chakra visible today!"
Sara nodded still in awe. What a powerful technique! Wait…did he say he wanted me to make my chakra visible today?
Kakashi said, "It can be a bit difficult but I'm sure you can do it. Just try to do what I did."
Sara nodded and began to do the jutsu. Kakashi was impressed at how well she mimicked his movements.
Sara focused on her hand, all right now to make the chakra appear…focus…focus…shit! Her hand throbbed with pain, as if it were being burned as the chakra appeared. She stopped the jutsu staring at the burn mark on her hand.
Kakashi was beside her instantly, concern showing in his eye. "Are you okay? What happened? You were doing fi-!" He grabbed her hand and examined the burn. He looked thoughtful for a few minutes before he said, "Do it again for as long as possible."
Sara nodded, she knew she wasn't being asked. She did the same thing and kept the jutsu going as long as possible. She stared at her chakra as it appeared, what the? Why is my chakra flame colored? Master Kakashi's was blue…
Kakashi said, "Stop." She sighed in relief as the burning stopped. Her right hand was scorched from her chakra. Kakashi said, "Tell Phoenix not to burn you."
"What?" She shouted in disbelief.
Kakashi repeated, "Tell Phoenix not to burn you."
Well, you heard him Phoenix, don't burn me! Sara thought. Phoenix grumbled in response. Sara performed the jutsu once again and was amazed when her hand didn't feel like it was being burned. She stopped the jutsu and looked at Kakashi. She quickly looked away when she saw the look in his eyes. He's…afraid… Why…? She turned to walk home when Kakashi grabbed her shoulder.
"Look at me," he said to her as he gently turned her around. She looked at him. "I'm sorry if I looked…scared… I just can't believe that your chakra and Phoenix's have blended together so much."
"That's it!" She shouted. "You were just—Stupid jônin!" She laughed in relief.
What did she think I was scared of…her? Kakashi smiled as he pulled her close to his side. "Would you like to continue training today or should we just do more tomorrow?"
"Today," she said as she pulled away from him.
Kakashi smiled, "You'll have to do one hundred laps around the village."
"You're joking right?"
"No, this is part of the training for the move, so get running."
As Sara jogged past on lap seventy-five Kakashi sighed, I lied slightly when I said it was part of the training. This jutsu requires more speed, which I know you can easily produce. I wanted to see how much stamina you have. You have more than I predicted.
Once she had finished her laps, barely sweating, Kakashi said, "Let's call it a quits for today." After a good meal, they both hit the hay.
Sara thrashed in her sleep, moaning every now and than, "No…Master Kakashi!"
Blood pooled around Kakashi's motionless body, his eyes staring blankly. "No!" She cried as she dashed forward. She knelt beside him and tried to get him to stand, "Master Kakashi! No! Get up! You have to get up! Master Kakashi…!"
She jolted awake as she heard a swear word. Kakashi turned on a light as he said, "I come in here to find out why you're calling for me and I find out you're asleep! I go to wake you and I get punched in response!" Kakashi looked at her concerned, "Did you have a nightmare again?" She nodded. "Do you want to talk about?" She shook her head vigorously back and forth. "All right… Sit up for a minute."
Sara sat up and was amazed when Kakashi moved her pillow and sat behind her. "I'm going to stay here for the night, hopefully, you won't have any more nightmares."
Sara rested her head against Kakashi's chest. Kakashi had one leg bent while the other was lying flat. I feel like I'm in a fortress…what am I thinking? Her eyes soon closed and she was asleep.
Kakashi kept an eye on her for a bit, I don't know what she keeps dreaming about, I just want her to get a good night's sleep. When she was still peacefully asleep a half hour later, Kakashi allowed himself to drift off.
Sara was half awake the next morning as she moved to get up. She was startled when she heard a grunt of pain. That was Master Kakashi! I hope I didn't hit him too hard with my elbow!
Kakashi was quiet for a few minutes before he finally said, "I swear you have the dangest aim!" Once again, Sara had managed to hit him below the belt.
"Sorry!" She said.
After breakfast, they were back in the same area from the day before. Kakashi said, "Today, I actually want you to perform the move." Sara nodded. "However, I need to explain a few things about this move. First, you must always use it in conjunction with your Devil's Eyes, otherwise you won't be able to see your opponent's counterattack. Second, you will call this move Chidori, or Ho Chidori, since your chakra resembles fire. Either one will work. You can not call it Lightning Blade until the chirping sound turns to that of static." Sara nodded showing she was paying attention. "Lastly, when we determine how many you can perform in one day, you are not to go over that limit, or else you'll die. All right, let's see how many you can do."
Sara had been waiting for him to say that. She performed the jutsu flawlessly leaving a hole in a boulder. Kakashi nodded his approval and said, "Perform as many as you can."
Two Chidori later Kakashi said, "Very good. I was thinking your max would be two, but it's three. That's very impressive."
Sara nodded, yeah, but two would be my limit if I used up too much chakra performing other jutsu!
That night Sara knocked on Kakashi's door, she had had another nightmare involving his death. I hope these dreams aren't trying to tell me something… Maybe it's just an irrational fear of losing him, that's it! Why isn't he opening the door! She pounded on the door, to no response. Cautiously, she opened the door to see that Kakashi was still sound asleep, the faint rise and fall of his chest showing he was alive. I'm relieved my dream wasn't true but sheesh! Can't he hear anything?
She walked around to the left side of the bed, since he was facing that way. She whispered, "Master Kakashi…" No response. She raised her voice slightly, "Master Kakashi…" She shook his shoulder as she practically shouted, "Master Kakashi!" Still no response, unless you count that he rolled over onto his back. Sara was beginning to feel frustrated, so she grabbed Make Out Paradise and threw it at him. The book hit him square in the chest and there was still no response. Sara glared at her guardian, how am I supposed to talk with him if he won't even wake up! She thought of last night, I really would prefer to ask him before I crawl into the bed, but I'm tired and I really don't want to go back to my room. She tugged at the blankets on the right side and found that they wouldn't move. I guess I'll just crawl up from the back.
As Sara made her way up the bed to the other pillow, Kakashi stirred finally, having to go to the bathroom. He sat up and was startled to see a decent sized lump moving up towards the headboard of the bed. Kakashi swatted at it, and tried not to smile as it protested.
"Hey!" Sara said, sounding muffled.
Kakashi pulled on his mask that he had lying near the bed and asked, "Why didn't you try to wake me?"
Sara made it to the other pillow, "I tried, I even threw a book at you."
As if on cue, Kakashi felt a slight pain in his chest, "I'll be feeling it tomorrow morning…why don't you go back to bed?" Sara rested her head against the other pillow. Kakashi sighed, "All right, if whatever you dreamt about scared you that badly, then fine." Kakashi stood up and walked to the bathroom, returning a few minutes later to find Sara sound asleep. He laughed quietly, she is a unique genin. He got into the bed and protectively laid his one arm over her. He was shocked when he felt her cuddle against him.
Kakashi was the first one up the next morning, and he removed his arm from around Sara. Quietly he grabbed his clothes and took a shower. A few minutes later he returned and saw her sitting up groggily looking around.
"I'm glad you're up," he said as he grabbed Make Out Paradise from the floor and stuck it in his pouch. "This is probably the last day we'll train together, than I'll be leaving to do some other things in three days."
"Training Sasuke, right?" She questioned.
Kakashi nodded, "Don't complain."
"Is he learning the same thing I'm learning?" Sara asked. Kakashi wouldn't meet her gaze. "Stupid jônin," she grumbled.
Kakashi sighed, "To be honest, I never expected you to learn Chidori so quickly. Sasuke will probably take two weeks to learn it." Sara smiled at that.
After breakfast, they were once again in the training area from the day before. Kakashi said, "Okay, I want you to try and hit me with the Chidori."
"Wait-what?" Sara questioned.
Kakashi repeated, "I want you to try and hit me with the Chidori."
"Okay," Sara said. "Your funeral."
Kakashi sighed as she lunged at him with a Chidori. She shot him an indignant look. "Use your head! I'm not just going to stand here and let you hit me and neither will an opponent!"
Sara shrugged off his criticism and made some hand-signs, Fire Style: Dancing Fire Leaves! Kakashi was shocked to find himself surrounded by a tight wall of flames that towered above him. He could see Sara rushing at him with the Chidori. Kakashi leaped into the air at the last minute, dodging the attack.
Sara released the jutsu and watched Kakashi land nimbly on his feet. Kakashi laughed with relief, "You had me there! I actually thought you were going to hit me!"
"I wasn't going to!" Sara said shocked. She stared at his vest, "Your vest is on fire."
Kakashi glanced down and quickly put out his smoldering vest. Once he had put out the fire, "I can't teach you anything else, so I'll be gone the rest of the time you have to train."
Something suddenly dawned on Sara, "Who's my opponent?"
"Didn't I tell you that?" Kakashi asked. He received a glare in response, "Guess not. Your opponent is a Sound ninja, Dosu."
"Great," Sara said. She wondered, how do you fight against sound?
The Finals Commence
After two weeks, Sara was really beginning to worry about Kakashi. Where could he be? I know he's training Sasuke, but still… Tomorrow is the Third Exam… She sighed as she remembered his words to her before he left, "I don't want you to get killed in this exam, giving up is not a sign of weakness when you know you can't go on, team leaders sometimes have to give up to not put their comrades in danger. It's usually called retreating." He winked at her. "Just remember that I'm proud of you for getting this far…"
She sighed as she set her alarm for four in the morning, so she could get to the arena tomorrow for the third part of the exam. She lay awake for a few minutes wondering, I wonder where Master Kakashi is…I know he's okay…I sense that much. Hopefully, I'll see him tomorrow… She drifted off into sleep.
The sun was shining brightly through the one window in her room. She opened her eyes and looked around groggily. Her gaze rested on her clock. At first the time didn't register with her brain, but it did eventually.
She shouted, "Three? It's not three!" Sara leapt out of bed and scrambled to get her clothes and ninja weapons. "Man did my alarm clock pick a bad day to die!" She muttered as she shot out the door, glancing at the kitchen clock. "Great!" She shouted as she sprinted towards the arena in the village, "I have ten minutes to get to the arena! And normally it takes thirty!"
Meanwhile, as Sara was sprinting as fast as she could go, Naruto was looking around. Where the heck is Sasuke...forget him! Where the blazes is Bright Eyes? She should be here by now!
Ino commented to Sakura in the stands, "Sasuke's still not here…"
"I know," Sakura replied. "Neither is Sara or Kakashi-sensei."
Shikamaru looked around, Sara's not here yet, but she probably forgot to set her alarm, or it finally died on her… That Dosu guy she's supposed to fight isn't here either…
The proctor snapped, "Hey! Stop fidgeting!" he had a senbon in his mouth, and wore his headband in a bandana style.
Back to Sara…Sara was halfway there and she was still sprinting full out. I'm almost there! I'm gonna make it! She bolted the rest of the distance in three minutes (two minutes left!) she had to stop at the entrance to the arena as one of the guards asked, "Just who are you?"
Sara said, her breathing amazing steady, "I'm Sara Uchiha, I'm a contestant."
The guards nodded and allowed her to enter. She tried to sneak in but the crowd and the proctor noticed. The proctor said, "Nice try, kid. Stand over there." He gestured towards Shino; Sara walked over there and stood.
She heard Naruto whisper, "Where the hell have you been?"
"Let's just say my alarm clock kicked the bucket," Sara said innocently.
The proctor said, "Stand still and face forward, toward the guests! For all of you are the stars of these finals, so look presentable."
Sara was beginning to appreciate the laps she had done around the village, she wasn't sweating from her sprint and she was not exhausted or breathing heavily. She glanced around for her opponent, where the heck is that Dosu guy? For that matter…where are Sasuke and Master Kakashi? She glanced up at Sakura.
Sakura caught Sara's questioning gaze and shook her head no. I know what she was asking silently, I haven't seen either of them.
Sara sighed, they'd better get here soon, or Sasuke might be disqualified.
I think I remember… Sasuke's opponent is that Gaara. Naruto thought. I wonder…is he still recovering?
Sakura wondered, did he really run away from the hospital that day? What if something terrible happened to him?
Ino saw Sakura's worried look and said, "I know you're worried but, either way Naruto's match is first, so why don't you stop worrying and cheer him on?"
"Yeah," Sakura said.
Everyone's attention in the arena focused on Lord Hokage as he said, "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests… Welcome and heartfelt thanks for gathering here in the Hidden Leaf Village for the Chûnin Exam! We will begin the matches of the final round between the nine candidates who advanced in the preliminaries. Please sit back and enjoy!"
The proctor stepped forward, "Before we get started, I have a few announcements to make. Look here…" He held up the tournament tree. Everyone was startled. "There have been a few last minute changes. Look again and confirm your assigned opponent."
Shino now has to fight an extra match against me! What happened to that Dosu guy? Sara wondered as she gazed at the tournament tree.
Naruto raised his hand, "Hey! Hey!"
"What?" The proctor asked, sounding annoyed.
"Sasuke's not here yet," Naruto said voicing everybody's worry. "What's gonna happen?"
The proctor answered, "If he doesn't arrived by the start of his own match, he'll lose by forfeit!"
Wonder what's keeping Sasuke away…he really must be training with Master Kakashi if he's this late! Sara thought.
Naruto was thinking really hard, this is weird…knowing Sasuke, I figured he'd crawl if he had to.
The proctor continued, jolting them both out of their thoughts, "Listen up! This is the final exam. The landscape may be different, but the rules are the same as the prelims. You fight until one of you dies or admits defeat…unless I determine that a clear winner has already been decided in which case, I'll stop the match before anyone's killed, understand?" They all nodded. "All right than…match one, Naruto Uzamaki and Neji Hyuga, you two stay down here, the rest of you proceed to the waiting room outside the arena!"
Up in the stands, Ino said to herself, "…But against Neji, Naruto doesn't stand a chance…"
Back in the arena, Naruto glared at Neji. Neji asked, "You got something to say?"
Naruto held out his fist, the one he had made a vow to Hinata with, "I've said this before… I vow to win!"
Neji activated his Byakugan as the proctor said, "Now then…match one… Begin!"
Neji laughed as he got into his fighting stance, "It's more fun this way. I can't wait to see the despair in your eyes when the truth finally dawns on you."
"Quit yapping!" Naruto snapped. "Let's fight!"