We're moving right along. Little things are starting to be changed to affect cannon down the line; see if you notice them. Also, yes I know that Kage is really snarky/bitchy, but I imagine going from a peaceful life as a future doctor to being murdered, reborn and raised in a violent world of ninjas would be slightly traumatizing, so she gets to have slightly unhealthy coping mechanisms. A little sarcasm never killed anyone. Let me know if you like it, hate it, don't understand something or whatever!

~Line break~

Time passed quickly. Shisui and I had quickly moved past any lingering issues we had with each other and continued our runs. We also increased our practices. I guess Sasuke didn't realize we were friends, because he contented himself with ignoring me and Shika. (Also Naruto. And his fangirls. And basically everyone in the class) He had embraced his emo-ness full spring. He actually kind of distanced himself from his cousin as well, Shisui confided in me during on of our runs. Apparently Shisui reminded him of Itachi and Shisui's failure to save the clan (Which I thought was bullshit).

I fell into a non-pattern of running, sleeping, failing, and studying. The studying, although done secretly, was taken seriously. I had realized that I had no interest in being in such a shitty position again. When I asked dad for advice on what to study, he brought me to the clan library and gave me a choice of three different supplementary topics. I could either choose to use them as a boost to my specialization, or choose to specialize in just the topic.

I wasn't interested in research and development—that was what most Nara's went into, which meant if anyone guessed my expertise,—And they likely would considering my family name—I'd have extra work to do. The second choice was fuinjutsu, or the study of seals. This one was less likely to be guessed then research and development. I nope'd it anyway. I could buy tags and storage seals if needed, and dad promised to show me the simple ones he's used anyway. Besides, it didn't fit my current fighting style at all. The third one though caught my attention. Really, looking back, there was no chance that I would've chosen any other self-study project.

After dad showed me the library, I spent my last 2 years in the academy continuing to skate by all my courses and self-studying medical ninjutsu. I had thought that already knowing the human body would help me (and it did!) but not as much as I had hoped.

As a quick aside: the human body runs on systems: the digestive system, the endocrine system, etc. I knew the detail of them all like the back of my hand. In my past life, I had planned on going for a surgical residency and I needed to know how each system interacted with the others. Unfortunately for my past knowledge, in this new world, I wasn't just forced to learn the chakra system. Because every other system was impacted by the introduction of the Chakra network as well, I needed to learn how the introduction of a new system affected the other body systems.

Still, after a small learning curve, my studying picked right back up. By the time graduation came around, I was able to heal small cuts, bruises, speed along chakra store regeneration, and help coax along bone regeneration. Unfortunately I was far from a fully certified medical nin, but I thought for 12, I was pretty damn good.

I had also made a new friend. I freaked out the pink haired strongwoman, but we'd moved past that quickly enough. I think she put up with my strangeness because I was nice to her and most of the girls in the class were… not to put it nicely. Ino was friendly enough until she started her own obsession with Sasuke. Once they both realized their crush, their friendship kind of fizzled out.

Sakura put up with me and all my snarky comments (which I apparently made a lot of; getting older was making me more talkative) because I was willing to show her medical ninjutsu. None of the academy instructors would show a student the delicate techniques because the chakra control demanded was too high, however Sakura had naturally perfect control and I worked pretty hard with Shisui and Shika to bring mine as close to perfection as I could.

(I think it was also my casual acceptance of Sakura's superior chakra control that made her put up with and even like me. But to be honest, of course I expected the pink haired badass I remembered from the show to be better then me at med jutsu. I think my expectations for her future strength flattered her but I wasn't messing around there either; she was freaking awesome later and hopefully an early start would change her into that awesome person faster.)

Shisui was willing to be my practice patient even though I was 12. As I had progressed with my shadow training and our spars, I also became more proficient with my mothers style of fighting. Bruises and pulled muscles were now more likely to occur, but with my improvement in medical training, our spars became quicker paced and slightly more reckless.

I found them fun and exhilarating. I'm not quite sure what Shisui thought, but he never turned down a fight, so I hoped he agreed. And besides, it wasn't to say that I was walking away uninjured. Oh no. I was walking away much worse off then Shisui because self-healing is more difficult then healing another ninja. It was why the first rule of med-nins that Sakura and I had learned was to be able to dodge and dodge well.

At 12 to Shisui's (barely) 17 years old, I was always losing the fights. However I like to think I put up a pretty good fight. Shisui was an Anbu captain and capable sharingan user. Losing to him was better practice then winning against any one of my classmates. (except Shika. When he tried, he was cold, analytical, and an incredibly gifted ninja. Thankfully he didn't try often.) Between the experience gained fighting, the practice earned at medical ninjutsu, and the speed maintained and improved on out runs, I was quite the hidden weapon. Best of all, was it was still a secret. Oh I'm sure dad could tell what his kids were up to. And Shika and Shisui had known from the beginning of course. But the beauty of it was, no one else knew everything to put it together. I worked with Naruto on his taijutsu stances and his theoretical work. I only worked with Sakura on medical ninjutsu. Choji was my academy sparring partner, as he was a technical opposite of my fighting style, and even then I slowed myself down (Besides choji could guess from dealing with Shika).

No one would think to put together the pieces of a lazy Nara. This was was too much work and effort to go through just to be underestimated, and besides everyone downplayed Nara intelligence way too much. People would doubt an Academy student could have planned this level of deception from the age of 6. I just cackled because I wasn't even the first Nara to have planned out my mediocrity. Dad had tried, as well as Okaa-san and it was apparently a clan tradition to do be as average as possible, with skills that were totally unmatched for your profile.

And at 12, just shy of 13, I had achieved my goal. I had passed the graduation exam yesterday with Shika and our family had gone out to celebrate along with Ino and Choji's family. The dinner had been pleasant up until dad, Inochi, and Choza had to leave for something. For a a few minutes there my whole chest had felt frozen again. I tensed but tried not to let anyone know. Still, dad being called away reminded me of that night and I couldn't help the tension. Shika noticed (probably because he felt something similar) and we both of visibly relaxed when dad and our uncles came back.

I already knew what team Shika was going to be on. It made sense to keep the clan heirs together and it was a tried to true matching in our village to keep Akimichi-Yamanaka-Nara teams. Whenever a graduating class had them together the teams were always formed, from what I could see of our Nara cousins. It made sense. They were an exceptional combination as far as teams went. But that didn't tell me what team I was going to end up on. I had a slightly lower then average scores in everything our class. (Mom had gotten to Shika and he was forced to aim for the center of the pack. It was almost as challenging as failing to maintain exactly the average score of the class, so count me impressed). I was pretty ticked when demon boy had gotten dead-last. (I had to put in so much effort to be last when I was still aiming for it and he just coasted along on the village hatred and discrimination for him. It just wasn't fair. Worst of all was that I knew he didn't deserve the spot because I tutored the kid after school and we was a middle of the pack if not above average student in most subjects)

Humming to myself, I continued my slow walk to the academy next to Shika. We swung by the Akimichi compound and picked up Choji, before continuing on our way to the academy. The three of us barely made it on time, earning us a glare from Sensei. At least we weren't as bad as Ino and Pinky bursting in the room. He didn't even spare his prized students a second look. I sighed, but figured that entrance was the most exciting thing that was going to happen this morning.

Lowering my head in my desk to rest until the team announcement, I wondered again what the teams would be. I studied the classroom from my position. Girls were fluttering around Sasuke's corner hoping to get his attention and were obviously vying to be his teammate, but he just looked more distant and cold then ever. I frowned internally. He had been snapping at Shisui lately, and my friend had no idea how to respond. Shisui wasn't home all that often between his Anbu and jonin missions, (I would know as I had not seem him to often lately) so to come home to an angry kid was frustrating. I spotted Kiba in the front of the classroom, showing off Akamaru to one of the civilian girls. He and I had got along pretty well after the leaf exercise incident. Perhaps he'd be my team member? I could work with that. He listened when I gave instructions, as long as I explained anything he didn't understand after the fact. Sometimes he joined me and Naruto in out impromptu after school lessons. Or maybe Hinata, sitting off to the side, looking shy and lonely. (She had freaky eyes, but otherwise, she and I got on fine. Usually because I was too lazy to talk and she too shy.)

My musing was interrupted by Naruto and Sasuke kissing. 'Huh, I didn't see that relationship coming.' Clearly neither did they because they broke apart yelling at each other. The surrounding girl proceeded to beat the living shit out of Naruto. I winced in sympathy. I didn't mind the Blondie when he wasn't with the emo kid. Naruto on his own was excitable, but in our lessons, I had learned to temper that down to almost normal levels of excitement. And he was super easy to teach (manipulate) as long as I mentioned that Hokages could do it. Still you don't put two below averages together soI sadly counted him out as a potential teammate.

"…team 7 will be Nara Kageko, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzamaki Naruto"

'Well damn. Count me super wrong today. Why though…' A dead-last and a below average honestly didn't make sense with the rookie of the year. And I had made my stupidity seem natural as well as my rise to mediocrity seem slow and painful. I was certain that no one except Shika, Choji, Shisui, and dad (not even mom knew!) were certain that I was actually a decent ninja. Sure Sakura, Naruto, and Kiba might guess I was above average in some some areas but overall they would have the impression that I sucked. I had nearly failed the exam yesterday just to hold up the illusion! (Only moms wrath held me back)

I Hmmed thoughtfully, and let myself fall into the cold analytical side of my brain I was developing. 'The Uchiha heir cant get special treatment like an individual jonin sensei, but if his teammates die, why would anyone hinder the team with replacements?' Yea there. That seemed plausible.

Still I wonder if our jonin sensei knew this plan. I doubted it. He had been my favorite character to watch when Kayla dragged me down to binge with her (Like I had a thousand times before, I regretted bringing my homework with me and not just sitting there and watching the fucking show. Life could have been so much simpler if I knew what was coming) and as my favorite character, I did know a few things about him. Hatake Kakashi had silver hair, looked pretty cool, wasn't as lazy as assumed (hm maybe I was even subconsciously basing my underestimation on his own?) and had a pretty tough stance on teamwork. As in 'If you don't have teamwork you're not a team.' kind of stance. I figured whatever the village council was planning with me and the demon dying, that I had no intention of fulfilling their wish. I was also pretty sure that I could get our Jonin-sensei on my side too.

As the other team's Jonin sensei led teams out, the classroom slowly emptied out. Shika shot me a 'your so lucky look' as Ino dragged him out. Every fan girl walked out of the room holding back tears. Sensei looked at us pitifully before claiming he had to "go do something good luck waiting". Us three remained seated in the now empty classroom.

'Right, right, I remember this. He was always late and came up with ridiculous excuses. That were true? Or bold faced lies? Hm maybe I don't remember' I sighed again, slumping down further in my seat and deciding to take a nap to kill time,

'I can worry about the shitty team situation later.' Pink haired strong-women was supposed to be on the team and I had taken her spot. I hadn't even paid attention to what team she got assigned either. I was lost in my slightly worried about the timeline thoughts when a hand slammed down on the desk next to me. 'or I can deal with it now' I frowned in annoyance. I sat up slowly staring at an haughty looking emo boy and a very smug looking demon kid.

"LISTEN UP, DATTEBAYO, AS A FUTURE TEAMMATE OF THE HOKAGE, WE'RE GOING TO HAVE TO BE AWESOME. TEME, YOU SHOULD JUST DROP OUT NOW, DATTEBAYO!" Naruto went down the 'piss off and alienate any chance at team camaraderie' route while I sighed and

"How rude." Sasuke sneered at both of us. 'Shit, how had pinky handled this before?' "Just don't get in my way; either of you. If Konoha didn't require teams, I'd already be a chunin." His (failed) intimidation piece said, he stalked off to the furthest corner of the classroom. Naruto immediately lit up, and started yelling back at him. I wondered idly if Sasuke really thought he was Chunin level yet. Sure he had the skills, but not the practice. As a village focused on teamwork, Konoha expected Chunins to be able to lead squads of ninja. 'You literally cant reach Chunin on your own in Konoha' I thought despondent at my teammate's stupidity.

I decided to say as much outloud, and even tried to word it nicer then I had thought it, "After circumstances arriving from the last war, Konoha only allows its genin to apply for the chunin test in units three. There is literally no way for you to become a chunin without working with Naruto and I unless you decide to try giving the academy another year and end up reassigned to a different team." From the way he stiffened, I could see he wasn't happy with that option. He opened his mouth to say something back, but I continued, acting like I hadn't seen him, "As teammates to one of the last Uchiha alive, I'm sure you find us quite lacking. However Naruto and I have already practiced together and I'm sure that the three of us could actually work fairly well together." That was a bold faced lie but I kept a pleasant smile on my face anyway. "And it's not like I'm looking for glory. You and Naruto can dort that between the two of you." I was quite sure that was the longest speech I'd ever said within the academy and Naruto ogled me while Sasuke gave me an appraising look.

I was frustrated with Naruto. Like I'd said before, it was easy enough to work with him (Cough cough manipulator say what) but whenever Sasuke came into the picture, that was it. He had to go prove he was better. And opening up our first conversation as a team by antagonizing one of the team members? "Naruto, I know you have a dream, but what have I said about tact?" He burned red then mumbled an apology out in Sasuke's general direction without making eye contact. When Sasuke Hnnged in reposed, I held back a snort and decided that I had done enough for now.

Trying to move on, Naruto was setting up an eraser prank in the sliding door, giggling like a school girl. Many had fallen for it for its sheer simplicity, including Iruka sensei. Sasuke simply sneered it. I readjusted my estimations,' Right he's only okay with me now, not Naruto. Fuck, that attitude has got to go. Screw whatever plot line I'm messing up.'

It was a while after that, our jonin instructor walked in. The eraser fell on his head and we all froze. Well, the other two froze because of the eraser— I froze because the silver hair was super fucking cool. No where near as gravity defying as the show made it seem, it was slightly longer then normal and spiky. Grey silver, while an odd color, was nothing considering I had class with a blue haired emo, a quiet pinky, a platinum blonde that barbie was envious of. You get the picture; silver wasn't all that weird.

" My first thought: I don't like you guys." He smiled with his eyes before continuing " Meet me on the roof in five minutes.

I sighed standing up slowly and stretching. 'Don't worry sensei.' I thought, 'I don't like us too. How bothersome.'

~Line break~

Introductions were very telling. Kakashi sensei gave as boring and bland an intro as possible which left me jealous because it was almost word for word what I had planned on saying. (maybe I was basing my 'I'm not a threat or a good ninja' attitude on him, after all. Food for thought. ) Sasuke, as an emo little shit that was getting on my last nerve with his broody nature, declared vengeance on a certain man. Naruto, forgetting the lecture from earlier, was super obvious in his hatred for Sasuke and his love of ramen. He also unsurprisingly declared himself "FUTURE HOKAGE, DATTEBAYO!" right in my ear causing me to wince.

"Ah I'm Nara Kageko, call me Kage. I like…." Hm lets be general with this whole thing then. "Sleeping. I dislike…"And a little something to piss off emo boy, "Hard work and vengence." AHA it got a twitch. I could work with that. "My hobbies include cloud watching. My dream for the future…" I could be truthful here and they wouldn't realize just how honest I was being, "… is to retire at a decent age to live a peacefully long life."

Kakashi sensei sighed at the three of us. "Right, so all of you are more then a little weird. Lets move on then, shall we? We have the second part of the graduation exam tomorrow." Naruto predictably freaked out. I might've been worried if Shisui hadn't warned me that jonin-instructers had a secondary test. Clearly he hadn't told Sasuke though because he also looked super tense. Kakashi explained, "We need to fill the genin corps somehow. Generally around 60 percent of teams fail their jonin sensei's exam. Likely only 3 teams at most will pass tomorrow. Whoever doesn't goes to the corps. From what Ive seen, count yourselves in the 60 percent of failures" I nodded slowly. Sounded about right. He hadn't mentioned the option to return to the academy but I suppose he wanted to scare us a little more.

"Tomorrow you will have my exam. Be at training field 3 at sunrise tomorrow. Don't bother eating breakfast, you're just gonna throw it up." Giving another eye smile he disappeared. I was gaping now though, joining in my teammates horror. 'Oh hell no. Waking up before dawn to be somewhere at dawn? Skipping breakfast?' (in both my lives, eating was my passion. My love of foods made me a favorite at the Akimichi compound, even if my small appetite held me back)

Right. This was not gonna work. I made some quick adjustments to the orders in my head. I had never worked so hard in this life that I threw up, so consider that piece of advice ignored. Second, as the daughter of the jonin commander, I had researched all the future jonin-sensei possibilities, including team seven's. While Hatake Kakashi was out dated in most of dad's bingo books (must've gone into anbu for a bit) he was known as a complete badass. Second to almost none within the Konoha ranks. But he was also known around he village as a perpetually late perv. Late as in never showed up earlier then 2 hours late. No way was I waking up before dawn to show up somewhere that he wouldn't be. 'Alright then, consider that all advice ignored.' I opened my mouth to let my teammates know, but both of my teammates ignored me, beginning another argument and rushing to go leave and train for tomorrow.

'Shika was so lucky.' I thought despondently 'If he says to jump, his team says how high—even Ino.' It was the way we were raised. Protect the Yamanaka no matter what. Always listen when a Nara has a plan. Never comment on an Akimichi's weight. And here I was with a team that not only didn't bother listening to me, but flat out ignored me when I tried to speak.

I laid back on the ground, looking up at the clouds. "This is so bothersome."

That night, Shika gave me one of our silent looks. " I know." I said aloud, shaking my head in agreement that the academy had been a blessing we took for granted. I finished setting the table for mom. As we were about to all sit for dinner, there was a knock on the door. I sensed Shisui, so I rose to answer it confused. He had told me he was planning on celebrating the team nominations with Sasuke tonight.

"Ahhh Kage-chan" He rubbed the back of his head embarrassed. "is the invitation for dinner still open? Sasuke was interested in being alone tonight after all his training, so Im free after all." He gave a slight, self-depreciating chuckle. I frowned at him, upset. 'Why was my teammate such an emo little shit?'

I stepped forward and puled Shisui into a hug. "Of course Shisui. You're always welcome here." He tensed for a second stepping back and ruffling my hair, his awkward look falling back into his normal smile, although there was still hidden tension on his face.

Mom had already set another place while I was getting Shisui, so she had either over heard or had sensed him. 'Probably both' I decided. Mom was a really good sensor and I was jealous because I was really bad (comparatively).

Dinner relaxed Shisui and pulled me from my annoyed mood. I ranted a bit about the stupidity of my team set up and also let off some steam about Sensei's advice for tomorrow. Shisui and dad both burst out laughing at hearing my reasoning for not following either piece but refused to elaborate. Shika merely shrugged in mutual confusion with me. It was the perfect way to spend the evening and I was sad when Shisui had to leave because it meant the evening was coming to an end. I walked him to the gates of the compound, even as he laughing teased me that there was no need. It was as we neared the gates that he got more serious. "Ah Kage-chan, I want to apologize in advance for my cousin. He's become rather fixated on revenge and he's kind of…"

"Abrasive." I supplied. Shisui gave me a look. I laughed quietly. "Don't worry Shisui, I wont blame you for him. It's gonna be bothersome dealing with him, but I suppose I can put up with it."

Shisui merely gave me another look before continuing, "Ano, don't let him get to you. You're an amazing kunoichi and I'm sure if anyone can smack this team into shape, it'll be you." He blessed me with a smile. Not his bright, blinding, overly excited smile. This one was a quiet reassurance, the kind that said 'I believe in you!' that I sometimes felt like was just for me. "Congrats on graduating Kage." He said, turning and leaving.

I stood there for a second holding down a blush, before turning back to go home with a slight smile on my face, (what was I blushing for? The lack of honorific? I never used an honorific for him. The smile? I never blushed at it before. Maybe it was because it was night time and a combination of the smile, and lack of honorific and the crush I had slowly been developing. Regardless, I wasn't gonna think about it anymore)