Natsumi's eyes widened and she stared up at him. She opened her mouth and then quickly closed it again.
The ANBU?! He wants me to join... the ANBU?"
She swallowed and clenched her hands tightly into fists.
But, I'm just a kid! I'm not qualified for that! This is... crazy.
She kept her hands on her lap to hide their trembling but she did not reply. The Hokage sat in silence and he glanced over to Kakashi, who was looking at him questioningly.
Hiruzen reached into his robes and retrieved a stack of papers and passed them to the Jonin.
"What's this?" Kakashi asked, unfolding them and beginning to skim them over.
"The final reports from her evaluations." The Hokage answered simply.
Kakashi looked them over and his eyes widened slightly. "These stats... Ninjustu... three. Taijutsu... two and a half. Intelligence... four. Force... two and a half. Speed... three and a half. Stamina... four?" His gaze rose to look at the girl, who sat speechless in thought and shock. "She's quite advanced for someone her age... although her score in Genjutsu is practically nothing. Besides that, she's exceptional."
He studied her further and continued to read the report. "She might have the skills required, but, if she doesn't have the right mindset..."
Kakashi returned the pages to the Hokage, who laid them out on the table before the girl as he cleared his throat.
"Y-Yes?" She glanced up at him and bit her lip. There must be some kind of mistake. I'm just a kid.
"Your skill evaluation, as determined by your performances in Hidemi's, Kotetsu's, Izumo's, and Kiri's tests. If you believe I have made an error in my decision, you can see for yourself that you are highly qualified."
Natsumi swallowed and reached forward, carefully controlling her trembling and she held up the first sheet and stared at it. This is... this is how they ranked me? She looked to the Hokage and then back down to the page. Am I really this good?
"If that does not convince you," He retrieved another small stack of papers from his robes and laid them on the table. "Here are no less than thirteen different letters of recommendation from current ANBU members, all requesting your admission."
Her mouth opened and she quickly grabbed them, looking them over. No way! She flipped through and stopped as she recognized a name. This is... Kiri? And... Sena? She reviewed the last sheet and read the signature at the bottom. Even Hidemi-sensei is in the ANBU?!
"As you can see by the dates, we have been very interested in your progress and your recruitment for some time now." He chuckled. "I have even instructed my best agents to test you before, and without even realizing it, you were able to become untraceable to them all. Your stealth is unusually high for someone your age. It's quite impressive."
Natsumi lowered the papers and set them down gently before her. "You mean... you've had me followed? For how long?"
"No need to worry about it; it was only on a handful of occasions." He released a puff of smoke, closing his eyes briefly as he paused. "And yet, you were able to cause them all to lose your trail, break into my office without detection, and even read the Forbidden Scrolls without anyone's knowledge. Ordinarily, you would be punished severely for such actions..." He met her eyes and let out a breath. "However, I believe it would be in everyone's best interest if we utilized your talents instead."
I'm... not going to get in trouble? The corners of her mouth twitched in a smile. He's letting me off the hook? Just like that?
Natsumi sat up straighter. "T-Thank you, Lord Hokage."
The old man chewed on the end of his pipe. "Do you have anything you would like to ask?"
Where do I start? Her heart raced and her eyes moved over the papers spread out before her. There's so much I want to ask...
She looked up at the Hokage. "What... exactly would I be doing? I've heard rumors about the ANBU, but I don't know what they do. And..." She paused and lowered her eyes in thought. "it's very dangerous work, isn't it?"
He shook his head. "You will be put in situations of great danger at times, but I'm afraid I cannot give much detail unless you agree to join the organization. Though they are shrouded by mystery..." His expression darkened and he laced his fingers together and rested his elbows on the table. "the ANBU forces are absolutely vital to the Leaf Village's strength and survival. Joining their ranks is an honor that only the Village's strongest and most valuable Ninja are offered."
She nodded slowly, sitting on her hands as she listened carefully.
"Since you are now aware of the truth that Naruto is indeed the host for the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit, you should be aware that living as a vessel for the Tailed Beast is extremely dangerous. There are many who would seek to capture the Jinchūriki and gain control of the Tailed Beasts for their own gain. There will be an increased risk for him simply by leaving the protection of the Village walls. I'm sure you understand what that means."
Natsumi froze and her heart skipped a beat. That means... the more acknowledgment and skill he achieves... the more at risk he is for someone discovering the truth! For him to achieve his dream and become a well-respected Ninja, he will be putting his life in danger!
"Sir, if I join the ANBU..." She leaned forward in her chair, unintentionally raising her voice. "will that make Naruto safer? Will I be able to help protect him that way?"
"Perhaps not directly..." He answered slowly. "however-"
"I'll do it!" She stood and slammed her hands on the table with determination burning in her eyes.
"Natsumi..." Hiruzen watched her. "You should take some time to think about this decision very carefully."
"I don't need to think about it!" She met his eyes. "I want to join! If Naruto is more at risk as a Ninja and performing missions, I can't sit around and do nothing! I want to protect him so that he can achieve his dream! I don't care what I have to do! He deserves this opportunity as much as anyone else, and it isn't fair that he's in danger like this. He didn't choose to be the Jinchūriki!"
"Even if that is your desire, you must think of the bigger picture. You will not be able to tell Naruto that you are an ANBU member or be permitted to speak of your missions with him. Even though you are family, your work would be absolutely confidential."
So... I'll have to lie to him? Her stomach sunk and she sat back down into the chair. He would be upset if he knew I lied to him... She bit her lip. Although... I have already been keeping secrets from him. If I have to choose between complete honesty and ensuring his safety, then... the choice is easy.
"I want to join." Natsumi looked up at him. "Please, allow me to join. I'll do whatever needs to be done to keep him safe. If I'm not willing to do this for the only family I have, then I'm a horrible person."
"This girl..." Hiruzen puffed on his pipe. "She reminds me of you." He cleared his throat and nodded. "If you're sure, then I will not deny you this opportunity. Come to my office tomorrow morning and we will make it official then."
Natsumi's eyes moistened as she nodded quickly. "Yes, sir! I'll be there! Thank you!"
"Very good." The Hokage collected his papers then stood and Natsumi copied, bowing respectfully until he passed by and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Be sure to get plenty of rest tonight."
Natsumi nodded and bowed her head again. "Yes, sir."
Natsumi stepped aside to give Kakashi room to leave. As he passed, he gave her a small, eye-crinkled smile. Her cheeks warmed slightly and she blinked.
"Oh... wait!" The Silver-haired man stopped and turned to her and she rooted to the spot as he looked at her. "Um..." She met his eyes. "Naruto is a really hard worker. He might seem like a knucklehead sometimes, but he's not a quitter. If he gets discouraged or needs motivation, he's very competitive. So, if you know how to push him the right way, you'll see for yourself how incredible he is."
She stopped and shifted awkwardly where she stood. "B-But I'm sure you don't need my advice, being a Jonin and all."
He smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair, kneeling to meet her eyes. "Thanks. I'll be sure to remember that. If he gets too rowdy, I can always tell him that I'll let you know."
She blushed faintly and giggled. "That would do it."
He stood and went to the door and she gave both men a short wave and shut the door behind them.
Natsumi let out a deep breath and pressed her back to the door.
H-He touched me! She blushed. And he smiled at me! He really is cute!
Her eyes widened slightly at the thought and she pinched her face as her color deepened.
What is wrong with me?! He's old enough to be an uncle... or something!
She sighed and stepped away from the door, resting her hands on the table.
Me? Joining the ANBU? She bit her lip. What did I just get myself into?
Hugging her arms close to herself, she looked over the photos taped on the wall. Naruto, I wish I could ask for your opinion about this...
Naruto reached over and tore off a section of toilet paper, wiping as he grumbled.
"Darn! It finally stopped!" He pulled up his pants and zipped them up with a sigh. "I wonder if Sakura is still waiting."
He flushed and quickly washed his hands, rushing out of the bathroom after wiping them on his pants. He ran down the hall and his eyes widened as he saw the real Sasuke walking toward him slowly with his hands in his pockets and a serious expression on his face.
"Gaaah!" Naruto skidded to a stop in front of Sasuke, who stopped. "W-What are you doing here?!"
"I used the Escape Jutsu." Sasuke smirked. "A very basic technique."
Naruto blinked and gulped. "Oh..."
Sasuke looked at him carefully and narrowed his eyes. "What were you planning to do... by transforming into me?"
Naruto scowled. "I thought it'd be fun, so I gave it a try!" He quickly formed a hand seal and clones appeared around him, leaping at Sasuke to try and capture him a second time.
Sasuke took a step back and scoffed. "The Shadow Clone Jutsu again?"
"I'll show you that I'm really amazing!" Naruto smirked. "I'll defeat you... and make you accept me! Prepare yourself, Sasuke!"
Before Naruto and the clones could reach Sasuke, pain shot through their stomachs and they clutched their abdomens, paling.
"Just like that... my stomach again..." The Narutos turned and raced toward the bathroom, fighting with one another to get inside. "I'm first, I say! I need to use it more! I'm about to go in my pants!"
Sasuke watched Naruto arguing with himself and sighed quietly. "What an idiot." He turned and walked away, his interest in Naruto gone.
Sakura sat on the bench with her eyes on the ground.
"You annoy me'... huh?" Her heart sunk in her chest and she let out a soft sigh. "I see... so this is how Naruto must have felt... I wonder if I can... be a bit nicer next time."
"Darn..."
Sakura turned to see Naruto muttering to himself as he walked in her direction, holding his stomach.
"Did I eat something bad?"
"Naruto?" Sakura's face twitched as she struggled to force a smile. "Quick! Smile... smile..." She stood and waved at him. "Let's go back to the classroom, Naruto."
Naruto stopped and blinked at her. "S-Sakura...?"
Her face twitched as she held the smile and laughed awkwardly under her breath.
"Payback for earlier, huh?" Naruto thought. "Sasuke's turned himself into Sakura... that has to be it."
"You're trying to trick me, right, Sasuke?!" His eyes narrowed. "I don't think so!"
He started to form a hand seal again and his stomach twisted and he clutched it again with a grimace. "Ow ow ow... what the heck is going on?!" He turned and quickly ran back to the bathroom.
Sakura watched him leave and she scowled. "Naruto, you're an idiot!"
Natsumi sighed and looked around the apartment, pulling her eyes from the pictures and staring at Naruto's mess from breakfast.
"Every day it's the same thing." She muttered and picked up the milk carton. "I'm always the one picking up after him."
She covered her nose quickly with her free hand and held the milk away from her. "Gaah! Did he really drink this?! I reminded him to toss it last night and wait until I bought a new one!"
Covering her nose and mouth carefully with one hand, she dumped the remaining contents down the sink, then shoved the carton into the trash can and tied the bag to keep the smell inside.
Ew. Ew. Ew. Ew. I can't believe he drank that! I almost hope it makes him sick!
She uncovered her mouth and stepped away from the trash to take a fresh breath. That was gross.
She sighed and crossed her arms. I wonder what he's up to, now. I hope he's got a good team. His teacher seems... nice. She blushed faintly and pinched herself again. Wow, look at the time. I need to do laundry.
Natsumi shuffled around and picked up all the dirty clothes, sorting it into piles and then letting out a slow breath.
I really don't want to do this...
She smiled faintly and clutched her coin purse. I'll do it later. I need to get me a new jacket, anyway.
Natsumi ran to the door excitedly and locked it behind her and headed to the shop. She found an exact copy of her jacket in a larger size, but frowned after a moment.
If I'm going to be in the ANBU, I should start dressing more seriously, maybe. Bright yellow is so childish.
She turned down another row and bumped into someone. "Oh, sorry! I-" She looked up and smiled. "Sena!"
Sena turned and beamed, then hugged her. "Natsumi! Doing some shopping?"
She nodded. "My jacket's gotten too small, but I was thinking of trying a different look."
Sena kept an arm around her shoulder while several dresses were draped over her other arm. "Want me to help you? I've got a really good eye."
Natsumi nodded. "Sure!"
"Sena, what do you think?" Kiri stepped out of the dressing room in a short black dress and smirked. "Don't I look great in this?"
Sena turned and sighed. "Sure, but this is exactly what I was saying before. Dressing like that attracts the wrong kind of guy that you want to meet." She held up her arm to show Kiri her finds. "Try on at least one of these. You might even like them."
Kiri noticed Natsumi and hugged her tightly, spinning her. Her breath smelled faintly of alcohol as if she'd been sipping from a flask secretly.
"Natsumi!" She set the girl down and turned in a circle. "Tell me, don't I look great?"
"I think Sena's right." Natsumi eyed the dresses on Sena's arm and pointed to a crème colored dress. "I like that one."
"That... one?" Kiri pouted. "But... that one is..."
"Nice?" Sena smiled.
"I was going to say prudish."
Natsumi giggled. "So, why are you looking for a dress?"
Sena groaned. "She's trying to go on another date already."
Kiri stuck out her tongue and slipped back into the dressing room. "Hey!" She protested from behind the curtain. "Just because the last date went badly doesn't mean I can't try again."
"Sure, sure." Sena winked at Natsumi and passed the crème dress to Kiri.
"Do I really have to try it on?"
"I think you should." Natsumi nodded to herself.
"Fine." Kiri mumbled. "But only because you're sweet and young and adorable."
A moment later, Kiri stepped out and put her hands on her hips. "Well?" She gave a sarcastic twirl and the knee-length skirt flowed around her. "What do you think?"
Natsumi and Sena shared a look and grinned. "You look amazing!"
Kiri looked in the mirror and blinked in surprise. "Oh... well... I guess it's not as bad as I thought. But it's such an innocent color. Doesn't it come in black?"
Natsumi circled her and shook her head. "No, I think it looks perfect!" She stopped in front of the woman. "It's different than what you usually wear and it looks really good."
"Hmmm." Kiri turned again and looked down at Natsumi. "I guess it does look pretty damn good on me, but, what can I say? I can make anything look good."
"Alright, we found a dress finally. Now, let's go." Sena laughed.
"Who is she going on a date with, now?" Natsumi turned to the older teen, who shrugged.
"No one, yet. She just wants to pick a random guy up."
Natsumi smirked faintly. "Or you could just go find Kotetsu."
Kiri blushed furiously and crossed her arms and turned away from the mirror. "There's no way I would ever look so ridiculous around him!"
Natsumi giggled. "That's a shame, but Izumo all but confirmed that he likes you."
Kiri turned to her with wide eyes. "W-What? How? W-When?" She scrunched her face. "I-I mean... what do I care if he does?"
Sena grabbed her shoulders, smiling. "What did he say?"
"Just that Kotetsu's had a crush on someone for a long time but he was sworn to secrecy..." Natsumi watched Kiri's blush deepen. "But, that was right after I outright asked him if Kotetsu liked you."
Sena covered her mouth to muffle a shriek of excitement. "I knew it!" She turned to Kiri. "That's it; you're getting that one. That's the one he'll like the most."
"W-What?" Kiri shook her head. "Absolutely not! Don't get involved in my love life!"
"If you didn't want me involved, why do you always bring me shopping for date clothes?" Sena shrugged.
Kiri sighed and stepped back into the dressing room to change back. "Fine! If it will make you stop hounding me, I'll get the dress! As long as you promise that you will not try to force Kotetsu and I together."
"I promise." Sena winked and leaned in close to Natsumi to whisper. "Which means it's all up to you."
Natsumi giggled and Kiri emerged from behind the curtain, eying them suspiciously. "And what are you two talking about?"
"Nothing." They answered at the same time and smiled.
"Mhm. 'Nothing,' they say." She scoffed and looked at Natsumi. "So, what are you here for? Getting ready for a date, yourself?"
Natsumi blushed and quickly shook her head, "No! I've never even had a crush before!"
Kiri smirked and bent to look her in the eye. "Oh? Is that the case?"
"Oh no. Kiri..." Sena groaned. "No."
"Kiri yes." Kiri laughed and put her arm around Natsumi's shoulders. "You know, I'm an expert on men myself. I can always help you find a boyfriend."
Natsumi shook her head again. "I don't want one..."
Kiri pouted and then sighed. "That's no fun." She met Natsumi's eye. "But is there at least someone you think is cute?"
Her blush deepened and she bit her lip. "Um..."
"Hah! I knew it!" Kiri stuck her tongue out to Sena. "Who is it? Can I help?'
"Kiri, you're probably the last person she'd go to for dating advice." Sena patted her friend's back. "Don't take it personally, though."
"Hey, I am plenty qualified to give advice. I go on tons of dates."
"That's my point. Most people want meaningful relationships, not flings."
"Fine." Kiri puffed her cheeks in irritation, smiling again after a moment. "Can I at least know who it is? I'm too curious."
"Um..." Natsumi took a breath. "He's um... well, I just met him today. And... I think he's really cute."
"Yeah? Who?" Kiri grinned and she leaned in closer.
"You'll laugh at me..." Natsumi ducked her head and toyed with her hem of her shirt.
"Me? Nah. Spill." Kiri poked the girl's nose.
"Um..." Natsumi swallowed and lowered her voice. "Naruto's new sensei, Kakashi."
Their eyes widened and Kiri laughed. "Oh, man! You really have good taste! I think every girl who sees him walks by and swoons."
"An older guy, but definitely a cute one." Sena winked. "Nice."
Kiri gasped. "Sena! Did I just hear you say that someone was cute? I thought you weren't interested in romance?"
Sena crossed her arms. "Just because I have sworn off dating altogether doesn't make me blind." The corners of her mouth twitched in a smile. "Besides, it's hard not to find him attractive. Ask anyone."
"Wait..." Natsumi looked between them. "You don't think it's stupid?"
"Why? Because he's older?" Kiri shrugged. "There are plenty of people who prefer older guys. It's no big deal."
"Just keep away from him until you're an adult." Sena giggled.
Natsumi laughed. "You two are crazy."
"And proud of it." Kiri nodded.
"How about we help you pick out a new jacket now?" Sena walked over to a rack and began to leaf through. "What did you have in mind?"
Kiri gently nudged Natsumi and led her over to Sena, following her example and looking through the clothes.
"Well..." Natsumi looked around to make sure none of the other shoppers were nearby. "Lord Third asked if I wanted to join the ANBU, so I thought I should start dressing more seriously. Maybe something black?"
"Black?" Kiri winked. "My specialty. I'll find you the blackest one here."
"So, does that mean you agreed to join?" Sena smiled.
"Yeah, I think so." Natsumi nodded and scanned the row. "I'm really nervous, and I almost didn't, but when I saw that you guys had recommended me, I felt like I had to. If you think I'm good enough for it, then I should put myself to good use."
"I'm so excited!" Sena hugged her. "We had one spot open in our squad, so we were practically begging the Hokage to bring you on. Working together will be great!"
"I get to be with you guys?"
Sena nodded quickly. "Yes! Oh, I'm so excited now! You have to come over for dinner tonight. I'll make something really special!"
"That would be great, actually!" She hugged Sena briefly. "Oh, but... could Naruto come, too?"
"Of course." Sena nodded and rifled through the clothes. "There will be plenty of food."
"Oh, Natsumi!" Kiri cooed from behind the corner and held up a jacket for them to see. "This is the one! You have to try it on!"
Natsumi looked at the jacket and froze. "L-Leather?"
"Yes! Leather!" Kiri brought it closer and held it up to her torso. "Nothing says 'I'm a certified badass' quite like a black leather jacket. You'll look incredible in it."
"I-I'm not sure that's really my style." Natsumi scratched her cheek.
"Neither was that frilly dress," Kiri met her eyes. "But I still tried it on for you."
"Oh. Right." Natsumi shrugged off her yellow jacket and held it between her knees as she pulled the leather jacket on, zipped it all the way up, and looked between her friends. "Well?"
"Get it." Sena nodded and turned to Kiri. "I can't believe your gut was right this time."
Kiri scoffed. "Hah! I have great taste in clothes."
"Too bad you can't have better taste in men." Sena muttered with an impish smile.
"What do you think about it?" Kiri ignored her and turned Natsumi around to face the mirrored wall, then unzipped the jacket down halfway. "That's better."
Natsumi stared at herself, blinking. "I... look a lot older." She turned around slowly. "And I look really cool. I really like it."
She held up her arm and focused on the tag that dangled from the sleeve and then grimaced.
"I... I don't like it anymore."
Kiri and Sena shared a look, then smiled.
"How about, to celebrate you joining our team, we get it for you?" Kiri beamed.
Natsumi's eyes widened. "W-What? Really? This is too much... I can't accept it."
"It's a gift, Natsumi." Sena patted her head. "We want to get it for you."
"But..." She bit her lip.
"If you're really concerned about it, you can make it up to me by coming over for dinner and helping me to eat it all. I always make a ton." Sena winked. "And don't forget to bring your brother. The more mouths, the better."
"She's not kidding, either." Kiri confirmed. "She makes a small feast almost every night. It's great."
Natsumi smiled. "It's a deal."
Natsumi followed them to the counter where they paid for the clothes. They stepped out of the shop and Kiri cut the tag off the sleeve for her.
"Why don't you come hang out with us before dinner? We need some girl time." Kiri stuck her hand into her pocket and draped the shopping bag over her shoulder. "And, you can tell us all about you know who."
"T-There's nothing to tell!" Natsumi blushed. "And, I've really got to do some grocery shopping, but I'll be over afterward."
"We'll see you then." Sena smiled. "Have fun shopping!"
"See you later!"
"Naruto! Stay still and wait." Sakura lectured as she leaned against a desk in the empty classroom.
Naruto was poking his out of the door and eagerly looking back and forth down the hall for their new sensei- who still hadn't shown.
"Why's it that only our squad's leader is late?" He looked at Sakura over his shoulder and complained. "The other teams have gone off with their new teachers already, and Iruka-sensei's also left."
"Don't look at me. I don't know." Sakura muttered and closed her eyes and opened them again as Naruto began to cause a lot of noise. "Hey, what're you doing, Naruto?!"
Sasuke glanced over from where he sat at another desk in silence.
Naruto chuckled and stood on a high stool to carefully place a blackboard eraser in the door.
Sakura stepped toward him, looking up at the eraser and put her hands on her hips.
"Hey!" Sakura narrowed her eyes at him.
"It'll be his fault because he's late." Naruto turned to her and hopped off of the stool, grinning to himself as he put his hands on his hips.
"Man, you're asking for it!" Sakura chided. "Truthfully, I like stuff like this, though! Pranks can be so much fun!"
Sasuke scoffed under his breath and closed his eyes, thinking to himself. "A Jonin wouldn't get caught in such a weak booby trap."
"That's right." Sakura nodded and looked at Naruto. "You're such an idiot..."
A hand touched the open door and Naruto grinned in anticipation and watched as the door was opened and the eraser fell on top of the Jonin's spiked silver hair, creating a puff of chalk dust in the air before it bounced to the ground.
The students stared in shock at the scene until Naruto pointed at the man and began to laugh loudly.
"I got him, I got him!" Naruto bragged.
Sakura flushed in embarrassment as he stayed rooted in place. "I-I'm sorry, sensei. I tried to stop him, but Naruto did it on his own..." She swallowed briefly but laughed in her mind. "That was great!"
Sasuke blinked and furrowed his brows as he looked over the man. "Get real. Is he really a Jonin?"
Finally, their sensei moved and stooped to pick up the eraser quietly and looked at it. Naruto's laughing subsided and they all looked at the man expectantly.
"How can I put this?" He set the eraser does and brought his hand to chin, closing his eyes momentarily as he thought. "As for my first impression of you guys...? Well... I hate you."
Their expressions fell and they looked at him, appearing wounded.
Kakashi sat on the roof's railings with his arms crossed as he looked over his three new students as they sat in front of him, then spoke after a long period of silence.
"Let's see. First off, let me have you guys introduce yourselves."
"Introduce ourselves?" Sakura repeated. "What should we say?"
"Your likes, dislikes, your future dreams, hobbies..." He held up his arms as he explained. "Things like that." He crossed his arms again and looked down at them.
"Hey, before that, please tell us about yourself." Naruto looked over the Jonin in scrutiny.
"Me?" He pointed to himself. "My name's Kakashi Hatake." He lowered his arm and continued. "I don't feel like telling you guys about my likes and dislikes. I've never really thought about my future dream. And, as for my hobbies, I have many."
Sakura turned to Naruto with her eye twitching. "In the end, isn't all we know his name?"
"Next is you guys." Kakashi instructed and looked at Naruto. "Let's start with you."
Naruto grinned and gripped his headband excitedly. "My name's Naruto Uzumaki! I like instant ramen, but what I like even more is the ramen from Ichiraku that Iruka-sensei treats me to. What I dislike is the three minutes it takes after pouring hot water in the instant ramen, and when my sister nags me. My hobby is eating and comparing ramen with my twin sister, Natsumi! And my future dream..." He clenched his fists and smirked in determination. "...is to surpass the Hokage! And so, I'm going to get the entire village to acknowledge my existence!"
"I see..." Kakashi mused under his breath. "I see... this kid's grown up in an interesting way. It's strange to think that he's related to her. They're completely different... she spoke so highly of him but this first impression is... lackluster." He looked at Sakura. "Okay, next."
Sakura blushed and put her hands on her lap. "I'm Sakura Haruno. What I like... I mean, who I like is..." She glanced over at Sasuke, who was ignoring them all. "And, my hobby is, I mean..." She looked at Sasuke again and blushed deeper. "And, my future dream is..." She glanced at Sasuke a third time and then squealed to herself and covered her face, which had shifted to a deep red.
Kakashi let out a quiet sigh. "And? What about your dislikes?"
Sakura blinked and scowled. "Naruto!"
Naruto's eyes widened and he looked as though he'd been slapped. "Whaaaat?"
"Girls at her age are probably more interested in love than the Ninja Arts..." Kakashi rested his cheek in his hand, looking to Sasuke now. "And, lastly,"
"My name's Sasuke Uchiha." He kept his eyes on the ground and his hands laced together, resting his elbows on his knees as he spoke. "I have lots of dislikes, but no likes in particular."
"Oh..." Sakura muttered softly and her heart sunk as she watched him.
"And..." His expression darkened and his tone turned icy. "I don't feel like summing up my ambition as just a dream, but I do have an ambition. The ambition to restore my clan, and, without fail... to kill a certain man!"
A chill shot down Naruto's spine and he stared at Sasuke in silence. "He doesn't... mean me, does he?!"
Sakura's cheeks warmed and she wrapped her legs around her knees. "Sure enough, Sasuke is so cool."
"I knew it..." Kakashi's eyes narrowed and he kept his eyes on the dark-haired boy. "Good!" He called out and crossed his arms. "The three of you are very distinctive and interesting." He paused. We'll have a mission tomorrow."
Naruto beamed and held up his hand in a salute. "Yes, sir! What kind of mission?"
"First, we'll do what we can do with just four people." Kakashi answered blandly.
Naruto tapped his feet in anticipation. "What, what, what?!"
"A survival exercise."
Naruto blinked slowly. "A survival exercise?"
"Sensei," Sakura looked up at the Jonin with a frown. "Why are we doing an exercise even though this is supposed to be a mission? We've had more than our share of exercises in the Academy!"
"This is no simple exercise." Kakashi's eyes fell on her.
Naruto raised his hand slightly, talking slowly. "Then... what kind of exercise is it?"
Kakashi averted his eyes and chuckled to himself.
"Hey... what's so funny, Sensei?" Sakura mumbled and drew her legs closer.
He chuckled and waved his hand back-and-forth. "Uh... well if I tell you, I know you'll grow disenchanted."
"Huh?" Naruto crossed his arms and tilted his head.
Kakashi rested his cheek in his hand again and lowered his voice as his expression shifted to a serious one. "Of the twenty-seven graduates, only nine will be recognized as junior ninjas. The remaining eighteen are sent back to the academy." He paused. "In other words, this exercise is an extremely difficult test with a failure rate of sixty-six percent or higher."
The trio froze and widened their eyes and Kakashi chucked light-heartedly.
"See? Now you're disenchanted, just as I said!"
"That's crazy!" Naruto protested. "To have suffered that much already! Then, what was the graduation test for?"
"Oh, that?" The Jonin shrugged. "It was just to select those who had the potential to be Genin."
"Whaaaaat?!" Naruto's mouth gaped.
Kakashi shrugged again. "Well, that's the way it is. I'll be determining whether you pass or fail. Bring your complete set of ninja tools. We meet at 5 in the morning."
Naruto trembled and stared at the ground with his eyes wide. "N-No way am I going to be dropped now! I've got to have my strength recognized for real! I can't embarrass Natsumi by going back to the Academy, either!"
"I'll be separated from Sasuke if I fail this test." Sakura furrowed her brows and balled her hands into fists. "This is a test of love! I can't lose!"
Sasuke tightened his fists until they trembled and his expression darkened.
Kakashi chuckled and waved his hand. "Okay! You're dismissed." He turned to look at them over his shoulder. "Oh... and you'd best skip breakfast. You'll throw up."
"Naruto!" Natsumi grinned as she spotted him, waving as she ran to him. I finally found him!
Naruto turned and grinned back and waved. "Natsumi!"
"I've been looking everywhere for you!" She stopped in front of him and looked at Sakura and Sasuke, who had been walking away but had stopped to look at her. She grimaced. "Is this... your team?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah!"
Oh, boy. Whoever put them together really messed up! Natsumi rubbed her head and chuckled. "I-I see." She forced a smile and waved between them. "H-Hi..."
Sasuke stuck his hands into his pockets and turned away from her without a word and Sakura blinked and took a step back instinctively. I can't believe he got paired with these two! There had to be better options!
"S-Sorry about earlier." Natsumi stammered and met Sakura's eyes. No, I'm not. "I... went a little too far." Not far enough! She swallowed and laughed awkwardly. "I just get really protective of my brother, ya know? Could we maybe... start over?"
She held out her hand and Sakura looked at it, blinking. "She's... apologizing?" She swallowed and met Natsumi's eyes. "She still creeps me out... but I don't want to get on her bad side again..."
Sakura smiled faintly and shook her head. "Y-Yeah. That'd be nice."
"I'm Natsumi Uzumaki." She shook her hand gently and then released it. "It's nice to meet you."
"S-Sakura Haruno. Likewise."
The two girls averted their eyes and Natsumi let out a slow breath. I want to add: Pick on my brother again and I won't restrain myself next time! But... since she's on Naruto's team, I can't cause any problems between them...
"I... uh... like your dress. It's really pretty." Natsumi muttered.
"H-Huh?" Sakura glanced down at herself. "T-Thanks. It's my favorite." She smiled and shifted her feet. "She's... being nice now. But, it's making me really uncomfortable."
Natsumi sighed and looked at Sasuke, who was still ignoring her, but was not so disinterested that he had left yet.
"And... then there's... you."
He crossed his arms and shifted to look at her. "What do you want?"
Natsumi narrowed her eyes and extended her hand out to him. "It's called being polite. You could try to do it sometime."
He looked down at her hand and scoffed under his breath.
This guy is making it really hard to be nice!
She grabbed his hand and forced it into hers, shaking it briefly as she gritted her teeth.
"Hi, I'm Natsumi. Nice to meet you. Now you say, 'hi, I'm Sasuke the quiet jerk who likes to pretend like I'm better than everyone else. It's nice to meet you.'"
He pulled his hand back and scowled. "You're annoying."
"Likewise." She crossed her arms. "But you'd better get used to me being around because Naruto and I are a set."
"Hmph." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "Like I care."
Natsumi drummed her fingers on her biceps. Be nice, Natsumi. "Just remember, I could probably kick your butt and embarrass you, too. So, don't push your luck and just try to be nice back."
Sasuke shot her a look and began to walk away. "Whatever."
Naruto looked Natsumi over, squinting as he circled her. "Wait a minute... you look different!" He stopped and his eyes fell on her jacket. "When did you get that?"
Natsumi smiled and looked down at it. "Kiri and Sena bought it for me. Isn't it awesome? They said it made me look mature and cool."
Naruto crossed his arms. "It's not fair... how is it that you look older than I do?"
"Don't worry; you'll get your growth spurt soon." Natsumi smiled and ruffled his hair. "Oh! Sena is making dinner tonight and invited us over. We can celebrate graduating and hang out."
"Yeah!" Naruto cheered and then blinked. "W-Wait... you mean... hang out with those older girls from before?"
His cheeks turned slightly pink.
"Yeah..." Natsumi crossed her arms. "Is something wrong with that? They're really great, and they've helped us out before."
"N-Nothing." He chuckled and rubbed his head. "Wait are we waiting for? Let's go eat!" He turned and waved to Sakura. "Bye, Sakura-chan! See you in the morning!"
"O-Oh. Yeah." She managed a small smile and waved back. "Bye."
Natsumi linked arms with Naruto and led him away. "What's tomorrow?"
"Oh, Kakashi-sensei is making us do a survival exercise..." He muttered and sighed. "If we fail, we get sent back to the Academy."
"What?!" Natsumi stared. "I-Is that a joke?!" After all that time I stayed behind to be with him?!
"Nah..." He smirked and pointed his thumb at himself. "But, don't worry about me! You know I'm going to pass and surpass the Hokage someday! This will be easy for me!"
Natsumi giggled and nodded. "I know it."
"So, who did you get paired with?" Naruto watched her. "Who's your sensei?"
Natsumi's step faltered and she coughed. Crap! What am I supposed to tell him?
"U-Uh... well, I didn't get assigned to a three-man squad."
"E-Eh?" Naruto's eyes widened. "Why not?!"
"It turns out that there were more graduates than spots available this year." Natsumi laughed under her breath awkwardly. "Um... but the Hokage's offered me something of an... assistant position."
"Assistant?" Naruto narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"
"W-Well..." She smiled. Come on, think of something! "I'll help him out by running errands around the village as needed, or floating around to the different squads if anyone is out sick or they need more help... that kind of thing."
Natsumi swallowed and watched Naruto thinking, almost seeing the whirring of gears behind his eyes. Please let him buy that...
"That's weird..." He muttered and looked up at her. "But, it sounds important enough."
He believed it! That's a relief. She nodded. "I'm a little nervous about it, but it doesn't seem difficult, so I'm sure I'll be fine."
"Hey, hey! Maybe you'll get paired with us a lot! I'm sure we could use an extra person on missions and during training!"
Natsumi giggled. "I hope that's the case! We won't be seeing a lot of each other from now on, so I hope that I can be allowed to do missions with you."
After walking for some time, she pointed down the road to the small cottage. "There's her house."
His eyes widened as they approached and he looked up at the tall flowering plants. "Wow..."
Natsumi went around back and found Kiri lounging on the patio chair and talking to Sena through the back door she'd left open as she cooked.
"Hi, guys!" Natsumi waved and Kiri grinned.
"You're here!" She wrapped Natsumi in a crushing hug and eyed Naruto with a wink, then ruffled his hair. "And you brought this cutie pie."
Naruto blushed and his eyes wandered to her chest. He gulped and looked up. "C-Cutie p-pie?"
Kiri laughed. "Come on, come on." She pushed the twins into the kitchen. "Sena! Look who's here!"
They stepped over the threshold and looked to their right and saw Sena working skillfully in the gourmet kitchen. She smiled as she saw them.
"Natsumi! And Naruto!" She giggled. "Welcome to my home! It's not much, but you're welcome to come over anytime."
Natsumi looked around the house and smiled. "What are you talking about? This is amazing!"
Potted flowering plants hung all around the house and filled the area with a light, pleasant aroma. Medicinal herbs were dried, ground up, and stored neatly in jars that covered most of the wall. The rest of the house was simple, with stacks of books filling the shelves and spilled out into neat piles on side tables and the floor.
"You must really love gardening." Natsumi stepped into the kitchen and sniffed, melting at the smell. "Oh, that smells amazing."
"Gardening is my passion. I just love all the different varieties of flowers and cross-breeding them to create new hybrids." She pointed to a small pot sitting on the round dining room table. "I haven't named it yet, but that's my first successful hybrid between a cherry blossom and a rose."
"Wow!" Natsumi bent to examine the flower. "It's beautiful. You made this on your own?"
Sena nodded. "And over there," She pointed to a row of small pots on the windowsill. "I'm working on new types of flowers that smell like different foods. There's a rose that smells like strawberries, one that smells like citrus, and one that I'm trying to make smell like a sweet roll, but I haven't been able to get it right."
Natsumi sniffed each flower. "I think they're perfect."
"So," Kiri rested her arm on Naruto head. "You wanna play a card game?"
"H-Huh?" He looked up at her.
"Until dinner's done."
"Kiri." Sena looked up from the stove with one eyebrow raised. "All the games you know are inappropriate."
Kiri crossed her arms. "That's not true! There's... uh..." She scratched her head. "Well, you can choose, then, kid."
"Oh, can I play?" Natsumi smiled. "We play card games a lot."
"Of course!" Kiri tousled her hair.
"Alright, alright. Just give me some space while I finish up, will you?" Sena pointed outside. "Just a few more minutes."
"Gah! I lost again!" Kiri threw her cards into the air and rested her head on her arms, narrowing her eyes at Naruto. "Are you cheating?"
He laughed and crossed his arms. "Of course not!"
"Alright, it's finally done now!" Sena carried out a large platter and slid it to the center of the table and the twins stared with their mouths watering as she pointed to the different dishes. "This is just the appetizers I made; Spicy Edammame, Gyoza, Yakitori, Harumaki, Miso glazed Egglant, and this." She grinned and met Naruto's eyes. "This is a recipe I made special for you, since Natsumi told me how much you love ramen. I crushed dry noodles to create the perfect breading, fried the chicken, and made a spicy cheese sauce for you to eat it with. Enjoy."
"R-Ramen? On fried chicken?!" Naruto's grabbed a chicken wing, dipped it into the cheese, and took a large bite. His eyes widened and he melted in his seat. "T-That's... the best thing I've ever tasted. It's almost better than Teuchi's."
"Really?" Natsumi tried a piece for herself and blinked. "Sena, you've got to teach me to cook! This is great!"
"I'd love to!" Sena giggled. "I'll bring out the rest of the food now." Bringing out the second tray, she arranged it to fit on the table. "Alright, here's some dumplings, curry- mild and spicy, Sashimi, Tonkatsu, Korokke, Ochasuke, and premium Wagyu."
She wiped her forehead and then took a step back and Naruto looked at the dishes and drooled.
"I... I don't know where to start! It all looks so good!"
Kiri reached over and began to fill a plate for herself as she winked at him. "Don't choose. Just take a piece of everything."
They ate until the five of them leaned back in their chairs and exhaled slowly.
"I've never eaten so much at once before..." Natsumi closed her eyes and patted her stomach.
Naruto reached for the last piece of fried chicken with a trembling hand. "Must... eat... the last... one."
"You guys can take as much of the leftovers as you want." Sena sighed and rested her head on the table. "It's too much for just me."
"R-Really?" Naruto chomped happily and nodded. "You're the best!"
She blushed slightly and laughed. "Thank you, but I'm really only an amateur cook. Right, Kiri?"
Sena blinked and turned to Kiri, who was asleep as she lounged in the chair, and laughed. "I guess it has gotten pretty late." She yawned. "And I should really start cleaning up this mess."
Natsumi sat up slowly. "Do you want me to help?"
She shook her head. "No, I actually find it very relaxing to clean."
Natsumi laughed and glanced at Naruto, who was forcing the last bite down his throat- half miserable, half happy.
"I wish Naruto was that way. He won't clean until I nag him."
Sena stood and began to clean up, separating out most of the leftovers into a box that she handed to Natsumi.
"You should get plenty of sleep tonight." She spoke quietly so that Naruto wouldn't hear. "The Captain likes to haze new members... it can be pretty grueling, so be sure that you're at your best in the morning. I also would limit how much breakfast you eat."
Natsumi nodded. "I will." She held the box closer to her. "Sena?"
"Hm?" She looked up from the dishes and met her eyes.
"Do you think I made a mistake? Joining the ANBU?" She whispered then bit her lip. "I don't like the idea of keeping secrets from him."
Sena glanced at Naruto and leaned in to touch her head to Natsumi's. "I think if you remember the reasons why you said yes, you'll be fine. If not, you'll lose yourself."
"L-Lose myself?"
She nodded. "But, I wouldn't worry about that. I don't think someone like you would ever change that drastically." She straightened and smiled. "Now, go on home. You have a big day ahead of you."
"Thank you, Sena." Natsumi hugged her. "For everything."