I don't own Naruto...and never will.

(Seven Months Before Graduation )

Basic black sandals hit the trunk of a tree, the figure kept the momentum up they moved gracefully from tree to tree; they were in the middle of chasing an information broker, the fact they figured that something was amidst proved this wasn't their first rodeo. Suddenly the broker came to a stop causing the masked assailant to freeze on top of a tree. "You have a nice set of legs on you..." Exhaling the young man flipped down landing flat on his feet, "Now if you don't want to lose them you're going to tell me exactly what you told the person before you."

"F-fine!" The broker placed his hands together in a pleading manner, his sleeve falling to reveal a kunai. Left hand sliding down his middle finger curled around the hole located before the handle, the simple action allowing him to separate his hands and hold the interesting choice of weapon. "Come near me if you want to die!"

Kei inhaled and exhaled, raising his foot he bought it down with force, dust collecting from the simple action the sound enough to make the now armed civilian flinch. "O-okay you win! I-I will tell you everything." The stuttering idiot bought a smile to Kei's face.

"Good, now get to talking." Kei watched the broker through the holes in the mask, although armed and having the upper hand they were too willing to comply. Before he could figure out what was about to transpire, the bushes nearby rustled the wind was at a standstill which only meant someone was nearby. Two bandits jumped out from opposite sides, the sudden attack catching the male off guard.

Jumping back, he narrowly dodged the two amateur bandits; during his attention switch, the Kunai that the broker was holding previously was suddenly impaled in his shoulder. "Ah, now I see." Technically if any of them were trained properly, he would've died here leaving behind his younger brother. Unfortunately, each of them looked newish to this whole ordeal, "It seems I underestimated you all; your teamwork is there but you're lacking in all other aspects." Not touching the metal lodged in his shoulder, Kei grinned underneath the mask. "I still need the information soooo I'm going to be generous enough to give your comrades a quick death." A man to his word, in a sloppy manner he was gone from his spot the sudden increase of speed enough to appear behind one of the bandits; one hand gripped the top of their head before twisting it with ease.

CRACK.

The two ongoing watchers could only stare as the wild dog easily disposed of one of them. The body of the dead fell, and as they hit the earth Kei was once again gone, a gust of wind wrestled some of the leaves on the tree, and as it calmed down the broker turned to see his headless friend; blood leaving the corpse as it fell.

Back in reality, Kei dragged the delusional broker back towards the hideout; after the Kuani hit his shoulder he put the three under a Genjutsu then disposed of the two lackeys by removing the blood flow to their brains. "Hopefully, you aren't too mentally scared to answer the upcoming questions." The atmosphere suddenly changed, and all of Kei's instincts screamed at him. Letting go of the body, he evaded from the spot only for Kuani's to rain where he stood moments ago. 'Damn, someone was tailing me...considering how long it's been I can assume they are decent if not above your average ninja. To top it off they were able to get rid of the broker with that attack." Pissed at his lack of awareness, Kei surveyed the area looking for a glint of clue.

Stuck in a dense forest with someone that relied on the cover already put him at a disadvantage, taking in the fact they could hide their presence made matters worse. Ignoring his injury, the masked ninja snapped his head to the side as his ear's picked up on a twig snapping. Realizing a second later, Kei tried to move as Kunai came from all directions. Each metal object embedding inside of the trained killer. Unfortunately for the attacker, Kei's body turned into a log not soon after the tables turned shortly after the bait.

Kei stood behind a tree, blood leaking from his previous wound. It was just his luck to come across such professionalism, on top of that the location of the attacker was unknown which put both at the same level. Sandals firmly placed against the grass, the male quickly dashed from his safety; the attacker taking notice and giving chase from the trees.

'If I lead them closer to the base then my life would be over anyway, considering they only wanted to end me means they don't know who I am nor who I work for.' Thoughts rampaging on, the male turn mid-run his hands clasping together.

Snake, Ram, Monkey, Boar, Horse, Tiger: Fire style: Gōgakyu no Jutsu

The air inside Kei's mouth came out, a great ball of fire taking over the area. The giant mass engulfed the direction he was facing; his affinity wasn't fire but knowing such a Jutsu comes in handy from time to time. Using his heels to catch himself from falling backward, the young man placed his hand over his shoulder dodging the previous party of kunai allowed the weapon to leave his shoulder thus allowing blood to flow out.

As the raging fire calmed, Kei took notice of the empty opening but burning jacket sprawled across a tree trump. "Sheesh, I missed...but it must've been enough to scare them off." Taking a glance at the sign on the jacket as the fabric burnt it occurred to him that he had no clue which village it belonged to for all he knew it could've been from a different country. "Now, how am I going to explain this?"

Mia Kobayashi sat dutifully in the spacious classroom, the light above reflecting off her ivory skin tone; she usually attended earlier for many reasons the main sets being: her fellow colleagues and the mere fact that being early meant you were looking forward towards your future proving your mentality in the long run. She more often than not attempted to get the class to settle down before Iruka sensei came inside, and despite being well-liked some of her unsatisfactory classmates made it difficult.

The sliding door shot open and a familiar set of pink hair caught the teal gaze of Mia, there wasn't any bad blood between the two they were pretty friendly towards each other; Sakura respected Mia for her top marks in multiple subjects along with the fact of her natural beauty, yet the latter was more of feminine jealousy. In Mia's eyes, the pink-haired kunoichi was someone that could strive to better herself if she wasn't hung up on Sasuke Uchiha.

"Mia, Hinata!" Scratch that besides being hung up on the sole Uchiha she was abnormally loud, which was another upsetting factory in Mia's book. Turning in her seat, the petite female locked eyes with the shy yet extraordinary Hyuga heiress. Hinata was someone Mia knew would accomplish great things in the future, coming from such a prominent family and having the skill set to back it up; the only thing she lacked was major confidence.

Opting for an icebreaker after Sakura's outburst of greetings she parted her full lips, "Did you both happen to finalize the assignment sensei bestowed onto us?" Mia turned back to her default position, dark brown bangs lightly tickling her face; the ponytail she wore swung as she adjusted herself.

"I didn't have time to finish, though I plan on making up for it during the group project." Sakura turned to Hinata awaiting an answer, and all she got was a nod. "I highly doubt I am the only one not to finish."

Before anyone could rebuttal, the classroom door was pushed open four faces joining the setting. It was naturally quiet, and neat which pleased some of the students.

Sasuke casually joined the class, Ino following quickly behind awaiting his acknowledgment of her.

Mia didn't bother to glance towards Sakura, anyone could picture the expressions she was making and if one tried hard enough the thoughts that wanted to spill out. After the room filled up, with most of the class Iruka came in with a cheery smile. "Looks like class today will be peaceful for a change." Opening his book, the instructor started with a roll call; the missing names being marked off. "If anyone happens to run into any of the missing students please inform them that this class is rather important to advance further in becoming a shinobi."

With the start of class officially beginning many students took out books to take notes, while others found time to rest. The clock spun time moving and in the middle of a lesson about the Hokage, the sliding door was pushed open by Naruto. His face was a tad swollen, which wasn't new to anyone that saw the whiskered-faced child normally. "Sorry." Scurrying to his seat, he brushed off the glares he was receiving.

"Next time try to come to class on time alright Naruto?" Iruka didn't turn from the board, his wrist moving to finish the discussion he was bringing up. Turning, his hair brushed against the chalkboard, "Can anyone inform me of the basic nature releases?"

Mia cleared her throat in order to keep her uptight image, she was already viewed as one of the most gifted far from a genius though; it irked her that people only thought one was born every hundred years. "The basic releases are as follows: Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Lightning," hard work got her to this point, and she wouldn't let it be in vain she wanted to strive in everything she could.

"Correct, those are the most basic elements and everyone has some affinity to one or two depending on how your bloodline is. For example, Mr. Uchiha most likely has a liken to fire considering most people part of his clan specialized in fire release." Iruka mentally cursed himself for his lack of awareness regarding the sensitive topic. Trying to move from the subject, the older man released everyone to lunch.

Left alone to his own devices, the instructor leaned against the rim of the wooden furniture. The smell of chalk running around the area, ever since his drinking escapade he started training silently to get a promotion granted with his skill level it'd take a miracle. He was missing the most vital key to improving, hard work can only take one so far before they max out; talent on the other hand was limitless, and combining talent with hard work one could become a top-notch Shinobi. People can argue hard work beats talent but in the end when matched up against someone that naturally is skilled then a bundle of differences can be made. He had yet to see hard work prevail.

The sudden knock on the wall allowed the break-in Iruka's thoughts, Mizuki leaned against the wall with a shit-eating grin on his face. "Being alone suits you and all, but care to make a friendly wager?" White hair dangled around the sides as both Chunin looked at each other.

Iruka saw his fellow shinobi as a true friend, growing up with him only fortified the bond the two had. "I'm game, but what are we going to be wagering on?" It was an honest question, normally people gambled but between the two of them pay was lower than they liked to admit.

"The exam is coming up soon...and I have three students who will graduate that you most likely think otherwise." This caught Iruka's interest, something told him in his head that this would be an easy win.

"I'll bite. Who are they?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, the jinchūriki and known prankster. Fukō Adohira the child that doesn't attend class, and Kiba Inuzuka the boy that stinks like a mutt." Mizuki's way of thinking always caught Iruka off-guard; so as the sly Chunin closed the distance with a hand out Iruka accepted it.

"You accepted without knowing the consequences." Letting out a deep chuckle, both men retracted their hands; the subtle mood extinguishing as the bell rang signaling the soon-to-be ninjas back in class.

Mizuki threw his hands behind his head, as he left Iruka to tend to the students; his class wasn't for another hour or so which left him ample time to plot out his plan. It was plain obvious Naruto wasn't going to graduate with his current feats, and even if he grew the kid was too unfocused to even study properly; gaining the trust of the Uzumaki was focal in the grand schemes. The other two kids, he threw out were simply random people he didn't have any faith in. The Inuzuka brat wasn't worthy of excelling at the moment, and the last kid just peeved him in a way. There was something about his gaze that reminded him of his younger days, and that wasn't good.

"Count your days Konoha."

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on the mat hat tipped towards the side as each head of the clans that resided in Konohagakure occupied the other mats but not all were present. It was a general meeting held every couple of months, the important figures would discuss various topics that would benefit the Leaf village. Hell, even some political marriages took place here. The third Hokage recalled, the time when an Uchiha representative was forced to procreate with a member of the Nara branch; to say it ended in a failure was putting it decently. Forced Marriages of such were a rarity here unless someone possessed a unique Kekkei Genkai. Cup being placed in front of him, Hiruzen rose a brow; no one seemed to notice him zoning out of the conversation.

"We need to eliminate the jinchūriki! The fourth did his best to save the village but we don't owe him our safety! Listen, if that bastard loses control everyone's family will be in danger. Including yours Mitsukaze! Just imagine, coming back to the compound only to find your granddaughter's mangled body?" Slamming his palm on the wooden table, a mixture of anger and distress looped in the tone, sweat lingering down his forehead as the claim bounced off the ears of the attending heads.

"If we eliminate the child, who's to say the demon won't come out of his body and destroy us after?" Mitsuakze's hands placed on the cup of water located in the front, his tanned wrinkly skin signifying his old age. The light in the center of the room reflected off his bald head, the sunflower-colored eyes narrowing on the one who attempted to pull at his old heart. The heat in the room warmed up many of the old folks, it didn't do much to hide the declining temperature. "Using even one of my precious grandchildren as a clause in your horrible ideas; makes me..." Tanned fingers traced towards the center of the cup, the thumb and middle finger met, although old shinobi skills only sharpened. In the blink of an eye, the cup was across the room, the male who gave such a horrendous story froze the color in his face draining blood oozing down his cheek. As the head of the Kyokai clan, he was well respected and often given applications to expand on his clan's current condition.

Hiruzen watched amused at the small altercation if the cup indeed hit. A piece of the wall fell onto the ground, the cup was lodged into the concrete behind the poor man that lost all words. He would've been dead. Before the Hokage could get a word out, someone made another point.

"Meaningless anger and threats won't take the conversation nowhere, so I agree to disagree." Hiashi Hyuga took a sip of the tea he had prepared, "No one would enjoy the idea of a family member being murdered by a demon, but the context of your story had no ground." He was calm and collected, the conversation wasn't going to move if everyone didn't take in the facts; they were adults the truth was as stated, "The jinchūriki is in a stable condition I assume with our Hokage keeping watch on him, which makes things in the previous scenario invalid." Placing the soothing cup of tea down, the Hyuga head cleared his throat to resume. "I hear he's on the road to becoming a full-fledged Ninja, perhaps his teacher could help keep tabs on him, and at the upset of anything we can take action then?"

Shikaku Nara a known advisor to the Hokage let a sigh part his lips, that was the problem with the Hyuga clan, they expected results, and only results. If Naruto Uzumaki didn't produce the proper results up to par with them; then decisions could change. It was always a gamble with the Hyuga clan, the blood between the Nara and Hyuga clan was calm despite the differences both heads had. In some moments he wanted to smack the Hyuga head for choices they made. "A simple blunder won't be able to dictate the state of anything." The Nara turned to view the source of the voice.

Chōza Akimichi stood straight, his belly bouncing as the attention was focused on him. "Your logic makes it seem that the boy gets one chance, but I can't say you'll understand considering all the pressure you place on your own children." The air in the room was at a standstill, the sound of the wooden floor creaking echoed, the water that resided in most of the cups free of ripples. The expression on Hiashi was stoic, but despite that everyone caught the slight eyebrow twitch.

"I believe we can't take advice from someone whose clan revolves around being a fatass." Some random head announced, obviously leaning towards the Hyuga clan. Shortly after that outburst, the room erupted in loud arguments.

Mitsuakze closed his eyes to the voices of everyone filling his eardrums, he prayed that in the future meetings wouldn't end up in meaningless speeches and arguments. Eye twitching from the loud voice next to him, he began to wonder what his grandchildren were doing.

Having enough of the petty meeting, the Hokage snapped his finger; and despite being the highest-ranking present if all the heads grouped up to go against him he knew what his fate would be. Gulping, his hat began to bounce as laughter flooded out, scowls written on the faces of some of the leaders. "Ahem, regarding Naruto Uzumaki the choice will be left to me, and if he does graduate whoever he is assigned to will be under my supervision." It was a bold claim but if they were to attack him he could take out a few before his demise came into fruition.

"It seems we came to a conclusion then correct?" The lead of the Yamanaka clan stood and made their way out, all the arguing granted them a major migraine.

Everyone began to follow along some evening leaving in a puff of smoke, it was vexing how it turned out in the end, but some things would never end in a decent way. "It seems this meeting was a success Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi didn't bother to look at the owner, reaching down he picked up his prized pipe and stuck it in his trap. Lips making a smacking sound with each intake, the older man nodded the back of his hat giving Danzō a small smirk.

"You were rather loud, so I was coming to inform you all...but it seems I was too late. Please excuse me." Danzō didn't bow as he made his leave, the sly remark enough to make the Hokage draw blood from his own lip.

'What game are you playing at you old bastard.'

Across the village laid a lazy boy, his mind wandering on the various topic he sought daily.

What was the purpose of becoming a ninja? You would live your life constantly knowing you can be betrayed at any moment, you gain a false sense of nobility thinking you are protecting people that care for you when in reality all anyone wants to do is see tomorrow. Perhaps it was Fukō's lack of bonds that made him think like this, he didn't attend the academy that much to have any emotional connections. They were only children still anyways, people would come in and out of his life any day.

Looking towards the sun, he concluded that the academy would be ending soon; it was more of a scientific guess rather than a fact. The breeze that spread around the village bought a sense of calm to the boy, all previous thoughts vanishing in seconds. Sun giving his pale skin vitamins and nutrients, the sound of people chattering in the background nulling. Peace and quiet were what he adored, it was something everyone did at some point. If one hasn't experienced true bliss, they were an oddity.

A small smile basked onto the boy's face, his brother was bound to find out of his excess absences but until then he would take in every last moment. It didn't last long, a sudden poof occurred in front of the apartment the two stayed in. The smoke around the entrance didn't clear for quite some time, but the scent of cheap ramen filled his nostrils; standing the male backed up his shoes clattering against the tiled rooftop, anxiety-filled his motions one bad step later and he was slipping down his eyes closed waiting for impact.

Kei caught his little brother by his ankle. Luckily, the medical staff was urgent in fixing him up that didn't mean the quick movements and extra weight felt good. Groaning the older brother used his free hand to open the door, before tossing the younger brat onto the floor. The fact he was injured bought in irritation, then he had to be informed that his only family member was skipping classes more than half of the roster combined was the droplet of water that overflown the cup. "Open your eyes."

Fukō didn't make any noise as he hit the wooden floor, nor as his brother spoke to him. It wasn't anger, nor annoyance that filled his tone...it was disappointment. Using a hand to rub his side from the impact, he kept his gaze on the floor. He couldn't muster up an excuse, and he was afraid to look his brother in the eye. "Why? Why are you trying to make things so difficult?" No words left the younger brother's mouth; all he did was gulp and shrug.

"Answer me." Kei stared at the male sitting on the ground, his hands running through his hair as he let out a deep sigh, he knew his brother was against being so active but why? What was the importance? "Listen, the reason I want you to become a Shinobi is so you can protect yourself when I'm not around." It was the truth, if he was deployed on an extended mission then who knew what was bound to happen? Biting back his tongue Kei shook his head his feet pushing him past his brother, "I've been too lenient I see. Starting tomorrow you will head to class and state your apology in front of everyone after the academy hours you will report back home in terms of our training." A vein popped up around Kei's neck as he spoke, the message loud and clear. It was his duty to protect his little brother and this was the only way, he was only fulfilling their mother's wishes.

Fukō let his brother's words serenade him, it was boring attending such classes but that wasn't the problem. Pushing himself onto his feet, the child's hands balled up. He was scared. Scared of becoming like his mother, he remembered times he could hardly recognize the figure, how she smothered him with love after saying they were exactly alike. So, if he had to attend the class that didn't mean he'd graduate. Was it possible to fool everyone?

-The next day Iruka's POV-

Normally I was supposed to be the last one inside the classroom, so what was different about being first? One, the room was abnormally quiet the sound of chalk diminishing on the board could be heard, secondly, all the empty seats make it feel uncanny; normally the students are all stationed and ready. Taking in this wasn't my usual routine, that could play a huge factor in all this. Hand gliding down on all the reports on my desk, I let an excess sound leave my lungs. "Please, when Jonin starts scouting they look for so much information it's vexing." Glaring down at one of the many reports, I found myself tapping my finger against the picture of one student.

This cell was unique in a way, it consisted of all girls and to put it to context: Sakura Haruno, Mia Kobayashi, and Hotaru Kyokai led by the beauty Kurenai Yūhi. It wasn't surprising she requested information on the top Kunoichi's in the academy, but an all-girl team was rare. I couldn't imagine how the partnership would work in reality, each excelled in just about the same area. Mia would no doubt lead the cell when Kurenai wasn't present and knowing Hotaru and Sakura they'd follow suit for different reasons.

Turning to the other file, I found myself holding back my laughter. If overachieving had a team then this would easily be top-ranked, Sasuke Uchiha along with Mia Kobayashi and to finish it off, Shikamaru Nara. It was a promising squad led by Asuma Sarutobi, the main focus of this team would getting Shikamaru to come out of his lazy exterior which runs in the clan.

Taking a gander at one last case, I was shocked to see the content. The sliding door slowly cracked open and out came the Hyuga heiress, her timid nature was a sight to see; even as she bowed and rushed to the seat her flustered expression enough to know she didn't expect anyone here this early. It got a nice smile out of me before I went back to the odd cell. Fukō Adohira, Naruto Uzumaki, and the ending icing on the cake Ino Yamanaka. This team wouldn't even come close to passing the exam, before I could take a look at who requested such a group the entrance began to flood with ample students.

In little to no time, the seats were filled with the overflooding amount of students. Picking up my jaw and glancing towards the time, it took me a moment to register what was happening; why was everyone here so early? It seemed my question was answered when Kei Adohira walked inside sporting the most basic Leaf village Jonin outfit, behind him was the student that hardly came to class. I watched as he ushered his brother to the front of the class, my eyes darting towards the blue hues Kei had; I wasn't mad or anything class started in fifteen minutes, but a heads-up would've been appreciated.

Fukō's fingertips crumbled the edges of the paper as white strands cascaded in front of his eyes, the messy man-bun a signature style he adopted. "As you know, or will come to know...I've been absent for quite some time due to personal reasons, starting today I will attend each class and work towards becoming a fruitful Shinobi in the future." The sentence was shorter than I expected, and the look on Kei's face was enough for me to sum he was thinking along the same lines.

Clearing my throat, my legs stretched the sudden smell of paint oozing into my senses harshly. Naruto was outside the door, lips parting, "Thanks for the apology, please head to your new seat next to Sasuke. With that out of the way would all you leave I have to speak with Mr. Adohira." All the students left the room despite coming in not long ago leaving me and Kei to talk.

Where to begin? He was well known throughout the village, mysteriously appearing and climbing the ranks to Anbu in a short time; despite being in his mid-to-late twenties he was respected. Leaning against the hem of my desk, my arms folded against my chest as the male turned to look at the door. He combined talent and hard work and got to this point, and if he was willing to correct his little brother it means that they had the qualifications in his eyes.

"Iruka, please make sure my brother doesn't skip any more classes in the future." Kei followed suit with a bow, his arms placed on his sides.

Heat ran onto my face like summer heat hitting the desert, I found myself stunned by the unexpected nature of Kei. I heard promising things about the male, but for him to pay respect to me was something else. "I-I-I...Sure!" Cursing my stutter, and swallowing down my warm cheeks I scratched the back of my head.

"My brother doesn't apply himself to anything and I'll gladly take responsibility!" Turning my head, I wanted to say everything on my mind about the brat but knowing they were family would only leave bad blood.

"It's fine, class starts soon you can trust me with this task; I'll make sure to pair him with someone exceptional during the group project." Kei looked like he'd been blessed by some sort of god, before poofing away abruptly. It was kinda disrespectful; how could someone ask someone to do something then leave?

Not soaking in the whole escapade, my rear found the chair and got comfortable. I had reports to fill and to start it was Mia Kobayashi: the young Kunoichi was top marks in many aspects, and held strong leadership qualities. I often found her commanding the class on my behalf; enforcing order and sometimes trying to give punishments, her strengths are as follows: Leadership, responsibility, able to asset a situation in a quick manner, and despite all; determined and patient. Looking over what I wrote I continued. Her weakness outweighs her strengths, she cannot work with anyone she finds unfit going as far as to blame them or herself for a simple mistake. Her mother is also single and if I had to put it into words waiting for a husband. That little tidbit was placed in the back of my mind before I began on my second report.

Kiyoshi Narukami, the overall quiet kid. Reluctant to speak, but the Hokage warned me not to stress him? Nothing really to assets besides his capabilities. I couldn't figure out what to say, the Jonin scouting would see their abilities for themselves. A man of few words, but would rather speak using the art of battle? Willful, determined to soar past current state, always on the lookout for someone to spar with. Moving the file to the side, my hands hit my forehead. I didn't know much about my students at least from what I previously thought.

Taking out yet another application I began, Hotaru Kyokai: another young Kunoichi with high talent, easily one of the smartest and can be compared to a prodigy; the drawbacks are her lack of ambition, doesn't have the qualities to strive to want something. Part of the Kyokai clan, she puts her best into it when asked easily going to become great in the near future. Social interaction compared to other people in the class like Ms. Kobayashhi can be acquitted to none; Hotaru seems to have difficulties in that area from what I have seen.

Placing the rest of the unfinished objects towards the side, I prepared for the class that would be reentering; it'll take a lot more knowledge to fill out any more.

Some time passed and I began going over the project, that was the easy part. All the children had to do was make a board and write a paper about the Fourth Hokage; now paring them up was difficult. I didn't want them to struggle too much, but they should be ready to be put on a team with someone they couldn't stand. I had the idea to place Naruto as everyone's partner but even if that didn't work everyone would understand the truth behind the assignment.

How could I go about this? Naruto could be placed with anyone and they'll experience the frustration, my arm raised and fingers scratched against the metal headwear located on my forehead, it was the symbol that solidified you as a ninja of Konohagakure. Could this be a reason why I can't get promoted? My indecisiveness or was it my lack in coming to a decision? No, it was everything as a whole. A pained smile forced its way to my lips, my students quiet and awaiting the instructions.

The sound of my heels clicking against the flooring hit the walls, coming to the front of my desk; my rear leaned against the edge, all eyes were on me. It was refreshing. "Listen," My voice was louder than ever, if I wanted them to succeed I couldn't let my emotions guard my heart. "This project will be graded like an exam, if you happen to fail it you will suffer the consequences; with that said all of you are dismissed you will be notified who your partner is tomorrow, don't expect you to get your friend you must be prepared for everything. Dismissed."

The next class was taijutsu, students are to engage in physical activities to help train their bodies and develop their stamina. Sparring is common upon the mass. The teacher was Jiei Shihan, a blind warrior that somehow dictated each student's physical prowess. People namely Naruto and Shinobu often tried to plank the refined warrior, yet being outranked and outclassed he easily maneuvered away or easily let them get caught up in their own pranks. Before heading to the outside field, they had a break that let them socialize and or study.

"Nice speech, bout time you come to class. I was beginning to think you actually dropped out and ran amuck." No one important spoke at Fukō, their tone hinting at a bit of respect. It was yet another inducement for his behavior, unlike the high guarded Sasuke the snowy-haired male was often surrounded by the boys in his class. Many sought him as the bad-boy type or someone that could help increase their social status with girls. Truthfully, they were completely wrong about it; Fukō wasn't very well-liked regarding the female population side of the academy, sure he had minor attention for his lack of following directions and ditching but beyond that he could be just as hated as the next guy.

Fukō's feet dangled as he sat on top of the wall that freed them all, the white jacket he wore covered in folds from the quality and position he was in, the black shorts contrasting with the light top. Tapping his sandals against the wall, he wondered if he should've worn boots. A zephyr washed over the resting area, strands of his hair getting into his eyes. The pale male, ignored most of the boys around him as Kiyoshi Narukami silent as ever pushed through the crowd.

Kiyoshi was different from everyone, he was naturally quiet and hardly spoke to anyone unless spoken to. Some of the academy people found his appearance better than most, his long jet black hair ending around the middle of his back, the dark eyes he had matched his hair and his mysterious attitude. Standing around 161.544cm the young man dressed in a long blue shirt and shorts; quickly making his way to the next class. No one knew why, some girls fawned over him almost as much as Sasuke but it was weird. Despite his nature, everyone gave him credit for his actions in taijutsu class; it's where he stood out the most, easily top ranking in the class among others.

This year was filled with prodigies, staying afloat in the shark pool was harder than ever. Gear's began moving, and as a clock ticked down the loud bell went off alerting everyone that break was over.

The resting place cleared in little to no time and nearing the end of the ringing standing around 152.4 cm. A young woman stood, her fingers dancing towards the front page of the novel before closing the contents. Golden colored hues set on the path everyone, took her legs carrying her over in a slower manner. The long dark teal hair laid straight reaching her waist before curling at the ends, and despite being in the shade most of the time; a hint of a lighter shade could be seen at the ends, lips parting a yawn was released her chest coming out and in as a result. The smell of musk and flowers caused her to twitch her nose, the texture displeasing. Whipping her head to the side, her messy eye-level bangs rubbed against her forehead, The shirt she wore, going beyond her thighs stopping around her knee's some would confuse that the female wore nothing underneath but she was indeed sporting some shorts and other necessities; as everyone got into position she found a seat near the back of the mass; her book in hand she found herself contempt.

Despite being located damn near in the back, the fellow girls in her class found her and decided to make small talk. It was a hindrance, Sakura and Ino argued with each other while Mia and another random child quietly watched as the teacher take roll; from occasion, people would reply to the older man. Hotaru knew she wouldn't get in any reading when her classmates were present, so she placed the book in her lap before narrowing her golden cat-like eyes on the teacher.

Mia minding her business at first, turned to view the female that enjoyed being alone to her own devices. Dark brown hair swung, in its regarded ponytail ivory skin glistened with the light above, teal doe-like eyes got a glimpse of what Hotaru was holding and couldn't help but bite the oppression to ask. Interrupting the teacher was breaking the code, and even a minor thing could evolve into something bigger. 'Fuinjutsu? I can't recall learning about it.' Her slender hand came up to mess around with her bangs and loose hair around her face, the flat-chested female as compared to a doll most of the time. From her full lips, and slender physique to her thick and fine hair, she was a blessing to many of the ongoing lookers in the class. Even if she didn't have her signature teal satin bow in her hair many of the boys in the class ranked her high in the beauty department. It didn't help that she often wore a simple blue dress with straps, it left some of the younger perverts wondering.

Sakura's fingers ran into Ino's blonde locks, the two adolescents progressive getting louder; it irked both Hotaru and Mia.

Jiei cleared his throat loud enough to put a cease to everything before calling up two names, everyone turned to see Sasuke moving into the circle, many girly screams coming and staying. Following up on the other side was none other than Shinobu the second prankster in the academy; despite being around Naruto most of the time they both were opposite in the IQ department, not being the smartest in the village he could figure things out on his own.

xXx

Sasuke didn't have much of an opinion on the familiar face in front of him, he hung out with dobe which automatically put him in an inferior position.

Jiei raised his hand to quiet the fangirls, "Strictly hand-to-hand combat, underhand tactics allowed the match will go forth until one taps out or gets pushed out of the circle. Begin." Bringing his hand down, the blind warrior took a step back to let the growing boys clash.

Sliding his leg forward the young Uchiha pushed onwards, his blue shirt flowing with the wind. Shinobu figured the male would attack head first it was common knowledge for someone conceited, in his eyes everyone was mere toys no one could mark up to him in anything. Crouching, Shinobu ducked under the kick. Understanding his opponent was easy, but countering was hard. Leaning back the young man leaped away from the Uchiha.

Shinobu Asobiemu was part of a unique clan in the broad sense, combat revolved around countering and using most of the clan move set to win. So in this particular battle, he was put against the fences. Round emerald eyes focused on the superior opponent, miscalculating Sasuke's speed Shinobu was shocked to see him clear the short distance; placing his arms in a cross he prepared for the attack. Sasuke's leg hit the red-haired male's arm, the power behind the attack pushing the male to the side, dust picked up on Shinbou's sandals as Sasuke continued the attack.

A slender hand clasped onto Shinbou's wrist, his mind pushing to find a solution. Within close proximity, the defending male bought his knee up to meet Sasuke's abdomen; the contact enough for his grip to loosen. Following, Shinobu threw a straight jab.

Sasuke momentarily caught off-guard inhaled through his teeth, pushing the jab to the side like the wind pushing around a leaf. The last Uchiha's palm came over the loser's face, his muscles tensing as he forced Shinobu's head into the ground the young Uchiha overdoing it stared as the floor cracked. Removing his hand, he scoffed a grin coming into play. "Losers, need to learn their place."

Jiei shook his head, the fight was over the second Sasuke got ahold of him; Shinobu wasn't supposed to win, it was a simple learning experience. One must overcome many trials and tribulations when becoming a Leaf Ninja. "The winner is Mr. Uchiha!"

xXx

Naruto shot up, his orange jumpsuit filled with wrinkles as he bought his fist up. "Shinobu get up and beat his ass!" His breathing was rather rigid which was only caught by a few.

"Don't push him too hard, he attempted his best during the circumstances. Yet, even that wasn't enough to win; times like this his friends should be worrying about his safety rather than encouraging him to attack the winner, their skills are on different levels which is clear to everyone but you." Mia's voice echoed throughout the sector, her tone displeasing. Yet, her expression was neutral. It was something she picked up from observing Jonin interact with their cells.

Naruto didn't say anything to the witch, before running up to his friend; despite losing he had a silly grin on his face. "Hey, Naruto. Let's ditch and go get something to eat?" It was embarrassing. He was utterly defeated without a second guess, then ridiculed by the witch of the class. Lifting his head up, pebbles fell down from his long red hair.

"Y-yea! Let's go!"

Jiei wanted to punish the two for even speaking such nonsense during class hours, but he knew the two needed a break after the display. After all, one would need the other down the line.

The second chapter is done and in the books, for the people that didn't see their character yet or get a glimpse this chapter was written before many characters that submitted.

Now, we see Iruka's take on some students in his eyes; some minor interactions a little in-depth look at some students and how they look. I'm awaiting two or three more forms before the rooster is full.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, liked, and followed. I will be going over the reviews next chapter!