Author's Note: Please, if anyone know's why the punctuation at the end of quotes gets screwed up when I upload, please tell me. I am getting miffed.
Chapter 3: Exciting New Mission
"Whaat? Jounin? You can't be serious Kakashi-sensei" Naruto protested. "I'm just a Genin. I can't take the Konoha Jounin Tests"
"What's all this about becoming Jounin? Tsunade never mentioned anything about this to me." Shikamaru crinkled his brow in irritation.
"Just let me explain." Kakashi crinkled his face into a smile. "It is true that Jounin exams are for the most part given only to Chuunin in their own village. Each village has different tests. However, there is only one Jounin test that allows Genin to participate: The Dragon Exam. In a way, the Dragon Exam is much like the Chuunin exams you are used to. However, the competition is far more brutal, and the tests will be considerably more difficult. In addition to allowing Genin to enter, it is the only exam that allows missing-nin or wandering shinobi to participate. This generally results in a quite eclectic and dangerous crowd, which is part of the reason why they only hold it once every five years. This time, it is being held in the country of Earth." Kakashi's gaze suddenly hardened briefly, as if the man were experiencing something painful. Kakashi brought his hand up and touched his hiate.
"But Kakashi-sensei, why us?" queried Sakura.
Kakashi was jerked from his reverie. "Oh that's simple enough. Shikamaru, you are one of Konoha's finest strategic minds. Only your poor attitude has held you back. You present an approach that will help balance Naruto's more...'impulsive' tendencies."
Kakashi then turned to Sakura. "As for you, Sakura, you are the Fifth Hokage's primary apprentice. Under her tutelage you have not only gained frightening physical strength..."
Sakura smirked, flexing her arm.
"But also many healing jutsus" Kakashi continued. "I would have to say that you are one of the top five medic-nin in Konoha at this time. Having a healer on your team can mean the difference between life and death. In an exam, absolutely anything can happen, so being able to recover from encounters is even more vital."
"And lastly, we have you, Naruto" said Kakashi, turning to faced the spike-haired ninja.
Naruto drew himself up proudly.
"Actually I'm not sure why we're sending you. You're loud, you're overconfident, and you're about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the head."
Naruto twitched.
"However, in terms of raw power and endurance you easily outstrip many Jounin. You possess the best qualities of Konoha shinobi: complete loyalty and dedication to those important to you, and a refusal to ever give in. In these uncertain times, shinobi like you are more important than ever." With that, Kakashi began humming, pulled out his book and began to read. His audience sweatdropped.
"Hey! What about the other details of the mission" Sakura yelled in Kakashi's face.
"Hmmm? Oh, right. The mission." Kakashi quickly replaced the book in a pocket. "The three of you will be heading out for the Earth Country three days from now. I will be accompanying you, as your 'trainer'. We will also be joined by Jiraiya-sama" Kakashi ignored Naruto's pained groan. "- who will be acting as a representative for the Godaime. The clans will also be sending a representative."
Kakashi looked severely at each of them in turn. "There is another reason for this mission as well. The country of Earth has had some very suspicious incidents in the past few months. There have been sightings of strange and incredibly powerful shinobi. Just as disturbing, our sources have indicated quite a large presence of Orochimaru's Sound ninja in the area. While we are there, we are to keep on the lookout for anything possibly threatening to Konoha."
Naruto clenched his teeth, his blue eyes blazing.The thought of the golden-eyed snake sage enraged Naruto. The man had stolen much from him, and from Konoha. Orochimaru had killed the previous Hokage, stolen away his friend and rival, and had nearly killed him on more than one occaision. If Naruto met the sennin on this mission, it would not bode well for the betongued one.
"Anyway" said Kakashi exuberantly, breaking the awkward silence in an even more awkward manner. "I trust you all understand the mission. I reccomend that everyone go home and get some rest. Use the next few days to train, you'll need it." With that, the Jounin limped painfully out of the clearing, book in hand.
"Shit. I'm going home" Shikamaru grumbled. "See ya' round."
Sakura stood, stretching her arms. "Yeah. Me too. Bye Naruto"
"Mmmm. Yeah, bye" mumbled Naruto distractedly.
Naruto reflected on the day's events. The new mission. The advancement of the rest of the Rookie Nine. Kakashi's continued perversion.
"The more things change..." chuckled Naruto. "The more they stay the same."
Naruto's stomache gave a rumbling gurgle of rage.
"Enough of that introspection crap, time for some ramen"
Next Chapter: Conversations and a Happy Coincidence
