--Call Me Kindness--

Authors Note:

Not much to say really, but I hope that this chapter interests some people! Also,I apologize to the people who are reading TTOT. XD Writing's really slow on that, and I'm having far too much fun on this story!

Chapter One: In Kakashi's Clutches

It was midmorning in Konoha Village and a beautiful day too. The sun shone down un-relinquishing upon the lazy town as its inhabitants drifted from place to place. Each person had a smile upon their face, each having a feeling of belonging. The marketplace was alive with people, talk, and of course the occasional pickpocket; when was that a surprise? All around the villagers went about the task of daily chores. Laundry, grocery shopping, dusting, and other miscellaneous cleaning jobs there were to do. Children played in the town square, chasing the chickens with sticks, chasing each other with sticks, chasing the adults with sticks; then of course receiving a swift and painful punishment. Yes, it clearly was a normal, peaceful, perfect day in Konoha Villiage. Even still, far away from the hustle and bustle, nestled back at the edge of town, was the Konoha Ninja Academy…

The Ninja Academy was put out to be a place of a calm and quiet atmosphere, but if one was to step inside, this one would find that to be much different. The sense peace and solitude a person might get from looking upon the Academy would be ephemeral upon their entry. Especially with the fresh enlistment of Team Seven; the Hokage's worst nightmare. Normally, Team Seven would be busy with missions, as every team was most of the time. Being a real Ninja Team didn't leave much free time, seeing as you were constantly being thrown around attending to different tasks all from community service to assassination. Young teams were kept busy with the simplest tasks in order to form a bond among its members, to learn to work together more efficiently and skillfully. Yet sometimes, if they were lucky, they were given important jobs. The kind of jobs you're able to gloat about, the kind of jobs your friends would be eternally envious of, the kind of jobs that might even be a matter of life and death...

But--

Today was not Group Seven's day.

Only one man was aware of this as it was now, and that man had seated himself at the very front of the Academy to await the arrival of his Team. He whittled away the time casually, flipping the pages of a book, which bore a bright orange cover, with nimble fingers. His slender form was relaxed, one brown eye sliding over the words on the pages as he sighed lightly, and somewhat contentedly. This one eye, in fact, was the only thing exposed on the man's visage, leaving his mouth, nose, and left eye invisible behind a thin fabric mask and his Konoha Hitai-ate which slanted gracefully across his forehead and over the aforementioned concealed left eye. Under the mask, he smiled if only slightly, running a hand through the mop of silver hair that sat untamed up top his head.

Any moment now, he knew, the three sprightly teenagers he had the 'pleasure' of watching over would come bounding over the rise, eager to hear of their next mission. A mission they wouldn't be receiving—at least not today. With a more depressed sigh caressing his lips, he thought of the disappointment in his student's eyes. In the back of his mind danced the look of fury a certain trouble-making boy would be giving him too, and he closed his book, propping his chin up with a fist. His eyes leveled on the rise as he imagined how sad each of them would be, but he had been thinking of how to remedy this. Every instructor, when given these days, was given the opportunity to turn lead to gold and give their students a day of teaching. A day where they would learn something apart from the many things they gained from their missions; and he knew just what to do.

"Hatake, Kakashi…" he said to himself, opening his book again to the page he left off at, "Prepare for a very long day."

Almost as if on queue, three familiar forms came over the rise.

The first was the shortest of the three, making his grand appearance, hopping two steps for every of his comrade's one. The shock of yellow hair was the first sight to be seen, flanked by the bright orange outfit he wore, and on top of that blue eyes that were absolute alight and ablaze with excitement—this gave no place for the eye to rest upon the newcomer's outlandish appearance. An eager toothy grin took up half of the boy's face, and just by one single glance, Kakashi knew who it was.

"Uzumaki, Naruto." He mumbled with vague hint of weariness in his voice. It was not to his surprise that it would be him at the lead. After all, it was always Naruto to do the most rash, insane, and headstrong things. Kakashi knew that in seconds flat he would be practically strangling him to get him to find a mission for them. It was times like these he reflected and asked himself why on earth he let that one pass. The class clown and all around failure--a ninja? Kakashi came to the quiet conclusion that he'd lost his mind. And still…he found himself pulling to be patient with him. Some things about that child made it all worth while. In time…perhaps he could be great.

Behind Naruto was another boy, walking side by side with a female only slightly shorter than he. This young man had a darker look about him although, more stern and serious than the vivacious and rambunctious Uzumaki boy. Rather pale skinned with a sturdy build and a striking look; he was definitely one to be desired among the females—much unlike poor Naruto, whom was often ignored, sadly. His dark blue eyes were downcast, locked at watching his feet go one step; then another, pulling him up the little rise to the door of the Academy as his black hair bobbed with his stride. The whole posture made him look, in a word: mysterious.

"Uchiha, Sasuke." Kakashi said to himself, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly with approval. Sasuke was a promising student; strong physically and strong mentally. The only thing he lacked was heart. Kakashi found the young ninja giving his comrades the cold shoulder often. He also saw that Sasuke rarely ever showed his true colors; or any colors at all for that matter. Kakashi knew that somewhere this young student harbored a dark secret…Uchiha, Sasuke was one of those notorious lone wolfs.

Next to Sasuke, obviously trying to keep evenly paced with him was the one female on Team Seven. Her light rose colored hair spilled over her shoulders and cascaded down to the center of her back. Pale green light was her eyes, which presently dwelt fondly on the young man walking reluctantly next to her. Her bright red outfit was hard to miss, a form fitting dress with slits up the sides making it easy for her to move about but still be stylish. Underneath the dress were black shorts coming down just above her knees for modesty. A figure of innocence and serenity, Sakura remained to be.

"Haruno, Sakura." Kakashi breathed, a smile forming completely on his lips. Sakura was beautiful. Though she was young and often quite naïve Sakura had spirit and a very strong will. She was the definition of a cliché teenage girl, until it came down to the wire, then Sakura really outdid herself. Standing up and staring fear straight in the eyes; she was courageous and never gave in. For that, Kakashi was proud of her—he'd never met a more incredible young lady. She had a drive, and a goal oriented mind. Still, Sakura had her weaknesses…and you could name them all with just one word: Sasuke.

Kakashi had only a few moments to reflect over his team, and those few moments satisfied him, for he remembered just why he was fond of each one. With that in mind, he was prepared to face their disappointment with a strong outlook, and present them with their lesson for today.

Naruto came to a screeching halt in front of Kakashi, nearly keeling over as he reached his instructor. His eyes sparkled expectantly at him as he took a deep breath and delved into the question which haunted his mind—getting right to the point, "What's our mission today, hm? What is it? Nani, nani?"

The platinum haired instructor only cast a lazy glance over the boy's shoulder at Sasuke and Sakura lagging behind and said nonchalantly "Calm yourself, Naruto."

Obediently, Naruto shut his mouth shoulders sagging from all the released energy just with his outburst and sighed heavily. He dropped down like a potato sack, cross legged on the ground and locked his jaw, glaring impatiently at a stone at his feet. Sakura and Sasuke were always so slow…

When finally the other two members of Team Seven had reached the entrance Kakashi greeted them each warmly, to Naruto's utter annoyance. By now his patience was wearing dangerously thin as he watched the three of them socialize. They could have been off by now—away from the Academy and off on their next mission! Didn't they realize that? And so, hardly listening to his conscience telling him to control himself, he shot up from his seat on the floor and let out a low growl of aggravation, "The mission Kakashi-Sensei?" he prompted between tightly clenched teeth.

A short silence fell on them all as the eyes of Team Seven were turned to their instructor. It seemed that Sakura and Sasuke were also interested in what their mission was for today. For once, he wasn't being yelled at…and that made Naruto smile inwardly.

Kakashi stifled the sigh he wanted very much to let out and shrugged, "There isn't one today."

Another silence came, this one longer. The three members of the minor ninja team all stood, dazed, prominently disappointed, and disbelieving. Mentally, Kakashi counted down the seconds until the blonde haired boy would demand the reasons why…

That moment came exactly as Kakashi hit the number one.

"There isn't one today?" Naruto repeated, rage evident in his voice, "Why not, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Yes, why?" Sakura demanded, adding to Naruto's questioning. Sasuke merely nodded his agreement, looking virtually unfazed.

Kakashi crossed his arms, his expression unchanging, "There just isn't. Although," he started, "I do have a lesson for you today, so do not think you'll have nothing to do."

Naruto huffed at Kakashi's response; it was school all over again? Though unlike Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke grinned, each looking eager to learn something knew.

"Then, what's our lesson?" Sakura asked; her green eyes becoming all alight once more…perhaps today wouldn't be a total drag since they were going to be doing something anyway. Still, the thought of being deprived of a mission was disappointing to her. Sasuke nodded once more his agreement with Sakura in wishing to know what the lesson was, while as Naruto shook his head in defeat.

For a brief moment Kakashi gave all three of them a level look, studying them each, and that tell tale smile found its place on his face. He'd thought this lesson over since the moment he found out about Team Seven's 'free day' that morning. He knew that they would all loathe it, most likely, and would once again go into a period where they would hate him. Still…it was a lesson worth learning, and so, he went on to explain it, "Today, you will spend all of your time together; from this hour on until tomorrow. No exceptions or you can all expect consequences."

The horrifying silence that graced Team Seven was something that their sensei had expected from the get go, and yet he couldn't help but continue to smile as he shifted his attention from member to member.

The look on Sakura's face could be related to a mix of utter disgust to extreme excitement, but more over disgust as her gaze slid over the faces of the two boys she'd be spending the next 24 hours with. Inside her heart leapt at the opportunity of being with Sasuke all day, so many chances to get him to notice her, so many hours to spend with him…and just him. Why, it was all too easy! Yes, indeed it was; because she wouldn't be spending the day with just Sasuke, but with Naruto as well. All in a matter of a second Sakura's dreams were dashed, and left her rigid with a ghastly look of horror plastered on her visage.

A grunt came from the infamous Sasuke. Whether that meant approval, distain, or out right apathy only Uchiha himself would know; for inside, all of these feelings resided. It seemed pointless to spend the entire day together, what would they gain? And yet, he forced himself to keep a wide open mind—perhaps Kakashi would elaborate? That wasn't likely knowing Kakashi. "Learn by doing" seemed to be his teacher's policy and frankly; he hated it. Jamming his hands deep into the pockets of his white shorts, he focused a steely look at his sensei, trying his best to be inconspicuous about his annoyances.

Unlike the first two, Naruto's objection to the matter was made clear at the get go. There was no doubt in his mind, after a split second of thought, what would happen. At first he thought of Sakura—a whole day or trying for her attention…a whole day of impressing her and making Sasuke look like dirt! This thought he relished, until it came to a screeching halt on the name that made him flinch; Sasuke. Of course…only in his wildest dreams did he ever get Saukra to congratulate him for something he's done. Sakura worshipped the ground Sasuke walked on, and even if he merely blinked, she'd be swooning. From there, Naruto's thoughts snowballed, then erupted in an explosion of frustration.

"The whole day?" He bellowed, "How could you DO this to us, Kakashi-Sensei?" Naruto ended with a slight whimper in his voice. Ugh, the utter cruelty of it all…

Kakashi merely chuckled, "I'd expected you'd day that." He said at last, making all the students perk up. It seemed as if he really was going to explain his motives this time.

"You three have grown a lot." He started, "But not enough. Individually, you've become stronger, but together...well; you're pathetic."

At this all three sagged, sighing with complete embarrassment. Though each hated to admit it, Kakashi was right.

"And so…" He began again, "Today you have to help each other." With that, Kakashi drew a fist full of ropes and strips of cloth from his pocket and showed them to the group. Though Naruto was not the first to take notice of the ropes and cloth, he was the first to verbalize his confusion.

"What are you going to do with those, Sensei?" He questioned, seemingly more calm than before. Kakashi smirked in response, which immediately gave the three teenagers a strong sense of insecurity.

"Tie you together."

They gawked at him.

"Well…just let me show you." Kakashi continued, starting towards Naruto; who instinctively backed away. It took one look and a mumbled comment to get him to step forward again, and judging by the way Naruto placed a hand over his grumbling stomach made things completely clear, "Now." Kakashi said, taking hold of Naruto's wrist. The next thing he did made Sakura quite faint of heart; he took her wrist as well…

"K-Kakashi Sensei?" she squeaked, as he brought their wrists together and began to tie them securely with the rope. Kakashi didn't speak as he coiled the rope around their thin wrists once, twice, then another time, followed by locking it with a jerk of the ends of the ropes, tying the knot, making both Sakura and Naruto flinch. Yep, they sure were stuck. Naruto turned about the shade of Sakura's dress, while as Sakura turned the color of Sasuke's shorts…

Kakashi moved towards Sasuke next and pulled out a long strip of black cloth. Sasuke was motionless as Kakashi slipped the cloth over the young man's eyes and tied it tight at the back of his head, "Can you see, Sasuke?" he asked casually after doing this. Sasuke shook his head and Kakashi nodded, "Good."

Sakura gaped openly at the now blind Sasuke and turned to Kakashi to demand what the meaning of this was, but was quickly silenced and stunned at what he said next.

"Sasuke, I'm going to tie your ankle to Sakura's. Got that?" He said, "Now, walk over to her."

Sasuke only nodded, and sidestepped blindly, reaching out his hand to find where Sakura stood. He was going in the general direction of Sakura, but could indeed see nothing seeing as he clawed at the air. When finally he'd sidestepped enough to find Sakura, his hand landed on her shoulder and he nodded, inwardly overcoming the handicap he'd been given. This action caused the young lady's face to turn the color of her hair, and then to the color of her dress as Kakashi knelt to position Sasuke's feet to tie him and Sakura together.

At this, Naruto was outraged. He thought he had, had the advantage, honor, and privilege of being tied to Sakura, but now Sasuke too? This whole ordeal was twisted. And so, he cursed sharply under his breath, conjuring rewarding mental pictures in his mind of crushing a tiny Sasuke under his foot—several times too, of course. And then, to Naruto's horror, he found that Kakashi wasn't done yet…

In Kakashi's right had remained a single and last piece of cloth, a bright blue scarf, which he held loosely as he approached Naruto. Naruto's baby blue eyes bulged as Kakashi advanced wordlessly and he immediately began to protest, "What do you think you're going to do with THAT?"

Kakashi shrugged, "Shut you up." And it was exactly what he did. A second later, Naruto was gagged, and nothing more than muffled curses flowed from the once loudmouthed boy's orifice.

Kakashi stepped back a step or two and admired his handiwork. Sakura tied to both boys one at the wrist, one at the ankle. Sasuke blinded. Naruto muted. It was perfect. A wide smile embraced the dirty looks Sakura and Naruto were aiming his way as he spoke, "Well, that's that. The only way you'll be able to get around is to work together." He put his hands on his hips and cocked his head slightly, considering anything else he might have to say, but only shrugged and nodded, "Good luck."

Sakura boggled at their teacher as he turned to leave while Naruto made several wide motions with his free arm and made protests sounding much like "Mmmf?" or "Yoooo!". Even though Sasuke couldn't see his teacher leaving, he was aware of what was going on…

"Wait, Sensei!" He called out, reaching a hand out blindly, "You're just going to leave?"

Kakashi stopped, looked over his shoulder and nodded, "Uh huh." He said shortly, "Although, I will be monitoring you progress." Nodding once more to his students, he turned and continued to walk away. They were all so panicked, so frazzled, and horrified about being stuck like this…but he knew; he knew that something good would come of this. Team Seven would definitely conquer this task.

!PREVEIW!

Chapter Two: First Hour's the Longest

Tied together for the whole day? How are the three going to survive! We have a blind Sasuke, a mute Naruto...with Sakura pretty much in charge, how will she handle both boys? Find out in "First Hour's the Longest"!