Two figures shifted in the shadows of the dark house. The only source of light was from the rising sun peeking in the windows. The two figures moved quickly, even had hours to spare. She set up breakfast; he got ready. They ate quietly and slowly in the silence. The ticking of the clock seemed eerie in the rather quiet house. After they were done with their meal, he cleared the table as she got ready. They did as much as they could to pass the time. Finally, the clock struck 9 AM. They headed for the door.

"Ready?" A male voice asked in the darkness, his hand placed on the doorknob. The girl mumbled something and nodded in the darkness. They were close enough for him to see. He mirrored her nod and opened the door. Light hit them and streamed into the once dark house.

It was a happy day at Shinobi academy. Only two more days until graduation. The classroom buzzed with anticipation. Students chatted with one another, making their voices louder and louder so they could be heard over everyone else. A few students sat at their desks, studying a textbook or merely daydreaming. Most of the girls hung around the doorway, waiting for him to enter.

The door slid open. Everyone looked at the person entering, the girls' hopes high. Iruka shut the door behind him. The girls sighed.

"Good morning class. Take your seats." He said as he made his way down to the front. "Don't forget; graduation is two days away. Today and tomorrow we will be reviewing the techniques learned. Hopefully-"

The door slid open again. Everyone looked up, including Iruka. Girls squealed among themselves. Sasuke ignored them and made his way down to the front. He motioned out the door and a girl entered. She stared down at her feet as she followed Sasuke to the front. She had straight black hair down to her lower back with a pink streak framing either side of her face. She was wearing a small black sweatshirt with pink cuffs, a pink lined hood and a pink wolf on the front. Her black denim jeans were slightly baggy around her ankles. The belt loops and the outline of the pockets were pink and there was a pink strip running down either outer side of her legs. Small pink wolves ran around the hem of the legs.

Sasuke spoke briefly with Iruka. He listened, nodded and turned to the girl, a smile on his face. They spoke briefly and she left, following Sasuke up to his seat. At the table he had sat down at, she sat down in the chair next to him. Many of the girls glowered at her in envy as she stared at the table top. Many of the boys stared at her in awe.

"Class, we have a new student joining us today; Ellion Mataka, or for short, Elli was it?" He looked up at her and she nodded slightly. "She's sitting next to Sasuke. I'd like you all to welcome her warmly. Please focus your attention towards the front of the room so I can review all we've learned." Iruka instructed. She finally looked up and focused on Iruka. A few times, she glanced over at Sasuke, who returned her glance. The review dragged on.

The bell rang after what seemed to be an eternity. The students moved to get out of the classroom. Elli waited until Sasuke got up and followed him.

"Elli, Sasuke, may I talk to you for a moment?" Iruka called out. They went down to the front of the classroom. Girls pretended to be gathering their belongings and stalled, not wanting to leave without Sasuke. They boys did the same for Elli. They watched the conversation intently, though not overhearing anything. Iruka nodded and dismissed them. As they headed to the door, Sasuke and Elli talked quietly to one another, ignoring all the looks they got. The remaining boys and girls followed Sasuke and Elli out of the classroom and waited till they got outside. Once they did, they started to make their moves.

"Your name's Elli, right? That's a really nice name!"

"Hey, Sasuke! Want to sit together tomorrow?"
"I'll sit with you if you want, Elli. It'll be fun!"

"Hey, I want to sit with him!"

"I want to sit with her!"

"Back off! I asked first!"

Sasuke watched Elli. She wasn't answering any of the guys, just stood a little off to side. For her first time dealing with the situation, she was handling it smoothly. As for him, he shrugged off the girls like usual. Elli looked up at Sasuke, confusion flashing through her eyes. He could tell she was amused by all this, but she kept a straight face. She took the opportunity the boys gave her when they were arguing to slip away and stand close to Sasuke. He shrugged, looking at the feuding girls and boys, and started to walk away, Elli on his heels.

It wasn't until Elli and Sasuke were out of sight that the other students noticed their absence. Everyone sighed and went their separate ways, hoping for a chance tomorrow.

The sun shone brightly next morning, almost guaranteeing it to be a great day. Students, boys and girls, lingered by door, waiting for their chance. Iruka was already in the front of the classroom, preparing for another day of review. Tomorrow was graduation day and he was thinking about Elli. He couldn't graduate her, when tomorrow would only be her third school of school, but if she passed the exam, he would have to pass her. The door slid open. Sasuke and Elli stepped in, to be mobbed by waiting students. Somehow, they managed to get out and sit in the seats they were in yesterday. Boys envied Sasuke; girls glowered at Elli as Iruka started the review. This time, the students were to do the Transformation Jutsu.

"Elli, since you weren't here, you aren't required to do it. However, if you would like to attempt it, feel free to." Iruka said as the students lined up. Elli nodded. Sakura went first. She became Iruka, who praised her.

"Did you see that, Sasuke?" She asked, jumping up and down. Sasuke ignored her and she went to the back of line, disappointed. Sasuke was next. He, too, transformed into Iruka and went to the back of the line.

"Elli, are you going to try?" Iruka asked. She nodded and transformed into a wolf, much to Iruka's and the rest of the class's surprise.

"Amazing! And for one day of training!" Iruka praised as Elli went to the back of the line. She shot a secret smile at Sasuke, who mirrored it. The time dragged on as the rest of the class went. The only interesting thing that happened was Naruto's Sexy Jutsu. It sent the whole class, except for Sasuke, into hysterics. Elli smiled and giggled quietly.

The class ended after the last person was done. Sasuke stood by the table, waiting for Elli, who was writing some last minute notes down.

"Go ahead, Sasuke. I'll catch up. I just want to talk to Iruka-sensei for a minute." Elli said as she made her way down to the front. Sasuke nodded uncertainly and, ignoring the obsessed girls, went out the door, on his way home.

Iruka looked up as Elli came down. Perfect timing. He wanted to ask her about the graduation exam tomorrow and whether she wanted to take it or not.

"Iruka-sensei, can I ask you a question?" Elli spoke before he got the chance to.

"Of course, Elli."

"What am I going to do about the exam tomorrow?" Iruka was shocked. It was like she had read his mind when she was coming down.

"Well, I'm not sure. You'll have to prove that you know the Jutsu designated for the exam tomorrow. And you'll have to pass the exam, of course. But you could choose not to take the exam and-"

"No! I have to take the exam tomorrow!" Elli interrupted suddenly.

"Well, then, you'll have to practice all the textbook moves tonight, won't you?" Elli nodded slowly. Iruka smiled. "Don't worry; I'm sure you'll do fine with your performance today." Elli smiled and headed out of the classroom.

When she got out of the building, a group of girls were waiting for her.

"Well, if it isn't Elli." Ino smirked.

"What do you want?" Elli asked uncertainly but strongly. She wasn't going to be frightened by them.

"Listen up and listen good, Mataka. You keep away from Sasuke. He's mine, you hear?" Ino threatened. Elli didn't let her fear show. She kept a straight and determined face.

"You listen up, Ino. I'll talk to Sasuke and hang out with him all I want. He isn't your property." Elli snapped back, glaring at Ino.

"I didn't think you were that stupid to take this the hard way. But since you did, I'll beat some sense into you. Maybe then you'll learn to respect your superiors!" Ino smirked, clenching her fists.

"Go ahead. I'm not scared of you." Elli didn't break her eye contact. Ino's fist came down. Elli leapt out of the way and landed a yard away.

"What's going on?" Sasuke stepped in, glaring daggers through Ino.

"Sasuke? I thought I told you I would catch up with you!" Elli snapped, surprised.

"I know. You took too long." Sasuke said simply.

"Sasuke! It's a good thing you're here!" Ino cried out. "Elli wanted to pick a fight with me and she might've killed me if you hadn't shown up!"

"Save it. I saw everything. Come on, Elli. Let's go." Sasuke said coldly and, grabbing Elli's wrist, lead her away. The group of girls stood stunned. Elli looked over her shoulder and stuck her tongue out.

When they were out of hearing distance, Sasuke dropped Elli's wrist and turned to face her. Elli, seeing this coming, stared at Sasuke.

"What the hell were you thinking?" Sasuke asked, obviously angry.

"What do you mean? You said you saw everything. You should know why I chose to fight!" Elli responded angrily.

"That's what I'm wondering! Why the hell did you choose to fight over something so stupid? You were taught better than that! You're better than them. Why the need to prove it?" Sasuke asked. Elli stared at the ground, not answering. Sasuke waited.

"Because. Look, I'm going home. The exam is tomorrow and I'm going to pass it with or without your help!" Elli answered and walked away. Sasuke sighed and followed her. The sun sank slowly over the horizon, painting the sky red, orange and yellow.

The sun shone brightly the next day and the school buzzed with excitement. One by one, the students were tested. Finally, the last student finished.

Outside, in front of the school, parents gathered to congratulate their graduating kids. Naruto sat quietly sideways on a swing, being the only one who didn't pass. Elli gently fingered the plate on her headband as she sat in the shadows of a tree, watching Naruto from the corner of her eye. This had been what she was waiting for. Graduating, finally becoming a ninja. She was one step closer to her goal in life. Her attention averted to two mothers who were talking softly. Her hearing was sharp enough to pick up pieces of their conversation.

"…the only one who failed."

"…can't have him being a shinobi. Since he's-"

"We can't talk…"

Elli stopped listening. She knew what they were talking about. She was probably the only student who did know. Her gaze went back to Naruto. She felt sorry for him. But there was nothing she could do. Sighing, she shifted so her head and shoulders rested comfortably on the tree and her legs crossed, aligned with the branch she was on. The wind toyed with her hair, blowing it so it brushed the branch. Bits of blue sky shone in through the leaves. The headband rested comfortably in her lap, her right hand over the insignia.

Sasuke looked around. Elli was nowhere to be seen. "Damn it…" he muttered quietly. With one quick last look, Sasuke left the celebrations and headed home.

Elli saw him. She knew he was looking for her. Sighing, she stood up slowly, balancing her weight, and jumped to the nearest tree, the one Naruto had recently been sitting in. Now the swing was empty. Elli eyed it a moment, then left to catch Sasuke.

By the time she caught up with him, they were already three-quarters of the way home. Elli landed next to him and smiled, adapting Sasuke's pace. He acknowledged her and they were silent the rest of the way.

One of the sun's rays shone though the window in Elli's room. She was already awake though. She had been awake for a long time. She got out of bed, changed into her normal outfit, let her hair down, brushed it and met Sasuke in the kitchen. They ate a silent breakfast and left for the school as they had been assigned.

"Where is he?" A frustrated Naruto looked outside in the halls. "Why does our sensei have to be the one that's late? Everybody else is already gone!"

"Relax, Naruto," Sakura, obviously annoyed, said, "He'll be here soon!" Sasuke watched bored as Naruto was being his usual annoying self. He glanced sideways. Elli sat patiently at a desk, drawing in a black and pink notebook she had brought with her.

She could feel his gaze on her. Elli's eyes met Sasuke's and they both looked down. Elli knew that she had been a special exception. Each squad was only supposed to have three members. She was the fourth. Because she had joined so late, the class had an uneven number. Since she had the second highest score in the class, she should've been put on another team. But she had begged Iruka-sensei to let her be on Sasuke's team, for her own personal reasons. After much persuading, Iruka-sensei had finally given in and agreed. She was very grateful for that, but now she wasn't sure if it was a good idea. After all, maybe her new sensei wasn't expecting four and had already made plans for three people. She didn't want to cause trouble. Her thoughts were shattered by Sakura.

"What are you doing, Naruto?" Naruto laughed as he stuck an eraser between the door and the wall. He jumped down from the stool.

"That's what he gets for being so late!"

"An experienced Jounin wouldn't fall for that." Sasuke stated clearly. The door slid open and a head poked in. Everyone turned to see the eraser drop on the head of their new masked, silver-haired sensei. Naruto started laughing and pointing.

"You fell for it!" Elli could plainly tell Sasuke doubted their new sensei.

"I tried to stop him, sensei! I would never do anything like that!" Sakura stammered.

"Hmm, my first impression of you guys. I don't like you." He stated clearly, surveying his new students. Elli sighed inwardly as she closed her notebook and stuck her black and pink mechanical pencil in the spiral.

They headed outside and sat down on a sidewalk, their new sensei hovering over them.

"Let's start off by introducing ourselves." He suggested.

"Well, what should we say?" Sakura asked.

"How about your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, hobbies, stuff like that?"

"Why don't you go first?" Naruto asked.

"Alright. My name is Kakashi Hatake. I have now desire to tell you about my likes and dislikes. Dreams for the future…? Hmm…Well I have lots of hobbies…Ok, now you guys, from the right." Naruto grinned and straightened his headband.

"My name's Naruto Uzamaki. I like Cup Ramen and the restaurant Ramen that Iruka-sensei buys me! What I don't like is waiting three minutes for the Ramen to cook. And my dream is to surpass the Hokage! That way, everyone will acknowledge me! And hobbies? Pranks, I guess."

"Interesting. Next." He looked at Sasuke.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I dislike a lot of things and don't really like anything. And I don't have a dream. I have an ambition; the resurrection of my clan and to kill a certain man." Kakashi, Sakura and Naruto stared at him when he finished. Elli looked down, already knowing all this.

"Ok, next."

"My name is Sakura Haruno. The thing I like is…well, person I like…Should I say my dream? The thing I dislike is Naruto!" Naruto's face fell at this. "My hobby is…"

Girls at this age are more interested in love than ninjutsu…"Ok, lastly." Elli looked up, not at her new sensei, but at the clear sky.

"My name is Ellion Mataka, Elli for short. I like wolves and being creative and I don't really dislike anything. Anything I'd like to share, anyways. My dream for the future is…to figure out who I am." Kakashi's interest peaked, as did the others. Sasuke watched intently. "My hobbies are writing, drawing and learning and practicing jutsus." Elli met Kakashi's eye briefly before staring at her notebook.

"Interesting." So not all girls are into love at this age. She's actually serious about becoming a ninja. And her dream is very unique. Hmm… "Ok! That's enough of that! We'll start our duties tomorrow."

"Duties!" Naruto exclaimed. "What kinds of duties?"

"Survival training." Kakashi answered simply. Elli's mind wandered off as Kakashi explained the difficulty of the training. She felt strange, as if she had seen Kakashi-sensei before. Weird…

"Oh, and don't eat breakfast, you'll throw up." Elli snapped back to attention as he turned to leave. Elli and Sasuke got up, heading home. Naruto and Sakura watched them go before heading home themselves.