DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN NARUTO, IT'S CHARACTERS, OR ANYTHING ELSE RELATED TO THE SERIES. PLEASE SUPPORT THE OFFICIAL RELEASE.
CHAPTER VII Team Seven Is Formed!
Warning: There is some scenes that may be viewed as Mild Sakura Bashing. I assure you that these scenes are for character development purposes for the future.
Naruto walked to the ninja academy in deep thought. This was the 2nd day after graduation and thanks to the medical ninja's help he'd gotten away from his fight with Mizuki relatively unscathed aside from some stitches where he'd been grazed by some of his former teachers Kunia.
I still can't believe it really happened. He thought to himself for the thousandth time since the battle ended. Being hunted and fighting for his life had helped him push aside the fact that for the first time in his life he had been in a life and death battle, with his own teacher no less, and had managed to walk away.
Shaking his head of his thoughts as he rounded the corner of the gate that led to the academy, Naruto made a mental note to check on Kenichi in the hospital after he got through here. He'd tried to get through yesterday, but the hospital wouldn't allow it. While his vitals were stable and he was expected to make a full recovery, he had severe chakra exhaustion and the doctors wanted to withhold visitors for at least 36 hours to make sure there wasn't any other complications. Even then they had warned it would be several days before he woke up.
I still can't say we're friends, but if it wasn't for him I'd probably be dead.
When they went out together the night after the fight, his dad had told him that Kenichi had managed to send one of his physical clones to the gate with the scroll of sealing. He informed the gate guards what had happened, and they instantly went to his father who used a flying god seal that he had placed on Naruto's cloths, much to his surprise, to instantly jump into the fight.
He was basically running on fumes when he left the fight with the scroll and those physical clones seemed to eat up a lot of chakra. To think he'd be able to make one and send it to the village while making even more to come help me. It's unreal-
His thoughts were then interrupted by the feeling of cool metal in his hand. Widening his eyes Naruto released that he had walked up to the academy door and grabbed the handle without realizing it. Shaking his head, he tried to put what had happened in the back of his mind. He was here to meet with the other graduates and get his team assignment and couldn't afford to be spacing out.
Keep cool, we both made it out ok. Main thing is to make sure I get stronger, so I don't have to be in that position again.
As Naruto walked inside the building and went into his classroom, most of the graduates had already arrived. Seeing Sasuke down in their usual spot he walked down and sat down beside him.
"There you are." Sasuke said as Naruto sat down. "Last time I saw you, some ninjas were dragging you back in here. After you didn't come out for a while, I thought they'd kicked you out for good."
Dad said the stuff with Mizuki was classified. To bad to, wouldn't mind talking to someone about it.
"You aren't that lucky Uchiha.' Naruto stated with a grin. "They can't kick me out, who else is going to put your pompous ass in its place?"
Sasuke responded with a half chuckle, a very rare feat for the usually stoic Uchiha.
"Nobody's bothered me today." He said changing the subject with a more somber tone. "I think they finally get how big this actually is."
"You're awfully wordy today." Naruto noted in mild amusement. It's good to see I'm not the only one psyched out today. Even if the reasons are different.
"Shut up Namikaze." Sasuke shot back, causing Naruto to smirk in response.
"AHEM"
Naruto turned his attention to the front of the room where Iruka stood with a clip board in his hands. Dark circles were visible under his eyes as if he hadn't slept in days.
Him and Mizuki were friends, must've been hard to hear of his betrayal. Naruto noted with several degrees of sympathy for his, now solo, teacher as Iruka began naming out the names of the assembled squads.
Naruto felt his thoughts begin to pull back to the fight a few days ago, until the sound of his name being called drew him back in.
"Naruto Namikaze, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno." Iruka stated "You will be members of Team 7 under Kakashi Hatake."
Kakashi huh? Why does that name sound so familiar? Naruto pondered upon hearing his Jonin teacher.
"That's not fair!" A female voice exclaimed angrily from behind, causing Naruto to look back and see Ino fuming.
"Why does forehead get both Sasuke and Naruto!" Ino continued screaming. "It's not fair!"
"What's wrong pig? Jealous I'll be hanging out with both Naruto AND Sasuke hmm?" Sakura responded coyly from across the room, a look of absolute victory on her face.
"That's enough both of you!" Iruka shouted in response instantly quieting the room. "These teams were determined based on the recommendations of your teachers, your test results, and your natural affinities. We do this to make sure that each squad has a specialization that plays on it's members strengths, they are then reviewed and given approval by both the office of the Hokage and the Jonin Council."
"But" Ino yelled "That's not-"
"The decision is final!" Iruka shouted in uncharacteristic anger, causing Ino to cross her arms and flop into her seat with a scowl. Iruka looked around the room for a second more to ensure there were no interruptions and then began calling out the remaining team names.
As he called out the final team, he took a moment to tell everyone how proud he was of them and that he wishes each of them the best. He ended his speech by telling them that all graduates should remain in the classroom until their Jonin teachers came for them and exited the room.
"And now we wait." Naruto stated under his breath as he glanced at the clock on the far side of the room which read 9:30am.
9 HOURS LATER
This is ridiculous Naruto thought for the hundredth time as tapped his finger on the desk.
The last team other than theirs had been picked up by their Jonin nearly 7 hours ago. They'd literally been there all day and their teacher still hadn't shown up.
Looking to his side he saw Sasuke in the same place he'd been for the last several hours, on the far right side of the room leaning against the window looking out. Sakura on the other hand, after trying to talk to both boys continuously with little success was now silent sitting in one of the seats behind him.
So much for seeing how Kenichi's doing. Naruto signed in aggravation and stood up causing Sasuke to glace in his direction before looking back out the window. Might as well see what Sasuke's up to.
As Naruto walked over to the Uchiha, he took another glance at Sakura who remained very quiet only to see a dark red hue over her forehead. This caused him to stop in his tracks and take another glance before turning to Sasuke.
"Is she alright?" He asked motioning towards Sakura as Sasuke glanced at her and then back to the window.
"Who cares?" He said with cool indifference. "She's being quiet so leave her alone."
"She might be sick." Naruto replied and turned to walk towards the girl. "Sakura, you ok?"
In response the dark hue over Sakura's forehead got even darker, causing Naruto to get a bit more worried. He made his way up the steps to where she was sitting.
"If you miss with her, you're going to regret it." He heard Sasuke state from his position at the window.
"She might have a fever." Naruto cut back as he got to the row right below Sakura and raised a hand to place on her forehead and check her temperature.
"She feels hot." He said aloud only to hear Sakura mumble something in response.
"Sakura?" Naruto stated with worry and suddenly found himself standing on a chair so he's closer to her level. "Hey Sakura, I'm right here can you hear me?"
SAKURA'S POV
I can't believe my luck. Sakura mentally squealed To have both Naruto and Sasuke on my team is a dream come true CHAA!
They are without a doubt the coolest kids in the academy. They had the best grades in all the ninja arts and were leagues above everyone else. Plus, they came from really prestigious families with Sasuke being a member of the Uchiha Clan and son of the clan leader no less. On the flip side Naruto is the son of the Hokage himself and his mom's the head of the sealing corp.
I don't know which to choose! She mentally squealed again. Sasuke's so calm and aloof, but Naruto's so nice and down to earth.
Suddenly Sakura felt her eyes widen in realization. What if they start fighting over me?
She could see it now. A older Sasuke in a black suit with a dozen roses coming to propose his undying love for her, only to be met by an older Naruto in a brown suit with the same roses to tell her he loves her. They both meet and begin to argue over who shall marry her. She, naturally, tries to get them to stop but they won't have it. They start fighting each other for her love, unleashing weapons and jutsu that she can only imagine. Ripping at each other's cloths exposing their well-defined muscles that-
"Are you alright." Naruto suddenly says warningly running his finger up her chin.
He beat Sasuke. Sakura's eyes widened when behind Naruto, she saw Sasuke tied up but watching them.
"I'm warning you, miss with her and you'll regret it!" He angrily glared at the blond who paid him no mind.
"Your so hot." He whispered to her, his hot breath tickling her lips
"Naruto." She said readying herself for a kiss that would start their forever after.
"Sakura" He responded back as she closed her eyes awaiting his lips against hers.
As she waited there, eyes closed and ready for a kiss, instead she felt herself being gently shaken.
Confused she opened her eyes only for the image of a half-naked adult Naruto be replaced with that of a fully clothed boy Naruto looking at her with a worried expression.
"Are you ok?" He asked with concern only for her to finally realize where they were, what they were doing, and what she had just daydreamed
END SAKURA POV
"Are you ok?' Naruto asked, as Sakura finally seemed to come to after he had shaken her for a few seconds.
Suddenly he saw her eyes widened, causing him to release her shoulders as she gave a high-pitched scream and fell backwards in her chair.
"Sakura! Sakura, what's wrong? Get up" Naruto yelled and jumped onto the desk Sakura had been sitting at only to see her on the ground unmoving. A faint trail of blood leaking from her nose.
As Naruto grabbed Sakura by the shoulders and tried to shake her awake once more, Sasuke turned to watch the situation unfold as Naruto attempted to shake an unconscious Sakura awake. Only one thought running through his head.
Told him he'd regret it.
Suddenly the sound of a door sliding open filled the room instantly waking Sakura up and diverting all three graduate's attentions to the door. As they watched with apprehension a man with white hair that seemed to defy gravity, a mask that covered most of his face, and his headband covering his right eye walked in. He sported a typical flak jacket common amongst most Chunin and Jonin. What little of his face was visible was unreadable as he scanned the room.
Well, aren't they the curious lot. Kakashi lazily thought as he took note of Sakura's position on the floor with Naruto holding her up by her shoulders and Sasuke leaning against the window.
"Hello everyone, my name is Kakashi Hatake. I'm the squad leader of Team 7 and I have to say." He said holding a hand to his chin and closed one eye. "My first thought of you three." He paused for dramatic effect. "You're all a bunch of idiots."
"S-sensei it's not what it looks-"Sakura began only to be cut off by their new teacher to pointed a finger to the ceiling.
"Meet me on the roof in 3 minutes. See you there" He stated before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
ON THE ACADEMY ROOFTOP.
The three graduates sat at the top on the rooftop of the academy on some steps. They formed a semi-circle with their teacher sitting on a stool in front.
"So how about we start things off by going over a little about each other." Kakashi suggested in a laid-back tone.
"Like what?" Sakura asked, still embarrassed over being caught half passed out by her Sensei.
"Oh, I don't know." Kakashi responded. "How about your name, your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future and hobbies. You know things like that."
"How about you go first and then we'll know what to do." Naruto suggested with an unreadable expression on his face. I know I've seen you somewhere before.
"I suppose that's only fair." Kakashi responded. "My name is Kakashi Hatake. I like and dislike a lot of things, as for my dreams of the future…well I've never actually thought about it, and my hobbies? Well I have plenty of hobbies. Now you" He finished with a smile.
So he's basically only giving us his name. Heh typical. Sasuke thought to himself before moving to speak. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I don't particularly like anything, while I dislike a great deal of things. My dream is to become stronger than my brother and become the leader of my clan. I don't have time for hobbies.
Sounds about right. Naruto thought with a smirk.
So cool! Sakura thought with a slight blush.
This kid Kakashi thought to himself before motioning to Naruto.
"My name is Naruto Namikaze. I like learning new jutsu, eating and trying new types of ramen, and hanging out with my friends and family. I dislike people who bully others or betray their trust. My dream is to become the strongest ninja in the village.
"And your hobbies?" Kakashi asked.
"Don't have any" Naruto answered evenly.
"Ok and you." Kakashi said motioning to Sakura.
"W-well my name is Sakura Haruno. My likes-". Sakura began before shaking her head as images of Naruto and Sasuke fighting for her love once again filled her mind. "I mean the people I like-" She started and stopped again this time with an apparent blush on her face. "And my dreams of the future is-" Her blush became even deeper to the point where Kakashi idly wondered if her head was about to explode.
Girls her age are typically more interested in boys than training, but this…this is too much. He lazily thought before deciding to help move this along.
"And your dislikes" He asked
"Ino Yamanaka" Sakura shouted catching her two teammates off guard with the outburst.
"I see" Kakashi said. "Well at least it appears you all have your own unique personalities and goals which is good. I suppose all that's left is for us to meet up tomorrow for your survival exercise and-"
"Survival Exercise?" Sakura questioned. "I'm sorry sensei but I thought we're supposed to go on real missions now, we already passed all our exercises when we graduated."
"Yes, I suppose that's true." Kakashi agreed scratching the side of his mask with his finger. "But this won't be like the ones you took at the academy."
"Ok, so how's this supposed to be any different?" Naruto cut in but was taken aback when Kakashi only laughed in response.
What's going on here? Naruto thought as his sensei continued laughing.
"Hey what gives? That was a normal question!" Sakura yelled. "How's this different from the academy?"
"I'm sorry." Kakashi mocked quieting his laughter. "It's just that if I told you, you won't like it."
"Tell us anyway." Naruto asked, his features hardening into a glare. "What's going on with this exercise?"
"Well, you see." Kakashi began. "This test will be something we do together. It'll be a pass or fail type of thing and those that fail will be sent back to the academy."
"What!" Both Naruto and Sakura exclaimed while Sasuke's eyes widened.
Back to the academy. The raven-haired ninja mentally repeated slowly to himself trying to take in what he'd just heard. There's no way I'll let that happen.
"But we passed the test!" Naruto exclaimed pointing to his headband. "Once we passed the test and get our headbands, all your supposed to do is register the team!"
"Yes, that is true." Kakashi relented standing up from the stool and looking directly at Naruto. "Once you pass the exam and are assigned a Jonin teacher, that teacher is supposed to register the team as his or her own in 3 days' time for it to be official; however, there's nothing that says I have to register you is there?"
At this Naruto fell silent as his eyes widened in realization as Kakashi continued to speak.
"I don't see a reason to register you as my team, and if I don't register you three within the timeframe your headbands will be confiscated, and you'll remain academy students. As of now those headbands you wear only mean that you MAY be worthy of being a ninja. Until I register you, your all just academy students."
"But that's not fair!" Sakura yelled. "We earned these, we-"
"Don't feel so bad." Kakashi cut off her rant. "You see all of the Jonin teachers are doing this same thing to their students to. In fact, of the 27 people that passed this year's exam, only 9 graduates at most will be allowed to become shinobi. The rest are being sent back."
That means Naruto thought with widened eyes
That at least 66% of us Sakura repeated fearfully
Are guaranteed to fail. Sasuke thought, his hands shaking in rage in front of his face.
"Well, I see the situation's finally sunk in." Kakashi said turning his back on his team. "I'll meet you at training ground 7 tomorrow for the exercise. Sleep well and bring all your gear. Oh and one more thing." Kakashi turned back to his team and leveled a glare that could kill. "Friendly advice. Don't eat breakfast tomorrow or you'll puke" With those parting words he vanished in a puff of smoke leaving three unnerved 'Genin' in his wake.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OUTSIDE THE ACADEMY ENTRANCE (GROUND FLOOR)
"So, what do you think Uchiha?" Naruto asked as his team walked out of the academy, his arms behind his head as he walked.
"I think we need more information on this exam." Sasuke said from behind Naruto. "If it's held every year, then someone must know what it's about."
"We can check the library." Sakura loudly offered from behind the two boys. "I can take you both there, it'd be super cool! We could even grab dinner and-"
"Library's gonna be a bust." Naruto cut Sakura off while looking at the darkening streets ahead. It's nearly dark and everything's closing. We wasted the entire day waiting for sensei and then we have to meet up at 5am, so that doesn't give us much time to research anything."
"I'll check with some of my clan about it." Sasuke informed, turning his back to his teammates, and walking off on his own. "I'll let you know what I find out in the morning."
"Sasuke wait!" Sakura yelled only for the boy to keep walking.
"Sounds good." Naruto said loud enough for both his teammates to hear. "I'll do some digging on my end and see if anything comes up."
Turning around toward the direction of his own home, Naruto began walking away from Sakura. "See you in the morning Sakura." He said giving her a backwards wave.
Looking between both the departing boys, Sakura stood still for several moments before running in Naruto's direction. "Naruto wait!"
"What's up?" Naruto asked, turning to the pink haired girl.
"W-well I, was wondering if you wanted to get some dinner with me." Sakura nervously asked. "You know since we're teammates and all, maybe we should get to. You know…know each other and stuff. I k-know a ramen place close by that says open later than most."
Naruto turned back to street and let out a sigh. I don't have time for this. I still have to make sure I have everything prepped for tomorrow and have to make sure all my gears still good from my fight with Mizuki.
Letting out another sigh, Naruto turned towards Sakura. But she is my teammate and we're gonna have to work together as a team sooner or later so I guess it can't be helped.
"Ok fine." Naruto said, only for him to wince as Sakura let out a loud squeal.
"Ok great! I'll take you there, this is gonna be so awesome!" Sakura began speaking loudly while running ahead to lead the way to the ramen stand, only one thing going through her mind. I can't believe I got a date with Naruto Namikaze score!
It's for the good the team. Naruto mentally told himself with a sigh. They'd been walking only a few minutes, but Sakura seemed to get only louder as they approached the ramen stand making him almost wish he had just kept walking home. She's a part of the team. Teamwork is important.
As both Naruto and Sakura sat down, they quickly gave their orders to the Ramen Guy before turning to talk to each other.
"So, Sakura." Naruto spoke first as they sat down on stools in front of the ramen stand." Now that we're on a team, I know your smart and all but what techniques do you know. Do you have any special moves or weapons?"
"W-well I know the clone jutsu, and the other techniques we learned at the academy. I don't really have any weapons other than the basic Kunai and Shuriken."
So just basic academy stuff. Naruto thought That's what I figured but it doesn't hurt to ask.
"What about you Naruto!" Sakura exclaimed scooting closer to him. "I bet someone like you knows a bunch of killer moves, being the Hokage's son and all."
Sakura almost thought she saw something flash in Naruto's eyes but if she did it was gone in an instant.
"I have a few wind style techniques I can do." Naruto responded evenly. "I'm trying to learn the substitution technique but haven't gotten it yet. I don't really carry any special gear except of some dummy explosive notes but I'm all out of those right now. If we pass this exam, I'm hoping to use some of the money we make on missions to buy some real explosive tags."
"So, you can use actual element jutsu already?" Sakura asked in awe. "That's so cool! Nobody else in our class can do anything like that!"
"Sasuke can." Naruto replied. "He has a few fire jutsu that he's practiced for years."
"Well yeah, of course he'd be the only other one. It's no shocker given who both your parents are." Sakura stated.
"What do you mean by that?" Naruto replied, a hint of anger in his voice.
"Well, your dad's the Hokage and his is the leader of the entire Uchiha clan so of course your both really skilled and stuff." Sakura said oblivious to Naruto's tone. "I wish my parents were cool like that, I'd probably know a lot of cool moves to."
"Or you could just train hard and learn them." Naruto forcibly stated. "You know, like we all do."
"Yeah, but let's face it." Sakura said looking at the top of the ramen stand. "Even if I did train, there's no way I'd ever be as good as you and Sasuke. Your just, you know, born with it."
"If that's what you think, then you should just go back to the academy." Naruto spat standing up from his stool. He pulled out a wallet shaped like a toad and slammed a few ryo on the stand and started to walk off.
"W-w-wait! Naruto! Where are you going?" Sakura yelled as the blond continued to walk.
"Home." Naruto angrily replied. "This may be a shock to you Sakura, but even the Hokage's son has to plan and work hard. If you actually want to be more than a burden you should try it sometime."
Sakura opened her mouth to reply but before she could say a single word, Naruto sped off in a chakra fueled sprint in the opposite direction.
Stupid, idiot. Naruto mentally spat while sprinting to his house. I can't believe I wasted time with her when I could've been planning for the exercise. ARRRGH! I knew this was a waste of time.
CHAPTER END
Authors notes:
Holy helk I'm back. I won't bore any of you with details, but the important thing is I will start posting again on a hopefully (absent of anymore family emergencies) monthly basis.
Now that, that's out of the way let's discuss this chapter. This chapter wasn't terribly difficult to writes; however, a family emergency came up with only half the chapter being written so I had to put this on the back burner for over 3 months before I could come back and finish it up. I did my best to make sure the dialogue matches what I had planned and hope that the overall chapter was enjoyable to read.
I did change some minor things and cut out some scenes that I originally wrote in the chapter but wanted to retain a small comedy element (hence Sakura's daydream). Speaking of which, I'm pretty sure someone will accuse me of Sakura Bashing or being a Sakura hater (hence the warning at the beginning). In my defense, I really wanted to nail in the whole "Sakura Fangirl" thing now so I can help her character develop out of that later. Worry not though, I'm going to do my best to do this as quickly and organically as I can but expect it to be a multi-chapter thing.
If anyone has any suggestions on how to make the story better. I am always all ears. Flamers are welcome, as long as there is something constructive to be said amongst the flames.
This was a very dialogue intensive chapter, but I expect the next one to be much more action packed and likely a good bit shorter. I hope ya'll enjoyed it and as always please continue to read, review, but above all enjoy.
-Guardian's Blade Out!