Hello, this is my first fic so I hope all of you would help me with the fic. Especially since English isn't my daily language. I do not own Naruto or anything related to it. I only own my original characters and my story. Thanks.

Beforehand, I want to thank you to Kohaku-san who loyally followed my story and SHiZuNe-ChaN that bushin no jutsu only need a simple hand seal to do the basic. Glad both of you like it, I'm trying to make it better. Keep on reviewing! For the others, Read & Review!

Ayame

Genin Exam

At last, the genin exam that all the Academy regular students expected was approaching. The day they dreaded but also were waiting for. The day when they would give their best efforts to pass and fulfill their dream in becoming a shinobi. A month before the exam would take place, every student was busy preparing themselves for the exam, or at least their parents made them. As the day came closer, they prepared themselves more intensively. Intensity was hanging in the air.

Meanwhile, at the Hokage Memorial someone was sitting on top of Yondaime's head. It was a little girl, probably 4 years old. She had short straight black hair that barely reached her shoulder, some of her front hair was shorter. She seemed to be enjoying the warm breeze as she let her hair blown by the wind.

"I've never known this place could be so comfortable," suddenly a voice interrupted the peace from behind her. The girl seemed to know who the person could be.

"Sarutobi-jiisan!" the girl, known as Ayame smiled to the person who appeared to be Sandaime.

"No wonder why you enjoy your time here," he sat beside her.

"It's peaceful here and the view is great, don't you think?"

"Indeed, you can see the village clearly from up here"

"Besides, past these days were truly uncomfortable…since everybody's busy with the exam"

"Ah, I see…So why don't you?"

"I don't really think if I prepare myself today would make a difference. I'd rather take a day off so I won't be too nervous tomorrow"

"Good thinking," he smiled,

"It seems you have prepared yourself well"

"…Sarutobi-jiisan…"

"Hn?" he was thinking about smoking but he remembered that Ayame didn't like him smoking. Bad for health, she said and because of it she got rid all of tobacco and the pipes he usually used. The girl truly had influence over him.

"Do you think I could pass?" the girl seemed to doubt herself.

"I believe you can. You're the smartest girl I've ever met"

"Really? Don't you think it's too soon for me?…I'm the youngest student to participate in the exam and there's no one else who's in the same age…"

"…Honestly…I do think it's too soon for you," the answer made her sadder. Sandaime glanced to the girl then moved his gaze to the sky.

"I enroll you to the Academy so you would have friends in first place. But you've exceeded my expectation…by becoming the youngest genin exam participant in Konoha history. I'm proud of you," Sandaime said those words proudly, as if a father would say. It made Ayame's eyes widened in surprise.

"You've done well Ayame. Your parents would be very proud too," he smiled warmly to her,

"But you don't need to push yourself to become a shinobi. Being a shinobi is not easy, the responsibility… I suppose you know that. I want you to enjoy your childhood until you're ready. Even though so, I want you to do your best in the exam. I believe your father would have agreed with me"

He looked at her, hoping that she would understand. Ayame was rather mature for her age, she understood people well, being so observant and objective. It was very hard to lie or hide something from her. To his relief, Sandaime could see Ayame smiled and nodded in understanding. He patted her back gently, for Ayame it was enough. More than enough for any other encouraging words.

-o-O-o-

At the genin exam, Ayame could see nervous faces everywhere. Through Ayame's keen eyes, she could see that all of them were nervous even through the calm façade they put on their faces. Even though so, not all of were nervous, she could see some of them. Among them were Inuzuka Suzu, Mizuno Kaede, and…she smiled to see the person, Nakayama Shinji. He was still as ignorant as ever. Nothing truly changed between them after Ayame caught him training. But when they met Shinji would nod his head in greeting and sometimes when he needed help about the lesson he would ask her. Then her eye caught something, she saw the students were looking at the same direction. Someone had just arrived, a slender figure appeared. It was a boy, probably 3 or 4 years older than her. He had long raven hair that was tied and onyx eyes. He wore high collared black shirt with long sleeves. It seemed the girls had admirations to him while the boys held rivalry.

Those eyes…The hair… Ayame was sure he was an Uchiha, but she couldn't remember his name. He wasn't in the same class with her. But she didn't bother to find out, she had a feeling the exam would start soon…indeed.

"Students who are going to participate in the exam please gather around!" a voice that held authority silenced the students.

The exam took whole day. It was consisted of every skill that a shinobi should have. The exam started with written test, to test their theoretical and analytical skills. It was continued with taijutsu, genjutsu, and ningu tests. They were divided into groups so it would be more efficient. And it seemed ninjutsu test was taken separately, to Ayame wonder. After all the students had taken the tests, Ayame had her answer.

"Students, may I have your attention!" It was more an order than a request. The students turned their attention to the person who spoke. It was one of the Academy teachers that Ayame didn't know.

"The final test will be held in this room," he announced as his hand showed the room,

"But not all of you would enter the room. We've already had the result of your previous tests and based on that result, you can enter this room or not"

The students started to panic. The silence soon was broken. Ayame didn't say anything. The teacher took out a list of names,

"Those whose name is mentioned can enter the room"

So that's why… Reasonable…taijutsu, genjutsu, and ningu were truly basic skills. If we're going to be a shinobi, we shouldn't lack of it…which means the level of the students graduated is pretty high. The ninjutsu test would decide the result, whether we pass or not, Ayame thought. She sighed, she wasn't really sure if she even passes taijutsu, genjutsu, ningu tests. She was pretty sure she did well enough in written, genjutsu and ningu tests, but she wasn't sure about her taijutsu test. Taijutsu was her weakness, especially with her small body. She could barely manage to land a blow or even hurt the opponent, she didn't have enough strength. And she wasn't sure that the other test's result would help her taijutsu test result.

Well, I suppose I only go this far…she felt rather pessimistic, at least I do my best…

Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted as she saw the students were looking at her.

"Eh?" it was her only reaction.

"Ayame…your name was mentioned," a girl with long dark red hair whom she recognized as Mizuno Kaede told her, she was smiling to her.

"Hikari Ayame?" the teacher repeated as if trying to convince her that it was truly her.

"H-hai…" Ayame felt it wasn't real as she walked between the students to enter the room where the final test was held. The teacher nodded to her, signaling she may enter. The room was empty except a desk that was placed in front. There were two teachers. She nervously walked into the room.

"Hello, Ayame," smiled one of the teachers. Fortunately it was her teacher, Kisaki-san, so she felt less nervous.

"Don't worry, I would only ask you to do a simple ninjutsu. If you succeed, you may take this Konoha head protector as a sign you've graduated from the Academy," he showed her Konoha head protector.

Ayame nodded in understanding.

"I want you to create three perfect bushins, can you do it?"

Bushins! It wouldn't be too hard, she felt confident enough. Even though so, she shouldn't be too anxious, she knew, emotion could ruin everything. So she calmed herself down first and afterwards without much effort, she created three perfect bushins.

"Congratulations, Ayame. You passed," he smiled to her proudly, giving her the head protector.

"A-arigatou gozaimasu," she accepted it in disbelief.

"Tomorrow please come to room 102 for your team assignment"

Ayame only nodded and sorted out from another door in the room. She only looked at the head protector on her hands. She truly didn't believe she had graduated. She smiled happily, she would tell Sarutobi-jiisan she had passed.

Meanwhile, in Hokage office, as usual Sandaime was working with a pile of papers he had on his desk. In a glance he looked as if he was working, but the truth was, his mind was wandering elsewhere. He was thinking of a certain girl who was facing graduation exam. He was worried, funny, for the Hokage never worried this much since…her only daughter was going to graduate. Then he realized that he already treated Ayame like his own daughter. Her innocence…her kindness…her gentleness…and her maturity that often surprised him. He shook his head and looked at the picture of Yondaime,

You have such a loveable daughter…Kyouki… You would have loved her as much as I do if you had been alive…

Then he heard eager knocks on his door, somehow he felt he knew who it was. Instead approving the person who knocked, Sandaime walked to the door only to find Ayame smiling happily to him and he knew it couldn't have been better.

-o-O-o-

All the students had been dismissed, so the Academy was practically empty. Except for the Academy teachers who were busy dividing the students into a group of three. They were discussing it seriously, because the team should be in balance, there shouldn't be a student that was more dominant than the others. Suddenly their discussion was stopped when a familiar figure appeared.

"Hokage-sama!" it was Sandaime.

"I'm sorry to disturb you," he apologized

"N-no, it's alright. Is there anything we can do for you?" one of the teachers asked.

"Well, I'm only asking you for a small favour…" he answered in serious tone.

-o-O-o-

The next morning, Ayame woke up with a smile her face. Today she was going to meet her teammates. She had already dressed up and she decided to wear the head protector on her left arm. She wasn't used to wearing something on her forehead, it made her uncomfortable even though she knew it was its supposed place. She wore it on her left arm since she was right-handed. She had told Shuichi that she graduated and Shuichi had warned her that she wasn't a genin… yet. Ayame knew, it wasn't over until she met her team and jounin instructor. The real test would come soon after. After she finished her breakfast, she locked the door and went to the Academy full of hope.

The room where she was appointed to go, room 102 had already filled with graduating students. It seemed about 70-80 of the students managed to graduate. She saw an empty seat in the back row, she slipped into the room unnoticed –or at least that's what she thought. Kaede waved to her showing an empty seat beside her. Ayame didn't think twice to take the offer. She sat beside Kaede and saw her friends, Suzu and Chiharu.

"So you're graduated too, Ayame. You must've been the youngest," Kaede smiled kindly to her, she seemed to be pleased to see her graduated. Ayame liked her, she was like an older sister to her, always kind and understanding. Ayame never doubted her ability, she was one of the best students in the Academy. Then she felt something nagged her, only to be greeted with a pair of wide chocolate eyes. Ayame smiled to see who it was,

"Hello, Yuki" she took the white-furred dog to her lap.

"She missed you," Suzu smiled to her.

"Really, Yuki?" the dog answered with a nod.

"I hope we're in the same team," Chiharu spoke.

"Well, I hope too, but the teachers probably have their own consideration," Kaede agreed. They silently agreed, while Ayame gently stroke Yuki's fur. Suddenly, the room was silent as they saw a teacher appeared and stood in front of them room. He cleared his throat before speaking,

"Congratulations for your graduation. I see all of you have worn the head protector. From now on you will be a real shinobi, but you're still merely a rookie genin. This is just the beginning, soon you'll be assigned duties by the village. Today we will divide you into a team with 3 students and each team will have their own jounin instructor. You will follow your sensei's instructions to finish the assigned duties. The team assignment is based by each of your individual strength, we tried to balance each team's strength. Listen carefully, this is the team assignment…" The students waited expectantly.

"Team 1: Hyuuga Eiji, Mizuno Kaede, and Takeda Hayashi…"

"Eiji and Hayashi ne?" Chiharu spoke her thought.

"They're fine, I suppose it wouldn't be hard to work together with them," Kaede didn't mind too much. They were her classmates and she knew them pretty well. Eiji didn't speak much, calm and preserved and he was one of the best students like her. While Hayashi in the other hand, wasn't so bright but he was reliable enough.

"You have good teammates, Kaede," Suzu agreed. Ayame smiled to Kaede, if Kaede and Suzu thought her teammates good then she was lucky. She wondered if she would be that lucky. The teacher had finished team 3 members when a name caught her interest,

"Team 4: Nakayama Shinji, Hikari Ayame, and Uchiha Itachi"

The announcement caught the students off guard, they stared at the teacher wide-eyed. Ayame stunned in her seat, her teammates were Shinji and the Uchiha prodigy. She knew how strong both of them, knowing from what she heard from others, and getting stuck with both of them…She wasn't so sure she would be able to catch up with the two. She let out a sigh, a desperate one. Kaede looked at her worriedly, so was Suzu and Chiharu. They silently exchanged glances. They were worried, but in different reason. Since Ayame was new in the Academy, she didn't know there was a problem between the two. Most of all, Shinji's hatred towards the number 1 rookie this year. Every time they met, they would have gone into some kind of glaring contest and usually it was Shinji who said cold words while Itachi didn't say anything.

As if thinking the same thing, the students glanced at two people. One was eyeing at another with utter dislike while the other didn't show anything. The teacher noticed that too, he had gone against the idea when Hokage proposed the team, but when the Hokage asked for a favor that meant an order.

"Team 5," he spoke louder to break the silence, and he succeeded, all attention returned to him,

"Team 5:Nara Shiro, Inuzuka Suzu, and Karashima Taro"

But this time no one commented about Suzu's teammates, the three eyes' were still fixed on Ayame who only stroke Yuki's fur silently.

Soon afterwards, their jounin instructors appeared and picked their team. Chiharu, Suzu and Kaede jounin instructors came early.

"Good luck, Ayame," Kaede tried to cheer her up before she left.

"Hn," Ayame smiled to Kaede. She saw there were about 4 more teams that hadn't met their sensei and most of them had gotten acquainted. She looked at her supposedly teammates and saw they kept distance to each other, Shinji on the first line while Itachi the second, at least they were in the same row.

At least I could try Shinji-san, she decided to approach Shinji.

"Hi," her voice barely audible, honestly she was very nervous. She sat beside him.

"Hi," Shinji in the other hand, didn't seem so.

"It's a surprise we're in the same team," he smiled to her. Shinji liked the little girl since he met her. (A/n:Not THAT kind of liking, ok?) His brother, Shuichi had told him about her and he got a good impression of her. She would be a good teammate, at least balancing his hatred towards a certain Uchiha.

"Indeed," Ayame returned to her old self, after realizing Shinji seemed not to mind.

"Do you think who is going to teach us?"

"I don't have any idea. I suppose we can only wait," then her eyes caught a certain jounin who just came. To her surprise, the jounin was very a beautiful woman. She had long dark brown curly hair that was tied into a ponytail that reached her back. She had light brown hair that somehow looked cold and emotionless, but held something more… Then she noticed that she wasn't wearing the vest and also wore the head protector on her left arm. She also noticed something else that was clinging to her left side, a sheathed sword. It wasn't a common sight to see a shinobi carrying a sword, especially a long sword like hers. A name appeared on her mind…a kunoichi…a sword wielder…Masaka…?

The woman walked to them and stood a good distance from team 4.

"Team 4?" she asked in monotone voice, that got all the three's attention.

"Hai," it was Ayame who answered.

"Kishuu Arashi, your jounin instructor," she told them without courtesy.

Author's Note: Two surprises! The appearance of Itachi and Arashi, so far Sandaime and Itachi were the only real characters. Probably you want to know if this Itachi was good or bad. Well, you'll need to keep on reading to find out. BTW, I don't think the graduation or genin exam is THAT easy, so I make it harder but still makes sense (MY sense, dunno yours). Ayame had made friends with the girls. Please review. Flames are accepted as long as it doesn't burn me into ashes.