Chapter 8

Naruto sat on a branch in thought. He was surrounded by clones as he did not want Kakashi to get the jump on him. He was thinking about the question that Kakashi told him about.

"What did he mean by what he said? Anko-oneesan doesn't go on missions alone, yeah, but what does that have to do with this test?" Naruto asked himself. Kakashi wanted him to concentrate on his oneesan for a reason. "She doesn't go alone. She's always with a team. Team? Could that be what he wants me to realize?" He was cut off when he heard Sakura scream. While he didn't like the girl any more, he wasn't about to leave her hanging. He shot off with his clones to check on her.

XXX

Sasuke was glaring at Kakashi from his position. After he heard Sakura's scream, he confronted Kakashi. He told the jōnin that he was not like his two teammates but Kakashi made it a point to tell him that Naruto was the only one to get a bell. This pissed Sasuke off and he attacked Kakashi. During the small fight, he was able to touch one of the bells. Seeing that his traps and taijutsu wasn't working, he decided to use ninjutsu. He did the hand seals for his clan's most used jutsu, Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu (Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique). He saw that this surprised the jōnin and he was not able to dodge the flames.

When the technique died down, Sasuke only saw scorched earth. He quickly looked around, wondering where Kakashi was going to attack from. He got his answer when he was dragged underground. His whole body was underground with the exception of his head. He was still able to glare at Kakashi who was kneeling and smiling at him.

"Doton: Shinjū Zanshu no Jutsu (Earth Release: Double Suicide Decapitation Technique), a perfect counter to your own jutsu. I have to say that you are right about something. You are much different that you teammates." Kakashi said with amusement. He suddenly moved away from Sasuke and dodged several shuriken. Three Naruto appeared and faced him. "Well, ready for another go Naruto?"

"Something like that." Naruto said. He patted the back of his two clones and sent them off. They charged at Kakashi who readied himself. He watched as Naruto did some hand seals and took a deep breath.

"Katon: Kasumi Enbu no Jutsu (Fire Release: Mist Blaze Dance Technique)!" Naruto shouted and blew out a faint white mist. Kakashi thought that it was a great strategy until he smelt the mist. When he noticed that the regular Naruto high-tailed it out of the area with Sasuke, he knew that something was wrong. That's when it happened.

XXX

Anko was eating some dango, wondering how Naruto was doing with his test. She was a little concerned since she knew that Kakashi never passed a single team. She knew that he would be bummed if he had to go back to the academy. That's when she heard an explosion. She stood and looked to see some black smoke coming from one of the training grounds. She realized that was where Kakashi usually held his meetings. Thinking a bit more, she let out a small chuckle.

"That brat, I only suggested that he use his clones like that. Well, I can't really be blamed for it. It is a good idea after all." Anko said to herself and made her way back to her dango.

XXX

Kakashi popped out of the ground and looked around at the damage that was caused by Naruto's little stunt. He knew that the Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone) was mostly used for spying because of its' special condition. However, this was one extreme way to use them. He knew that he said to come at him with the intent to kill but using clones for a suicide bombing was going a bit far. Something told him that this was Anko's fault.

Kakashi sighed and decided to put out any flames before going after the genin again.

XXX

Naruto was with Sasuke and Sakura, surrounded by traps. He pinched the bridge of his nose as the two was working his last nerve.

"Look, I don't know how many times I have to say this. This isn't about the bells. There is a whole other meaning behind this test." Naruto said.

"I don't have time to waste with your theories dobe. It's almost noon and I have to get a bell." Sasuke spat.

"Oh my god, can you for ONCE just listen to someone besides your own ego! I'm telling you that there is something wrong with this test!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Hey, don't speak to Sasuke that way!" Sakura said defending her crush.

"Look, just think for a minute. Alone, we can't beat him. He's a jōnin for a reason. To get the bells, we might have to work together." Naruto said calmly.

"I don't need either of your help. I touched the bells and next time I'll get them." Sasuke said.

"Yeah, besides, why would we team up with you? Once Sasuke and I get the bells, you'll go back to the academy and they'll put you with another bunch of losers for a team." Sakura crowed. Naruto was about to explode when something stopped him. The word 'team' just kept going through his head. That's when he remembered something. Konoha based its' strength by working with each other. That meant that this test wasn't about the bells, it was about teamwork.

"That's it. Hey, I know what the real purpose of this test is!" Naruto exclaimed. However, the alarm went off, signaling the end of the test. Kakashi appeared before the genin.

"Is that so Naruto? Maybe you can explain it over there." Kakashi said.

XXX

Kakashi was standing in front of everyone. He saw as Sakura struggled to free herself from the post, Sasuke was glaring at Naruto and Naruto just ignore everyone. He then faced Naruto.

"So Naruto, care to tell me what the true purpose of this test was?" Kakashi asked.

"The word 'team' just kept running around in my head. That's when I realized that Konoha's strength is based on our shinobi working together with each other. The bells were a mislead. You wanted to see how we did as a team. So, the way to pass the true exam is to show our teamwork." Naruto answered. After a few seconds, Kakashi clapped his hands.

"Very good, very good, I'm glad that you caught that Naruto. It proves that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Seeing that you got the point of the test, I will see what I can do to get you on a current team. To send you back to the academy would be a waste of talent." Kakashi said.

"What about us sensei?" Sakura asked.

"Oh, you two need not worry. I'm going to the Hokage and get you two removed from the shinobi forces." Kakashi stated in a matter-of-fact way. Sakura was shocked at that and Sasuke was angry. He charged at Kakashi but quickly found himself on the ground with Kakashi's foot on his head, his arm twisted in a painful lock.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura screamed.

"That's exactly why you and Sasuke do not deserve to be shinobi. Sakura, you were so concerned with Sasuke that you totally ignored Naruto. Even after he saved you and was attempting to get your help in figuring out the purpose of the test, you scorn him. Weren't you the 'Top Kunoichi' and smartest girl in the academy?" Kakashi asked harshly. Sakura bowed her head in shame. He then faced Sasuke. "You thought that they couldn't help you, that they would just get in your way. Still, you were saved by Naruto and taken to safety. He offered you help but you also scorned, arrogantly thinking that you were a match for me." Sasuke let out a breath of annoyance. Kakashi got off him and let him go. Sasuke made his way back to lick his wounds.

"You see this stone here?" Kakashi said and pointed to a stone. They could see that there were some names on the stone. "Those names are the names of Konoha's heroes. They get on this stone for their service to the village, may their souls rest in peace." That surprised all of them. "Remember this, those who disobeys the rules are trash but those who abandon their teammates are worse than trash." He said to them. He waited a while to allow it to sink in. "Okay, because of Naruto, I'm going to give you another chance. You two can eat the lunch I brought but Sakura get none of it. I'll be back in a moment." He said and left.

The two boys dug into the lunches and began to eat. Naruto stopped eating and looked around to see if Kakashi was around. Seeing no trace of him, he walked up to Sakura and freed her. Sakura looked at him like he was crazy.

"What are you doing?" Sakura exclaimed.

"Would you keep your damn voice down?" Naruto hissed. He then shoved his lunch forward. "Here, eat this and get your strength back."

"But Kakashi-sensei said not to eat." Sakura said.

"'But Kakashi-sensei said not to eat'. For once, will you just listen? We need you to help us get the bells and you can't help us if you're hungry. So eat." Naruto said. Sasuke followed Naruto's lead and shoved his half eaten lunch in front of Sakura.

"The dobe is right. You can't help us if you're so weak." Sasuke said. Hearing it from him, Sakura nodded and began to eat. That's when the skies darken and lightning streaked from the sky. Kakashi appeared and he was not happy with what he saw.

"What did I say? How dare you disobey my orders?" Kakashi demanded loudly. They were all scared but Naruto manned up and stepped forward.

"Screw you Kakashi! I wasn't about to allow my teammate to starve. You don't like it, then you know where you can put it." Naruto said bravely.

"I-I stand by Naruto. We won't follow your ridiculous rules anymore." Sakura stated.

"We are a team and we will stand as a team." Sasuke said.

"Is that so? Well then you all… pass." Kakashi said with an eye smile. His genin looked at him before falling down on their faces. Kakashi just kept smiling.

XXX

The jōnin were waiting for Kakashi to arrive like always. When he finally arrived, everyone gave him a stern glare. He just rubbed the back of his head.

"Sorry I'm late but…" Kakashi began.

"Spare us your lies Kakashi." Hiruzen said. Kakashi pouted but he shook it off quickly. "So, have you finally passed a team?"

"I'm happy to say that team seven has passed." Kakashi said. This surprised everyone in the room.

"It's about time Kakashi. I thought you would never pass a team." Said Asuma.

"Well, they surprised a lot, especially Naruto." Kakashi said.

"Is that so? Would you care to explain?" Hiruzen asked.

"Well, Sakura is a typical fan girl. She doesn't care much about training and being on the same team as the object of her affection might be a problem. However, she's shown great resolve and will improve over time. Sasuke is indeed skilled and put me on the ropes for a while but he is arrogant and thinks that his teammates are beneath him. His superiority complex might be a problem but I'm not too worried about it. Naruto is not what I expected. He's skilled and smart. It was he who figured out the test I gave them. Even though he does not respect his teammates or me, he is willing to put it aside to work with the team. I do worry that Anko may have put some destructive ideas in his head but he is a team player." Kakashi reported.

"So that explosion was him wasn't it?" Kurenai asked. Kakashi nodded at her and she just chuckled. "I told Anko not to put the idea in his head."

"Anyway, I wish you all luck with your teams. You are all dismissed." Hiruzen said.

XXX

Naruto entered his apartment after having a celebratory ramen feast at Ichirakus. He was just happy that he was finally a genin. As he made his way to his room for some sleep, he stopped and looked around his place. Something was off, he could feel it. He was suddenly tackled from behind by someone. They tumbled around for a while before Naruto managed to pin his assailant. He pulled out a kunai and put it in front of their face. He had a small smirk.

"Ha, that's my win." Naruto cheered. That was before the assailant turned into a cushion. "Son of a bitch!" he exclaimed and was suddenly put in a sleeper hold. He felt the light dim before tapping out. The person released him and Naruto turned to glance at the person, who turned out to be Anko.

"Whose win was it?" Anko said.

"Shouldn't you be stalking Iruka-sensei around this time?" Naruto asked irritably.

"I'm not stalking him. I am merrily taking an interest." Anko said.

"How is breaking into his apartment while he slept to get a piece of is hair an interest?" Naruto asked.

"Anyway, I heard you passed your exam. Congratulations are in order." Anko said.

"Thanks but I just wish that it wasn't with the teme and his fan-girl." Naruto said.

"Stop your bitchin' and just deal with it. You'll need them later on."

"I guess. I can't wait to do missions though." Naruto said with excitement.

"Just don't be too disappointed in the missions. They might be boring but they serve a purpose." Anko said.

"What are you talking about? How can taking out bandits, saving daimyo's daughters and protecting the ninja way, be in any way boring?" Naruto asked with confusion. Anko looked at Naruto before laughing loudly. She was on the ground holding her sides. Naruto didn't have a good feeling about this.

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Authors' Notes- Hey, Sorry about the late update but I've been doing some things that are more important. Anyway, i hope you enjoy the new chapter.