Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the Naruto Universe. All credit goes to Masashi Kishimoto.

Chapter 4

"Now I'd like you all to tell us a little about yourselves." Kakashi was leaning up against the railing opposite of the three of us, who were sitting on some stairs.

"Like what?" I asked, feigning confusion.

"...you know. The usual. Your favorite thing….what you hate most...dreams, ambitions, hobbies. Things like that." I started to wonder whether I should give the same one from all those years ago or….give my new intentions?

"Help us out here, sensei. You go first. Show us how it's done." Naruto pleaded.

"You are a complete stranger too, after all." I pointed out.

"Oh….me? My name is Kakashi Hatake. I'm the kind of person who doesn't feel like talking about his likes and dislikes. My dreams for the future are known of your business….but anyway, I have lots of hobbies…." So just as useless as last time. How unexpected.

"Now it's your turn. Starting with you on the right." On the right was….Naruto. Who seemed, might I add, very eager to tell us all about his Ramen.

"Me right?! My name is Naruto Uzumaki! What I like is instant cup Ramen. What I like even better is when Iruka Sensei treats me to Ramen at the Ichiraku Noodle Bar! What I hate is the three minute wait after I pour in the boiling water. My one day is to be Hokage! And then all the villagers will have to acknowledge my existence at last!" His facial expression said it all. Naruto was still the determined boy I knew.

"My hobbies are pranks and practical jokes, I guess." Naruto finished off with. And still the jokester, too.

Sasuke was next. Oh boy. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha. There are plenty of things I hate, but I don't see that it matters, considering there is almost nothing I do like. It seems pointless to talk about 'dreams'...that's just a word….but what I do have is a determination. I plan to restore my clan. And there's someone I have sworn….to kill." Jeez, what's with all the dramatic pauses?

"And finally, the young lady." If only you knew, kakashi.

"My name is Sakura Haruno. My likes are reading and helping people. My dislikes are perverts…." I glared somewhat at Kakashi. I couldn't help myself. "And snakes. My hobbies are practicing medical ninjutsu and training. My dream is to help all those who need me." To be honest in someway, everyone needed me. My medical ninjutsu statement seemed to catch all of my teammates off guard. Kakashi now gazed at me with new interest.

"Medical Ninjutsu, eh? That takes pretty good chakra control and concentration." Something a new Academy Graduate shouldn't have.

"I have perfect chakra control, believe me." The mark hidden under my forehead protector proved it. Kakashi continued to look at me for a few more moments, before looking to Naruto and Sasuke.

"You two are quite lucky to have a Medical Ninja on your team. And right at the time in your career where you will need one the most." Both looked at me, a pair of suspicion and happiness. It's not hard to figure out who was happy and who was suspicious.

"I believe we all understand each other then. Formal training begins tomorrow."

Naruto snapped his hand to his forward, in a saluting manner. "Yes, sir! What will our duties be?! Our first real shinobi mission!"

"Our first project involves only the members of this cell." Naruto began to shout his confusion, while Sasuke merely didn't say or show anything. "It a survival exercise. One which will decide whether you continue as Genin. It will be against me. Of the 27 graduates only nine will pass. A 66% rate of failure." Naruto exploded, asking questions left and right.

Kakashi continued. "We will meet at the training field in the morning, tomorrow. Bring all you ninja tools and weapons. And do not have breakfast….unless you enjoy throwing up."

*

It had been a few hours after Kakashi dismissed us. Sasuke immediately went on his own, and Naruto left to get Ramen and go back to his house. I opted instead, to take a stroll around the village. Just to check to make sure things hadn't changed. And in the process, I ran into Rock Lee.

I took my chance and asked if he would be willing to train in physical strength and stamina. Lee, ever the gentleman, accepted and scribbled a time on a sheet of paper.

I'm to meet him at four in the morning everyday till we stop training together. We'll train for as long as I can. I even asked for a way to get my own weights.

Twenty minutes later, I now had in my possession four weights. Two for my wrists and two for my ankles. The wrist weights will be covered in black fabric wrapped around my wrists, and the ankle weights will be placed in my shoes.

I had about a month till the Wave mission and four or five till the Chunin Exams. I'll be fine, physically by then. Hopefully.

Tomorrow, is the real test. One of strength, mental, emotion, and teamwork. We will pass.

Published: 12/28/18