Konoha, the next morning, was quite cold. Autumn had arrived early, and wasn't afraid to make it's presence known. A dirt path weaves towards the outer edge of the village. The cool air feels pleasant in my lungs as I walk. Kushina had offered to escort me to the training ground, but I didn't accept. My teammate already has made no attempt to hide the fact that he detests being placed on a team with younger people. I felt no need to add to it by having family walk me to genin meetings.

I quietly observe the people I walk by. Everyone seems so focused on getting to and from their destinations. It really is a beautiful day. The sun in shining down gently on the world, some trees' leaves have started to turn yellow, and a light breeze runs through the streets. The logical side of my brain knows that the change in color is caused by chlorophyll breaking down due to the tempature drop halting their food-making processes, however, I can't help but think that maybe that the Kami did it to make the fall seem much more magical.

At ten minutes till ten, I arrive outside of training ground thirty-four. Itachi is already there, sitting on a bench across from the gate.

"Hello, Itachi-san."

"Aimi-san." He acknowledges me, inclining his head slightly.

"May I sit here?" I may have known him for over a year, our relationship has always remained at the awkward acquaintance level.

"You may." This is so freaking awkward! We almost always discuss academic and athletics; I feel as if I don't know how to have a normal conversation with him.

"Any ideas about what sensei was talking about? Ya know with the whole 'a test to see if I actually want you as my genin' thing?"

"Mother says that most jōnin sensei's give there students a test to determine whether they believe us to be ready to be genin."

"They do? What happens if he decides that we are not ready?"

"I believe they send us back to the academy to wait for the next genin team assignment."

"Interesting." Is my only response. Gah, why is it so hard to become friends with this boy? I've been trying for a very long time and have yet to make it past the weird acquaintance/our companionship is mutual beneficial stage. I'm closer to Shisui-senpai then I am Itachi.

"Well, well, well. If it isn't 'Konoha's Golden Girl.' Showing up early I see. Here to brown nose?" My eyes trace the sound to it's origin. Izumo Tenma.

"Excuse me?" I ask, not understanding what he was attempting to insinuate.

"You know that's what people call you behind your back? Konoha's Golden Girl or the Kami's Golden Gift." I was unfortunately aware of the nicknames that I had been dubbed with over the years. Much to my chagrin, after saving the city from a barrage of projectile explosives and defeating three woefully unprepared foreign ninjas at the age of five, people started to refer to me with monikers and titles.

Tenma had even failed to mention some of the more interesting names. The Namikaze Knight. The Sword Sentinel. The Scroll Master. The Little Flash. Kushina had gushed over the last one, hugging me tight and scrunching our faces together as she fan-girled. Minato was less that thrilled that I was placed in Kumo's Bingo Book. Although they don't have a picture of me yet. On this matter, I felt a little insulted that my bounty was only 200 ryō.

There were also rumors that I had a bear summoning contract. But no. I didn't. That would be awesome, though.

"I am aware of what people say about me, Izumo-san." I say as respectfully and politely as I can. "No matter how much I wish it would stop."

"What? Don't you appreciate the fame? You two graduated at the top of your class after a year. Do you know what they say about you prodigies?" The way he says the final word, with such malice. "The Uchiha clan is so stuck up that they think they are gods, and you are not any better. Seriously, you should hear the stories." I don't understand why he seems to hate me so much. I have heard some of the rumors, but I don't put much stock in them. Itachi seems upset about the insult to his clan. Although his face does not betray the irritation, but I can see in the near imperceivable clenching of his fist.

"Izumo-san, I cannot control what people choose to gossip about. I do wish that the subject would be someone other than me."

"Oh please, you probably just say that so people think you are humble. You are just another st-OW!" Inari Shinko takes this moment to arrive and thump the boy firmly on the back of the head. Kami bless her.

"Tenma-kun! You just met them, so stop acting like a jerk!" The older girl yells at Tenma. I find myself liking her more and more every time we speak. I don't know about her skill as a ninja, but she seems like a genuinely good person. She turns to us. "Sorry about him. He's normally not like this."

"Thank you, Inari-san, for your kindness." I nod my head in a light bow.

"Aww! You are so cute and formal and stuff! But seriously, no need to call me 'Inari-san,' that's either of my parents. Call me Shinko. We will be teammates for quite some time, ya know."

"Alright, Shinko-san." I smile softly at the friendly girl. "I think it is time for us to start." I nod in the direction of our sensei, who is walking down the lane towards us.


Sorry for the short chapter guys!

I tried to expand the idea as much as possible, but when the unedited chapter was only 250 words, and the only major plot point is that Tenma is being a jerk, it's hard. I could combine it with the next chapter, but since it is 3000 words unedited, it would take significantly longer to get to you.

Also, sorry for the sporadic updates. Right now in college, I am taking 18 Credit hours, and that is taking up a lot of the time that I usually use to edit the chapters before posting. I will continue trying to post every Friday, but life is hecka crazy going towards finals week.

Have faith, I am not abandoning this story any time soon. Summer is coming!

Aurelia Azyton