It was a lovely day in the village known as Konoha. The birds were chirping happily, and almost everyone was outside, shopping, or making merry. At the Ninja Academy, there was a low murmer as the students waited for Iruka-sensei to announce the Rookie of the Year. Everyone knew that it would be Sasuke Uchiha. Even Naruto Uzumaki, the worst student in the academy, knew that Sasuke had it in the bag. All of Sasuke's little fangirls were crowding around him, wishing him good luck. Sasuke just sat there, looking as emotionless as ever. Finally, Iruka-sensei walked in, looking happy and holding a piece of paper in his hand. "Boys and girls, in your seats please. I have a very important announcement to make." All the students quickly sat down, anticipating the moment.

"Now, as you all know, every year we have what is known as the Rookie of the Year award. This award is given to the best ninja in the academy. This certain ninja displays an excrutiating amount of physical and mental strength." Sasuke smirked. After seeing his entire clan murdered at the hands of his own brother, he had learned the meaning of mental strength. He listened as Iruka-sensei went on. "And so without further ado, the winner of Rookie of the Year." He smiled. "This year's winner is..." Sasuke prepared to stand, and take the paper. But, to his, and everyone's surprise, he was stopped. "This year's winner is...Koe Rykuza." Everyone's jaw dropped, and turned to face the girl. She looked up, surprised. Everyone started shouting, the Sasuke fangirls being the loudest. "What?! How could she win over my Sasuke-kun?!" A pink haired kunoichi screamed out. "There's no way! She must be taking steroids or something!" This was spoken by a blonde girl, wearing purple. The girl ignored these comments, and walked down to Iruka-sensei. He continued, trying to calm down the class. "Now now. It was a very close race between Koe and Sasuke. If we could give two Rookies of the Year, both Sasuke and Koe would have won."

Naruto Uzumaki just stared at the girl. He had never really noticed her before. She had been a quiet one, usually sitting in the back of the room. But during training, she had always come to life. Naruto even remembered her helping with something...shuriken training maybe? He couldn't remember. Koe walked down the aisle, while Ino tried to trip her. Koe gracefully stepped over the stretched out foot, ignoring it. She then turned to Ino, an annoyed look in her eyes. "You must think I'm really damn stupid, don't you?" With that, she came towards Iruka-sensei, and took the paper. "Thanks." Iruka looked at her, almost dumbfounded. "Um, don't you want to say anything else...?" She stared at him. "Why? I really don't see a point in it." Iruka nodded, and sent her back to her seat, just as the bell rang for break.

---x

During break, Koe went over to her favorite shady spot under a tree, and pulled out a sketch pad. Drawing was a passion that she had always had, and she was good at it. She began making a few wispy lines, which would eventually turn to flowers. She was beginning to work on the petals, when she suddenly felt a presence upon her. She looked up, only to see a spiky blonde haired boy staring down at her. He was smiling, which meant trouble.

"Mmm, you're...Koe, right?"

She smiled. "Yup. You're Naruto, right?"

Naruto smiled back. "Yes! I'm Naruto Uzumaki, and I will become Hokage!" He gave her a thumbs up.

She laughed. "Well, you'll need some serious work if you plan on making it that far."

Naruto frowned. "Heh heh. Well, you see...I was kinda wondering if you could...well, help me? After all, you are the Rookie of the Year..."

"You..want me to help you? You mean, you're not jealous of me for winning this stupid title?"

He gave her a puzzled look. "No...why would I be?"

She sighed. "No reason...but, sure, I'd love to help you!"

Naruto jumped up, reaching to the sky for joy. "Yes! From now on, we're the best of buddies!"

Koe smiled, high fiving Naruto. "Yes. Yes we are."