A/N: I'm back everybody! I'm happy because I just received a million dollars out of nowhere! I like to write things and it is summer vacation so I am pretty cheerful about it. YAY! I'm still a little sore from my sister's little escapade in my account. Luckily, she didn't do that much damage. I am being a nice older sibling and I'm letting my sister keep her story up, which I personally have not read. Anyway, I like reviews, even if they criticize me. Here are the responses!
Silver-White-Tiger: It's okay. I don't really take offense to that. In fact, this story doesn't really have any action until the Wave Country arc. I hope you like the fight scene between Kakashi and Team 7, though. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll really consider them.
Underdark Ranger: That would have been fine, but it would have been OOC for Kakashi. I wanted to have Kakashi be calm during their first meeting.
Dragon Man 180: I know that was just plain annoying! Naruto never "just freeze up" in the face of battle, even if he is taken by surprise! If he did, he would have been busted for every single prank he did as a kid! Trust me; I plan on changing that little detail.
Saotome Kyuubi: Really, was it that hard to review? That is really odd. For some reason, people have been having trouble reviewing my fic. Anyway, I'm glad you like my story! The pranks are what I call my masterpieces. Now that Naruto is a genin, there will be less of them though (sob), but the fight scenes that are bound to come up will more than cover it, I hope. Also, I pride myself on my grammatical integrity in my stories. An English teacher would probably only yell at me for a few purposely placed sentence fragment, but that is it. Another thing, I like to update a lot. I hate having to wait for another installment of a story so I update relatively quickly to relieve you from the anticipation. I don't know if "rabid animal" would describe it, but I'm flattered anyway. Thanks for the review!
Causeiambetta: I personally love the speech I developed. I only typed it up without really paying attention. I read through it after I was done and was amazed at what I had written. There were a few grammatical errors, but I loved it! I'm glad you liked it too. Also, I like to treat the characters of the story as a real person. Each person has a personality and likes/dislikes and I respect that. This also improves the reading experience so you don't think a person is there as dead weight to a story. I'm happy that you liked this little detail. Thanks for the review!
Miss Naye: I liked that little prank too. I hated the fact that, in the series, the best Naruto could think of was an eraser to the head. If Naruto did that after blowing up Iruka's desk with the contents of the desk drawers, I'd be pretty disappointed.
Demon of Konoha: I glad you think so. I plan on having such a scene, but I don't know when. You'll see it when you see it, but I don't plan on having such a scene very soon. My goal is to get through the Wave Country arc at the moment and I'm not really thinking that far. If I am, I'm probably thinking a few vague details.
Exerci: Don't worry; I'm a picky reader too. I'm pleased that you think better of me. I hope I can keep the interest of many of my loyal readers, including the picky ones.
Winxclubluver: I'm glad you like the story so far. I hope I can keep it up. You don't know how many times I've seen a story go sour since the author couldn't keep a solid plot.
Anime-Boy 07: How many times do I have to teach you this lesson! I'll be nice this time and give you back your money (gives check to Anime-Boy07), but next time, I won't be as merciful.
Lord Accius Black: Thanks for your concern, but if you hadn't noticed at the end of chapter 8, I mentioned that I wouldn't use Japanese terms outside honorifics, titles, or techniques.
Trenchcoatgirl-Kyo: Don't deprive yourself of sleep because of little ol' me. My story will still be here when you get back. I am glad you liked it, though.
Anyway, I like to write things. I hope you like the story. I seem to be feeling a little more confident, but not enough to tell you more about myself. Anyway, enjoy the tenth installment of "Cheerfulness Incarnate"
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. I have a friend named Edward, the super-powered rabbit just waiting for the people who say I do. Also, Anime-Boy07, he'll take that money back if you do say anything.
(Chapter Begins)
Sakura and Sasuke looked astounded at the results of the prank that Naruto pulled. The fact that they didn't notice the genjutsu that Naruto placed was like a slap to the face. They were supposed to be the smartest girl in class and the Uchiha prodigy, respectively. They also grew wary of their new teammate. Naruto, in their eyes, was supposed to be the one that always got in the way. Now, they weren't so sure. The two genin grew suspicious as they reached the roof. Naruto was smiling the entire time. They both thought the same thing at the exact same moment.
"Who is Uzumaki Naruto?"
(POV change)
The door creaked as three figures reached the roof. Still sticky and smelly, a certain silver-haired jounin was still a little annoyed. He thought of the things he could do to pay them back.
"I hope they had fun here at the academy because they are definitely going back here after I'm through with them."
The jounin analyzed the new recruits. "A loud idiot, a lovesick and smart girl, and the last survivor of the Uchiha clan; this team would have been interesting if they had any possibility of passing my test."
The jounin spoke, getting the attention of the three genin. "Why don't you all introduce yourselves? You know, like your name, likes, dislikes, and your goal for the future."
"Um, Kakashi-sensei, shouldn't you introduce yourself first? That way, we know what to do." Sakura said, politely.
"Okay; my name is Hatake Kakashi. I like certain things. I dislike a lot of things. You shouldn't concern yourself with my dreams."
The three genin present looked at their new teacher in disbelief. All they got out of that was his name! Kakashi spoke again, pointing to the pink-haired genin. "Okay, your turn, Pinky"
Sakura twitched. If she hated anything more than being called "Big Forehead," it was being called "Pinky." She spoke with obviously restrained anger. "My name is Haruno Sakura. I like … things. I dislike Naruto. My dream is…"
Sakura blushed at the appropriate parts of her statement and Naruto looked onward in disappointment. On the inside, Naruto was cheering and dancing. He was shouting joyfully as she said that. He did not want a conceited girl to fall in love with him.
Kakashi then pointed at the now gloomy boy. "How about you, orange boy?"
Naruto responded loudly as expected of him, lightening up instantly. "My name is Uzumaki Naruto! I like ramen, cup ramen and the ramen down at Ichiraku's! I hate the three minutes that you have to wait for the ramen to cook and snobby idiots! My hobby is to eat ramen and compare their tastes! My dream is to become the best of all the Hokage!" At least, that's what he said. Inside, Naruto was contradicting every word.
"My name is Uzumaki Naruto. I like ramen, but not that much. I only eat it because that is one of the few things I can afford. I also like to create my own techniques and prank the assholes that look down on me. I hate the predicament that is my life, but I deal with it. I also hate the snobby bastards of the village who seem to have a stick up their ass and try to destroy me at every occasion. My hobby is to create new techniques and relax in a clearing in the forest just outside the village. I also have a little personal garden there to mark it off. My dream is to become the greatest Hokage to make the people acknowledge me, but I have an impossible dream. I want to have a family more than anything else. You hacks know nothing about me."
Kakashi accepted the act readily and moved on to his next student. "Okay, now you go, Happy Boy."
Sasuke glared daggers at Kakashi as he responded in a voice dripping with venom. "My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I don't like very many things. I hate a lot of things. My ambition is something that I will not leave as a dream. I must revive my clan and kill a certain person."
The three people present thought differently about the boy's statement.
"Do you think you're the only one with problems? Stop acting so dark."
"Sasuke-kun is so cool."
"Just as I thought…"
"Okay, now that that is settled, let's get down to business. Tomorrow, you will be participating in some survival training."
"But, Kakashi-sensei, we did survival training in the academy." Sakura stated.
"This is different. After you hear this, you may be surprised." Kakashi said, laughing.
"So, what is "this"?" Naruto asked.
"Out of the 27 graduates, only 9 will progress to genin. The others will be sent back to the academy. The training exercise is a very hard test with a 66 fail rate."
"What!" could be heard from two of the genin. The third only raised his eyebrows in surprise.
"Bring your equipment and meet me at the training grounds at 5 AM. Oh, don't eat breakfast. You'll throw up. Have a nice day!" Kakashi puffed away in a column of smoke leaving three confused genin. They all went home shortly after, thinking along the lines of, "What the hell was he talking about?"
(That night, Naruto POV)
Naruto packed away his entire arsenal in preparation. He was not going to be sent back to the academy because he failed some stupid person's test. He smirked as he thought of the possibilities of tomorrow's test. He changed shortly after packing and fell into a restless sleep.
(The next Morning)
Naruto woke up at around 4:30 thanks to his junk heap of an alarm clock. He was slightly grumpy as he trudged around his house. He instantly thought, "Screw Kakashi-sensei and his "no eating breakfast" rule." before digging into his morning ramen. Naruto still was a little tired as he arrived at the training grounds. The others looked just as tired as he was and about twice as hungry. They obviously obeyed Kakashi's orders. When they converged at a single tree stump, they waited… and waited… and waited. Sakura fell asleep as Naruto began to get annoyed. Naruto went off into the forest and walked around for a bit; at least, that is what the others thought. Sakura was asleep and Sasuke seemed too tired and hungry to care. Naruto emerged about 30 minutes later, still grumpy. About half an hour later, Kakashi arrived. Sakura woke with a start and began to yell, as did Naruto.
"YOU'RE LATE!"
"Sorry, I had to save Hokage-sama from the burning Hokage tower."
"You and I both know that's total bullshit. Oji-san wouldn't need any help getting out of there if it was an emergency." Naruto said with anger in his eyes.
Kakashi ended the conversation and placed a clock on the stump next to him. "This clock is set to noon. You have to get a bell from me by the time the timer goes off, or you will go back to the academy." Kakashi said while holding two bells.
"But, Kakashi-sensei, there is only two bells, that means one of us won't have a bell." Sakura said with a confused expression.
"That means one of you will be going back to the academy for sure. Also, the people without a bell will be tied to that stump while I eat lunch in front of you." The three stomachs chose that moment to growl in unison, reminding the three genin how hungry they were.
"It's a good thing I ate some ramen this morning, then." Naruto thought as he stared at his rumbling stomach.
"You start, NOW!" Kakashi shouted at the end, sending two of the genin scattering. The third genin, Naruto, only stood at his position and grinned while saying something.
"We fight here and now, just the two of us." Kakashi was confused about Naruto's tactics as he reached into his weapon pouch and pulled out an orange book. Naruto's eyes narrowed as he recognized the title of the book. Naruto threw a number of kunai and shuriken at Kakashi, only to have them either dodged or caught. Naruto smiled; his work was done for now. The kunai and shuriken that were thrown hit certain pieces of string which set off a number of traps. A hail of kunai and shuriken came from all directions. Some of the kunai began to explode as the tags that were on them burnt out. Naruto leapt back into action as he performed three seals. Holding the seal of the tiger, Naruto exhaled a cloud of dense smoke which caught Kakashi off guard. Kakashi had trouble breathing after the smoke reached him. He also had trouble dodging the kunai and shuriken, some of which almost hit him. Kakashi felt Naruto's presence close-by and he was headed towards a bell. Kakashi used kawarimi to escape and he reappeared behind Naruto.
"Don't let your opponents get behind you, Naruto." Naruto was unable to do anything so he braced for impact. "Konohagakure Hiden: Taijutsu no Ougi: Sennen Goroshi!" Naruto then felt a very painful stab in an area which is not usually hit and was sent flying into the lake.
Sakura and Sasuke looked on in awe. The dobe actually put up a good fight! They saw everything; the traps, the technique and the theft attempt on the bell. They were also confused. Sasuke was thinking about Naruto's technique.
"That technique's seal order ended with the seal of the tiger. That was a fire technique, right. I thought the Uchiha clan was the master of fire techniques. Where did he learn that?"
Meanwhile, Naruto was planning something as he created a few Shadow clones in the water. "This is what you get, you pervert."
On the surface, the smoke had cleared and Kakashi was reading his perverted novel again. Suddenly, 6 shuriken thrust out of the water. Kakashi catches 2 and throws them at two others, knocking them out of the air. He then dodges the other two as they embed themselves in the trees behind him. Kakashi looks around to check the area and sees the two shuriken, exactly where he thought they would be. He turns his attention back to his book to feel as if he was caught on a draft of wind. He looks up to see that he is flying towards the lake. He calmly lands on the lake and starts walking to shore. He then spots two Naruto's thrusting their hands forward and blowing him back onto the lake. As he lands this time, the water explodes under his feet and another Naruto jumps up to try and get the bell. Kakashi looks surprised as he uses Kawarimi to switch places with one of Naruto's clones. Kakashi then easily eliminates the other clone and watches as Naruto climbs back to shore. He seems out of breath as he glares at Kakashi.
The others were absolutely amazed! Naruto had come up with a brilliant strategy and had executed it almost flawlessly! Also, the techniques he used absolutely astounded him. The fact that Naruto, the dead last idiot, could keep up with a jounin in a duel was absolutely amazing. The two hiding genin weren't very interested at the beginning, but now they were glued to the battle. Kakashi was now giving a small lecture to the orange-clad ninja while Naruto stood and glared.
Sasuke immediately whipped into action. Sasuke found this to be the perfect opportunity and threw a barrage of shuriken and kunai at Kakashi, only to be embedded into a log. Sasuke whips up in shock and runs away, worried that his position was just compromised. Naruto puffed out of existence, its task complete.
Naruto the original was currently running towards the area where a girlish scream was heard. He arrived to see Sakura on the ground, sobbing with a blank stare. Naruto groaned as he quickly dispelled the genjutsu and ran off just in time to see Sasuke being nailed by a Doton: Shinjuu Zanshuu no Jutsu, resulting in Sasuke's head being stuck in the ground. Sakura came and yelled out in terror as she saw Sasuke's "decapitated" head.
Naruto jumped down and started to laugh at Sasuke's head as Sakura pulled Sasuke out and smashed the top of Naruto's head, in that order. The timer went off as Naruto recovered. They reluctantly went to Kakashi, who was standing by the timer, looking very disappointed. Inwardly, however, Kakashi was very impressed by the two boys. They put up a decent fight! Naruto, especially, gave Kakashi a challenge without revealing his second eye. However, the three genin did not know what it took to be a good team.
"Now, for the results; none of you are going back to the academy."
All three people sighed in relief as Kakashi spoke again.
"You are not fit to be shinobi. You should all quit. You three are just brats who do not know the meaning of being a shinobi."
All three of them immediately were angered by this. Naruto was especially angry.
Sasuke charged at that moment in indignation. The next thing Sakura and Naruto saw was Sasuke pinned under Kakashi's foot while Kakashi sat on his back.
Kakashi spoke again, anger evident in his voice. "Why do you think we split you into three-man groups? Do you think we do it because it is convenient for us?"
At this point, Naruto started to smack himself inwardly for being an idiot. His line of thought was around, "How could I have missed that? I'm such an idiot!"
Sakura was still confused as she spoke. "What do you mean?"
Kakashi began to speak again, still pinning Sasuke to the ground. "I see; you still don't get the purpose of this exercise. Are your brains empty? Think about it; why do we train in three man squads? The answer to this was the answer to the test. It was…"
"Teamwork" All of the present people looked over at Naruto. "We are here to work as a team. That was the purpose. If we had come all at once, we may have gotten a bell. Though I was the closest in getting a bell, it still wasn't enough."
"Yes, Naruto, but it's too late now. If you had realized that sooner, you may have passed. You did give it your all against me, but like you said, it wasn't enough. Sakura cared more for Sasuke than for you, even if you were right in front of her. Sasuke thought of both you and Sakura as burdens and did not truly care for your safety. Also, Sasuke and Sakura were too wrapped up in watching our fight to jump in and help."
Sakura flinched and Sasuke scowled as Kakashi said this to Naruto. Naruto sat against the stumps, listening to every word.
"True, a shinobi does need individual skills, but teamwork is more important. If even one of you screws up during a mission, it could result in the injury or death of at least one of your teammates. For example…"
Kakashi reached into his weapons pouch and pulled out a kunai. The three children flinched as the kunai was placed under Sasuke's trachea. "…Sakura kill Naruto or Sasuke dies!"
The children looked up in shock as Naruto immediately tried to think up a plan. He began to mold a little chakra and he raised his hands to perform a single seal as Kakashi began again.
"This situation is inescapable and it will result in the death of one of your comrades. I will give you another chance. The test will restart in 15 minutes, but it will be much harder. Naruto, Sasuke, take a lunch. Sakura doesn't get any since she didn't even try.
All of the genin sighed in relief as Naruto and Sasuke grabbed a lunchbox. Kakashi then left, leaving the children to eat alone. Sakura looked extremely hungry and Naruto noticed this. Naruto handed his untouched lunchbox to Sakura while saying one thing.
"Sakura, to tell you the truth, I ate a big breakfast this morning. Here, you take it."
"Naruto, you heard what Kakashi said. I can't eat this."
"Just eat it." Naruto and Sakura turned to see Sasuke handing Sakura about half of his own lunchbox. "Look around; do you see anybody?" You'll need your strength to be able to be useful in battle."
Sakura ate through the food in the boxes in about a minute and a half. Satisfied, the three waited patiently for Kakashi to return. When he did, however, it was about 10 seconds after Sakura finished. Also, Kakashi looked absolutely pissed as he ran towards them.
"YOU THREE…" Kakashi began to yell as he ground to a halt in front of the terrified genin.
"…What do you have to say for yourselves? You have broken my rules. Are you prepared for the punishment?"
"Kakashi-sensei, you just told us that teamwork is important. If we are to be able to have a chance, we all need to be able to fight. So, if you are going to punish us…" Naruto lifted his hands into a familiar cross-shaped seal. "…do your worst. I will not hold back."
Sakura nodded in agreement as she pulled out a kunai. Sasuke had his hands in the seal of the tiger and was about to draw in a breath
Kakashi suddenly smiled. The three children had an expression of confusion as Sasuke accidentally set a stump aflame. "You all pass. Congratulations."
All three children held an expression that prompted an explanation as the three all spoke in unison.
"Huh?"
"You all are the first to actually pass my test. The others were stupid enough to listen to me. People who break the rules are worth nothing, but the people who do not care for their friends are worth even less. Congratulations, you all pass. Team 7 officially starts missions tomorrow! See you then!"
Sasuke smirked as Sakura screamed in joy. Naruto cheered constantly as Kakashi left to report to the Hokage.
(Later)
Team 7 walked slowly off of the field. Sasuke and Sakura chose that specific moment to confront Naruto.
Sakura spoke first. "Okay, Naruto, spill."
"Huh?" was all that Naruto could say.
"What did you use against Kakashi-sensei back there?"
"Oh, that? That was Kage Bunshin no Jutsu, nothing special."
"How did you learn it?" Sakura asked, intrigued about the mysterious technique.
"Sorry, Sakura-chan, I can't tell you. Oji-san said it was a secret."
The two other members of team 7 thought about the same thing. "Why would he not tell us? I know there is something else behind this."
Sakura thought as she reviewed the battle in her mind once more. She then put these thoughts into words as she questioned Naruto again. "Naruto, what about the other ones?"
Naruto kept walking as he cursed inwardly. "Shit, I shouldn't have used them, but it was only option at the time." Naruto chose to play dumb.
"What other ones?" Sasuke began to get annoyed as Naruto began to look confused.
"The smoke thing and that gust; what were those!" Sasuke shouted.
Naruto was thinking of a way out of this as he channeled a bit of chakra and made a shadow clone in the trees. "Damn it; I am not teaching them Juukai Enmu or Fuuton: Toppuu. I worked way too hard making those to give to just anybody. It's a good thing they don't really notice genjutsu yet or they might ask me about Sakkaku."
"I have no idea what you're talking about, Sasuke." Naruto responded calmly.
Sakura and Sasuke pounded Naruto on the top of the head fairly hard after that statement. They were surprised as Naruto burst into smoke.
(End chapter)
Technique list:
Kawarimi no Jutsu: Replacement Technique
Konohagakure Hiden: Taijutsu no Ougi: Sennen Goroshi: Hidden Leaf Secret: Taijutsu Supreme Technique: A Thousand Years of Death
Doton: Shinjuu Zanshuu no Jutsu: Earth Release: Inner Decapitation Technique
Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique; explanation behind why Sasuke accidentally burnt a stump
Juukai Enmu no Jutsu: Dense Ash Haze Technique; created by Naruto, creates a large scale smokescreen which causes difficulty breathing in the target(s). This technique also temporarily blinds the target(s), rendering them vulnerable to attack.
Fuuton: Toppuu: Wind Release: Sudden Gust Technique; created by Naruto, user channels chakra into their hands and forces the wind into the direction in which the user's hands move. This technique can force a person off of their feet or cause a headwind. This technique can also repel projectiles. However, this technique alone cannot cause any damage.
Sakkaku no Jutsu: Optical Illusion technique; created by Naruto, this is a low class genjutsu which is mostly used to either hide items for traps or make the user translucent. This was used to hide the traps in this chapter.
(End Technique List)
A/N: I'm sorry if this chapter is too similar to the manga. I hated to make it that way, but I didn't actually have a choice in the matter. Well, I hope you liked it anyway. I hope I did the fight scene correctly. I know it sucks, complain if you wish, I'm not particularly proud of this chapter. I explained all of the techniques that Naruto used in this chapter. Please review; I'm not expecting many positive ones.
Revision Notice: I received a review noting some spelling errors in this particular chapter. Thank you Demon of Konoha for your help in my story.