Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any related characters. They belong to Kish'.
Dart Tension is a copyrighted by me though :p
Author's note: Also I'm sorry I haven't updated in a while. But I've been reading some fics lately and I'm inspired! Yay Dart's gonna' be a Genin! Now I can also introduce a lot more characters from Naruto to see who Dart is (rest of rookie 9) and go ahead with the chuunin exam arc and such. Well anyways I'm debating whether I should move straight on to the chuunin exams or have a couple made up missions of my own with humor and fluff. I'm leaning more on a random mission. Also I apologize if I make the characters seem OOC.
Sakura- Oh I'm so excited! Dart-kun is going to be a genin!
Naruto- I know! Team seven will be better than before!
Dart- Thanks guys for believing in me! Also I can't wait until everyone see's my new threads!
Sasuke- Just make sure not to screw up on missions.
Dart- (puts head down) Sasuke… you don't have to be so…cruel.
Sasuke- It gets the job done though.
Naruto- Sasuke-teme, you don't have to be so hard on Dart.
Dart- Thanks Naruto!
Sasuke- Heh. Dobe.
Naruto- What did you say?!
Sakura- I'm just going to go ahead and start the episode before something starts.
Screen Fades
Chapter 3: Who's Dart Tension? "The Newest Addition to Team 7!"
A Dart is meant to hit its target dead on. In this case, it always does.
Dart woke up. He stared at the ceiling. Naruto wasn't up yet. Dart got up from the couch and went into the kitchen. The clock on the wall said 'Six o' clock'. It was early, but Dart was not tired since he didn't stay up the night before. Also he was nervous and excited at the same time so he didn't feel sleepy at all. Dart started making breakfast when he saw Naruto wake up with a sluggish smile on his face.
"Where Sak'ra-chan go?" Naruto said in a sleepy tone. Dart noticed he was still sleepy and that Naruto probably didn't even know what was going on. "Why yer' makin' eggsss in….the…noon?" Naruto yawned. "Sakura-chan….she didn't give me….a hugsss…" Naruto fell asleep.
Dart grabbed his sandal and threw it accurately at Naruto's face which brought the young ninja to full consciousness. "Wha!!! What happened!" Naruto said while jumping up from his bed, "Now you're awake!" Dart said while laughing.
After Naruto and Dart finished with breakfast, Dart headed over to Naruto's closet before Naruto stopped him. "Wait. You don't need my clothes anymore." "What?" "When I came back last night from dropping off Sakura at home there was a package on the door step."
Naruto pointed at a large brown package on the table. Well more like a small box. Dart had not noticed it before. "It's just clothes." Naruto said while sipping some milk. "I don't get it. Those clothes are all normal. You could have gotten those at any store, why did you need them tailored?" Naruto asked.
Dart went through the contents of the package. He pulled out some jeans, some shorts, and various shirts he had ordered and other articles of clothing he had ordered. In fact he could have brought these all home a week ago, but he didn't feel like taking it home. Naruto was right except for one last detail. "They aren't all tailored. These are just casual clothes when I won't be doing missions and stuff." Dart said while tossing the pile of clothes neatly off to the side from the box.
"This…is what I needed to be tailored." Dart said while reaching to the bottom of the package. Naruto looked at the items in Dart's hands. "Whoa…cool."
-----
Sakura and Sasuke waited at the training grounds where Kakashi sensei had told them to be. Sakura sat on the ground with her hands on her face waiting. 'I'm a little worried. Where are Naruto and Dart? They're a later than usual. Dart didn't chicken out, did he?' Sasuke just stood in silence.
Then Sakura noticed the obvious orange in the distance. She got up and smiled. 'I knew they would come!' The Sakura's eyes wandered from Naruto to the figure next to him. It was Dart, but…he was in different clothing than usual. From the distance all she could see was black. Then as Dart and Naruto drew close they waved.
Dart and Naruto finally reached Sasuke and Sakura. Sasuke who had his eyes closed for a while opened them and looked at Dart. He made a small grin and said, "About time you got your own clothes. I was worried you would turn into a copy of the dobe." Sakura looked at Dart. "You look…cool Dart-kun."
Dart smiled. He was wearing black pants that were slightly baggy. He was wearing a black vest that went from his waist to his neck which had various pockets in the front, but was thin. Over the vest, was a small, black, leathery, jacket that a shine to it. It was tight enough so that it wouldn't fall off. It had a collar that stuck out protecting his lower portion of his neck from being seen except the front. The zipper area of the jacket was short enough that they would not reach the other sides and had no zipper. The sleeves stopped right before his elbows and were followed by sleeves from a black undershirt. The jacket also didn't go past his waist. At his hands were black, leathery, gloves that showed skin at the fingers.
'Damn. I have to say. I look badass right now.' Dart looked at him self over again. Naruto spoke, "I know Sakura-chan! And he has like five extra suits too!" Dart interrupted, "I'm wearing this for missions and training. So I plan on wearing this a lot."
After that everyone started waiting. After a half hour, Kakashi sensei arrived in a poof of smoke. "Well, it looks like someone came dressed up for today." Dart noticed Kakashi had a smile just from the look of his eyes.
"It's about time! I've been training like crazy! When do we get started?" Dart asked eagerly. "In a moment. First let me explain the rules." Everyone nodded. Kakashi continued, "First, this is your test, so no one shall help you unless I say so. For now, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke will be spectators and will hide so they don't get in the way. After that there's nothing more I can really tell you. The test goes as we go. After upon examination of your skills I will determine if you pass or fail and I will report it to the Hokage, understood?" "Yeah." "Good."
The Kakashi nodded at Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura and they leaped towards the trees hiding in sight. Kakashi spoke again, "Ok then, now that they are gone. We will start, but first let me give you some advice I have given to the others before. If you don't come at me with the intention of killing me then you won't succeed, got it?" Dart nodded. "Ok then. Protect yourself!"
Naruto thought on Kakashi's words remembering the line Kakashi had told them at their genin exam. 'Dart-niisan, be careful.' From the trees Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke looked on. 'I wonder what's going to happen.' Sakura thought.
Kakashi stood still and looked at Dart. Dart stared at Kakashi. 'Ok I have to somehow attack. That's what he wanted me to do right?' Dart put his foot behind the other and made a dash. 'Ok, time to do this!'
Kakashi looked at the dashing Dart. "Taijutsu, as expected." Dart paid no attention to Kakashi's words and ended his run with a punch towards Kakashi. Kakashi saw the punch which was aiming towards his chest and successfully dodged it. Dart didn't stop there and continued his rampage of punches and kicks while Kakashi had no choice but to back up and attempt to deflect the blows.
Dart made a kick towards Kakashi's chest and Kakashi blocked it with his knee. Dart smiled. With still one leg in the air, Dart hopped and let gravity take him to the ground. With his second leg he swept Kakashi's other leg while the other one was still in the air. Kakashi saw this and tried to jump with leg. Dart's foot barely grazed Kakashi's foot, but caused Kakashi to go off balance in the air.
Kakashi started falling to face forwards. Dart turned his reflexes on instinctively and jumped up to his feet and with great force made a punch towards Kakashi's chest. 'Got ya.'
'I have to block that!' Kakashi thought as he could only watch Dart's devastating punch come closing in on his stomach. Kakashi caught the fist with one hand, except the force from the punch sent Kakashi flying backwards about ten feet before landing on the ground with his feet.
Dart smiled again. Normally he would have been tired by now, but his breathing was still calm. To him this was a warm up.
Kakashi looked at his hand. It was heavily sore and looked like it was going to bruise any minute. 'This kid… If I keep this up, I'm going to have to use my Sharingan.'
In the trees Sakura could only be amazed at Dart's talent. 'Wow! He knocked back Kakashi-sensei!' Sakura felt a presence behind her and turned around to find Naruto. "Ahh! Don't do that!" Sakura screamed as she punched Naruto on the head.
"Ouch! Sakura-chan, I only wanted to day hi." Naruto looked at Dart in the distance. "He sure has changed, hasn't he?" "Yeah and in only a week too." Naruto sat next to Sakura and watched.
Kakashi caught his breath and stood still. Dart looked at him and he disappeared. 'What the hell?' His vision was getting wavy, but it wasn't his eyes. Then he noticed he was surrounded by a ring of fire. "What is this?!" He looked towards the sky and he saw a million kunai falling towards him. 'Oh my god! I'm going to die!' Dart thought frantically as the flames drew closer to him. 'Stop complaining! This isn't real!'
Dart could only wonder at this statement. 'What do you mean?' 'I dwell in your mind. I know what's going on in here. This isn't real. It's an illusion. Dart smiled. "Gen…"
"Genjutsu." Kakashi stated as he looked at Dart who was on his knees. He walked towards Dart. 'I guess he can't handle it. A lot like Sakura.'
Naruto looked at the motionless Dart. "What's wrong with him?!" Naruto asked worriedly. Sakura looked at Dart. "Genjutsu," she stated. Naruto looked at her. Sakura continued, "I should have tried harder to help him!" she yelled at her self. Naruto could only watch as Sakura mentally beat herself up.
Kakashi looked at Dart. "Well time to wake him up I suppose." Kakashi was about to kneel down when suddenly he stopped. Dart's body rose from his knees and made a leap in the air forming a position for a glorious uppercut. His arm rose from his side at a high speed. At the end of his arm was a clenched, menacing fist flew towards Kakashi's stomach. Kakashi tried to dash, but it was too late and Kakashi flew backwards towards the ground.
Dart let out an enormous grin and tightened his gloves. Kakashi thought to himself, 'So he was able to dispel the Genjutsu and form a counterattack. This kid is smart.'
Dart spoke, "There's no way genjutsu is ever going to work on me!" Kakashi looked Dart. "You know I was only going easy on you, but now I think I might have to get a little more serious. Dart's face turned expressionless. He would have to get ready for anything.
Kakashi spoke again. "Do you believe you can beat me all by yourself?"
Dart smiled. It was probably possible. He just needed to use that technique. It seemed the appropriate time anyway. He just needed an opening.
Kakashi decided to go a little further and threw kunai in Dart's direction. Dart only winced as he was hit by the kunai in the chest. Staring in shock he fell backwards. Then a poof of smoke appeared and Dart turned into a log.
"What? Ninjutsu?" Kakashi muttered. Then he saw 3 Darts running his way, all with a fist raised. 'Bunshin…?' Before they got any closer, Kakashi threw shuriken at them. They went through the illusions and the clones disappeared. "Where…?"
Kakashi heard footsteps. 'From behind!' He turned around and saw the real Dart striding towards him.
"And now for my secret technique!" Dart yelled. At that moment Dart's hands started glowing bright blue. Kakashi observed the energy. 'Its chakra, but in a different form to the point where it's visible. He must be able to manipulate it in someway.'
Dart made a punch towards Kakashi. Kakashi could almost feel the force behind the punch. Kakashi tripped Dart and Dart fell face forward with his fist still formed crashing down into ground. BOOM! The ground made a large crater where Dart's fist had landed.
Everyone was shocked from this except for Dart of course. Kakashi thought to himself. 'That can't hit me or I'm finished. I have to finally stop this.'
Kakashi quickly ran towards the recovering Dart and vaulted over him while putting an arm on Dart's shoulder. Dart could barely react and before he knew it Kakashi slid his arm from his shoulder to Dart's back and knocked him down while holding both his hands behind his back. Kakashi sat on Dart.
"You were a little too confident. I took most of your blows just to see where your level was at." Dart froze. 'What? He was purposely getting hit!'
"At this rate, I don't think you will pass." Dart's face turned to horror. He tried so hard. He wouldn't fail here. Dart began to think. There was something he had to do to pass, but what? Dart began go through his battle in his head, but Kakashi's weight made it harder for him to concentrate.
"Do you believe you can beat me all by yourself?" Kakashi's words echoed through Dart's head.
Dart struck gold, 'Of course!' Dart was pinned, but he had to escape. He quickly scanned the trees surrounding the plain. 'Where are they?' He was about to give up when he spotted an abnormal spot in the trees. An obnoxious orange centered in his eye and he smiled.
He still needed to get out though. He had an idea. Dart focused all his energy to his head. It as risky, but he had to try it. His head started glowing blue.
"What the…?" Kakashi could only mutter as Dart raised his head as high it would go from the ground. Kakashi then noticed the head come slamming down to the ground. In the last second Kakashi leaped away to safety.
Another boom echoed through the forest. Dust was everywhere and Dart made a sprint to the trees. Kakashi stood still waiting. Before he knew it Dart came back with a Naruto and Sakura. Sasuke appeared from the bushes as well somewhat grasping the idea.
"Alright, time for the rest of team 7 to help out!" Naruto yelled as he made a dash towards Kakashi. Dart smiled. "Naruto! That won't be necessary." Dart said. Naruto stopped. "Why?"
Kakashi looked at Dart. 'He's got the idea. He's brighter than he looks.' Kakashi sighed. "Dart-san, you pass." Naruto and Sakura could only stare in confusion. "What do you mean Kakashi sensei?" Sakura asked.
"Dart-san was asked to fight me under the impression he had to beat me by himself. Only after halfway through the fight did he realize that I could not be beat by himself alone or by any of you for that matter. So he knew his only chance of winning was to team up, thus passing the test by realizing the importance of teamwork." Kakashi looked at Dart. "Did I hit the spot?" Dart smiled. "Yeah. You're right. I knew it would be difficult to beat you by myself after a while."
Naruto scratched his head a little. "So his exam was a lot like ours, except a little different?" he asked. Kakashi looked at Naruto. "Yeah you could say something like that." Kakashi turned around. "I have to go report this. You have the rest of the day off."
Dart looked at the ground and smiled. "YES! I'm a ninja now!" Dart yelled while leaping in the air ten feet.
-----
The new team seven went to a beef barbeque restaurant to celebrate. Dart sat at the end of the table followed by Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke. They ordered the meals and waited. "Oh Dart-kun congratulations!" Sakura said happily. Sasuke stayed silent, but Dart knew he was glad for him.
"Yeah Dart-niichan! This will be so much more exciting with you on missions with us!" Naruto added. "Thanks guys, but really it's all thanks to you guys." Dart replied with a smile.
The food appeared and Dart was about to take a bite when, "OH Sasuke-kun!" Everyone turned around to be greeted by Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. The trio sat opposite of them at the same table.
"Oh hey ino-pig." Sakura said with a mad expression. Ino's face angered. "Shut up forehead!" Sakura and Ino's eyes locked in gaze. Dart shrugged when he was about to take a bite of the freshly grilled meat in his chopsticks, when he found a mouth attached to the other end. Choji's mouth to exact.
"What the hell!" Dart yelled in madness while staring at his bare chopsticks. "Sorry I'm hungry!" Choji whined. "Then order your own food!" Dart replied.
Shikamaru looked at Dart. "Hey who is this guy?" he lazily asked Sakura. Sakura replied, "He's Tension Dart. He is new member of team seven and we are taking him out to eat today." Ino smiled, "I guess we will order food too then!"
Dart smiled and stood up. "Hi I'm Tension Dart. Nice to meet you. Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji I presume." Dart kept his smile and pride. "Great, a spiky headed Sasuke clone." Shikamaru stated.
Dart fell down to his seat and sulked with his head to on the table facing down. 'Sasuke clone?' Dart thought to himself depressingly. Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke had a sweat drop forming on back of their heads.
"Look what we have here!" Everyone turned around to see Kiba, Shino, and Hinata. "Oh hey Kiba!" Naruto yelled. The third team took a seat. "Looks like a rookie nine reunion!" Naruto stated. Kiba smiled but noticed Dart who was looking around. Everyone had a plate and started eating.
Hinata finally spoke and asked, "Wh…Who are y-you?" she said while looking at Dart. Dart stood up again with a prideful smile. "I am Tension Dart! The newest member of team seven! I just became a genin today." Naruto smiled.
"Looks a lot like Sasuke." Kiba said while eating his rice. Dart crashed back down to the table in the previous position he was in sulking. Everyone had a sweat drop except Kiba. "Did I say something wrong?" he asked.
A little while later, everyone was asking about Dart while team seven told about their past week and Dart's training. "It was really tough, but I became really strong this past week!" Dart said while gulping down some barbequed pork.
Meanwhile Ino was hanging around Sasuke along with Sakura arguing. Everyone ignored them since this was an everyday thing. "Hey Sakura." Ino whispered. "Now that Dart is on your team you can take him since he resembles Sasuke so much." Dart's ear twitched at the last couple words. "While I take the real thing." Ino finished.
Sakura became angry. "Who says I'm going to give up to you because I got a new teammate! Besides why would I want Dart-kun? No offence." Sakura stated while looking at Dart after the last sentence. "None taken." Dart said while calmly sipping his tea. Sakura continued, "So don't get so cocky, Sasuke will be mine! Besides I wouldn't want Dart. He's my friend, I'd rather have Na…" she stopped there. Luckily nobody caught the last part. Except Dart with his keen ears. Naruto happened to be sitting next to Sakura and had a better sense of hearing than Dart and he looked puzzled and excited at the same time. He left it alone though.
Everyone continued talking about their own share of stories along with Dart as he added more of his own while Sakura and Ino kept going at it. Finally Sasuke left for the bathroom. Then he was attacked by a crowd of unnamed fan girls. Dart laughed," Heh. Preteen crushes, always clouding judgment." Dart looked at Sakura and kept pointing at Naruto with his eyes to give hint on what he meant. Dart gave Sakura a devilish grin and Sakura glared back innocently as if he had no idea what he was talking about. Everyone else thought Dart was referencing to the crowd of fan girls.
Ino and Sakura got up and joined the crowd. Everyone else continued with their meals. Naruto and Dart were holding in their laughs at the sight of a very annoyed Sasuke fighting his way through a crowd of girls to the bathroom.
"If we laugh, it will probably be the end of us." Naruto managed to say underneath his breath while holding in his laughter.
"It…will…be you…first….heh" Dart barely said before letting out small snorts. Kiba, Shino, Shikamaru, and Choji snorted and continued eating while Hinata watched in curiosity.
Then a man walking towards his table carrying some nice juicy steak along with other side dishes tripped over a fan girl's leg and his plate was sent through the air. Everyone watched in horror as it soared through the air, even Naruto and Dart stopped laughing as they eyed the soaring plate. Then the contents of the plate stopped in midair against Sasuke's chest. Sasuke stared at his shirt and cursed while walking out of the restaurant.
Both Naruto and Dart's faces were puffed up at the sight ready to blow. Naruto was just going to blow up but then he noticed Sakura's face peer from the horrified crowd and he was lost in her eyes. He forgot where he was, but he simply just looked on and his face returned to normal and he was no longer holding in laughter, but let out a huge smile which Sakura couldn't help but smile back. Then he noticed her expression changed to anger as she switched her sights from Naruto to Dart who was completely red and was tearing.
Unfortunately for Dart he didn't have the same feelings for Sakura that Naruto did and was not able to kill his emotions with a simple glance. "Oh….shit. I can't take it." Dart said while holding his chest.
"AHAHAH!!!!HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! Oh my god that was hilarious! Did you see Sasuke's face!!!! So priceless! AHAHAHAH!!!!!!" Dart was just laughing hysterically in his seat tearing. Naruto almost laughed too when he noticed the angry crowd of girls heading their way. Wait he was sitting next to Dart. There was no way he would get involved in this. He noticed everyone was one step ahead of him and moved to a different table. He did the same.
Dart was still laughing when he finally stopped when could not breathe anymore. He took another bite from his dish when he stopped. His joy disappeared and he felt barren. 'Wait. What's this I feel? …..It's almost as strong as murderous intent. But…where…?' Then Dart noticed shadows appear over him. He turned around slowly stunned to find Sasuke's entire "fan club" staring at him. In front were Sakura and Ino cracking their knuckles with colorless eyes. 'Oh shit…' Dart could only think. He looked to his side for help to find he was alone. He then noticed everyone at the next table over with Naruto waving his hand and wearing a "you're gonna get it smile".
"He's a dead man," Shikamaru stated with a sweat drop over his head. Everyone nodded in the same fashion. Dart looked in horror as Sakura asked him, "What was so funny?" Dart gulped. But before he could answer he was off his seat and on the ground being pummeled by at least 20 girls. The rest of the boys of the rookie nine along with Hinata could only watch in horror. Dart's body was not even visible among the crowd, only fists being raised and the motions of kicks towards the ground. Everyone sighed and finished their meals.
For the next twenty minutes Dart was lost in the crowd unable to be seen from outside as everyone had stopped punching him, but were all kicking him on the ground along with stomps and jumps. Finally the crowd dispersed and all the girls disappeared while Sakura and Ino returned to the rest of group and continued eating as if nothing happened and started talking again with smiles. Dart's body lay on the ground while steam rose from his body as if he had just been in an oven. Naruto looked at his new teammate in horror and looked back at Sakura. 'I best stay on Sakura-chan's good side for a while.'
Lying nearly unconscious Dart waited in pain for a while before returning to his seat and lying on the table to rest. Naruto glanced at his beaten teammate next to him and back at Sakura. 'Reminds me of…well me.' Not too long afterwards everyone decided to get going.
"Aww! I wanted to go home with Sasuke-kun!" Sakura pouted. Then Sakura noticed Naruto dragging Dart out the door. She grinned devilishly. "Hey Naruto! Want to walk me home?" Sakura let out puppy dog eyes. She had conquered her fear of the dark long ago, but she did want some company even if it was from Naruto.
Naruto eyed the lifeless figure slumped against his soldier. Then he looked at Sakura. At the first chance he got Naruto dropped Dart on the floor and dashed over to Sakura. "Sure Sakura-chan! I think Dart-niichan can get home by himself anyways." The two teammates looked over to Dart who got up sluggishly.
"Yeah ditch me to go with the girl! Uh huh. Jeez I'm just gonna go to the hospital. Don't worry I'll be ok." Dart stated as he walked out of the restaurant. Sakura and Naruto laughed. As they walked out they noticed Dart stagger very slowly.
"Sakura-chan, did you have to be so rough?" Naruto asked with a concerned face. "I guess not, but it wasn't all me! I only punched him a few times. The rest was from everyone else." Sakura complained.
Then Naruto could hear Dart talking to himself. "Note to self: Never laugh like a maniac at Sasuke in front of crazed, hormone driven, fan girls… especially Sakura-san." The last comment caused Sakura to scream and have Dart running for his life. Sakura stopped and stared at Dart running towards the hospital in a hurry before collapsing from exhaustion.
Naruto grabbed Sakura's shoulders. "Hey let's go." Sakura jumped a little when she felt his hands. She turned around and smiled. They walked down the street towards her house. The walk remained silent. Naruto was fine with it that way. It was obvious there were thoughts on her mind. When they reached Sakura's house, she stopped. "Thanks Naruto!" She closed her eyes and gave him a smile. Then she went in her house closing the door behind her.
Naruto began the walk home while thinking. He loved that he was getting to spend more time with Sakura. If he remembered tomorrow was their first mission in a week. He needed to get some rest. Soon Naruto found himself retiring in his empty apartment. Laughing once more at Dart, Naruto succumbed to sleepiness.
-----
Naruto woke up early and looked around. Dart had not returned yet. Naruto sighed and got a quick breakfast and ran out the door. He went to the bridge where team seven always met. He wasn't surprised to find Sasuke there. Making a wave he leaned against the side.
Naruto looked when he found Sakura walking cheerfully towards the meeting spot. As soon as she spotted Naruto, her expression changed. "How could you have beaten me here?" she asked in a mad tone. Naruto chuckled and replied, "Well I got up early today so I decided to actually get here for a change."
"Oh, ok. I guess Dart-kun is having some positive effects on you!" she said with a funny grin. "Actually, Dart-niichan didn't return yesterday. I think he's still in the hospital." Sakura gave a look of embarrassment. Dart probably would not make it to his first mission and the cause was partly her fault. Sakura leaned against the bridge a few feet away from Naruto's side. They remained silent for a while. Naruto couldn't help, but notice the side glances he was getting from Sakura. The same went for Sakura. It went on for thirty minutes.
"You know when you look at someone constantly, usually you say something." Naruto and Sakura looked at the space on the railing between them. It was now occupied by Dart crouching on his two feet. It was amazing he didn't lose his balance and fall off.
"Wha…What are you talking about?" Naruto said with his face red. Sakura's face was redder. "Yeah Dart-kun, what are you talking about?" Sakura said while trying to maintain her cool.
"Oh come on guys! There would have been a staring contest between you guys if you had actually looked at the same time. Heh heh." Dart said with a grin. Naruto quickly changed the subject. "Aren't you supposed to be in the hospital?" Dart looked at Naruto and jumped off giving Sakura and Naruto their space. "Oh yeah. I only needed a good night's sleep and something for the aches and bruises. Besides there's no way I was going to miss my first mission!" Dart's eyes flared. "Also think I just found something interesting." Dart eyed Naruto and Sakura, which both of them noticed. Dart was lying to himself though because this "something interesting" was something he had longed to see before he had actually met them in person. He simply wanted to tease them.
Right on queue, Kakashi appeared in front of them. "Hello team. Today we have a C-rank. We simply have to deliver this package to Petaru town." Kakashi held out a package from his pocket and then put it in a pocket in his vest.
Sasuke quickly asked, "Why is it C-ranked?" Kakashi turned to Sasuke and replied. "Apparently it is an item of importance to the client who needs it to be delivered to an important relative. The client wants it heavily guarded from any bandits or any other trouble." Naruto spoke with a little disappointment in his voice. "Alright fine by me." Then everyone was off.
-----
It had barely been an hour and the mission would take half a day or so. Everyone was jumping through the trees effortlessly, but it was very quiet. Sakura was bored so she leapt beside Sasuke. "Hey Sasuke-kun. I noticed you seemed quiet so I was wondering how you were feeling." Sakura put on a smile hoping he would reply. This could be her chance to finally snag him! "I'm the same as always." He simply stated without looking at her. Sakura listened to his answer feeling disappointed, "Well when we get back, do you want to hang out?" Sasuke didn't answer for a while. Finally he spoke as if he just realized she was still there. "Why don't you concentrate on the mission instead of when we get home?" Sakura felt a little hurt. She slowed her pace and before she knew it she was trailing behind everyone. Sakura leapt in sorrow. 'I guess I do need to focus on the mission more.'
Dart noticed Sakura behind him with her head down and slowed down for her. Naruto didn't notice and pressed on. "What's the matter?" Dart asked. Sakura looked up and saw Dart who had a look of concern. Sakura looked up and put a fake smile on. "It's nothing."
Dart had a good feeling what was up. "It was Sasuke, wasn't it?" She couldn't help, but nod. Dart sighed. He honestly didn't know why she was drawn to him along with the rest of the teenage girl population in Konoha. He decided to probe at this. "What happened?"
Sakura remained silent for a minute, but Dart kept looking at her expecting an answer. She finally gave in. "I just asked him if we could hang out and he refused. Well he didn't even answer." Dart took this in and thought. "So you say you love him right?" Sakura nodded slowly. "Well do you even know what love is?" Sakura was about to speak, but Dart continued. "Or are just saying that liking someone, no, crushing on someone is love?" Sakura thought about this. He was right she did have a crush on Sasuke, but was that love? She thought so for a moment. Then she knew better and decided it wasn't. Then what was she feeling for Sasuke?
"Heh, we are young, so what the hell are we supposed to know about love right?" Dart said with a laugh. Sakura nodded feeling a little better. Sensing confusion in Sakura Dart continued, "Let's say you are married and have a home with your husband making him breakfast. He's smiling and really happy as eats the food giving you hugs and small kisses along the way." Sakura blushed at this scenario, but she let him continue, "Yeah so?" she asked. "Well can you imagine that man in your life being the Sasuke you just talked to just a couple minutes ago?"
Sakura thought about this. The scenario Dart played in her mind was about exactly what she wanted her future to be like. But Sasuke smiling and laughing? Giving hugs of comfort? It didn't seem possible. But that was the future, things can change. As if reading her mind Dart said, "People don't change much especially if someone tries to do it for them." Sakura was shocked at his statement mainly because of the timing of it. It was kind of scary. Dart quickly added, "Also is there someone you can imagine in that spot?" Then Dart sped up leaving Sakura by herself. Sakura quickly pondered through her thoughts thinking of such a person. Someone who made her laugh, smile and feel better. When she thought about who would make her smile a lot, Naruto's face popped. He was annoying, but he always brought comfort. His behavior was also becoming better ever since Dart appeared, so that was good. She would be thinking about this for a while. 'I never knew Dart-kun was so wise.
-----
After completing the mission and everyone had returned to Konoha, team seven split up and went home. Naruto and Dart walked home while sharing laughs. Dart remembered his conversation with Sakura and felt like he accomplished something. Feeling bored he decided he was not done probing. "Hey Naruto-niichan."
Naruto looked at Dart and replied, "Yeah?" "What do you think of Sakura-san?" Naruto looked puzzled at this question and at the same time embarrassed. "Well I think she's smart, she's kind of caring at times even though she hits me, she's really good at cooking, she's kind of strong even though she doesn't realize it, she's an awesome ninja, and she's so beautiful!" Dart had to agree with all of these. "Heh heh, I think you love her!" Dart suddenly felt guilt because he remembered his conversation with Sakura about love. "Well…I, um… I guess…"
"Well you care for her right?" Again Dart didn't need to ask these questions for he knew most of the answers, but where's the fun in that? "Of course I do! I'd even protect her with my life!" Naruto flared.
"Ok! Easy! You don't have to wake up the whole damn village." Dart said with his hands in front of him. "Hell, Sakura might have heard you herself. Which there's nothing wrong with that, but you know, she's going through some stuff right now, I can tell." Naruto looked down. "Yeah. She's in love with Sasuke." "Hey! Don't be like that! I was talking about something else! Besides, she doesn't love him, she just likes him, like a crush. Don't worry everyone around this age crushes on people and think its love, it's like a teen thing." Darts widened for he just realized Naruto fit in that category too. He quickly added, "Not that you are like that. I can tell you do love Sakura-san."
Naruto smiled. "Thanks Dart-niichan, you're the greatest!" "Heh. Tell me about it." The teammates slung their arms over each other's shoulders in a brotherly way as they walked laughing.
Unbeknownst to Naruto and Dart, a certain pink haired kunoichi was lost in train of thought while wandering around the village when she stumbled upon them at the beginning of their conversation. She hid in the shadows until they left
"Naruto loves me?" Sakura asked herself puzzled. She felt really good then like she was the most important person in the world. Then she stopped. Wait, did she just really think that? This was Naruto she was talking about. Then again Naruto was her friend and she kind of cared for him. Ok maybe she cared for him a little more, but still.
Having found this new information, Sakura walked home and decided to sleep in her nice comfy bed where she found no worry. She would find the answers if she just slept on it.
-----
A week passed and everything was good for team seven. Dart had gone through more missions (which by the way were more exciting than his first.) Dart noticed that Sakura still pestered Sasuke which didn't surprise him at all because her attempts to strike a conversation were only friendly and nothing more. It was if though she was trying to see if she could feel something. However her attempts were unsuccessful and the conversations never lasted more than a couple sentences.
Naruto was much more open to Dart now and their bond became even more inseparable. Sakura called them the troublesome duo. Naruto would also find himself admiring Sakura during the day and when she walked away disappointed from Sasuke after her "conversations" he would feel sadness and anger.
"What's wrong Sakura-chan?" he would ask her. Sakura was dazed and didn't notice him for a while as she looked up to the sky. "Hmm?" she asked. Naruto had more worry on his face, but he tried to hide it. "Sakura-chan is something wrong?" he asked again. She looked at him and looked into his bright, oceanic, blue eyes. Those made want to just melt. She looked deeper; in fact she was an inch away from his face. Then he felt her forehead with his hand. "You don't have a fever." His hand felt so soothing. If only it would slide down towards the side of her face on her cheek.
"That boy needs to take me to his house tonight!"
"What! How could you think that?!"
"You were just admiring his eyes. I think you love him."
"I do not! He's my friend. I'm just touched that he cares about me. Besides, Dart-kun lives with him, so I couldn't just go over"
Then Sakura started fantasizing what Naruto and Dart could be doing all by them selves at their apartment. She quickly put this thought away.
"Riiiight… You know he's hot! I mean he has that fine ass!"
Sakura blushed at this statement.
"Well he is good looking…but I love Sasuke!"
"Sasuke? He doesn't give a damn about you! Besides remember what that Dart kid said about him? People barely change!"
"Well I can change him! I can wait!"
"But what about Naruto? How long has he waited for you? He doesn't need to be changed.
"I…I don't know."
"You sure are stubborn, but you can't fool me. Knowing you, you're going to think on it."
Sakura was brought to the real world when she realized Naruto had a face of fear. How long had she spaced out? "Sakura-chan! Are you ok? I've been trying to get your attention for the past five minutes now!" Sakura started blushing.
"I'm ok Naruto. I was just thinking. I'm alright." Sakura said with a reassuring smile. Naruto kept his look of concern until he lowered it. "I'm sorry Sakura-chan. I was just a little worried, that's all." After this statement Sakura hugged Naruto. It was a nice friendly hug. Naruto was a little shocked, but he hugged back.
'Sakura feels so nice. I wish this moment would last forever!' Naruto thought happily. Sakura felt like she was going to just melt in his arms. She wanted to be stuck there. Just to be held forever. The hug wasn't as long as both wanted to be.
As they broke off the hug, Dart came into view. Dart noticed and walked by because he did not want to disturb the "couple's" moment. Dart laughed at what he just thought. Naruto saw Dart and called out, "Oy! Dart-niichan!" Dart smiled and walked over.
Dart looked at the two. He just saw the two of them hugging. Well it wouldn't hurt to ask. "You guys hook up yet?"
Dart was running for his life. He was scared shitless and running. Sakura was trailing behind screaming, "What the hell do you mean yet! What were you expecting us to or something?!" Naruto was running from behind trying to catch up. In all honesty Sakura was a little flattered that Dart had such a thing, but at the same time she was still emotionally confused at that time that for him to assume what she was going to before she did made her quite angry.
Dart ran as hard as he could. He looked back for a second and turned the corner and… BAM! He tackled someone hard. Dart landed face first on the ground. His victim flung backwards. Sakura and Naruto stopped. Dart got up and looked at the person he knocked over. Dart's mind was going crazy right now. He was scared, surprised, and glad. He was glad to know it was beginning and that the person he just tackled seemed totally out of it, he was surprised that he had just knocked over someone who came out of nowhere, and he was kind of scared that the person he knocked over was Kankurou of the sand.
Kankurou got up really angry. He looked as if though he was going to explode. "What the hell! Watch where you are going!" Kankurou yelled. Dart almost wanted to snicker. "It looks like I'm going to have to teach you some manners!" Kankurou said as he reached for the wrapped object on his back. Dart remained calm. "It's not worth it Kankurou." Temari, his sister, stated.
Then out of no where Sasuke appeared. "Is there some kind of trouble?" he asked calmly. Dart and Naruto sighed. He always had to come in and seem like the "hero". 'I can take care of myself. Jeez!' Dart thought to himself.
"Kankurou, stop." Everyone turned to the source of the voice. There underneath a branch, stood a boy with a gourd on his back. Gaara of the desert.
After a small conflict, Gaara left with his siblings after asking Sasuke for his name.
'I keep my cool in front of Mr. Ihaveastickupmyassandhavetocarrythisheavypuppetalldayguy bracing for a fight and Sasuke comes in, says one sentence and he gets his name acknowledged. Wow' Dart thought. The next second Kakashi appeared.
"Hey team. There's something important I have to tell you." Dart smiled. He knew what was to come. "The chuunin exams are coming up."
Chapter end
Author's Note- Hey. I want to apologize for not updating in a while. I had a lot of crap going on and was heavily distracted by a bunch of other things. My birthday, girls, videogames, girls, animation, and girls. However I became inspired again once I read a bunch of other fics. Perfect fuel. Also I got some pretty good ideas for the future. Finally the chuunin exams! I finally feel that the story is getting somewhere and I'm one step closer to some all natural Naruto and Sakura make out action! I'll try to update as soon as possible!
