Sunlight shines in may face causing me to roll to my other side. That was a mistake, for I came tumbling down passing through branches and twigs whipping past my face. I landed into a pile of leaves next to the base of the trunk. Leaves gingerly float down from where I had fallen. I stare blankly as they land around my face, Sunlight shines through the gaps of the leaves and straight into my eyes. I slowly bring my arm to my face and let out a huge sigh. I rolled onto my side and the vast forest ahead stared back. I roll back onto my back and stare at the sky.

Mai: It's too early.

As I entered the classroom, I noticed I was the last to arrive. No one noticed as I slipped into the back corner. I folded my arms together and laid my head down on the desk. It was still too early.

?: You're the last person I want to be on a team with!

I look up to see Naruto leaning over Sasuke. I roll my eyes at the two. Here we go…

Sasuke: Fine by me.

Sakura: Geez Naruto! Stop bothering Sasuke!

Mai: Like you have the right to speak.

Sakura's head snaps toward my direction.

Sakura: Who said that!

Everyone turns toward my direction as I sit straight up.

Mai: That would be me.

Naruto catches my eye and is shocked.

Naruto: You're-

I place a finger to my lips and rise from the chair.

Sakura: Who are you!

Mai: Me? I'm Mai

She is obviously annoyed by attitude and turns away angrily. I make my way over to Naruto and take a seat.

Mai: Hey.

Naruto: I knew I had seen you before.

Mai: Yeah..

Naruto: You were amazing!

Mai: Thanks…

Sakura: What are you two talking about?

Mai: Nothing.

She glares at me but I just roll my eyes in response. In the corner of my eye I see Sasuke staring at me.

Mai: What?

Sasuke: I'm waiting

Mai: For what?

Sasuke: An apology.

Mai: Excuse me

Sasuke: Yesterday, you ran into me and never apologized.

Mai: So.

I could tell he was angry even if his face refused to show it.

Naruto: Ha! Good one Mai!

Sakura: Hurry and apologize!

Mai: No.

Sakura: Why not?! You're in the wrong!

Mai: Shut up.

As I get up to leave, I bump into Naruto causing him to lose balance. I quickly turn to grab a hold of him but it was too late! Naruto had fallen onto Sasuke and met in a kiss! I couldn't help myself; I burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter.

Mai: Now that's pure comical genius!

Naruto: BLEH~ Ew!

Sasuke turns the other way in disgust and Sakura glares and screams at Naruto.

Sakura: How dare you Naruto!

I walk over to Sasuke and crouch down.

Mai: So how was your first kiss?

He glares at me and I burst into another fit of laughter. Just when everyone was going crazy, in walks Iruka Sensei.

Iruka: Quiet down everyone!

I rise from the ground and take the closest seat next to Naruto.

Iruka: Okay, now we will be announcing the teams.

Naruto: Yeah!

The rest of the class is eager to hear the list and sit in anticipation. I sigh and lay my head back down on the desk.

Iruka: Most of you will be out in teams of three but there is one team of four. Let's get started shall we? Team 8: Hinata, Shino, and Kiba. Team 10: Choji, Shikamaru, and Ino. Team Guy…

I guess it must have changed just like the Hokage had warned… I turn my head towards the window and look outside. The empty swing sways slightly in the light breeze.

Sakura: Did you hear that Sasuke? We're on the same team.

Hate to be on that team…

Naruto: Just great we get to be on the same team as that guy.

I turn around to see Naruto talking to me.

Mai: Huh?

Naruto: Weren't you listening. We're on Team 7.

Shit. Don't tell me…

Mai: We?

Naruto: You, me, Sakura, and Sasuke.

Mai: Sakura AND Sasuke… Great…

Sakura: We're not too thrilled to be paired with you either.

I roll my eyes at her and place my head back onto the desk. I could tell my time with Team 7 was going to be "fun".

After an hour or so the Jonins assigned to each team began to fill the room. Everyone was getting acquainted with their senseis but us, lonely Team 7.

Naruto: Grr! Where are they?!

Sakura: Seriously! Shouldn't they be here by now?

Mai: Relax. If it's who I think it is, he's always late…

I lean back in my chair and close my eyes. Sigh, just when things were about to settle down.

Sakura: Naruto what are you doing?!

Naruto: Testing our new "Sensei"

I take a peek out of my right eye to see Naruto placing an eraser over the door frame.

Sasuke: I wouldn't do that.

Mai: It's fine, let him do as he pleases.

Sasuke turns his back to me in annoyance. Naruto quickly backs from the door and awaits for his victim.

The door slowly opens and the eraser falls onto its victim. It was a man who seemed to be in his late 20's. His hair was a silvery grey that was spiked. His headband was tiled to cover his left eye. A mask concealed the remainder of his face, only leaving his right eye and ear visible.

I sit forward as they all stare at out new sensei.

Naruto: Yeah! I got him!

The man looks at us and sighs.

?: I'm not impressed.

Naruto: Huh?

?: You four follow me outside.

I rise from my seat and head after him followed by Sasuke, Sakura and finally Naruto.

?: Allow me to introduce myself, I'm Hatake Kakashi.

All three of us look about one another to see who would introduce themselves first.

Kakashi: Now come on introduce yourself.

Naruto decided to take the initiative.

Naruto: I'm Naruto Uzumaki

Sakura: I'm Sakura Haruno

Sasuke: I'm Sasuke Uchiha

Kakashi turns to look at me with a watchful gaze.

Kakashi: And you?

I sigh and lean against a nearby podium.

Mai: Mai. Mai Mikazuki

Kakashi: Mai… Okay how about you all say a little something about yourself hmm?

Naruto: I will become Hokage, believe it!

Sakura: I'm in love with Sasuke!

Oh geez, she would say that…

Sasuke: In order to avenge my clan, I will gain enough strength to complete that vengeance.

With out missing a beat I blurted out-

Mai: You're a little Emo kid aren't you?

Sasuke glares at me but I just chuckle to myself. I'll take that as a yes.

Kakashi: Mai?

Mai: Hmm? Oh, I have nothing to share.

Kakashi: Oh really? You have nothing you'd like us to know about you?

Mai: No.

Kakashi: There has to be something

Mai: Nope.

Kakashi: Then shall we ask questions?

Mai: Go ahead.

Kakashi: Alright who has a question for Mai?

Sakura raises her hand and gives me a look. You know one that just makes you want to slap someone.

Sakura: Why do you wear those bandages? Are you hurt or just trying to get attention?

I roll my eyes and turn to fully face her.

Mai: Actually there is this really long scar on my arm that I got from the person who annihilated my entire village.

Kakashi and they stand in shock at my words. I burst into a fit of laughter at my expressions.

Mai: I'm kidding! They're just a fashion statement. Nothing more.

Sakura: Oh…

Naruto and Sakura both relax but Sasuke looks at me carefully almost as if doubtful. Yet his glance wasn't the one that captured my attention, it was Kakashi's. He looked as if he was trying to read my thoughts. It made me feel uncomfortable.

Mai: What? I really was joking Kakashi Sensei… He continued to stare into my eyes until I couldn't take it anymore, I turned away. The moment my eyes broke away from his I regretted it. It was like I lost a battle to him. I felt ashamed but even more… Angry.

Kakashi: Okay that's all for today.

They turn towards him surprise.

Naruto: What? That's it?

Kakashi: For today at least.

Mai: That means there is more tomorrow.

Kakashi: Exactly. Which brings me to my next point, skip breakfast tomorrow and meet me in the field at 6.

Naruto: 6?!

Sakura: Why so early?

Mai: To torture us.

Kakashi chuckles softly behind his mask.

Kakashi: Oh I'd never…

I gave him as sideways glance before turning my back to leave.

Mai: Somehow I doubt that.

The next morning was cold and I mean COLD! Besides Kakashi I was among the first to arrive. Shortly after came Sasuke, then Sakura who followed closely behind, and then finally Naruto comes slugging his was across the field.

Kakashi: Now that you're all here we can finally start.

Mai: Start what exactly? And why couldn't it wait till noon?

Kakashi: Early morning it the best time to practice.

Mai: I have to strongly disagree.

I'm tired, hungry and not in the mood to deal with this bullshit. Whatever he had planned, I will defeat/complete it then go back to bed!

Kakashi: Mai are you listening?

Mai: You have my full [half asleep] attention.

Sakura: Shut up and listen.

Looks who's talking.

Kakashi: As I was saying, you're job is to take one of these bells by any means.

Sakura: There are only three bells and four of us.

Mai: The point is to get the bell in order to win. You can't win if everyone has a bell to get.

Kakashi: That's exactly right Mai.

Sasuke: Can we start? Naruto is falling asleep.

Sakura: What happens if you don't get a bell?

Kakashi: I'm glad you asked. You see if you don't manage to get a bell, you will not get fed.

Everyone stood in complete silence. Three bells and four very hungry children. The tension in the air grew thicker as we all looked at each other with murderous intent.

Mai: And so the game shall begin.

Naruto was the first one to make a move. He charged at Kakashi, who had his nose stuck in a book, with shadow clones. Kakashi, while still reading, quickly dispersed them and knocked Naruto back. Sakura attacked from behind but was quickly defeated.

Naruto once again attempted to catch Kakashi off guard but was quickly defeated and knocked for off into the distance. Sasuke and I remained out of the way in trees. He was obviously waiting for an opening, but me, I was just enjoying the show. I could go without a meal today. My stomach growls in disagreement. Sigh, looks like I have no choice.

I jump down from the branch I was perched upon and into a pile of leaves. Sasuke looks, or should I say glares, my way as if I was giving away his position.

I walk through the forest in search of Kakashi to get this over with but the man knew how to hide. Luckily Sakura was walking simultaneously. As she reached an open area her eyes become glazed and slightly dazed. Genjutsu!

I quickly jump into a nearby tree and hide. There in the bushed emerges Kakashi. He was chuckling to himself at a job well done. As I was about to launch an attack, Sasuke emerges from a bush as well and stands before Kakashi… armed…

They stand there for sometime before either made a move. The first move was made by Sasuke as he charged at Kakashi firmly. It was clear her was on a different level than the others, yet his moves were easily dodged by Kakashi who didn't even throw a single blow. This clearly irritated the already agitated Sasuke even more. His moves became sloppier and full of anger. At this rate he would be defeated in a matter of seconds.

I could tell Kakashi noticed the change in behavior and decided to take the opportunity into his own hands. It was then my opportunity came into play.

Kakashi takes his book in one hand and punches Sasuke in the abdomen. Sasuke doubles over in pain and begins to drop to the floor. Before he could actually hit the ground, I'm upon them at once. I use Sasuke's back as a stepping stone to propel myself into the air allowing me to do a cart wheel of sorts and grab a bell from Kakashi's belt as he tried to flee.

I'd done it; I successfully grabbed one of the three bells from Kakashi's possession! Unfortunately my victory was cut short, for my landing went askew and I was sent tumbling on impact.

Mai: Ouch…

As I rise and dust myself off, Sasuke glares at me intensely. I've about had it with this boy's glares. Someone should teach him some manners.

Mai: What's your problem?!

Sasuke: You! You're my problem!

Mai: What have I ever done to you!

Sasuke: You've degraded me this entire time!

Mai: Degraded you? Excuse me? You don't need my help for that.

He rises from the ground and steps closer to my face. His eyes glaring even more intensely than before.

Mai: Glare at me one more time and I swear I'll smack the shit out of you!

He seemed to be taken back a bit at the abrasion of my words. Nevertheless he kept on glaring.

Mai: That's it!

I lunge forward to grab a hold of his neck but find the collar of his shirt obstructing the way. I take a fist full of the cloth and shove him down to the ground.

Mai: Don't you dare look down on me! Just because you're and Uchiha doesn't mean you can walk all over someone!

He attempts to throw me off but I just tighten my grip.

Mai: You're not better than me! In fact, you're just a pathetic loser riding on his family's name.

Once those words left my mouth, the fury in his eyes was clear. He shoves me off and we roll around on the dirt.

Sasuke: What do you know?! You're just some outsider! How can someone as lowly as you place judgment on someone like me? You don't even know me!

We continue rolling till we reach a tree. He manages to grab a hold of my shoulders and slam me against the trunk.

Mai: I know enough to tell you what a selfish brat you are. The reason why I can tell you exactly that is because you don't scare me, Sasuke. You're an ignorant fool.

I pull him by the collar till he is inches from my face.

Mai: You need to grow up.

I shove him away and stand up, dusting the dirt from my clothing. Sasuke lays there in shock.

Within minuets Kakashi gathers Sasuke, Sakura, and I and leads us to an empty field. There in the middle of the field, tied to a log, was Naruto.

Mai: Let me guess, punishment?

Sakura: For what?

Kakashi: Naruto here decided to eat lunch before he's earned it. Now he has to pay the price.

Sakura: Serves him right.

I roll my eyes at her words. She will never learn, will she?

Kakashi: Enjoy your lunches you three.

Kakashi turns to leave but stops midway.

Kakashi: I almost forgot to mention; Don't feed Naruto.

Mai: And if we do?

Kakashi turned back to face us with a coy smile on his lips.

Kakashi: If you feed him, I'll send you back to your first year at the Academy. Permanently.

Everyone was in silence at his word. Everyone but me that is. Something doesn't make sense. Yet as Kakashi left everything returned to normal. Sakura and Sasuke dig into the lunches but I hesitate.

Mai: So, Naruto what do you want to eat first? We've got some eggs, onigiri, and even fish!

Sakura and Sasuke both turn toward me in surprise.

Sakura: Are you crazy?! You'll be sent back to the academy!

Naruto: Mai…. It's ok, I'm fine.

Sasuke: Let her do as she pleases. If she gets sent back, better for us.

He's obviously still mad.

Naruto: I can't let you get in trouble for me

Mai: It's my lunch and I'll share it with whomever I please.

Naruto: But Mai-

Mai: Shut up. It's my decision. Now, what do you want first?

Naruto hesitates as I part my chopstick and rub them together. Sakura and Sasuke turn their backs to us and resume eating.

Naruto: Can I have some fish?

Mai: One piece of fish coming right up!

I grab a piece of fish and hold it up to his mouth.

Mai: Say Ah~

He opens his mouth and I place the fish in.

Naruto: Yum! Oh man this is good!

Mai: Really? I'm glad.

Naruto: Can I have an egg next?

Mai: Sure thing!

As I continue to feed Naruto I feel a pair of eyes on us. One of those belonged to either Sasuke or Sakura, but the other belonged to someone further away. I look over my shoulder to see the vast and empty field. Something's not right…

Many ahs and bites later, my lunch box was completely empty. Looks like I would be going without lunch anyways.

Naruto: Man I'm full! I hope I didn't eat too much.

Mai: Not at all!

As I turn to put my lunch box down I see Sasuke staring at me.

Mai: What? You have something to say?

He says nothing but holds his lunch box towards me and turns away. So he noticed…

Mai: No thanks, I'm full.

Sasuke: Don't lie; I know you didn't eat anything.

Mai: Why I don't know what you're talking about.

Sasuke: You don't want it fine. Starve.

He turns away angrily and resumes eating. Sakura looks to Naruto in hope to clarify what just happened, but he had no clue either.

Kakashi arrived about 15 minutes later.

Kakashi: So did you three enjoy lunch?

Sakura and Sasuke both nod yes but I just sit in silence.

Kakashi: Mai, did you have a good lunch?

Mai: I fed Naruto.

Sakura, Sasuke and Naruto turn towards me in complete shock. If I wasn't so hungry I'd laugh.

Kakashi: Oh? You're admitting you broke the rule?

Mai: There is no point in hiding it, you already know don't you.

Kakashi looked a little surprised that I knew but kept his composure all the same.

Kakashi: That I did. You know the punishment don't you?

Mai: So? It was a dumb rule in the first place.

Once again he looked surprised at my words.

Mai: Why would I let my teammate go hungry? In the end, we have to have their backs and hope they have ours. That's what a team does isn't it.

A sly smile formed beneath his mask.

Kakashi: You're right Mai, a team needs to have each other's backs, but rules are just as important.

In a matter of seconds Kakashi was behind me and had a kunai pressed against my neck.

Kakashi: Sometimes if you disobey rules, you wind up dead.

The cool steel sent shivers down my spine. This felt too familiar.