I do not own any part of the Naruto world except for Sora.

7 a.m. came around quicker than Sora had liked. she pulled herself out of bed and shuffled to her bathroom. Her bathroom. Her home. The concept was wonderful and she still couldn't believe it. this put a little more pop in her step as she headed into her shower. she turned the water on and waited for it to warm up. Soon small tendrils of steam were rolling out of the shower. Sora hopped in and sighed as the water soothed her skin. It lulled her into an almost meditative state and before long she heard her second alarm go off. Which signaled that it was 7:45...She was running late! She almost slipped in the shower in a desperate attempt to make up for lost time. She sprinted around her apartment throwing her clothes on. She couldn't be late for her first day! One last look told her that she already was, before she zoomed out the door. By the time she made it to the training field she was gasping for air. Sora looked around and saw no sight of Iruka-sensei. she breathed out a sigh of relief. Just then a loud cough sounded from behind her. startled, she spun around coming face to face with an annoyed Iruka-sensei. Her breath caught and her voice died in her throat.

"Do you know what time it is?" Iruka scowled. Sora shook her head no. He frowned even more. "It's 8:35! You're late!" a small vein popped up on his forehead. She put a hand behind her head and smiled sheepishly.

"I'm very sorry, Iruka-sensei. I lost track of time in the shower." Iruka seemed to glare even more before sighing and rubbing his forehead. The gesture caused Sora to giggle quietly. Iruka's head snapped up at the sound.

"Well if you think this is so funny, then after training today you have to do ten laps around the training ground for every minute you were late." Sora's mouth dropped open and it was Iruka's turn to almost laugh.

"But that's 350 laps!" She exclaimed. Iruka shook his head.

"No, it's 370 laps. It is now 8:37" Sora cursed her luck while Iruka just smiled. He was messing with her. He didn't expect her to run those laps. "Now let's get started. I want to know the extent of your chakra control." Sir was still frowning but nodded. " Can you climb trees?" he asked. At her confused look he demonstrated and walked straight up a tree. Determined she began to walk up the tree. She made it to a branch across from Iruka with only a few slips here and there. She had experience putting chakra into her feet to increase her speed. She assumed it would be similar to that, with just less force put into it. That was a correct assumption. Iruka smiled impressed that this girl, who had no previous ninja training, had any idea of chakra control at leapt down and motioned for her to come down as well. Once she was down, he turned to her.

"What skill do you have in Taijutsu?"

"None. I have no knowledge or skill in the matter." She murmured, ashamed. Iruka nodded.

"Then we will start with that." He walked toward an opening in the training area. "Okay. Now attack me." He commanded. She frowned a bit but complied. She ran at him throwing a right hook. Iruka easily dodged and grabbed her hand. Twisting, he threw her onto the ground. the air flew out of her lungs.

"Okay. First things first. Stand with your feet slightly further apart. you need a good stance." Iruka corrected. Sora stood up from the ground and looked at her feet before doing as he said. " Good. Next, when you want to throw a punch you need to keep in mind that you want to hurt someone. You hesitated." Sora accepted this information and raised her hands to try again. She ran forward and threw a much faster and stronger punch. This time, Iruka dodged under her arm and pushed her backwards. The surprise on her face was laughable. "You can't just throw one punch and be done. You need to think ahead." Iruka scolded. "Again."

They did this for what seemed like hours. Finally, with a sweating and exhausted Sora, Iruka stopped. She was heaving and her legs shaking.

"That's enough for today. I will see you tomorrow at the same time. Get some rest." Sora practically flopped on the ground in relief. She had never been so physically exhausted. Iruka smiled and then was gone in a cloud of smoke. Sora sipped some water and rested for a moment before standing up. She had laps to accomplish. Just because she late didn't mean she was going to slack off. She stretched for just a moment before beginning her run. It was around three o'clock, so she assumed she would have time to work on what Iruka gave her for tomorrow.

One lap down.

This would take a while. She sped up a bit in order to shorten her time. She wasn't slow by any means but this was crazy. It wasn't like her lack of muscles helped her any. But she wasn't going to give up. She needed to exceed every expectation. They wouldn't accept her otherwise. Her resolve hardened and her gait steadied. She wouldn't stop. Lap 15.

Hours have passed and the sun had fallen below the tree line. The moon was rising higher and higher into the sky. Sora was panting and almost stumbling as she ran her laps. This was exhausting. By this point, she was out of water and stumbling for the end. She was almost done. 357 laps done. Her legs were on fire, her lungs clenched, her heart beat wildly against her chest and she heaved with exertion. Sweat poured from every pore and her clothes were damp. 'Must succeed. Must succeed.' This was her mantra. She continuously thought it over and over. She needed to keep going. She wouldn't stop. 362 laps. Only 8 more. She felt hope and excitement at the prospect of less running. She increased her pace for the last 8 laps, and with the completion of the last lap, she collapsed.

-Kakashi-

He finished his training with the kids and let them go home for the night. Naruto yelled something about eating 6 bowls of ramen. Kakashi's stomach heaved at the thought. Too much food. He decided to cut through the training grounds to get home. On his walk, he heard footfalls and panting. His interest perked, he jumped into the trees and made his way silently to the sound. He stopped and saw Sora running laps. He got a little closer and heard her murmur, "368.." His eyes widened a bit. Someone as new and young as her should not have to be running this much. She stumbled a bit, but righted herself and continued running. He was slightly impressed at her determination. Suddenly, she collapsed. He started forward to help her, but she rolled over. The sight of that stopped him. She was smiling. Then she laughed out loud, the sound strained, but real. The corners of Kakashi's mouth twitched a bit before settling into a small smile. She was proud. He'd let her have that. He heard a small sound beside him and looked over to see Gai. He sweat dropped as Gai sent him one of his flashing smiles. He was so annoying. Kakashi ignored him and immediately turned on the spot, flashing out of there. In a moment Kakashi was at his door. Then, he realized. He left Sora with all that is Might Gai. He groaned but knew that it was too late now. He unlocked his door and walked inside. He pulled off his shoes and walked straight to his bed. This new girl made him wary and worry at the same time. He had carried her. He felt how fragile she was. But she was also an outsider and had secrets. He didn't like that at all. He wanted to know why he found her where he did. Or why she wants to be a ninja so badly, given how old she is. He huffed and laid down on his bed. He decided to think about it tomorrow. With that, he drifted off into a thankfully dreamless sleep.

-Sora-

She rolled over and smiled. She had done it. She laughed out loud. She had run 370 laps around the training field. Her legs felt like jelly and she was still heaving, but she felt good about it. She didn't give up. Some rustling came from the trees to her right. She sat up and her head snapped toward the sound. She stood up, wobbly, and looked around. Someone was out there. She could feel it. Just then a green blur jumped out of the trees and landed in front of her. It was a man in a skin tight jumpsuit and very thick eyebrows. He flashed her a smile.

"Ah, the Youth! I am impressed with your devotion!" He yelled striking a pose. This man was odd. But Sora smiled. He seemed nice even if a little over the top and loud. She opened her mouth to speak but he cut her off. "I am the Youthful and most handsome Green Beast! Might Gai!" He boasted bringing his thumb towards his chest. Sora grinned at the man, liking his gusto and humor.

"Well, Might Gai, Green Beast of Kahona, it is an honor to meet you." She praised. She saw him swell up before spewing tears of happiness. Then rushing her.

"I can see the youth pouring out of you!" He roared squeezing the life out of her.

"Um, Gai-sensei? Can you put me down." She gasped. He complied but continued grinning. Sora then did a small bow. "I am Hayashi Sora, ninja-in-training. I just moved to Kahona." She said introducing herself. Gai's eyebrows raised a bit.

"Ah, So you are the special case." Sora laughed lightly and nodded.

"Yes, but I am not very good. Especially at Taijutsu." She said grimacing, thinking back to her training with Iruka-sensei. Gai nodded his head and put his hand to his chin in thought. He the slammed his fist into his palm, with an idea.

"I will be your Taijutsu tutor! On the side of course." He said smiling. Sora's jaw dropped. Was he serious?

"You'd do that?" She asked, astounded. He laughed boisterously.

"Why of course! I cannot let such youthful behavior go without reward!" She bowed a few times.

"Thank you very much, Gai-sensei!" He smiled at this girl.

"But for now, head home. We will start tomorrow, yes?" He said gently. Sora praised whatever deity there was. She was exhausted.

"Yes, Sir!" She saluted then took off running home.