And an eraser fell on our sensei's head.

…

Everyone was shocked, no one expected that a jonin would fall for such a simple trick. It would be more amusing, if it wasn't for the deadpan expression on his masked face. The air was filled with a thick tension as an unnerving silence settled about the room, not even Naruto was uttering a sound. The jonin's dull black eye moved over all three of us, taking in our petrified forms with disinterest.

"My first impression of you three…. you're all idiots. Meet me on the roof."

Then he disappeared. Without his intimidating presence a sight seemed to ease through the room as we collectively began to relax.

"So…..I guess we can eat on the roof then?"

Sasuke turned to me and glared fiercely.

"Lunch is the lasts thing you need to be worrying about idiot. We just met our sensei and he hates us, we won't live long if he decides we're not worth it."

"Then we'll have to make ourselves worth it!"

I whipped my head around to stare in shock at my other teammate. He made a good point.

You must atone for their sins...

My whole body tensed as unpleasant memories flooded my brain like silent cinema clips. I had a job to do. I saw Sasuke start to get up and quickly gathered my things, quickening my pace so that I would be ahead of both of them. As I left the classroom I shut the door behind me and let all emotions melt from my features. It felt as if a large burden fell off, only to be replaced by something even heavier. I tilted my head to stare at the floor as I walked, letting my long aqua hair hang in my face for a moment before whipping my head up, eyes shining with fierce determination as my hair flew back before settling on my shoulder blades. I strode forward with determined steps, satisfied to hear two more sets of footsteps join my own. Reaching the stairs I briskly jogged up the stairs and stood before the door leading to the roof. I waited, wanting to enter with my teammates. A small smile twitched at the corner of my lips as I watched the opposing pair charged up the stairs, each trying to pull ahead of the other. I put my hand on the doorknob as I heard their footsteps come to a halt behind me, turning my head I saw Sasuke nod at me and I opened the door. Looking around at the roof one could easily spot our sensei sitting on some steps. We made our way over to him and stood in our places awkwardly as we watched him read from a small book. After a few moments he looked up and noticed our presence.

"Well, sit down now. You look awkward as fuck."

Each of us moved apart and sat, Naruto and I on opposite sides of the stairs, and Sasuke sat far apart on the rail of the stairs.

"Alright, to get started I want to hear a bit about each of you, likes, dislikes, goals etc. Starting with little babe blue."

Perturbed at the nickname I glowered at him as I spoke.

"Fujikawa Noriko, I like flowers and baby animals, I dislike useless people, and my goal is to achieve nirvana."

A silver eyebrow was cocked in my direction while to confused stares burrowed into the sides of my head.

"What? You didn't say it had to be a shinobi related goal."

Sensei let out a long sigh and used a single finger to scratch at his hairline. His eyes darted between the two boys slowly taking in whatever information he could garner by simply looking at them. I sighed in frustration before quietly clearing my throat.

"What about you sensei? All we know about you is that you use an insane amount of hair-gel."

"Yeah! Why don't you introduce yourself to us first!"

"Oh…me? Well, my name is Hatake Kakashi..I have no desire to tell you my likes and dislikes.. Dreams for the future…hmm, and I have lots of hobbies."

And I knew I would never hear a shittier introduction then the tattered piece of crap that had just passed through my ear canals. Well, on the bright side, at least we finally knew his name.

"My turn then!"

We all turned our attention to Naruto who was beaming and fiddling with his new headband.

"Yosh! What I like is cup ramen, what I like even more is when Iruka sensei pays for my ramen. What I dislike is waiting three minutes for the ramen to cook and my dream…."

Wow, this kid really liked ramen, maybe he should have looked for a career in cooking ramen. I'm sure they'd let have him work at that Ichiraku place if he asked, the old man who ran the place seemed nice enough.

"…is to become the best Hokage and then have the people of this village acknowledge my existence!"

Whooo, ambitious huh? I had to admit it was really admirable, you don't see many people with that sort of dream anymore. I bet it's nice, having a long-term goal like that.

…

Several moments passed in silence again. I wondered if Sasuke didn't get that it was his turn, or if he just didn't want to go. Either way the atmosphere was pretty damn awkward. After a few moments Sasuke lifted his head from its position of staring at the ground.

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are lots of things I dislike and I don't really like anything and…I can't really call it a dream…but I have an ambition. The resurrection of my clan and….to kill a certain man."

I struggled to keep my face neutral, it was not a good thing that he already had a kill list before he had even started as a shinobi. I was starting to think that despite his seemingly reliable behavior that Sasuke might be the true loose cannon of the team in the future. I was grateful that he had finished though, I had no clue introductions could be so painfully awkward.

"Alrighty then, tomorrow we'll start our duties as a shinobi."

"Duties? What kind of duties?"

" Survival training."

"Kakashi-sensei, all we've done in the academy is train, can't we get down to business and start taking missions?"

I asked impatiently. It wasn't like I was above training or anything, I just really needed an income since it looked like I was going to have to stay somewhere else from now on.

"No, you see out of the 27 graduates only 9 will be chosen to become genin."

"So how does the training decide who becomes a genin?"

"You'll find out when you get there, I can't go giving away any clues. All I can tell you for now is that we meet for the test tomorrow morning at training grounds 6 and to not eat breakfast."

Our lanky sensei turned to leave and I furrowed my eyebrows and called out.

"Wait Sensei!"

I jogged over to him and pulled my satchel around to my front, unzipping it and fishing through it to pull one of the bento I had grabbed from home. I opened it to check that the contents hadn't been too disturbed by the journey and handed it to him. He stood looking down at the plain box before looking back at my face, his lone eye widened slightly more than before.

"It's a courtesy gift, for giving us your time. My mother told me often that time was very valuable and that we should thank those willing to lend theirs to our cause. Thank you."

My hands came together in front of me as I bowed deeply, softly closing my eyes for a few moments before backing away and restoring my normal posture. I came to a halt a few feet in front of my teammates, catching surprised expression on Naruto's face and an unreadable one on Sasuke's. I fished out each of their bentos and handed them to my new comrades.

"I hope you enjoy them to the fullest. Mata ashita."

I closed my satchel and moved it back to its original resting place. I walked over to the railing on the edge of the roof and hopped over it, holding my arms bent and out to the side to maintain balance while falling. I heard a brief cry from the rooftop and I pulled my body into a crouch landing. Ignoring the slight ache in my knees, I straightened my posture before walking into the main market. After aimlessly wandering for a quarter of an hour I made my way to the usual shop and bought incense before heading home.

Upon unlocking the door and peering inside I was relieved to find no sign that my cousin and his slave driver had not yet returned. I removed my shoes at the entrance and stepped onto the main floor, welcoming the familiar feel of the old tatami mats. Turning on the balls of my feet I set off to my room. I walked through the open doorframe and set my bag down next to a chest of my belongings before changing into my casual kimono. Taking a hairband from the chest I pulled my hair back into a low ponytail before taking the incense I had bought earlier out of my bag. With the incense in hand I kneeled before the humble shrine I had been allotted and set them before the three picture frames that sat on the wooden altar. Taking out the matches I had been given for the year I lit the incense and bowed before the ever smiling faces of my loved ones.

Remember Noriko, a woman must preform every task with grace and poise. That's it! Just tilt your chin a little…You've got it dear!

Noriko, the key to doing anything in life is to be proficient. Figure out what you're expected to do and learn it well, if you can do that then no one can look down on you. Such, a smart girl, I knew you'd understand.

Nori get down from there! That limb's gonna break ya know. Crap, crap, crap, ok sit tight I'm coming up there to get you. Stupid sister.

I could hear the demise of my tears as they trailed hot and fresh down my face and onto the hardwood. If only I had been better, if only I had been better. Hot fury and shame welled in my chest and scorched along my spine as I let out small gasping sobs of resentment. Taking a deep breath in preparation for the fit that was about to combust I froze hearing someone knocking on the door. I quickly go to my feet wiping my face and slipping on a pair of tabi before shuffling to the door. I pulled the door open keeping my face tilted down in hopes of the guest not noticing my puffy eyes.

"Yes?"

I was taken aback when I noticed that the man at the door was dressed in the Fujikawa clan robes. The indigo wisteria print was unmistakable to my eyes.

"Fujikawa Noriko?"

"Yes sir."

"You have summoned to appear before the elders."

"Now?"

"As soon as you are able, I have been addressed to wait till you are ready and to escort you there."

I looked myself over, trying to think of ways to improve my appearance before telling the messenger to wait. I was dressed in a light kimono that was pale yellow with several dirt stains clinging to my legs and my face was still sweaty from all the running I had done today.

"Is this-"

"You will be given your own robes after the meeting, if all goes well."

My eyes glimmered with expectance as hope welled in my chest.

"I am ready sir."

"Makoto."

My eyes widened as my face whipped up to determine the nature of his words. If he was insulted by the implication of age from the title then I could understand but to call one of higher rank by their first name was unthinkable.

"I couldn't possibly Fujikawa-san"

"That's why you need to call me Makoto, once we get to the clan site everyone will be Fujikawa-san."

I could hear the unspoken 'baka' ringing in the air after he finished speaking.

"Forgive me Makoto-san, I just…"

"I understand Noriko-san I was the same way when I was younger, you'll get used to it."

We walked side by side in silence, he focused on the road in front of him and I staring around at the flowery scenery that encompassed my clan's grounds. Climbing wisteria of dark indigos and light magentas dominated everything in sight, trees, businesses, and homes alike. We came up to what one could assume to be the clan headquarters, for no other building could even come close to it in terms of grandeur. As we walked through the halls my eyes wandered over the busts of famous clansmen that her parents told her about when she was younger. I was so lost in my memories that I nearly ran into Makoto who had stopped in front of a large set of doors. I moved over to his side and stared at him hoping he would notice and say something.

"…..….."

He finally looked over and noticed my staring. Knowing that I had caught his attention I directed my gaze to the door in front of us.

"Oh, yes inside of this room are the clan elders. They've brought you here to discuss important matters involving your relationship with the clan. I can't say any more."

"Alright."

"Let's go then."

He grasped the circular rungs on the two doors and pulled them open revealing the circle of five dressed in their identical elegant silk kimono all kneeling on cushions. All of them turned their gazes from their tea to Makoto and I who stood still, waiting.

"You may enter."

A woman's creaky but commanding voice called out. I walked forward to the empty cushion set in front of the ring of elders. Noticing that there wasn't any room for Makoto, I looked back panicking, only to be reassured by the sight of Makoto sitting at his own place near the door opposite another servant. I kneeled down and bowed, trying not to flinch as the ancient doors behind me slammed shut.

"Rise daughter Noriko."

I lifted myself up, straightening my spine and making sure that my neck curved so that my face was still downcast. Another servant scurried out of the shadows and poured me a cup of steaming tea. I inclined my head in gratitude and directed my attention to Elder Minami, the most respected of the council and the one who had been speaking to me. She stared back at me resolutely but said nothing, I bit my lip briefly before meekly speaking.

"Grand council, why have you called me here today? What is it that you require of me?"

Elder Minami smiled benevolently at me, the corners of her eyes crinkling in a kind way that would remind most of their grandmother.

"Dear, how familiar are you with the clan customs?"

My brows furrowed in confusion and then in remembrance as I searched my memory for everything my parents had taught me of my heritage. I knew that our clan was renown for our skills in producing, using, and resisting the effects of poison. We came into power only four decades ago in the middle of the second shinobi world war. Due to the success of Hanzo the Salamander, and his heavy usage of poison and poison gas our then remote clan was dug up from the ghettos of Konohagakure. Our ninja, though few in numbers, were hardy and our immunity to most poisons meaning that we were necessary in the fight against the Amegakure forces. Besides basic history and lore my mother had taught me how to find and mix ingredients in the field to make poisons along with basic first aid. My father made me memorize the locations of lymph nodes as a guide point for where to put injections, and before his death had started teaching me how to play the shamisen; I haven't touched it since because Tetsuo's girlfriend complained about the noise. As for customs I was only taught the proper procedure for tea ceremonies and the prayers for our clan's memorial day.

"I know next to nothing ma'am."

"Hmmm"

I felt a blush rise at my cheeks and my eyes darted low and away.

"It's to be expected I suppose, given your unfortunate disadvantage."

I swallowed harshly, my hands clenching the fabric of my kimono as I fought against the burn of brimming tears of shame.

"However that does not mean that you do not have a place here. We are your family dear, no matter how distantly connected, we are all family and it is our duty to help one another. I only wish we were able to have helped your family before it was too late."

My eyes widened in shock as unbidden tears welled at the corners of my eyes, I felt a great expansion in my chest, as if a gas was unleashed and strived to lift me off my feet. I felt my hands tremble uncontrollably as I struggled to form words.

"Thank you Minami-dono, I'm eternally grateful."

A slight pause.

"Its no matter at all dear, after all you'll be expected to fulfill assigned duties as a member of the clan."

"Of course ma'am, what am I to be expected to do?"

"Nothing yet dear, we can't expect you to actually do anything for us until we know your capabilities."

My brows furrowed slightly in confusion.

"Ma'am, how am I supposed to demonstrate my….capabilities?"

"Its simple dear, not much for you to do but continue as a kunoichi. The council will inquire after your performance after your first combat mission. We'll be looking forward to your results dear, your mother was quite the vicious one on the battlefield it was such a shame to see one with such potential taken so early."

"Is that so?"

A long pause followed as the elder sipped her tea. As she set her cub back down a look of realization came across her face.

"Oh, before I forget"

She clapped her hands and the other servant seated near the door rose and brought over a small chest over to her seat. She whispered in his ear and the young man walked to my spot and set the chest in front of me.

"May I?"

She gave a slow nod.

I unfastened the locks and pulled back the top of the chest to reveal a white cloth. I lifted up what appeared to be a kerchief, it was plain white on one side but when I turned it over it had a simple print of a branch of wisteria blossoms.

"Wha? What am I to do with such a fine cloth?"

Elder Minami chuckled covering her mouth with her closed fist.

"Dear, this is the symbol we give to children born into the clan. Your brother had one before he was given his clan robes. Put it somewhere visible on your person."

I clutched the fabric to my chest.

"D-Do I have to give it back if I don't pass sensei's test?"

"No dear, it simply means that we'll have to find something else you're good for."

I could feel sweat beading on the back of my neck as I bowed, her words ominously sinking into my spine, preparing to excuse myself and prepare for the next day's test.

"Ah, before you go dear, make sure to pick out one of the battle kimono we have."

"Ma'am?"

"Even if you aren't technically a true kunoichi yet, we have full confidence that you will be able to pass the final test dear."

"Thank you very much!"

I stood, bowing very deeply before being led away by Makoto. Once the resounding thud of the great wooden doors had faded behind us he turned to face me his face alight with joy.

"See, I told you all would go well Noriko-san."

"Thank you for your support Makoto-san, it was very reassuring."

His expression fell and he put a hand on my shoulder as we walked.

"Noriko-san, I have come to feel that you need to be very cautious."

"Is something wrong?"

"…Not yet…but keep your eye out for trouble."

"Thank you."

We walked on in silence until we reached a small storage like hut. There was an old woman who sat at the front table, she kept a catalogue of all the equipment that came through. She smiled at me a lot but kept wiping her hands on anything she could find when she thought I wasn't looking. Makoto decided to wait outside so I went back into the confines of the shack with the old crone leading the way.

"Its actually quite common for young kunoichi to borrow their first garments from this shop. Its been a tradition for years for young girls to borrow clothes until they outgrew and returned them, the only payment I demand is for everyone who borrows an article to make something to add to the collection."

"Ah, what do people usually make?"

"Sigh….Back in the old day girls were diligent and actually made kimono but now the generation is lazy so nowadays I only get fishnets or obi."

"Must be frustrating."

"Quite."

It remained silent until the pair reached one of the racks of clothing in the back of the shack where the woman had smaller clothes that would fit loosely as my pubescent body continued to grow. I mentioned to her that I only wanted to see the more modest outfits and that yes, I would prefer a kimono, so she was able to quickly pick out one that would fit suit. All of those assembled were of a similar length, meaning all of them would reach just below my kneecaps, but the colors varied greatly. I picked an indigo one with white petals sprinkled across the fabric, the old lady helped me pick out a yellow obi that hadn't been worn once in the four years since its creation and bequeathal unto the woman. Upon my request she also lent me some black spandex-like shorts to wear underneath the kimono that would stop an inch above the knee.

Satisfied I let the old woman know that I was done browsing and she marked what I had taken in her record book, sending me on my way with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. Makoto was still waiting for me outside of the shop, his eyes slowly mapping the distant outline of the clan headquarters as if deciphering an old print.

"Makoto-san! I finished getting everything I need."

He turned towards me, his face slowly morphing from his contemplative frown.

"Ah, yes so you have. I do believe there's been enough excitement for one day, I shall escort you home and see you after you complete your first mission."

"But Makoto, where will I stay?"

"Stay? Aren't you living with your cousin?"

"He's mentioned having me move out…I bother his girlfriend."

"You, bothering someone?"

He quirked a brow at me and I just shrugged.

"Well since you're a minor and he is a living relative he's required to take care of you until you acquire an income large enough to sustain your cost of living no matter what his girlfriend says."

"Really?"

"Yeah, and if they say otherwise just tell me and the council will be alerted. You know he gets a stipend to care for you, yes?"

No, ever since I had come to live with him I had been given the impression that it was pure charity that kept me clothed and fed.

"No, I wasn't aware."

That bitch would never kick me out. I would leave when I was ready.

"Well just know that he has the resources….."

"It's alright, I'll be getting a stable income soon enough and then I can just move out."

"If you say so."

For the rest of the walk he told me about life inside the compound, of the festivals I had been told I was forbidden to attend and the specialty foods I hadn't had since my parents died and the annual parade of shinobi who would show off their acrobatic to the civilian population.

"And you know there's a clan training ground right?"

"Really? Where is it?"

"It's a secret."

"No fair! I'm a member now!"

"First off, you're on a trial period and second I can't tell you because the law forbids it."

My good mood instantly vanished, even with a person I grown attached to I was an outsider.

"I can't tell you because members have to show new shinobi where it is and show them how to use it. Telling you would be useless since its concealed by a genjutsu in the first place. So I'll probably show you after you finish the first mission you get."

My eyes shimmered with renewed enthusiasm.

"Really?"

"Of course, we're friends now right?"

"Yeah….I suppose we are"

When we reached the house I quickly shuffled towards the door yelling over my shoulder that I had a lot of work to do and that I'd see Makoto later. After slipping off my tabi I got to work, taking apart the new kimono and finding the old washing poles. Once I had fully disassembled the garment I grabbed the large laundry basket and put all the pieces inside. Carrying the poles and basket I toed my tabi back on and headed to the river.