Disclaimer: No, I don't own Naruto, and honestly, I'm kind of glad I don't. Why you ask? Simple…I'm too lazy.

The Sandaime Hokage paled hearing those words from Kakashi. Damn it! I should have known better than to have Minato's former student assigned as Naruto's sensei! …I'm too old for this. Sighing he said, "Sit down Kakashi, this might take a while and you probably won't like what you hear."

Kakashi did as he was told and lowered his hitai-ate over his sharingan eye to preserve his chakra; he didn't think it would be a good idea to faint before hearing the whole story after all.

The Hokage coughs a little to clear his throat and begins. "Before I really start I need you to promise you won't interrupt me. I know I could order you, but I want your word instead."

Kakashi pales a bit, beginning to think his suspicion was correct, but nods his assent and the Hokage continues, "Naruto's father was Minato Namikaze, your sensei and the Yondaime Hokage." He puffs once on his pipe as Kakashi takes this in, all the while struggling not to break his word and speak up…or just try to throttle the Sandaime for keeping this from him for so long.

Letting out his held breath and a streamer of smoke the Hokage says, "Nearly thirteen years ago, when Minato sealed the Kyuubi into his own son he left me a letter saying that I was to keep Naruto's parentage a secret for as long as I could. He was afraid that his enemies would strike at the boy to attempt revenge on him, but he honestly believed that the village would honor his last request to see his son as a hero. Of course, you know quite well they did not, and, as such, it became even more important to keep the boy's identity a secret."

Here he pauses and glares very slightly at Kakashi before saying, "I expect you to treat all of your potential students equally. I know the council has ordered you to pass the Uchiha heir no matter what, but remember this: they have no right to order you to do any such thing. You don't owe Sasuke anything for what Obito did, nor do you owe Naruto for anything his father did for you. They, and Sakura Haruno, are a team, and must pass or fail as a team."

Kakashi nods, still keeping silent, as he has yet to be granted permission to speak.

Taking a shallow drag on his pipe the Hokage calms down again and he looks a little sad. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you about your sensei's son, but I know what Minato meant to you and if you had known that his son survived you would have treated him differently, and then someone might have noticed. It was bad enough that I had a captain in Anbu guarding him, if you had shown any actual interest in the boy's life the council would have realized that something was up and anyone who looked could have guessed. Naruto is almost a carbon copy of Minato after all."

Kakashi nods and performs his unique eye smile. How could I have missed it all this time? he asks himself. I've seen pictures of sensei as a child and the only differences are the whisker marks Naruto has! He starts to slip from the seat, but quickly pops a soldier pill and nods for the Hokage to go on.

Sarutobi, however, just shakes his head and suggests, "If you have any questions you should ask now and go home to get some rest for your test tomorrow."

Kakashi bows his head and quietly says, "Thank you, Sandaime-sama, for telling me, and be assured I will not offer preferential treatment to any of these young genin hopefuls." Raising his head and standing he bows from the waist before saying, "I do need rest Sandaime-sama. Please forgive the method of my arrival. For now you have answered my questions. By your leave?"

Before dismissing him Sarutobi smiles and says, "Anytime you want to talk about Minato or anything else feel free to come see me." With that his smile grows, "Anything to delay the dreaded paperwork after all," and he chuckles a bit.

Kakashi joins the Hokage in his mirth, but after a moment he asks, "Sir, why don't you use kage bunshin to help with paperwork? Sensei always wondered about that."

Instead of answering Sarutobi dismisses Kakashi who immediately departs. Once he's sure he's alone he activates a privacy seal, causing a blue light to briefly illuminate his office before he begins bashing his head against his desk shouting, "Idiot, idiot, idiot," over and over again.

Eventually he calms down, removes the privacy seal and deals with the uproar Kakashi's visit caused the whole tower. Not long afterward, he returns to his office with two comfortable rolling chairs and two folding tables, uses kage bunshin to form two clones, and relaxes into his chair with his feet up and his favorite orange book open in front him.

His secretary was confused, and when she started hearing perverted giggling she decided she'd had enough of this weird job, packed her things, and left. From that day forward a male chunin was always tasked with the duties of the Hokage's secretary.

XXXXX

The next day dawned bright and clear and as 7:45am graced the scene at training ground 7 Sasuke and Sakura arrive from opposite directions, both with growling stomachs and somewhat sleep deprived looks about their faces. It wasn't until nearly 9am when Naruto showed, and when he did he was looking far too chipper for the other two's peace of mind so Sakura screeched out, "YOU'RE LATE BAKA!!!"

Naruto scratches the back of his head and looks around. "Well, since it looks like Kakashi-sensei isn't here yet I don't see how I can really be called late," he says while smiling foxily.

Sakura charges at him and tries to hit him, only for Naruto to duck out of the way, catch her as she's falling and shove her off at Sasuke where she collides with spectacular results as both fall to the ground. Sakura, on top, is stunned by the fact that Sasuke is holding her and had made sure to brace her fall.

Sasuke meanwhile is confused thinking, why did I catch her? I had time to get out of the way so why…

But before the thought could finish Naruto's gut busting laughter alerted both teens to the situation they were both in, what with their legs entwined and their faces mere inches apart. Daze broken Sasuke pushes Sakura to her feet and they both look away from each other, blushing.

The next hour passes with agonizing slowness for Sasuke and Sakura, but Naruto just starts pacing up and down a tree. Eventually Sakura asks, "How are you doing that Naruto?" Sasuke had also wanted to know, but felt it would be wrong for him to ask the dobe how to do something.

Naruto looks confused for a moment before noticing where he was. He had been having a conversation with Kyuubi and hadn't even realized that he'd been doing the tree climbing exercise so he rubbed the back of his head and smiled at the other two and jumped down to explain.

"It's a chakra control exercise called tree climbing. What it does is it uses a specific amount of controlled chakra to allow you to stick to any solid surface. Too much and you blow off, too little and you fall off, that's why its' such a great exercise, because the constant use of chakra in a controlled manner allows your overall control to improve. Thus, you can then do more while wasting less chakra, and since it also helps build your chakra reserves a little there's no such thing as too much control."

The others just looked on in shock until Naruto, feeling uncomfortable, said, "What?"

The other two shook the shock away and Sasuke asks, "So HOW do we do it?" He didn't like having to ask the dobe, but he knew he'd need this skill if he were ever to try to take on Itachi.

Naruto smiled, but asked Kyuubi, should I tell them Kyuu-chan?

I don't see why you shouldn't. It's just a basic skill after all, and it might help in the long run if the teme owes you.

Agreeing, Naruto quickly nods his head and explains. "Okay, but all there really is to it is to gather chakra to your feet and run at the tree. Like I said before, it's all about control, so you have to find just the right amount, but I should add that this exercise will be easier for Sakura than for you Sasuke."

Angrily, Sasuke demands, "Why is that dobe?"

Calmly Naruto explains, "Because, like me, you have more chakra than Sakura, thus a lot more will naturally flow through you, where Sakura will have little trouble with the actual exercise, but won't be able to continue with it for very long."

Somewhat mollified, Sasuke jerks his head once and goes over to a tree, but before he can start Naruto calls out, "It might be helpful to get a running start. Also, Sakura, if you plan to do the exercise I wouldn't recommend that you keep it up for more than 10 minutes. Otherwise you won't be ready for the survival thing that Kakashi-sensei is going to put us through later." Both teens nod at Naruto and start practicing.

Sure enough, by the time Kakashi arrives an hour later Sasuke is panting on the ground, the tree before him with kunai slashes almost half way up and Sakura is just recovering from her own, far shorter, training.

Kakashi clears his throat the get everyone's attention and Naruto jumps down from his tree and calmly asks, "So, when do we get started?"

Deciding to leave questions for another time Kakashi explains about his test. "So here's the setup. I have here two bells and the object of this test is to get them from me. If you manage to get one you pass, if not…you return to the Academy for another year."

Sakura screams, "WHAT?! Kakashi-sensei, how is that fair? We graduated already and now you're saying we might have to go back!"

Kakashi just smiles and says, "It's worse than you think. Think about this, even if two of you manage to get bells one of you is doomed to fail."

At this Sakura pales and Inner Sakura is screaming at her, no! If we fail we'll never see Sasuke-kun again because he's sure to pass! Sakura can only agree, and after watching Naruto for the last couple of hours she begrudgingly admits that he is probably stronger than she is as well.

Kakashi continues, "Furthermore, you only have until noon to get the bells or you all fail." Setting an alarm clock that he pulls from nowhere he also sets down two meals. "After the test the winners can have this food and then they'll start their new lives as genin of Konoha, or if no one passes I guess I'll just have a big lunch today," and he gives his eye smile.

Naruto asks, "Kakashi-sensei, exactly how many genins have you ever passed?"

Looking thoughtful Kakashi says, "I'm glad you asked Naruto. Over the last four years I've tested one group of three every six months and so far…no one has passed." Now the eye smile looked decidedly evil and he said, "Begin," and Sasuke and Sakura both immediately jump away.

Naruto, however, is just standing around with his hands behind his head, a broad smile gracing his face. "You know, compared to the others, you're kind of weird."

Naruto's smile somehow grows and he says, "So what's the real test Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi pulls a small orange book form his kunai holster and starts reading, "I don't know what you mean Naruto." From his voice you could almost tell he was smiling, but between the mask and the book it was impossible to tell.

"Oh really? Because this test doesn't make a lot of sense. I mean, even on the most basic level how likely is it that any student could ever get a bell from a jonin? At least if they worked alone, then again we were put on teams so maybe we're supposed to work together. But if that were the case, why only two bells?" Naruto openly mused about all of this without shifting a step and it caused various reactions in his two teammates and sensei. Kakashi was wondering how the boy knew, Sasuke was thinking Naruto was an idiot to still be out there, and Sakura was considering if Naruto could possibly be right.

It was then that Naruto just flung up his hands and said, "Oh well, looks like I'm alone," and he charged at Kakashi head on.

Kakashi was disappointed and easily dodged several clumsy swings before saying, "For a ninja, life or death is determined by their skill level. In order to survive ninja must be the best so here's a free lesson in taijutsu," and he quickly gets behind Naruto and forms a tiger hand sign. "Never let an enemy get behind you," and he shouts, "HIDDEN LEAF VILLIAGE SECRET TECHNIQUE: THOUSAND YEARS OF DEATH!" and he shoves his finger up Naruto's butt, sending him flying.

Midway into the flight Naruto poofs out of existence in a cloud of smoke and Kakashi thinks, kage bunshin? When did he trade out? All the while a smile steals across his face as he silently congratulates the son of his former sensei.

Meanwhile, Naruto appears next to Sasuke and whispers, "Hey teme," causing the Uchiha to jump a little and Naruto to snicker before saying, "Sorry about spooking you. Anyway, what do you think of my idea about teaming up?" Sasuke doesn't say anything, just moves to a different position and sets a trap for Kakashi. Naruto sighs and finds Sakura who quickly agrees when he says, "If I'm wrong and we get the bells you and Sasuke can have them, but if I'm right you owe me a favor."

Sakura had asked, "What kind of favor?"

Naruto said, "Not what you're thinking. I just need someone to get some things for me from the library because one of the ladies there always kicks me out and never lets me borrow any scrolls. I just want to be the best I can be, but without those scrolls I can't really learn much on my own time."

The slight pleading in his voice convinced her and she agreed, but said, "I don't think the two of us are going to be able to get the bells without Sasuke-ken though."

Naruto nodded and said, "You're probably right, so lets go find him." In full accord, they both start to search for Sasuke and find him buried up to his neck in the ground. Sakura immediately faints away, thinking that Sasuke was killed, but Naruto just snickers and says, "Hey teme! Want to reconsider working together?"

"Hn," was Sasuke's only response.

"Okay, here's the deal. If I'm right the bells don't really matter and this test is about teamwork, but if I'm wrong, and we get the bells, I'll give them to you and Sakura. Deal?"

"…Fine, just dig me out and we'll get the bells together."

Nodding, Naruto wakes Sakura and they quickly free Sasuke, but as they're planning what to do the alarm goes off and Kakashi shows up and says, "You fail, but I'm feeling generous so I'll give you two more hours. I'll even let Sasuke and Naruto eat those box lunches I brought to replenish their strength, but Sakura doesn't get any because she never even tried to get a bell," and just to make sure he ties Sakura to a post. Once the boys sit down with their food Kakashi says darkly, "Remember, I make the rules, you follow the rules. A ninja who fails to follow the rules is trash," and he disappears.

Naruto quickly eats half his food while Sasuke is slowly nibbling away at his, but then Naruto stands up and offers some food to Sakura who asks in surprise, "What are you doing? You heard Kakashi-sensei."

Naruto shakes his head, "You need your strength, otherwise the plan won't work."

Sasuke silently holds his bowl out to Sakura, "The dobe's right, the only chance we have of beating him is if we work together."

Sakura has stars in her eyes, but says, "My arms are tied, so you'll have to feed me," while looking at Sasuke.

Naruto snickers as Sasuke begins doing just that and laughs openly as Sakura tries to take the food from the chopsticks in the most seductive manner she can manage.

Just then Kakashi shows up and roars, "WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?! I TOLD YOU SHE DOESN'T EAT!!" All the while releasing a small controlled amount of killing intent.

Sasuke was slightly off put, Sakura was stuttering, and Naruto calmly said, "We're a team, and without any food Sakura will just be a hindrance to the team."

After a few seconds of fuming Kakashi says, "THEN MY VERDICT IS…" and the KI disappears, "you pass."

While the other two looked shocked and happy Naruto bursts out laughing and says to Sasuke, "I win our bet teme, you owe me all my meals for a month!"

Sasuke pales and nods, but Sakura asks, "What bet?"

"We made a bet about the true nature of the test while you were still unconscious and I just won. Thanks Kakashi-sensei!"

Sweat dropping, Kakashi says, "Well…anyway, it's like I said earlier: A ninja who fails to follow the rules is trash, but what I didn't add before was that a ninja who abandons their teammates is lower than trash. That's the number one rule in Konoha and the reason why Konoha is so strong. Other nations focus on individual strengths and commonly produce excellent ninja, but Konoha has always sought to make teams of ninja that are strong enough together to take on any enemy." Smiling his eye-smile, Kakashi said, "Okay Team 7, meet here tomorrow at 9am for our first mission."

Inner Sakura celebrated while outer remained stoic and calm.

Sasuke grumbled about how he hopped missions paid well while looking at Naruto and wishing he'd never bet against the blonde.

Naruto, meanwhile, was whooping and hollering about how they had passed and rubbing it in how Sasuke owed him all those meals, but he didn't forget to untie Sakura before they all left. He remembered still, from his past life, being stuck on that post for hours before Kakashi finally came back.

XXXXX

Later that day the Hokage was waiting on the arrival of Kakashi to get the reports from his jonin instructors on which teams had passed. When Kakashi showed up the Sandaime just smiled and said, "A new record Kakashi. You were only an hour late to the meeting." Kakashi just smiled back and Sarutobi chuckled a bit before returning his 'Hokage' face and saying, "Report."

The reports for the potential teams one through six were disappointing, but Kurenai Yuhi said, "Team 8, consisting of Shino Aburame, Kiba Inuzuka, and Hinata Hyuga…pass with flying colors," and she smiles broadly.

His eldest son, Asuma Sarutobi, says between puffs of his cigarette, "Team 10, consisting of Shikamaru Nara, Choji Akimichi, and Ino Yamanaka has also passed." He said it somewhat lazily and the Hokage was mildly disapproving, but thought, at least he should get along well with the Nara, before smiling.

Finally, all eyes turn to the only jonin who has yet to speak only to see Kakashi Hatake reading his little orange book, and he kept reading even after incredulous looks turned to murderous ones. When he finally stopped he said, "Sorry, had to get to a stopping place…why are we here again?"

Everyone, except the Hokage, face faulted at that. The Hokage just chuckled and said, "My old student is a very good writer don't you think Kakashi?" Most of the male jonin in the room had the good grace to look ashamed that they agreed with their Hokage, while Kurenai, being the only female in the room just huffed, turning her nose up and covering her ample bust with her crossed arms. Kakashi and Hiruzen Sarutobi just shared a small smile as Sarutobi asked, "What of Team 7?"

Kakashi made a face as if to say it should be obvious, but said formally, "Team 7, consisting of Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, and Sakura Haruno…passed." With that, silence reigned, and all those who knew Kakashi's record for failing every student he'd been offered were stunned.

Sarutobi got over the shock first as he realized he had to finish out the meeting. "Very good then. Teams 7, 8, and 10 are officially added to the ranks as genin. Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi, do you hereby accept responsibility for the young genin on your teams? Will you teach them to the best of their ability to learn and your ability to teach? Will you guard these young lives so long as they are in your care?"

With one voice they affirmed, "We will."

A/N - So that's Chapter 2 of "Time and Again." This chapter was inspired by the first reviewer for this story: stc-dragon. The review just said they wanted to see how the test for Team 7 would go, otherwise I was planning on just doing something very short for that and moving on. So if you like the chapter thank stc-dragon for the review, if you think I should have gone the way I'd originally planned…well, I'd like to say blame the reviewer, but instead I'll say blame me. To all reviewers: your reviews have impact, so keep 'em coming. To the reviewer OverLordReven: Naruto doesn't blame Hinata for not being there for him, he's just concerned what kind of relationship they should have. This story is a romance between Naruto and a female Haku ONLY, I felt Hinata's feelings needed to be addressed and gotten out of the way. To the reviewer narutofanfiction: Kyuubi won't have a female form unless something bad happens and Naruto needs someone for comfort. In this story, Kyuu-chan is taking a sort of mother/older sister position in Naruto's life. Like most kids in that position Naruto won't speak a lot to her, nor will she have a heavy impact on the story except when Naruto needs help working things out.

Next Chapter: D-ranks and training, and maybe the beginning of the Wave mission since I hate romances that take too long to introduce both parties.