I'm sorry if this chapter's a little confusing, the first parts about Kakashi and Nagare happened after they gave their teams the applications, then the part about Fuyu and her family happened 2 days after or the night before the Chunin exams. In other words, the Chunin exams starts in the next chapter.

:-:-:

Fuyu 03

"Kakashi. Nagare. I understand that you gave your students their Chunin applications 2 days ago, correct?"

Nagare and Kakashi nodded simultaneously to Sandaime's question.

"Your students are more than ready to participate in the Chunin exams individually. But as for teamwork." Sandaime paused, taking in a deep breath "I don't feel they're ready in that sense."

"Excuse me, Hokage Sama, but how could you say so if you've never watched them work together?" Kakashi objected "Things might be rocky, yes, but that doesn't mean it's impossible for them to work as a team."

"Kakashi." Nagare whispered, attempting to gain his attention but failing.

"In my mind." Kakashi continued "This team is the only one I would ever approve to participate in the chunin exams."

Sandaime took in a deep breath, letting out a large puff of smoke before looking back up at the two Jonin that stood before him/ "Very well Kakashi. I trust your decision."

An invisible smile formed under Kakashi's mask. "Thank you, Hokage Sama." he replied, bowing slightly.

"You both can leave." Sandaime responded, turning around to peer out the series of windows behind him.

The door slowly open and shut quietly, signaling that the two Jonin did as they were told.

Only time will tell. Sandaime thought to himself, watching the few orange and red leafs gently flow in the Winter breeze.

:-:-:

"Oi, Kakashi." Nagare called, trailing after his fellow Jonin, with his Nin-kin, Masuru, following closely. "Don't you think we should think about what the Hokage said? Even for a minute?"

"There's no point." Kakashi replied, continuing his stride. "Don't you have faith in your Genin?"

"I have faith in my Genin, yes. Just not yours." he replied.

Kakashi stopped mid-step before turning around to face Nagare. "What do you mean by that?" he asked in a quiet voice.

"I'm sure you've noticed this, your team doesn't flow well. On top of that, they're constantly bickering with mine."

"That's fine. In the Chunin exams, they'll be in groups of 3 not 6." Kakashi replied, preparing to continue his journey home.

"Then what about Soma and Sasuke?" Nagare asked, causing Kakashi to stop mid-step once again. "You know what happened between them earlier today. Then what happened to them when we escorted Tazuna." he paused "it's obvious something'll happened during the Chunin exams."

Kakashi took in a silent breath as a light gust of wind blew past the two Jonin and nin-kin. "Naruto, Sakura, Fuyu and Ritsu will be there to keep an eye on them both, I'm sure."

"Damn it, Kakashi!" Nagare exclaimed "You can't keep depending on those kids. They might be smart and determined, but those two qualities won't ensure them success!"

"Soma and Sasuke almost killed each other during that mission, and now you want to give them the possibility of killing each other during the Chunin exams!"

"Every shinobi has to counter that." Kakashi responded quietly. "That's how we grow and learn."

"Learning by dying?"

"I didn't tell you to submit your team in the Chunin exams, did I Nagare?" Kakashi questioned "Then I refuse to speak of this any longer. If you feel like this is too much of a risk, then please do explain to your team that you don't want them participating-"

"Kakashi" Masuru called "Your reasons are correct, but what will you do if they do end up killing each other?"

Kakashi veered his single eye's gaze to the nin-kin.

"Are you prepared to deal with two lost lives of children who haven't even gotten the opportunity to be real shinobi?"

Kakashi grew silent as he thought about the correct words to respond with. "We won't know until we take the chance, will we?"

Nagare let out a light sigh. "Alright, Kakashi." Nagare whispered "But if anything does happen between those two, I'll automatically pin the responsibility on you." he finished, heading in the opposite direction Kakashi was heading.

Kakashi watched as his fellow Jonin slowly disappeared from sight. I guess...everything is up to you two, Soma, Sasuke. He thought to himself as he continued his journey home.

:-:-:

Two days have passed since Nagare Sensei gave his Genin their applications for the Chunin exams.

The cool winter breeze flowed freely through the Saatchi Clan's compound, racing through everyone's skin softly accompanied by the gentle twinkles of the few stars that softly lit up the night sky.

"So our little girl is going to be participating in the Chunin exams?" Chifuyu asked worriedly, despite the small forced smile on her face.

Fuyu looked over at her mom. "Yes, mama." She responded softly "But I promise I'll be fine!" she reassured, catching onto her mother's worried expression.

"We believe you Fuyu-chibiusa, but it is a little soon." Yukito voiced, looking over at his daughter with a warm smile.

Fuyu looked down at the dinner set before her. "So, you don't think I should participate in it...?" she asked softly.

Yukito and Chifuyu exchanged looks silently.

"We never said that." Yukito finally responded "We know you're more than ready to participate in it, it's just the thought of you going against all those people is what's bothering us."

"But Fuyu," Chifuyu called, ghosting a gentle finger tip across Fuyu's rosy cheek "Go show them how powerful the Saatchi clan is." she finished with a winsome smile.

A small smile formed on Fuyu's lips as she gazed up at her mother. "I'll do my best!" she responded happily, earning a chuckle of confidence from her father.

"If you do become a Chunin at this age, you'll be the youngest in our clan." Yukito commented.

"Really?" Fuyu asked, looking down at her food slightly worried.

"But" Chifuyu began "Even if you don't become a Chunin on this try, there's always next year. Besides" she began leaning closer to Fuyu's ears "Your father didn't become a Chunin till he was 17."

A small giggled came from Fuyu. "Why?" she asked curiously.

"Ahem. That's not important." Yukito objected with a light blush forming on his face.

"Well, let's just say he couldn't fight me during the last part of the exam." her mother replied happily. "Isn't that right, Yukito?" she asked dauntingly.

Yukito let out a defeated sigh. "Yes." he replied almost silently.

Fuyu bubbled up with laughter. "It's okay papa, it doesn't change what I think of you." she reassured between giggles.

A small smile formed on Yukito's lips. "I'm glad, Fuyu."

Despite the obviously warm smile she had on her face, Chifuyu couldn't help but worry about her daughter. I have to have faith in you, Fuyu.

:-:-:

"Fuyu, get lots of sleep. You need all your energy for the Chunin exams tomorrow." Chifuyu advised from the other side of Fuyu's bedroom door.

"Goodnight mama!" She responded, sitting at the windowsill that gave her a few of the quiet lake that surrounded the compound. The moonlight gently reflected and jumped off the crystal clear water that made everything all the more calm.

Fuyu's eyes quickly darted to a single snowflake as it gently flowed down to land in the center of her palm.

A few more followed.

I wonder what it'll be like. She thought to herself, planting her chin onto her hands as she gently closed her eyes. I wonder what kind of people will be participating in it also.

A few more.

She absentmindedly clutched the necklace that hung gently around her neck. I wonder if Soma and Ritsu are as worried as I am.

A few more snowflakes fell till the backyard was almost completely covered with the fluffy white substance.

"Fuyu! Don t' be so worried! We'll dominate those Chunin exams." Ritsu's words rang through Fuyu's mind repeatedly.

I guess if I do believe anyone, it should be Ritsu. She thought to herself with a bright smile forming on her face, watching the snowflakes float on the cold water. All I should be worrying about is trying my best. She added as she made her way to her bed.

Team Nagare is more than ready for these exams. She thought to herself confidently.

But...what about Sasuke's team? She asked herself just before she fell into a light slumber, preparing for tomorrow's big day.

:-:-:

"Alright! I think we're definitely ready for those Chunin exams tomorrow!" Ritsu exclaimed, once Team 13 finally perfected their team jutsu.

Soma smirked lightly. "We've always been ready."

"I wish I could have you two's confidence." Fuyu confessed quietly.

"What do you mean?" Ritsu asked, his dark green eyes twinkling in the oranges and reds of the setting winter sun.

Fuyu shrugged her shoulders slightly. "I'm just afraid I won't do so well."

"Nonsense!" Ritsu countered. "if anything, you're probably the one who will become the Chunin Fuyu! I mean, with all your strategic stuff and whatever."

"I agree." Soma whispered "You did come up with the majority of this jutsu, there shouldn't be anything that holds you back from becoming a chunin."

"Other than me not having enough faith in myself." Fuyu corrected with a sad smile.

"Fuyu! Don't be so worried! We'll dominate those Chunin exams!" Ritsu reassured with Soma nodding his head firmly.

Fuyu's sad smile slowly grew into a lambent one. She nodded her head confidently, gazing up at her two teammates that easily towered over her.

"Alright! Chunin exams, get ready to be stomped on." Ritsu exclaimed with a daunting smile.

I'll try my hardest to not let either of you down.

Thank you so much for reading! Every read that my story gets means a lot to me. :)
Please leave a review/comment about what you think about this chapter, and what I can/should work on. I'd really appreciate it!

-EZ