Disclaimer: Doing this for fun not for profit

Chapter 7: The Rookie of the Year is…

"…begin." Iruka then jumped out of the way of the two combatants.

However, neither one suddenly charged in, instead opting to study their opponent for weaknesses. Slowly the two opponents inched closer and closer to each other before finally launching themselves at one another, meeting in the center of the circle. The two fighters traded a flurry of attacks but none of them landed a solid blow. Separating for a moment they began to circle each other, both looking for an opening they could exploit in the other's defenses. At the same time they charged at each other once again and traded several more attacks however this time Hinata landed a solid strike to Sasuke's chest. Abandoning her defense to try and capitalize on the strike she was caught unaware when Sasuke countered with a kick that hit her in the stomach as he moved faster than he ever had in any of their previous fights.

Using the momentum of Sasuke's attack to propel herself backwards in order to get some distance Hinata thought while trying to catch her breath, "Darn it, if I was allowed to use chakra with that strike this fight would have been over. Oh well, I knew my Gentle Fist wouldn't be as effective as it could be, but I didn't expect Sasuke to have improved so much."

Deciding to taunt the panting girl Sasuke said smugly, "What's a matter Hyuuga didn't expect me to have surpassed your taijutsu huh? I'll let you in on a little secret I threw those last few matches so that when it really mattered I could crush you."

Secretly pleased she had guessed correctly but not foolish enough to give it away Hinata decided to use a verbal attack of her own by going after his pride. Straightening up she said, "You must be proud then, even if you are bragging about being better than me while I'm fighting at a disadvantage."

Sasuke glared at her and asked, "What do you mean?"

Smiling sweetly Hinata answered, "Surely you know that Gentle Fist uses chakra and the Byakugan to defeat our opponents." Pointing to where she had struck his chest she said, "If I had been allowed to hit you using my taijutsu as it was meant to be used, that hit I landed on you would of taken you out of the fight completely and I wouldn't even of needed to hit you as hard as I did. So if you do win you can brag about having defeated a Hyuuga who fought you with one hand tied behind their back."

Getting the desired response of Sasuke growling and launching himself at her she was ready to counter, quickly slipping into her Gentle Fist again. After Sasuke closed, he threw several punches and while they had more power than they did before they were thrown with nowhere near as much accuracy. He was simply trying to pound his way through her defenses. During one of his more wild swings Hinata blocked it by moving her arm up and stepping into his guard leaving his center open to attack which she took advantage of landing a quick succession of strikes into his stomach and chest and then finished with a palm strike to his chin which sent the last Uchiha into the air.

Sasuke though recovered while in midair and after a back flip landed on his feet. Sasuke then launched himself at Hinata who met him half-way, while they traded several attacks, it was Sasuke who found the first opening. Rocking Hinata with a punch to the jaw and as her head turned with the blow she was quickly sent the opposite direction from a quick kick that catches her in the forehead. Rolling away on the ground from him due to the strength behind the kick Hinata gets onto her hands and knees while trying to clear her head. While looking at the ground she noticed blood beginning to drip onto it. Touching her forehead she winced a little when she felt the cut above her left eye. Wondering why Sasuke wasn't finishing her off she looked at him and saw he had assumed his usual pose of standing there with hands in his pockets.

Forcing herself back onto her feet she decided to ignore the disrespect he had shown her while assuming her Gentle Fist stance, after all Hinata thought with a small smile it was going to be the cause of his defeat.

Sakura seeing the blood asked a little worried for Hinata, "Shouldn't you call the fight Iruka-sensei?"

Shaking his head no Iruka answered, "Afraid not Sakura once you make genin you will be expected to fight or train even after sustaining such injuries."

Unaware of what was going on outside the circle Hinata thought, "If I continue to carry on like this I'm going to lose. I guess it's time I show him, he isn't the only one that was holding back."

But before she could slip out of her stance Sasuke said with his hands still in his pocket, "Give up Hyuuga. It would be a shame to continue pounding on that pretty face of yours, I mean after you realize what a loser you are and give up being a ninja it may be the only thing you have of value to trade on."

Narrowing her eyes at the Uchiha she refused to comment, instead willing to let her fists voice her displeasure. Changing stances she closed the hand she normal held palm up facing her opponent into a fist and brought the arm down to hang in front of her. While moving her left arm back just about level with her head also closed into a fist and looking like a scorpion's tail ready to strike. Sasuke's eyes widen when he saw Hinata change her stance into something he had never encountered before.

Sasuke trying to play off his concern said, "Big deal you changed your stance it doesn't make you any less of a loser."

Hinata didn't respond with words instead charging Sasuke throwing several punches at him which Sasuke blocked but not as efficiently as he did before. However he did manage to catch both her arms and confident he could block a kick attempt said, "What. Is this all you g…"

His taunt though was interrupted by a head butt from Hinata which opened up a cut on his head as well. Caught completely off guard by the attack he lets go of her arms. With her arms free Hinata spun around delivering a roundhouse kick to the side of Sasuke's head. Sasuke was sent flying from the kick but quickly worked himself to his feet. Still disoriented from the recent blows he barely managed to avoid Hinata's follow up attack. Throwing a punch of his own he was surprised to see Hinata nimbly duck under it. Caught flat footed he was unable to avoid the uppercut she threw which had all the power of her legs behind it.

Sasuke's world went black so he missed hearing Kiba as he said, "Ha, he got knocked the fu…"

"Kiba," Iruka said warning the boy while checking on Sasuke, "Unless you want to run around the school a hundred times I suggest you do not finish that sentence. However, you can help him to the nurses' station, Hinata you go too and once she patches up that cut you and Kiba return here to finish the rest of the exam." Talking to the rest of the class he said, "The rest of you will be sparring against me."

Kiba assured Hinata he didn't need help getting Sasuke to the nurses' station and she can go on ahead. Walking to a still sitting Sasuke having been roused from unconsciousness by Iruka he offered him a hand up only for the Uchiha to knock it away getting to his feet on his own and shoving past the Inuzuka. Following behind so as not to disobey Iruka-sensei Kiba thought, "What a dick."

Ami was walking home after school having passed her genin exam. She was wearing her headband tied around her left thigh. Ami was currently lost in thought about what had transpired during the previous year, she was mainly upset about the failure of her alliance. Especially considering what had happened today, had her alliance succeeded she could have claimed the credit for Hinata's embarrassment after all it appeared Sasuke did hate Hinata. Of course considering Hinata destroyed Sasuke today it probably would have been a bad idea to announce it to the Hyuuga.

"Oh well," Ami thought, "hopefully I'll be assigned to Sasuke's team tomorrow."

She then turned down the alley she usually took to get home still lost in thought. She didn't notice someone step out in front of her till the person said, "I would have figured your mother told you it was dangerous for young girls to travel down deserted alleys by themselves, Ami."

Looking up at the girl Ami's growled out, "What do you want Hog? I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now."

"My, what a scary face," Ino countered lightly, "if you keep scowling like that you'll cause wrinkles to appear on that ugly mug of yours. Besides I thought you would like to know who helped Hinata against that little alliance of yours."

"It was you! You stupid slut, when I get done with you Sasuke won't ever look at you again," Ami said while closing the distance.

Ino didn't look concerned at all and said, "Oh it wasn't just me, but I should thank you I suppose. Because of your double cross I got my best friend back."

Stopping to try and puzzle out what Ino meant. She noticed the blonde looking behind her and turned just in time to hear Sakura say, "Take this you bitch, Cha!"

The punch sent Ami flying into a bunch of garbage cans lining the side of the alley. Her jaw already swelling up Ami thought, "How the hell can that pink-haired whore punch so hard?" Aloud Ami said while trying to smile, "So I guess you're still sore about me ruining your friendship with the White-eyed Whore, huh Foreheadasaurus?"

Ami almost wet herself when Sakura's eyes went white and the pink-haired girl charged at her with the intent to beat her into the ground. Luckily for Ami, Ino intervened by grabbing Sakura around the waist trying to stop her charge.

Still trying to get at Ami, Sakura said, "Let me go Ino. I'm going to kill her."

"That why I can't let go Forehead, do you really want to spend the rest of your life in jail? Let's just go okay." Ino asked straining to hold Sakura back.

Finally calming down Sakura began to stomp away from the purple-haired girl. She gets to the exit of the alley when she noticed Ino hadn't left yet. Turning back Sakura asked, "Well are you coming?"

"I'll catch up. There's something else I want to say to her," Ino replied. Sakura in response just leaves the alley. Ino sighed lightly and then said, "Whew to piss her off like that you must be either very brave or very stupid Ami. I believe it's the latter though." Smiling Ino continued, "I really doubt Sasuke will go for such a short-tempered girl. But, she is my best friend, so what can you do?"

Walking to the opposite side of the alley Ino crouched down. Ami having enough of Ino games said, "Just say what you want to say and get out of here."

"Oh I don't have anything else to say. It's just here you are lying in a pile of garbage, your jaw swollen, and probably minutes away from blacking out." Ino's smile then turned into a smirk as she said, "What I really think is needed to complete the picture is for you to have an accident with your bladder. Don't you?"

Forming the necessary hand sign Ino called out, "Mind Transfer Jutsu."

A few minutes later Ino walked out of the alley. It would be several hours before Ami left, so no one would see her shame.

"So that's it huh?" Kiba asked while inspecting the certificate Hinata received for being Rookie of the Year.

"What did you expect, Kiba?" Hinata asked while taking the certificate back.

"I don't know maybe a trophy handed to you personally by the Hokage," Kiba said with a shrug. "I mean you're the first Kunoichi to win the award in Konoha's history, shouldn't there be some kind of ceremony?"

"This is fine Kiba," Hinata responded humbly.

"There is also the matter of what Iruka-sensei said Kiba," Shino interjected. "It shouldn't matter that Hinata is a kunoichi. All that matters is she is the best."

"Yeah, but still, considering all the prestige supposedly behind the title shouldn't there have been a little bit more than Iruka just handing Hinata the certificate and saying 'Well Done'?" Kiba wondered.

"But that's just it Kiba there is no prestige in winning the title it is just what it looks like a meaningless piece of paper," Hinata said while looking at the certificate. "After all until we have actual been in the field we really haven't accomplished anything."

Getting a wolfish grin on his face Kiba asked, "Well if it's so meaningless do you mind if I take it and show it to my mom while claiming to be the top dog of the year?" He then made a grab for the piece of paper.

Hinata quickly clutched it to her chest and said, "I didn't mean I'm not proud of my achievements, just this award doesn't mean I'm ready for the hardships to come. Besides I want to show it to my father."

"Oh well it was worth a shot," Kiba said. An easy silence falls over the three as they wonder what tomorrow had in store for them. It is broken though when Kiba asked, "Hey, Hinata what was that stance you used to knock out that bastard anyway? I've never seen you use it before."

Shino added, "I too am curious, it wasn't something you just came up with, you have been planning to use it for a while now. Am I correct?"

"It's called the Hard Fist," Hinata answered. "It was developed before the Byakugan was as strong as it is now."

Looking at Shino she said, "And you are correct Shino. I've been training in it ever since my first fight with Sasuke."

"What, that long why didn't you ever say anything to us about it?" Kiba asked.

Shino however was the one that answered, "It is obvious Kiba. Hinata has been holding it in reserve for just such an occasion as today. While you may not have noticed, Sasuke's technique only got stronger the more times he fought the same opponent, by changing to a completely unknown technique Hinata managed to completely negate all of that strength. Also, this Hard Fist stance does not require chakra to deal tremendous amounts of damage as the Gentle Fist does, effectively eliminating the handicap Hinata has fought with all year long."

"You know Shino she could have just said 'because she didn't want to'," Kiba said jokingly, "But let me get this straight, you learned a whole fighting style for one match?"

Hinata shook her head no saying, "After my first fight with Sasuke I realized there may be other times when I do not have the chakra to use the Gentle Fist, after all unlike most in my family I plan to learn ninjutsu as well. So having a fighting style that does not rely of chakra will allow me to dedicate chakra to some of the more powerful jutsu I intend to learn without crippling my ability to deal damage via taijutsu."

Reaching the intersection where they usually went their separate ways Kiba raised his hand to wave goodbye and said, "Later guys," while taking off with Akamaru following at his heels. Shino merely nodded his head as he took off down his street.

Hinata alone with her thoughts and once more looking at the certificate smiled as she thought, "This award also means I'm one step closer to honoring my promise to you Naruto."

Somewhere on the ocean between the Land of Seas and Wave Country, "Achoo," sneezed Naruto then while rubbing a finger under his nose said, "Man I hate boats there's nothing to do. I can't even train."

Zabuza turned toward the blonde getting tired of the same complaint every five minutes, "Suck it up and deal with it. We still have a couple days till we make it to Wave Country. However, if being quiet is outside of your ability and you really want to train that bad I'll through you overboard. You can then try and catch up with the ship."

Pretty sure Zabuza wasn't joking Naruto just sat there for a few minutes before trying to get some sleep.

Waking up at her usually time Hinata got out of bed and prepared for the day. After getting dressed she walked up to her desk and looked happily at the headband laying on it. Tying it around her neck she then left the Hyuuga compound to find out who her teammates would be. On the way to the academy she thought about the night before, her father upon hearing of her victory had the certificate framed and it was now hanging in her room. Also, he had a small banquet prepared in her honor with important guests from both the Main and Branch families in attendance. Her cousin Neji had attended and had even congratulated her, although she figured it was only due to it being proper etiquette.

She knew her father was trying to mend the ties between the houses and had used the banquet as an informal venue to do just that. He had done the same when Neji was named Rookie of the Year the previous year. Although she noticed that several high ranking Main Branch family members that had attended hers did not attend Neji's. Why she couldn't figure out after all a victory by one Hyuuga should be a victory for all Hyuuga as far as she was concerned. Someday she hoped to be able to ban the awful seal that was driving her family apart and giving a false sense of superiority to the Main House at the expense of the Branch family.

But, those were thoughts for the future. Now she just wanted to find out who it would be that she would be teamed with. Having made it to the academy she sat in her normal seat between Kiba and Shino who had arrived before her. Looking around she noticed several faces were missing and wondered if they had failed their exams. Her gaze eventually settled on Shikamaru Nara, who was already asleep, she had to wonder how it was that he of all people had managed to pass.

Her thoughts about the lazy Nara were interrupted by the arrival of Sakura and Ino, who were currently arguing over who made it to class first. While Hinata had noticed the two seemed to be on friendly terms again they still argued constantly. Having abandoned the argument over who arrived first they were now arguing over who was going to take the seat next to Sasuke. Sakura managed to get the seat, but how she did was missed by Hinata due to her having noticed that Ami seemed to be giving the pink and blonde haired girls the evil eye. Turning her attention away from the angry looking girl, Hinata focused on Iruka-sensei as he entered the class with a folder tucked under one arm.

Sitting at his desk and opening the folder Iruka said, "Well class, those of you here have proven that you have the necessary skills to become genin of the Konoha. Congratulations. So without further ado let me tell you who you will be teamed with. Team one…"

Calmly going through the teams on his list he reached Team Seven and called out its members, "Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno," he stopped for a moment after hearing the happy scream of Sakura, "and finally Kiba Inuzuka." Stopping once more Iruka began counting down in his head, "three…two…one."

"WHAT!?" shouted Kiba while pointing in the direction of Sasuke. "Why am I stuck on the bastard's team?"

Sighing at Kiba's expected outburst Iruka answered, "Do to Sasuke having some of the best grades and you some of the lowest it was necessary in order to balance out the teams."

Kiba, moved his arm and was now pointing at Shikamaru who was yawning having been roused from his slumber by Kiba's yelling said, "There is no way my grades are worse than that slacker."

Shikamaru, who responded to the statement before Iruka could said, "Do you have to be so damn loud?" he then pointed out, "It doesn't matter if my grades are lower because as soon as I graduated I knew I'd be paired with Chouji and Ino."

Ino of course freaked out at knowing she never stood a chance of being on Sasuke's team screamed, "WHAT! How do you know that?"

Shikamaru just shrugged as he said, "It's obvious really. Due to how well our Dads worked together and that they knocked up our moms at the same time the temptation to make a new Ino Shika Cho team would be too great to pass up."

"While not exactly how I would have put it," Iruka said, "Shikamaru's analyst is correct, so Team Ten is Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Chouji Akimichi."

Skipping over team nine due to it still being in rotation and going back to eight Iruka called out, "Finally, Team Eight will be Ami Fu, Shino Aburame, and Hinata Hyuuga." Having nothing of substance left to add Iruka said, "That is all, I wish you luck in all your endeavors. Go enjoy your lunches and your jounin-sensei shall be here to pick you up after. Although I suggest you take the time to learn more about your new teammates." With that said Iruka picked up his folder and left followed shortly by the rest of the students.

Sakura tried to ask Sasuke to eat lunch with her but was quickly shot down. She was tempted to go eat with Ino who had left with her team when Akamaru ran up to her. Bending down she began to pet the puppy when Kiba approached and said, "So he couldn't be bothered to eat with us huh?" Looking at the pink-haired girl he added, "Do want to eat with me? If not I'm going to eat with Hinata and Shino."

Sighing Sakura said, "Sure."

Of course Kiba didn't like feeling like Sakura was being put upon to eat with him because he wasn't Sasuke said, "Hey if you don't want to, go chase after the bastard alright."

Sakura realized how rude she had been and not wanting to eat alone said, "No you're right we should get to know each other better like Iruka suggested."

With Team Eight lunch was not going nearly as smoothly. Ami had tried to set herself up as leader but when Shino and Hinata had ignored her she had responded by grabbing Hinata by the collar of her orange jacket and said, "Listen here bitch, you might think your hot shit due to being Rookie of the Year but I'm the one who's in charge got it."

Hinata wasn't intimidated in the least as she replied, "I believe our jounin-sensei will be the one in charge." Then quickly activating her Kekkei Genkai she nailed the tenketsu points in the arm holding her jacket rendering it useless. Ami furious tried to hit Hinata with her other arm but she quickly countered by closing the tenketsu points in it as well.

Ami degenerated to simply cussing at Hinata however she simply ignored her as she asked Shino, "Perhaps we should go somewhere else to eat?" Shino just nodded his head in agreement as they left to go eat somewhere quieter.

After lunch the nine teams had all gathered in the classroom and had waited to be picked up. Slowly the number of teams had dwindled down to just one. Team Seven had been waiting for hours. So far Sakura's fantasies of being on the same team as Sasuke were being proven less than accurate. The last Uchiha had said less than ten words during the entire time they have been waiting no matter how she tried to engage him in a conversation. Kiba was still pouting about not being on Team Eight especially after he had seen their jounin-sensei. Sakura had to admit she was probably one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen, after the jounin had collected her charges Kiba had immediately began railing against how fate was so cruel as to stick him on Sasuke's team while the team he should have been on had the world's hottest sensei.

Sakura had pointed out what did it matter how she looked she was probably almost twenty years his senior. Kiba had quickly responded that maybe she had a student fetish and may have tried to seduce him eventually. Then getting a faraway look in his eyes he began to get a goofy grin on his face while giggling perversely. When the trickle of blood began to leave his nose Sakura decided to let Kiba be in his little fantasy world. So sitting there while ignoring the occasional giggle coming from the Inuzuka, Sakura sent a silent plea to Kami to send their Jounin-sensei before she lost her mind.

Just then the door began to open and Sakura was about to unleash a yell at the person for being so late when she noticed that it was Iruka-sensei. Looking at the three he said, "Sorry forgot something in my desk," as he made his way to the desk to retrieve the item he was searching for. Once he grabbed it he left leaving the three alone again.

Almost an hour later and with Sakura staring at the door willing it to open to reveal her sensei she finally gets her wish, when in steps a man with Silver Hair and his headband covering one eye. He was also dressed in the standard jounin uniform.

"Hm," the man said, "You must be Team Seven correct." Seeing Sakura and Sasuke just watching him he added, "My first impression is you're all rather dull." Looking up to where Kiba was sitting still in babeland he asked, "What's up with him?"

Sakura replied with a dismissive wave, "Oh, he's just being a pervert."

The jounin said with a chuckle, "Well perhaps this team won't be so bad after all. Now wake him up and meet me on the roof," then did a shunshin to the roof.

Once on the roof Kakashi crossed his arms and leaned against a railing waiting for his possible team to show up. To be honest he planned to flunk them like all the other teams the 3rd Hokage had tried to saddle him with. While the elders and Danzou wanted him to train Sasuke the fact of the matter was he had no desire to be a jounin-sensei. He would much rather remain in Anbu whilst using his free time to continue his search for Naruto as well as torturing Mizuki. However, after six years even he was hard pressed to admit the boy was still out there, after all if even Jiraiya's spy network couldn't turn up evidence of him what chance did he have with the limited amount of free time he had.

Still he tried, but the Hokage feared Kakashi was burning out in the Anbu Black Ops and would occasionally try to get him to become a jounin-sensei. However, Kakashi didn't want that. He hadn't been able to protect anyone that mattered to him. How, could he be trusted with the future generation of Konoha shinobi? Luckily he had the perfect counter for the 3rd Hokage's kind hearted attempts to look out for him and get him to move on.

He planned to give these kids the bell test it being the one test with the highest failure rate, which was why most sensei didn't use it, after all those students who just graduated all wanted to be superstar shinobi and never saw the true purpose of the test. He was tempted to just take them to the field now, but he figured he might as well put some effort into this otherwise the Hokage might not validate the results of the test.

Sasuke was the first to arrive on the roof which didn't surprise Kakashi as he thought, "Probably didn't even bother to wait for his teammates, with that attitude their failure is assured."

Next to arrive were Kiba and Sakura. Kakashi remembered Sakura as the one of the girls Naruto had saved; to be honest he was extremely disappointed in how she had turned out. While he had caught her praying at Naruto's grave from time to time it was the fact she turned out to be a fangirl that bothered him the most. Now that other girl Hinata he was proud to see how she took Naruto's sacrifice and used it as motivation to make herself stronger. He had petitioned to get her on the Hokage assigned team instead of Sasuke but had been over-ruled by the elders. They wanted him to train the last Uchiha in the use of his Sharingan when he had tried to point out there was no guarantee that Sasuke would even unlock it, the elders had simply disregarded his argument and said their best jounin should be there to protect and guide him. Well after tomorrow he'd be free to rejoin ANBU so he supposed it didn't matter.

"Well let's get this show on the road," he though. Then said, "Why don't you tell me a little about yourselves, such as things you like, dislike, and maybe your dreams for the future. How about you start things off Pinkie?"

But hesitantly Sakura said, "Well maybe you should go first to show us what you want?"

'Very well," Kakashi said, "My name is Kakashi Hatake. My likes…well I like lots of things, dislikes... Hmmm… that's really none of your business, and my dreams …never really thought about it. Okay now you."

"That's not fair he didn't tell us anything." But obediently Sakura said, "My name's Sakura Haruno, my likes are…," then while blushing looked to Sasuke, "my dislikes are jerks who take enjoyment in making other people suffer, and my dream for the future is…," once more she gazed at Sasuke with a blush but then got serious and said, "also I would like to repair a friendship I lost."

"Hmm, I had her pegged solely as a fangirl," Kakashi thought," but perhaps there is more to her then she lets on." Pointing to Kiba, he said, "Okay you're next."

"Alright," Kiba said excitedly, "My name's Kiba Inuzuka, I like a lot of things too, but my puppy Akamaru, family and friends are at the forefront, I guess I'm also in the same boat as you are sensei because I've never really thought about the future too much."

Kakashi then asked, "And your dislikes?"

"Cats," Kiba said with scorn.

"Now what about you," Kakashi said indicating Sasuke.

"I don't like many things and I dislike to many to name, as far as to my dream it isn't a dream because I will make it a reality I'm going to kill a certain someone and revive my clan," said Sasuke.

"My how dark," Kakashi said, "I imagine if I was a twelve year old girl I'd be all over you too."

Kiba laughed at that liking his new sensei already, while Sasuke just glared at the man for disrespecting him. Ignoring them Kakashi said, "Okay meet me tomorrow at the designated training ground for your first mission."

"Whoa, wait up Kakashi-sensei," Kiba said. "What kind of mission has us going to the training grounds?"

Kakashi responded by chuckling to which Sakura asked, "Why are you laughing Kakashi-sensei? That's a reasonable question."

In-between chuckles Kakashi answered, "Because I know how you'll react when I tell you the truth about tomorrow's mission. You see of the twenty-seven of you who graduated only nine will be accept as genin. That means you have at least a sixty-six percent chance of failing and being sent back to the academy."

Kiba was the first to react vocally to the news saying, "What? That's bull. What about the exam test we took yesterday?"

"Isn't that obvious, Kiba?" Kakashi said. "It was merely to separate those of you who had enough skill to take this test from those who didn't."

Deciding to leave the three alone with their thoughts Kakashi said, "Well until tomorrow then. Oh a piece of advice don't eat breakfast or else you'll puke," and after a nonchalant wave he shunshined away.

Kiba arrived at the training ground shortly after sunrise not too surprised that he was the last to arrive. He had tried to leave earlier but his mom had insisted he eat breakfast. As she put it, "Did you feed Akamaru this morning?" He of course said yes so with a serious look on her face said, "Why?"

"So Akamaru wouldn't be hunger later and be able to perform to the best of his best abilities." Kiba answered and as he finished his sentence it suddenly made sense. "Kakashi-sensei doesn't want us able to perform at our best, but why?"

Tsume had answered, "It's not that he doesn't want you at your best, but is trying to gauge how well you can see through deception."

Kiba asked, "But I didn't see through it, isn't it cheating that you told me?"

Sticking a plate in front of him his mother said, "Not at all, I'm just acting like a mother who is preventing her son from starting his day without a hearty breakfast." His stomach silenced his argument by growling so he quickly dug in.

After he finished he made his way for the door but was stopped by his mother as she said with her back towards him as she continued to wash the dishes, "Kiba I can't tell you what Kakashi has in store for you today, but follow your instincts their there for a reason."

Kiba responded, "Sure thing mom, thanks for breakfast," and left through the kitchen door

After Kiba left the 3rd Hokage stepped into the kitchen asking, "Are you sure Kiba will be able to see through Kakashi's deceptions? The bell test has a high failure rate for a reason, Tsume."

Turning towards the aged leader Tsume said, "I'm sure; he's an Inuzuka after all. He knows the pack is stronger than any individual could ever be. Besides if you want Kakashi to pass a team so bad you should have stuck Kiba with Hinata and Shino, they would have aced the bell test easily."

Sighing, the Hokage said, "I'm aware of that, but the elders overruled me on the teams compositions. They feel Sasuke will flourish under Kakashi's mentorship."

"Well don't worry about it, Lord Hokage," Tsume said with a smile, "Kiba will make sure his team passes you can bet on it."

"I see… well perhaps I should wager in the pool you have going on what teams will pass this year, eh Tsume?" Sarutobi said with a smirk seeing the matriarch of the Inuzuka's face coloring now that she was aware the 3rd Hokage knew of her secret pool.

"Let me see," he said putting his hand under his chin in a thinking pose. "I have to pick the three teams I believe will pass correct? Very well give me teams eight, ten, and of course seven." With that Sarutobi placed the money for his wager on the table and left.

With noon only a few hours away Kiba was immensely thankful to his mother especial as he heard the groans coming from his teammates stomachs. Sakura though noticed that Kiba seemed fine so asked, "Aren't you hungry Kiba?"

"Nah," Kiba responded, "My mom made sure that I ate breakfast this morning."

As he finished his sentence Kakashi finally decided to make his entrance and said, "Isn't that against what I said Kiba?"

Kiba stared back defiantly saying, "You mean suggested, don't you Kakashi-sensei?"

Giving an eye smile Kakashi responded, "Your right now that I think about I never did actually order you not to eat." Of course, Sasuke and Sakura's stomachs choose that moment to let out a couple of groans.

"Well it appears two of you listened to my suggestion," then addressing all three added, "let me explain what your objective is." Kakashi held up a closed fist and then opened it showing off two bells saying, "The goal is simple all you have to do is take these bells from me." Motioning towards the lunches and alarm clock near the memorial stone Kakashi added, "Whoever doesn't get a bell by noon will be tied to the post while I eat lunch and then be sent back to the academy. Oh one more thing, attack with the full intent to kill if you want any chance of getting these bells. If there aren't any questions lets…begin."

Upon saying begin the three potential genin and one puppy disappeared from Kakashi's sight. "Well at least they know how to hide," he thought. Then reaching into his pouch he pulled out his favorite book, Make-out Paradise.

Seeing their potential sensei pull out a book and beginning to read caused different emotions in each of the three. Sasuke narrowed his eyes at being underestimated moving closer while waiting for an opening.

Sakura seeing her potential sensei reading an adult book in broad daylight thought while sweat dropping, "Great he's a pervert."

However, Kiba meanwhile was freaking out while whispering to Akamaru, "What take a bell off a full jounin, no way. Hell mom has to hold back when sparring with us or else she'd mop the floor with us right boy," receiving a slight nod from his canine partner who then quietly yipped a question. Responding Kiba whispered, "Yeah I thought about it but the only one who would be willing to help probably is Sakura and I hate to admit it but to even come close to getting those bells we'll need Sasuke's help too." Akamaru yipped once more to which Kiba said while petting the puppy, "Your right it'll be up to me to convince him. We'll wait until after Sasuke gets tired of waiting and attacks before asking him, he may be easier to convince after getting his ass handed to him, let's try to find Sakura. With that Kiba and his puppy silently move towards the pink-haired kunoichi.

Sasuke was crouched up in some trees observing the jounin, while to the untrained eye the man gave off the air of not having a care in the world Sasuke knew differently. He had been a little surprised that the usually hot-headed Kiba hadn't made a move yet, but maybe he had underestimated the boy a little bit after all his defeat to Hinata had taught him that his skills of observation still needed some fine tuning. Thinking of that loss sill made his blood boil one day he and Hinata would fight again and then he'd show her why the Uchiha were superior.

Still first he would have to get pass this test. Suddenly he saw an opening as the jounin turned the page in his book. "This is it his guard is down," Sasuke thought while sending a volley of shuriken at the man. All of them hit home, except as the body fell to the ground it was replaced by a log. Sasuke immediately dropped down trying to find new cover. Clearing some bushes he appeared in an open area, but found Kakashi there waiting.

"That wasn't very nice," the masked jounin said while putting his book away. "And I was at such a good part in the story."

Sasuke merely smirked, "What not going to try and read it while fighting me."

"Of course not," Kakashi said but then getting a glint in his eye added, "even if you're only the runner-up for Rookie of the Year."

Sasuke having had enough with words leaped at Kakashi trying to take his head off with a kick which was blocked and caught by the jounin. Then he sent a punch towards the man which was also caught, but with both hands now tied up he made a grab for the bells. Kakashi saw this and let go of Sasuke while jumping back.

"Not bad, but you'll have to do better than that if you want these bells," Kakashi said.

Sasuke next began several hand signs seeing that he ended on tiger Kakashi thought, "What? Genin can't use fire jutsu."

Finishing his hand signs Sasuke took a deep breath and thought, "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu." Once the fire burnt out Sasuke was on guard seeing as there was no sign of Kakashi. Looking all around him, he thought, "Where did he go?" Suddenly a hand came up from the ground and pulled him under as Kakashi used the Earth Style: Head Hunter Jutsu.

Kakashi was about to say something to Sasuke when Kiba came flying out of the bushes. Attacking Kakashi while using beast mimicry, Kakashi easily blocked his attacks seeing this Kiba apparently decided to regroup disappearing back into the bushes. Turning to Sasuke, Kakashi said, "Well it appears Kiba wants to play now so ta-ta," then took off after the Inuzuka.

A few minutes later Kiba and Sakura came out from the same spot the other Kiba had came from. Sasuke stopped trying to free himself asking, "What, but you were just here did you already lose Kakashi?"

Sporting a grin Kiba answered, "Nah that was Akamaru henged to look like me. He's leading him away so we can talk."

"About what," Sasuke asked.

"About teaming up to get those bells," Kiba answered.

"I don't need any help," Sasuke said.

Looking down at the boy who was buried up to his shoulders Kiba just grinned while saying, "I can see that."

Sasuke glared up at him which he ignored while adding, "Look Sasuke I'll admit your strong, but not strong enough to take on a jounin one on one. Look at it this way, a single dog can never beat a bear but a pack of them can overpower it. Besides, I'm starting to think he's using the bells to get us to fight against each other instead of working together knowing we'll never get them on our own."

While Kiba's argument was sound, Sasuke still had a hard time swallowing his pride and asked, "What if you're wrong?"

"If I'm wrong then I'll go back to the academy. Hell, without you there all the cuties will probably think I'm the coolest guy there," Kiba answered with a smirk.

"More like you're the slow kid who needed an extra year of schooling," Sakura said.

"Hey, whose sides are you on? I'm trying to convince this bastard to listen to reason," Kiba said while rounding on Sakura.

"Fine, I'll do it," Sasuke said.

"Good," Kiba said, "Now hold still while we get you out of there."

Kakashi had known that the Kiba he chased was Akamaru, but was curious as to what Kiba had planned. He was surprised that the puppy hadn't led him to an area filled with traps before returning to its original form and taking off back in the direction they had come from. So Kakashi waited in the clearing the puppy had led him to while waiting for whatever it was Kiba had planned. It was almost lunch time, so he figured if they still hadn't worked as a team by then he'd tie Kiba to the post. While giving them the mandatory second chance figuring that since Kiba had already eaten breakfast the other two wouldn't offer him anything even after he explained the true purpose of the test. Then he could put this behind him and return to his duties in Anbu.

Hearing a twig snap he was surprised to see that instead of Kiba it was Sakura who came charging out of the bushes. Jumping at Kakashi he easily parried the attack, but was caught off guard when Sakura clamped onto his arm with her whole body holding it straight. Then both Sasuke and Kiba came out of the woods. Kiba went for his other arm which he managed to snag also pinning it with his body. While Sasuke had gone for Kakashi's feet wrapping his legs around one leg and his arms around the other.

Caught by the three Kakashi said, "Not bad however if even one of you lets go long enough to grab for the bells I'll be able to escape."

Kiba who like Sakura was upside down using his whole body to keep Kakashi arms straight looked up at the jounin and said while smiling, "Actually sensei you forgot something."

"Oh, what's that?"

"Arf, Arf," Akamaru barked while in midair snagging the bells from Kakashi's belt.

"You forgot there are four of us," Kiba said letting go. Akamaru then came up putting the bells in his outstretched hand.

While Kakashi could have easily gotten out of their grips once they had acted as a team there had been no point. So he had allowed them their small victory. "Very good," he said, "you pass provided you can explain to me what the true purpose of the test is."

Sakura was the one who answered, "Its teamwork right Kakashi-sensei."

"Your right Sakura," Kakashi said.

"Well actually Kiba was the one who pointed it out, but the more I think about it the more sense it makes."

Chuckling at that Kakashi stated, "I suppose I shouldn't be surprised an Inuzuka saw the true purpose of this test, after all your clan relies so heavily upon the teamwork between you and your partners. Just remember that as a team you may one day be put in a situation where you are forced to decide between your teammates and the mission. While those who disobey the rules that say to choose the mission are trash, those who abandon their teammates are worse than trash. Well then I official pronounce you guys as Team Seven so meet me here tomorrow for some training before we go get our first real mission."

As the three newly minted genin headed home Kakashi thought, "Maybe being a jounin-sensei won't be such a bad thing after all."

After several days at sea the Lamprey pulled into dock at a harbor located in Wave Country. One of the boats occupants couldn't wait finding being cooped in the ship unable to do any serious training almost unbearable, which had made the trip almost unbearable for Zabuza as he had to constantly restrain himself from trying to stab the hyper active blond. After docking Naruto had jumped down the ramp saying, "Finally I thought I was going to die of boredom on that ship."

Zabuza whispered, "You almost did but it wouldn't have been boredom that killed you."

While Naruto didn't hear his statement Haku did and said, "You shouldn't joke like that Zabuza."

"Who's joking," he responded dryly.

Once they all assembled on the dock they noticed a rather large armed party waiting for them. Zabuza quickly went for his sword however he stopped when he heard several bow's being drawn back from behind him. Looking behind him he saw the ship's captain along with several of his crew standing there. The crewmen were armed with the bows.

Zabuza said angrily, "Last minute instruction for your men, huh you bastard."

Before the ship captain could respond a tall well dressed man with a scar running down the left side of his face and red hair stepped forward saying, 'Please relax Zabuza, we are not here for the price on your head. Instead, we come offering you an opportunity to work for the man that runs this country."

Naruto asked, "Why would the Daimyo want to hire us?"

The men all began to laugh at that, while the man who had addressed them said, "Ha-ha, no I do not refer to that weak-willed fool, but instead to the man who holds the true reins of power in this country."

Zabuza said, "Before we continue perhaps you should tell me who you are."

"Ah yes, forgive me I am Taro, I am Gato's lieutenant" he said with a slight bow. "As I said Gato has expressed interest in acquiring your services for a job."

"Be that as it may," Zabuza said, "I don't feel comfortable being ambushed like this in order to pressure me into working for him."

"Again I apologize," Taro said while making a gesture which made the men put away their weapons. "They were only here to make sure you listened. If you are interested please come to our headquarters when you are ready. Although I recommend making up your mind soon, otherwise we will have to find someone else for this job." After having said his fill Taro and his men left the dock leaving a stunned Zabuza behind.

Haku looked at Zabuza asking, "Zabuza, who is this Gato he referred too?"

"He's a man with very deep pockets," Zabuza said. "And depending on what he is willing to pay probably our future client."

"So should we head over to their headquarters?" Naruto asked.

"No," Zabuza answered, "we'll give them a few days before heading over there. No sense in looking desperate or else he may lower how much he is willing to pay. In the meantime let's find some lodging for now."

Taking off to find a place to stay, they left the docks. As they walked towards a hotel they noticed that they were being followed. Giving a signal to turn down an alley they hurried and set up their ambush. Naruto made three clones and had two of them henge into Zabuza and Haku. The clones then took off running down the alley while they took positions on the roof of the buildings. The two men following them realizing their cover was blown took off after the clones only to have Naruto and Haku drop down on them pinning them to the ground.

Zabuza stepped in front of the prone men saying, "Who are you guys and what do you want? Speak quickly or else my associates here while snap your necks."

Looking up one of the men said, "What's a matter Zabuza don't you recognize a couple of your old friends,"

"Gouzu," Zabuza said surprised. "So I take it your Meizu," he said while addressing the other prone man. "What do the legendary Demon Brothers want with me?" Zabuza asked mockingly.

"We saw your meeting with Gato's number two man," Gouzu said, "and we want a piece of the action."

"I have half-a-mind to kill you both right here," Zabuza said angered at the brothers' demands.

"You owes us," Meizu the younger twin stated, "If it wasn't for your coup d'état we wouldn't be missing-nin."

"I don't owe you anything," Zabuza growled, "you choose to join me in hopes of money and power. Don't come crying to me because things didn't go as planned."

"Let them up," he ordered Naruto and Haku. While he hated to admit it he did feel partly responsible for the brother's plight so he said, "Fine I'll let you in on this job on one condition."

Gouzu asked, "And that is?"

"After this we go our separate ways and you two stay the hell away from me," Zabuza said.

"Deal," the brothers replied.

"Fine we'll meet at Gato's headquarters in three days," Zabuza said, "until then stay the hell out of my sight."

The brothers made their exit leaving Zabuza and the others alone in the alley. Naruto asked, "Who were they?"

"A couple of weakling that joined in my first attempt against the Mizukage," Zabuza answered the tone of voice showing his contempt for the brothers. "I still don't know how they survived when so many better and stronger warriors didn't. I assume they just hid somewhere till it became apparent that we failed."

"If you don't like or trust them, you should have let us handle them," Naruto stated.

"I trust them enough not to screw up with money on the line and we may need the manpower depending on what Gato wants us for," Zabuza said. "But forget about them for now; let's go find some place to stay. With that said the trio began looking for a suitable hotel.

After a little over two weeks as a shinobi Kiba had come to a conclusion about the missions they have received thus far. "This sucks," Kiba stated after handing over the god forsaken flea bag that him and his team has captured for the seventh time.

"Kiba," Iruka said who during his time in between academy sessions helped hand out missions, "show some respect."

"Come on Iruka-sensei I'm tired of these lame as missions," the Inuzuka boy said.

"While your mission may be lacking in excitement Kiba you are performing a vital task for the village," the Hokage said.

"Yeah but don't you have something with a little teeth to it?" Kiba asked.

"Well I do have something you may be interested in but let me ask Kakashi first," the Hokage replied. "Well Kakashi is Team Seven ready for a C-ranked escort mission?"

"Hm, let me see," Kakashi said thinking for a moment before saying, "No, I can't recommend them for such a mission I'm afraid."

Each of Team Seven had different reactions to Kakashi's statement Sakura was secretly relieved believing she wasn't ready for the added pressures of a higher ranked mission. Sasuke merely narrowed his eyes at his sensei while saying, "Hn." And Kiba, looked as if Kakashi had just kicked Akamaru.

"I see," said the Hokage, "Would you be willing to explain your reasoning?"

"I fear my team has yet to display adequate growth in their teamwork for us to take on such a mission," stated Kakashi.

Kiba upset at that said, "But we passed your bell test because of our teamwork."

"True," Kakashi responded, "but since then you three have been all about individual effort. Take the mission we just completed. It took you far too long to catch Tora all because you each tried to catch it on your own instead of trying to work together to corner it. That kind of thinking on a C-ranked mission could get one of you killed or worse the client."

"Very well Kakashi," the Hokage said, "Well let see what we have remaining from the list of D-ranked missions."

Just then the Daimyo's wife came running back into the room screaming, "Please help Lord Hokage, my precious Tora has escaped again."

"It seems you have your next mission, Kakashi," the Third said replying to the woman's request.

"Understood," Kakashi replied but before he could order his team after it, Kiba had pulled out a kunai running from the room mumbling how he was going to insure the cat would never run away again. So Kakashi ordered his remaining two students to catch up to their temporarily unhinged teammate before he did something foolish.

Watching as Team Seven made its exit Iruka asked, "Sir, what about that escort mission though?"

"Don't worry I have a team in mind for that job," the Hokage assured.

A short time later Team Ten showed up for its first job despite it being mid-afternoon. Commenting on this the Hokage said, "A little late for your team's first mission of the day isn't Asuma?"

"Sorry about that sir. One of my team members felt the need to sleep in today instead of showing up to training," Asuma said while glaring at Shikamaru due to his being put under the spotlight.

Chuckling the Hokage said, "I see he must of felt it was to troublesome to show up on time eh. Well as a result how late it is I'm afraid we are all out of D-ranked missions for the day."

Shikamaru at hearing that particular bit of news looked as happy as he ever did until the Hokage added, "However, there is a C-ranked mission to escort a man to Wave which I'll be assigning to your team due to its members being so well rested."

Ino was ecstatic at the news having long grown tired of D-ranked missions saying, "Finally your laziness paid off for us Shikamaru."

"Man what a drag," Shikamaru said, "if I knew this was how today was going to turn out I'd have stayed in bed."

The Hokage ignoring them called out, "Tazuna you may come in now."

The client walked in and took a swig of his drink saying, "These kids are who you assigned to protect me while I return to Wave." Seeing the Hokage's nod he thought to himself, "I'm a dead man."

Zabuza was returning to the hideout provided by Gato after having a meeting with the man. He was having serious doubts about working for the bastard. For one he was cheap, considering how hard he fought against the price Zabuza had originally demanded. After about a week of negotiating the fee for the assignation of the bridge builder he had relented, of course by then Tazuna was already out of the country supposedly to buy supplies for the bridge. Gato's spies had just located him on a road heading back to his village unfortunately they were unable to tell him if he had any shinobi protection which he believed possible despite Gato's claims that the man was too poor to afford them. Especially, considering the road he was taking back to his village practically led to Konoha's doorstop.

He supposed it was a good thing the Demon Brothers had turned up. Zabuza knew that while his boys would do whatever he asked they more than likely wanted to protect Tazuna then work for the slimy Gato. Naruto he realized had it doubly tough as he knew the blonde would not want to raise his hand against Kohona shinobi knowing it was a possible life or death battle, hell when they had attacked the Leaf courier Naruto had made him promise they wouldn't kill the man even if it meant failing the mission. So he would dispatch the Brothers to do the dirty deed, naturally he would send Naruto to watch over the Brothers to make sure they didn't screw up.

When he entered the hideout he found Naruto maintaining his blade while Haku practiced his Ice Clone Jutsu on the balcony outside of the tree house. While Haku had the form down, what he ended up creating where life-like ice statues that were unable to move on their own.

"Naruto create a shadow clone and have it follow me," Zabuza ordered.

Nodding his head he made the cross hand sign and a single clone popped into existence which followed behind Zabuza as he went to look for the Demon Brothers while the real Naruto just went back to sharpening and polishing his ninjato. Locating the Brothers lounging around in a supply room he said, "Alright you two the target has been located on the main road leading to Wave. You're to kill him if the opportunity arises, Ronin here is in charge whatever he says goes, clear," Zabuza said while trying to keep his contempt for the two to a minimum. Zabuza was aware that the Brothers may run into Konoha shinobi even if they weren't hired by their target so if the Brothers failed he had insisted Naruto go by a codename of Ronin in case they were captured while in the Land of Fire. The last thing he wanted was Konoha to know where Naruto was.

Zabuza wasn't surprised though when the oldest brother Gouzu started complaining, "So let me see if I understand this correctly. Not only do we do all the heavy lifting for this job, but we have to take orders from this snot nosed kid to boot."

Naruto simply ran at the Demon Brothers nailing the younger twin with a kick that sent him crashing into some boxes. Dodging an ineffective punch from the older brother Naruto managed to get behind him and pulling his blade held it under Gouzu's neck, while using him as a shield to block the chain weapon located in the gauntlet Meizu wore on his left arm who after extracting himself from the boxes was trying to get a clear shot.

Naruto whispering in Gouzu's ear, but loud enough for Meizu to hear said, "Do not forget you are only here because Zabuza took pity on you two. Gato didn't hire the Demon Brothers, but the Demon of Mist. So if Zabuza says you are to attack the target then that's what you are going to do and if he says to follow my orders then you had best follow them to the letter otherwise…," Naruto paused a moment while pressing the blade a little harder into Gouzu's neck and then added, "I'll do what we should of done in the alley." Naruto then removed the blade from Gouzu's neck and then pushed him into his brother.

"Good now that the matter of who is in charged is settled," Zabuza said grinning beneath his wraps at how easily Naruto manhandled the two chunin, "I expect you guys to be on your way in an hour."

After the brothers left to grab the rest of their gear, Zabuza addressed the clone saying, "Keep a sharp eye on those two and make sure they don't screw up. We can't afford any mistakes or else it'll be crappy low paying missions for the rest of our lives got it."

The clone saluted him saying, "You can count on me."

Zabuza just put a hand on the clone's shoulder and said, "I know."