ALRIGHT, PEEPS. IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.

So I've been wondering if I should switch to a Third Person P.O.V. instead because:

Reason 1: So I can write what the others are thinking, which makes it fair for all the appearances of the characters.

Reason 2: I can describe actions and physical changes.

Reason 3: I'm trying to add some new flavour to this fic. I think. To be totally honest, I am 100% sure that I have 0.1% idea what I'm doing

THUS. I've decided to do this chapter in third person pov. Just for you guys to get a taste of it. But if you guys think that this new change is weird af, I'll change it back. But you need to say it out, okay? I gotta know if you guys are comfortable. I'M DOING IT FOR US. (lmao)

SO HERE WE GO.

Chapter 12: Survival Exercise?

Mononoke sat on the table, swinging her legs back and forth in a carefree way. Sasuke was a few ways off from her, his fingers interlocked as he rest them against his lips. Sakura and Naruto, however, were busy stomping around as the four of them waited for their sensei.

As she watched them pacing like dogs, Mononoke couldn't help but smile. She's definitely positive that Kakashi's their sensei. It's the only way to explain their new teacher's terrible sense of time. After all, the whole class is empty since everyone left. The last group before them was gone about an hour ago.

"Is he ever coming?", Sakura groaned in exasperation as she gave up walking and leaned against the table beside Sasuke and Mononoke. Mononoke just smiled at her, her sharp canines showing, "Don't worry. As late as he is, at least he won't drag it till tomorrow." Sakura just snorted at her, "And how is that supposed to be comforting?"

Before she could reply, Naruto shot up, exclaiming, "That's it! I know what to do!" All eyes were on him as he grabbed the chalk duster and continued watching as he stood on a chair before he began to fix it above the door, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Finally registering what he was up to, Sakura furrowed her brows and reprimanded, "You're asking for trouble, Naruto!"

"Well, he's asking for it!", Naruto said, snickering.

Sasuke just propped his chin on his fingers, "He's a Jounin. Why do you think he's going to fall for that cheap trick?"

Mononoke, however, had a different reaction to this as she laughed, "He's so going to fall for it."

The Uchiha glanced at the silvery haired girl with slight interest. He wondered why she is so confident about their sensei. She leaned forward slightly as she spoke to Naruto and he could see her bare skin as the fishnet shirt she wore underneath her cropped top stretched. She had a peculiar taste in fashion and an even more peculiar personality. She was like a walking irony. Cold and hot, friendly and mean.

For once, the boy didn't know what to make of her but at the same time, he really couldn't care less.

Suddenly, she froze and her eyes snapped to the doorway. He could see her nostrils flare slightly and her mouth twitched upwards, "Well, he's here."

The trio followed her gaze to the door as a hand pushed against the door. To the delight of Sakura, Naruto and Mononoke, the eraser landed straight on the mop of spiky silver hair. Mononoke snorted and began to throw a fit of giggles as Naruto grinned, pointing triumphantly at the victim, "Ahahaha, I got you good!"

"I'm so sorry, sensei. I told them not to do it!", Sakura said pleadingly but Mononoke rolled her eyes at the sight. Sure you did. The man spoke with slight irritation, "Hmm, my first impression of you guys... You're a bunch of idiots."

Mononoke swear she could see the very air cracked at the insult. Smiling, the girl hopped off the table and stood in front of the teacher, her hands clasped behind her back, "Way to go, Kakashi. Very inspiring."

Kakashi's eyes softened a little when he saw the girl. The other three were gawking at them as Kakashi ruffled her bangs, "Good to see you, scamp." To which the girl just grinned boyishly at him.

XX

"Right, so now we're going to introduce ourselves to one another. You know, the usual. Your likes, dislikes, hobbies, dreams for the future, things like that.", Kakashi said with a wave of a dismissive hand. Mononoke hid a smile as she watched her guardian being a total jerk. Which he is but that's why she loves him. Besides, although he looks like he's bored out of his mind, Mononoke could scent out a little of his interest towards the other three.

Naruto squinted at him as Sakura asked politely, no doubt trying to get on the good side of the sensei, "Why don't you start first, sensei? As an example."

Kakashi looked up and pondered as he replied, "Hmm, my name is Hatake Kakashi. Well, my likes... let's see... my dislikes... hmm, I don't feel like telling you my dreams. And hobbies? Well, I've a lot of hobbies."

The foursome just sweat-dropped at their indifferent sensei as his single eye turned up into what they think was a smile. "All we found out was your name!", Naruto pointed obnoxiously, his face scrunching up.

"Well, you can start.", Kakashi lifted a hand at him lazily, obviously trying to get this meet and greet session over with. Mononoke tuned out most of Naruto's cringe worthy, sweat dropping speech about ramen, although her ears pricked up a little when Naruto began talking about his lifelong dream.

"And my dream is to be the Hokage! That way everyone will look up to me and treat me like I'm a somebody.", Naruto said as he adjusted his headband, confidence and hope overflowing from him. Mononoke watched him in wonder as the blonde grinned at Kakashi. A Hokage? To be respected? A smile tugged at her lips. She could understand that.

Kakashi nodded, "Interesting. Alright, you with the pink hair. Your turn."

The amount of squeals she emitted was almost infinite as she gushed about Sasuke, who was right beside her. Does she have no shame?, Mononoke couldn't help but groaned and plant her hands to her face. Oh, how she wished the world would decide Sakura into a black hole. Or Mononoke. Whoever is fine. One of them needs to get sucked in a black hole.

Have mercy on my poor heart, Mononoke thought helplessly to whoever is listening in heaven or hell, she couldn't be bothered who. Kami, let her finish already. The hairs on her body were popping up as she shivered. Ugh, fangirls.

"And I hate Naruto.", was her awe-inspiring last sentence. Mononoke couldn't help but think, 'I hate you too, but you don't see me complaining.' Kakashi just sighed, exasperation at the girly girl clear, and turned to Sasuke, "Alright, your turn."

The Uchiha groaned inwardly as he began, "I like a few things, I suppose." Kakashi noticed the glance the Uchiha stole at his kid and couldn't help but feel a little protective. Why is he looking at Mononoke for? Oh wait, he knew. Must be one of the scamp's charms. He refocused on the boy as the kid scowled, "I don't like a lot of things. But I don't have a dream but a goal. To restore my clan. And to destroy a certain somebody."

Sakura looked as if the Cupid just shot a canon at her face while Naruto was holding his throat, his face a little blue as he wondered if that certain somebody was him.

Ooh, someone's all doom and gloom, Mononoke thought to herself as she snorted in disdain at the Uchiha. She was right. He did have a stick right up his ass. Very far up his ARSE. Where's the fun in life if he's going to be such a grump?

"Very good. Okay, scamp, you're up.", Kakashi motioned to his favourite kid. She grinned at she leaned backwards in an easy going way, "My name is Mononoke. I'm technically clanless but all of you know that. My likes? Well, I like candy and spending time with people I care about. As for dislikes? Hmm." She tilted her head, looking at no one in particular, "I hate brats. As for hobbies, eh, there's too many."

Finally, her smile grew a little devilish, her eyes sparkling a little dangerously, "And my dream isn't small like being a Hokage or to kill anyone. I have a greater desire. I want to be well known across the nations, respected by friends and feared by enemies, so much that they'll shiver at the mention of my name."

The other three watched her with varying degrees of admiration while Kakashi smiled his first sincere smile since he met them. That's his girl.

But she wasn't finished as she turned to her three team mates thoughtfully, "Oh and you guys? In case you didn't know, I had stayed with Kakashi sensei when I was younger and he sort of raised me. So don't feel awkward about it, kay?"

Sakura asked, baffled, "Uh, how did that happen?" Mononoke shrugged off her question with a smile, "Long story, flower girl." Although Sakura wasn't sure how to react to the nickname, she realized that she hardly understand Mononoke at all. Not her past and definitely not her. She just thought that the canine-like girl was a barbarian but she felt like her view of the girl changed a little today.

XXX

"So, whatcha think?", Mononoke asked cheerily as she walked beside Kakashi. The girl had decided to accompany the man home before going back to her other home. It wasn't necessary, obviously, since he's a grown man and everything but he enjoyed the company. Besides, it's Mononoke.

"Way to go, scamp. Very inspiring.", Kakashi repeated her earlier words and the girl rolled her eyes, smiling, "Not me, baka. Them." She slipped her hand in his and began to swing it like how she did when she was a child. He chuckled slightly at her silliness before replying, "Interesting. But it's different to deal with a four man cell." Mononoke looked up at him curiously, "Why?"

"It doesn't seem... right."

"Why?"

"It's just different."

"Why?"

"You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?", Kakashi looked at her a little accusingly and she mock-frowned at him, as if he foiled a great master plan, "Aw, you got me." He just shook her head as she continued swinging their arms back and forth, "But since I'm in charge of you four, I suppose I must do my job right."

"You bet. Or else I'll never forgive you.", Mononoke said in a sing song way as she twirled around, twisting his arm. The pressure made him circled around grudgingly.

"You're in a good mood.", he said, uncomfortable and a little embarrassed with the fact someone might be watching him doing all that twirling. Mononoke released him and lifted her arms wide, "Why not? You're my sensei! So that's one goal in life checked!"

He chuckled at her, "Me being your sensei was your goal in life? How nice."

"Well, I've always wanted you to teach me since I was a kid. Now I've got it!", she laughed, her voice like bells, and began skipping away. Kakashi couldn't help but smile.

At least there's a little bit more sweetness in his bitter shinobi life.

XX

After Mononoke left Kakashi with a hug goodbye, she started off to one of the quieter hills in the village to pass time. It's too early to go home anyway. She continued walking, purpose in her every stride. There's a storm coming up and she's determined not to miss it.

As she got to the shady hills, she spotted a familiar figure. In a spread eagle position and his hands behind his head, Shikamaru was watching the clouds, bliss clear on his face. The girl smiled when she saw him and started to jog towards the Nara boy. She knew this was one of his favourite places to nap and cloud watch but she didn't particularly chose this hill because he was there, she chose it because it was quieter. Definitely wasn't because of him.

'Hey.", she greeted and his dark eyes slid to her, "Hey yourself." But inside the Nara, he was secretly thrilled that she was here. Although he wasn't sure why but his heartbeat began to pick up while Shikamaru watched as she settled herself beside him. It's a weird feeling but it's not unfamiliar. He always get it whenever she's around. It's such a drag to feel so uncomfortable being with someone who made him feel so peaceful at the same time.

Mononoke stretched before he turns back to watch the clouds.

"So how's your team, Shika?", he heard her asked curiously.

There she goes using that dumb nickname again. The pineapple head hated the name, but strangely enough, it's nicer when Mononoke says it. But it's not like he was about to admit it.

He closed his eyes as he groaned in reply, "It's fine. How was yours?"

"Well, Kakashi's my sensei.", she said happily before they lapse into silence. Shikamaru knew that she should be really ecstatic about it but he wondered why she didn't continue. He cracked open an eye, peeking at her but she was just watching the sky as she leaned back on her hands.

The breeze blew through her short ponytail, lifting it ever so slightly. It was a few months ago when she decided to grow her hair out. Shikamaru didn't knew the reason but as far as he would admit, she looked better with her hair tied up even though it looks more like a chicken tail instead of a pony's.

"You're awfully quiet.", Shikamaru said, surprising Mononoke and himself. She turned her head back to look at him, "Well, you don't usually talk when you're cloud watching. I figured you would prefer to nap instead of listen to me babble. Ino probably did that for me."

Busted.

Shikamaru cleared his throat, trying to get rid of his awkwardness as he looked back at the sky, "You've always wanted Kakashi to be your sensei anyway so I'd thought you would freak out and celebrate." Mononoke giggled and fell back on the grass, a few blades flying up as she did so, "You know me too well, Shika. But I'll spare you today." He smirked at her, "Oh, thank goodness." Mononoke turned over to face him, her hand propping up her head, "That's why you should be grateful and buy me candy later."

His face of horror cracked her up, "No. Last time I did, you had a sugar rush that lasted five hours."

"It wasn't that bad.", Mononoke tried to reason but he gave her a look.

"You were laughing your head off over nothing and you tried to flush the goldfish down the toilet bowl so it could 'escape this cruel world'."

"Did I?", she couldn't help giggle at the thought of that. Shikamaru groaned as he turned his face away, "You're so troublesome." Mononoke's laughter died down moments later and they sank into a comfortable silence.

Shikamaru doesn't say it but it's nice to have someone to watch the clouds with. Chouji usually accompanies him but his dad took him for lunch today and how could the kid say no to that? Besides, Mononoke is a great cloud watching buddy. She always makes the dumbest jokes about the clouds that annoy him to no limits yet it made him smile like an idiot.

"Shika, look! That one looks like a dying whale!", Mononoke said and he raised an eyebrow at her, "A dying whale?" Mononoke looked at him with a dramatic expression, "So you were actually listening?" He rolled his eyes at her, "And you said I didn't like conversations when I cloud watch." But he couldn't stop his mouth from twitching upwards.

"Lo and behold, ladies and gentlemen, Shika smiles!", Mononoke began to giggle like crazy at her own joke. The said boy snorted at her but before he could shoot her a snarky remark, the looming clouds block out the sunlight. The duo looked up and Mononoke smiled.

The storm was coming.

Looking back at her friend, she tilted her head, "It smells like it's going to rain soon." Shikamaru nodded and propped himself up on his elbows, "Yeah. You think we can make it home in time?" She shrugged, "Negative. The wind is picking up." As soon as she said it, the slight breeze before began to turn harsh, the air stirring wildly. Shikamaru gave her a look and she raised her hands in surrender, "Hey, let's just say I've got a jinxing luck."

He sighed nonchalantly and stood up, "Well, let's get going before we get soaked."

"Or we could stay here.", Mononoke mused as she waited for his reaction, which was pretty priceless as he looked at her, "And get soaked?".

"Come on. I wanna show you something.", the girl teased as she stood up before beckoning him. Shikamaru blinked in disbelief as she began to walk away, happily leaping like a puppy. He wanted to get home fast but decided against it. If she has an idea that can keep them dry before the rain comes, why pass it up? Besides, Mononoke comes up with the most unpredictable things that never ceases to amaze.

He watched as she grabbed a branch of a tree and snorted, "The rain can still pass through the leaves, you know?" The silver-haired girl just smirked at him, "So you're saying you don't trust me?"

Shikamaru sighed. He's probably going to regret this. After a moment's hesitation, he accepted her hand as she pulled him up higher into the tree.

Once they got to the heart of the treetop, Mononoke gestured that they stayed here. Shikamaru looked around, slightly nervous. A thunderclap sounded and the storm doesn't look pretty. From up here, he could see the sky getting darker and angrier. Whatever Mononoke was up to, she better do it fast.

"Don't worry about it, Shika. I got this.", Mononoke winked knowingly. Just as Shikamaru wanted to say he take it back and that he wanted to go off now instead of going bonkers with her, he stopped at the scene unfolding before him.

The girl began by facing her palms downwards and he saw the glitter of ice forming underneath. Quickly, she raised her hands in an arc, palms facing outwards. She continued until her hands were facing the heavens. Shikamaru watched, baffled, as the ice followed her movements, shielding them into a ball of ice. He noticed there were a few holes where the branches were but they were sealed fittingly as to not hurt the tree.

"Here we go. Nice and dry.", Mononoke stated proudly. He looked back at her, his eyes questioning, "When did you learn how to do that?" Her eyes arc in a cheerful way as she scratched her head sheepishly, "Well, I could do this as long as I can remember."

When she opened her eyes, they glowed like aquamarine fire, "I always do this when I want to watch the rain." Shikamaru felt as if his breath was cut short when she leaned closer. She smelled like mint and lily, with a small hint of lavender. He didn't know how the heck he knew that but the scent was definitely Mononoke's.

"Since you like cloud watching, let me show you my favourite hobby. Storm watching."

Shikamaru certainly never thought of rain as something peaceful, just troublesome.

But sitting side by side with Mononoke now, he could see why she loved it so much. The pitter patter of the rain was like music and there was something foetal about being inside the ice sphere when everything outside was raging. As he watched the raindrops slide on the ice, Shikamaru realized that he never saw her did this before. He stole a glance at her as he pondered on the thought.

Mononoke was calmly watching the sky, her eyes glassy but fixated on the storm. She didn't even flinch when there was a sudden thunderclap. It was as if she knew every beat of the storm, how it falls, when the lightning strikes, when the thunder boomed. Shikamaru watched her from the corner of his eye, his head a swirling vortex of questions.

She stayed with them for more than four years now and he never knew she loved watching the storm like this. Mononoke had always been a prankster, the loud mischievous spitfire that doesn't care about what anyone thought of her. Shikamaru had a love-hate relationship with the girl, which explains why he knows just maybe a few things about her, example, what she likes and hates. And maybe her dreams. But other than that, he doesn't understand much about her. In all honesty, Shikamaru didn't spend much time with the clanless girl, only when they're at home together because she was always with the Inuzuka or Kakashi. That's probably the only time they talk.

And when the nightmares come.

He could always sense it, even in his sleep. That was why he was always awake when she pulls herself out of them. Shikamaru never knew why or how he did it, but he would always comfort her after a breakdown, as troublesome as it is.

But other than those important points, he never knew much about her. Sure, she could make little trinkets out of ice but he always thought she carved them out of the ice cubes. He never really saw her made them. And he didn't know why he never thought about the strange way that they never melted or the way their colours shine like they were the real thing.

"Why are you looking at me like that, Shika? Something on my face?", Mononoke joked, her eyes still on the heavens above. Shikamaru snorted before shifting his position, "I wasn't looking at you."

"Guess I must be delusional then.", she said humorously and he rolled his eyes, trying to keep himself from blushing.

XXX

Mononoke left the house at around seven in the morning before heading out. She had to greet Obito and Rin for good luck. Just because she's close to Kakashi doesn't mean he's going to take her easily.

She knew about this test a long time ago. Whenever Kakashi had to sort a new team, she would secretly tag along but usually gets caught doing so an hour or so later. But as far as Mononoke heard, none of the teams he tested passed.

Mononoke went to Rin's first, telling her that she's a Genin now and to wish her luck. She pressed two fingers to her lips before touching the tombstone, "Better hope that the others don't screw this up, huh, Rin-san?" Smiling to herself as she thumbed the rose she gave Rin before gently, the ice never melted just as the child promised years ago. "Oh, and I know how to do this now.", Mononoke told the tombstone and just as she touched the rose, vivid colours blossomed inside the ice flower. It gleamed, as if absorbing the sunlight and threw off a few rays of coloured light.

"Prettier now, huh?", Mononoke giggled and got up, bidding Rin goodbye.

When she got to the memorial stone, Mononoke had a grin on her face. "You're early.", she told Kakashi and he hummed in reply. As she stood beside him silently, Mononoke couldn't help but wonder what the test would be like later.

"You've come to say hi?", Kakashi asked softly and Mononoke leaned downwards before looking up at him, grinning boyishly, "And to wish me luck for later."

Kakashi patted her head, "Well, Obito can't help you with that, scamp."

She snorted and turned to the stone, "Yes, he can. Right, Obito-kun?"

The silver haired man chuckled and ruffled her fringe, "We'll see, won't we?"

"We're late though."

"When are we not?", Kakashi replied indifferently and Mononoke laughed, "True enough."

XXX

"You guys are LATE!", Sakura and Naruto said in unison as they pointed accusingly at the duo. "Well, a black cat crossed my path so I had to take the long way around.", Kakashi said, his excuses lamer than ever. They looked at Mononoke, who just shrugged, "My alarm clock fell asleep."

"Ahem, anyway, let's begin.", Kakashi said cheerfully as he took out an alarm clock and laid it on a stump, "It's set for noon. Now, the mission is simple. You just have to take these bells from me." Said bells jingled harmlessly in his hand as he held them up. "That's it. If you can't get these bells before noon, you will be tied to the post as I eat my lunch in front of you."

"But, sensei, there are four of us and only three bells.", Sakura pointed out and his eye crinkled up into a smile, "That's the catch. So that means one of you will disqualified and be sent back to the Academy." Then his voice turned a little more devious, "But then again all of you could flunk and go back too!"

"That's not fair!", Sakura stated but Kakashi ignored her, "You can use any weapon you want, like shurikens and kunais and any techniques, whatever you like. But if you aren't intent to kill me, you won't stand a chance."

Mononoke felt her mouth twitched up in a grin. Now this is something fun.

"When I say 'Start', we may begin."

X

ALRIGHT HO. This stuff is intense, I swear. BUT ANYWAYS, HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED HOW I DID. UNTIL THE NEXT ONE! /tap dances away