Chapter 2: Teammates

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any associated characters.

Author's Notes: Chapter two is up and I have a few comments. So you know, the teams will be arranged differently than in the anime. Also, at least one character will be replaced with an OC. He won't show up for a few more chapters, but I do hope his appearance doesn't disappoint fans of the character he replaces. Please read and review if you like it.

Naruto had plenty of time to celebrate before he began his next stage of ninja training. In fact, it wasn't until a few days later, at the Hokage's office, that the new Genin were divided into teams. The Jonin in charge of the rookie Genin had gathered to discuss which of the new recruits would be teamed up. There were three of them, and each would select three Genin from the nine new graduates. All of them had their eyes on a select few, and Asuma was the first to speak.

"Mighty Hokage, I request to take Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akamichi as my students. I believe they possess abilities that compliment each other greatly." The dark haired jonin stood, head bowed, and waited for the old man to answer. When he did respond, he did so with a simple nod of the head. This team surprised no one, and did not require much discussion. The rest of the meeting would go less smoothly. The other two jonin, Kurenai and Kakashi, stepped forward.

Kakashi spoke first, his head bowed like Asuma before him. "Hokage, I request to have Sasuke Uchiha, Kiba Inuzuka, and Shino Aburame as my students." The Hokage looked surprised at the selection.

"I accept your choices, Kakashi, but am curious as to how you came to them. I was expecting you to take on young Naruto, as well as Sakura. Why are you pining for the Aburame boy, and kiba as well? The team seems a bit top heavey to me." He knew they were all good ninja, but the team seemed to lack balance.

Kakashi looked up at the old man. "Very well. Allow me to explain. I feel that with the addition of Shino, our team will have a calm thinker among the numbers. Shino is clever, and with the backing of Inuzuka and Uchiha, he will be very formidable. I could think of know use a foolhardy show off or a weak, over emotional girl, so I excluded them." The room was quiet as the man spoke. Some were disgusted at Kakashi's words, but they kept quiet about it. When he finished, the Hokage turned to Kurenai.

"I am satisfied with the remaining students," The female jonin said, and with that, the Hokage ended the session. Kurenai Was sure that her student would be successful, though it was an odd group indeed. In addition, she had received the problem child. She was disappointed of course, but even Naruto could be trained to work with others. Kakashi was harsh on the boy, but that was not unusual. The whole village despised him.

"Finally!" Naruto exclaimed as he stood amid the new genin. At last the teams would be chosen. He couldn't wait. He looked out at the perspective team mates. The was that weirdo Shino, always out collecting bugs, and on the fringes of the group, Shikamaru the slacker was looking up at the clouds as usual. Ino the ditz was combing her hair, and Kiba the show off was playing with his dog Akamaru. There was Choji the fatso, and Sasuke the jerk.

Then there was Sakura and Hinata. He had always liked Sakura. She was pretty, smart…but unfortunately hated him with passion. Then there was Hinata. Shy, sweet, but a little creepy. Her eyes didn't help, big and pale as they were. Still she was always friendly to him, and that was rare among the villagers. Sometimes he wondered why she blushed so much. It seemed to him that whenever he saw her, she had red cheeks. He worried she might be sick.

Before them, the three Jonin and the Hokage stood, assessing them. The Hokage raised his hand, and silence fell. All eyes turned to him. He in turn looked at them each, holding their attention with stern eyes. "The teams will be as follows, so everyone listen closely." all ears were on him as he spoke the names. "Ino Yamanaka, Shikamaru Nara, and Choji Akamichi will form team 10. Attend to your sensei, Asuma Sarutobi." The three rose and went to Asuma-sensei, who was smoking as usual. Kiba, loud and obnoxious as usual, shouted congratulations to them. They all looked happy except Ino, who wore a glare. She had wished to be teamed with Sasuke.

Things settle down slowly. The Hokage cleared his throat and silence fell over the crowd. "Okay, settle down. I have more to say." Once again the others turned to the old man. "Team 7 will be composed of Sasuke Uchiha," he began. Naruto Scowled as Sakura looked on hopefully. "Kiba Inuzuka," The old man continued. Sakura was now looking longingly at Sasuke. She could already hear her name being called. Naruto was in a slight panic. Stuck with such a shy girl, and a creepy bug dude? That was no way to become Hokage! "And Shino Aburame. Report to Sensei Kakashi Hatake."

At this a few things all happened very quickly. The first was a defeated scream from Sakura, as her spot by Sasuke's side was filled, and following that was an excited exclamation from Naruto, as he took his spot next to Sakura. The horror slowly dawned on the pink haired girl.

"Why do I have to be teammates with him?" She shouted. The Hokage simply shook his head. Sakura was angry, but accepted her fate. Naruto jumped and hollered in celebration. The Hokage rose his head to speak once more, and all eyes were on him.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno, and Hinata Hyuuga, you form team 8. Please join Sensei Kurenai Yuhi" With that a dejected Sakura and an excited Naruto Joined Kurenai-Sensei, followed by a nervous but happy purple haired girl. She could hardly believe her own luck. As she stepped next to Naruto, blushing brightly, she could think of only one word. Teammates.

Naruto turned to see her blush, and put on a quizzical expression. "Hinata, why are you so red?" Hinata tried to respond, but could only mumble a bit before the blood rushed from her head. She felt light for a moment, and then fainted. Naruto Caught her, and promptly freaked out, dropping her on the ground and screaming. Sakura punched him in the face, muttered something like "What an idiot," and went to her side. Kurenai watched them and shook her head. This would be far from easy.