A/N: The usual updates apply. I'm free for the first week of classes, so I'll take this time to update. For those of you who were shocked by Kaze's promise to Serah in the last chapter, believe me, this is just the start. They're twelve, and as I'm sure my readers know, young children promise things they don't mean. So please, do not get caught up on the idea of a KazeXSerah pairing so early. This will be a very long story, and there likely won't be any actual relationships until at least chapter twenty-five. That said, let's begin.

Chapter Nine: Prelude to a Battle

A week had gone by since Kaze made the promise to Serah. Rise awoke early in the morning, her heart still heavy. Rise didn't know about the promise that Kaze had made to Serah. Rise was looking forward to the day at the Academy. She could finally show her training results. Rise showered and dressed as usual. Once dressed, she entered the kitchen and she sat at the table with Kaze. Kaze smiled at Rise as usual, and the young girl smiled back at him. Rise had decided to push the feelings she had for Nanjo and Kaze to the side.

"Morning Kaze. Ready to go?"

Rise said to him. Kaze nodded and he grabbed his bag from his room.

"Ready any time. Are you ok? You look like you've been crying."

Rise put on a smile and she shook her head.

"I'm fine Kaze. I'm just still thinking about the other day. Come on, we're starting our real sparring today."

Kaze smiled. She seems to be her usual self. I just hope I don't end up facing Nanjo again. Kaze thought to himself as he exited the Uzumaki household and into the main village street. Rise, despite the conflicting feelings that had formed in her young heart, was still as positive and upbeat as always. Serah joined them as they reached the Academy. Kaze felt uneasy as Serah drew near to him. I shouldn't have made that promise. I'll end up hurting Rise and Serah. It will be for the best when I leave. Kaze sighed heavily as he pushed open the door to the classroom. He took his seat and he closed his emerald eyes, deep in thought. Some of his classmates were whispering rather loudly.

"Did you hear? Kaze and Serah went and got ramen the other day?"

Said a girl with pigtails who was seated directly behind Kaze. Her friend giggled loudly.

"I heard they kissed."

Kaze felt his face burning red. Serah was smiling at him with a far-off look on her face. Rise had overheard, and she was looking downwards with a sad sort of smile set on her lips. She stood up and she moved to sit next to Kaze. She whispered to him in a very soft voice.

"Did you kiss her?"

Kaze looked down and he shook his head.

"I did not. I did promise her though, that once we're all Genin, we'd see."

Rise moved her hand down to Kaze's and she gripped it gently.

"Kaze, promise me too. Please. You're one of my oldest and best friends."

Kaze looked down and he sighed heavily.

"Rise. I'm not going to be here once we become Genin. I'm only here until then. I didn't want you to know just yet."

Rise looked down and she closed her lavender eyes. Kaze knew he had crushed her spirit. Rise turned to look at Kaze, tears streaming from her eyes.

"I thought you were. I just didn't want to admit it. Is there no way you can stay Kaze? I don't want to think about you not being here."

Kaze took her hand and he stroked her fingers.

"Rise, please, don't cry. Please. I'll still be able to see you, just not every day."

Rise smiled through her tears and she took Kaze's other hand. Rise kissed his hand and she cupped them in hers.

"Kaze, I'll do whatever it takes to get you to stay. Maybe Daddy can help. It would be wonderful wouldn't it? We'd be able to go missions together!"

Kaze smiled gently and he nodded.

"It would be great, if it were to be done. I'll try and see what we can work out. Until then, let's not bring it up again, ok?"

Rise nodded, smiled and she dried her eyes.

"Deal. Where's Auntie Hanabi?"

Kaze looked up at the clock.

"She's late."

Rise nodded. Hanabi walked into the room shortly after, papers under her arms.

"We're starting sparring now. These will be intense one on one matches. You will be hurt, and you will bleed. You will not maim or kill. I will decide the matches, and anyone who does not obey my commands at all times will be severely punished. Come with me."

The class rose from their seats and they followed Hanabi into a room they had not seen before. It was much like an arena. High walls surrounded the arena, with a few people seated in the crowd. Kaze scanned the faces, and his heart leaped. His mother and father were seated in the booth with Tsunade and an short old man he had never seen before. Naruto and Hinata were there as well. Kaze tapped Rise's shoulder and he pointed up into the stands.

"Our parents are here."

He whispered into her ear. Rise glanced up at the stands and she waved to her mother and father. Hinata waved back, and Naruto held up a thumbs up to his daughter. Rise grinned and she turned her attention back to Hanabi.

"You'll be fighting each other here in front of the Kazekage, Tsuchikage and Hokage. They want to see how you have been progressing. Now, let me call the first two combatants. Rise. Kaze."

Rise's eyes darted over at Kaze. She shook her head and she raised her hand into the air. She opened her mouth to speak, but Hanabi glared hard at her.

"No substitutions. This match has been specifically requested by some of the attendees. We need to see your growth as a Shinobi, Rise. If you can't handle the training at the Academy, you'll never make it as a Genin, let alone a Chuunin or a Jounin. Now, get ready."

Rise and Kaze both stepped forward begrudgingly. Rise looked at Kaze and she put on a sad smile.

"Don't go easy on me."

Kaze nodded and he spread his arms wide, sand entwining his arms and legs. Kaze then assumed a battle stance much like his father, with his arms crossed. Rise swallowed hard and she activated her Byakugan and assumed her battle stance. Hanabi then dropped her hand.

"Begin!"

Naruto turned to Gaara and he whispered.

"It begins."

TO BE CONTINUED...