Kohaku sprinted down the street, dodging shoppers and vendors alike. She had overslept this morning and she was late. Very late.
When Kohaku finally reached her destination, team eleven's normal meeting spot, she found the clearing completely empty. Panic set in. She was even later than she thought. She turned around and tore down the streets once more; this time headed for a rotund building in the distance.
By the time Kohaku reached a set of large, red doors, she was out of breath. She pulled open the doors, stumbling inside.
"I'm here!" she announced as she bent over, hands on her knees, desperately trying to inhale air.
"Oh Kohaku, nice of you to actually show up," Takeo said, peering over at his pupil.
"I'm sorry, Takeo-sensei," Kohaku said once she could semi-breathe normally again. She joined her team in front of the Hokage's desk.
The Hokage hid a smile behind the piece of parchment he was holding. "Let's see here, yes, here is the list of missions for you today."
Takeo took the paper offered to him and the girls crowded around to look at their list. Kohaku was the first to break away, groaning.
"Quit your complaining," Takeo said, smacking Kohaku upside the head.
Kohaku glared, rubbing at her head.
The first mission of the day was to go shopping for one of the elders. Her grocery list was a mile long, which confused the girls as they were pretty sure she lived alone. The second mission was to tend to an elderly man's garden. By the time they reached the third mission, all three girls were spent.
"I'm so sick of these dumb mission," Kohaku complained.
"I agree," Asami said from beside her. They were dragging their feet as they walked dogs for a lady in town who owned way too many pets.
"I'm sick of your complaining," Takeo said from behind the girls. He was just as bored as they were. "These are typical genin missions."
"But we did a C-ranked mission and it went fine," Asami said, looking over her shoulder at their sensei.
"That's true," Haruka piped up. "Couldn't we ask for another C-ranked mission, Takeo-sensei?"
Takeo was spared a response when a hawk circled overhead. Because her mother was a jounin, Kohaku knew that the bird was a summons.
"Make sure you return those dogs and then you're dismissed for the day," Takeo said before disappearing.
The girls did finish the walk and returned the dogs.
"I think we should ask for another C-ranked mission," Kohaku said after leaving the overly crowded house.
"Let's bring it up tomorrow with Takeo-sensei," Asami said.
"Alright."
The next day, Kohaku was on time to meet with her team. She was second to arrive. Takeo was last.
"You were almost late, Sensei," Kohaku said.
Takeo glanced at her passively. "But I wasn't. Anyway, let's cut to the chase. I've nominated you three for the Chuunin Exams."
Kohaku blinked. "The Chuunin Exams?"
"Yes, Konoha is hosting them. If you want to participate, you must sign these forms and return them to room 301 at the academy by three in two days' time," Takeo said, handing each of his students a piece of paper.
Kohaku looked down at hers.
Hoshi Kohaku
The above person has been nominated to take the Chuunin Exams under the authority of Kano Takeo.
Below was a signature line.
"I'll give you the next two days off to think about taking these exams. Do not make the decision lightly. You could die," Takeo said.
The girls glanced up at their sensei. Takeo looked to each of them in turn. When he first found out he was mentoring a group of all females, he had been rather dismayed. But now, although he'd never admit it, he found that he was slightly fond of the three girls before him; even if Kohaku did annoy him to no end sometimes.
"Dismissed," Takeo said before disappearing.
"I can't believe it! The Chuunin Exams!" Kohaku punched a fist in the air. "Alright!"
Haruka frowned. "Sensei's right, Kohaku. These things are deadly."
"Haruka, we're like, the best genin team ever. These exams will be no sweat," Kohaku said.
Asami and Haruka shared a look but said nothing, not wanting to dampen their teammate's mood.
"I'll see you guys in two days," Kohaku said before running off home.
"Kohaku, I forgot to pick up rice; can you hurry and buy some for me?" Kanna asked after endlessly searching the cupboards.
"Sure, Mom," Kohaku said. She took her mother's money and headed towards town. She was on a side road when suddenly, everything around her darkened. Kohaku stopped, the hairs on her neck standing straight. She glanced about herself cautiously. That's when she saw him.
"Kohaku-nee-chan?"
Kohaku's blood ran cold. Her voice came out in a whisper. "Riku?"
He looked the same as she remembered, simply older with ivory-colored hair and the same brown eyes as Kohaku.
"Kohaku-nee-chan!" Riku ran forwards, That's when she sensed it.
'This isn't real…this can't be real!'
Kohaku's face screwed up in concentration until Riku, who was running towards her, began to melt away like an oil painting. In his place was a square-looking man coming at her with a sword.
Kohaku took out a kunai, blocking her attacker's blade just in time. With all her strength, she pushed him back.
"Who are you?" Kohaku demanded.
"Someone who almost killed you," replied the man. "Do you really plan on entering the Chuunin Exams?"
"Yes! And if I see you there I will kick your ass!" Kohaku threatened, pointing her kunai at the man.
The man laughed. "We will see."
And with that, the man disappeared. Her surroundings returned to normal. Kohaku sighed, putting her kunai away. Finally, she smiled. These exams were going to be interesting.
A/N: Thanks for all of the support! If you want to read more about Kohaku's adventures (especially with Asami), then go read "The Choices we Make", a NejiXOC story. It fantastic! You'll find that the two stories intertwine. Currently in that story, team eleven is on another C-ranked mission. Head on over!