Chapter 15: The Intros and the Scarecrow
Greeting once again my friends.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it.
Now I am about to make all of Sasuke's fans very angry, but this is something that I need to get out of the way, so flame shields up. I am tired of the review that say, "You're starting to bash Sasuke," or "You're bashing Sasuke too much." It's gonna be like that for a while, I'm sorry but he's gonna be a dick until sometime after the Retrieval Mission, assuming things go as plan, stories change and ideas evolve after all. Even then there's a good chance that he will still probably be a total prick with the personality of the unholy love child of Vegeta and Rob Lucci that Kishimoto gave him. And I don't want another review that says, "It's not his fault, he had a hard life," because so did Naruto. Hell, Itachi did the deed and he held onto his sanity pretty well.
Sorry for the rant, but it went from "You're bashing Sasuke," to "You're going too easy on him," and back to "You're bashing him." I'm just trying to work with what Kishimoto gave all of us, and I think what Kishimoto gave us was what I described in the above paragraph.
Now that I got that out of my system I want to apologize for it, I usually like anti-heroes, but Sasuke just rubs me the wrong way. I'll try to go easy on him for a while though.
Now I feel bad starting the chapter off on such a negative note, but here we go.
After Iruka left the room the students broke into their assigned teams, or at least most of them did. Team 8 had pretty much been together from the start of class, with Kiba and Shino sitting in the row behind Naruto and Hinata so there was no need to move. As for Team 7, Sasuke had left the room shortly after Iruka had and Sakura had followed him, much to Naruto's annoyance.
Team 7 is gonna need lots of work isn't it? Naruto asked mentally.
"Uh yeah, I think that's fair to say," Kurama said.
Upon hearing that answer Naruto slumped forward and hit his head on the desk. After seeing this Hinata asked, "Are you alright Naruto-kun?"
"Considering the headache I'm going to have with my team, this is nothing," Naruto said.
Kiba decided to chime in and said, "Naruto, I know we're friends and I should feel bad about your situation but I can't. It's just too funny." After getting that out Kiba started to laugh in a manner more befitting of a hyena than a dog. Naruto didn't bother to glare at him, it wouldn't change anything, and if Naruto was perfectly honest he knew that if it were anyone but him, with the exception of Hinata of course, he would be laughing his ass off too.
"I'm sure everything will work out Naruto-kun," Hinata said in an attempt to reassure her boyfriend.
"I guess I should at least try to get along with them," Naruto said.
"I suggest that you work on one before the other," Shino said.
"That's not a bad idea Shino. I guess I better find Sakura first, she shouldn't be hard to find and she'll be more likely to listen," Naruto said, getting up to go after his teammate. Before leaving the room though he leaned down to the still sitting Hinata and gave her a peck on the cheek and said, "Wish me luck Hinata-chan."
Hinata, being Hinata, turned red but wished Naruto luck all the same.
"Okay, now where did she go?" Naruto asked as he scanned the area for his pink-haired teammate. He spotted her in the park a ways outside of the Academy, Wow she didn't get very far, maybe she's looking for Sasuke. Naruto had hoped that for the sake of the team that Sakura hadn't found Sasuke. For all of her intelligence, Sakura had a habit of saying exactly the wrong thing in front of Sasuke, and Naruto was in no mood to try to pull Sakura out of another funk.
"Hey Sakura, are you alright?" Naruto asked, alerting the new kunoichi to his presence.
"Whatever it is Naruto it will have to wait, I'm looking for Sasuke-kun," Sakura said confirming Naruto's suspicions.
"Do you want me to help?" Naruto asked.
"I can find him myself," Sakura said feeling insulted. Due to Naruto's poor performance in previous years he was still officially ranked as the dead-last, Sakura knew that her practical skills weren't particularly amazing but she still believed them to be above Naruto's. The fact that he had proven that class ranking wasn't worth a damn on more than one occasion had yet to completely register.
"Well okay, but I really think the three of us need to talk about the team," Naruto said, hoping that Sakura would accept his help.
"We'll be fine Sasuke-kun is on the team after all," Sakura said as if Sasuke's involvement would solve everything.
I, for one don't want to pin all my hopes on a lone wolf, Naruto thought. He then asked, "Sakura, we wouldn't be much of a team if we just relied on Sasuke, right?"
"I guess," Sakura begrudgingly admitted. "Who does Naruto think he is? Sasuke-kun can do anything!" Inner Sakura said.
Starting to think I should have tried talking to Sasuke first, Naruto thought. Naruto then said, "Well since we agree then let's go find him."
"Naruto, you're annoying, I told you I can find him myself," Sakura said.
Alright, clearly this was a mistake, Naruto thought as he walked right past Sakura. Before he left he warned, "Sakura, that mouth of yours is going to get you into trouble one day."
That was a total bust, I guess all that's left is to see if Sasuke is open to the whole team idea, Naruto thought, although he wasn't about to get his hopes up. Okay, now if I were Sasuke where would I be? Naruto asked himself.
"I suppose I could help you with that," Kurama told his container.
Really? How? Naruto asked.
"Your mother's clan was known for more than fuinjutsu; they were also known for their longevity, potent chakra, and many were also sensors," Kurama explained.
"That's interesting but what if I'm not a sensor? Naruto asked.
"Oh you are, you're a sensor just like Mito," Kurama told Naruto.
What do you mean "just like Mito?" Naruto asked.
"I am able to sense emotions as well as chakra; Mito was a sensor and somehow gained the ability to sense the negative emotions of others. When your mother showed no signs of being able to the same I thought it was just a coincidence, but if I'm right, any Uzumaki sensor with me sealed inside of them should be able to do the same," Kurama explained.
If? Should? Kurama you aren't filling me with a lot of confidence here, Naruto told the fox.
"Just trust me alright. I've spent enough time messing with your chakra to know what you can do," Kurama said, sounding slightly indignant.
Alright, I trust you just tell me what to do, Naruto responded.
"About that, there are many different ways to sense chakra; so for now just focus and we'll see what happens," Kurama said, knowing full well that this wouldn't exactly reassure Naruto.
Alright here we go, Naruto thought as he allowed himself to focus. Almost immediately he was hit with a wave of negative emotions, Apparently I'm not the only one upset with the teams. Okay, what have we got: crabby, crabby, pissed off, thinks this is stupid… Ah here were are hatred coupled with all of the above, that's gotta be him, thanks Kurama.
"Think nothing of it," Kurama said as he went back to sleep.
Great an audience, that's the last thing I need, Naruto thought as he noticed Team 10 up on the rooftop across for Sasuke's window. Well, whatever, I have to do this sometime and I suppose it has to be now.
"Hey Sasuke, what's up buddy," Naruto said, announcing his presence.
"What do you want dobe?" Sasuke asked.
"I think we need to talk about the team, I tried talking to Sakura and she left the impression that she'll only listen to you," Naruto started to explain.
"Then pass on this message, 'Both of you stay out of my way'," Sasuke said.
Saw that coming, Naruto thought. "Look Sasuke, I know that you're strong and skilled and all that, but you're just one genin, same as the rest of us. Don't forget what we were able to do during team sparring," Naruto said, hoping that reminder would win Sasuke over.
"If the matches weren't taijutsu only I could have beaten the mutt and the doughboy by myself," Sasuke countered.
That's true but one can't solve all of their problems by burning them, Naruto thought. "But don't you think that we should-," Naruto started to say.
"No!" Sasuke said cutting him off.
"Alright, I guess I wasted my time," Naruto said as he headed back to the classroom. Hopefully I'll get another chance to talk to them later, but now I don't think they'll listen until we're in a situation that calls for teamwork, Naruto thought.
"I take it things didn't go well," Kiba stated rather than asked when the new teams reentered the classroom to wait for their new senseis.
"Did the hitai-ate shaped dent in the desk tip you off?" Naruto asked picking his head up and turning to his friend.
"Hey, I didn't make the teams Naruto," Kiba said defensively.
"I know, I'm not mad at you, I'm mad at Sasuke and Sakura. Would it kill them to pretend that we get along?" Naruto asked.
"Things will work out Naruto-kun you'll see," Hinata said attempting to cheer Naruto up.
"I hope so," Naruto said not entirely convinced.
"Sasuke-san and Sakura-san will warm up to you eventually," Hinata assured Naruto.
"Thanks Hinata-chan, I think I feel better now," Naruto said. The entire class had returned to the room by now waiting for their new instructors to show.
One by one the teams left until it was only Team 7 in the room. Alright let's try this again, Naruto thought not wanting to waste this opportunity.
"So if we're going to be a team, maybe we should learn more about each other," Naruto suggested.
"You don't give up do you dobe?" Sasuke asked.
"Naruto you shouldn't badger people like this, but I guess it's not your fault," Sakura said.
I know I'm not gonna like the answer but I'll ask anyway, Naruto thought. "What exactly do you mean Sakura?" Naruto asked.
"I mean you weren't raised properly, you've always been able to do what you want," Sakura started. If one were to look in Sasuke's direction while Sakura was talking they would see that he was getting angry. "You're lucky Naruto, no parents to boss you around-," Sakura was cut off.
"No one to say 'I love you'; no one to make everything okay; no one to care if something happens to you," Naruto ground out. Naruto might have gotten a better grasp on his emotions in the past year but Sakura had crossed the line.
"What?" Sakura asked.
"I've found people to fill that gap in my life Sakura but I would have gladly traded places with you a year ago. Hell, if you hate having parents so badly then I'm sure there are plenty of people who would be willing to switch places with you," Naruto said.
"You're annoying Sakura," was all Sasuke said, what else could he add, Naruto had summed it up pretty well.
"Wha, what?" Sakura said almost on the verge of tears at Sasuke's opinion of her.
"I told you earlier today that your mouth would get you into trouble Sakura, for your sake I hope that this is the only time it does," Naruto said.
After about an hour of awkward silence Naruto figured that Sakura had punished herself enough. "Sakura, I'm not going to apologize for what I said, but I am willing to put that unpleasantness behind us if you are," he said.
"Huh?" Sakura asked; her eyes red from tears.
"We can't work like a team if there's any bad blood between us, so let's just forget about it," Naruto told her.
"What do you mean?" Sakura asked, grateful that Naruto wouldn't hold what she said against her, but still not completely following.
"The second that we received these hitai-ates we became adults, so I think now is the time to act like adults, wouldn't you agree?" Naruto asked.
"You're right, thank you Naruto," Sakura said, feeling better.
"No problem, now what do you think is taking this jonin so long to get here?" Naruto said trying to find a way to pass the time.
"Do you think there was an emergency?" Sakura asked, worried.
"We would have heard if there was an emergency," Sasuke said.
"C'mon guys, try to have some fun with this, I'll bet this jonin just got back from a mission the other day and forgot about team assignments," Naruto suggested trying to get his game started.
"That's stupid," Sasuke said.
"Yeah, I'm sure Sensei has a better reason than that. Like maybe they had a lunch date and just lost track of time," Sakura suggested, finally playing along.
This is exactly why I don't want teammates, Sasuke thought. It was then that he noticed two sets of eyes on him.
"Your turn Sasuke," Naruto said expectantly.
"I pass," Sasuke said through gritted teeth, he wanted no part of this childish game.
"No, you're going to take your turn Sasuke-kun," Sakura said.
"Fine, I think…" and with that the three genin continued with their little game.
After the first couple of turns the scenarios became more detailed and more entertaining. It was after a particularly humorous scenario that Hatake Kakashi walked into the classroom to the sight of two laughing genin and one that seemed to be trying his hardest not to laugh. Sakura was the first to notice his presence and immediately stopped laughing. Noticing this the other two turned to the doorway to see a confused, if the eye was any indication, jonin.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he told his new students.
"Kakashi-san, you're our jonin sensei?" Naruto asked.
"Is that a problem Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"No, I was just shocked that our jonin sensei was someone I was acquainted with," Naruto said.
"Really, I'm sure you saw Kurenai and Asuma collect their students," Kakashi pressed.
"Well yes, but I always took you for a loner I suppose," Naruto said.
"I suppose I can understand why you would think that," Kakashi said. It was true; when Kakshi wasn't thinking of how things could have been different he was busy trying to escape in the "Icha Icha" series. Looking over his assigned genin again he said, "My first impression of you three, you're just a bunch of kids." The reaction to this assessment was mixed:
Ouch, I just know I'm gonna pay for that one later, Naruto thought.
I'm not sorry, that was fun, Sakura thought.
I can't believe I went along with the dobe's stupid game, Sasuke thought.
"Meet me on the roof in five minutes," Kakashi ordered.
Five minutes later the genin and their jonin sensei were on the roof of the Academy, and the genin were confused. All three of them were thinking, Now what? It didn't take long for Kakashi to speak up.
"Let's start with introductions: let's have your name, likes, dislikes, hobbies, and dreams for the future," Kakashi said.
"Why don't you go first and show us how it's done Sensei?" Sakura suggested.
"Me? Well, my name is Hatake Kakashi. Things I like and dislike? I don't really feel like telling you that. As for hobbies, I have lots of hobbies," Kakashi said.
That introduction, or lack of one, may be important later, the 'I'm older than you' excuse won't cut it with me. It's almost like he considers us hostiles, hostiles that are beneath him, but hostiles all the same, Naruto thought.
So all we learned was his full name, Sakura thought.
"Hmph," Sasuke grunted, unamused.
"Now it's your turn," Kakashi said turning to Naruto.
Well since he showed us how it's done, "My name is Uzumaki Naruto. I like training and my friends among other things. My dislikes, well that's a really long list so let's skip that. For hobbies, I like gardening. My dream for the future, I have lots of those too and we don't have a lot of time," Naruto said, trying his best to copy Kakashi without copying him.
Cautious are we, good, Kakashi thought. He then turned to Sakura and said, "Your turn."
"I'm Haruno Sakura. I like, I mean the person I like is 'giggle', my hobby is 'giggle', my dream for the future is 'squeal'!" Sakura told the group.
Girls her age are more interested in romance than ninja training, Kakashi noted. Kakashi then asked, "What do you hate?"
"Ino-pig!" Sakura yelled.
"Oh Sakura, you can't mean that, Ino's your best friend, rival or not," Naruto said.
"We aren't on speaking terms right now," Sakura said simply.
"Okay, now you," Kakashi said signaling Sasuke to take his turn.
"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. I don't particularly like anything and I dislike many things. My dream is more of an ambition, to kill a certain man," Sasuke said, gravely serious.
Nice, subtle, pleasant, Naruto thought sarcastically.
Sasukeeeeeee, Sakura mentally swooned.
I hope that doesn't become an issue later, Kakashi thought. He then said, "Alright, now that we know each other a little better we can begin the test."
"What kind of test exactly?" Naruto asked.
"Just a survival exercise," Kakashi said.
I know I'm not gonna like this, Naruto thought.
"Sensei, we did plenty of survival tests in the Academy," Sakura said.
"True, but you've never had a test like this one before," Kakashi countered.
"What's different about this one?" Sakura asked.
"This test will determine if you deserve to be genin," Kakashi answered.
"Then what was the graduation exam about?" Sakura asked, now confused.
"That test was just to see which students had the potential to become genin, the test you will take tomorrow will determine whether or not you deserve to stay genin," Kakashi explained.
The students then noticed Kakashi chuckling to himself. Even though she was sure she would not like the answer, Sakura asked, "What's so funny Sensei?"
"Do you really want to know? You're not going to like it," Kakashi said. Just shy of outright laughing, Kakashi managed to say, "Of all the students who passed the Graduation Exam only 33.3% will continue on as genin, the others are sent back to the Academy."
"What?!" Sakura asked incredulously.
I can't go back to the Academy now, I have to get strong enough to kill him, Sasuke thought.
Nice work, Sensei. You've convinced Sasuke and Sakura of the possibility that individual students and not teams will pass. Lucky for me Anko-nee and Kurenai-san are less careful when choosing their words. They couldn't teach me techniques above a certain level because it would unbalance the teams. And if that weren't enough Jiji made it more obvious with the teams: the Rookie of the Year with the dead-last; another Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Naruto thought.
"Ah, what a year of looking over one's shoulder can to for a person," Kurama said, interrupting Naruto's internal monologue.
You think maybe I'm overthinking this? Naruto asked.
"No, I think you're absolutely right, but good luck getting those two to see it that way," Kurama said.
That's an uphill battle if there ever was one, Naruto responded.
"Meet me at Training Ground 7 tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. Oh, and you probably shouldn't eat breakfast, you'll just throw it back up," Kakashi told his students before leaving.
Sensei or not tomorrow he's the enemy, and no one is dumb enough to take advice from an enemy, Naruto thought. He turned to his teammates and said, "I don't know about you two but I'm gonna head home, ja ne."
With a nod from the others, the members of Team 7 went their separate ways.
I know some of you are probably upset that I didn't get to the bell test, but personally I think that deserves a stand alone chapter.
I think I explained why Naruto's mind works the way it does pretty well, if not I'll explain it better in the beginning of the next chapter. I was trying to give him the analytical skills of Phoenix Wright, Lupin III, and Kudo Shinichi; I don't think I did too badly.
Anyway read and review, and I'll see you next time.