DISCLAIMER: I don't own Naruto!
AN: Thanks for reading this story :)
On The Verge
Of Failure
I opened the door of the room assigned for my entrance exam. Even though it was months till the next exam, I was allowed to take it now since mine was a 'special circumstance'. I took a huge breath before sitting down with a bunch of papers. With each question I read, the chances of me passing this test was decreasing. Out of the 55 questions, I barely answered 10. After an hour and a half, the chūnin who was writing something so far, took the papers before reminding me to be here in half an hour for the practical part.
I returned on time after a pep talk where I assured myself it was not the end of the world if I failed; I could try next time or lead a peaceful civilian life, fleeing whenever I knew there was danger. The only consolation was that I was sitting on the swing; the very same swing Naruto usually sat on most of the times he was upset. It was probably my imagination but I did feel a little better afterwards.
The proctor who was here earlier strode in with another chūnin. I was assuming they were both chūnin because they were wearing the standard Konoha chūnin/ jonin uniform and the ninja who worked at the academy were mostly chūnin.
"I'm Hokuto and this is Touma. We'll test you in taijutsu, ninjutsu and stamina required for the class of your age. Based on that we'll assign the class or tell if you require more time before you can join. Either way, you'll know the results by tomorrow." The new guy, Hokuto drawled.
"If you have any special skills feel free to use them. That may give you plus points." Touma advised. I nodded simply. Special skills, huh. "Follow us to the training ground." We headed to the same place I was before I came back to the class room.
"Alright, taijutsu first." Touma declared without wasting any time. "Come at me with all you've got."
That's how the spar began. With me unable to land a single hit or kick for a long time as he expertly dodged and blocked every attack. I increased my speed with every move which only made him dodge and block faster.
"Time up!" Called Hokuto. They were timing it? I didn't even see the notepad or the stupid clock. My plan of doing incredibly well in the practical part to compensate for the theory part went out of the window. I was panting and frustrated.
"Do you know any of the three academy ninjutsu?" Hokuto questioned me looking disinterested.
"I can do all three!" I said breathlessly although inside I was incredibly angry at the situation.
"Let's see it."
I transformed into Hokuto first. Then created a clone which transformed into Touma who dispersed into a cloud of smoke leaving my bag in its place. I released my Hokuto transformation and stood in my own body. Both of them looked as bored as ever. Meanwhile i had wasted tons of chakra.
"Know any genjutsu?" Hokuto asked looking up from his notepad.
"I can dispel them but can't create them." They both looked at each other and nodded. I was prepared for some genjutsu becoming alert to dispel it at the first sign.
"Anything else you want to show us?" Touma asked glancing at the clock.
"I can heal minor cuts and wounds." Not many could that. Mama always said if you wanted to be a medic you had to learn it while you had less chakra which was easy to control or master perfect chakra control before learning.
Touma bit his index finger drawing some blood holding it out to me. I felt the familiar chakra flowing through my fingers and within a couple of seconds the cut was healed.
"That's all, Yumeko. You'll hear from us tomorrow." Hokuto said with a smile. Aha, an emotion. I did it, I grinned to myself. Even the emotionless Touma was showing a hint of a smirk.
"Thank you." I said with a wave. I skipped out of the academy building towards the hokage tower, the same way I came with Asuma this morning. It was starting to get dark and I somehow ended up in a flower garden. Had I somehow gotten lost? It wouldn't be surprising since I was directionally challenged in my old life. Getting lost on my way to middle school after four years of going to the same place in the school bus being a good example. I looked around for a sign of a road or the Hokage Mountain which was visible from all parts of the village.
The flowers were beautiful. There was a fully bloomed cherry blossom tree a few feet away which was surprising since it was the last day of October. Then it hit me: Genjutsu. Those cheeky... I dispelled it quickly. I was at the academy entrance where it was still sunny. Fuming, I made my way towards the hokage tower- from there I went to the Sarutobi compound easily. Without getting lost.
I headed to my room, threw my clothes in hamper and jumped into the shower letting the hot water sooth my tiredness and anger. I put on a green kimono that reached my feet and examined myself in the mirror. My long dark brown hair looked black still wet from the shower while my caramel eyes looked tired. My stomach growled reminding me I hadn't eaten lunch yet. With that, I went to the kitchen where Biwako was preparing a plate already. We sat in silence as I ate the delicious meal. We sat down to separate the leaves, stems and flowers of some herbs from the garden. It was then I told her all about the test. She listened patiently as we grouped precise amount of ingredients. She let out a chuckle when I finished.
"I'm home." Asuma called from the doorway. "Welcome back!" I yelled running out, vindictively pleased that both actions would have led to many members of the Mazuka clan to die of shock.
"I figured the test wouldn't be this long so I just returned home." Asuma said running to his room to throw the bag and weapons pouch. Apparently all of his friends were busy today with their family and stuff so he was home on this rare day. We spent the rest of the evening talking about random things helping Biwako with her medicines. Biwako and I tried to teach Asuma who simply called them all and left huffing.
The next day, I hung around in the compound and met a few people who were really friendly. The one I liked most was Hikari Sarutobi, a woman in her early twenties had a year old son named Takeru, who was the cutest baby I had ever seen. I saw Asuma come into the compound from Hikari's house and waved at him. I told Hikari I was leaving and blew a kiss at little Takeru who was cutely taking a nap.
Asuma went straight to his room to throw his bag again.
"There's this new dango shop that's opening today and my friends want to go. Want to come too?" Asuma asked me. I agreed happily. We told Biwako where we were going who nodded handing Asuma some money.
"Take this and be careful you two." Biwako said. "Also, Yumeko, go to the hokage tower. You'll get to know the results." She said with a small smile. Asuma agreed in a better mood than me.
With an encouraging smile from Asuma, I opened the door with my heartbeat ringing in my ears. Hokuto and Touma were standing with the hokage who all looked expressionless, doing nothing to ease my nerves.
AN: That's all for now. One more chapter before the actual story starts i.e., the genin days. Thanks to everyone who read, review, add to favorites and alerts :)
Thank u Fox Kit Princess for both the reviews :)
Edited by me and Word, sorry for any typos or grammar mistakes. Especially prepositions; we've been at war for years! I gotta find me a beta :o
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