A/N: Hi! After a long time, here's an update. When I was writting it, I wasn't really sure if I should or not post this chapter, but, oh well... As always, R&R!
PepsiColaa: =^-^=
Hektols: Tell me about it! So many Hidens and movies later and we still don't know who the heck that happened! That's why I feel such a need to give them all that background.
madeyemoody95: Thanks. The main focus on that chapter was precisely that, I was trying to picture how Choji and Karui would work on the problems and what kind of problems they could have. That was the result. Glad you liked it ;)
chemistrykim: Tnx. And I really like the pregnant Ino, she might make a new appearance soon.
Ken18: I don't know... Honestly, Shino is not a character I feel too comfortable to write about, I guess I don't get his perks well enought, Idk, but, never say never, right? So, well, who knows?
Hokori-Hori-Chan: Thank you! I do appreciate to write about them.
Min-chan17: Awn, thanks. Tell me what did you think of the rest of the chaps when you read them.
"Why? Why did Seventh put me on the same team as you guys!?" Chouchou complained pointing at her new teammates.
"Oh, come on, Chouchou. Did you have any doubt he would? Our clans have been together for ages." Shikadai yawned.
"I know that!" The girl answered. "But I sent him a letter asking to be on the same team as Sarada."
"The Hokage doesn't pick teams by himself. Besides Aunt Ino would never forgive him if we weren't on the same team." He explained, leaning back to lie on the grass.
"But where is our sensei, anyway?" Inojin wondered. "Weren't we supposed to meet him yesterday like everyone else? Why did Aburame-sensei told us to wait for our new sensei here?"
They were at the 18th training ground: a very secluded place which could only be accessed through a tunnel under a tree. It had rocks everywhere and a swiftly flowing river in which the children were sure to have seen some snakes on it. The only reason they could found their way to that place was because Sai had already taken Inojin there to watch ANBU'S training a few times.
Yes, their sensei had sent three newbies alone to a place where ANBU used to practice.
Says a lot, doesn't it?
"I don't care." Shikadai sighed. "But waiting is troublesome. Inojin, ...?"
"Yeah, I will wake you up when our sensei gets here." The blonde answered in advance.
Shikadai hummed something in appreciation while he closed his eyes, but seconds later his friend punched his arm lightly. The boy sighed again and sat up to see a young woman standing before them with narrowed eyes.
The dark short hair was pulled back on a ponytail, showing completely her unfriendly smile and quirky red eyes. For a second, Shikadai thought she was an enemy but he recognized Konoha's waistcoat and hitaiate, so he deduced she was their sensei.
"'Sup, brats." She greeted. "My name is Mirai Sarutobi and I will be your teacher from now on. Don't think of me as your friend, if ever look out for me to discuss anything beside our job, I'm going to obliterate you. Questions?"
The trio exchanged concerned looks. Inojin raised his hand.
"How old are you?"
"Nineteen."
"And you're the full-fledged jonin that will teach us?"
She renewed the unfriendly smile. "I'm so happy with this as you are." She sighed. "Now, before we start the test..."
"Test?" Shikadai repeated.
"Yeah, let's make 'do not interrupt sensei' our very first rule, right?" Mirai eyed them. "As I was saying, we should introduce ourselves. And because I'm so not interested on you, let's limit ourselves to these three points: name, biggest fear and what do you want to accomplish with this team. Starting with you, blondie."
"Aahh... I'm Inojin. Inojin Yamanaka. I hope this team helps me to be a great ANBU someday and, right now, my biggest fear is you, Mirai-sensei."
She blinked one eye to him. "Smart kid. Now, you there, chubby."
"Me?" Chouchou asked, the older kunoichi just raised an eyebrow. "I'm Chouchou Akimichi. I don't really have something I wanna accomplish with this guys... normally I would say my biggest fear is to have all my favorite restaurants to go out of business but today I'm with Inojin."
Mirai chuckled and turned to Shikadai. "You're the Kazekage's nephew, right? Well, then I will spare the young master from the trouble of introducing himself."
"Thanks." Shikadai answered. He wasn't oblivious of Mirai's sarcasm, but she actually did keep him from the trouble.
"Most of the teachers introduced themselves yesterday and must be doing the bell test to prove your teamwork. I won't do that. I know your parents had been training your cooperation skills till now so I hope..." Inojin raised his hand. "Yes?"
"Mirai-sensei, you didn't answer all the three topics."
"If you pass the test, I'll do that later." She sighed again. "... your teamwork is impeccable by now. If it's not, well, then you guys will have plenty of time to work on that back in the Academy."
"No! No more theoretical classes!"
"No more tasteless school lunches!"
"No more morning classes!"
They all complained to each other. Mirai repressed a true smile.
"The test is quite simple but there are a few rules: once it starts, no one can quit - if anyone do so, you're all going back to Academy; don't die - if anyone do, well, you got the spirits; and last, I will give you until sunset to finish it. Questions?"
It was Shikadai's turn to raise his hand. "Sensei, what's the task?"
"Keep yourselves alive." She answered with a devious smile.
"What?"
And she threw them in the river. The little trio didn't even have time to blink. On the first half of the second they were sitting on the grass looking at Mirai and then, on the second half, they were sinking in the water.
As fast as possible, they took each other's hand forming a triangle and Inojin connected their minds.
Why our teacher is so troublesome? Shikadai complained.
Troublesome? She's nuts! How could she throw me in the water before I checked my pockets for food? Chouchou added.
Sorry to interrupt the nice chatting but have any of you noticed we are air breathing creatures rolling down the river?! Inojin reminded them.
Relax, Inojin. I just need to use my shadows to grab something outside. Shikadai said. Now, you two, hold me to free my hands.
When they did so, Shikadai concentrated on stretching his shadow out of the water... but it went to the opposite direction that he wanted.
Huh? I can't use my shadow properly. He spoke slowly. I think it's because of the refraction of the light.
Can you calculate it? Inojin asked.
We don't have the time! We must have just one minute of oxygen left.
Hey, guys. Chouchou called as they went back to the triangle position. Don't you think a river that flows this fast is most likely heading to a fall?
Why do you think that? Shikadai asked.
Well, maybe this loud noise of a waterfall?!
They all listened. She was right.
That's great! Inojin stated, excited.
Shikadai frowned. Dude, do you not understand what is going on or are you just bad with sarcasm, like your father?
No! It is great! When we fall, there will be a time when we will be out of the water, then…
Shikadai got his point. Then I'll be able to grab something with my shadows normally! That's it!
I'll be ready to cushion our fall anyway. Chouchou told them.
We are counting on you. The shadow user told her.
We are really close now. Inojin announced. Shikadai, Chouchou, get ready. On 3, 2, 1…
The few seconds that the inertia kept moving them forward before they start to fall seemed ages to their brains full of adrenaline. Very clearly, Shikadai saw a few lianas hanging on from a leafy tree that should do just fine to bear their weight. He let got his teammates' hands and reached out a shadow to the liana, grabbing it.
"Done!" He exclaimed to Inojin and Chouchou. They grabbed his clothes and they swung away from the waterfall.
When the power of the fall was reduced Shikadai released the liana and they began to fall the few feet that separated them from the ground. Chouchou did cushion the fall.
The three of them just laid there, trying to catch their breaths.
"Guys," Inojin called through gritted teeth "there's something cold climbing up my leg. I'm pretty sure it's a snake."
Shikadai and Chouchou sat up quickly. Chouchou took a look.
"It is! I'm seeing its tail! It's going under Inojin's pants, what do we do!?" She panicked.
Inojin raised a soothing hand. "Calm down. Most of water snakes aren't venomous, but it might bite me if it gets nervous. I just need to get inside its head."
Shikadai was impressed. "Man, how can you be so calm when there's a huge thing with fangs so close to your... ?"
"I'm trying not to think about it." Inojin answered. "Now, as soon as I manage to take the snake out, please, drag my body away. I'm not sure if this is the only snake around."
His teammates nodded and he focused on the vibrations of the creature creeping up his left leg. She was confused. She had taken him for a hollow tree, but now she could sense there's something alive and warm there. Maybe it was rat. If only she hadn't just eaten…
Amazed at his luck, Inojin invaded the mind of the snake and crawled out of his clothes, finding the feeling of it very odd. He guided the snake back to the river and as soon as he dove her in the water, he left her body, wandering back to his own.
"My leg did seem tasty." He told his friends when he got back to his feet.
Chouchou and Shikadai exchanged a look.
"And now we know why Aunt Ino always told him it's dangerous to get inside animals." He remarked and the other two laughed.
Inojin noticed it was night time already.
"For how long I was away?" He asked.
Before one of them could answer, Temari showed up with a very concerned look. "Kids! Oh, thank God you are okay!" She rushed to hug them tightly then backed away to check on her son. "Are you alright, sweetie? No injuries? Does it hurt anywhere?"
"Huh, mom, why are you here? Where's Mirai-sensei?"
A shadow crossed Temari's face. "She turned against us. Mirai tried to use you kids as hostages. She threatened to kill you if the Hokage not abdicate his post."
"What?" Inojin and Chouchou shouted. Shikadai just frowned.
Something didn't sound right. Would Mirai-sensei be stupid enough to place her hostages exactly where she said they would be when she wasn't around to watch them? Specially when one of the hostages were the child of the commander of the force that normally used that training ground.
And, honestly, he knew his mother. If she seriously thought her precious baby was in trouble, there would be no way she would take till night time to find him. Not when she could destroy that whole place with a move of her fan.
"Now, let's go. The others must be worried." Temari called. Inojin and Chouchou got up and prepared to follow her, but Shikadai held them back.
Ignoring their confused looks, Shikadai asked: "Hey, mom, dad and I were talking before and we decided we wanted boiled eggs to dinner. Is that okay?"
Temari smiled warmly. "Yeah, sure."
Shikadai narrowed his eyes and then took out a kunai and scratched his and his friends hands with a quick move.
"Hey!" Complained Chouchou before they all woke up to reality. "Genjutsu?" She realized.
"Yeah. My dad hates boiled egg. I'm not a fan either. Mom should know better. Besides…"
"Once again, I hate to interrupt the nice chatting but WE ARE SINKING IN THE EARTH!" Inojin screamed.
"Gee, we can't catch a break, can we?" Chouchou complained.
At least, they all had learned on Academy how to get out of quicksand: first step, remove all extra weight; second step, lean back on earth and "swim" your way out. And always remember: it's not that easy to drown on quicksand, all you have to do is keep breathing and move calmly when you execute the steps.
In less than three minutes, they were all out on firm land. Dirty, but safe and sound.
"You know, I think we should send Aburame-sensei a thanks gift after this." Shikadai said. "I'm starting to think it would be easier to give up and go back to Academy than spend the next year going on missions with this wacky teacher we were assigned."
The was a general agreement.
"But we are not going to, right?" Chouchou realized. There was another general agreement. "What's wrong with us?"
"Well, Inojin and I have moms that nag a lot, but I don't know about you, Chouchou."
She sighed. "I just really hate those lunches."
They laughed jadedly. By the position of the sun - if they weren't trapped on another genjutsu - it should be noon.
"So what we do now?" Chouchou asked. "We still have six hours to go."
"We should clean ourselves up a bit, check our supplies of food, water and weapons then wait until our next challenge appears." Inojin listed.
Shikadai nodded. "Agreed. Just remember, we just escaped from a genjutsu that Mirai-sensei casted on us. She shouldn't be far. In fact, we must have looked at her without notice."
They looked around suspiciously, but didn't find anything. Of course they wouldn't: a jonin wouldn't be easily spotted if she was trying to hide.
They washed themselves on the river and gathered their supplies: they had exactly 21 kunais, eighteen shurikens, five explosives tags, seven food pills and three bottles of drinkable water. Shikadai was just think they were good when their inventory was set on fire. The explosives didn't help. They had not time to save anything before it became too dangerous to be around and they had to run.
Then started to rain, which was good, because they were able to collect a some water. Luckily, Sai was an enthusiast of "outdoor family activities" and had taught Inojin to fish with his bare hands. He was able to get a tench and two carps.
When the rain stopped, they were able to light a fire and make those fishes fairly good, but before they could finish eating them, a bobcat stole their food.
"God, she's so annoying." Chouchou complained, talking about their new teacher.
Shikadai just shrugged. "At least she let us eat a bit. Eventually, we will have to face her and it would be way worse if we were hungry."
"I'm hungry!" She argued.
"You're always hungry." Inojin reminded her.
They heard a laugh and immediately they gave the back to each other, en garde. Slowly, a particularly large stone began to change to Mirai's form.
"Surprise!" She announced, sarcastically. "I'm tired of waiting. Let's do this now. If you..." Inojin raised his hand. "Yes, blondie?"
"Sensei, you set our weapons on fire."
She smiled. "Yes, I did." Once again she resumed her speech like there was no interruption: "... manage to defeat me, regardless of the time, you'll pass. If you don't, you must keep trying till sunset. You can use any weapons… Yes, blondie?"
"Sensei, we don't have any weapons we can use!"
Mirai sighed heavily then emptied her pockets, throwing all her weapons on the gravel. "There, you can use anything you want." Another sigh. "... and jutsu you may wish to use. Strike for kill and, remember, keep yourselves alive."
The three genins jumped back.
"How do we know you didn't trap us on a genjutsu again?" Chouchou asked.
"What difference does it make?" Mirai answered.
The girl looked at Shikadai for guidance, the Nara just shrugged.
"So, what's the plan?" Inojin asked in a whisper.
"We are three weary genin with little chakra left facing a crazy, young and rested jonin who is jaunty enough to drop her weapons." Shikadai summarized. "So, basically, there's just one thing we can do."
Chouchou frowned when she got it. "Keep ourselves alive?"
Shikadai just shrugged again.
Inojin tilted his head to the side. "Sounds good to me."
"The sun is gone! Oh, my, we did it!" Realized a very tired, but happy, Inojin a few hours later.
He, Chouchou and Shikadai sighed in relief and let their bodies fall on the grail.
"There's something cold on my head." Chouchou told them.
"On mine too. But I don't care. Let the snake eat me." Shikadai yawned.
They heard a laugh once again. This time, it was a clean, happy, non-vicious laugh.
"It's just a bottle of water. Drink it." Mirai told them.
They grabbed those bottles and sipped its contents greedily without asking it it was poisoned. Mirai smiled and sat on a rock in front of her new students. Unconsciously, they sat up and stared at her. They all noticed her face, like her laugh and voice, was softer. Like that, she seemed a very nice young woman, not a psycho.
"You did well." She told them. "Really, after I heard from your parents, I wasn't expecting that much of you guys. It was a very pleasant surprise to see how much you all can do being so young." She gave a very bright smile.
"Doppelgänger?" Guessed Inojin.
"Evil twin?" It was Shikadai's guess.
"Were you really hungry before?" Chouchou inferred.
Mirai laughed. "I'm sorry if I was too scary! I just wasn't sure how to approach you."
Shikadai knitted one eyebrow. "Right, that makes it okay."
"Thank you." Mirai wasn't oblivious to his sarcasm, but she thought it would be a good comeback for earlier. It was. Shikadai laughed shortly. "Since you managed to pass, I think should answer those three questions, I mean, if you wanna know."
"Please, go ahead. I think we all still aren't sure if we should send you to a shrink." Chouchou answered.
Mirai laughed once more before answering: "Let's see… My name, as I told you, is Mirai Sarutobi. When I was your age, Shikadai's dad used to be my sensei and when your parents were your age, my dad used to be their sensei."
She crossed her legs on the rock. "Because our clans have such a strong story, when you guys became genins, the Seventh and Shikamaru-sensei thought that I would be the best teacher you could have… Hence I was promoted to a jonin from a special jonin and assigned to be your teacher."
She tilted her head. "That was one hell of a long answer to 'what's your name'. As for my biggest fear, it surely is to be a failure as your teacher. I'm as happy as scared with this job. I want to be a good sensei, but I don't know how I should do that, actually, I'm under your guidance as much as you are under mine."
She sighed. "And what I want to accomplish with this team is to make you the shinobis you want to be. And after I saw your performance on my test today, I know we can do this. You guys are amazing." She looked at Shikadai. "You, you are every bit of the clever, witty shinobi your father is with a hint of keenness that your mother has and that gives you a potential to be even better than them and I can't make you a better compliment."
Mirai turned to Chouchou. "You were another delightful surprise, I was preparing myself for a hard work trying to get you motivated but it turns out I don't have to: you've managed to get your motivation from these brats you know you're connected for the life."
"Last but not the least, Blondie." The teacher smiled at Inojin. "The indefatigable chameleon. The centered boar that keep the butterfly and the deer on the tracks, and, at the same time, you trust on them. You know, someday, a ANBU squad will be very proud to call you their leader."
Inojin smiled shyly at her.
"We will have the time of our lives together, I tell you. Now, go home, rest and grab a nice lunch be…"
"Lunch? It's dusk already!" Chouchou pointed out.
Mirai gave a devious smile. "Is it?"
They look around. The four of them were sitting on the gravel, up the waterfall, far from the river and the snaked and close to the exit: it was exactly where they were when they met her. Inojin took a look at his watch and it hadn't been twenty minutes since Mirai got there and said "'sup brats".
"It was all a genjutsu?" He asked.
"To the moment I threw you on the water to moment I placed the bottler on your heads." The jonin answered with a nod.
"We used our jutsus inside your genjutsu?" The blonde asked. "How did you do that?"
She smiled. "Please, they don't call me the best genjutsu user of Konoha for nothing." She turned another mean look to Shikadai. "Well, thanks to your family, now they do."
Mirai got up and once again she resumed her interrupted speech as if nothing had happened: "...cause tomorrow morning I'll be expecting you on the main gate, same time, for our first mission. Questions?" They all opened their mouths but Mirai interrupted anyway. "None? Good, so bye!"
Mirai vanished in a cloud of smoke.
The three genins look at each other, confused. Chouchou was the first one to talk:
"So… the shrink is still an option right?"