Chapter 3: Teamwork

Hinata's emotions were running high as she found herself alone in the classroom with Naruto and Sasuke.

"Nervous" was an understatement to describe how she felt at that moment.

On one hand, there was her long-time crush, Naruto, who made her heart skip a beat every time he was near.

On the other hand, there was the intimidating Uchiha Sasuke, whose presence alone commanded respect and attention.

But it wasn't just their personas that had Hinata on edge.

Recently, she had learned thanks to Shiranui's story, how Naruto was the rebirth of Asura while Sasuke was the rebirth of Indra - the two sons of the legendary Sage of Six Paths.

This knowledge added a whole new layer of complexity to her feelings towards them.

These were not just any two males to Hinata - they were the same two males she had seen in her first vision of the past.

The significance of this realization wasn't lost on her and only added to her already heightened emotions.

As Hinata sat there with Naruto and Sasuke, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by all that was happening around her.

"He is late!", growled Naruto at this moment, looking out the door for their Sensei. "Why is the teacher for our group 7 the only one late? All the other groups went somewhere with their sensei and Iruka-Sensei went home. "

The Hyuuga saw how Sasuke couldn't care less about Naruto's anger, while she feared that her beloved would explode if somebody didn't calm him down.

And that somebody had to be her it seemed.

She gulped down and prayed to Kami-Sama that she wouldn't make a fool out of herself.

"N-Naruto-Kun...", she stutter. What a great start! Hinata was pathetic, yet she tried to go one as she saw she got Naruto's attention. "Maybe o-our S-Sensei had to do something important and that's why he is late?"

"Whatever is his problem, I will pay him back!", proclaimed the Uzumaki.

Even Sasuke watched how Naruto prepared an eraser prank for their Sensei.

"N-Naruto-Kun, that's not a good idea!", told him Hinata worried.

They would make this a terrible impression on their Jonin Sensei, she was sure.

Meanwhile, Shiranui in the brooch was all for Naruto pranking her Hinata-Chan future teacher.

If the man or woman didn't even think it was necessary to be punctually to a meeting, the she-wolf didn't want to know how he would try her girl.

"It's his fault for being late.", told Naruto the Hyuuga Heiress. "Calm down, Hinata, I know what I do, I'm not for anything the prank master of Konoha!"

Finally, even the Uchiha had something to say: "You mean being the biggest idiot in the village."

"What did you call me, teme?!"

"A Jounin isn't going to fall for a plain old booby trap like that."

It was like the universe wanted to prove Sasuke wrong since a man in the typical attire of the Jonin of Konohagakure stepped into the classroom and the eraser hit him on the head.

The Uzumaki laughed and celebrated that he got the silver-haired men, Hinata was just dumbfounded, Shiranui cracked up and Sasuke was just disappointed.

And this man called himself a Jonin?

How embarrassing.

Years of etiquette classes kicked in and Hinata bowed down in an apology before their sensei.

"Please forgive us, Sensei. We didn't mean any harm."

Her apology wasn't registered since the Jonin just said: "How should I say this? My first impression of you guys is…I hate you."

Above the three genin formed a dark cloud of depression. Shiranui just facepalmed. What kind of Jonin did they give her little godling?!

The Jonin told them to follow him to the rooftop, where he leaned against the railing, while the three Genin sat down on the ground.

"Let's see.", he mussed. "Why don't you introduce yourselves?"

Sasuke didn't say anything, and Hinata didn't know where to start, only Naruto asked: "Why don't you introduce yourself first sensei? And show us how it's done?"

"Me? I'm Hatake Kakashi. I have no intention of telling you my likes and dislikes. As for my dream…I have a few hobbies."

Is he for real? He only told the kids his name!, thought Shiranui angry, while the three Genin just stared at him in disbelief.

"That's it? He only told us his name.", whispered Naruto to his teammates.

The shy dark blue-haired girl gave a tiny nod in agreement.

"If you can do it better, then why don't you try?", asked Kakashi-Sensei in a tone that Shiranui noted sounded like the guy wanted to be anywhere but here.

A growl left the she-wolf lips. This man was irritating!

"I'm Uzumaki Naruto.", began the blond-haired boy, fiddling with his headband. "I like cup ramen. But I like the ramen at Ichiraku that Iruka-Sensei bought for me even more. I hate the three minutes that I have to wait after I put the hot water. My hobby is to eat and compare cup ramen! And my dream is to become greater than the Hokages. I'm going to make all the villagers recognise my existence."

Full of admiration Hinata looked at her crush. You will be a wonderful Hokage one day, Naruto-Kun. I just know it.

Then it was her turn.

Oh boy.

Nervously the girl played with her kimono sleeve.

"I'm Hyuuga Hinata. I like sweet red bean soup and cinnamon rolls. My hobbies are pressing flowers and training. I hate some of my clan's traditions and people who just hate others without a reason. As for my dream…I want to unite the Hyuuga Clan…and have a family myself one day."

Here her eyes wandered for a second to Naruto, not that he noticed it since he wondered what she meant with her clan and what she hated about it and uniting it. The boy didn't get it.

There is someone who likes the dobe in THAT way? Huh…

Oh, my little Hinata-Chan you are destined for more than such things, but we will of course make them true too.

At least she isn't a fangirl and has honourable reasons. That little crush on Naruto won't hinder her.

Now it was the Uchiha's turn.

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke. There are many things that I hate, and there aren't a lot of things that I like. Also, I have an ambition that I have no intention to leave as just a dream. The revival of my clan, and killing a certain man."

Hinata heart got out to Sasuke. Everyone from a clan knew what happened to the Uchiha Clan, making her teammate the last loyal member.

Now that the inductions were done, Kakashi-Sensei revealed to his Genin, how they technically weren't ninjas right now.

They needed to do a last test with him.

A survival one.

Shiranui noted how with glee he told them that 66,6% failed and got sent back to the academy.

This freaked of course the kids out.

With one last tip to not eat any breakfast, Kakashi left them.

If I ever get the chance I will beat his ass! Spooking my poor Hinata-Chan like that!

At precisely 5 p.m. the following day, the Genin of Team 7 convened at training ground 3.

Naruto appeared to be barely conscious, while Sasuke seemed his usual self.

Hinata herself was slightly fatigued after adhering to her Hoshi-Kami companion's advice and retiring early for the night.

Furthermore, she had partaken in breakfast given Shiranui's assertion that Kakashi-Sensei was merely playing games with them - a point that seemed lost on Naruto and Sasuke.

In light of this, Hinata had prepared Bento Boxes for her teammates; should she inform them?

Nervous she gulped, before she told them: "I...I made Bento's...for you..."

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other, surprised. "Bento boxes?" Naruto asked, scratching his head. "For what, Kakashi-Sensei said we shouldn't eat breakfast?"

Hinata smiled shyly. "He said we shouldn't eat, not that we can't.", she explained. "It seems unlike that before survival training you can't eat, you need all the energy for it."

"Huh, I guess that makes sense...", mumbles Naruto, rubbing his neck.

The shy girl holds out a Bento Box to him and Naruto eagerly opens his box to reveal an array of colorful food items inside.

He didn't waste any time and dig in.

Sasuke, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment before accepting his Bento Box.

"Thanks," he muttered, not meeting her eyes.

Hinata couldn't help but feel a little disappointed at his lack of enthusiasm. She had put a lot of effort into making sure each box was tailored to their tastes.

"Wow, Hinata! This food is incredible!", praised Naruto, which made her of course blush. "And you made this yourself?!"

As they continued eating, Hinata couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction seeing her teammates enjoying her cooking. She had always been shy and struggled to express herself, but cooking had become a way for her to show her care and appreciation for others.

After finishing their meal, Naruto patted his full stomach and grinned at Hinata. "Thanks again for the food! You should cook for us more often!"

Sasuke remained quiet, but Hinata noticed a small smile on his face as he packed away the empty Bento Box. Maybe it wasn't much, but she was glad that she could bring some joy to their test today.

Feeling emboldened by their positive reactions, Hinata decided to make it a tradition to prepare Bento Boxes for their missions, if they managed to pass Kakashi-Sensei test.

It may seem like a small gesture, but she hoped it would bring them closer together as a team and show them all that even during difficult challenges, there's always room for kindness and warmth.

Shiranui in her brooch was proud of her little godling to come out of her shell and interact with her teammates. If Hinata wanted to become a fully realized goddess the help of these two special boys was important.

After that, the three Genins waited for their Sensei.

And waited.

And waited.

And waited some more.

The sun was shining down on them bright and warm when Kakashi-Sensei FINALLY arrived.

"Good morning my cute little Genins!", greeted them Kakashi with an eye smile.

"YOU ARE LATE!"; shouted Naruto, while Sasuke and Hinata looked annoyed at their Sensei.

"A black cat crossed my path, so..."

The unimpressed stare of the kids made Kakashi realise that she should just go on with the test.

He took out a clock and put it on a stump.

"The alarm is set at 12 p.m. Today's topic is to get one of these two bells from me.", he explained to his Genin. "Whoever can't get one, doesn't get lunch."

The man pointed then a three lone wood poles, continuing that the failure would be tied up there, while he ate before them.

"Kakashi-Sensei, why are there only two bells if we are three?", asked Hinata worried.

This didn't sit with her right.

And her feeling was right as their Sensei stated that one of them would be sent back to the academy for sure this way.

He told them to come with the intent to kill him if they wanted a bell or all would be sent back.

Hinata felt a shiver run down her spine at his words. This was serious business.

She couldn't help but feel a sense of unease at the thought of being sent back to the academy.

She knew she wasn't as strong as Naruto or Sasuke, Shiranui would probably remind her how much she had grown over the last months, but she was determined to do her best.

Naruto seemed undaunted by the challenge, while Sasuke looked focused and determined. Hinata took a deep breath and tried to steady her nerves. She had trained hard for this moment, and she wasn't going to let her teammates down.

"Hehe, you couldn't even dodge an eraser and you want us to attack you with shuriken?", laughed Naruto heartily.

From Kakashi-Sensei just came that the one with the lowest score shouldn't be taken seriously, which of course angered Naruto and he attacked him with a Kunai.

In the blink of an eye, Kakashi-Sensei had blocked Naruto's attack and turned him so that his own Kunai was on his neck.

No for the first time, the kids saw the true power of a Jonin.

Sasuke was impressed, Hinata worried more and Naruto was just dumbfounded.

"Ready, start!", called Kakashi-Sensei.

All three Genin jumped away to hide.

Naruto quickly climbed up a tree, while Sasuke disappeared into the bushes. Hinata found a nearby rock to take cover behind. She tried to calm her breathing and focus on her surroundings, listening for any sound or movement that could give away Kakashi-Sensei's location.

Something nagged on Hinata's thoughts.

She never heard of a Team of a Jonin with two Genin, it was always a Jonin and THREE Genin.

So...what does it mean?

The answer came to her suddenly like a strike of lighting.

This test...it put them from the beginning against each other. They saw how strong Kakashi-Sensei was, a Genin alone couldn't take him out and then only two bells...and then remembering how the ninja squads in Konoha operated...

The Hyuuga heiress was sure that this was a ruse. They should fight against each other when the true scope was to work TOGETHER to get the bells!

She needed to find Naruto and Sasuke before they attacked Kakashi-Sensei.

So she activated her Byakugan.

Hinata scanned the area with her Byakugan, trying to locate her teammates. She could see Naruto perched on a tree and Sasuke hiding in the bushes, but she couldn't detect any movement from Kakashi-Sensei.

She decided to go for Naruto first.

Quietly she climbed up the tree and stopped him before he could charge their Sensei.

"Naruto-Kun, don't!", she whispered sharply.

"Huh, Hinata, what's wrong? I can take Sensei just fine!", he proclaimed.

"Naruto-Kun, we need to work together."

"Oh sure, I rather be with you in a team than with the stupid teme."

The girl tried her best not to swoon at Naruto's words, it was hard, but she managed.

"No, Naruto-Kun this whole test is a trap. Kakashi-Sensei wants us to fight against each other, when we should be working all together to get the two bells. Never in Konoha history, there was a team with a Jonin with only two Genin!"

Naruto looked at Hinata with surprise and confusion. "What do you mean, Hinata? We're supposed to work together to get the bells, right?" he asked.

Hinata shook her head. "No, Naruto-kun. This is a test of our teamwork, not just our abilities. We need to use our strengths to complement each other and come up with a plan to get the bells together," she explained.

Naruto scratched his head in thought before nodding in agreement. "Okay, I get it now. So what's the plan?"

"We need to get to Sasuke-San."

"Do we?"

"Please Naruto-Kun."

Signing Naruto followed Hinata to where Sasuke was still hiding.

Hinata and Naruto found Sasuke in a nearby bush, looking just as determined as ever. Hinata quickly explained her theory to the Uchiha, who listened intently before nodding in agreement. "You're right," he said. "If we work together, we can get those bells."

The three Genin huddled together, brainstorming ideas and strategies for how to approach the test. They knew they had to be smart and efficient if they wanted to succeed. Naruto suggested using his clones to distract Kakashi-Sensei while Hinata and Sasuke went for the bells, but Sasuke pointed out that it was too risky - Kakashi-Sensei could easily see through such a simple tactic.

After much discussion, they finally came up with a plan that they all agreed on. It involved using Hinata's Byakugan to keep track of Kakashi-Sensei's movements while Naruto used his speed and agility to create diversions, allowing Sasuke to sneak up on him from behind.

It wasn't an easy task by any means; Kakashi-Sensei was a formidable opponent, and he seemed to anticipate their every move. But the three Genin worked together flawlessly, each one using their unique skills and abilities to support one another.

In the end, it was Hinata who managed to snatch one of the bells from Kakashi-Sensei's grasp. She had used her Byakugan to predict his movements and catch him off guard when he least expected it.

"Amazing display of teamwork you three, but now Hinata, you have the bells, who should stay with you and who should go back to the academy?", asked Kakashi-Sensei.

Hinata just shook her head at him.

"Kakashi-Sensei there never was a team with only a Jonin and two Genin, but if it has to be this way..."

She throws Naruto and Sasuke the bells.

To say anybody was surprised, was an understatement.

"Hinata, what?!", exclaimed Naruto shocked, while Sasuke stared at her.

"I made you work together.", she began. "If I understood the test wrong, it's only fair I got back to the academy."

Naruto and Sasuke looked at each other, unsure of what to do next. Hinata's selfless act had caught them off guard, and they were both touched by her willingness to sacrifice herself for the team.

But before they could say anything, Kakashi-Sensei spoke up. "Hinata, you have understood the true meaning of the test, your teamwork and leadership skills are exceptional. You've all passed."

The three Genin looked at each other in disbelief before breaking out into huge grins. They had done it - they had passed Kakashi-Sensei's test!

Kakashi-Sensei told them that starting tomorrow they would go on missions and with a puff of smoke he was gone.

As they made their way back to the village, Hinata couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what they had accomplished together. She knew that there would be many more challenges ahead of them as a team, but she was confident that with their combined efforts and unwavering dedication to one another, nothing could stop them.