"Can you believe it?! They even named a bridge after me!" I couldn't help but giggle as Naruto recounted his version of the bridge mission, which was heavily biased in his favor.

"Wow, you're a real hero, big brother!" I felt a warmth spread within me as he stood there, arms behind his head, wearing the smile of a true hero - my hero.

Little did he know, he had saved me from my solitude. He inspired me to confront a thief, and through that experience, I discovered the essence of true strength. Sure, I ended up dying, but that's just a minor detail. My only hope was that my presence could alleviate some of his own loneliness.

"Naruto! That's not how it happened, and you know it!" Sakura retorted, shaking her fist in exhaustion. They had just completed another mission that I had tagged along for. Their bickering was amusing to watch.

A bird soared above us, catching Kakashi's attention. Naturally, being on his back, I followed his gaze. "I have a mission to report..."

"That's it for today." We watched as everyone dispersed before we too took our leave. Feeling sleepy, I rested my head on Kakashi's shoulder and drifted off. I had a good sense of the time anyway.

I was roused from my sleep by the mention of my name.

"What's with the kid on your back?" The voice belonged to Iruka-Sensei. There was a snicker from someone else.

"Huh?" Iruka sounded puzzled. I merely smirked as Kakashi groaned in response.

"Just ignore the cub." It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I had become his backpack. I wasn't letting go until I was sure he wouldn't abandon me like the last time.

...

"You've all been assembled for one reason, which should be clear given the members present," the Hokage began.

"It's already that time..." I couldn't help but smile at Kakashi's bored tone. I drifted into a light sleep, listening to the conversation. The Chunin exams were a week away, and I was buzzing with anticipation.

I knew they wouldn't let me participate, but I was eager to see Naruto and Gaara fight in real life. The prospect of meeting Gaara, the one-tail's Jinchuriki, was particularly exciting.

"Now," I tuned in to Lord Third's voice as he spoke. "First, we'll hear from those who are overseeing the new Genins."

There were murmurs as I felt Kakashi step forward. Some were confused at the sight of me on the copy ninja's back. I paid no mind to the attention as the Hokage continued.

"Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma..." He paused. "Well...? Are there any Genins that you would like to enter into this Chunin selection exam?"

My thoughts turned to the Rookie 9, as they were known. "I don't need to remind you, but... After a genin has successfully completed at least eight missions... They may take the exam if nominated by their sensei."

I stifled a yawn as he continued. "Of course, it's more common to complete more missions than that. Now, starting with Kakashi..."

I shifted slightly as Kakashi responded. "The Kakashi-led Team 7, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura, under the name of Hatake Kakashi, I nominate them to take the Chunin selection exam.

I suppressed a smirk as I heard Iruka's response. "What?!"

Then Kurenai and Asuma nominated their Team 8 and Team 10 alongside Kakashi. I listened as Iruka argued against their decision. I understood his concerns about the Genins' readiness, but this was an experience they needed for their future growth.

I let out a soft sigh. Kakashi twitched slightly as my warm breath hit his ears. As the meeting continued, he turned to see why I was sighing. His questioning gaze made me sigh again.

"Can I go find big brother now?" His eyebrow shot up as he considered my request. He looked at me again, and I took that as a yes. I released his flak jacket to land on my feet.

If my memory serves me right, this was around the time when the main characters first encountered Gaara. He was a formidable figure then, and I remember reading fanfictions where the OCs would attempt to win him over before he transformed. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. I yearned to hold significance in Gaara's life too.

With curious eyes tracking my every move, I leaped out of the Hokage's tower. I could sense Naruto's restless chakra, along with Sakura's and a few others I hadn't met yet.

It wasn't long before Sasuke made his entrance. 'Such a showoff,' I thought, sighing internally.

Soon, Gaara appeared alongside his siblings. My nerves were aflutter with anticipation. I tried to keep my expectations in check. After all, he could potentially pose a threat to me. The saying 'Don't meet your idols' echoed in my mind.

"Hey, wait!" Sakura's voice snapped me out of my thoughts. "Judging from your headbands, you guys are shinobi from the Hidden Sand Village, right?"

"Even though we're allies with the Leaf Village, it's forbidden for shinobi to enter other villages without permission."

She continued in a stern tone, "State your purpose. Depending on your answer, we may not be able to let you leave..."

Temari revealed their purpose was the Chunin exams, and I couldn't help but snicker as the conversation unfolded.

"Chunin Selection Exam...?" Naruto's cluelessness never failed to amuse me.

I watched in anticipation as Sasuke landed on the ground. "Hey, what's your name?"

I burst into laughter as Temari mistakenly thought he was asking her.

"No, you with the gourd."

"Gaara of the desert." He paused before asking, "I'm also interested in you, your name?"

"It's Sasuke Uchiha..." The two locked eyes, and I wished I had some popcorn to enjoy the show. I knew what was coming next.

"Hey! What about me?! Huh?!"

"Not interested. Let's go..." As they walked away, I laughed out loud, drawing the attention of six members of the Konoha village.

"Ariel?! What are you doing here?!" I jumped to Naruto's side as he questioned my sudden appearance.

"Big brother!" I threw my arms around his waist. Naruto had already accepted that title. I was the only one willing to sit down and listen to his heavily embellished and biased mission stories. One day, he just stopped flinching every time I hugged him.

Sasuke stared at me in surprise. I knew he hadn't been able to sense my chakra, which seemed to give him pause. "Tch!"

He left, seemingly irritated.

I turned my attention to the three Sound Shinobi hiding nearby. I don't think they realized I could sense their presence in the tree.