So, the next day, Kakashi and I were hanging out by the memorial stone. From what I knew, Kakashi had lost a lot of people he cared about when he was just a kid. That kind of stuff can really mess with you, especially when you're still growing up.

There were a bunch of things I wanted to ask him, but I figured it could wait. I mean, to him, I was just some random kid who decided to stick around. I was checking out the stone when I realized we were totally late for the team seven meet-up.

We headed to the bridge, me hitching a ride on his back as usual. I could hear Naruto's voice from a mile away and got super excited.

"Morning, folks!" Kakashi greeted everyone with a wave. After the usual 'you're late!' drama, I hopped off his back onto the bridge. I copied Kakashi and waved back.

"Morning, big bros and sis!" I flashed them the biggest, cutest smile I could manage. Sakura was so taken in by my cuteness, she just had to pat my head.

Kakashi cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "So, this is kinda sudden, but I've put you guys up for the Chunin selection exam."

They all started yelling, which was way too loud for my liking. I covered my ears as Kakashi scooped me up, putting me back on his back after handing them the forms. This move saved him a surprise hug attack from Naruto.

"Kakashi Sensei! I love you!" Kakashi just hummed, brushing my long hair off his shoulders.

"But remember, this is just a nomination. Whether you take the exam is up to you. If you want to take it, sign those papers and turn them in to room 301 by 4 pm tomorrow. That's all." With that, we were off.

"So, you think they'll make Chunin, pops?" I asked, slurping up more ramen as I swung my legs on the stool. Ichiraku ramen was seriously good stuff. I totally got why Naruto was so into it.

Kakashi just hummed, not really answering. I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"You know, I think you should do something about big bro Sasuke." He paused. "He's kinda power-hungry, don't you think? Like, enough to ditch the village for it."

I thought I saw something flash in his eyes before he went back to eating. I decided to change the subject. "Sakura could use some help too, you know? Someone to guide her."

I didn't remember if he had a reason for not teaching Sakura like he did Sasuke, but even though she wasn't one of my faves at first, I started seeing her as a person and my perspective totally changed.

"She feels like she's a burden, even though she's got potential." He hummed again. Well, onto the next topic.

"Should I tell Naruto that we're actually related?"

I waited to see if he would respond, but he was too engrossed in his Icha Icha Paradise. "It might make him feel less lonely if he knew he still had family in the village," I mused.

I had no idea how closely related we were, but the thought of him finding out later and hating me for keeping it from him was kinda suffocating. "Can I tell him?"

"Then, can I be friends with Gaara?" He stiffened slightly. His eyes narrowed, but he went right back to eating.

We ate in silence after that. I was lost in my thoughts about meeting Gaara. I mean, I wasn't ready to die or anything. I still needed to see Mom and Dad again.

A hand on my head snapped me out of my thoughts. "It's time to go."

I nodded, jumping off the stool before we disappeared and reappeared outside the examination room. I shuffled to the floor to greet Kakashi's students.

"So, Sakura made it too..." I nervously twirled a bunch of my red hair around my finger. I knew they wouldn't die, but still.

Sakura looked confused and asked, "What do you mean?"

He explained that if Sakura hadn't shown up, they wouldn't have been able to take the Chunin exams at all. I stood there, one hand clutching Kakashi's pant leg, grinning like a fool.

"Sakura... Naruto... and Sasuke..." His eyes closed as he smiled, "I'm proud of you guys. Couldn't ask for a better team."

"Now go!" I looked up at the three of them and gave them a big smile before hugging each one tightly.

"Good luck, big bros and sis!" They opened the door with smirks on their faces and walked into the room.

Kakashi stood there, lost in thought. I looked up at him, worried. But before I could ask what was wrong, Naruto's voice declaring war on the others came through the door. I couldn't help but laugh, and Kakashi chuckled along.

Kakashi left with me giggling against his neck. Classic Naruto.

"They'll do great, right, pops?"

He turned to me slightly, then ruffled my hair, causing red strands to fall over his shoulder. "Definitely."

I smiled as we headed off.

...

Yawn! 'Man, this is dull!'

"Well, it's kinda boring without my team." 'Tell me about it!' "Guess the missions will have to wait."

"Don't worry, it'll get busy again soon." I cringed at the smell of a cigarette and rubbed my nose. Kakashi paused to give me a look before continuing the conversation.

"Why's that?" My mind went to the first examiner for Naruto's test.

"This year's first proctor... I hear it's that Ibiki Morino." I shuddered at the thought of the guy.

I could feel Kakashi's deadpan as he realized the situation. "Of all the people, that sadist..."

"Sadist?" Kurenai asked, confused.

"Kurenai, you're a new Jonin, so you wouldn't know." Asuma replied.

"Who is he?" The rest of the conversation faded into the background as my mind wandered to Gaara, the Jinchuriki of the one-tail.

It felt like I could still sense the bloodthirsty chakra in the air. It saddened me that a kid had to go through what Gaara had gone through. Naruto might be my number one, but Gaara was a close second.

I jerked as I sneezed abruptly. Good thing my hand was covering my mouth, or that would've been awkward.

Whatever the three were talking about was cut short as they were interrupted. I froze as two stares settled on me. I felt uncomfortable and shrank into myself. Before I could do anything, my stomach growled.

I swear Kakashi snorted. I pouted. "I'm hungry."

There was a sigh, and before I knew it, we were at Ichiraku's.

...

Kakashi and I were enjoying our ramen when he suddenly turned to me, a thoughtful look on his face. "Ariel," he began, "Can you read and write?"

I paused, my chopsticks halfway to my mouth. It was a simple question, but it caught me off guard. I had been so focused on survival and adapting to this new world that I hadn't thought about such basic skills.

I shook my head, swallowing the mouthful of ramen I had been chewing. "No, I can't," I replied, "Father and Mother couldn't teach me."

Kakashi seemed to consider this for a moment, his gaze distant. "I see," he finally said, "That's something we'll need to address."

I looked up at him, my eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Are you going to teach me?" The thought of learning from Kakashi, one of the most skilled shinobi I knew, filled me with excitement.

He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "No, Ariel. I think it's time you learned from someone who specializes in teaching young shinobi."

My heart sank a little at his words. I had been so excited about the prospect of learning directly from Kakashi. "You're getting me a teacher?" I asked, trying to hide my disappointment.

He nodded. "Yes, I believe it's the best course of action. You need to learn the basics, and I'm not the best person for that job."

Despite my initial disappointment, I understood his reasoning. After all, Kakashi was a busy shinobi with many responsibilities. And having a specialized teacher could be beneficial for my growth. I nodded, accepting his decision, and looked forward to meeting my new teacher. user this is the continuation: "Alright then," I said, trying to sound more cheerful than I felt. "I guess I'll be looking forward to meeting my new teacher."

Kakashi ruffled my hair. "That's the spirit, Ariel. I'm sure you'll do great."

With that, we finished our meal and headed out. As we walked through the village, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I was about to embark on a new journey, one that would bring me closer to becoming a true shinobi.