A/N Back with another chapter thanks for the support hope this goes well
Enjoy!
Chapter 2.
Who Are You Really
Sasuke decided that she shouldn't have come. First it was Ayame and her provocative attitude towards Naruto. Then Sakura was intervening in her attempt to understand Naruto and the feeling she got around him alone. She decided Sakura was a pest. She had better things to do then to sit and listen to Naruto attempted flirting.
"So, Sakura-chan what made you become a shinobi?" Naruto asked.
Sakura turning to Naruto brought her last few noodles remaining in her bowl to her face. Chewing it and swallowing taking a sip of her tea before responding.
"Well, Ino-chan is a close friend of mine, she was going to the Academy, and I mainly wanted to go with her. After I learned more about what a shinobi does, I thought it was very noble and inspiring, so I've stuck around."
Sasuke huffed at this response.
As if being a shinobi is always so wonderful.
"That's awesome Sakura-chan. I know you will be a great Kunoichi one day" Naruto said smiling brightly at her.
That's awesome Sakura-chan i know you will be a GREAATT kunoichi one day
Sasuke mocked. She was seething in her seat. She felt like someone was pouring boiling hot water in her ears.
Sakura blushed; she knew Naruto meant what he said he practically screamed it with his eyes. Everything about Naruto was open and inviting. Was Naruto always this kind?Were his eyes always this telling?
Sakura had always held out on insulting the boys' looks even when she was making fun of him with Ino. Sakura only just verbally acknowledge the boy was not ugly, maybe stupid, but when he is smiling like this, he definitely wasn't ugly. Sasuke had seen enough she really wasn't here for this.
"I am going to leave thank you for the meal Naruto." Sasuke muttered standing up walking towards her district and away from the two. She was losing her cool. Naruto was so dumb, Sakura wouldn't have even bother coming if she hadn't offered to join him. She was the one who had recognized the look of loneliness in his eyes after her rejection.
If the idiot can't see that for himself then there is nothing I can do
She told herself trying to convince herself that she was so upset by Naruto's naivety and nothing else.
"Wait- Sasuke" Naruto called out to his teammate as he walked away. Sasuke didn't even spare him a second glance.
I wonder what his problem is. Naruto looked over at Sasuke seat he happened to glance at the boys bowl, as he was turning back to face forward in his seat. Sasuke had managed to eat all his food before leaving.
At least he didn't hate it. Maybe I'll see him stop by , or he will come with me again some other time.
Naruto turned grabbing his second bowl raising it to his lips and swallowing the rest of the remaining broth. He looked over to Sakura who was deep in thought about something. She also seemed to be close to done eating.
"Sakura would you like me to walk you home?"
Naruto's question seemed to shake Sakura out of her thoughts. She casted him a contemplative look. Before shaking her head.
"No Naruto, thanks for the invite I'm going to head home now." She said giving him a small smile and wave goodbye before walking away. Naruto sighed as he watched her leave. He knew they had to wake up early tomorrow so both his teammates had valid reasons for leaving so suddenly. He just wished they could have stayed together a little while longer.
Next Day
Sasuke arrived at the Team 7 designated training grounds, when she got home, she found a note on the door with the meeting location for today. She figured that since she had received a letter from Kakashi then Naruto and Sakura must've too. She arrived at the training grounds at 4:30. Wearing her usual attire except she added a few extra kunai and shuriken to her pouch. When she arrived, she wasn't surprised that Kakashi-sensei wasn't present. At 4:45 Sakura came into the field. The sun still yet to rise made seeing her face hard until she got closure. Upon better inspection Sakura looked exhausted rubbing the sleep in her eyes. Sasuke was sure that the girl hadn't even noticed her yet.
Sakura walked closer to the tree in the middle of the training ground that Sasuke was standing under. She didn't notice him till it was too late and his figure popped up in her peripheral scaring the crap out of her. Jumping at the sight of him she said
"Geez Sauske-kun you scared me" Sakura said hand over heart suddenly she was feeling more alert.
Sasuke didn't even respond to her just turning away to watch her surroundings she had no way to be sure that Kakashi actually wasn't here. She hasn't been able to completely relax since she stepped into the training grounds. She wasn't sure if it was nerves, but she truly felt like she was being watched.
Naruto came running into the field at 4:59. Sasuke watched as the boy sprinted onto the field sweat glinting off his forehead. He must've run from wherever his apartment was all the way to the training grounds.
"Idiot, I thought you went and quit pipsqueak" Sasuke shot at the blond who was leaning over catching his breath.
At hearing the insult Naruto shot a glare at Sasuke "Yea, but then you wouldn't get to see my handsome face, and we both know that'd be a terrible world for you dickhead! And I'll never quit or go back on my word that's my nindo!"
Sasuke rolled her eyes at the retort.
"It wouldn't kill you to be more punctual Naruto!" Sakura shouted at the blond.
"Well tell that to our sensei at least I got here on time" Naruto said.
Sakura looked at her watch it was 5:04 and their sensei was indeed late.
"I hope he doesn't make us wait for an hour again!" Sakura griped.
They sat there for two hours Naruto made small talk with both Sasuke and Sakura. Mostly Sakura because she would at least continue the conversation past three sentences.
"Gosh what is taking Kakashi-sensei so long?!" Sakura was pissed there is no way a person who is always late could make Jonin. It felt so irresponsible and not cool! Especially when she was the one who was waiting!
"I don't know Sakura-chan, this place is kind of giving me the creeps." Naruto said his hair was sticking to the back of his neck. He knew or at least understood the feeling of being watched. He felt it right now, he's felt it since he walked into the clearing where his other two teammates were.
Sakura just ignored him but Sasuke gave him a questioning look before saying.
"What do you mean pipsqueak. Don't tell me you scared of being out in the woods at night!" Sasuke teased.
"No, No it's just that I feel like I'm being watched and trust me I know when I'm being watched."
"It's just us out here Naruto. I got here before you and Sasuke was the first one here, we would know if someone was here. Stop being stupid." Sakura said with an annoyed tired tone.
Sasuke shot a glare at Sakura which made her take a step back. Sasuke had such a harsh and mean glare; it was as if each time she glared at someone she was picturing their deaths by her hand. It was as if she was a predator.
She looks at me like I'm prey when she does that. If Sasuke was a predator he'd be a cat…umm Sakura thought turning her head away for the glare no Sasuke was a fiercer animal than a cat
No more like a snake... Wait No, he was like an Eagle or Hawk
"I was here first Sakura. I agree with Naruto something hasn't felt right to me either."
Kakashi decided he'd take out his book, from the looks of it both Sasuke and Naruto were feeling his gaze, which is impressive seeing as though that was the only indication, they had that he was indeed close and watching them. He'd settle with reading and wait till they got relaxed before striking, He'd just spare them glances in the meantime so their super sensitive radars wouldn't go off.
It was nearly 10 am when Sasuke finally let down her guard, and she was furious
There is no way he would make us wait 5 hours!
Her thought was interrupted by the brief tussling of leaves she barely had time to react pulling her kunai out as she deflected a kunai that had been thrown at her. She looked at Naruto and saw that he two was now up on his feet in a defensive posture kunai in hand She smirked.
So, the idiot is not half bad.
Naruto managed to block a kunai that was thrown at him as well. Sasuke turned to Sakura. She sighed the girl hadn't even gotten to her feet yet, she was shaking slightly, and her eyes held look of fear. She was staring at a kunai that was thrown expertly between her legs stopping just short of hitting her pelvic area. Attached to the kunai fluttering against the light breeze was a note.
Sasuke walked over and read the note.
"To my Genin candidates you have until 3pm to find me and capture one of my two bells that I have in my possession if you fail to be in possession of a bell then at the end of the 5 hours, I'm giving you that person will be sent back to the Shinobi academy while those who do possess a bell will be full fledge genin of Konoha. I advise you to come at me with the intent to kill otherwise none of you will pass.
-Your sensei for now Kakashi Hatake
P.S consider this a free lesson since you all might not be around for long, but don't drop your guard on assignment."
Her face must've given something away because Naruto spoke
"What's the note say bastard?"
Sasuke just handed it to him watching as he read the message then passed it to Sakura. Who finally managed to get off her feet.
"So, our sensei wants to play hide and seek. Well, little does he know I'm great at hide and seek… Well usually I'm not the one seeking but hiding but all the same!" Naruto shouted. Bouncing on his toes excitedly Sasuke knew he'd take off any moment to go looking for their sensei and the bells.
"Don't be stupid Naruto. Kakashi is a Jonin if you go wondering off in the woods alone, he pummel you and their won't be anything left to find. Plus, the training grounds are probably riddled with traps." Sasuke replied.
"Then what do you expect me to do dickhead! If I stand around with you two, I'm just wasting time to get a bell!" Naruto shouted.
"As if you could even find him, let alone defeat him by yourself if you do!" Sakura yelled at Naruto. She finished reading the note. She was wracking her brain trying to come up with a solution that would involve her still being a genin by the end of the day.
"Well, it's better than sitting here and arguing with you two!" Naruto said taking off towards the forest.
"Naruto- wait!" Sasuke shouted running off after him.
"Sasuke-kun" Sakura said taking off to catch the three.
Naruto sprinted into the woods where the Kunai had come from, he started searching the ground and area for any tracks or and clues about where Kakashi-sensei went to after throwing the kunai at them. Sasuke and Sakura caught up to him.
"Don't just run off like that!" Sakura shouted at the blond when they caught up.
"If you're trying to get yourself killed just let me know. I might be able to help!" Sasuke spat.
"I am not, I just couldn't sit around anymore!"
Sasuke rolled her eyes and began to help Naruto look for clues on Kakashi. Sakura watched the two confused.
"Are you helping him try to find Kakashi-sensei Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked her face twisted with confusion.
Sasuke just ignored Sakura continuing to help Naruto in the search. They looked all around but couldn't find anything. So, she began spreading out her search, Naruto seemed to flow right with her spacing from her in the opposite direction looking in areas opposite of her's for clues.
Sakura joined Sasuke standing five feet away from him as she searched the ground and areas for clues.
"Why are we working together with Naruto Sasuke-kun? There are only two bells, and Naruto is the dead last we should just try to work together without-"
"Stop talking to me Sakura. Even if me and you teamed up to find Kakashi-sensei we wouldn't be able to defeat him, it be best if all three of us work together. We can figure out the bell situation after we find Kakashi and that's assuming we are able to even get a bell from him."
Sakura quieted at this. They searched for clues for Kakashi for three hours, they'd run across a clue here and there a foot track here. Broken twig branch there. But after three hours of searching, they ran cold. All the other supposed clues just ran them into traps. If she had to pull Naruto out of one more pitfall trap she'd leave him in the hole to rot.
"Geez, where is this guy!" Naruto said.
He barely saw the kunai flying towards his head until it was too late. Naruto watched the object flying towards him, he froze in that moment he saw his death he saw the kunai pierce him through his throat. He could almost feel the blood pouring out of his hands as he tried to stop the bleeding. Blinking his eyes he thought that it would be his last time being able to do that action.
Just before the Kunai impelled his flesh it was deflected by another kunai that Sasuke had thrown. He looked at her in shock, he didn't think anyone could react that fast. She was staring at him her sharingan tomaes spiraling in a circle. Her eyes looked angry? But excited at the same time it was hard to pin.
"You REALLY want to die today huh idiot!" Sasuke said before running off in the direction the Kunai came from with Sakura hot on her heels.
Naruto just stood there for a moment he saw how angry Sasuke was just then at him. He didn't know why.
Bastard! Thinking you're so much better than me! I'll show you!
Naruto took off after the two.
When Sasuke reached the area Kakashi had thrown the kunai she was expecting him to have repositioned and hidden himself away. She slid to a stop 20 meters from the man. Kakashi was sitting down at the base of a tree. His back resting up against the tall wood his left leg outstretched while his right was up feet planted on the ground. He held his erotica book in his left hand. To the untrained eye he looked completely relax, with tons of openings for attack. But she knew better her sharingan could see. Although he looked relax he was like a snake posed to strike at any moment. His muscles tensed and flexed every few moments, his eyes weren't on the book but looking above it at her.
"Nice for you to join me, Sasuke."
"You could've killed Naruto with that Kunai!" she spat seething rage
"Could've but I didn't!"
The Uchiha ignored him her hand hovering over her weapons pouched. If Kakashi so much as moved an inch she'd strike him dead with a barrage of kunai and shiruken.
A huff was the only reply the Jonin got as acknowledgement. Shortly after Sasuke slid to her stop she was joined by Sakura then Naruto. Kakashi observed the three they had been attempting to track him for three hours and weren't even getting close to finding him. He decided to spare them the shame, because at the rate they were going they'd all be sent back the academy without even having located him.
Sakura was visibly more exhusated then either Sasuke or Naruto. He would have to work on her conditioning if they even passed.
"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted " You should have kept hiding but it's to late now! Uzumaki Naruto has you in his sights and I am not going to let you get away!" Naruto said before taking off past Sasuke and Sakura.
"Naruto what are you doing didn't you hear Sasuke-kun earlier!" Sakura shouted but it was to late Naruto was already engaging Kakashi in taijutsu. As Naruto ran past her Sasuke noticed something she smirked before grabbing Sakura by the arm causing the girl to blush before dispersing. She kept her eyes on the Naruto in the clearing fighting Kakashi and went and hid in the bushes with Sakura.
"Sasuke-kun? What are you doing?" Sasuke turned to Sakura sharingan still active. "That is not Naruto." Sasuke said plainly.
"Huh" was the pink haired girl's response.
"What do you mean that's not Naruto? I can see him right-"
Just before Sakura could finish her sentence she saw Naruto disappear in a cloud of smoke. After Kakashi decided to stop parring and blocking all of Naruto's strikes he sent one of his on at the boy.
Kakashi smiled bringing his book to his face.
"You know Naruto, for someone who finished last in the shinobi academy I will admit you are quite surprising. Although all three of you are unimpressively terrible. You at least are unpredictable. Still terrible but quite unpredictable. Its impressive really to know the shadow clone jutsu already as a genin. Quite impressive indeed."
"Shadow clone jutsu? But Naruto couldn't even produce a clone in the academy. I haven't even heard of that jutsu before." Sakura said as she watched their Jonin instructor.
"It wasn't a jutsu taught at the academy. I am not sure how Naruto learned it but as soon as I saw the…clone I knew it wasn't him." Sasuke said not taking her eyes off their sensei.
She heard slight rustling behind her and Sakura, they turned to look and saw Naruto join them his eyes locked in on Kakashi so they wouldn't have to find him again.
"You were right Sakura… he is good he wasn't even trying against my clone he just read his book and blocked the whole time." Naruto said sighing as he stared frustratingly at Kakashi.
"Of course I was right. We wont have any hope unless we work together. Right Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked looking towards her. Sasuke sighed they really didn't have a chance unless they worked together.
"Yeah, we need to come up with a plan to get those bells off his hip. It wont be easy but we wont be able to do it individually." Saying it again in front of Naruto pissed her off. She didn't need him thinking she wanted or needed his help.
"Okay so do you have a plan?" Naruto asked.
Sasuke remained quiet she didn't have a solid plan but she did have an idea. "How many of those clones can you make?" Sasuke asked looking at Naruto. She wouldn't have been surprised if he was only able to make that one. She should have known directly confronting Kakashi wasn't the play, but if she didn't react to the Kunai he thrown at Naruto he could have died it all just pissed her off.
"You know Naruto" Kakashi said out loud "Another thing impressive about you is you wear that awful bright eye-catching orange, as your sensei for now at least. I'd suggest that you change your outfit if you pass today because that orange is bound to get you killed. I realize the hypocrisy in what I'm about to say though. Even though you wear that ridiculous outfit. I can honestly say I don't know where you are."
Kakashi finished turning another page of his book.
"Well, I have an idea, and we can throw your idea in it to as a back up plan" Sakura said after having listened to Sasuke idea. It didn't really tell them how they were going to go about accomplishing his idea, but she hoped that her plan would be able to accomplish one of there two goals.
Sasuke just turned to her with a face that said 'well are you going to make us wait all day'. Sakura took the look as a sign Sasuke was willing to hear her out so she told Naruto and Sasuke her idea.
Kakashi was actually impressed although the three were absolutely terrible. They couldn't track, they'd easily have failed if he didn't decide to show mercy. But at least they were good at concealing themselves. That was an important skill for shinobi. Then again there is Naruto. Kakashi sighed Naruto had hidden so well, but it seemed that his barbs at his outfit got a rise out of the boy.
Because he abandoned his hiding spot and came out alone to face the Jonin in the open.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed
"You know I was giving you a compliment earlier Naruto. So why did you come out of your great hiding spot?" Kakashi asked the blond teenager not taking his eyes off his erotica.
"Because hiding away is boring! Especially when your teasing me about my clothes! Get ready Sensei! Uzumaki Naruto is about to kick your ass!"
Kakashi just eye smiled at the boy.
Man, you remind me of him so much.
"Muti Shadow Clone Jutsu" Naruto said before 300 hundred clones appeared around Kakashi.
Kakashi held up a finger "Impressive again Naruto, guess the rumors were true would you mind waiting for me to finish this page. This part is really good."
Naruto rolled his eyes before him and his clones started rushing their Sensei not bothering to wait. Sighing Kakashi swiftly put his book away "Kids now a days have no patience."
Kakashi started swiftly dispersing the clones. He had to put the book away purely because the number of clones, he was sure he'd be able to block and parry the kids attack his taijutsu was only average at best, but the number of the clones would make reading and doing all that a hassle. If he could swiftly take them all out then he'd have more time to read.
Kakashi was only faintly aware that dispersing so many clones so rapidly was causing the smoke that they created when dispersed to grow rapidly around him limiting his vision since he hadn't pulled out his sharingan yet he didn't have the acute eyes needed to track all of them.
Luckily his senses were really good because as he turned to doge a punch sent by one of the Naruto's three Kunai were sent flying at his back. As soon as His feet hit the floor Sasuke was on him, her taijutsu was good it could improve but was better than Naruto. He was being pushed back staying on the defensive letting her set the pace. So, he decided to switch it up and fight back, He sent a right jab at Sasuke which she calmly parried, he followed the jab with a left cross. When she blocked it smoothly, he dropped down to sweep her legs from under her. Sasuke had fast reflexes, he noted after she blocked a kunai, he sent at Naruto earlier. Seeing it firsthand up close was something else though she dove in and out like a bird and her strikes although not bone shaking powerful, stung like a whip.
She Jumped over his attempted leg sweep and kicked at his exposed head. Kakashi caught her attempted kick and stood up as she fell to the ground landing on one foot. He walked back a few paces forcing her to hop as he still held on to her leg. Showing an impressive skill of flexibility Sasuke jumped off one foot sending her only available leg towards his head. Kakashi dropped her left leg to block her right high kick. As soon as her leg connected with Kakashi's rasied hands and her other foot hit the ground. She leaped forward reaching for one of the bells around his waist.
Tricky girl
Kakashi thought pushing her away from him to gather himself.
"Your taijutsu is definitely better than Naruto's I'll tell you that." Kakashi said as his hand instinctively reached for his book. "But you will need more than that to defeat me" Kakashi said to the girl the smoke from Naruto shadow clones was clearing so he could barely make out Sasuke figure.
His hand reached for its familiar pocket, but was met with an unfamiliar emptiness. He frantically searched for it as the last of the smoke cleared.
"You did it Sasuke -kun!"
"Hell ya bastard!"
Kakashi looked up to see both Naruto and Sakura at Sasuke side is eyes narrowed at what was in Sasuke right hand his Icha Icha Paradise manga was in her hand!
How did she? Oh... So she was never actually reaching for the bells... Clever
"You are missing something Sensei?" Naruto teased.
Sasuke started weaving some hand signs and Kakashi immediately knew what she was going to do. She was going to burn his book!
"Wait! Wait! Come on now destruction of property is a crime!" Kakashi cried out
Sasuke smirked at the jonin "Then give us the bells and I wont destroy your book!"
Kakashi sighed before tossing the two bells over to Sasuke who grabbed both of them out the air.
"Now the book." Ignoring him Sasuke looked at him and ask. "Are you really going to send the person that doesn't have one of these by 3 back to the academy."
Kakashi just nodded his head "Yes, now the book please" Kakashi practically whined.
Sasuke looked at Naruto then Sakura. Sakura was looking at her with eyes that showed she was expecting her to give her one of the bells. Naruto's eyes however was down casted he didn't even believe she was considering giving it to him.
Sighing Sasuke reached over and handed Naruto the bell. Suddenly Kakashi wristwatch timer went off. One moment he was 15 meters away next he was in between the three and yanking his book out of Sasuke's hand.
"Welp my little genin times up!" Kakashi said turning to Sakura. "And you miss pink hair don't have a bell."
Sakura looked terrified she casted Sasuke a concerned face that was a mix of fear, anger and betrayal. Sasuke face remained emotionless as she stared back at Sakura until Kakashi spoke to Sakura taking her eyes off the Uchiha.
"You know what that means right Sakura." Sakura held her head down in shame.
"It means I'm going back to the academy."
"That's exactly right-"
Kakashi was cut off by Naruto's shout "That's not far and you know it Kakashi-sensei!"
Kakashi tilted his head to the side looking at the blond disapprovingly.
"And why is that Naruto?"
"Because without Sakura's plan, we might not have even got the book from you! It was her idea to use the smoke from my shadow clones to block your vision and allow Sasuke to get close enough to have an opportunity to grab it. "
"And was it also part of her plan to sit back and watch you two risk your lives in battling me?" Kakashi asked coldly glaring at Naruto.
"Well, she was watching just incase you took off! We weren't sure if we would get another opportunity if you got away!" Naruto defended her.
Kakashi pretended to ponder what Naruto said for a moment. Before turning to Sasuke a mischievous glint in his eye.
"And why did you decide to give the bell to Naruto and not Sakura. Sasuke?" Kakashi asked eyeing the girl.
"Because even though it was Sakura's plan to use the smoke, I also planned to work with Naruto to get a bell, no matter who's plan or idea it was there was two common denominators. Two critical pieces to my idea and Sakura. Me and Naruto. So, I figured without us it wouldn't be possible so he deserved the other bell."
"Sasuke" Sakura said softly her head down in defeat.
"Here Sakura take my bell" Naruto said smiling trying to hand it to her.
Sasuke gave Naruto a stiff glare, but he ignored it. He couldn't live with himself knowing Sakura was hurting and there was something he could do about it. Yeah it would suck going back to the academy but its not like he hasn't experienced it 3 times before already.
"N-Naruto I" Sakura was holding back her tears and she was finding it difficult to speak.
"Hmm interesting predicament we have here." Kakashi said bringing a hand to his chin. Then he stood straight up and put one finger in the air as though he just had some grand idea.
"How about this, what if I offer you guys another 3 hours, to grab just one bell if you do that you all can stay as a team, but if you fail all three of you go back to the academy."
Sakura looked up at him with hope. Naruto stared at him with determination. Sasuke looked as though she was barely even considering it. Before she could voice her opinion Naruto spoke up.
"You got a deal!"
"Naruto!" Sasuke spat.
"Are you sure Naruto?" Sakura asked her hope evident in her eyes.
Naruto was glaring at Sasuke who returned his glare with equal intensity.
"You don't get to decided what goes on this team!" Sasuke spat.
"And who do you think you are then huh? No one died and made you team leader! Sakura deserves to be here just as much as you and I!" Naruto retorted getting in his face.
Sasuke was basically shaking with anger "I'm not risking my shinobi career on a chance like that! Neither should you! You can't become Hokage if your stuck as a genin forever!"
Naruto huffed "As if you care! I can't become a Hokage if I'm not willing to risk it all for a friend!"
Sasuke just snarled at him her face taking on a scowl as she casted a heated look at Sakura. Who failed to hold her gaze.
Sauske-kun thinks so poorly of me
Kakashi just watched the two bickers. "So, deal? No Deal what is going on?"
"DEAL!" Naruto shouted tossing a bell at Kakashi feet before glaring at Sasuke who was still looking at him with an annoyed scowl. Kakashi couldn't tell exactly what the girl was thinking but it was obvious she wasn't pleased. Sakura was unsuccessfully holding back her tears. A few of them slipped as she looked gratefully at Naruto before her eyes flashed to Sasuke.
Their eyes met. All Sakura saw in them was anger and annoyance. Only Naruto and Kakashi saw the brief look of pity she flashed her before her face turn cold and emotionless.
"What about you Sasuke are you willing to risk it?"
Why is Naruto willing to risk his dream for her! She barely even acknowledges him!
Sasuke thought she looked at Naruto who was glaring at her. It was obvious his eyes were practically yelling at her.
Don't be a Bastard!
"Whatever if I get sent back to the academy Uzumaki Naruto I swear I'll kill you." Sasuke said tossing her bell at Kakashi feet next to Naruto. Naruto casted her the biggest smile she had seen. Which made her blush slightly before she rolled her eyes crossing her arms and gave him an annoyed huff.
Sakura was looking at her as if she had just saved her life. Her relief was apparent across her whole body.
Kakashi looked at the three.
"Are you three sure about this once I start the timer there is no going back."
Naruto nodded his head "You bet Kakashi-sensei we are gonna kick your butt again believe it!"
Kakashi nodded looking at Sakura.
"Well, I don't have much choice… And I can't let Sasuke-kun…. And Naruto-kun regret it!" Her eyes held the most determined look he has seen on her yet.
Kakashi looked at Sasuke who was still looking annoyed her arms crossed a slight redness in her cheeks.
"And you Sasuke?" He noticed her briefly look at Naruto before rolling her eyes and glaring at him
"Its either we defeat you, and I remain a genin. Or I go back to the academy and kill Naruto."
"Hey!"
Kakashi nodded his head picking up the bells and tying them back to his waist.
"Well.. You guys better get ready because you all.." He said pausing to look at his watch. The three genin candidates squatted slightly each thinking this time they wouldn't let Kakashi out of their sights.
"You all… PASS!"
Each one of the Genin who were poised to strike him at any moment looked at him with confusion.
"What? We passed? Is this a joke? Sakura asked
"Yep, not by much but you all passed. Naruto and Sauske showed enough talent alone to pass."
"Awesome!" Naruto shouted jumping up and down
"But I don't understand?" Sakura said.
"The point of the test was to get you three to work together, I tried to divide you three that's why I only had two bells, and that is why I made you three think that one of you would get sent home if you didn't have a bell."
"So you lied to us." Sasuke scowled at him
"Yes, we are shinobi lying is a part of our job. As shinobi you three will need to get accustomed to it. And learn when you're being lied too. We will call it seeing underneath the beneath. Don't take everything you see at face value, and more importantly don't trust everything you hear either, always verify it. Most importantly if you three want to survive as shinobi you will need to work as a team" He said looking at each one of them in the eye. "I am not sure about you but I don't want to die. Neither should you. We are team 7 our lives are in each other's hands. Theres a saying amongst shinobi that 'those who break the rules are scum', but I say those who abandon their precious friends are even worse than scum!" Kakashi said looking at his students.
Naruto was looking at him super excited and as if he was some kind of action hero. Sakura had a impressed gaze of awe in her eyes. Sauske was just staring at him face blank but he could tell she was thinking about what he said.
"Now we have a long way to go still. But today marks the first time you three agree to risk something for the sake of each other. From now on I'm telling you that it won't be your careers your risking with each other but your very lives. Naruto!" He said looking at the blond boy who shot up at his name "You did well today, you have a battle sense that is peculiar but effective and your tactics are unorthodox but that is good. You have endless amounts of chakra it's scary and your taijutsu is decent"
Naruto had a smug smile on his face turning to Sauske "You heard that bastard I'm awesome!"
Sauske eye twitched and she shot a gannoyed look at Naruto who stuck his tongue out at her.
"But your chakra control is terrible, you are to near sighted in your thought process and you are completely unrefined. I hope you like reading because I m going to have you reading books every week writing me reports then we will practice what you learned through reading."
Naruto face showed one of horror. Sauske chuckled "I'm not sure the idiot can even read."
"Hey i can to read dickhead!"
"Sauske!" Kakashi started "It's undeniable that you preformed the best today, your clever, your taijutsu is near perfect, and you have a sizeable chakra reserve as well. Your sharigan is young but deadly and your flexibility seems core to your fighting style."
Sauske looked at Naruto with the same smug look he given her earlier "But! You are more concerned with personal gain then this team, and you lack jutsu to back up your cleverness. We will be working closely together im sure I have a few things I can teach you. That will add to your skills."
"Not as smart as you think you are bastard!" Naruto said
Sasuke wanted to whack him across the head but settled with glaring a hole through his head.
I should've let that Kunai impale you in the throat!
"Sakura!" Kakashi said looking at his last student. "You preformed the worst today, your chakra reserves are low, I don't even know if your decent at taijutsu but looking at you I'd assume not, and you only passed because your teammates carried you, you will be a detriment to this team if you don't shape up." Sakura looked at her feet, she knew she preformed poorly today. What Sauske said earlier was true so she couldn't be mad at him if she was in his shoes she probably would have given the bell to Naruto as well.
"That being said you came up with a plan on the spot and made it work, you got guts and determination and intellect so im sure you'll be fine. From now on me and you have a lot of work to do… well mostly you I expect you to wake up every day and do intense cardio training, I will also work on your taijutsu and get you up to snuff. You have small chakra reserves but that means unlike Naruto you should be able to control it well. I imagine you could be a great genjutsu specialist with your brains and some dedicated training."
Sakura gave a soft smile to her sensei her face changing from somber to one of hope.
"Well team 7 you have the rest of the day off. Congratulations I will meet you all here tomorrow at 0900 for mission assignments…. Oh and Naruto please buy some new clothes? Sakura I want you to help Naruto find some more clothes" Kakashi said
"Wait why does Sakura have to go help Naruto find more clothes!" Sauske yelled her face held a scowl but her cheeks where slightly flushed
Kakashi didn't respond just eyed her up and down repeatedly. Sauske watched her sensei eyeing her up and down.
Why is he just staring at me like that.
She looked at her clothes. Nothing was wrong with her outfit yea it was blue but at least it wasn't bright and eye catching as Naruto. Everyone liked her style she… That's when it hit her light bulbs flashed in her eyes.
Naruto and Sakura watched Sasuke face flash through several emotions, anger, than embarrassment, then disbelief before settling at anger again.
"I think we both know why Sasuke now don't we." Kakashi said not hiding the chuckle in his voice.
Naruto watched Sasuke face turn red before he stomped out of the training area without so much as a goodbye
"Whatever like I care anyways!" Sasuke said as she walked off.
Naruto watched Sasuke storm off with an amused smile
"Nice job sensei you pissed the bastard off so much he turned red!" Naruto was bending over laughing
Sakura was staring at Sasuke's shadow. She'd never seen him look... embarrassed before. She looked down at her clothes. Surely, she wasn't that poorly dressed. Sasuke thought her incapable of bettering Naruto attire.
"Well since that's settled see ya tomorrow" Kakashi said before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
Naruto turned to Sakura who was watching were Sasuke took off too, she had a worried look on her face.
"Hey Sakura-chan don't worry about the bastard. I'm sure he is just jealous or something bastard like."
Naruto said offering her a kind smile. Sakura turned to look at him she offered a small smile that Naruto recognized as a fake. Having been doing it all his life "Thanks Naruto… and Thanks for believing in me. Without you i wouldn't be here so i owe you one" She said offering a genuine smile at her last sentence.
"Anytime Sakura so do you know where to get good clothes?"
Sakura nodded her head "Follow me I know just the store."
Sasuke stomped her way towards her clan's compound.
That faceless prick! Eyeing me like that, the way I dress is completely fine, it's not my fault that most people have the observation skill of a 2 year old. I'm obviously a girl! That asshole thinks that I'd dress Naruto up in a weird outfit or something and people would confuse his gender! God damn prick!
Picking Sakura over me! To spend time with Naruto! And dressing him, and ….
Sasuke paused over her? Why was she so upset about that. Its not like she wants to help Naruto get dressed or anything.
Sasuke blushed at the thought of dressing Naruto and certain things that could happen in a dressing room. Then she was angry because Sakura would be the one in the unholy scenario she just imagined.
Whatever as if I care!
She needed to get home so she can train some more. That would get her mind off of things.
Sakura and Naruto arrived a popular shinobi clothing store. Naruto recognized it and stopped outside the store. Nervously looking around Sakura of course noticed this.
"What's wrong Naruto?"
"Well I was just wondering if you knew of a cheaper store, I don't have much money on me right now." Naruto said rubbing the back of his head as he gave a nervous smile and laugh.
"Naruto don't be ridiculous this is the best store in the village, you're not going to get better prices for good gear, than here!" She said
"But I'm telling you I've been here before and this place is way too expensive for me!"
Sakura rolled her eyes grabbing Naruto's arm and dragging him inside the store behind her
"Well now you have Sakura Haruno with you and trust me girls are great at shopping, I will find you a nice outfit that fits your budget and if we go over i'll cover the rest how's that sound?"
She said as they entered
"I-I couldn't ask that of you Sakura-chan."
"Well you didn't ask I offered now let's go."
She dragged him over to a section of hoodies and jackets, she figured it be best to start at the top down. She turned to look at Naruto. Hmm… Blond hair, so we should go with a darker base, orange does look good on him as well as blue, so that will be our primary colors with black as a base. The more she stared at him the more she realized that Naruto was actually kind hot.
A blush raised to her cheeks at the thought, which caused Naruto more anxiety not knowing what she was thinking.
"What is it Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked looking over his shoulder fearfully. Thankfully the store manger hadn't seemed to notice them yet.
Shaking herself out of her thoughts "Oh nothing, so I'm thinking you should go and try on these. See which one fits you and which material you like. Go in the dressing room over there then come find me when your down I'm going to look for some bottoms for you as well." She said looking at his pants her eyes noticed that Naruto Kunai pouch looked in rough shape too.
"And some more ninja tool poches." Naruto nodded before taking the clothing items with him towards the dresser room.
"Sakura-chan?" she heard a familiar voice call out to her looking over her shoulder she saw Ino smiling and waving as the girl approached her.
"Hey Ino-chan what you doing here?" Sakura asked her friend returning her smile.
"Well, I just wanted to do some celebratory shopping since me and my team passed our additional exam. I assume since your not crying in my shoulders that you and your team passed as well?" Ino said hopefully.
Sakura nodded her head telling the blond that her assumption was correct.
"Yes, me, Sasuke-kun and Naruto-kun passed the exam!"
Ino noticed the honorific her friend used for the dead last but shrugged it off as a slip. Sakura although admitting she found the attractive still they weren't best or even close friends, nor did she think her best friend had a crush on Naruto.
Probably just a slip of the tongue.
Ino noticed now that Sakura was shopping in the boys section and her eyes lit up.
"Oh someone has been a naughty girl, you have a boyfriend Sakura-chan!" Ino yelled excitedly
Sakura was confused "Huh? No I don't have a boyfriend Ino-pig!"
Sakura said annoyed thinking her friend was teasing her or something. Which then made Ino confused.
"Then why are you looking at boys clothes?"
"Oh… Well Kakshi-sensei said that Naruto orange jumpsuit was an eye sore so he sent me here to help Naruto get a change of clothes for missions."
Ino chuckled at this "That makes sense, I am glad someone is finally doing something about that hideous outfit he wears."
Sakura nodded in agreement "He is here now, just in the dressing rooms over there, Im looking for pants and a undershirt or something for him now. But there is no orange and its such a hard color to blend its just stands out to much."
Ino thought for a moment looking around at their options. "Okay I'll help you find some cloths for Naruto!" Ino said determinedly.
"You Sure Ino? We could be here for a while.'
"I am sure, it takes more than one person to fix the wardrobe disaster that is Uzumaki Naruto. Between the two of us I'm sure we can find something. "
"Thanks, Ino."
The two looked at clothes comparing ideas and trying to find things that fit Naruto. Naruto had no idea how intense shopping could be he had tried on 12 different outfits and was working up a sweat trying on all these different clothing combinations that the two came up with. It was starting to make his head spin.
Sighing he exited the dressing room, praying that this would get the two girls approval so he could go home already.
He walked out into the store from the dressing room looking at the floor expecting to be sent back again to try on more clothes. Instead of being sent back though he was met with the sounds of the girls gasping. When he looked up he was met with two red faces as Ino was staring at him mouth slightly agape. Sakura was beat red looking at anywhere but at him.
Sighing he figured that this must've meant that this was another terrible outfit. Maybe shinobi fashion just wasn't meant for him. All that matters was the utility and functionality and comfortability anyways.
A few moments passed and the girls still didn't say anything Ino just stared eyeing him up and down, he watched her lick her lips swiftly as if her lips and mouth were dry. Sakura would just glance up at him face turning red before looking away.
"I guess this is another No?" Naruto asked questionably.
"No!" both girls shouted in unison embarrassing themselves in front of each other.
Naruto sighed starting to approach them to get the next outfit
Figures
He went to reach for an outfit in Ino's hand but she moved it away. When he looked up into her eyes. Her face turned so red so quickly he thought she would pass out. She turned around so her back was facing him.
"Ino can you please hand me the next outfit I don't want to be here all day." He said desperately who knows how much time has already passed. Felt like a whole day!
"n-No!" Ino said stuttering slightly her back still to him.
Naruto was confused and it showed on his face "I cant change out of this if I don't get it Ino-chan"
"Good!" Sakura said he turned to her and she covered her mouth before turning her head away from him and looking at the floor again she was redder than Ino was a few moments ago.
What is going on with these two!
"You don't need to change Naruto… That outfit… it looks really…. Really good on you." Ino said her back still to him but he could see even her ears were red.
This time it was Naruto who blushed. He stepped back from the two girls turning to find a mirror.
He had on a black kimono top that was open in the middle exposing his chest, wrapped around his waist was a dark blue cloth like fabric tied together with an orange and black rope belt. Ino said that some shinobi use the cloth a fabric to hide their weapon pouches so the enemy can't what gear and how much he was carrying, at least that is what she intended this outfit to be for him. He wore black leggings that were super comfortable and would keep his lower body warm, the fabric that wrapped around his waist could be used as pullover poncho to fight the cold if needed. It stretched down to past his knees but didn't affect his mobility. He ended it with black socks and black shinobi sandals.
Naruto himself thought this was the best outfit so far and had come out wishing for the best although he was pessimistic about it. Taking a good look at himself in the mirror he liked what he saw.
(Think What Sasuke wore when Team 7 confronted him for the first time in Shippuden and just added the colors I did)
"So this is the outfit then, great!" Naruto said excited to get out of the store.
"Alright lets go pay for it, I think its 400 ryo over budget but I will still cover it." Sakura said trying not to look at Naruto so she wouldn't blush again.
Ino and Sakura led Naruto with 6 other pairs of the exact outfit so he'd have one for every day to the counter. Upon seeing the familiar customers, the store manager spoke to them with a smile.
"Hello, Sakura-chan Ino-chan I hope you found everything you were looking for today."
Both girls turned simultaneously to look a Naruto, they were too busy ogling him to notice the scared and uncomfortable look on his face as he tried to hide from the shop manager.
Turning around quickly the girls merely nodded before nodding to the store owner. Sakura placed the money on the counter doing the quick math in her head she was sure that she placed the right amount on the table.
"We'd like to buy these 5 outfits and the one that's is currently on our friend" Sakura said with a smile.
The shop owner had followed the girls eyes to that…thing. He glared at Naruto before looking at the price tags on the items swiftly removing them, to both Ino and Sakura suspicion.
The shop owner counted the money before sighing and looking up at the girls. Not even casting Naruto a second glance.
Naruto knew what was about to happen he wanted to bolt out of there but couldn't bring his feet to listen to him.
"Im afraid your 1600 ryo short Sakura chan."
Sakura's face twisted in disgust and confusion so did Ino's.
Even if I was off by a couple of ryo it'll be understandable since I did the math in my head. But there is no way we'd owe that much that would mean we only paid half of what we owed and that's not possible.
"No that'd mean that it cost double then what is displayed on the price tag!" Sakura spat
"There are no price tags on these items I think you are mistaken Sakura-chan"
Sakura glared at the shop owner
I cant believe he is trying to scam me!
"Don't joke around like that we saw you take off the price tags!" Ino spat at the shop owner she was pissed to. Why was he trying to scam them and being super shady all of a sudden.
"Im afraid your mistaken Ino-chan"
Ino huffed turning to Naruto dragging him next to her and grabbing the price tag on his shirt showing it to the owner.
"No your mistaken! You're trying to scam us! I can't believe it. I and Sakura have been shopping here since we were kids. Why are you doing this?"
"That…. Thing… doesn't deserve to wear my brand." The shop owner said glaring at Naruto.
Sakura glare intensified as she quickly grabbed her money off the counter. Before she could retort Ino beat her to it.
"That's not a thing... That is my classmate, my best friend's teammate, and a shinobi of Konoha. He has a name Naruto Uzumaki asshole! Now give us these items to us half off or I'm going to my father and demanding he tell the Hokage about the scam of a business you're running. AND I'll have my father extract all our shares in your business. Good luck running a company when you're BANKRUPT!"
She looked absolutely livid Naruto had never seen such hate in Ino or Sakura eyes before.
The shop owner took one look at the girl and knew her threat was no threat but a promise. If the Yamanka clan pulled their shares it would be terrible for his company, not to mention he could be sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence for scamming.
"Fine." The shop owner said. Ino smirked triumphantly, Sakura placed half of the amount they were originally going to pay before giving Naruto the rest of the money even her extra 400 ryo. The shop owner packed there things in bags not even bothering to hand it to them. Which earned him another round of glares from the two Kunoichi's.
"Hurry out of here" The shop owner said glaring at Naruto.
"Gladly!" Sakura spat at the man before dragging Naruto out of the shop with their bags, leading Ino out who flicked off the owner off before exiting.
Once they were out of the shop, they started walking not in any particular direction just trying to get away from the shop.
"I can't believe he tried to scam us!" Ino said still pissed
"I know and I thought that shop was so reliable." Sakura said.
Naruto saw there confused and worried expressions. He sighed and felt bad because he knew it was because of him. He just ruined a shopping location for them. He was used to it, but not them it wasn't fair for him to do that. He shouldn't have even went inside.
"Thanks umm Sakura-chan, Ino. I am just going to head home now." Naruto said slowly taking the bags from the two girls. When they just stared at him with blank faces he sighed and turned and walked away. Two minutes passed before either one of them spoke.
"Okay you're not going to hear this often from me Sakura so live it up while you can."
Sakura turned looking at her friend questionably. Ino had a blush growing on her face as she spoke
"You were right. About Naruto being amongst the most handsome boys from our class." Ino said as she waved her hand in front of her face dramatically trying to cool off. Sakura chuckled but blushed at the thought of Naruto in his new outfit.
"I told you so!"
"Yea yea whatever forehead!"
A/N Thats all quick update because of the support hope this one turns out well until next time!