(A/N); here again whoo! I'm just really excited for this arc hehe. Please don't forget to vote and comment :D

(Y/N) groaned, squirming underneath the bedsheets. She blinked blearily and yawned, as she dragged herself out of bed.

Her room was messy as usual but it was an organized chaos, as she skipped over the piles of books and scrolls on the floor with ease, having memorized all the obstacles in her way. She had been trying to study the past few days, determined to learn the Fire Blossom Jutsu on her own no matter how hard it was and she had yet to reorganize the vaults.

She bathed quickly and stared at her closet. It wasn't like she had many clothes, of course she didn't. There were more important things to use her money on, like keeping the compound clean and in a good condition. Clothes were not really a necessity to her.
She dressed in her usual black tanktop and grey shorts, slipping on her shoes, but a jacket caught her attention, hanging innocently from a hanger.

The lower half was a deep black, while the top was en electric blight blue, one similar enough to her own clan's flames. The jacket itself had her clan's symbol on the back, the curled dragon, lying in wait. It had been a gift from her parents from when she began at the Academy.

(Y/N) bit her lips for a moment, reaching for it hesitantly, before pulling away. I can wear it proudly after I become a chuunin.

She grabbed a quick breakfast and left the quiet Ryudo Compound in a hurry, on her way to meet up with Naruto and her teammates.

It had already been a few days since their return from the Land of Waves, but she was still unsettled. She knew that she had shown emotions that time, maybe too much, too many, and it had broken her heart. She had not been able to fight at her full strength, afraid to kill someone else.

She questioned whether it was really more wise to close herself off or keep being the way she was. Cut herself off from her emotions for good. After all, how was she supposed to go after her sister with that kind of emotional baggage? It ultimately wouldn't be advantageous.

She still knew barely any of her family's jutsus and it weighed her down. The Land of Waves' mission had left her rattled and disturbed. She was sure now, more problems were sure to come her way.

How can I revive and keep our heritage alive on my own like this? I'm pathetic.

~~~><><><~~~

"Good morning Sakura!" Naruto exclaimed with a bright grin, waving at the kunoichi as he ran, closely followed (Y/N).

Sakura raised her head and humed in greeting. Sasuke leaned back on the bridge's rail and raised his head, meeting Naruto's eyes with his own.
The boys' eyes met and glared at each other, narrowing. They scoffed and looked away.

Sakura sighed, scrunching her face in irritation. This again! Since we've got back from the Land of Waves those two have been acting sort of strange... Oh it's almost uncomfortable. Hurry up and get here Kakashi-sensei, cha!

(Y/N) sighed with her, dragging a hand across her face. Of course, they turned it into a competition. At least she could relate to Sakura now. Those two...Naru, I love you, but both of you are idiots.

The hours passed and they made light conversation, with the occasional bickering from (Y/N) and Sasuke and the boys, but Kakashi still didn't arrive. More time passed and then everyone except (Y/N), who had dropped to the ground to sleep, was leaning back on the railing tiredly, slouching.

Until finally Kakashi made his appearance. "Well, good morning everyone." He said, as he crouched on top of the square arch of the bridge, looking down at the children. "Today, I got lost."

Sakura and Naruto yelled at him, jumping up. "Hey!"

Kakashi chuckled nonchalantly, blowing his strangely shaped whistle and jumping down from his spot.

(Y/N) jumped into the air at least three feet, startled by the screeching sound and clutched her ears. "Ah dangit stop doing that!"
Why the heck did my parents give him that thing?! It's a torture device! She rubbed her ears with a pout as Sasuke snickered at her.

"Hey hey Kakashi-sensei, lately our Team 7 always has the easy missions lately! Aren't there more exciting missions where I can be more active, where I can use my Way of the Ninja and my soul, you know?" Naruto asked excitedly, leaning forth with hope and eyes alight with enthusiasm.

"Ah, yes yes... I basically understand what you're trying to say." Kakashi appeased, raising his hands.

Naruto's excitement seemed to die down and then he was turning around and glaring at Sasuke again, scowling grumpily. This guy! He's always making me indebted to him and making himself look good on our missions! I won't lose, no way!

(Y/N) sighed as Sasuke and Naruto seemed to glare daggers at each other. This will be a long day.

Sakura deadpanned at them, crossing her arms. That little..!

Meanwhile Naruto fantasized about his heroism, saving Sasuke. Today for sure!

That's what I'd like to say!

"Hey Naruto what are you doing? We're going on our mission!"

"You've been so annoying for a while!"

"Both of them have been."

"Hey!"

~~~><><><~~~

After getting whacked by the lady for destroying her garden; falling down the waterfall and getting caught by Sasuke; and disastrously walking the dogs, Naruto was beat up, tired and grumpy.

"Geez, it's because you're so reckless!" Sakura scolded him.

(Y/N) nodded in agreement, as her and Sasuke helped Naruto walk, putting one of his arms around their shoulders and holding him up. "I did try to warn you. You should have given me that dog Naru. Animals never listen to you."

Sasuke clicked his tongue and smirked. "Tch, you're so much trouble."

Naruto immeaditely shoved them off of him and got ready to pounce on his rival. "Zazugeee!"

A whack on his head stopped him and he stumbled back holding his head. "Ow what was that for (Y/N)-chan?!" He exclaimed with a whine.

(Y/N) pinched her nosebridge, sighing. "Cool it, you need to rest."

Sakura had extended a hand in front of him, stopping him from attacking Sasuke nad was glaring. "If you act up any more I'll finish you!"

(Y/N) scowled at Sakura pointing at her. "What did I say yesterday dammit?"

Kakashi sighed heavily. "Hmm..Lately teamwork hasn't been good.."

Naruto turned around and pointed at Sasuke, taking the chance. "Yeah yeah that's right! You're to blame for the poor teamwork Sasuke! You're always attracting attention!"

Sasuke continued walking nonchalantly replying, "That's you you idiot. If you don't want to owe me big time," He turned around, looking at Naruto, "You just need to become stronger than me."

Sakura shrunk back, frowning worriedly. It seems like they're getting along worse than before!

(Y/N) deadpanned. I'm not dealing with this today. Gotta get back to studying. She sighed, tucking her hands in her pockets. What's worse is that Sasuke takes the bait, they both do. She looked at them, (E/C) eyes darkening a bit. Of course I can't blame them too much. These missions do suck. How are we supposed to get stronger and learn by weeding a garden?!

Sasuke scowled, glaring at Naruto and gritting his teeth. Damn.. this is frustrating! There're plenty of guys outside who are strong than me.. Always making me go on these lame missions...

At a hawk's cry Kakashi raised his head and exhaled, sensing the sour mood. "Well then... Perhaps we should disperse. I do need to submit a report about this mission."

"Then I'm going home." Sasuke said, still furrowing his brows. He turned away, ready to go home.

"Sasuke wait for me!" Sakura exclaimed, running after him.

Naruto whined, reaching out for her and dropping his shoulders and disappointment. (Y/N) scoffed and patted his back. "Don't mind her Naru."

"Hey, how about... why don't you and I.. why don't we work on improving our teamwork together?" Sakura asked with a blush, voice going high in an attempt to flirt.

Sasuke repressed the annoyed click of his tongue and replied nonchalantly, "You're just like Naruto."

Sakura slumped and visibly froze in disappointment and shock at the apparent insult.

"If you have time to spend on me, why don't you practice a jutsu? To tell you frankly, your abilities are less than Naruto's!" Sasuke said, turning and walking away. Tch, they're in (Y/N) and I's way! I don't get it, how can she not say anything?

Sakura visibly dropped and frowned. Ah, that's right. It's always like that for me during every mission. I'll never be able to really do anything at all.

"Sakura! Just let Sasuke be and let's practice together!" Naruto exclaimed excitedly, waving her over.

What?! Freaking hell man! (Y/N) scowled and huffed crossing her arms. "I thought we were going to train today."

Naruto froze with a small gasp and chuckled nervously. "Ahaha right, well I mean I mean.." He stammered, getting close to her and whispering in (Y/N)'s ear. "Please please (Y/N)-chan help me!"

(Y/N) huffed and turned around as Sakura's veins bulged and her tightly clenched fists shook.

Kakashi sweatdropped, noticing the mood quickly turning more sour. Well better dash then. He disappeared with a poof.

Naruto glanced at where his mentor previously was, blinking and grinning. Sensei disappeared. Was he being thoughtful?

As (Y/N) huffed and resisted the temptation to punch something-more specifically Sakura-she noticed a moving "rock" crawling closer to them and settling right behind Naruto. What the...??

Naruto noticed too and glanced behind him, narrowing his eyes and raising his brows. Pretending to be... a rock? He tested the rock and walked forth, then back and then he started to run, followed by the rock constantly. Until he skidded to a stop right in front of it and the "rock" scrambled to stop.

"There's no such thing as a perfectly square rock with perfect holes! It's totally obvious!" Naruto yelled and pointed at the "rock". (Y/N) grumpily walked closer, still mad at him and stared curiously at the rock.
I guess those are the kids huh.

"Just what'd you expect from the man I respect, yo!" The "rock" exclaimed smugly.
Then the box "rock" was being blown up with an explosion and smoking, leaving in its place three children coughing their lungs out.

"Hey that's too much gunpowder, yo!" Exclaimed the boy in the middle, at least eight years old and wearing a blue scarf that was slightly too big for him. The girl to his left had her hair up in bulgy ponytails that seemed to defy gravity. The other boy had a snotty nose and wore round black rimmed glasses.
All three children wore shinobi like clothes and green goggles exactly like the ones Naruto wore before he got his headband.

(Y/N) blinked at the children, previous anger forgotten and snorted at them. They're kinda cute.

The children suddenly stood up and started posing and introducing themselves.

"With an adult sexiness, I'm Moegi of the senior class at Kunoichi Preschool!"

"I love factoring! Udon!"

"The most brilliant ninja in the village, Konohamaru!"

"The three of us together are the Konohamaru Gang! Here we are!"

(Y/N) snorted covering her mouth to hide her wide smile as she tried no to burst out laughing at the children because that would be rude. "I suppose that's them huh Naru."

Naruto nodded, sighing, putting his hands behind his head "I knew it, it was you Konohamaru." He looked at the children, noticing the goggles. "Huh? Why are you all wearing goggles?"

The children blushed and giggled. "We're just copying what you used to do bro!"

Naruto hummed, seemingly not impressed. Konohamaru glared clenching his small fist and frowning. "Hey, what's with that yo? Your reactions have been pretty cold these days!"

"So, d'you want something?" Naruto asked nonchalantly.

"See, cold!" Konohamaru whispered, being pushed back by Moegi.

The little girl stepped forth with her best puppy eyes. "Ne, leader! Do you have some free time now?"

Naruto smirked and shook his head, beaming "Nah, I have to train!"

The children gasped, Konohamaru indignant, "What?! You said you'd play ninja with us today!"

Naruto chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "O-oh, is that right?" Geez.. if I played with these guys they would make me hang out alll day.

(Y/N) burst out laughing then, unable to hold herself back anymore, clutching her stomach. She couldn't help it, children made her soften. The children's eyes flew to her and suddenly they were all crowding her, starry-eyed.

She's so pretty!

"Ne ne, sis you are Ryudo-senpai, right?" Moegi and Konohamaru bubbled excitedly, jumping up and down as Udon just stared starry eyed and nodded.

(Y/N) blushed at the children, unable to stay mad at their stares of awe. Senpai...! Senpai..! She was so easy to read. She cleared her throat, blushing, "Ahem, yep! I'm (Y/N) Ryudo, Naru told me about you!"

The children gasped and continued to ramble, asking questions in quick succession as Naruto gaped at them. Hey! They're not that in awe of me!

"Brother Naruto told us about you too!"
"You're so cool!"
"Sis you're so pretty!"
"Can we see your fangs?"
"Is it true you have snake eyes?"
"Can you really turn into a dragon?!"

(Y/N) laughed at the children, blushing at the praises. For a moment, they reminded her of her own cousins. She smiled a fanged smile at them, winking, "Yes, yes, and no, I cannot transform into a dragon."

Moegi squealed at her fangs, though the others whined in disappointment at the last reply. Still in a few seconds (Y/N) had crouched down and was letting the children crowd her, touch her hair and Moegi poked her fangs with wide eyes. She had to admit she had a soft spot for children. That and nobody had called her senpai before, never mind praised her like this after the loss of her family.

Naruto gaped at them and then was soon yelling, "Hey, what about me?"

Konohamaru turned at him, shrugging and crossing his arms nonchalantly. "Sorry bro, but sis (Y/N) is on another level of awesome."

Naruto's jaw dropped in indignation at their audacity and (Y/N) was full on laughing, pearly white fangs peaking out of her lips. She calmed down, still chuckling and patted their heads. "Then, how about this, I'll play with you." She offered, turning to glare at Naruto for a moment, "Since someone is going to be training alone today."

"H-hey! But but!"

Sakura who had stayed close but frozen in her irritation stepped close with shaky steps, hearing their conversation. "Hmph! Why would a ninja play ninja!" She exclaimed with a huff, getting close to the group. She stared at Naruto blankly, yelling in her mind. Even so, abilities less than his, huh?

"W-what is it?" Naruto stammered as a slight blush quickly spread over his cheeks. If you look a me like that I'll blush! He started laughing nervously scratching the back of his neck nervously.

The three children stared at Sakura in confusion, staying close to (Y/N). Konohamaru stared at Sakura in confusion and then at (Y/N) whose eyes had darkened and fangs were poking out.

"Hey bro who is she?" Konohamaru asked, getting no response. He narrowed his eyes at Sakura, glaring a bit. She's been staring at him with eyes like she's gonna kill him! And sis (Y/N) is looking like she's about to tear her to pieces! He stared at both of them for a moment, brown eyes flitting between the three genin. And then it was like the lightbulb had turned on in his head and he beamed with a gasp.

"You've been busier than I thought bro..." Konohamaru exclaimed, teasing Naruto smugly and patting his back.

(Y/N) blinked at the kid and started to blush squeezing her eyes shut. Oh no.

"Huh?" Naruto hummed in confusion at him, still blushing.

"Is sis (Y/N) your..." Konohamaru teased with a smug smirk, pausing to raise his pinkie, in the typical gesture. "This?"
Konohamaru had wrongfully assumed of course and had built up and whole story in his head; of course the pink girl liked bro because he was so cool, but bro had chosen the awesome and perfect sis (Y/N) and so pink girl was jealous and glaring at him for not choosing her and (Y/N) was glaring at her for butting in! It made complete sense in his mind, like, who would choose someone else over sis (Y/N)-chan?

A fierce dark blush quickly crawled from Naruto's neck to his face, turning him bright red. Me a-and and (Y/N)-chan?! His eyes flitted from her, to Sakura, to Konohamaru and back. Do we look like that?! I-I mean m-mean she is beautiful and strong and cool and all but she's my friend, right? He got progressively redder if possible as his gaze landed on (Y/N), whose body temperature had increased so much smoke was coming out of her ears and nose and her (H/C) hair was smoking slightly.

Naruto stared at (Y/N) who covered her bright red face in embarrassment and whose body smoked slightly and blinked dazed. She is kind of cute.... Like really... Then he smacked himself and blushed worse, looking like he was about to pass out. "H-hey n-no, no that's not i-it, right right (Y/N)-chan?!"

Konohamaru snickered at them, like he had discovered the world's secrets. He wasn't completely wrong after all.

(Y/N)'s blushing was so strong she was aware of the faint smoke that was coming out of her. Ryudo's body temperatures were already quite high, but emotions could sometimes rise them way higher. She felt hot and she was aware that if she opened her mouth too much and exhaled a blue puff of flame would crawl out of her throat. She covered her red face, and attempted to calm down her heartbeat. Calm down, chill chill. Cool it. Konohamaru was joking, right? I mean, he's a kid, there's no way he'd know. Right?

Sakura facepalmed strongly, so much she left a red mark on her forehead and growled, finally noticing what she hadn't before and feeling sorry for (Y/N). Are you serious? They're both idiots! She growled and next thing they knew she was punching Naruto across the street, yelling "You idiot!"

Naruto crashed into a fence with his head on the ground. Sakura panted, veins and eyebrows twitching.

The children and (Y/N) gasped, and then Konohamaru was all up in Sakura's space. "Hey, what did you do that for?!"

Moegi and Udon ran to help Naruto, panicking.

"No, leader!"
"His pulse, his pulse!"

Sakura smirked proudly to herself, nodding. Cha, idiot! That'll teach you not to be so dense! She glanced at (Y/N) and was suddenly smiling. I guess we have more in common than I thought. She does not like Sasuke after all!

Konohamaru ran to Naruto and (Y/N) blinked in surprise still smoking slightly as Sakura dragged her up and was putting an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close before pulling away immediately at the scorch of her hot skin. "Girls united, right?"

(Y/N) blinked in confusion at Sakura, temperature cooling down. What? What's she talking about?
Sakura elbowed her and whispered. "You know, the thing the thing, that thing?"

(Y/N) raised her eyebrows in thought and then blushed again at the realization. WHAAAT?! It doesn't get worse than this! Why did she have to figure it out right now!

Sakura giggled conspiratorially. Maybe she would be able to become friends with (Y/N) after all. They were not rivals after all.
(Yes, Sakura had previously thought (Y/N) was after Sasuke, logical reasons for this assumption and conclusion are unknown).

Konohamaru ran to Naruto's side and pointed at Sakura. "You ugly wench! Ugly wench!"

Sakura's mischievous smile was wiped from her lips then and she turned to the children, crackiing her knuckles with her veins bulging out.

(Y/N) sighed, still blushing slightly but having stopped smoking. He shouldn't have said that.

Konohamaru paled and sweated, stepping back. It was then he realized he had committed a mistake.
He screamed but it was too late.

Sakura cracked her knuckles and then punched both Konohamaru and Naruto in the head again.

Konohamaru whined in pain and fell to the ground beside Naruto, both boys with bumps in their head.

"Hey, Konohamaru, are you alright?"

Sakura huffed, walking away, grabbing (Y/N)'s arm and taking her with her. "Come on, let's hang out the two of us."

(Y/N) blinked in confusion, still flustered and stammered, "S-sakura!"
Sakura winked at her conspiratorially, grabbing her arm. "We'll be real good friends."

Huh?! (Y/N) shivered and slumped. Of all the people to find out!!

Behind them Konohamaru and Naruto got up, grabbing their throbbing heads with complaints, eyes teary.
"Darn that broad forehead ugly wench! Is she a girl for real?"

Uh oh, (Y/N) thought wincing.
Sakura stopped in her tracks, clenching her fists and letting (Y/N)'s arm go. She turned around slowly, almost mechanically, frighteningly so. The veins on her forehead bulged as she furrowed her brows glaring at them.

The children froze and the group stood still for a moment. Before Sakura was chasing them like a madman down the street, with (Y/N) close behind.

(Y/N) yelled at them all to stop running, sighing. Oh geez. One should know better than to provoke Sakura. She packs a good punch.

As the children and Naruto ran ahead yelling, terrified of the possibilities Konohamaru got ahead of them, running without looking at where he was going and crashing into something.

The kid fell on his back and looked up at his obstacle.

Two teens stood in front of him. One of them a girl, wearing a kunoichi dress with a mesh collar and four spiky blonde ponytails, the other, a boy, wearing a black bodysuit with a hood that didn't hide his purple face paint.

Both carried something huge on their backs and wore headbands that were clearly not from Konoha.

"That hurt." The boy said, glaring down slightly at the small kid.

(Y/N) sprinted faster, catching up to the others and skidding to a stop at the sight, narrowing her eyes at the headbands. Sand shinobi. They must be here for the exam.

~~~><><><~~~

"So I have formally received your report. Is Naruto.. getting along well with the others? I know (Y/N) and him get along well but..." Iruka asked, as he set down the paperwork.

Kakashi hummed and looked away. "Well, he's doing okay. They both are."

Iruka looked down and blushed, embarrassed. "I've been busy lately," He said, scratching his cheek. "I haven't had a chance to see them even once since their return. I'm a little concerned..."

Kakashi sighed, closing his eyes. "As you know Iruka-sensei, Sasuke Uchiha is also in our squad, and Naruto sees him as a rival, which is a little straining." He admitted, but then smiled with closed eyes under his mask. "But the result is that his abilities are developing significantly. Almost to the point that he might reach yours, the one he respects!"

Iruka smiled widely, pleased. "I see... What about (Y/N) then?"

Kakashi sighed again. "Sakura and (Y/N) still don't really get along and (Y/N) argues with Sasuke often, but nothing major. It seems like she has relaxed a bit lately, with the team."

Iruka sighed in relief, feeling a weight drop off his shoulders. That's good.. He had been worried for her, since she had been so closed off except to Naruto and a bit to him since five years ago, refusing to make any other friends. But it seemed like she was slowly opening up a bit. That was good. Iruka smiled softly, thanking Kakashi, "I see, thank you, Kakashi."

~~~><><><~~~

"Konohamaru!"

"That hurt, little punk!" The boy exclaimed, as he held Konohamaru up from his scarf, gripping it tightly.
Konohamaru whined and struggled in his hold.

The blonde girl looked away. "Stop that. You'll get yelled at later."

Sakura shrunk, keeping her arms close to her chest. "I'm sorry.. I was fooling around." What is with these two?

"Hey stop! Let go of him!" Naruto yelled at them angrily.

The boy smirked in response, his face paint twisting with his features. Huh! So these are Leaf Village's Genin... His gaze flitted to the girl beside the pinkette glaring at them. That one seems different. "Let's play with them a bit, before the strict one comes around."

Konohamaru whimpered and struggled in his hold, kicking at the boy's chest. "Hey, let me go!"

"You're pretty lively, you little punk.." The boy smirked, clutching tighter.

(Y/N) glared at the outsiders with clenched fists, holding herself back from running into it before analyzing the situation. They're obviously from the Hidden Sand Village. She sniffed. From the looks of it, he's carrying a puppet and she a fan. It's unlikely they're good at close distance combat.

Before she could talk to Naruto or say anything, Naruto was sprinting forth angrily.
"You jerk!" He yelled, running to rescue Konohamaru.

(Y/N) facepalmed but kept a close eye on the boy, as he smirked and stretched and wiggled his fingers. Puppetry. I knew it. Aren't we supposed NOT to fight before the exam? Dang it.

Naruto suddenly tripped, like his foot was pulled by something and fell onto his back. "Wha-What was that?!"

"Leaf Village's genin are weaker than I thought."

(Y/N) gritted her teeth. Arrogant.
Sakura frowned at the sight. T-they are foreigners. Why are they here?

"Konohamaru!" Naruto and the kids called out worriedly.

"It-it hurts..." Konohamaru squeezed out, squeezing is eyes shut.

"Hey! If you don't let go of him, I won't forgive you! You idiot!" Naruto yelled, pointing at the sand shinobi furiously.

Sakura quickly got him in a choke hold, whispering, "You're the fool! What are you going to get by getting him worked up!"

The sand shinobi's mouth crinkled and he smirked. "You're ticking me off. I don't like little runts anyway. On top of that, you're a smartass for someone younger than me." The boy clenched his fist, smirking. "Makes me want to break him."

(Y/N) bared her fangs. Excuse you?!
The genin gasped.

The blonde girl looked away, tutting. "It's not on me."

Sakura frowned. What's with this guy? He's crazy.

"Well, after this little squirt, it's the little runt that won't shut up." The boy said, as he pulled his fist back, preparing to hit Konohamaru as held him above the ground.

That's where (Y/N) stomped her foot and blasted the no fighting rules, catching a familiar scent on the tree above them. "Hey! I think that's quite enough, don't you, kitty ears?" She yelled at him, with a wide smirk, taunting the boy with her fangs completely visible. To be fair, the hood of his suit did seem to have ears.

The boy raised his eyebrows in outrage, growling "What did you just say?!"

At the same time a rock struck his arm with, coming at him like a blade, fast and silent, and he dropped Konohamaru to the ground with a grunt.

The boy clutched the scratch wound with a hiss, looking down in surprise at the rock that had struck him. "Huh?"
His gaze snapped upwards, at the boy sitting on a tree playing with a rock.

"What the hell do you think you're doing in someone else's village, you?"

Sakura squealed out. "Sasuke!"

(Y/N) scoffed as she gently pulled Konohamaru up and glared at the sand shinobi. "You're late, Duckbutt."

The boy glared at Sasuke, eyes narrowed, while Naruto deadpanned at, once again, getting help from his rival.

The spiky blonde girl blushed slightly, smiling. He's pretty cute huh.

The boy glared furiously at Sasuke and (Y/N). "Another punk to tick me off!"

Sasuke stared at him emotionlessly, catching the rock in his hand as he threw it up, and crushing it into dust. "Get lost" He said, as he let the rock dust fall.

Moegi and Sakura squealed while Udon stared in awe with flushed cheeks. "Wow, so cool!"

Naruto fumbled with his hands awkwardly embarrassment as Konohamaru sniffed, crying and pointing at him. "Bro Naruto you are so lame!"

Naruto startled in panic, crouching down and patting his shoulder. "S-stupid! I would've quickly taken down that thug too!"

Konohamaru huffed and turned away, clutching (Y/N)'s leg. (Y/N) chuckled patting his head as Naruto sulked and fumed.
That Sasuke! Why is he always, always meddling like this!

The sand boy seethed, "Come here you punks!"

Obviously he referred to (Y/N) and Sasuke. Both scoffed in synch, and (Y/N) pried Konohamaru off her gently, fangs bared in a savage smile. "Oh?"

"You're the kind of smartass punks that I despise the most." The boy continued to glare, reaching for the cloth that tied the object to his back, dropping it to the ground.

(Y/N) glared at him. We aren't supposed to fight! Ugh, Kitty Ears is so annoying!

"Hey, you aren't thinking of using Crow, are you?!" The girl exclaimed worriedly.

(Y/N) smirked widely, pupils slitting. She taunted, "If you want to fight, I'm afraid you'll lose Kitty Ears." She sniffed for a moment instinctively and frowned. What is that smell? These guys smell like sand and dry earth but this other one... Her gaze flitted to the tree where Sasuke was, right behind him. There's a third. And I really don't like how he smells. He even sounds weird... There's something wrong about him.

The boy growled at her angrily, ready to unwrap his puppet.

"Kankuro. Stop that."

A cold, dark voice cut through the tension.

A boy, a bit younger than the other two hung from a branch upside down, right behind Sasuke. His red hair wasn't long enough to cover the 'love' tattoo on his forehead. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he carried a large gourd on his back.
"You're an embarrasment to the village."

Sasuke gasped, scowling. When did he get next to me? His stealthy footsteps are on Kakashi's level...

The boy's aquamarine eyes had deep eyebags, dark enough to look like eyeliner. His gaze flitted to (Y/N), whose posture had tensed up at his sight and was baring her fangs. Those fangs... she must be a Ryudo.

(Y/N) growled lowly in her throat. He's not like the other two.

"Why do you think we came all the way here to Leaf Village?" The redhead scolded coldly. His voice didn't sound that full of emotion, but it had a sharp edge.

"P-please listen to me, Gaara. T-they lashed out first..."

(Y/N) scoffed. Like hell we did!

The redhead narrowed his cold eyes at Kankuro. "Shut up! I'll kill you."

The Kankuro boy quivered in his boots, gasping and shrinking back. "U-understood, I was wrong. I-I'm sorry.. I'm really sorry."

The redhead closed his eyes and looked back at the leaf genin, curious gaze landing on the Ryudo. "Sorry for that."

(Y/N) nodded stiffly. "I get it."

Sasuke furrowed his brows. This guy.. has a nasty look.

The boy now known as Gaara looked back at Sasuke, cold eyes slightly darker. To think he was able to hit that Kankuro with a tiny rock with reat ease. This guy's good...
Gaara closed his eyes and teleported down, leaving sand in his wake.

(Y/N) stepped back a bit as he appeared in front of her, regrouping with his comrades, not wanting to be too close. There is something about this Gaara... it seems familiar.

~~~><><><~~~

"There is no other reason to summon you here other than that, as I assume you already understand, based on the faces you can see around..."

Kakashi sighed. "So it's already that time..."

Asuma, the man with the dark blue hair and beard, bit on the tail of his cigarrette. "The other Lands have already been notified, right? I've seen them here and there in the village."

"So, when will it be?" Kurenai asked, keeping her red eyes on the Hokage.

"In a week." The Third Hokage answered, blowing out a puff of smoke from his pipe.

Kakashi startled slightly, eyes widening. "That's very sudden."

"Now then, I will make the formal announcement. Seven days from today, on the first day of July, the Chuunin Exam will begin!"