"The bell test," I commented once my respected teammates left the area. They seemed a bit shaken up by whatever Hatake Kakashi said. That left me staring at their disappearing figures in disinterest, while in front of me was my Sensei. "The bell test," I stated again, not particularly interested in that either. Though something puzzled me. "Surely you are not expecting me to accompany them with this test as well."

I raised an eyebrow, expecting the worst. I have gone through that test already with ease. It was obvious, they were in a team, so they had to work together.

Why else would they make teammates?

I stared at my childhood friend of sorts while he just sat in his spot, what looked like a playful smile appearing on his face as he shifted as if getting into a comfortable position, ready to taunt me as he had before. He had a look of amusement on his face.

"Come on Naruto, you don't need to be so formal with me. I know how you talk to the Third, and once upon a time to me, informally, " he said in a playful tone that also had a pinch of his cool and calmly lazy tone in it.

"I admit that it has been a long time. You were more... serious those days," I said, humoring his idea to get us off-topic. I gave him a serious look as if I were the adult. "Now tell me... You are not expecting me to do the test with them, you best not be thinking about anything else."

He sighed and proceeded to put his elbow on his leg and palm on his chin. A habit that didn't change in his character throughout the years. Along with his tendency to make fun of me and a bit of his cold personality. He spoke in his usual lazy tone. Quite an energetic man is he.

"Again with your formal attitude. I'm guessing we aren't going to have a nice chat," he said again, enjoying a moment to irritate me. I glared at him as an attempt to get him to talk. At least he got right to the point when I was younger.

I have no problems with him now, though. I knew of his problems and issues when he was young, so it was good to see he was more, carefree? Sane? Happy looking? Though there were times that it just irritated me, which he found amusing.

I sighed as he finally spoke, "Naruto, you don't need to do the test since you know full well as an individual everything you need to know as a ninja." I crossed my arms and closed my eyes as if it would calm my irritation. I knew some of what was going to be said next. "But as I said, you are good as an individual, you should at least get acquainted with your new teammates. You need to work with people your age, you need to get used to them. You were assigned with them, and you need to be able to somewhat get along with them," he explained.

I replied sharply after his whole explanation, "No, not need, the Third wants me to adjust."

He raised an eyebrow as if saying really. I knew exactly what that look was, he knew that I was just being unreasonable. That look he gave me said it all, I could see what he was saying through his eyes, You and I both know that it's for the best, you're just acting all stubborn knowing that you have to do this. It irritated me to accept he was right about that, but still... I sighed.

"I know that, I even admit it myself that I have to get to know them. Though in my defense, you wanted me to be like my peers and by looking at them it is normal for me to act stubborn," I said smartly, this time I had the upper hand. "I know and I understand, but as an understanding person who listens all the time, you can't call me selfish or blame me. You can't blame me at all for this."

Kakashi's eyes twitched a bit at my explanation. Something tells me it's not the fact that I spoke formally again.

"Find then. Tomorrow, I will give you a chance. You can observe them doing the test, but at least pretend that you are there for the rest to motivate the two," he said making a hand sign, readying himself to leave. Though before he did he spoke once more, "But it's your choice whether or not you want to help them," he said in a bit more serious tone.

With that being said, he left, leaving only grey smoke where he once was. I stared blankly at the spot he once sat and then turned on my heel. I spoke to nobody in particular as I walked away, "Yeah, like that would happen."

[-]

I walked to the spot where I usually met up with Lady Hinata. From today and onwards, I would see her less or maybe never. We both were assigned to our teams; we would be quite busy for the next few weeks or so.

I reached the training ground. On the way there I had been gifted a few confused looks from the villagers. I did not blame them either, I must seem different and calm to them now. No incidents, no pranks and no yelling. Even the neighbors felt it was odd how I was so quiet when coming out of the neighborhood. As I stopped, I was a bit surprised to see two other present other than Lady Hinata.

From distance, I could see Lady Hinata smile shyly as her cheeks remained pink. As usual, ever since we started this training session arrangements, I have noticed that about her. Honestly, I was fully aware of her feelings, but as much as I trust her, I always end up confused. She liked me. I am flattered, but why me...

Not only that but I do not think it was a good idea to like me. It was not a good idea for me to like her either. Do I like her or...? That is what confuses me. My feelings. I am confused by my feelings, and I don't want to explore it right now. Dare I say 'yet'.

"Hello, Naruto," Lady Hinata said.

I did not answer until I was at least four feet away from her. "Hello, Lady Hinata," I said politely, giving a brief nod.

"It still bothers me how you can say that so easily," a familiar voice said smugly. As I followed the voice my eyes met with Danny, he seemed to be smirking. I knew exactly what he meant by that.

Great, just what I need... a peer teasing me about my supposed love life. If you would even call it love life. I do not know.

Next to him was a familiar raven-haired Nara. He stood still, hands placed in his pocket. He lifted one hand briefly out of his pocket as he gave a sloppy smile, also giving a low effort two-finger wave.

"Hey," he simply said in his lazy yet slightly happy tone.

"Hello, and what exactly are the both of you doing here?" I asked. I am not angry, just not sure what would be the reason they came here. I did not mind them here, I found myself quite fond of the group I ended up with, though I would not admit that out loud.

"Well, you already guessed we wouldn't see each other in a while," Shikamaru said, guessing right. Shikamaru was smart indeed.

That was a Nara for you...

This time Danny spoke up, "So we decided, why not have a good time together?"

I was about to question it, but then a soft voice was heard, "You know, since we won't see each other in a while," she said. I looked to see Hinata fiddling with her hands.

I stayed quiet for a moment before speaking hesitantly, "I... I guess."

"Alright, we could have some sparring first. You have to admit that we all want to improve, so why not start with testing each other's abilities?" Danny said grinning, knowing Shikamaru would not like this.

"Then we can go get something to eat, maybe some Ramen," Danny suggested again. The last bit especially caught my attention.

Shikamaru's expression showed a bit of irritation. "We have something for Danny and something for Naruto, what about me and Hinata?"

Hinata flinched at her name a bit. "No, it's okay." She smiled sweetly and looked away shyly. "Just spending the day together would be amazing," her voice seemed to boost ever so slightly as she said those words.

"Eh? Come on Hinata! You sure?" Danny asked, a bit disappointed.

"Come on, if that's what she wants then don't argue more. It's just a Hinata kind of thing," Shikamaru explained to the energetic boy.

I looked at Hinata for a bit before turning my attention to Shikamaru. "Then what is it that you want to do, other than sleeping?"

"Well, I don't have my board game; plus, it wouldn't be fair if we play a two-player game," Shikamaru then smirked which was a bit out of character, "I know."

At that point, I raised an eyebrow in question.