Lunch had been two hours ago, and the newly minted Team Seven were the only ones left in the classroom. The other former students were long gone, with each new sensei picking up their new teams.

"Argh, this sucks!" Ino exclaimed. "Do you think he forgot about us?"

"I really doubt a Jonin-sensei forgot about us. Maybe something important came up, or this is a test. Either way, we should wait a little while longer." Naruko proposed. "But if he doesn't come soon, we should make his life hell, the first chance we get."

"Hn. This is such a waste of time." An annoyed Sasuke grumbled.

"Well, it can't be that much longer." Naruko hoped.

However much to their frustration, Naruko was wrong, and the new team continued to wait.

"So, what do you think about the teams that were created?" Ino wondered with her head lying on her desk.

"Well, I think each as a lot of potential, but only if they push themselves. For instance, if Hinata takes charge of her team, and forces them to train, then it would be good for all of them. It would give Hinata training in leadership, someone with a subtle hand could push Shikamaru, and Choji will be around someone that he can comfortable around. As for Sakura's team, well that team has Kurenai as a sensei, and she is a serious Kunoichi, who could maybe set Sakura on the right path. Also, Kurenai is a genjutsu specialist, which is right up Sakura's alley. Overall every team has serious potential, but with the other two, motivation of some or all members will determine how far they go." Naruko explained her thoughts.

Laying her head back on the table, Naruko was about ready to go to sleep, because so far they had been waiting over three hours. Just when she was about to scream in frustration, she sensed a strong but heavily suppressed presence. In fact, the only reason she noticed the presence at first was the emotions she could sense walking toward them.

"Hmm, this must our sensei. With his level of control over his chakra, he feels like a Jonin." Naruko thought to herself. And with that, lifted her head off the desk. Looking toward the door, she waved to get her teammates' attention. All three were then staring at the door when a greyed man walked in.

"Hmm, alert." Was Kakashi thought, while looking at the three potential Shinobi, but aloud he just said, "My first thought of you is, you are boring."…"Meet on the roof." And with that he used shunshin to disappear.

"Ahh, that's it. Three hours and nothing!" Ino shouted.

"Well, let's get to it." Naruko sighed.

Soon, the three joined Kakashi on the roof. When all four were relaxing on the roof, Kakashi looked around, said, "Good, now that you are here, why don't you tell me about yourselves."

"Umm, what do you want to know? We all know each other, so can you go first?" Ino asked.

Pointing to himself, their new sensei blandly said, "I'm Kakashi Hatake. I have no desire to tell you my likes and dislikes… My dreams for the future… Hmm… As for my hobbies… I have lots of hobbies…"

Learning nothing, the three sweat dropped.

"Hmm, Blondie you go first." Kakashi announced.

"Umm, okay. My name is Ino Yamanaka, and I like Naruko, my friends, and flower arranging. I dislike it when people abandon friendships for stupid reasons….As for dreams, well to stay by Naruko's side, and for hobbies, well, I like training and finding rare flowers." Ino said in introduction.

"Good, now you Sunset." Kakashi said.

"Okay. My name is Naruko Uzumaki, and I like Ino, my friends, and learning new things. As for my dislikes, I don't like it when people are needlessly cruel, and also when people don't try….For my dreams, well, I have three. One, I want to stay by Ino. Two, I want to be Hokage. Three, I want to create a world where chakra is used to bring peace and prosperity instead of death. My hobbies are creating new techniques and Fuinjutsu research." Naruko announced to everyone.

"She has grown up interesting. I wonder though, are those two a couple?" Kakashi thought to himself, and then pointing to Sasuke, said, "Okay, it's your turn."

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha, and I guess I like training. For dislikes, I guess the girls who chase me. My dream for the future is to finally have peace and revive my clan. I don't really have any hobbies." A surprisingly open Sasuke said, much to Naruko's pleasure.

"Interesting, he doesn't seem as focused on vengeance as he file stated." Kakashi thought.

"Okay, now that everyone is introduced, I want to tell you that starting tomorrow, the four of us will have a special mission. It is a survival test, and by survival I mean as Shinobi. Because I will say this, of all the graduates, not everyone will stay Shinobi. In fact, many will either return to the academy or washout completely." Kakashi announces to a suddenly quiet group. Well, quiet except for Naruko.

"Ha, I knew it. I thought that graduation test was too easy. So what's the deal?" Naruko asked.

"Glad you asked, because I want you to meet at the training grounds tomorrow at 5:00AM. Also, I should advise you not to eat breakfast, because you will just throw up. Now you are dismissed" Kakashi stated, and then disappeared in a shunshin.

"Guys, he is just trying to scare us. I say eat breakfast, come tomorrow prepared, and no matter what show Kakashi that this team deserves to stay together." Naruko stated with enthusiasm.

"Hell Yeah, we are going to kick ass!" Ino shouted in agreement.

Sasuke just smirked in agreement.

"So, let's get some good rest, and then meet up fresh tomorrow. If anyone wants to join, I am going to get some ramen." Naruko announce to the group.

"Sorry, but unfortunately I have to eat with my parents so that I can tell them about my sensei. You guys are welcome to come though." Ino said.

"Normally I would, but I think I am going to take tonight easy." Naruko replied.

"I think I am going to call today early as well." Sasuke said.

"Alright then, have a great night you two." Ino said.

With that the three new teammates went off in separate directions.

The next morning Naruko grumbled as she woke up extra early to meet her new team for the exercise that Kakashi planned to put them through. Disregarding Kakashi's advice, Naruko fixed herself a hearty breakfast. After eating, the girl made her way toward the training grounds, where she bumped into Ino along the way.

"Hey Ino. Are you ready for today?" Naruko asked her girlfriend.

"I think so. I mean, if you think about it, we are much more prepared than any of the other potential Genin." Ino said.

"That is definitely true, and with the three of us, we can take anything Kakashi can dish out." Naruko stated with enthusiasm.

Their conversation continued as the young couple walked toward the training grounds. Soon the two girls came upon their designated team training area, where they saw that Sasuke had already arrived.

Greeting each other, the three Shinobi performed some light stretches to get ready for the challenge that Kakashi might present them. However 5:00 in the morning came and went, and still there was no sign of Kakashi.

After thirty minutes, Naruko looked at her fellow potential Genin, and said, "I really hope not, but Kakashi being late might become a regular thing."

"God, I really hope not." Ino sighed.

Soon, though it became apparent that Kakashi was not going to show soon, so Naruko decided to sit down to relax.

"Guys, I think we should relax. Getting stressed about his tardiness might be a tactic that Kakashi will use against us." Naruko proposed.

Soon, the three were sitting down against a tree. After a few minutes, Naruko heard some shifting, and looked over. Ino was scooting closer, and when she was close enough, Ino rested her head on Naruko's shoulder. Smiling down at her girlfriend, Naruko wrapped an arm around her.

Talking softly to Ino, Naruko said, "Hey why don't you get some rest. I can keep my senses open for our wayward sensei."

Humming her agreement, Ino just shifted a little and then closed her eyes. Soon the girl was fast asleep.

Naruko and Sasuke kept a silent watch, and hours later Naruko sensing Kakashi approaching, lightly shook Ino awake.

Ino was stretching the sleep out of her body, when saw Kakashi come into view.

When he got closer, Ino asked, "This being late isn't going to be a regular occurrence, is it?"

Kakashi in reply just said, "Sorry, while coming here this morning a black cat crossed my path, and I had to back trace my steps through the village to shake off the bad luck."

Sweat dropping, the three Genin hopefuls just looked at their sensei.

Getting up the new team approached Kakashi to find out there task today.

"So, Kakashi-sensei, what are we doing today?" Naruko wondered.

"Ah, I am glad you asked, because it is simple. You see I have these bells here." Kakashi said, pulling out two bells. "Your task is for each of you to acquire a bell before the timer goes off."

"Umm, there are only two bells and three of us." Ino said pointing out the obvious problem.

"Well, so there are only two. That just means that one of you will go back to the academy, while the two who succeed will become my students. So, good luck to the two of you strong enough to acquire a bell."

Startled the three hopefuls just looked at each other, before Naruko sighed and said, "Well, I am going to go guys, good luck." And with that started to turn away.

"Oh? And where are you going?" Kakashi wondered.

Looking at Kakashi, Naruko simply said, "I won't earn my Genin rank at the expense of a friend. And anyway, the academy while boring, will be ease to pass again."

Shocked for a moment, Kakashi just eye smiled, and said, "Well, I guess you two won't have to compete for a bell. Still let's see if you can earn one."

Startled, Ino looked at her girlfriend who was strolling away, and said, "NO! I won't let Naruko quit to take her place. I will go back to the academy too." And with that, walked to join her girlfriend.

Turning toward Sasuke, Kakashi said, "Congratulations, looks like if you can impress me, you get to become my apprentice. Now that those two are out of the way, we can begin."

Looking down with clenched fists, Sasuke just turned away to join his friends.

"Why are you leaving? You can stay." Kakashi wondered.

Looking back over his shoulder with a glare, Sasuke said, "I am not like him. I won't betray my friends."

Smiling, Kakashi watched as the group made their way out of the training ground. When the three Shinobi were almost too far away to see, he used shunshin to appear before them.

Startled the three stopped.

"What now?" Naruko wondered. "We already gave up, do you need something?"

"Just to let you know, that you PASS!" Kakashi said with an eye smile.

With wide eyes, the three new Genin just looked at Kakashi to explain.

"You see I have failed every other team, because they weren't able to put their teammates above themselves. They would fight only for themselves. You three put your friends above your future. You see, in the ninja world, those who break the rules are trash, that's true, but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash." Kakashi explained.

Naruko and Ino smiled as they look at each other, while Sasuke just smirked.

"Follow me." Kakashi said, leading them over to a monument stone. "On this stone are the names of the heroes of our village. They are the ones who sacrificed their lives for the village."

Everyone was silent for a moment, and then Kakashi said, "Congratulations, because from now on we are Team Seven, and we will take missions together starting tomorrow. However, before I let you three go for the day, I want to evaluate your abilities. To do that, I want to see the three of you try to get the bells anyway."

Kakashi then led his new team back to the training ground to see their potential.

Letting the three new Genin plan amongst themselves for a moment gave Kakashi some time to think about his new team. "This is the first team I have seen that has what it takes. Though Sasuke doubly impressed me. From his file you would think he would be the brooding loner. Even with the mention from the Hokage about how Sasuke had recently begun spending time with others, I didn't think he would be capable of putting others ahead of himself. The members of this team also were the top scorers at the academy, so hopefully that translates into some skill."

Soon the three Genin were ready to show their new sensei what they were capable of, and with a loud, "Start" the three Shinobi were off.

Dashing forward, the three teammates began to weave through each other as they ran. Naruko and Sasuke launched shuriken at their sensei just as they passed in front of Ino. Ino meanwhile used the momentary blind to prepare senbon, and as soon as her two teammates passed, she threw them.

Kakashi drew a kunai, and then casually blocked the assault of shuriken coming towards him. It was then he saw the feint. Dodging to the side Kakashi narrowly avoided the senbon.

"Those senbon were thrown at where I was going to be, not where I started, and Ino aimed at regions of my body that would temporarily paralyze my movements. That takes some talent." An impressed Kakashi thought himself.

As Kakashi dodged the three Genin blurred forward to engage. Naruko let Sasuke pass her and attack first. As the fastest, Naruko was better able to adjust to any openings that Sasuke might provide.

Launching a side kick at Kakashi's right side, the opposite of the bells, Sasuke hoped to provide an opening for the others. Unfortunately Kakashi back stepped instead of blocking. Passing behind Sasuke's kick, Naruko performed a powerful front horse kick aimed at Kakashi's diaphragm.

Raising his arms in a cross block, Kakashi was surprised at the strength of Naruko's kick. It actually slid him back. Naruko, continuing her momentum, pushed off the ground, and using Kakashi's arms as step, launched herself into the air. Airborne, Naruko whipped her heel around in a spin to kick at Kakashi's head.

Dodging backwards to avoid Naruko's heel, he was taken by complete surprise by the crescent battering ram of wind that slammed into upper body, flipping him back, head over heels.

As Kakashi flew back, Ino disappeared in a burst of Soru. Racing underneath the airborne man, Ino let loose two handfuls of senbon, targeting several pressure points in Kakashi's body.

Even surprised, Kakashi was still an Elite Jonin, and sensing Ino under him, he was able to twist to the side, avoiding the worst of the senbon attack.

Still, Ino was able to land two hits, one to the left shoulder blade, and another in the right hip. In the split second before Kakashi was able to remove the senbon, Sasuke used Soru to blur past Kakashi.

Standing after removing the senbon, Kakashi, now no longer underestimating his new team, raised his guard, only to see his new team stand down.

"Oh, giving up so soon? You were doing well." Kakashi stated.

"Nope, we were able to accomplish our goal." Naruko cheerfully replied.

Looking down, Kakashi was pleasantly surprised to see the bells gone. Looking over at Sasuke, he saw the boy smirking while holding the two bells.

With an eye smile, Kakashi said, "Good job you three, excellent team work. I am really impressed that you were able to grab the bells that fast."

"Speed was the key. If we took too long, you might have a better understanding of our abilities." Ino commented.

"You are right. I underestimated you three, and lost because of it. I will have more faith in your skills from now on." Kakashi said.

He was pleased with his team, but was also curious. Turning toward them, he asked, "I am curious about two things. Naruko, what was that wind attack? I didn't sense any chakra. Two, how are Ino and Sasuke so fast?"

"The wind attack was a technique I call Rankyaku, and you are right, it doesn't use any chakra. It is pure leg strength and kicking power." Naruko explained to an impressed Kakashi.

"Our speed is also a technique that Naruko taught us, that she calls Soru." Ino chimed in.

"Where did you learn those techniques? They are really impressive." Kakashi wondered.

"Well, I created them. When I was younger, I used to read a lot of manga, and I based Rankyaku and Soru off of techniques some characters could use in the story." Naruko explained.

"Well, how about I treat the four of us to lunch, and you can go over some of your abilities. That way I have an idea where to start teaching" Kakashi proposed.

Much to Naruko's dismay, the group didn't have lunch at Ichiraku; instead they went to Yakiniku Q. She was out voted, and Yakiniku Q had the advantage of more space.

After getting settled in the restaurant, Kakashi ordered, while everyone engaged in some small talk. Eventually the meat came out, and after placing some on the grill, Kakashi began, "Well, I am really glad you three are able to work together so well. Not only that, but it seems you are quite skilled. This means we can actually train in new techniques. Had you three been typical of the recent academy graduates, I would have been forced to start at the beginning, and also instill teamwork into you. Thankfully you three have taken the initiative, and pushed yourselves. I will be honest, I haven't been too impressed by the level of Genin coming out of the academy."

"How so?" Naruko wondered

"A lot of the standards were relaxed as part of a disarmament plan following the end of the third Shinobi war. Once the treaties were signed, the village wanted to relax the standard, so as to allow for Genin to have more of a childhood. This I don't have a problem with, but still the academy has relaxed it's training. For instance, in almost all previous generations of Konoha Shinobi, most Shinobi your age would be closer to Chunin. Hell, some were Jonin by your age." Kakashi explained.

"Wow, I wondered about the ease of the academy, but I thought it was to allow more civilians into the ranks." Naruko commented.

"That is part of it, but I am just glad you three are where you should be, not where the academy would have you. This way, we don't have to play catch up." Kakashi said. "Now, I have seen your taijutsu and teamwork skills, but where do your other skills stand?" Kakashi wondered.

"Well, Ino and I both have either Medical-nin level chakra control or better, and we can both use elemental ninjutsu and some genjutsu. I have also been training with Fuinjutsu, and I am a master level practitioner." Naruko answered for the both of them.

"I can perform both tree climbing and water walking, and I also can use fire ninjutsu. Plus recently I have awakened my Sharingan." Sasuke finished for Kakashi.

"Hmm, good, I am definitely happy with that level." Kakashi started, and then continued on, "I can definitely help you three improve your skills in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and genjutsu. You most likely have never heard of my title, but I am known as Copy-nin Kakashi, because I have copied over a thousand jutsu."

Narrowing his eyes, Sasuke asked, "How have you copied over a thousand jutsu?"

"This is something you would have found out sooner or later, but when I was younger, I was on a team with an Uchiha named Obito. On a mission, my eye was ruined, and Obito had to save me. He died protecting me, but before he did, he gave me his eye." Kakashi explained, and then seeing the worry in Sasuke's eyes, continued on by saying, "I promise you, that I did not steal this eye. It was given to me in good faith, and in fact your clan knew about the transplant"

Sasuke simply nodded in response.

"However, this also means, that I can help you learn to utilize your Sharingan. While I am not an Uchiha, and therefore pay a higher chakra cost, I still have learned much about this eye." Kakashi went on to explain to Sasuke.

"I would like that." Sasuke simply replied.

With that, the new Genin team finished their lunch, and made their way out of the restaurant.

"I need to report to the Hokage." Kakashi said. "However, tomorrow we start missions, so rest up, and meet at the bridge near training ground seven."

With that, Kakashi used Shunshin to disappear.

Naruko, Ino, and Sasuke were left behind, and decided to enjoy their last days to themselves before their Shinobi career truly started.

Saying goodbye, Sasuke left with a wave to pick up some new ninja gear.

Naruko and Ino were left by themselves, and so decided to spend the day together.

"What do you want to do?" Naruko asked Ino.

"I am not sure, we are Genin now, so we should celebrate, but I don't have any ideas." Ino said.

"Well we could walk around the village, and on our walk we could stop by your family's flower shop to tell your mother the news." Naruko proposed.

With nothing better to do, Ino agreed. Walking around the village the two girls window shopped, but didn't find anything worth spending their money on.

Eventually they came to the Yamanaka flower shop, where they stopped in to tell Ino's mother Akane, the news.

"Hey Mom, guess what? We passed!" Ino exclaimed.

Giving Ino a hug, Akane said, "I am so proud of you. What was your test?"

"Kakashi tried to divide us by asking us to try and get two bells. He told us the team member without a bell would be sent back. Thankfully that couldn't divide us. Naruko here refused to participate, and Sasuke and I joined her." Ino explained.

"I am proud of you Naruko. It takes courage to give up your own desire for someone else." Akane said much to Naruko's embarrassment.

"I wouldn't put my desire to be a Kunoichi ahead of Ino's dreams." Naruko stated.

"That's why I trust you to take care of my little girl. Otherwise I wouldn't allow Ino to sleep over at her girlfriend's house." Akane said.

Blushing, Ino asked, "Mom, you know about us?"

"Ino, I am not an idiot. I have known about you two for years. Longer than your father in fact." She replied.

"How did you find out, and why didn't you say anything?" Ino wondered.

"A mother can tell when their child is in love, and I was waiting on you." Akane explained.

"I am sorry we didn't come to you about our relationship, but we didn't want to create any form of imposition with you and the clan." Naruko stated.

"Inoichi and I don't care about that. There are plenty of Yamanaka around, and you can always appoint one of them to be the heir in your place." Ino's mother informed them.

"So you don't mind that I spend the night at Naruko's apartment?" Ino wondered.

"Well, I trust you to figure certain things out on your own. Besides that, I would rather you know love before you take a life or in the worst case, lose your own. It also helps that in your relationship Naruko can't get you pregnant." Akane said with a smirk.

Relieved the two girls just gave Akane hugs, and then continued on their way. Ino and Naruko were both happy to have Akane's approval.

With that weight off their chest, the young couple grabbed an early dinner, and made their way to Naruko's apartment.

Ino it seemed wanted to consummate their newly approved relationship, and Naruko wasn't going to say no.

At the Hokage's office, Kakashi went in to give his report.

"So how did they do?" The Hokage wondered.

"Team seven passed." Kakashi announced.

"Oh, so they impressed you." The Hokage stated.

"The refused to fight each other for the bells, and Naruko actually tried to leave. When the others followed, I passed them. Afterwards I evaluated them, and I have to tell you, that I happy with their strength." Kakashi informed the Hokage.

"Good, I am glad, that Naruko's training has paid off. She has a lot of potential." The Hokage said with pride.

"I believe that. Did you know she has created several Taijutsu techniques that mimic Ninjutsu?"

"Yes, she mentioned them before. They sound quite impressive. Well, bring them here tomorrow to start missions." The Hokage said to Kakashi.

** Author' Note 1: I have read some reviews that worry that I am turning Naruko into a Mary-Sue, but Naruko isn't perfect. She is just a caring girl, who do to early childhood loneliness, has developed emotional maturity.

** Author's Note 2: The strength of my characters has also been a question for some, but honestly in the canon storyline, every other generation has been incredibly strong at a young age. If you check up on the ages most ninja achieved their ranks, you will see that most did so well before the current crop of graduates did. Kakashi, Itachi, and even Tenzo were all Jonin around Naruko's current age, and in the story I have made Naruko a genius that works hard. If she wasn't strong, the story wouldn't make sense.

** Author's Note 3: Sorry for the delay, but I have been really busy at work, but hopefully I can devote more time to this story.