Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, but only the OC's presented in the story. If I did own Naruto I wouldn't have made a Naru/Hina or Sas/Sak pairing in the end to quell the fans.

.X.

Ch.12

Down Time

.X.

Mai Yamanaka looked down at her paper as she studied her reports. After having a sit down with Team 3 in general and after a few sit downs with them during their off week. She found quite a few things off about the team in question, but in her opinion, there were other head cases in the genin core that were messed up.

She looked at several file on her table of the worst offenders. Neji Hyuga, Sasuke Uchiha, and Naruto Uzumaki.

She felt a presence coming behind her as she turned her slowly seeing Rin standing behind. She held out tea to the Mai who took it greatly.

"I see you are hard at work still and you even managed to follow up with extra sessions with them." Rin noticed as Mai nodded.

"Of course, and I would say Naruto in question would be the one with the most problems." she told her.

Rin shifted uncomfortably. "Is this about the villagers in question?" She asked.

Mai nodded. "During my little hypnosis session with him he, hates the villagers with a passion, Rin. Mind you Naruto in question thinks the world about the people who treat him like a regular person. Shisui Uchiha did a good job of making sure Naruto didn't grow up alone and ignored. He would hardly trust the word of someone that doesn't like him, over our words." Mai explained.

"I see… what about Honoka and Yakumo?" Rin asked her as Mai took a sip of the tea.

As Mai sett down her tea on the table. "Yakumo is doing pretty well and her mental health is pretty good. Honoka in question is okay for the most part, but inside she is kind and determined soul. Yet, there are still lingering memories about Sasuke Uchiha putting her in the hospital 5 years ago. She does her best to ignore since she has her friends around her." Mai carefully explained.

"She would never talk to Sasuke unless it's for the mission." Rin finished as Mai nodded.

"In truth during the past five years she has never said a word about him and has never associated with Sasuke's fan club ever." she told her colleague. "Honoka is now worrying about something new in question."

Rin looked at her friend with confusion. "Worrying about something else?"

"Growing pains…" Mai giggled as Rin blushed.

"Are her breasts really growing that big?" She curiously asked.

Mai shrugged. "At that rate they may be big as Tsunade's in the future. However, she worries about boys in general staring at her and only asking for dates because of physical appearance alone. Plus the fact it costs more money to go up in size, rather down in size." She joked a little. "On that note, Sakura Haruno in question is the complete opposite from Honoka. She worries that she isn't developing into a woman with curves."

Rin shook her head and sighed. "Well with the fact she is finally off her crazy diet along with Ino. I don't think Sakura will notice growth her chest until her pregnancy stages like Mebuki-san did and they might not be that big." Rin pointed out.

Mai shook her head. "Genetics you have to love and hate them, still…" Mai flicked her pin towards the window.

"Hey…" a voice called out as Rin towards the window with Mai. They saw Kakashi sitting on the window sill as he caught the pen in his hand.

Rin puffed her cheeks placing her hands on her hip. "Kakashi, how many times do I have to tell you walk into the hospital not go through the window. Do I have to immobilize you again like when you tried leaving the hospital?" Rin asked him.

Kakashi laughed nervously. "No, but I am sorry to drop in all of a sudden at the hospital. However, I wanted to inquire where is Yamato and his team at?" Kakashi asked as he slid into the room.

Rin spoke up. "Naruto, is grounded for now…"

Kakashi sighed. "Come on Rin, you can't punish Naruto for going on a noble mission." Kakashi started.

"Inexperienced genin don't go on A-rank mission unless it's a dire constraint from our forces. You do realize that…" she stopped herself as Kakashi frowned a little.

"I know that they aren't here to support him." Kakashi admitted. "However, he didn't grow up alone and made wonderful friends and people that treat him like a family. Still, we all knew that day might happen… we weren't expecting it to be a bit too early."

Mai sensed the tension in the room. "True, and your surprise A-rank mission was almost similar to Yamato's in question. Your team were fighting Missing-nin from Kirigakure." Mai pointed out changing the conversation.

Kakashi nodded. "True, and Sasuke has even awakened the Sharingan during the mission."

"So he finally awakened it, huh." Rin asked her old teammate. "I bet he is really keen on trying to master his Sharingan."

Kakashi nodded. "True, but our teamwork has been strained quiet recently ever since he awakened the Sharingan." he told them.

Mai frowned. "You do realize the parallels' between Sasuke and your younger self Kakashi…" she pointed out.

"It's scary." Rin finished.

Mai looked at Sasuke's file. "Personally, Sasuke in question has an inferiority and a superiority complex that was never said personally. You can't beat out things like that Kakashi without a reality check. He was preached by his father that the Uchiha Clan is the best, but never acknowledged for his talents. Plus the mental mind damage Itachi did to him wasn't helping him." Mai told him.

Kakashi nodded as Rin thought about it for a moment. "So the reason why you asked for Yamato and his team was to help reinforce the teamwork idea." Rin asked him.

Kakashi nodded. "Yes, but I can only assume it would have drawbacks if I did that. He might see that his team is holding him back from doing better." Kakashi pointed out as Mai nodded.

"Correct, and he may go off on them if they win the sparring match. It's best not to do that just yet, Kakashi and I can only assume teamwork exercises would be a waste of time. Personally, I think one on one time itself could be detrimental to the team's performance as well." Mai told him.

Kakashi scratched his head. "Damned if you and damned if you don't." he muttered. "Sometimes I wish I had Yamato's luck in getting a good squad. They actually listen to him…"

"Plus, they give him gifts and homemade foods when they have the time." Rin finished. "He even got a painting from Yakumo about his fight with Zabuza."

Kakashi sighed as Mai looked at her watch. "Hey Kakashi, aren't you going to meet your team today?" she asked.

Kakashi nodded. "Yes," he answered quickly.

"You are two hours late to your meeting spot if I am correct." she pointed out.

Kakashi waved to them with a smile. "Sorry…" He felt a palm hit him and stung him. "Ouch, what was the for Rin?"

"For being late and especially not taking good care of your students, Kakashi." She pulled him by the arm. "Knowing you, you wouldn't even head to their meeting spot for at least one more hour."

Kakashi tried to struggle free from her grip. "I was about to go there…" he was cut off by Rin's lecture.

"I will look after Naruto and makes sure he finishes his homework with you Rin," Mai reassured her friend as she nodded happily.

"Thank you Mai," she told her as she dragged Kakashi away, despite Kakashi's protests. Mai giggled and shook her head.

"It seems that Rin still has feelings for Kakashi, huh…" she muttered as she got up from her seat. "I might as well check up on kiddo and see what he is doing."

She took her tea with her and left the room in a hurry.

.X.

Meanwhile, nearby the Dango shop as Honoka was running towards the building holding a big bag in her hands. She wore a white tank top with a collar as she wore blue denim boy shorts that complemented. As black boots landed hard against the payment as stopped at the building. She looked down around her waist to see her headband was tied to her waist. She had yellow bands on her arms and legs that had resistance seals written on them.

She managed to walk in the dango shop proudly as she saw the owner smiled at her. She wore her kimono proudly. She was an older woman in her late thirties as she waved to her. Her brown hair and gold eyes help make her stand out from the crowd.

"Welcome back Honoka, I take it your delivery to Mitarashi-san went well." she asked her.

Honoka handed the woman the cash. "Of course Takahashi-san, and she even managed to give a bit tip of 1000 Ryo as well." Honoka told her.

The woman smiled as she waved it off. "You can call me Rei-san, like usual Hono-chan. You don't officially work with the shop anymore, however guys your age does come around asking questions about you."

"Especially that boy in the green in the green jumpsuit." Rei motioned to the table with ninjas. As she noticed the boy looked similar to the older man in question. She noticed Neji Hyuga at the table along with a girl sitting at the table.

She quickly realized they were the Top rookie team from last year and the boy Yakumo looked up to before she joined the Academy. He has changed the most during his six months with his sensei being his idol.

"I see, but why is he asking for me…" she sounded a bit creeped out.

Rei patted Honoka's head. "You don't realize how pretty you have grown Hono-chan and I am surprised that no one is dating you right now." She giggled as Honoka scratched her finger a bit flustered.

"I don't think the boys my age care for my personality, but my…chest…" she muttered in embarrassment.

Rei nodded. "True, you should be careful of making a relationship so easily with the opposite sex. Finding someone that appreciates you and loves you is hard these days." Rei lectured. She quickly noticed Chef placing the food down on the counter along with the tea.

"Order up," he announced.

Rei nodded as she turned to Honoka. "Can you please deliver it to their table, please, Honoka? They waited patiently for their meal to come along." Rei asked her as she nodded.

"Of course Rei-san," she told her as she carefully picked up the plate holding the dango and tea.

She made her way carefully to the table without bumping into anyone. She turned towards them professionally.

"Here is your order Maito-san and sorry for the wait." Honoka apologized as Team Gai looked up at the girl. Neji narrowed his had noticed who the girl as she noticed a gleam from Lee's eyes. Maito Gai gave a thumbs up.

"We weren't waiting long young lady, but thank you for being timely." Gai thanked her. She passed their orders to them. Rock Lee smiled at her as his female teammate sighed.

"Hello, my name is Rock Lee and is your name Honoka?" Lee asked.

"I am Honoka Inari…" she answered.

He gave a thumbs up with a smile. "Let's go out together! I will protect you until I die."

Honoka stared at him as Gai smiled.

"Um… no." Honoka muttered.

Lee looked dejected for a moment. "Why not?" he asked.

"There are several reasons why, but the first one is the fact I don't need your protection. If I am going to be stronger I can't cower behind people." Honoka's answered.

Gai patted the boy's shoulder. "Such a youthful answer Honoka-chan and I'm sorry Lee she didn't accept your offer. Can you tell me the other reason, why you said no to him?" Gai asked her.

"Number one, he was too forward and I don't know anything about him at all. He sounded like a stalker the moment he talked to me." Honoka admitted.

Tenten nodded her head. "That is what you get Lee for being too direct, I told you all about this." she lectured her teammate.

"Or maybe she is being too polite to a person who dresses and looks weird." Neji muttered.

Honoka shrugged. "Or the fact he doesn't understand what a real relationship is let alone the qualities to make one last." Honoka politely told him. She picked up the serving board with her as Neji eyes her.

"So you are that visitor that visits the manor with the Kurama girl, huh?" Neji asked as Lee looked at his rival with fiery eyes.

"Neji…" Lee muttered.

"Calm down Lee, I am only asking a question."

Honoka nodded. "Yes," Honoka answered.

Gai spoke up. "So you must be Yamato's kids, huh. I hear the stories you are doing great just coming out the Academy."

"You know Yamato-sensei?" Honoka asked curiously.

Gai smiled happily. "Of course he is my rival's Kouhai after all and a good upstanding man. I remember the days he used to be in Anbu along with Kakashi. Is he doing well lately?" he asked her.

Honoka nodded with a smile. "Of course, but right now he is out on a mission to keep his skills sharp. Before that he took some time out to help with the Jonin exam in question. Hopefully he will back during the week so we can resume our training." Honoka told her.

Tenten turned her head in curiosity. "This is the first time hearing about Yamato? Who is he Gai-sensei?" Tenten asked him.

Gai's mood turned a bit serious. "Well… he is a hard worker by nature too. Overall, I was too focused with my eternal rival Kakashi to ever mention him to you guys." Gai explained calmly.

Honoka cocked her head. "Kakashi-sensei never mentions you at all as well when we train with him." she told him.

"That sounds like my eternal rival and he seems a bit carefree as usual. So give my regards to Yamato if you see him."

Honoka nodded before leaving. "Wait a moment…" Neji called out as Honoka turned around.

"Something wrong or do you need something?" Honoka asked her.

"Do you really think you are good at Taijutsu?" Neji asked her.

As she knew something was up his question. "Does this have to do something with Hanabi-chan and me sparring with her?" Honoka asked him.

"Of course, and I want to see how good you really are against an experienced member of Jyuken. I can see you are free to have a spar, huh." Neji asked her.

As she silently flexed her hand. "I would have to decline your offer to a spar, I'm on leave until the week is over. I am under orders from Mai Yamanaka and Rin Nohara." Honoka told him.

"I see… sorry to interrupt you then." Neji told her as Honoka walked away.

"What was that Neji?" Tenten curiously asked.

"I just wanted to show her the truth, she is not good at taijutsu as it appears. Facing Hanabi and Hinata is child's play compared to a real practitioner of the style."

"You shouldn't get cocky Neji," Gai warned her. "If you didn't notice she is wearing resistance seals."

"Resistance seals, what are those Gai-sensei?" Lee asked.

"It's essentially like your weights Lee, but they only direct the person and doesn't influence gravity on objects. On top of that statement I said early as long you know the basics to a style you can understand how it works." Gai explained.

Tenten spoke up curiously. "By the way Lee, why would you think confessing like that to her was a good idea."

Lee blushed as Gai smiled. "Simple Tenten, Lee wasn't the only the one practicing hard after school. He often saw Honoka-chan training hard into the afternoon herself." Gai told him.

Tenten sighed. "So you really have been stalking her, huh. Now I know why she was scared away." She muttered.

"I wasn't stalking, I was admiring her determination!" Lee passionately told them.

"By the way, since you have been stalking her, who else have you been stalking Lee?" Neji accused him.

"Sakura Haruno…" he muttered.

Gai smiled. "Don't worry Lee, next time you will have a shot with her. At least she doesn't hate you so be your usual youthful self." Gai reassured him.

"Yes, Gai-sensei," Lee agreed.

Neji spoke up. "What are the chances that this year's rookies will join the Chunin Exams?" Neji asked.

Gai thought about it for a moment. "Well, it depends on their Jonin-sensei in question, knowing my eternal rival, he will definitely enter his team. However, all genin must go through a preliminary exam to test their skills. A Chunin will be assigned to one genin and place them under certain conditions. If they fail they don't get in and have to wait the next time around." Gai informed them.

"How hard are the preliminary exams Gai-sensei?" Lee asked him.

"Personally, I don't know Lee, it's up to the Hokage if it's an okay exam." Gai told him as Lee fell into deep thought for a moment.

.X.

Meanwhile, on the hillside overlooking the village as she wore a yellow sundress and a pair of low heeled sandals. She placed her white straw hat on her head. She looked at her painting she drew of with her teammates as it mirrored her team picture.

"Another painting for my collection…" Yakumo muttered in joy. She picked up her iced tea to drink.

"Definitely a keeper for your art collection, do you think show them them to museum curator or an artist your paintings." a voice called out.

Yakumo turned towards the voice to see her uncle walking towards him. He had light brown hair and small black eyes.

"Hello Unkai Oji-san, and I don't think an art museum will take an amateur's painting made by me." Yakumo told him.

He walked over to the small blanket and sat down beside her. "You don't know if you don't try Yakumo. Besides that I heard recently from your father you were on an A-rank mission." Unkai told her. "You do realize how scared they were when they heard you fought an enemy ninja in live combat."

Yakumo frowned. "I know… and it's suffocating to see them baby me still. I want to make them…"

"Proud, well you are already doing that Yakumo. What we don't want you to do is rush ahead and forget the finer things in life. Becoming a Jonin of this village is no small feat itself and many do not make it to that level." He explained.

"Why is that?" Yakumo asked him.

"Simple some don't have the drive, chakra, or time to become one." He told her as she nodded.

"So the road to become one is very hard. I knew that from the very beginning." she told him as he nodded.

"Sometimes it takes a different perspective to see how your mother and father go to the lengths to make sure you are healthy and happy. Not everyone has the luxury of talking to their parents face to face."

Yakumo dropped her head. "True, I don't see Honoka's parents along with Naruto's. Did you know them uncle?" she curiously asked.

"I knew of the Uchiha clan Fugaku and Mikoto a long time ago, but they have grown very distant from us ever since the Kyubi attack. However, it's unhealthy to keep the pressure on you to help recover the clan's prestige. We saw what happened when Fugaku forced Itachi to become a ninja too early and he snapped."

Yakumo frowned. "I know… it makes even all the sadder that people like Shisui, Itachi, and apparently Kakashi-sensei never grew up normal. I can only assume Yamato-sensei is almost the same as well in some way." she pointed out.

Unkai spoke again. "True, almost every prodigy has some type of mental problems. It's sad, but the political view in Konoha keeps them from being examined by proper psychiatrists. It was only recently that a the Hokage place a mandatory medical check up on Shinobi each mission." Unkai told her as he clicked his fingers. "That reminds me, were you at the last clan meeting."

Yakumo frowned. "I have and I am not too happy what some people have been saying lately. They would like to be married one day…" she frowned.

Unkai sighed. "It's not easy being in a clan isn't it?" he asked her.

"It feels like everything is already decided for you and I don't like what they are insutating. I need someone to help complete me and my life as a future clan leader. I don't even see Shikamaru complaining or struggling about such a thing. I don't even see Hinata in any potential arranged marriage. Some idiots want me to marry Sasuke or someone in the upper class to increase the clan's strength and political view.

Unkai spoke up. "Well, we are lucky your parents' never signed a marriage contract to any clan then. You are free to explore your heart's true inner desires." he told her. "Besides that. who would want to marry a stuck up boy with no manners. Last time I remember…" he stopped for a moment.

He felt a presence nearby as he looked up. "It seems we have an incoming guest," he told her. As he looked down the path to see as they saw a raven haired woman walking down the path. Yakumo noticed her crimson eyes from afar.

"Kurenai-san," Yakumo muttered as she stared at the woman.

"Well, it's good to see you are good health Kurenai-san, how have you been doing lately?" Unkai greeted her.

She walked upon the group and gave a short bow. "It's good to see you are doing well Unkai-san and Yakumo-chan. Do you mind if I have a word with Yakumo for a moment?" Kurenai asked Unkai.

He turned towards her niece. "Yakumo, I know you might not like her as much, but please be civil, please." Unkai told her quietly as the girl sighed.

"Yes, uncle Unkai," she agreed as the old man got up from the blanket and began heading down the path to the nearby villa.

Kurenai sat down next to her as Yakumo poured her some iced tea into a cup and gave her some rice balls. Kurenai noticed the painting of her team. Yakumo passed her the refreshments to her as Kurenai took them greatly.

"It's been quite some time, since we actually talked one on one like this." she told her.

Yakumo nodded. "True…" she answered shortly. "However, I don't see the reason why you are here? Personally, I was enjoying my week off of training and stress."

Kurenai frowned. "Do you really think that bad about me Yakumo, I wasn't a good teacher five years ago." she asked her.

Yakumo shrugged. "I couldn't have become a ninja without Shisui's help and Naruto five years ago. Truthfully, you don't know how happy I became by being one." Yakumo explained. "At first I wanted to become a Jonin ranked ninja no matter what, to increase our clan's prestige again. However, our last mission showed me we can do a lot of good if we put our minds together." She explained.

"I see, so are you mad that I never exhausted my all my of my options at that time." she told her.

Yakumo sighed sipping her tea as she looked over Konoha. "It's not that… I thought you would believe in me a bit more. Tell me that there was no easy path to become one with my condition. Rock Lee, didn't give up and he became a genin with Neji Hyuga and Tenten." Yakumo admitted.

"Maybe I should have placed more faith in you, but know your a proud kunoichi now. You got people like Naruto believing you can do it now." Kurenai told her as she patted her as she blushed.

"True, but I'm sensing that this conversation isn't truly about me." Yakumo surmised.

Kurenai nodded. "True, I am having doubts that I am not a good teacher to my students." she honestly told her.

"You mean Hinata, right?" Yakumo asked. "I can't see Kiba and Shino have any real problems with confidence unlike Hinata."

"True, I place my confidence in her and try helping her only to fail at times. Sometimes I think Hinata isn't ready to be a shinobi at heart. Being indecisive at heart and soft spoken… she is the complete opposite of you completely." she told her.

"I may not know everything about her personal problems, but I know for a fact she has no faith in herself." Yakumo pointed out. "Honoka herself, has faith in herself as well her abilities. I can only assume the pressure her clan is too much for her to endure."

"I am guessing you are going through your own problems now being a potential clan head, now?" Kurenai asked her.

Yakumo frowned as she looked away in the distance. "Talks about marriage and the future of the clan is not something I want to talk about Kurenai-sensei. They are disgusting to me and it doesn't bring anyone happiness." Yakumo commented harshly on it. "If we are supposed to be the future we have a right in choosing what action we need to carry out."

Kurenai's eyes flickered with a bit of sadness. "Well, that is something I can agree on." Kurenai told her.

Yakumo turned towards Kurenai. "It was never your teaching style that was wrong you just never had a student with certain needs like Hinata and I. I am sorry I was impatient with you from the very beginning." Yakumo apologized.

Kurenai smiled, patting her head as Yakumo blushed slightly. "Thank you," Kurenai thanked her as she pulled her into a gentle hug.

"Your welcome…" Yakumo muttered as he laid her head comfortably on her chest.

.X.

Naruto was walking back home as he yawned loudly. He walked calmly down the street as he carried a brown messenger bag on his shoulder. He wore a black under armour over his mesh shirt. He quickly adjusted his black jacket that had a single orange line going down the sleeves. He wore pants that had a similar design that went down the sides. His black sandals kicked across the ground with a bit of joy.

He held Shisui at his side today, since he was attending lessons with Rin. As he was learning real quickly that math in question was a very important factor into Fuinjutsu as well. As Rin drilled home the importance the three taboos every ninja that make them go bad.

Alcohol was the first, but he wasn't old to drink anyway and from he heard alcohol didn't even taste good at all to him. Well, unless you count using red wine and sake to help cook with certain foods.

Well the second rule pertained to both men and women in a way. Since the opposite sex could make you do something stupid and regret something in the end.

Third was money and that it could easily ruin your life if you got greedy and careless. Well, he was smart to save up his money and invest properly due to Itachi's lessons in economics when he was younger. He even invested Kenchi Kaneki's business so he was making money on the side, despite not going on missions.

Then the dreadful lesson about learning about the opposite sex was embarrassing. Mai was also there asking him questions about certain things. As he quickly learned that their was a jutsu that lowered the sperm count completely to ensure that they didn't get a woman pregnant.

He rounded the corner seeing uncommon occurrence in the road. He saw a square rock that failed to blend in the road. As it had eye holes as Naruto smirked. He quickly walked up to it and stared at it for a moment. He flicked out his sword cutting it open as he heard screaming coming from it.

"Do you realize there is no such thing as a square rock you guys?" Naruto told them as he flicked his sword back into his sheath.

Konohamaru looked at him with a smirk. "You saw through my camouflage again, I would expect no less from my rival." Konohamaru told Naruto.

He noticed two other children sitting beside them wearing goggles like Konohamaru. "You brought friends along with you this time, eh Konohamaru." Naruto asked him.

The first boy stood up and introduced himself. "My name is Udon," he introduced himself.

As the girl with orange hair and pigtails jumped up. "My name is Moegi and a kunoichi in training." she introduced herself.

"See boss, we finally made a team like you have one!" Konohamaru finally told him.

Naruto shrugged. "I see, but you guys should work on your stealth skills more. Truthfully, you should have become a garbage can or a cardboard box if you want to fit in this environment more." Naruto lectured as he looked around the street.

"I knew we should have tried that," Udon muttered as Konohamaru blushed.

"So what brings you around here you guys?" Naruto asked him.

"You promised me you would play ninja with us, remember?" Konohamaru reminded him. Naruto took out his daily planner to check his schedule. He quickly looked at his pocket watch to check the time.

"I did… yet, why aren't you guys in school. Are you skipping or something?" Naruto asked as he put away his things in his bag.

"Well, they are doing something special function at the Academy lately, I think they are updating it's interior." Udon told him.

"Konohamaru tells us you're the number one rookie of this year's graduating class. He says you know all sorts of cool things." Moegi told him.

"Come on boss, I know you're not busy lately, so you can play ninja with us uninterrupted." Konohamaru pleaded.

Naruto shrugged, thinking about it for a moment. "I could see why Shisui felt so happy and proud to teach me years ago." Naruto thought.

"Why not, but if we are playing ninja, why not learn practical stuff along with it. We can learn how to throw a real kunai and shuriken for fun." Naruto offered as they cheered.

"Really boss, you are going to teach us how to throw one. Iruka-sensei hasn't gotten around to teaching us yet," Konohamaru asked him.

Naruto nodded his head with a smile. "Of course, but I am only letting you use the blunt ones first. I don't want you guys having an accident and I have to take you guys to the hospital." Naruto lectured as he waved them to follow him to his apartment complex. "Besides that, we can eat Mochi Ice cream to beat the heat today."

They cheered again happily as Konohamaru and then rushed towards the apartment. He felt a familiar presence up ahead. He looked up into a nearby tree to see Sasuke sitting in it. "What brings you here Sasuke? I didn't expect you to ever visit me?"

Sasuke shrugged. "About time you got home Naruto, I have been waiting for a good hour to talk to you about something privately."

"Who is this guy, boss?" Konohamaru asked him.

"Sasuke Uchiha, and he is not a social person by nature you guys." Naruto introduced him.

"You want to talk to Naruto in private about what?" Udon asked.

"We wanted to play ninja with him." Moegi told him.

"Playing ninja, while being a ninja. That sounds so silly. "Sasuke mocked Naruto.

Naruto shrugged. "Maybe to you, but a promise is a promise." Naruto made the seal for the Kage bunshin appeared.

"Go show them around back the apartment complex and pull out the training equipment for them. I will be busy talking to Sasuke about something." Naruto told his clone.

Three academy students followed his clone back around apartment complex. Naruto saw Sasuke jump out the tree. "So you want to talk in private, huh? Do you mind having tea and a snack?" Naruto asked him.

"Tomatoes and rice balls will do just fine." Sasuke told him.

As he lead Sasuke up to his apartment complex and unlocked the door. He quickly the wall near the door. As a seal turned green and then red spreading across the apartment complex. Sasuke looked on in wonder.

"What was that?" Sasuke asked him.

"I activated a privacy seal to ensure no one can hear us talk if someone gets a bit too curious." he made sure to lock the door. Sasuke looked around Naruto's apartment to see the various paintings on the wall.

"I can see Yakumo has visited your place a lot." as he noticed the painting of Shisui on the wall. "You have a picture of Shisui on your wall as well."

Naruto nodded. "Of course, it was one of the first paintings we did together along with Shisui before he died. We even managed to make a portrait and a picture that goes along with it, but it's in storage.

Sasuke shrugged. "Since we are talking about him, this relates to Shisui." Sasuke told him.

Naruto stopped dead in his tracks. "What do you mean by that Sasuke?" Naruto asked him.

"It's quite simple really, I want to see if he left any notes behind on how the Sharingan works in general along with some training information he did in the past. I can only assume he has left notes on how Itachi trained in his youth as well." Sasuke bluntly told him.

Naruto turned him to face him with a serious look. "I see…" Naruto muttered.

"Well this isn't good at all, I didn't expect him to come out the blue asking notes on the sharingan. However, the notes and the diary Shisui left behind says some disturbing things. The Mangekyo Sharingan as well, a powerful dojutsu that unlocks another tier of power to the user as the cost of becoming blind in the end.

To gain such an important skill you will need to cause the death of a loved one with your hands or witness it. Shisui in question allowed his friend and rival to die. Personally that person was a traitor, but he felt responsible for his death. He could have easily got him medical attention, but he knew he would have been executed anyway. He was quickly dissuaded in using its ability because it drained chakra and you dulled your eyes over time. He had only used it twice and started noticing its effects.

With Sasuke's power hungry attitude and the need to avenge his clan. It would be someone…"

"Hey, why are you freezing up like you dobe," Sasuke asked him.

"I don't think we need to talk about such a thing Sasuke, your Sharingan will develop over time the more you use it. Personally, I feel you are unworthy of seeing anything of Shisui's personal possessions. For someone never visiting his grave and never giving someone the time of day. He entrusted me with his belongings and no one contested it for five years straight."

"This is my birthright Naruto, I deserve to see it?" Sasuke told him.

"You are confusing your birthright with Shisui's personal belongings as well his feelings. No one came to his funeral five years ago and never even arranged it. I am feeling that your search for power is leaving you blinded from the things around you. I know for a fact Shisui would want to use his ability to help people."

"You hold onto his memory in your heart well, but it was that bastard that killed him." he pointed out.

Naruto shrugged going towards the kitchen. "I highly doubt that Itachi killed him, Sasuke. Shisui wasn't a lightweight and he was the only person to match Itachi in a fight." Naruto believed as he grabbed the snacks for Sasuke.

Sasuke grunted. "Why the hell is he making this difficult, what use it to hold onto notes that don't pertain to him. Naruto isn't the type to chase after power. How am I going to avenge the clan if I don't have a clue how the Sharingan truly works?" Sasuke thought.

"My question, why are you trying to stop me from obtaining these notes?" Sasuke asked him calmly.

"I know Shisui himself…" Naruto stopped and frowned. "It's complicated and I will need to ask you to leave now. I need some time to think about it before I give you an answer why." Naruto told him.

He handed Sasuke his snacks only for him to refuse it. "Why not answer me now? Why don't you want me getting my hands on those notes?" Sasuke demanded Naruto.

As the two glared at each other. "Simply put, you don't deserve those notes and he entrusted them to me for a reason." Naruto answered him. "After all this time you come here asking for his things like you deserve them. Shisui isn't the clan he was my first real teacher and friend. If you can't see that get out! I won't let you use his memory as a tool for revenge. Do it with your own two hands like you wanted and keep me out of it."

Sasuke's eyes snapped open with the Sharingan as Naruto quickly placed his sword on his hilt.

"You are saying I'm not worthy to see his notes! He was still a member of my clan." Sasuke told them.

"Hey boss, where is the ice cream?" Konohamaru called out as he saw Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon standing there with his clone in confusion.

"Hey, what's going here boss?"

Naruto flicked his sword back into his sheath. "Sasuke and I were having a disagreement over something that is quite personal for the both of us. Pay it no mind you guys." Naruto told him.

He handed Sasuke the snacks forcibly as he went into the kitchen.

Udon looked a bit worried. "Almost drawing a sword on someone doesn't seem like argument…" he muttered.

"Hey, since you guys were going to fight, what does a real shinobi fight look like?" Konohamaru asked them as Naruto grabbed the ice cream in question.

Sasuke smirked. "Why not, we can easily settle our argument on who wins our match." Sasuke suggested.

Naruto contemplated it for a moment. "Fine, if you win you can have them, but if I win you will drop the notion of obtaining Shisui's notes as well his diary." Naruto agreed.

Konohamaru pumped his fist. "Finally, we will get to see a real shinobi fight!" he cheered.

Moegi looked a bit worried. "Who is going to monitor the match?" she asked them.

"It will be us Moegi, since we are the only ones here." he reassured her.

"I don't think we are qualified to be referee to a match, when we don't know any ninja techniques, yet." Udon lectured them as they made their way out the building after the two genin.

.X.

Kakashi and Rin were having a meeting on a bridge where Team 7 naturally gathered in the morning. Tai's mother and the Sakura's parents were with them having a meeting. As Kakashi was explaining the situation with them as Rin stood by answering their questions.

"So you are telling us it was a trap to lure out Sasuke Uchiha, huh?" Kizashi told them.

"I'm a bit more worried about Sakura was kidnapped with ease. Doesn't she go through rigorous training with you guys." Mebuki voiced.

"I didn't think such a trap would be springed like that. Nor they were prepared for such a thing to happen. Lately I have been going over drills and scenarios to ensure that doesn't happen." Kakashi explained.

Tai's mother Yuuko spoke up. "I heard Tai did really well in the fight against missing-nin, but will this be a common occurrence in the future." She worriedly asked.

"We don't let rookie ninja fight battles like that off the bat. However, they aren't the only team to be attacked by enemy ninja as well. Team 3 made it okay themselves during their first mission…" Kakashi explained.

"Another team was attacked and for what reason?" They asked.

"They were protecting a client that had a political implications to it." Rin answered them. "So far they are fine for the most part and I had a talk to Sakura to ensure she knew preventative measures against rape or unwanted pregnancies in general."

Mebuki nodded. "Thank goodness, but what about their third teammate Sasuke Uchiha?" she asked him.

Kakashi spoke up. "He still has some issues from five years ago and he has a hard time admitting his feelings on certain subjects. Personally their teamwork in question was flawless in the last mission. However, he seems to be slipping back to his old habits." Kakashi honestly admitted.

Yuuko spoke up. "I heard from a friend that the Chunin Exams are coming up now." she pointed out. "Will you try to enter them into it?"

Kakashi crossed his arms. "Truthfully, I will nominate them, but under the guise of a reality check they desperately needed. That way it takes the pressure off me politically by allowing the chance to let them try. However, they must all agree of attending the exam together. If one doesn't show up they all don't take the exam." Kakashi reasoned.

"I know from experience that these exams are dangerous in nature. Are you sure it's a wise okay?" Kizashi asked Kakashi.

"It's either the chaotic battlefield or the Chunin Exams that are a bit under our control. Since our village is hosting it, we have a good chance many will make it out okay." Kakashi suggested as their parents nodded. "Any questions?"

Yuuko raised up her hand. "Why are you always so late to their meeting spots?" she asked him.

Kakashi sighed. "I am often getting a professional opinion from others or mentally preparing myself for their training. It's not easy being a Jonin-sensei since you have to worry after your students. I have been on the force for twenty years so far." Kakashi told him.

Rin silently glared at him. "If you have any questions, please direct them to me, since I'm the easiest to find between each other." she told them.

As the group broke apart as Rin hit him in the stomach. "You shouldn't be making excuses like that Kakashi."

Kakashi scratched the back of his head. "Well, it's true, I am not much as sensei as Minato-sensei." Kakashi honestly admitted.

Rin smiled dimly. "True, and I miss Minato-sensei, a lot along with Kushina-san. Yet, it doesn't excuse you for being a bad sensei. Yamato is a first time Jonin-sensei too, and he is doing a better job than you." She told him.

Kakashi sighed. "He was lucky to have a team that had manners and a personality that encouraged teamwork. Furthermore, having friends' all together on a team seems like cheating to me." Kakashi told the medic-nin.

"Even if you got them as your team, they would have passed your test with flying colors." Rin pointed out. "They would eventually followed you to your apartment and make sure you would come on time as well."

Kakashi sighed. "Yeah, Naruto I didn't expect him to become a sensory ninja." Kakashi agreed. "By the way, what has he been learning from from you this past week?"

"I am getting him to focus a bit more on his education along explain the consequences of not keeping it in your pants." Rin reminded him.

"The three taboos, huh… still, did you take him in the week because you felt guilty, he was alone for eight years." Kakashi called out.

Rin dropped her head a bit. "We should have been there for him and I missed out on twelve years of knowing him." she told him.

Kakashi sighed. "True, but at that time we were both having our problems and if someone knew the truth about Naruto's heritage he would have been in trouble. At least he didn't have to grow up alone and he found people that accept him for being him. He even has a few cute girls that possibly…" Kakashi told him.

Rin elbowed him again in the chest playfully. "Don't go there Kakashi, I am not letting you pervert his childhood." She told him.

Kakashi shrugged. "Well, I know for a certain, Hinata Hyuga was stalking him way back at the Academy. Yakumo is trying to act professional, but she has a soft spot for him and admires his tenacity. Then their Honoka-chan, who loves Naruto's honesty and upbeat attitude." Kakashi told her. "Maybe I should send a letter about their situation to Jiraiya-sama for his next book."

Rin pouted at him. "Do that and I will ensure hell will be on your doorstep Kakashi. I know I will have Uroko-san and Mai backing me up on this." she told him.

Kakashi shrugged. "It's been a while since we actually talked like this haven't we, Rin?" Kakashi told her.

"True, but it's always so hard trying to start a conversation with you. You being in Anbu didn't help it along with hours at the hospital or emergency missions." Rin told them as they were nearing Naruto's apartment complex.

Kakashi noticed the direction, where they were going now. "Why are we going to Naruto's apartment?"

Rin pointed her finger up. "I need to make sure he isn't trying to train or work so hard on Fuinjutsu. You know how dangerous it is trying to create your own seals." Rin explained.

Kakashi shrugged. "I just don't understand how he hasn't blown himself up so far." Kakashi muttered.

Rin nodded. "True, but he is trying his hand now and trying to replicate medical techniques like Shosen no jutsu (mystical palm). However, he is trying to finish his fire seal he is creating." Rin explained.

Kakashi sniffed the air for a moment. "That's weird, why is Sasuke around Naruto's apartment?" He asked as he took a moment to think about it.

"Are Naruto and Sasuke are on speaking terms, right?" Rin asked him.

Kakashi shrugged. "Yes, but Sasuke in general sees Naruto as a rival, he doesn't want to lose to. The problem I am thinking is the fact Sasuke might be trying to bypass me by trying to gain notes on how the Sharingan works."

Rin looked up at Kakashi with confusion. "I thought the Uchiha clan in question never wrote down how to master the Sharingan?" Rin asked him.

"True, they did that to ensure no one would learn the secret of how the Sharingan worked, especially to outsiders. Everything I know about it is about the notes the Senju left or by using it over the years." Kakashi told her. "Shisui on the other hand, might have left tips on how to master it along with some training tips."

Kakashi sped up their pace as they saw the two genin in the back yard. As their spectators watched from the balcony away from it.

"Before we begin, let's make sure we don't do anything drastic. We are still within village limits and I don't want anyone taking a trip to the hospital." Naruto started out.

"It sounds like you're scared of the outcome Naruto," Sasuke pointed out as he smirked. "I am going to win those notes from you with ease."

Naruto shrugged. "Sure, I am just scared... you might burn down someone's home, while they are in it. I am not letting you get your hands on his notes and taint his Shisui's memory. You came five years too late to claim anything." Naruto told him as he cracked his knuckles.

"Yo, you guys!" Kakashi called out as the two genin saw the two Jonin in question.

"Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke muttered as he frowned.

"Naruto does have a point Sasuke, fighting within a dense populated area seems like a bad idea to me. You could have easily taken this to a training ground if you didn't want people noticing this fight." Kakashi told him.

Naruto sighed as he saw Rin's gaze. "I thought we said no fighting or training for the whole week, Naruto."

Naruto nodded slowly. "True, but he wasn't taking no as answer." Naruto honestly admitted.

"What is this about fighting over some notes?" Rin asked them as Sasuke stayed quiet. Naruto looked a bit sadden by the news.

Kakashi looked at Naruto. "Normally, my first question is why now Sasuke? If Naruto has inherited Shisui's notes you can have easily asked him within the five years to look at them. Yet, you bypassed me to come to Naruto."

"Naruto doesn't have the Sharingan, Kakashi-sensei. So I didn't think it would be a problem of attaining them. However, he doesn't even want me to see them." Sasuke reasoned.

Kakashi looked over to Naruto. "Naruto, may I have a word with you for a moment?" Kakashi asked him.

Naruto nodded. "Okay Kakashi-sensei," Naruto agreed.

"Aw man, we wanted to see a ninja fight," Konohamaru muttered.

RIn looked up at them. "You three go home, you guys can play with Naruto some other time." she ordered them as they looked dejected.

"Sorry guys, but if you have some other time." Naruto apologized. "You can take that mochi ice cream with you as an apology."

The three kids cheered happily as Kakashi escorted Naruto around the front of the apartment complex.

"I know Rin might not be happy, however, a fight didn't place, yet." Kakashi told him. "My question is what so dangerous in those notes Shisui's left behind. I can obviously tell it's not good at all and it's shaken you." Kakashi told him.

Naruto frowned a bit as he looked at the silver haired Jonin. "It talks about the evolution of the Sharingan called the Mangekyo Sharingan." Naruto told him.

" I can safely say, I know about it from Madara Uchiha." Kakashi reminded him.

Naruto nodded. "You don't know how he obtained it Kakashi-sensei. From what the notes told me to evolve it into a Mangekyo Sharingan you would need to kill… your closest friend or watch them die." Naruto explained.

Kakashi froze up by this information. "You aren't joking are you, Naruto?" Kakashi asked him.

Naruto nodded, "I can show you the notes if you want, but Shisui gained after seeing his rival dying. I figured if Sasuke learned that he might try to obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan." Naruto admitted.

Kakashi frowned. "I see… show me these notes on this information." Kakashi told him. Naruto lead up him up to his apartment. As it took a good twenty minutes to sort out the details with the notes.

Kakashi came back outside to see Sasuke and Rin were sitting outside. "Sasuke, go home and I will talk to you tomorrow about a few things." Kakashi told as the raven haired boy reluctantly left the area.

"So what's the verdict?" Rin asked him.

Kakashi sighed. "Naruto had a valid reason to not show Sasuke those notes. It seems to detail how the history of the Uchiha clan, but it holds a dark secret." Kakashi told her as Rin sensed Kakashi's mood was serious.

Rin turned to Naruto. "I see…" She muttered. As she turned towards Naruto patting his head. "Well you are off the hook for now, but next time come to me or Iruka if you have problems Naruto."

"Yes, ma'am?" Naruto agreed.

"To make sure you don't anything rash I will be staying over your house for a while." Rin told him.

"So you can enjoy his cooking like Yamato does?" Kakashi joked as Rin elbowed him.

"I could always ask Yuuko-san if you want to try her cooking if you are feeling jealous." Rin reminded him.

As a shiver went down his back as Kakashi nodded. "No thank you," Kakashi told her as he remembered her cooking.

Naruto spoke up now. "I might as well straighten up the guest room ready then," Naruto told her. He easily flickered out of view from their sight.

"Impressive speed for a shunshin…" Kakashi pointed out as it left no trace of his footsteps.

Rin smiled. "He could be a great first responder to an emergency mission or help wounded allies if Naruto had talent in medical ninjutsu." Rin quoted as she looked at wrist watch. "Still, I have to head home and grab some things so I can stay over his place." Rin told him as she quickly used a shunshin.

Kakashi shrugged. "That just leaves me with Sasuke, who is acting impatient for the moment." Kakashi muttered as he walked away. He noticed a nearby mirror from a shop as he stopped for a moment.

"I wonder… does Obito's eye evolve under stress. I know I have seen a lot of friends die…" Kakashi thought.

He lifted up his headband and focused chakra to his eye. He saw the shift in the eye formation and frowned. He quickly lowered it back down to conserve his chakra.

"His eye, no the Sharingan itself mirrors tragedy and chaos from one's heart. Now I have to do everything in my power to ensure Sasuke stays on a good path. Preventing the Mangekyo Sharingan from awakening will likely be impossible if he forms a real bond." he thought.

.X.

Well the chapter is over and I'm sorry that I was late getting this chapter out to you guys. Work in question leaves me so tired and unable to think properly. Truthfully it's been getting stressful at work with the constant problems I face and it's mostly due to manangement in question.

However, let's stop thinking about that. I plan on setting up the for the Chunin Exams. Lately I have reviewing the joint Chunin Exams that were filler in Naruto Shippuden. The characters they present are interesting themselves and I can see Kishimoto could have easily made the first Chunin Exam easily hard. Truthfully he wanted it to feel like Togashi's hunter x hunter exam, but failed so hard at it. Plus his experience with girl characters in question were terrible in the beginning.

To answer some questions from some reviews. Having Rin in this story does not ruin the story at all. It was a cop-out Kishi did to make Obito evil. Number 2 the chakra chains themselves were never exclusive to Kushina. Honoka from another filler arc was an Uzumaki was well and could create chains using Fuinjutsu formula. Furthermore, Naruto's capabilities may be bit ahead in the fighting department, but his other skills like genjutsu, and chakra control.

I can also add the fact that Yamato, Kakashi, and Gai could have been easily Kage in regards to their skill level and strength.

As for the spars with other teams it would showcase their strengths with the other teams a bit too early for my taste. Don't get me get wrong it's a wonderful idea, but they still have the mentally of their Academy days in their mind. It would be embarrassing to the others if their skills weren't polished enough.

Naruto's dark side hasn't been fully touched upon on this chapter, but Mai as well Rin know it's there. Safely saying it could also be Naruto's trigger for the Kyubi mode. I always noticed it always triggered the most when he wanted to save someone dear to him or his life was in mortal danger.

Personally I made add a filler chapter to bridge the chunin exams and to make sure they weren't pathetic as the canon's version of it. Plus the rookie genin test Iruka gave Team 7 was silly to me in a way. Simple hostage mission for Naruto, genjutsu test for Sakura, and a simple fight with Sasuke.

A test like that should have included the whole team and then separate them to see how they react. Hopefully they would see some chunin rank skills from the candidates… well for the rookies I mean.

So I hope you can endure the countdown to the Exams and understand the character interactions I presented in this chapter. I plan on keeping at least three to four people's viewpoints in the story to keep it a bit fresh. I hope to hear your thoughts in your reviews about this chapter. What I need to improve on the most. I know my grammar isn't dead on, but finding a willing beta reader is hard. I sent out several PM's to beta's and heard nothing from them.

This Kazama the Shell Bullet signing out!