I was staring up at the moon. Wondering what I had ever done to deserve the life I lead even though it was pointless because it's just events that happened in my past that I can't change now, so I just deal with it. Tonight was just another night without sleep to be counted on with the rest of them. I could never sleep, and I envied those who could. To be able to relax for even a few hours and let my troubles of the day be forgotten while I slept like everyone else, but I couldn't. Not with Arashi inside me. Even as I thought it he pushed, pulled, thrashed, and battled against the bonds that held him in my body. I envied the one who wore the orange jumpsuit called Naruto. He could sleep and his demon wouldn't come out on a killing rampage, but thinking about how I couldn't sleep because Arashi would do just that brought my thoughts back towards Gaara, my childhood friend while I lived in Suna.

I had no idea of my origins, my family, when I was a child and I still don't. I was an orphan then and I'm an orphan now, not that it matters. I stopped thinking if my parents abandoned me or they died and I stopped caring long ago. I just accepted that they weren't there and that they probably never would be.

I lived in Suna back when I was a child and knew of Gaara by the way the villagers talked about him and isolated him from the rest of the children and even themselves. He had a demon in him, the one-tailed Shukaku. A powerful demon that tormented him got inside his head. He couldn't sleep at night for fear of the demon taking over and going on a rampage around the village. He was tormented by the villagers everywhere they went. All he wanted was someone to be his friend, someone to understand him. He never got that from these monstrous people, and even though they treated him so terribly he still didn't want to hurt them. He didn't want to be a monster even after his own father tried to kill him. He still tried to make friends with the people who in turn rejected him.

And I didn't.

I went up to him when I was around four or five years old at the time, and introduced myself to him. He was confused and asked me why I was even within five feet of him. My answer was because I wanted to be his friend. He still seemed wary of me, so I explained. I told him that the villagers weren't treating him right, and that they shouldn't be the way they were just because he had the Shukaku sealed inside him. The Shukaku and Gaara himself were two completely different things. After I said that Gaara and I became good friends.

The villagers saw this and they started trying to get me to stay away from him. I was an orphan in the village and the people actually liked me, and since Gaara was someone they didn't like they tried to separate us. Let's just say that didn't happen, to their dismay.

But, then I had to leave. I never got the chance to tell Gaara why. It was because even though we had become great friends and so close that no one could break us apart, I never told him that I had a demon inside me as well. His name was Arashi and he was a bird demon that was all black with seven tail feathers. Gaara may have seen me happy all the time, but on the inside I was fighting to keep control over my demon. He constantly fought against the seal keeping him in my body, even at that young age. I didn't dare sleep, for that was when he could take control. Just like Gaara I couldn't sleep. I had to always stay awake and soon got used to it.

But, that's exactly why I had to leave. I didn't want him to find out about Arashi. I didn't want him to know I had a demon too. I don't know why I didn't want him to know this, I just did. I left because Arashi was becoming more restless and fierce and I didn't want him to be around when I couldn't keep him in any longer. I would eventually gain control again even if this did happen, though it was only a slight chance I didn't want to risk it. I didn't want to chance hurting Gaara. Even though the sand protected him I didn't know what would happen if another demon attempted to injure him. So, even though it killed me on the inside I left, leaving Gaara and the life I held so dear behind.

I was pulled from my thoughts about my childhood with the only person that was so close to me, so close that if we could have stayed together through it all and I probably would have protected him with my life, when I noticed the sky turning a lighter color than the black night.

I sighed and got to my feet, muscles a little sore from staying in that position all night, and dropped from the roof, catching the ledge with one hand and swinging into my apartment from the open window. I landed with a barely audible thud and headed to my room to dress into my everyday attire, after my shower of course.

I went into the bathroom and put the water as hot as it could go and stepped in after stripping my clothes. As I did my usual routine my thoughts wandered back to my journey after I left Suna, and Gaara, behind. I travel for about a week on foot, only walking in a random direction, not caring where I ended up or what happened to me. If I died then the demon would too, and I didn't care where I went because no place would be anything like where I wanted to be, in Suna with Gaara. No, 'I would never replace him' is what I thought back then and it held true throughout my stay in the Hidden Leaf Village, which is where I ended up after a week of walking aimlessly.

The Hokage brought me into the village, taking pity on me I suppose. I guess he thought it sad about the story I told him. I said that I was an orphan, which was pretty much the true part of my story. I told him that I was abandoned in the woods after a trip to another village and that I was all by myself now. He seemed to pity me so much that he allowed me to become part of his village that I had no wish to be a part of from the start, but I had to be somewhere or I would change my mind and go back to Gaara.

I stopped my thoughts there for now while I stepped out of the shower, since I finished, and dried myself off. I stared in the mirror for a second, taking in my shorter than chin length black hair with bangs long enough to cover half my storm grey eyes with dark lines around them from sleep deprivation that contrasted greatly with my pale complexion. I wrapped the towel around my thin but muscled figure, seeing my pale skin differ immensely with the black towel.

I walked into my room and put my undergarments on before putting on my long sleeve black fishnet shirt followed by my black face mask that covered my nose and mouth and then continued down my neck. Then, I slipped on my black vest that had a wide neck that went up around my head up to my nose from the edge of my collar bone on each side; something like the high neck of Shino's jacket, but was black and had two metal clasps off to my left though it was off to the right to others looking at me. Next, I put on my black slitted skirt that went down to maybe three inches above my knees and I had wrappings around my legs, covering all the skin. I then slipped on black fingerless gloves that had the Konoha Leaf symbol on a metal guard, and then I put my black knee high sandals on. Finally, I put my black double holster that had shuriken in one of them and kunai in the other for easy access on my left leg since I was a lefty, and then I slipped my pouch on my left side around my waist towards the back that held more shuriken and kunai plus a few senbon, smoke bombs, and other items that might come in handy. With that finished I grabbed my black headband with the Village Hidden in the Leaves symbol on around my waist facing forward.

I then locked my apartment and started heading to the academy to be assigned into three man squads. When I left the building the sun was up and a few early risers like me were up and about doing what they had planned for the day. I allowed my legs to take over and bring me to my destination as my thoughts wandered back to my past for the third time today.

The Hokage enrolled me in the ninja academy when I was of age and my skills far surpassed those my age. I continued my way through school breezing by, but then decided that I shouldn't draw attention to myself, you could never be too careful. So, I had my grades slowly fall down to the average level. Just recently the class took the test to become Genin, the lowest class of actual ninja, and everyone passed except for Naruto Uzumaki.

Naruto, the one with the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside him. He was always playing pranks, joking around, and being a trouble maker. I can understand that he just wanted attention due to the fact that he had lost his parents before he even knew them, but so did I and you don't see me acting in such a manner. But, it was just his personality. He always ranted on about being the next Hokage, but I think he has to grow up and mature more before he can lead the village. He wants people to respect him, but some things you just can't get so I say he should just let it go. He's stubborn though. He won't listen to people when they say he'll never become Hokage. It's his dream and it looks like he's never giving up on it. I admire him for that, his strong determination to prove everyone wrong and that he can be the best, but he easily gets on my nerves though I have been getting used to it lately. That much I should be grateful for.

I rounded the corner and found the academy in front of me. I walked around until I found the classroom where all the new Genin would be separated into their teams. I was the first person to get there so I chose a seat in the middle of the back corner desk and sat down, waiting.

To pass the time I thought about what team I could be on. Maybe I would be on a team with two other guys. That's what I would prefer seeing as every other girl is an annoying fan girl of the infamous Sasuke Uchiha. Fan girls annoy me so much that if I was put on a team with one I would probably kill them. I don't know what they see in that kid anyway. He's always so closed off and cold to everyone you think they'd get the hint to leave him alone, but I guess not. They say he's so mysterious and dreamy and I don't really see it. I'll never understand them.

Just then the door slid open to reveal said ninja, Sasuke, as he walked into the room and sat in the same spot as me but one row forward. Well, it looks like I'll get a show of the annoying girls fighting over who sits next to Sasuke. He stared out the window, just as bored as I was. Before when I was mocking him about how cold and closed off, though I shouldn't be saying anything because I was the same. He kept the emotionless masked just as I did, thought sometimes he slipped up and I haven't showed one emotion since I got to this village. Some say I'm a freak, some say I'm a murderer, some say I'm many different things, and some say nothing at all. It doesn't matter what they think of me, what rumors they spread. I'm dead on the inside and that's all because I left the one person that understood me, the only one that could have ever been anywhere remotely close to me, behind in Suna, and he's probably forgotten all about me. I wouldn't be surprised if he did.

A few minutes later and more students came in and sat down in random spots, too tired to do anything else other than focus on one seat and sit in it. Some girls came in and gave Sasuke an adoring look before taking a seat and continuing to stare at him like the idiot girls-who-don't-even-have-the-courage-to-ask-him-out they are. Then, Naruto came in the room wearing a headband on his forehead. I found out he apparently ended up passing as I listened to him and Shikamaru converse briefly.

Suddenly you could hear two distinct people stampeding down the hallway to the classroom and then you see Ino and Sakura trying to squish their way into the room at the same time and not getting anywhere. Then, they finally made it in, both exclaiming they were the first one in. I tuned out and faced the front of the classroom as they argued about who could sit next to Sasuke while other girls joined the argument. Then I noticed that Naruto, who sat next to Sasuke without knowing it, jumped up onto the desk and crouched down in front of him. The two had a glaring contest before I saw the guy in back of Naruto start moving back. If Naruto was bumped into he would end up kissing Sasuke and the girls would beat the crap out of him. So, I decided to be the nice person for the moment. He got beat up enough as it was, I think he deserved a break for now.

I got up and in a flash was beside the glaring two who didn't even notice me yet. I thought about it and then decided that since Naruto was the one being the idiot in the first place to get in that position in front of Sasuke and not think that he might accidently kiss him, then he should get what's coming to him. So, right as the kid bumped into Naruto I grabbed Sasuke's sleeve and pulled him out of the way just in time. Naruto still fell over the desk and ended up falling face first on the ground.

The commotion got the attention of the girls who were arguing and they looked over to see me releasing Sasuke's sleeve and walking away, then they saw Naruto rubbing his face as one of his hands grabbed the desk to help drag himself to his feet. They didn't seem to care about Naruto being close to kissing Sasuke. All the girls did was glare at my back, but turned away once I turned around to face forward after I sat down in my seat.

"Dobe," said Sasuke as he shoved his hands in his pockets and walked away to find another seat.

He looked around and found that all the seats were pretty much taken by the fan girls who just sat down because Iruka Sensei was about to come in, and that the only two seats left for him and Naruto were the ones on either side of me. He seemed hesitant, but soon covered it and walked up to sit in the empty seat on my right and Naruto came up and sat on my left.

"Jeez, Shiranai-san, you really saved me back there," Naruto said. "I would have been a goner if you didn't move that teme out of the way! Thanks a lot!" He smiled at me.

I nodded my head to show that I heard him, expression still emotionless, and turned back to the front of the room where Iruka Sensei just came into the room. He began talking about how we would be working as a team on our three man squads and what our missions would be like. Then, he asked Sakura to meet him outside the classroom before he listed off the teams. She looked confused, but nodded and followed him out anyway.

I was curious to what they were talking about and used my abnormal sense of hearing to listen in on our conversation. I had hearing as good as a bird because of the bird demon sealed inside my body. I had other little abilities as well, and they did come in handy at times I have to admit. It looked like others were straining to listen in on the conversation as well.

"Sakura," Iruka Sensei said. "We have an extra Genin this year, and it has been decided by the Hokage that a Genin would assist me with teaching other classes as well as going on missions with me so they get experience like the others will."

"I understand that Iruka Sensei," Sakura began, "but what does this have to do with me?"

"Well, it has been decided that you will be my assistant."

"But that's not fair Iruka Sensei! Why can't Naruto do this instead? He has the lowest grades in the class!" I saw Naruto look a bit sad and disappointed at what Sakura said about him. It was obvious he liked her and she knew it too, but she still treated him terribly. I don't think he deserves the treatment he gets from her. He should move on to someone else in my opinion. "What about Shiranai? She's a Freak! A murderer! She has to be better suited for this than I am!" I felt the urge to hurt her, but suppressed it. She knew nothing about me and what she says shouldn't bother me, and I won't let it get to me again.

"Sakura, that's enough! It hasn't been decided by me, it had been decided by the Hokage, and you will listen and do what you are told!"

There was a pause.

"Y-Yes Sensei."

"You may go Sakura. You must tell your parents of this change I will come by later to give you more information."

"Yes Iruka Sensei."

I heard footsteps head down the hall and fade until you couldn't hear them anymore. I heard a sigh from behind the door, and then it opened as Iruka Sensei walked up to the front of the class once again.

"Okay, now here are the teams," Iruka Sensei began.

I tuned out the teams he was saying until it was getting close to the last teams and I still hadn't heard my name called yet so I decided to listen now.

"Squad Seven: Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki..." They both seemed displeased by the fact that they were on the same team as each other as they seemed to return to their glaring contest apparently able to see each other through my head, which I doubt. "...and Shiranai Yamakichi."

"At least I'm with one good ninja," Naruto said, getting in a better mood.

Sasuke remained silent, but it's not like I expected something from him anyway.

He continued announcing the teams, but I only paid attention to the teams with people I knew. On Squad Eight there was Shino Aburame, Hinata Hyuuga, and Kiba Inuzuka. Akamaru barked at the mention of Kiba's name and licked Kiba's face. Kiba scratched Akamaru behind the ears affectionately and Akamaru wagged his tail. Then, the last team with people I knew was Squad Ten, which consisted of Chouji Akimichi, Shikamaru Nara, and Ino Yamanaka. Boy, did I feel sorry for those guys having to be on a team with Ino.

After he finished announcing the teams he told everyone to go outside and have lunch with their teams, then come back inside and wait for our new sensei's to come get you. Everyone separated and went to meet up with their teammates and conversed with each other loudly. Since Sasuke, Naruto, and I were already together we just headed right outside into the back of the school. Naruto quickly gained the lead and headed towards his spot by the tree with the swing, and Sasuke and I had no choice but to follow the orange clothed ninja.

Sasuke ate his lunch in silence not really talking or even paying attention to us for that matter. Naruto was talking animatedly to me about how cool and exciting going on missions and training would be while I nodded my head occasionally to show him I heard him, my face still emotionless.

After lunch we went back inside and sat in our teams until our sensei's arrived to pick us up. Squad Eight was picked up by Kurenai Yuuhi, and Squad Ten was gathered by Asuma Sarutobi leaving a trail of cigarette smoke behind as they left. Soon all the teams were gone except for us.

Sasuke was just sitting there, seemingly in deep thought, with his fingers loosely intertwined. I was standing, leaning against a desk a while ago, but then settled for sitting on the desk. My hands rested on the edge and I absently tapped my fingers against the wood while my mind wandered far from where I was, thinking about what it would have been like if I just stayed in Suna with Gaara and what it would be like now at our age.

I heard Naruto start snickering. I looked to find him putting an eraser between the door and the wall up at the top.

"What are you doing Naruto?" I asked in a voice that said I really didn't care.

"That's what he gets for being late," Naruto said, smiling.

"Yeah, like a Jounin would fall for a stupid trap like that," Sasuke droned.

I grunted my agreement and stared at the wall, quickly loosing interest. My eyes traveled to the floor as I was then immersed in thoughts of my past yet again. I have never thought about my past, let alone this frequently in one day. I guess it was because Sasuke reminded me a bit of Gaara, but that was solely because he was just as quiet as Gaara was. There was something else about him that drew me to him, but I just didn't know what it was. While in my deep thoughts about trying to find out what it was I heard Naruto burst out laughing.

I turned to see the eraser fall to the floor after hitting our sensei on the head, a puff of white cloud drifting to the ground.

"You fell for it!" Naruto exclaimed, repeating it over and over again in a sing song voice.

I took the time Naruto was using to laugh at our sensei to take in his appearance. His hair was white, but had this blue-grey tint to it, and was styled into a messy spiked up way. He had gloves and face mask like mine, but were blue instead of black. He wore his green vest over a blue long sleeve shirt that was rolled up a bit. He had blue pants that were tucked into wrappings low near his blue sandals. He had wrappings on his right leg, though it was left if you were looking at him, with a single blue holster strapped over the wrappings, and he had his tan pouch to the right toward the back around his waist. To finish it off he had his blue headband slanted on his head to cover his left eye.

"My first impression is … I don't like you guys," our sensei who we still didn't know the name of said.

We ended up leaving the building and going to a spot our sensei led us to. We were sitting on some steps and he was sitting on a railing across from us.

"Well, let's start with introducing ourselves," he said.

"What do you want to know?" Naruto asked.

"How about you say your likes, dislikes, dreams for the future, and such?"

"Why don't you introduce yourself first? Seeing as you're our sensei and all."

"Oh, well, my name is Kakashi Hatake. I have no desire to tell you my likes and dislikes. My dreams for the future … hmm … and I have a lot of hobbies."

Well, that was pointless. It seemed Naruto and Sasuke thought so too.

"You, in the orange," Kakashi Sensei said, pointing to Naruto. "You will go first."

"My name is Naruto Uzumaki. What I like is cup ramen, and I like it even more when Iruka Sensei pays for my ramen. What I don't like is having to wait three minutes for the water to boil. My dream is to be Hokage and to be respected and acknowledged by everyone! Believe it!" Naruto punched his fist in the air with a determined look on his face. "Oh, and my hobbies are … pranks I guess."

"Next," Kakashi simply said with a short wave of his hand.

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha," the dark boy began. "I don't particularly like anything, and there are lot's of things I don't like." Wow, what a bleak boy. "As for dreams for the future, you can't really call it a dream. It's more like an ambition, the resurrection of my clan, and to kill … a certain person." That just so happens to be murderous to this certain person. I feel bad for this guy. Being hunted down it seems by the Leaf's number one rookie, but whatever. I'm sure he has a good reason to hate this guy that much.

"And you?"

"My name is Shiranai Yamakichi. I have likes and dislikes, but I don't care for you to know them. I don't have dreams for the future, except maybe one thing. As for as hobbies go, I don't really have any," I said.

Kakashi Sensei seemed to think either I was a closed off kind of person, or I had no life or personality. But, I noticed that Sasuke seemed to think I was holding back information about myself, which I was. Naruto was just too oblivious to be able to figure out anything.

"So, now that that's out of the way, we can get onto more important matters. Tomorrow we will go through survival training. Bring any weapon you want, anything you have really. It will be held at the training ground, just for the four of us. Be there bright and early. Oh, and before I forget. I suggest you skip breakfast. You might throw up if you don't."

With that our sensei disappeared with a poof of smoke, leaving us sitting there.

"What does he mean skip breakfast?" Naruto yelled. "I'm going to be starving if I do, but I really don't want to throw up." He groaned and held his head, mumbling to himself trying to figure out what he was going to do.

"That's an interesting person there, especially for the famous Copy Ninja," I said.

Sasuke remained silent, as always, though his gaze seemed to flicker to me for a second. When he saw that I caught it he nodded his head once.

I sighed and got to my feet.

"See you guys tomorrow," I said as I walked away from the pair. I waved my hand a few times, and then continued on my way.

I spent the rest of my day lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling. When night came I laid myself out on the roof and gazed at the moon, wondering if Gaara was doing the same.

When the sun started to rise I went into my apartment by the window again, and showered. After finishing my daily routine I went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I don't care what our sensei said, I'm eating a breakfast. That way I have more energy for this 'survival training'. If I do happen to throw up it's not going to doing anything but leave a bad taste in my mouth afterwards.

After I finished eating I head for the training grounds. It was only about six, but it's not like I had anything else better to do. When I got there I was the first one there so I climbed the tree, and laid on one of the branches, looking up through the leaves as the clouds passed from high above.

Soon after I got there Sasuke came, closely followed by Naruto. I jumped down from the tree and leaned against it. I tilted my head up, bangs covering my eyes as I looked up at the sky. My bangs may cover my eyes all the time, but that was so no one would notice the bags under my eyes, telling the tale of sleepless nights for a long period of time. Sasuke went to a tree next to mine and leaned up against it as well while Naruto just stood there, sometimes walking around a bit.

Then, we waited…and waited…and waited. But, Kakashi-sensei still didn't show up yet. I was getting annoyed, but it's not like I cared if we did this survival training today or not. Naruto became visibly irritated and started pacing with a frown on his face, ranting about how late, stupid, and ridiculous this was.

Finally, our extremely late sensei arrived.

"You're late!" Naruto shouted, pointing a finger accusingly.

"Hey, guys, good morning," Kakashi said, ignoring Naruto's previous exclamation.

He took his back pack off and the others followed suit, putting them up against the stumps. I didn't bring a bag, so I just stood and waited for them to put their bags down. Kakashi-sensei took out a timer and placed it on the middle stump.

"Okay, let's set it for noon," he said, setting the timer for noon like he said. "Here are two bells." He held them up by strings. "Your task is simple. Take these bells from me before the timer goes off. Those who don't have one by noon won't get lunch. I will not only tie you to one of those stumps, but I will also eat in front of you." I could see I smile under his mask as he tilted his head.

I looked at Naruto and saw a disheartened expression while I saw annoyance in Sasuke's eyes. That was the only thing, if anything at all, that gave away what he truly felt.

"All you have to do is get one bell," he continued. "But, there are only two of them, so one of you will definitely be tied to a stump. Plus, whoever doesn't get a bell, fails, and will be sent back to the academy. One of you is guaranteed to fail. You can use any weapon you like because the only way you will get one of these bells is if you come at me intending to kill."

The boys' eyes sharpened, expressions hardened, mine included. I needed to get one of those bells. My only hope was to possibly see Gaara in the upcoming Chuunin exams. It was a slim chance, but I had to do it. It was the only thing I held on to, and I knew that. All I wanted was to see Gaara again, even if he didn't remember me, forgot me long ago, or even hated me. I think I preferred if he hated me because that meant he remembered me. I don't know. All I knew was that I had to get one of those bells, and I wouldn't let these boys get in the way. If I had to use all I had, I would. I don't care about drawing attention anymore, as long as I had a chance of seeing Gaara again.

"But, you're so slow you could even dodge a blackboard eraser!" Naruto said, putting his hands behind his head. "We'll definitely kill you!"

He was getting cocky. He wouldn't get far in his dream to become Hokage if he got killed for underestimating his opponent.

"In the real world, those with no talent often bark the loudest," Kakashi Sensei said. "Well, ignore Mr. Deadlast and start when I say..."

"Dead last," Naruto muttered over and over again, gaining volume each time until he was shouting it.

He ripped a kunai from a holster and charged at Kakashi. In an instant Kakashi grabbed Naruto's hand, also putting his other hand on the blonde's head, with the kunai to the back of his head.

"Calm down," sensei said. "I haven't said go yet. Well, it seems you're finally prepared to come at me with the intent to kill. So, you've finally acknowledged me? Hehe, it seems like I'm beginning to like you guys. Okay, let's get going. Ready…"

The three of us visibly tensed.

"Begin!"

With that, we were gone in a flash, already in our hiding spots.

"The most important thing for a Shinobi is to be able to hide yourself," Kakashi explained, surveying the area for any clue as to where we were.

We were all well hidden, except for Naruto that is.

"Come here and fight me!" he shouted at Kakashi-sensei, standing defiantly in front of him. "I said fight me!"

"You're a bit off," Kakashi said.

"The only thing a bit off is your hair cut!"

Naruto charged at our sensei. Kakashi reached a hand into his pouch. Naruto noticed and immediately stopped.

"Shinobi lesson number one," Kakashi said. "Taijutsu."

I was curious. He was explaining about Taijutsu, yet reaching for a weapon?

Kakashi then pulled out a book, the title reading 'Come, Come Paradise'. Let's just say a book for perverted men.

"What's wrong?" Kakashi asked. "Hurry up and attack me!"

"But, what's with the book?" Naruto inquired.

"I just want to know what happens next. But, don't worry. It won't make a difference against you guys." He looked down at his book and began to read it.

"I'll totally kick your ass!" Naruto shouted, as he ran toward Kakashi.

Naruto threw a punch, but it was easily blocked by our sensei's free hand. He then tried to kick him, and Kakashi ducked under his leg. The blonde attempted to punch him again, but sensei appeared behind him.

"A Shinobi isn't supposed to get caught from behind, baka."

Kakashi held his hands in a tiger seal, but I knew he wouldn't use anything dangerous against us so, I wasn't worried. Then again, this guy seemed to be pretty unpredictable.

"What?"

"Too late. Hidden Leaf Taijutsu Supreme Technique, a Thousand Years of Death!"

With that, it seemed he stuck his fingers up Naruto's ass, and the boy was sent flying into the air. It seemed shameful, to use such a ridiculous move. Right now, I think they are both idiots. Naruto flew through the air and landed head first into the water while Kakashi continued reading his book.

Suddenly, two shuriken came out of the water, going right to Kakashi-sensei. He easily caught them by putting his fingers through the holes right before they hit him, and he laughed. Those weapons were well aimed, but too easy for a Jounin level ninja to dodge, or in this case catch, them.

Naruto emerged not long after, coughing, and sputtering water out of his mouth.

"Hey, what's wrong? If you don't get a bell before noon, you don't get lunch, remember?"

"I know, I know!" Naruto said, annoyed.

"You sure are weak for someone who's going to surpass the Hokage," Kakashi said, trying to goad Naruto to do something irrational again.

"Damn it, I can still fight on an empty stomach! I was just a little careless that's all!"

"Carelessness can be your worst enemy, you know?"

Kakashi began to walk away, leaving Naruto on the ground near the water.

The water began to stir behind Naruto. Then, seven clones jumped out of the water. But, these weren't just any clone a normal Genin could do, these were shadow clones. That was quite an accomplishment, especially for someone like Naruto. The kid could be a really idiot sometimes, but he'll train until he passes out. I witness it at night sometimes. I must admit, I was a bit surprised though, even if I didn't show it.

"Ha, my new jutsu, Shadow Clone Jutsu! You better not get carless! There's more than one of me now!"

"Not just clones, but shadow clones. A skill that multiplies your body and not just make an illusion," our sensei mused.

Then, the now eight Naruto's charged Kakashi.

"You can probably only hold this for a minute," Kakashi continued. "No matter how many you line up, you are still Naruto. You can't beat me with that jutsu."

But, another Naruto surprised him, grabbing the Jounin from behind. The bells jingled by the movement.

"Weren't the Shinobi not supposed to get caught form behind?" the Naruto holding him taunted. "Right, Kakashi-sensei?"

"I sent a shadow clone out of the water to sneak up behind you," Naruto explained. "My ass still hurts so, here's payback!"

I had to admit, it was a good plan. I wonder how such a goof ball like him could come up with it.

"Here comes my payback!" the Genin shouted.

Naruto drew his fist back and punch sensei in the face, but it turned out to be one of his own clones. I didn't think a Jounin could be caught by such a simple technique.

But, Kakashi-sensei just got away from Naruto so, he wouldn't expect someone to find him quickly, or even attack him so soon. This was the perfect opportunity to catch him off guard.

I saw where he went before so, I slowly and quietly walked around and behind him. I crept closer and closer, and finally reached for one of the bells. That's when I noticed there was only one dangling from his waist. I looked over his shoulder to see Naruto caught in a simple trap and was now hanging upside down by a rope tight around his ankles.

Kakashi then began walking forward to retrieve the bell lying on the ground.

"Think before using a jutsu or it could be used against you," Kakashi said and he bent down and grabbed the bell, tossing it up and catching it. "And also, don't fall for such obvious traps, baka."

While he was doing this I snuck up behind him, using a minor Genjutsu to conceal myself in a camouflage. I quietly took out two kunai, one for each hand, as I came up right behind him.

"Shiranai, it's not nice to sneak up on your sensei from behind," Kakashi remarked.

I held back a glare as I took off my Genjutsu, and lunged forward. He leapt forward with me tailing him. I used my kunai like swords, swinging at him. But, he kept dodging and blocking each thrust I made. I couldn't even make a single scratch. Then, I was lucky and caught his sleeve as he slipped up. I lunged forward, a kunai aiming to cut and a hand aiming to grab a bell.

Suddenly, a foot made contact with my abdomen and I flew backward. The air rushed out of me as I flew, airborne. I was sent into the trees and slammed right into Sasuke. He grunted as I made contact with his chest and we fell out of the tree, landing hard on the ground.

I sat up, rubbing my head. I was wondering why the ground felt a bit cushioned when Sasuke spoke.

"Get off of me," he said dangerously.

I quickly got to my feet and offered him my hand, but he ignored it. I felt a bit embarrassed, sitting on his chest like that, and I don't know if I blushed or not, but I hope I didn't. Sasuke got up and brushed himself.

"You two can come out now!" Kakashi called.

"Pfft, thanks for giving out my position," Sasuke said venomously as he turned away from me.

I was instantly mad, and though I didn't show it, I let anger seep into my voice.

"Well, at least I was doing something!" I said in the same tone he used.

"You ruined my opportunity."

"Sorry if I'm faster than you are."

He glared, while I stared neutrally back.

I walked past him, but was stopped when he grabbed hold of my arm.

"Don't get in my way," he said.

"Only if you don't get in mine," I replied, pulling free of his grip and walking back out into the clearing, Sasuke following behind me.

"Shinobi fighting lesson number two," Kakashi said. "Genjutsu, and it looks like you have that lesson down Shiranai."

I nodded to him. I noticed Naruto still struggling to get down, so I walked up to him. I looked up at his wriggling form.

"Hey, Shiranai, are you going to help me down?" Naruto asked, looking happy for the help.

I simply continued to stare as I took out a kunai and threw it at the rope. As the rope was cut he fell in a crumpled heap in front of me. I offered my hand and he gladly took it.

I heard fighting behind me and turned around to see Kakashi and Sasuke fighting. The Genins fingers brushed one of the bells, but Kakashi pushed him away before he could get it. Sasuke surprised us by using a fireball jutsu, one that uses up a lot of chakra. Genins wouldn't be able to use that, but I guess this squad doesn't consist of normal Genin then.

When the flames cleared, a hand grabbed Sasuke from below and pulled him down up to his neck. Kakashi revealed himself enough to say a few words, then leave. I walked up to Sasuke as the boy glared at me.

"Are you going to help me or not?" he said, annoyed.

"Why not?" I replied sarcastically.

I released the jutsu and he was free. He didn't give me thanks, only a nod, and walked off to the three stumps as the timer went off. I shrugged and followed him.

There we found Naruto tied to the middle stump with two bentos in front of him. Kakashi stood with his arms crossed in front of Naruto.

"You two lucked out," Kakashi said. "Naruto hear tried to eat the bentos I brought for the ones who could get a bell, and as punishment I decided to let you two eat them while he was tied up. But, don't worry. You don't need to worry about going back to the academy."

"But, that means!" Naruto started, excited about what he thought was all of them passing. But, I wouldn't believe a single word this Jounin said.

"Yup, all three of you…should quit as Shinobi!"

I could feel my expression harden at his words. Never, in my life while I continued to live, would I ever think about quitting the Shinobi way. I was going to be a Shinobi, and no one would ever tell me otherwise. Plus, it was the only way to possibly see Gaara again.

"What?" Naruto seemed dumbstruck, but it soon faded into rage. "What? Quit as ninjas? What does that mean?" He began to struggle with his bonds. "Okay, we couldn't get the bells, but why do we have to quit?"

"Because, all of you are just punks who don't deserve to be ninjas," Kakashi said simply.

Sasuke was angered by this and charged at our sensei. In a poof of smoke Kakashi had Sasuke on the ground as he sat on the Genin's back with his foot on his head and the boys arm twisted behind his back.

"That's why you're a punk," he stated. "Are you guys underestimating ninjas, huh? Why do you think you were divided into teams and are doing this training?"

Oh, I understand now. The point was to work as a team, even though there were only two bells. They wanted us to work as a team, because we would have to almost all the time while being a Shinobi.

"Basically," he continued. "You guys are not understanding the answer to the test."

"Answer?" Naruto asked.

"Yes, the answer that helps you pass this test."

"Damn it, what's the answer already?"

"It's teamwork," I said.

This made Naruto stop, surprised. Sasuke looked a bit surprised as well.

"Right, the three of you working together may have gotten the bells."

"But, Kakashi-sensei, there were only two bells," I said. "If we did work together one of us would still fail, even if we did get them. That would make us fight amongst ourselves. Is this how the test was intended?"

"Precisely, Shiranai. The purpose is to see whether you can forget about your own interests and successfully work together as a team under these circumstances. Naruto, you were only running around by yourself. Shiranai and Sasuke, you both assumed the other two would get in your way and tried to do things on your own. The duties are done by the team. Of course superior individual ability is important to a ninja, but what's even more important is teamwork. Individual play that disrupts the team can put your comrades in danger, and even get you killed. For, example…"

Kakashi reached into his pouch, pulling out a kunai and putting it to Sasuke's throat.

"Shiranai, kill Naruto or Sasuke dies."

My expression remained emotionless, my arms crossed over my chest.

"You see?" he said. "If a hostage is taken, you will have tough choices, and then die. You will be risking your lives in these duties." He got off of Sasuke and walked over to the memorial stone. "Look at this. The numerous names carved on this stone. These ninjas are recognized as heroes of the village."

"Hey, I've decided to get my name carved into that stone too! Hero!" Naruto cut in.

"Bah," Sasuke muttered.

"Naruto, those are the names of ninjas who died while on duty," I said. "Do you really want to be on that stone?"

His expression turned sad, and he looked away.

"Right, Shiranai. My friend's name is also carved here," Kakashi said, looking down at the stone. He turned to us. "You guys, I'll give you one last chance, but after lunch I'll make it even tougher to get the bells. Those who still wish to challenge can eat lunch, but don't give any to Naruto. If anyone give him any food, they will fail immediately. I am the rules here, got it?"

"Ha! I don't need any food! I'm fine!" Right as the words left his stomach growled, demanding food.

Kakashi left us there to eat our lunch, Naruto still tied to the stump. Sasuke and I picked up our bentos, breaking the chopsticks and beginning to eat. Naruto's stomach growled in protest, wanting our food. I sighed, and lifted food up to Naruto.

"Here," I said. "You have to eat. We have to work together, and that means none of us can go hungry right now. That would only hurt our cause to getting those bells."

"Shiranai, are you sure?" Naruto asked, but ate it anyway.

"I'm sure Sasuke will make sure to tell us if he senses Kakashi Sensei's presence," I replied, sending a glance at Sasuke, who looked surprised I pulled him into it, but nodded nonetheless.

Naruto happily ate the sushi I fed him.

Suddenly, a smoky explosion came form in front of us. The strong wind blew my hair around until it finally settled. Kakashi-sensei appeared furious as he stalked up to us.

"What's this?" he asked angrily. "I thought I made it clear that Naruto was not to have any food, or did you not hear me clearly enough?"

Naruto seemed a bit scared from the menacing aura coming from our sensei. Sasuke seemed apathetic as usual.

"I heard you Kakashi-sensei," I said in my usual quiet voice. "But, I also heard you tell us to work as a team to retrieve the bells. If there is one of us that cannot perform at his best, then our team with fall through. It's just as bad as not working together at all."

Kakashi stared intently at me before breaking out into a smile.

"And that, Shiranai, is why you all pass. I think I'm beginning to like you three."

Naruto seemed too shocked to say anything for a few moments before what he said actually sank in. Then, when he realized that we passed, he yelled with joy. Sasuke smirked triumphantly. I remained free of emotion as I used a kunai to release Naruto from the stump with a smooth motion with the sharp weapon.

"You can take the rest of the day off you three," our sensei said. "We have training and missions beginning tomorrow, so rest up and eat a good breakfast. So, long guys, and we will be meeting at the bridge at nine o'clock."

With that said our sensei vanished with a puff of smoke. Naruto was happy dancing while Sasuke called him a dobe for acting like a three-year old. I would have smiled if I wasn't wearing my apathetic mask. I watched as their new found rivalry caused them to get into another argument. I shook my head and then turned to leave. I silently walked away from my team.

They seemed to be enjoying themselves, even if they didn't show it. It brought back painful memories of Gaara and I. It saddened me.

"Hey, Shira-chan!"

I turned as Naruto called my name, or at least a new nickname he came up with. I was surprised by the added superlative as well. Friends would normally use those. Did he consider me his friend?

"See you tomorrow!" he wore a smile on his face that was innocent and full of happiness as he waved to me. Even Sasuke smirked at me.

I felt tears well up in my eyes, and quickly nodded my eyes before turning around to continue on my way. My bangs covered my eyes and I was thankful for them. Otherwise they would have seen the wetness in my eyes. I pushed the tears down until I got home.

There, I let my tears free and cried. I cried for the first time since I left Gaara. I cried for my new found friends and comrades. I cried for the happiness that lightened my chest. Finally, I cried for my best friend that I had left back in Suna so long ago. Maybe I would never be able to replace him in my heart, but I could add pieces to it. I could add new aspects into my life. I could add Naruto Uzumaki and Sasuke Uchiha.