Breath - Team 8 x Reader

Chapter 1 - Graduation Day

Okay, (y/n), you can do this...just remember what you've been practicing for the past few weeks.

The day you never thought would come was finally here. The day of the final exam. You'd already passed the written portion with ease, now your physical abilities would be put to the test. Passing this would mean graduation from the ninja academy, and from there, you'd be placed on a ninja squad led by a jounin to be professionally trained in the ninja arts, carry out official missions, and develop your skills and knowledge as both an individual, and as a team. To fail...well, you didn't want to dwell on that.

You closed your eyes, took a deep breath, and formed the proper hand signs, your face full of determination. Your eyes locked with Iruka-sensei's, who gave you a firm nod, encouraging you to get on with it. Beside him, Mizuki observed you intently. All of the time and effort you put into studying and practicing this jutsu was, hopefully, about to pay off.

In a puff of smoke, you channeled your chakra to produce three seperate, effective clones of yourself. Their resemblance to you was uncanny.

Once the smoke cleared, Iruka took note of your demonstration, jotting something down on a clipboard. "Examination complete. Congratulations, (f/n) (l/n)! You've passed the graduation exam!"

Your eyes grew wide, an even wider smile spreading across your face upon hearing your sensei's words. In another puff of smoke, the copies you produced had all disappeared. "Yaayyy! Oh, thank you, Iruka-sensei! Thank you so much!" You were jumping up and down with glee.

Iruka simply laughed and waved his hand dismissively. "Don't thank me, thank yourself! After all, it was your hard work and dedication that allowed you to pass in the first place! Now, please take a headband," He gestured to the table on your right, "and exit to your left, so the next candidate can be tested. Wear the symbol of the Hidden Leaf Village with pride, (y/n), and congratulations once again. You've earned it!"

You gave a quick bow and eagerly followed Iruka's instructions. You chose your headband, beholding the article with awe. You could see your jovial face reflected in the shiny metal plate attached to the cloth, as well as the leaf symbol that was neatly etched into it. For now, you tied it around your forehead, gave another bow and a wave to your sensei and Mizuki, and exited the room, stepping outside into the warm sunlight, having to shield your (e/c) eyes with your hand.

"(Y/n)! Over here!"

Did someone just call me? You looked around curiously at the group of newly graduated genin all talking amongst themselves, trying to find the source of the voice you thought you just heard.
Eventually, you saw a girl with short, lavender hair and opal-colored eyes waving at you from afar. You smiled and began running over to her, happy to see your best friend from the ninja academy. You couldn't wait to tell her the news that, hopefully, she shared in common with you.
"Hinata! Hey!" You greeted her, wrapping her in a warm, friendly embrace. You gasped when you noticed what was tied around her neck. "Oh my gosh, you graduated too?! Yes! We did it!" You both squealed with delight and excitement, celebrating your newest achievement together.

"I wonder who we'll end up having on our squads? I hope you and I can be on the same team, and...and, Naruto, too...I would like that." Hinata mused, blushing and putting her index fingers together and fidgeting them like she always does when she's nervous or embarrassed.

"Haha, I hope so too, Hinata. I know you and I would make a great team, and it'd be nice for you to get to work with Naruto more. I know how much you've been wanting to--"

"Eep! D-don't say things like that out loud, (y/n)!" The timid kunoichi reprimanded you, squeezing her eyes shut and blushing even harder than before.

You simply chuckled, shaking your head. You and pretty much everyone else knew that she liked Naruto, it was obvious. Well...except for him. He was so clueless, he'd never figure it out on his own unless she flat-out told him, which was out of the question for the shy, soft-spoken girl.
"Nevermind that, we'll just have to see tomorrow who we end up with. Did you wanna go grab something to eat to celebrate?" You held your arm up for Hinata to link hers with it. "My treat!"