AFTER FINDING Team 4 surrounded by the members of Team 7 of the Leaf, Yuri sent them on their way to their assigned chambers. Of course, after being squashed in a group hug by Naruto and Sakura, and being greeted with an acknowledging nod from Sasuke. Yuri wished the Leaf genin and Might Guy a goodnight as the sun began to set as well as humming in Kakashi's direction before finally heading off with her squad in tow.
"Have you three had fun today?" Yuri asked her team over her shoulder.
The three beamed back which caused a smile to break across her scarred face. "Yes, Yuri Sensei! Thank you!" Yaragi announced.
Yuri closed her eyes and sighed in delight, thankfully that her squad remained so positive. "I'm glad. But I need you three to realise how important tomorrow is so you must get an early night."
Doremi groaned audibly while Yaragi and Sezaki hunched over in defeat. "But-" Doremi began to protest but was cut off by her senior.
"No buts. This is an order. Even though tomorrow is a written test, you need to be vigilant and work together effectively. You can't achieve that if you are sleep-deprived. Understood?" Yuri stopped and turned around to set her eyes on her team.
"Yes, sensei." They all spoke in unison, albeit dejectedly.
Yuri nodded and continued on the path to their chambers. "Good." Though the walk was not far, it felt like an eternity when all she could hear was her squad whispering to each other. "Are you planning on sneaking out at night?" Yuri asked over her shoulder with a squint.
"N-no!" Squeaked Sezaki. "We... We were just talking..." Her voice grew quieter as she continued.
"About?" Yuri raised a brow.
Doremi spoke after noticing Sezaki wanted to crawl into a ball at the questioning. "We were talking to Team 7 about you and Kakashi."
Yuri's scarred eye twitched at his name paired with her own. "What about us?" She spoke calmly but her jaw was tense in anticipation at whatever came out of Doremi's mouth next.
"We were wondering why you two hate each other so much. We asked them if Kakashi said anything but they don't know anything either. So we were coming up with... theories." Doremi answered casually.
Yuri faced forward once more as her eye continued to twitch. She blew out a breath that she didn't realise she was holding in. Yuri looked to the ground as she stopped walking causing her team to do the same. "Y-you don't have to tell us, sensei. We're just curious." Sezaki reassured her leader.
Yuri smiled at this. "It's fine." She spoke quieter than usual. She came to the realisation she had not told anyone what occurred between the two jonins besides those who were around when it happened. Her squad had quickly become something of a family to her so why hide it? "When we were your age, Kakashi took something very precious to me and I will never forgive him for it." She spoke after a few minutes. She tried telling them the exact details but her gut couldn't handle bringing it up after so many years. "That is all I wish to discuss right now. Will that suffice?" Yuri smiled at her team who immediately.
"We're sorry, sensei." Yaragi bowed.
Yuri chuckled as she ruffled his hair warmly. "Don't be. I understand I've been... mysterious. I don't like speaking about what happened between us. I suppose if you want to know more, I permit you to bother Kakashi with countless questions. As long as you be as annoying as possible for him." Her team giggled.
Sezaki shook her head though. "We won't pry."
"Unless you want us to," Doremi added. "To make sure Kakashi suffers!" She laughed.
Yuri chuckled. "Tempting. Let's get to our room."
Team 4 continued their walk to their chambers, not realizing that a silver-headed ninja was listening in on their conversation.
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THE NEXT morning, Team 4 were up and ready for the written test - the first part of the Chunin Exams. As they walked to the vicinity, Yuri prepped them on what to expect without giving them the answers.
"The test will be difficult but not out of your level of knowledge. You are capable of this, I know that it can be hard when you're in there and looking at the questions but be vigilant. Remember, this is to prove you can be an effective ninja." Yuri spoke to her squad outside the building. "I believe in you."
Team 4 smiled up at their sensei. "Thank you, Yuri Sensei."
"Now get in there and prove you belong in there. You are in Room 301. Good luck." She shooed them away, watching as they disappeared through the doors. Now she had a few hours for herself, she turned toward the Leaf Village for some shopping.
But she was interrupted when she bumped into the last person she wanted to see. "That was very heartwarming, Yuri," Kakashi spoke down to her. "Still can't believe you have it in you." He teased.
Yuri rolled her eyes. "I am not having you ruin my shopping day." She spoke as she pushed past him.
"Wait," Kakashi called after her resulting in her rolling her eyes.
"You know for someone who claims to hate me, you do love to pester me."
"I'm sorry."
Yuri blinked. "Sorry for pestering me? You're not forgiven." She laughed.
"No. For what happened when we were younger." Yuri tensed at the mention of it. The air grew thicker as she held her breath. "I understand your hatred for me but I'd like you to know that I think I've changed since we were 12. I'm not as cold as I was. I'm not asking for forgiveness but I'd like to make it up to you. I know whatever I do won't fill what I took but can I try?"
Yuri gulped as she felt tears threaten to spill from her eyes, but she didn't want to fall. She hated him. He stole from her something he could never return. But here he was, apologizing as if that would change anything. Right? Right... Then was she considering forgiving him?
Yuri sighed as she looked off to the town as her mind spiralled with a million thoughts. "I don't think I can forgive you, Hatake." Kakashi nodded, understanding as he never expected her to. She thought of her genin and his genin - how well they get on which is so rare for ninja from different villages. She could try and get along with Kakashi for their sake. "I've never been to Konoha before." Kakashi looked at her with his head tilted. "You could start making it up to me by showing me around the best places?"
Kakashi chuckled beneath his mask. "I suppose that means I'll be paying for whatever you want too?"
Yuri began to walk off with a pleased smile. "How did you know?"
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