Naruto, the 4th member of Team 7

Preparations for the final stage!

I woke up feeling refreshed than ever, I didn't feel any pain, I didn't feel tired anymore, the birds were even chirping outside. Everything felt at peace.

I almost forgot about what happened during the Chuunin exams even. Almost.

There was a knock on my door and Kakashi sensei entered with Ryuji in tow, it's like they were just waiting for me to wake up!

"You seem to be awake, Akiko." Kakashi sensei spoke nonchalantly with his hands in his pockets, "Were you guys just spying on me outside, waiting for me to wake up??"

"No, you just happened to wake up at the right time." "How convenient." I said sarcastically.

"How are you feeling?" "Much better, how long was I out for?" I reached for a glass of water on the bedside table, my throat feels really dry for some reason. "3 days." I almost dropped the water jug onto the floor once I heard that, "You've got to be kidding me."

"Unfortunately not. There are things that I need to catch you up on now, in regards to the final exam." The final exam is going to take place a month from now, well it isn't exactly a month anymore since I slept for three days. I'm also supposed to go up against either Kankuro, or Shino, depending on who wins their battle. Having watched both of their battles, I can't say who I would rather fight against and win.

If I win against them, then it's either Dosu, Shikamaru or Temari. When I saw Naruto's name  in the list, I couldn't help but smile and feel happy for him. But, Sasuke and Naruto are in the other half, so the only way to fight either one of them would be in the finals. Kakashi sensei also explained how even if I lose my fight, it doesn't mean I wouldn't get chosen to be a Chuunin as I would be evaluated during my battle for any qualities worthy of a Chuunin.

While Kakashi sensei updated me with what was going on, Ryuji had left the room and returned with a doctor and nurse who performed examinations on me to assess my condition. Once they were certain everything was fine for now, they left us.

"What?! Someone attempted to kill Sasuke??!!" I coughed, my throat still felt dry even after that glass of water, shouting only made it worse. "Who was it?" "We suspect it's one of Orochimaru's men. But, since the Chuunin exams will continue in a month's time, those who aren't from the village have left. Along with Orochimaru and his men we assume."

"But why give us this mark only to kill us now? He could've done that in the forest!" "That, we're not sure of. Nevertheless, you'll still receive ANBU protection, until you're cleared by the doctors to be discharged." Kakashi sensei placed a few videotapes on my bedside table. "These are the recordings of the battles after yours."

"Oh, arigatou sensei. Ah, has Sasuke woken up then?" "No, he hasn't. But since you've woken up, he should be waking up soon. Don't worry, we'll let you know once he has." Kakashi sensei assured me with a smile. I smiled back, but it didn't relieve my worries, I could only hope that Sasuke wakes up soon.

"Has Sakura or Naruto come by?" I decided to ask, I didn't want to worry them if they saw me unconscious for so long. "They did, as well as that Hyuga boy. But we didn't allow any visitors for the both of you, now that you're awake though. We can let them visit you if you want." "Yes please."

"So, for this final stage. Everybody's supposed to train to prepare right? Will you be training all 3 of us, sensei?" "No, I've entrusted another jonin to training Naruto. For now, I'll be training Sasuke, unless things change."

"Huh? But why Sasuke only??" Sasuke and I are of equal level, why does he get Kakashi sensei?? "Well, we both have the Sharingan, there's nobody else in Konoha who's able to teach him on how to use it effectively other than me."