Because I Met You

Chapter 15: Final Test

I am so sorry this took me forever to write. I literally had no time at all, with my new job.

I had to download a writing app on my phone to be able to write during my lunch breaks XD

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 15: Final Test

"Alright class, this going to be your final test. I want to congratulate those of you who were able to get this far. I am a little disappointed, however, in those who were not able to succeed. You had all the proper training and education to help you pass these exams. If you failed it just means that you did not work hard enough! And that, is unacceptable as a ninja."

Man, sensei can be harsh... I kind of feel bad for the people who failed. I'm still glad that Gaara, Yukari, Ikki, and I made it to the last test. After that, we can actually start learning jutsu and how to use weapons! I can't wait to finally start with the interesting part.

"The final test will be a two vs two match."

What? We're going to have to fight each other? So like... how is it going to be evaluated? Does it mean that at leaf half of us are going to fail? No that doesn't make sense!

"You will be evaluated based on how well you act and react to your opponent. Even if one of you might be at a higher advantage, I will evaluate you on how you are trying to handle your situation."

That sounds better than I first thought. Alright, I think I'm actually really excited for this!

"Since a lot of groups now consist of less than four people, because of all those failed, I might put you in pairs with other groups that are missing members. As for the groups that have all four members, you will be paired within your group and go against the people in your group."

So basically, what I understood from what Sensei said is that I will be paired up with someone from my team and both of us will go against the other two of our team. I just hope I'm against Mari. I really want to show her just how much I'm more than capable of standing up against her. I just never did for her sake and because she isn't worth my effort.

The first group starts going ahead with the evaluation.

"Hey, Ikki..."

Ikki looks at me.

"I hope we're paired up together for this test."

He smiles and blushes a little I think. He nods and I understand that he also feels the same. Even though Koji is not a bad guy, he's the only one of the three of us who can cope with Mari. Even he doesn't seem to like her very much. It's weird though... why is he hanging out with her then?

Oh! It's Gaara and Yukari's turn! They were paired up together, that's good. They'll do great!

"Alright, both teams, in position."

Sensei instructs them and gives them the signal to start.

Gaara and Yukari look at each other with determined gazes. They then turn to their opponents who have already initiated an attack. Yukari gets behind Gaara, and Gaara blocks the attack with his sand. The two assailants fall back, confused as to what to do. While they're lost in their thoughts, Yukari emerges from behind Gaara's sand and kicks both of them, sending them flying in the air.

"Well, I guess that settles it then. Yukari and Gaara pass. As for Junichi and Aiko, you two made the mistake of losing your focus during a fight. If you had been more attentive, you might've been able to prevent Yukari from getting you both."

I knew they'd make it! I'm actually glad this time that I'm not on their team. I'd never want to go against either of them.

So this means that Gaara and Yukari both made it through the exams! Alright, now I'll make sure both Ikki and I make it.

The next few teams do the exams and most of them pass. Sensei said that it's alright to have weaknesses as long as they are overshadowed by your strengths.

"Kiu, Ikki, Mari, Koji, you guys are up next."

Since a lot of the groups are all mixed up,we don't have group numbers anymore.
I hope I'm paired up with Ikki... Logically, it should be a guy-girl against another guy-girl team. For our group that is. So at least I'm pretty sure I won't be paired up with Mari. So that pain in the butt is out of the window.

"Kiu and Ikki, you'll be going against Koji and Mari."

Perfect! Everything is going so perfectly! This is great!

"So, Ikki, you're really good with a nunchaku. That'll be enough to take care of Koji. I'll be taking care of Mari in the meantime."

"...Sounds like a plan."

I look over to Mari and Koji. Mari seems overjoyed, and doesn't hide it. And she's throwing it all on Koji, probably telling him of the many ways she's planning to get rid of me. He, on the other hand, looks like he's living through a nightmare. Our gazes cross and he looks at me with pleading eyes, as if telling me to do something about Mari, and fast. Don't worry, I'll finish her off as fast as I can. The thing I really don't understand is how those two are a couple. Koji doesn't seem to have any feelings towards her at all. Well... it's not my place to judge I guess.

All four of us get in position. This is the final test... After that, we'all start the really cool ninja stuff like jutsu and weapons. I'll ace this and go celebrate with Gaara! Just Gaara. I feel like I want to just spend more time with him alone.

"Alright, ready? Begin!"

As soon as Sensei gave the signal, Ikki takes out his nunchaku. Mari runs straight at me and tries to throw a punch. I dodge, and get a hold of her arm in the process. I pull downwards, while trying to trip her with my foot. She, however, manages to break loose of my grip and does a front flip, getting away. Not bad. I look over at how Ikki and Koji are doing. Just then, I spot Ikki's nunchaku flying off. It seems like Koji kicked it out of Ikki's hands. Without another thought, I start making a bunch of hand signs. I just know that this jutsu will work. The jutsu that Yashamaru used... and just like I suspected it would, the nunchaku stops in mid-air. I hear a bunch of gasps and a few impressed mumblings. Alright time to do some damage. I direct the nunchaku at full speed towards Mari. Wait! No! That's too fast! Just then, Sensei comes in and blocks it. Good... I thought I was going to hurt Mari way too much.

"All four of you pass. Congratulations. Kiu, make sure you control yourself from inflicting too much damage on your classmates, it could be lethal."

"Sorry about that..."

Ikki comes up to me and pats me on the shoulder.

"You... did great."

I smile at him and then we both go, with me leading, join Gaara and Yukari. Ikki looks a bit hesitant, but it shows that he really does want to give Gaara a chance. I sit next to Gaara, who's looking at me with a big smile on his face. His gaze then turns to Ikki and that smile fades a bit.

"Oh, Gaara, Yukari, this is Ikki. He's a really nice guy. And Ikki, I think you know Gaara, and this is Yukari."

Yukari smiles shyly at him.

"Hello... Nice to meet you, Ikki."

Ikki looks a bit flustered but smiles to Yukari.

"Nice... to meet you... too."

At least those two are starting off on the right foot. I hope Gaara warms up to him soon. Right now, he seems really uncomfortable with Ikki being here. All four of us sit together until the end of the test.

During the whole time, Gaara didn't talk at all. I, on the other hand, talked way too much. I was excited to be with people who I can call friends. People who really do care about me. People with whom I feel comfortable. I really do hope we always stay together.

I'll try to do my best for future updates!

Thank you so much for your patience.