Sasuke's twin sister, But Neji's first love

Genin Takedown! All Ten Rookies Face Off!

As we reach Room 301, we see Kakashi standing in front of the door. We pause, staring at him.

"Glad you came, Sakura—for your sake and the others'," Kakashi says.

"Huh?" we all say in unison, surprised.

"Now you can all formally register for the Chunin Exams," Kakashi finishes.

"Wait, what do you mean?" Sakura asks, confused.

"You see," Kakashi explains, "you can only participate in the Chunin Exams if everyone on your team registers. That's the rule—it's always been that way."

"But Sensei... you said the decision was up to the individual," Sakura presses.

"That's right. I did."

"So... was that a lie?" she asks, narrowing her eyes.

"Sort of," Kakashi admits. "It is an individual decision, but it affects all of you. I didn't tell you earlier because I didn't want the others pressuring you. At the same time, I didn't want you to feel obligated to participate because of your feelings for the team. I wanted your decision to be your own."

"Wait a second," I cut in. "Are you saying if Pinky here didn't show up, but the rest of us did, we wouldn't be able to take the exam because of her?"

"That's exactly right. It would've been the end of the line for all of you. But it doesn't matter now—you're all here, and for the right reasons."

I glance at Sakura, thinking to myself, She could've messed it up for all of us if she hadn't shown.

"Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke... Ryuko." Kakashi pauses, smiling softly with his eyes closed. "I'm proud of you. I couldn't have asked for a better team. Good luck."

I blush slightly at his words and nod.

"We won't let you down, Sensei! Believe it!" Naruto grins.

We walk forward, pushing open the door. Inside, the room is packed wall to wall with other ninja.

"W-what is this?" Sakura stammers.

"Geez, I guess we're not alone," Naruto adds, both of them speaking a little too loudly—enough to make everyone turn and stare.

"Can you guys not bring every eye in the room on us?" I mutter, crossing my arms.

"Sasuke! Where have you been?" an all-too-familiar voice yells.

Ino.

I turn just in time to see her leap onto Sasuke's back, wrapping her arms around his neck. Both Sasuke and I glare at her.

"Boy, I was hoping you'd show up. I've missed those brooding good looks," she gushes.

Sakura growls, stepping forward. "Hey, you porker! Back off—he's mine!"

"Well, well... Miss Forehead. They let you in? Still rocking those billboard brows, I see," Ino retorts.

"Tch. I've had enough of this." I brush past Sakura, intentionally bumping her shoulder hard enough to make her stumble. Walking over to Ino, I grab her ponytail and yank her off Sasuke, making her fall flat on her butt. I glare at her. She quickly averts her gaze—and Sasuke does too.

"Oh, it's you guys," Shikamaru mutters as he approaches with Choji, who's munching on chips. "I knew this was gonna be a drag, but I didn't think it'd be this lame."

"Well, what do you know," Kiba smirks, strolling up. "Looks like the whole gang's back together."

"H-hi, Naruto," Hinata says shyly, blushing.