Child of the Moon (Naruto Fanfiction)

2. Test of Teamwork

The next day, Miyuki woke up early. Earlier than she really cared for, and despite her efforts, she could not fall back to sleep. In the end, Miyuki got up and prepared for the long day ahead of her. When she was dressed and packed with everything she knew she would need, Miyuki picked up Kaminari and left her room, heading towards the kitchen.

Only a few of the lower ranked members were in the kitchen of the main house preparing breakfast for some of the higher ranked members such as Miyuki's parents. The workers didn't even bother to pause their preparations to greet Miyuki as she entered. Miyuki didn't really mind though. She was used to it being that way. Miyuki grabbed some left overs, enough for Kaminari and herself, before bolting out of the main house and out of the Tukiko compound.

As Miyuki chewed on a strip of pork, she thought about where team seven's survival training would be taking place. The KIA stone is there, Miyuki remembered. I should buy a few flowers to put there. Brother would like that.

Miyuki stepped into the Yamanaka Flower Shop just as it was opening. "Good morning! How can I help you, dear?" Mrs. Yamanaka, Ino's mother asked cheerfully.

"I just want a few flowers to take to the KIA Stone," Miyuki answered, glancing around at the many different flowers, most of which were in season at the time.

Mrs. Yamanaka nodded and started to gather a small bouquet of assorted flowers. "Here you go, dear." The older woman passed the bouquet to Miyuki.

"How much?"

The Yamanaka woman shook her head. "It's on the house today."

Miyuki blinked in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, dear. It's nice to see someone so young respecting the dead. Now hurry along!"

Miyuki gave a brief smile. "Thank you very much!" Miyuki quickly left the flower shop and raced toward the training ground with Kaminari. From a distance, Miyuki saw her three teammates standing around, most likely waiting on both her and their sensie. Miyuki did not feel like hearing the three, or at least Naruto and Sakura, ask her any questions about why she was late. So, she silently crept through the forest until she came out behind the KIA stone. Though they were just a few yards away, the three genin would not see her because of the large bushes blocking their view of the stone. They wouldn't even hear Miyuki unless she wanted them too.

Miyuki knelt down by the monument, gazing at it sorrowfully as she gently laid the flowers down in front of the stone. Clasping her hands together, Miyuki gave a silent prayer. Please watch over and guide us as we begin our own path as shinobi. Miyuki unclasped her hands and stood up when she smelt the unique scent of her new sensei, Kakashi, though she did not yet join the others. "Good morning, class!" Miyuki heard Kakashi greet her fellow teammates.

"YOU'RE LATE!!!!" Naruto and Sakura shouted in unison. Kaminari and Miyuki winced at the volume of their voices.

Kakashi gave the team an excuse before asking, "Where is the Tukiko girl?"

"I'm right here," Miyuki announced, suddenly appearing beside Sasuke. Everyone seemed to jump at the sound of Miyuki's voice and appearance. No one had seen or heard her approach. They didn't even seem to sense her chakra! Even Kakashi, which surprised him.

"Right," Kakashi began, eyeing the snow haired girl and her wolf pup, "Now that everyone is here, we'll get started." Kakashi walked over to one of three tree stumps, placing an alarm clock on top. "I've set this alarm to go off at noon." He held up two bells when his students gave him questioning glances. "I have here two small bells...Your challenge is to steal these from me before the timer sounds. Anyone who fails...doesn't get any lunch." Kakashi pointed towards the tree stump with the alarm set on it. "Instead, you'll be tied to that tree stump so I can eat your lunch in front of you."