You're not the only one.... ×Book 1×

68. Chūnin exams: The beginning of the end

'I think superheroes are heroes with flaws, and in thier flaws, there is a sense of humor'

-Peter Segal
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I slowly opened my eyes and exhaled deeply. Today's the day of the Chūnin exams, and I still can't get what happened out of my mind.

I finally told Naruto how I felt and in return, he kissed me.

A faint blush spread across my cheeks and I contiuned to lie there, mulling over everything in my head. If I want to do good in my match I have to focus! I can't think about that right now!
I exhaled deeply as I started to slowly push the memory away from my mind. Going, going, going, going....not gone.

I frowned and just decided to get ready. When I tried to push the memory away it just stuck there like someone glued it on.

Was it a dream?

The thought of something that wonderful being a dream made me want to cry. I shook my head and went into my bathroom as I did my morning routine. After I was done getting dressed, I grabbed my weapons belt, clipped it on my waist, slipped on my shoes, and left the house. I didn't check to see if Naruto was awake or not, I wouldn't want to wake him up.

Hopefully, he'll just wake up by himself and get to the stadium before it's to late. I exhaled nervously and clasped my hands together. I'm worried for the match between Sasuke and Gaara.
I know Sasuke left to train with Kakashi Sensei for the whole month, but after what Gaara did to Lee, I can't help but stress a little concern for the situation.

'Don't worry about him' Kinase said suddenly, scaring me 'worry about your match.'

Oh, she's right!

Whereas everyone else is fighting another Genin, I'm stuck fighting a Chūnin. What was Granddad thinking?! I groaned nervously and rubbed at my temples. I just hope things don't go downhill from here.

*****

We all turned towards the stadium doors as Naruto came sliding through them, twitching in pain. I sweat dropped slightly as everyone stared at him. Maybe I should have woken him up.

"You must be Naruto Uzamaki" Genma, the new proctor said "I was just about to disqualify you."

At this, Naruto jumped up as though he was no longer in pain and smiled widely.

"You can't disqualify me! Right Sasuke?!"

Silence.

I frowned slightly as Naruto looked around for Sasuke who wasn't here yet.

"Where's Sasuke?" He questioned, continuing to look around.

"He's not here yet" Genma explained "so instead of disqualifying him we'll wait. Now get in line."

Naruto frowned and came over to stand beside me. I blushed slightly but didn't say anything, I wonder if he's mad that I didn't wake him up....I would hope not. After Genma explained a few things about the exams and how it would work we went up to the competitors stand, which was like a balcony with a metal railing where we could easily look down at match. Granddad, who had been sitting and talking to a man in blue robes, stood up and began explaining the match to the people watching.