No Need for Love

C h a p t e r 5 - At Last it Begins

Once I get home I eat a quick meal. Which only consists of ramen in a cup. Afterwards I quickly change and decide to go to bed early. I want to make sure I absolutely get enough sleep. I need to ace the exam tomorrow. I know I will, but there's no harm in being prepared.

Seizing all thoughts, I take a deep breath and close my eyes. Falling into a sweet dreamless sleep.

...

Although I've been asleep for eight hours, it only feels like five minutes went by. And just like that, my eyes open. The blaring sound of my alarm clock forces me to wake up. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, but I never am. Reaching over I slam my hand on the alarm, turning it off. Pulling my soft blankets aside, I sit up and realize that today is the day.

My last day at the academy. My last day as an academy student. For today I will take the exam and become a real ninja. I know I'll only be a genin, but every ninja has to start somewhere. Getting up I enter the bathroom and take a shower. Then I go through and complete each of my morning tasks.

Once I'm dressed I go into the kitchen and decide on what to eat for breakfast. I settle for a bowl of rice with two over easy eggs on top, along with a buttered side of toast. Sitting down I begin to eat while silently thanking myself for the meal. With a new burst of energy, I place my dishes in the sink and check the time.

'I should get going.'

Slipping on my shoes, I walk out and lock the door. On my way there I can't help but walk with a little bounce in my step. I feel jittery. My thoughts drift off, thinking on how today's events could play out. It's like I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I smile and giggle to myself. Looking up I notice people are giving me weird looks. It is strange - a girl randomly laughing and smiling to herself in the middle of the road. It seems suspicious.

Letting out an audible sigh I shrug my shoulders and keep walking. Reaching the academy, I go in and take my seat, greeting everyone at the same time. To avoid what happened yesterday I sit in the same place as before- next to Sasuke. He doesn't even need to speak, I can already feeling the tense atmosphere around us.

Trying to lighten the mood I turn and say "Good morning Sasuke."

Giving him a smile I see he barley takes a glance at me and says nothing in return. Sasuke's attitude causes me to lose my patience, and I end up saying something that makes him look a little shocked.

"You know I'm talking to you." I say suddenly, while he looks at me questioningly.

"Yes you, Sasuke Uchiha! I don't know what's with you, but not answering is rude. And if you're mad at me for kicking your butt, then you need to get over it. You are not the only person here who has potential, so get over yourself." I finish saying completely pissed off.

My little rant catches the attention of everyone in the classroom. Sasuke is speechless, I didn't expect him to say anything. Its not like anyone has ever spoken to him like that before. Briskly standing up, I turn around and walk away from him. Crossing my arms, I place myself in a chair next to Hinata.

"A-are you ok?" she asks quietly

Exhaling a puff of air I reply by saying "Yeah, thanks Hinata."

She smiles at me and I smile back. My attention gets turned towards the door as I see Naruto walk in, he's late.

'Must've over slept. That's so like him to show up late on such an important day.'

Once his bright blue eyes land on me he walks over and says "Hey (Name), good morning Hinata."

"Hi Naruto" I say answering casually while Hinata blushes uncontrollably.

She quickly replies with "G-good morning N-N-Naruto"

He stands there and I ask him if he's nervous.

"A little, but I know I'll pass this time for sure!" Naruto tells me

"Good, you better. Knowing I spent all my time yesterday helping you."

"Yeah I know, thanks again (Name)."

"Don't mention it. That's what friends are for after all."

Our conversation gets interrupted as Iruka sensei enters the classroom. Everyone stops talking as he begins to speak.

"Alright class, we will now get started. I will call each of you up one at a time and you'll go into the room next door. There we will observe your performance and decide whether you pass or fail. I want all of you to try your best, good luck." He tells us, and with that he calls up the first person.

We all listen in anticipation to see who would be the first to go.

"First up is Shikamaru Nara."

Shikamaru sighs heavily before making his way to the door. I wish him good luck, but he only answers with "Yeah yeah, what a drag."

That boy will never change. I guess it can't be helped, he is Shikamaru after all. I smile to myself as the rest of us wait for our turns.