Shattered Ice

Chapter Six

Somehow, Amara knew that they had a Survival Test that day. Yet she still didn't bother showing up on time.

Five hours after the time they were supposed to meet up, Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto saw the orange eyed female making their way towards them, looking exhausted. She was wearing a one-size-too-big black hoodie, and baggy black jeans, while they could see the slight shadows under her eyes.

"Mara?" Naruto asked worriedly, said female looking at him tiredly.

"Yes Naruto?" She sighed. Her hair wasn't up in it's usual hairstyle, it was in a sloppy bun, her fringe still framing her face, and her bangs still covering her left eye. her pupil-less orange eye met his blue ones evenly, despite how tired she looked.

"Are you okay Mara?" The female nodded, giving him a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine Naruto. Besides," She gave him her usual cheeky grin, slugging his shoulder, before draping an arm over it playfully. " I still need to be able to put your butt in place don't I?"

Naruto pouted, causing her to laugh, pulling away. But when he looked back up,the concern was still there. Amara sighed.

"Stop worrying Naru! I'm fine. Besides, isn't it my job to worry about you?" She teased, Naruto finally cracking a small grin at the use of his nickname. She rarely used it, but the affection behind it still counts.

"Hey, why were you late anyways Amara? Believe it!" Amara stiffened slightly, something that did not go unnoticed by the team's resident Uchiha. His onyx eyes narrowed slightly, watching the female closely.

"Oh, I overslept!" She said casually, brushing off his question like it was nothing. The boy nodded, accepting her answer.

Amara felt bad about lying to Naruto, but as she said earlier. Worrying was her job in their friendship, not his.

In reality, she couldn't sleep again, so, she spent the entire night training. She had eventually passed out from exhaustion, and when she woke up she was already four hours late.

She had gone home, quickly getting dressed, grabbing her weapons pouch, and eating a small breakfast. Then, she had to make the ten minute walk from her house to the training grounds Team 7 was told to meet at, which put her at arriving exactly five hours late.

She knew he would freak out if he found out, but that wasn't necessary. He shouldn't have to worry about her. She was a big girl, and could take care of herself.

She watched Naruto with a soft expression on her face, her orange eyes shining with soft affection.

Naruto you're so innocent, and you has such a strong spirit. I can't bear to see you unhappy. I promise to always be there for you, and protect you, just as you once did with me.

~~~~~~

Not even a few minutes later, Kakashi appeared.

"YOU'RE LATE!!" Nruto and Sakura shouted in sync, and Amara let out an annoyed hiss, reaching up to cup her ears protectively.

"Naruto? Sakura?" She asked sweetly, the two slowly tuning towards her.

"Y-Yes?"

"Next time, DON'T YELL IN MY FUCKING EAR!!" The two genin nodded furiously, while Sasuke smirked slightly.

Kakashi shook his head, before pulling a kitchen timer out of his weapons pouch. He then placed it on one of the oddly placed stumps.

"So, for this survival test, you four will need to try and get these bells from me." He held up three silver bells, and Amara immediately turned her attention to him, her eyes narrowing in slight suspicion.