I am a Dancer (Naruto fanfiction)

15: Demonstrating Worthiness

"Last one," Cho said to me, handing the coding book to me. "Get this one right and you'll be done for today."

"Right!" I took the book and studied the code briefly before attempting to decode it. Cho was typing away at his computer, cross-checking his own work.

"Done!" I exclaimed, leaping to my feet. I had been stretching on the floor while deciding all the practice codes Cho had for me.

"Good work," Cho said, taking the notebook from me. "Thank you for your hard work. I'll escort you out."

"No, I'll take her off your hands," Ibiki-san called from the door. Cho gave a polite bow and returned to his work.

"Hello, Ibiki-san," I greeted, being familiar with his strange demeanor. "Do you need me to do something else?"

"Hirano, do you remember how many weeks it has been since you've joined us?"

"About ten weeks, sir," I replied, wondering what he wanted to say.

"Correct. Since you're still alive and well, I want you to take on a mission. It's going to be outside the village."

"Is that allowed? I mean, I'm still an Academy student." Academy students weren't allowed to take on missions much less leave the village.

"Technically no. But since you've passed all our the basic training so far, I asked Hokage-sama to give you a final exam. This mission is your final test to prove to us all that you are capable of becoming part of the torture and interrogation force and to finally leave the Academy."

"I can leave the Academy!?" I exclaimed in joy.

"If you pass the exam." He gave me a wry smile. "I believe you can handle it."

"What do I have to do?" I asked eagerly.

"Travel to the Land of Waves and send a message to a team I have there. Since this is your first major mission, Hokage-sama said you have to travel with a group."

"Right! Who do I go with?" Ibiki-san smirked at me.

"Well, that's still unknown. Hokage-sama will let you know. Goodnight, Hirano."

That evening, I took my time to stretch and workout in my apartment as much as I could. I was so excited! I would be able to move up the scale as a ninja!

"Oh wait, study first," I reprimanded myself, grabbing my textbooks. "We have a test tomorrow."

I woke up a little late the next morning, feeling last night's workout falling behind schedule. Therefore, I was only able to stretch for a couple minutes before jogging to the Academy. I'm going to ace this exam and this upcoming mission!

"Good morning, Hirano! Ready for our exam?" Iruka Sensei called to me. All six classes were taking the exam, so of course Iruka Sensei knew about today's test.

"Yes sir!"

I went into my classroom and sat in the side front desks and did some last-minute studying. Good thing I had studied much earlier before today. I reviewed the homework my Sensei had assigned us all and practiced stretching as much as I could.

I wonder when Hokage-sama will assign a team the mission, I wondered. Hopefully soon!

Classmates trickled in, and finally the teacher. I wiped my palms on my pants and took out a sharp pencil. Loud chatter dwindled to nothing. Test papers were passed around. Everyone looked at Sensei, expectantly.

"Begin!" I turned over my paper and looked through the questions.

Sometime later, the door opened. Sensei looked up and stepped out but left the door open. We all looked up curiously, but Sensei glared at us to continue the test.

"Thirty minutes left!" she shouted, coming back into the classroom.

Twenty minutes later, students began calling to Sensei that they were done. Another minute and I was done too.

"Sensei, I'm finished," I called, flipping my test over.

"Hirano, you may leave then," she said, pointing to the door. I grabbed my bag and left.

Only to meet Ibiki-san.

"I see you're done," he said curtly. "Come with me. It seems, we have a team willing to take on the mission."

"Really?!" I exclaimed eagerly. "That's great!"

We went to the Hokage's office and knocked. "Come in." Ibiki-san opened the door and let me through.

"You have to take Hirano as well," Hokage-sama said, his eyes twinkling in amusement. I turned to see Team Seven looking back at me."She's going to travel with you all to the Land of Waves and back. I presume you have discussed with her the mission and such, Ibiki."

"Hai. She is aware."

"Wait, why do we have to bring her along?" Naruto asked, confused.

"Well, that's a private matter, Naruto," Kakashi Sensei said abruptly. "Welcome, Hirano. Let's meet up at the gates in ten minutes."

"Hai!" As soon as we left the Hokage building, Sakura latched onto me.

"You're back!" Sakura yelled eagerly. "You're going to be with us!"

"Hello, Sakura," I said, hugging her. "I'm glad to see you!"

"Yeah, it's so lame, especially since we have all these horrifying D rank missions," She groaned.

"Why are you here? You didn't pass the Genin exam," Sasuke spoke to me from behind.

"Well, Ibiki-san wants me to complete a special exam. I've done all his basic training, so if I pass, I'll be able to leave the Academy and join Ibiki-san's group officially!" I said, grinning excitedly. "I can't wait!"

"Good for you! I knew you can graduate the Academy!" Sakura praised.

"So, you four are here already?" We looked to see Tazuna, Team Seven's client arriving at the gates. "You guys better your job well!" He grouches at us.

Sakura puts up a happy smile, trying to make everything better, while Naruto screamed back at the old man.

What fun.