Running Up That Hill. Naruto Story. Book 1

Room 301

The Next Day

We stand outside of room 301, Kakashi-sensei standing in the way of the door.

“Glad you came, Sakura. For your sake, and the others.” Kakashi-sensei says so seriously, chills run down my spine. “Now, you can all formally register for the Chunin exams.”

“Why, whada ya mean?” Sakura asks.

“You see, only groups of three or four are allowed to apply for, and take, the exam. That’s the way it’s always been.” Kakashi-sensei says, his eyes never leaving Sakura’s.

“But, Sensei, you said that the decision to take the exam was up to the individual.” Sakura says.

“That’s right, I did.” Kakashi says simply.

“Was that a lie?” Sakura asks. Kakashi looks away.

“Sort of. It is an individual decision. But it effects all of you. I didn’t tell you before, because I didn’t want the other guys pressuring you.”

Sakura looks at Sasuke, Naruto, and me.

“At the same time,” Kakashi-Sensei goes on. “I didn’t want you to feel obliged to participate because of any feelings you might have for Sasuke, or Naruto. I wanted you to come to a decision out of your own free will.”

“Wait a minute, do you mean if the others shown up but I decided not to come with them-“

“It’d be the end of the line. If you hadn’t come along, I couldn’t have let the others in. But it’s a mute point, you’re all here and for the right reasons. Sakura, Naruto, Sasuke, and Alexis, I’m proud of you.” Kakashi says, smiling. Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke smile. But I don’t, what happened yesterday still bugging me. “I couldn’t ask for a better team! Good luck.” Kakashi-Sensei says, moving from in front of the door.

“We won’t let you down sensei, believe it!” Naruto says happily. Sasuke and Sakura open the doors, and the four of us walk in, Kakashi-Sensei watching us go.