||Kunoichi: Hinode|| Sasuke x Reader

Chapter 25: Changes

"Sakura... Don't worry... It wasn't a major injury," (Y/n) tried to comfort her teammate as they walked down the hospital. "I just wish he wouldn't be so stubborn when he's training..." she faced the floor. "It's Sasuke we are talking about here... He pushed himself and that's how he got stronger..." the Hatake grabbed a clipboard that hung outside of a door. "(Y/n)..." Sakura called out in a low voice. "I... I want to thank you for taking care of Sasuke when he's injured..." her emerald eyes were glazed in tears. "Oh, Haruno... You don't have to thank me... I'm a medic, it's kind of my job whether I like it or not," the smaller girl giggled as she entered the hospital room. "Sasuke!" Sakura pushed past the girl as she pulled the Uchiha into a hug, making (Y/n) drop the clipboard. The medic let out a sigh as she picked the papers up from the ground. "(Y/n)," a deeper voice called. The Hatake looked up to see an Anbu ninja standing in front of her. "Lady Hokage wishes to see you," he spoke. "Tsunade-sama...?" she mumbled. "Alright... Tell her I'll be there," she said as the ninja nodded and disappeared.

"Sakura, take care of this for me until I get back," she handed the clipboard to the girl. "And DON'T read the files," (Y/n) eyed the pinkette down. "Yup! Don't worry I got it!" Sakura smiled at her. "Then, I'll be back in a few," she spoke in a soft voice as she ruffed the Uchiha's hair, hearing a small 'hn' as she exited the room.

"Oh man... This is such a drag... They are probably going to make me go on more missions of higher difficulty..." a familiar voice echoed down the hall. 'Shika...?' (Y/n) questioned as she tilted her head. Once she could hear anymore mumbling or talking she faced the door of the Hokage's office. "Tsunade-sama?" she called out as she knocked on the door. A muffled 'Come in!' rang passed the doors as the genin walked through.

As she walked in, she was met by many familiar faces. Every proctor from the exams: Ibiki, Anko, and Genma. Sadly, Hayate had been killed by Kabuto. Kotetsu and Izumo stood next to Shizune and Tonton. All six stood next to Tsunade as she sat at a large desk. They all had a smile on their face as she stood in the center of the room. "As I told Shikamaru earlier, I honestly don't don't understand much of this. It seems there were several opinions on the final exam being suspended that no one should pass this time around. But I hear the late Third Hokage highly praised your match along with many of the audience members. Apparently many high ranking ninja, the proctors of the exams, and feudal lords recommended you for Chuunin, but Lord Third had other plans. In that case, it's not in place to say this or that about it. From now on strive to perform in a manner that is worthy of that headband..." Tsunade said as a smile grew on her face. "Congratulations! As of today..."

"You are now a Jounin!"

(Y/n) eyes grew large as she looked on. "I-I'm a... J-Jou...Jouni-..." the girl struggled to get the words out as she stood there in disbelief. She watched as her sensei stood up and walked towards her with her hands behind her back. "And I know what happened to your old headband, hence... why you've been reluctant to wear it since that day..." she said in a low voice. "So... I took the liberty to get you this..." both of her hands were held out in front of her, holding a new Konohagakure headband. The older lady tied the headband around the girl's forehead. It was a black headband with longer ties, allowing the ends flow along her long, (h/c), red-tinted hair.

(Y/n) stood in front of Tsunade, still in shock. Tears began to well up in her polychromatic eyes as her small hand touched the metal head plate. Without warning, the Hatake tackled Tsunade into a hug, wetting her clothed with tears.

"Thank you..." her muffled words cried as she tightened the hug. Small laughter filled the room at the other jounin and chuunin in the room felt heart warmed at the girl's reaction.