She's My Cousin

Let the Chūnin Exams... Begin!

"Ginko, I'd like you to meet, Itsuki and Tsukiko. They'll be your teammates during the exam," the Hokage said to the young silverette, motioning to the two the ANBU who were henged to look like they were Genin. The girl, Tsukiko, had straight, shoulder length purple hair, warm brown eyes, and a katana strapped to her back. The boy, Itsuki, had shoulder length brown hair and black, almond-shaped eyes. Their attire was simple; Tsukiko wore a black top with black shorts while Itsuki wore a navy-blue shirt; which was form fitting and reaching up to his chin, and navy-blue pants. In addition to that, Itsuki also had a happuri-style forehead protector that frames his face, similar to that of Tobirama Senju, while Tsukiko didn't have one at all.

They both smiled and waved, Ginko doing the same. She knew that Itsuki and Tsukiko weren't their real names, seeing as how ANBU dislike letting anyone know their identities, but that was okay. "You ready to go?" Itsuki​ asked and she nodded. They soon left the building as the Hokage wished them luck. Ginko happy skipped the short distance to the academy while the two ANBU stayed a step behind, keeping their eyes open for signs of an enemy threat. They were told to keep an eye on Ginko and keep her safe from an unknown enemy staging themselves as a Genin.

When they reached the academy and walked up to the second floor, Ginko stopped before the two henged Chunin guarding room '301'. She leaned towards them as they leaned back slightly. Nodding, she says, "I thought I recognized you. You were sleeping by the gate the first day I came to the village." The ANBU glared at the Two T&I members. Sleeping on the job? The Chunin glared at the 8-year-old looking girl. "We were not!" they shouted together, causing her to smirk. "Riiight."

She then continued onto the third floor, the two ANBU following, still glaring at the Chunin who flinched when they recognized the ANBU. But soon the ANBU's irritation was replaced with surprise when Ginko shouted, "Kakashi Sensei!" as she ran towards their old squad leader, the Double Kodachi on her back bouncing slightly. The silver-haired man looked up from the book he was reading to smile at the girl. Even from behind his mask, they could tell that the smile was genuine. Something they've never seen before. "Gina," he said softly. "How's my favorite little Genin?"

"Great! I just came from the Hokage's office. These will be my temporary teammates, Itsuki and Tsukiko," she said looking back at them. Kakashi's one visible eye widened when he saw them. "Are they?" They smiled nervously and waved. He steps forward, placing a hand on Ginko's shoulder. "Take care of her." It wasn't a request; it was an order and they knew it. Standing to attention, they nodded their heads, the respect they had for him evident.

They still thought highly of the man.

On the floor just below them was the rest of Team 7, confronting the Chunin about the genjutsu. Sakura was still a little hesitant, finding it hard to believe that someone as amazing as Ginko thought so highly of her, and Sasuke could sense it. She was grateful to her teammates, especially when her crush openly acknowledged her, for believing in her. It gave her the courage she needed.

When one of the Chunin went to attack Sasuke, who was ready to return the favor, Lee jumped in between, stopping both attacks with ease. "Whoa," Sakura and Naruto whispered in amazement. 'He's so fast!! He perceived the attack patterns on both sides and planted himself at the nexus of both their kicks... Ginko's boyfriend may be weird looking but he sure is strong...' Sakura thought.

When Tenten and Neji noticed Naruto and Sakura they greeted them happily; well, Tenten did, Neji was just his cold and serious self. Naruto elbowed him lightly, saying he should 'loosen up' and 'chill out', to which he received a blank stare. Sasuke and Lee were confused as to how their teammates knew each other, but Lee instantly knew who they were for Ginko talked about them during one of their dates, or 'outings' as she liked to call them. It meant the same thing, so he didn't understand why she thought it made a difference when she said outing.