Lotus Of The Leaf ~Book One~

Chapter 17! A New Chapter Begins! The Chunin Exams!

~*****~

The sun glittered through the kitchens windows as I made Kakashi's breakfast. I smiled warmly at the birds chittering and flying around as I set down his meal and head out for the day, excited at what today will bring me. As I ran down the street, a familiar mop of hair caught my attention. "Shikamaru!" I call happily, throwing myself onto his back and wrapping my arms around his neck.

He fumbled around, grasping onto my legs as I pulled them up. "R-Ren!" He stuttered, his cheeks flaring up to a nice red hue. "What are you? Nuts?" He complained. "Man, this is such a drag..." He whined as I refused to release my grip.

"I haven't seen you in literal days, you have to enjoy my presence for a moment before I got meet with my team." I jeer, pressing my cheek to the side of his head. "Besides, you know you love me."

"I do not!" He complained again, groaning in anguish as Ino came into view. "Aw, man...."

"Ren! It is so nice to see you! Isn't it Shikamaru!" She jeered to the flushing bump on a log. I leapt off of his back and looked at the sky.

"I gotta get going before I'm late, but hey! Let's all meet up for BBQ to catch up! I missed you guys so much!" I call, giving Ino a sideways hug before running again. I hear Shikamaru complain once more before rounding the next corner.

Hours passed as Sakura, Sasuke, and I were currently sitting at the bridge, waiting for Kakashi to show up. A grimace was plastered on my face, and it felt permanent. Naruto came running up, alerting everyone that once again, Kakashi was still not here.

"Hey! Good morning Sakura, Ren!" He cheered happily, giving the non-caring Uchiha a glare. I snorted and leaned against the railing besides him. They both grunt, turning away from each other. I let out a sigh as I hopped up to sit on the railing. 'They've been like this since we got back from the Land of Waves...'

A few more hours passed, and I didn't know how much more of this I could take. I go through the trouble of making an energizing breakfast and he makes us wait?! I scream internally, seething in pure fury. "Hey, guys. Good morning." I hear Kakashi chime lazily. "Sorry I'm late. I'm afraid I got lost on the path of life." Naruto and Sakura screamed angrily at him as I turned the other way, giving him the cold shoulder.

"I'm ready for the next ninja mission, Sensei!" Naruto shouts excitedly as we all line up. Kakashi holds his hands up, trying to calm him down. "And come on! No more of this dumb beginner stuff, okay?!" He adds, getting closer. "I want a chance to prove myself! I'm talking a real mission where I can show what I'm made of!" He shouted again. "I gotta break out! Burn it up! See!!!"

I flinch backwards at his intensity. 'He's literally like Guy....' I groan inwardly and sigh. "Uhhh... Right, right... right. I get it, that's great, Naruto.... Now... Take it easy, will ya?" Kakashi pleads gently. As if on que, Naruto turns his head and glares right at Sasuke. I sigh again as I feel the internal war brewing between them. 'Why must they do this? Can't they just get along?' I find myself imagining what Naruto must be imagining. Naruto swoops in, saving a batter up Sasuke from certain doom. He looks up, looking handsome and heroic. I snort loudly, covering my mouth as I start to shake, my laughter threatening to break out.

"Believe it!" Naruto screams, fire in his eyes.

"Let us know where you're done fantasizing, will ya? Kakashi has a mission for us." I state after regaining my composure.

"Right!"

"Could you not be so annoying, Naruto?" Sakura snaps. "Just for once?"

The first mission was weeding out a ladies yard. It was simply enough, but I knew Naruto would mess it up somehow. I felt small cuts form in my hands as I tugged out the prickly weeds besides Sasuke. I raise an eyebrow as a discarded weed plops in front of me. I look over to see Sasuke looking away from me, working vigorously. I fling it back and snicker. He smirks a little and tosses it back, this time, making it land on my toes. I grimace at the soil delving between my toes. I throw it back, smacking him right in the shirt. It leaves a dirt mark, which he hurriedly tries to get rid of it. I start to snicker more, covering my lips with my hand. Then, he reaches forward and wipes dirt from my nose. I scrunch my nose up, crossing my eyes to stare at my nose. I look back at him, smiling at that flush crawling up his cheeks. I was about to comment, but I catch sight of Naruto pulling the weeds and herbs from the ladies garden. She was not going to be happy about this. "Hey, you!" She screams from besides Naruto.