Ai Saikuro

Chapter Two

***I do not own Naruto!

I was the first one at the training grounds but I was fine with that because it allowed me to train for about an hour before Sasuke got there. I wasn't fine with that- I didn't quite know how this confrontation was even going to go.

He stood a good couple of yards from where I took my new position under a tree; he didn't move for a while, nor did he say a word. Did he even remember me?

"Hn, when did you get back?" It was a cold question, not an excited or happy one.

I didn't expect a warm welcome from him either- I did leave right after his brother killed his entire clan, without a word.

"A couple of days ago." I answered simply, no emotions displayed.

"Why?"

I didn't like that question at all. Why what? Why did I come back or why did I leave? I didn't answer.

_____________________________________________

Naruto and Sakura had arrived about three hours ago and I hadn't spoken since Sasuke asked his one worded question. Kakashi still wasn't here although it was hours past the time he ordered us to show up- I knew it'd be that way, this man would never show up on time.

"Hey, Ai?" Naruto called from where the others were gathered, I looked up and he walked a few steps closer.

"We're all wondering where you've been the past couple of years." He said looking behind him and attempting to hide his sadness.

"Everywhere but here." I told them. "I traveled everywhere."

"Cool! I bet you fought a lot of ninja!" He cried excitedly, almost giving me a whiplash with his mood change.

I nodded and looked at the sky. "I did, but even though it sounds cool it can be dangerous- it's very easy to earn enemies."

His eyes sparkled and the others remained silent. Naruto daydreamed for the next half an hour until Kakashi arrived.

"Morning everyone." He greeted causually. "Ready for your first day?"

"HEY, YOU'RE LATE!" The two loud ones yelled in sync. When had they practiced that?

"Well a black cat crossed my path so I had to take the long way."

I smirked while the others complained.

"Well," He cleared his throat. "Let's get started." He set an alarm clock on a stump."Here we go, it's set for noon. Your assignment is very simple, you just have to take these bells from me, that's all there is to it. If you can't get them by noon you go without lunch. You'll be tied to those posts and you'll watch while I eat my lunch in front of you."

I could just guess what the others were thinking, figuring out why that smartass told us not to eat breakfast. I smirked.

I raised an eyebrow at the Jonin. "Is that suppose to be torture? I've had much worse then just going without two meals, this is child's play."

But not for normal Genins, nicely played Kakashi.

He glared at me while I smirked back.

"Wait a minute! There's four of us, why is there only two bells?!" Sakura crowed.

He nodded smiling. "Well that way at least two of you will end up tied to a post and ultimately disqualified for failing to complete the mission. Those two go back to the academy. Then again..all four of you could flunk out too. You can use any weapons including shuriken. If you're not prepared to kill me you won't be able to take the bells."