Finding Our Ninja Way (Book Three)

There is no "I" in Team

"Teamwork: I find it fascinating that a snowflake, by itself, can be so delicate; but when they team-up, they can close-down an entire city."

-Steve Maraboli

6am, and at the brink of dawn. Daisuke of course had been wide awake, although he'd only slept for about 2 hours the night prior. Our young Uchiha was too eager for today, although he'd hate to admit it. Sure, he didn't exactly like Daichi- but he was still on a team with his best friend, and had been ready to show not only his mother, but the world, what a great shinobi he was going to be.

Naomi was equally as eager as Daisuke, but she wasn't afraid to show it. "Awe man you guys!! I wonder how much longer until Shikamaru sensei will be here! How lucky were we? I'm on a team with two of the greatest ninja's ever!" She shined like a beautiful, rare stone. Naomi Lee's smile was radiant, and toxic to those around her.

That being said, Daichi couldn't help but show a little smirk. He knew he was a good ninja--but no one else ever took notice, especially when competing along side with Daisuke.

Time soon passed, and before the trio knew it, it was 6:45. The sun had finally arose passed the trees, now peaking out of the wooded terrain in little bursts of light. Team 9 was suppose to meet outside the North gate, a little ways passed the memorial training grounds. Hadn't they been in the right place?? "Geez, Shikamaru-sensei must not know anything about punctuality." Remarked Daisuke. "I'm sure he just woke up a little late.." Said Naomi optimistically, but still possessing an unclear frown. "Maybe he's a no-show cause he's not even gonna bother with a bunch like us," said Daichi.
"Hey, I heard that!"

Team 9 turned their heads just in time to see the matured Nara taking his leisured time toward the three. "You were suppose to be here an hour ago!" Exclaimed Daichi. Shikamaru hadn't bothered as to even glance in the artists' direction.

"All the more reason not to stall," the shadow master said, before exploding into a puff of smoke before the eyes of his students. They all stared at the very spot their sensei had been only a second before, in complete disbelief. "B-but it looked so real--"

"Up here!" Shouted the team 9 sensei. As every child quickly turned to face the direction they'd heard him, Shikamaru held a tough composure on a tree branch above. "Your first team mission is to take these bell's from me, starting... Now!" Without another sound, the lazy genius had vanished once again!

Now glancing upon each other, Naomi, Daisuke, and Daichi all had the same overwhelming worry in their eyes and lumps in their throats. "Alright team.. Let's split up!" Said Daisuke. "No Daisuke! We have to work as a--" but before our young heroine could finish, Daisuke and Daichi had already disbursed. She sighed, alone, "a team..."