Book 1: Dancing With Lightning [Naruto]

Rookie Showdown

The five members of Squad 7 stood in the hallway, facing Kakashi, who was standing in front of two large doors. The silver haired Jonin gave them a closed eye smile. "Glad you came, Sakura, for your sake, I mean. Now, you can all formally take the Chunin Exams." He said, puzzling them.

"Why? What do you mean?" Sakura asked, voicing the question floating through their heads.

"You see, only groups of three are allowed to apply for, and take the exam. That's the way it's always been." He answered. Hoshino felt his heart sink.

"But, Kakashi-San, Haku and I make us a group of five! You said that wouldn't matter!" Hoshino said, looking at him. We just went through all that, and now Haku and I might not be able to take the exam! "Not to mention you said the decision to take the test was individual."

"That's right. I said both of those things."

"Were they lies?" Hoshino inquired.

"Sort of. It is an individual decision, but affects all of you. I didn't tell you before because I didn't want some people pressuring you, Sakura. At the same time, I didn't want you feeling obligated to participate because of any feelings you might have for Sasuke- or Naruto. I wanted you to come to a decision of your own free will." He explained.

"Wait a minute," Sakura interrupted, "do you mean that if the others shown, and I hadn't been with them-"

"It wouldn't have necessarily meant the end of the line for them, since we would have four team members. That brings me to Hoshino's question. Exceptions aren't usually made for anyone, in the team number. But since I ended up with a team of four, and later five, I managed to talk to them about it even before I nominated the five of you, that way it wouldn't be a problem and I wouldn't have to choose between you. Believe it or not, this isn't the first time a group of more than three has entered the exams. The last time was a long time ago, though. Hoshino, you look like you know what I'm talking about."

"The Four Legendary Sannin." Hoshino answered quickly. "Tsunade, Jiraiya, Akane, and... Orochimaru. They had a team of four."

"Correct." Kakashi nodded. "They've agreed to let you take the exam as a group of five given Haku's circumstances, considering you still want to do it, Haku?"

"Where Hoshino goes, I go." The Yuki boy said simply, as if talking about it was a waste of time.

Kakashi smiled again as Hoshino gave the boy a smile and a one armed hug. "Alright then... but the judges will make it harder on you guys during the physical tests."

"Understood." The five chorused.

He looked at them for a moment before speaking again. "Sakura, Hoshino, Haku, Naruto, and Sasuke. I'm proud of you. I couldn't ask for a better team. Good luck." He stepped out of the way of the doors and the five walked forward.

"We won't let you down, Kakashi-San!" Hoshino promised.

Haku and Sasuke pushed open the doors and they all headed inside.

"Wha-what's this?" Naruto jumped in the examination room.

There were ninja from every different country, village, just everywhere, sitting in front of them. It seemed that they were some of the last to arrive.

"Gee, I guess we're... not alone." Sakura gulped, making them all look back to see the new arrivals.

"Sasuke! Hoshino! Where have you been?" A girl with blond hair tied into a high ponytail came running up to them. Ino. She suddenly hugged Hoshino, making him jump a little, but smile at her all the same. Ino hugged Sasuke too, making him look very uncomfortable, maybe a little more annoyed. Who knows?