Naruto sprawled across the floor, occasionally twitching with pain. The other two however seem to have dealt with a much better fate. Damn it, I just do not have enough experience fighting real opponents. Frustrated with his display, kept on going through each and every moment of the test. Pointless finding fault with anyone but myself. There were several instances I could have turned the tide. 

Kakashi however is still stunned; he still cannot believe the jutsu he saw from Naruto and the prowess of Sasuke's Sharingan. Of all the jutsu he used, it was the rasengan and I felt shivers when Sasuke activated his Sharingan. However despite their prowess, they seem not acknowledge each other. The so called rift they have created due the labels they are usually attached to. The tragic genius and the prankster or to be more accurate the monster. Kakashi closed his eyes. Where did he learn that jutsu; rather who did he learn it from? The only person who is capable of doing that lives away from the village... then how?

Kakashi picked up the limp body of Sakura and tied her to the pillar at the centre. Then he picked up Sasuke and tied him over at to the pillar to his right. He turned back to Naruto and threw a water bottle, "Naruto get over here and wake them up." Puzzled by Kakashi's actions, he walked over to each pillar and sprinkled some water at each of their faces. 

Why am I tied up to the pole alongside Sakura? This is a disgrace! Sasuke gave a cold glance at Naruto. Why is that jackass free? He ruined my chances of victory. Curse you Kakashi...

Noticing how the other two seem to have awoken, Kakashi stood in between the two poles. Looking at the two of them he sighed, "First of all, Naruto's judgement at the beginning was right. This was a test of teamwork, not an individual test. The two of you failed badly. Even at the times Naruto created various opportunities neither of you were to grasp them. At the very least you were not even cooperating despite his somewhat inadequate attempts to do so. First off Sakura, you were stuck in a genjutsu. Granted that it was your first experience of this level of combat and that you effectively dispelled it, you failed in critical combat analysis. In other words you were not aware of your surroundings. Sasuke your pride got the best of your judgement. You completely disregarded Naruto and his efforts and only thought about capitalizing the best out of situation for yourself. That is highly looked down upon in Leaf Village. After all those who break the rules are scum; those that abandon their comrades are even more of a scum."

"Finally you Naruto. Despite the fact I commend you for your observation, you clearly lacked the ability to effectively communicate with the rest of the team. If you had done so with either of them, the result would have been much different. One last thing despite the fact that you failed the test, neither of you will be sent back to the academy, so don't worry. By the way tomorrow we will be doing our first mission so be here at 10 am. Alright then see you-"

"Kakashi sensei, wait a second. Can you spare them and tie me up instead?" Naruto asks. I just hope I am proven wrong. "Sure" Kakashi replied. With a puff of dust he appeared behind each of them and slashed off their bindings. Afterwards he tied him up to the pole. 

"Well the see you tomorrow at 10.00am" and with that he disappeared with a flash. Sasuke took a glance at Naruto. He stated, "We are leaving Sakura" and he grabbed her hand and drew her away. Flushed by the sudden by his sudden contact, she nodded and trailed behind him. After walking for a few minutes, Sakura grew uneasy. After all Naruto seemed to take their punishment upon himself. 

"Sasuke, is it alright that he leave him there?"

"It is because of that fool and his selfish ways that we lost in the first place. He even interrupted my Fireball jutsu a multiple times with his clones. He just wants all the glory. All his talk was just sucking up to Kakashi."

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If Sasuke says so it must be true. After all he is known for his troublesome plans and he is nowhere great as a person in comparison to Sasuke. Sakura reaffirms herself continuously reminding herself this, as if it a mantra of some sorts.

"Naruto..." Sasuke murmured with a hint of malice in his voice. 

.........

I knew it..... this is a drastic change of events. In fact so much so that it could potentially blow everything out of proportions. In the original story Sasuke and Sakura helped him out when he was punished. Now however they just walked away. Sigh at least getting tied up gave me some hints about the situation. "Kakashi sensei, come out come out wherever you are~~~~ I know you eavesdropped on them too~~~" he chimed.

"How did you know?" 

"I have my means and methods."

"What did you want confirm by letting them go?"

"I have my reasons, you won't believe me even if I tell you."

"Oh, is that so?"

"Very much so."

"Final question, where did you learn that jutsu."

"Eyes and ears are everywhere, aren't they Kakashi sensei? Besides again you won't believe me even if I tell you. Though do know this however I mean no harm to my village. Ahh by the way, can you remove these already?"

"No can do, you took their punishment yourself. Bye bye~~~" and with that Kakashi made his leave.

"OI OI AT LEAST PAY ME BACK FOR GIVING ME CONSTIPATION!!!!!!"

.......

Two hours later he made his way back to the village. However once again as he absentmindedly wandered through the streets, he crashed against a soft figure. He just collided with Hinata who was staring longingly at the cinnamon roll shop. He quickly snapped back to reality to find Hinata blushing in shades of red which probably are not even discovered yet. 

"I'm sorry Hinata, my bad I gotta watch where I am going."

"Nnnnnonono i-i-it's my bad too" with that she looked down. Did he see what I was staring at?  Will he think I am weird?

He turned to his right to see a shop "Ahhh this shop is famous for cinnamon rolls aren't they, OHHHHH they seem to be having some sort of special." He then looked back at Hinata, "Hinata do you wanna eat some with me?"

When the last syllable left his mouth, her heart started beating faster and faster, she fiddling with her thumbs, seemingly trying to muster her courage to give him her answer.

"But-but I don't have any money..." she spoke so softly that it barely came out as a whisper.

"Then it's my treat~~"

He then took her hand and gently directed her towards the shop. Hinata couldn't help but smile ever so slightly as he held on to her hand. After ordering a couple of rolls and a drink, they sat down facing each other across the table. He could only be mesmerized by her cute expression as munches down on her roll. The way her little button nose wriggled with delight as she takes her bite. Those eyes which seem to sparkle as if they really were a pair of pearls. 

They chatted nearly for an hour from their first day as genins to small trivial matters. The more he talks to her to more he is feels comfortable and welcome for the first time in this world. Her giggle manages to make his heart skip a beat every time. 

"Umm Naruto I gotta leave now, otherwise my dad would get mad at me..."

"It's alright but can you promise me something?"

"Wh-what is it?"

"When can we meet again?"

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Wow this chapter did drain a lot of me for some reason but I enjoyed writing and planning it out. 

Thanks as always for reading~~~

Regards,

Areima