Naruto, the 4th member of Team 7

The Chuunin Exams Pt 1

Sasuke, Sakura and I were waiting at our agreed meeting spot for Naruto, he isn't late but he sure is cutting it close.

Yesterday, Kakashi-sensei finally told us about the Chuunin exams and that he had nominated everyone for it and even gave us our application forms.

"Though this is just a nomination, whether to take the exam is up to each of you. Those of you who wish to take the exam needs to sign those papers and hand them over at Room 301 by 4pm tomorrow." 

Naruto became so excited that he quickly ran over and jumped onto Kakashi sensei, wrapping his arms around his neck and hugging him. He caught Kakashi-sensei off guard but he managed to get Naruto to release him.

He waited for us to ask him any doubts, but since it was pretty straightforward, no questions were raised. "That is all." He then left.

"Hey!! Sakura-chan!! Akiko-chan!!" Naruto shouted at the top of his lungs, he was running while waving at us. "Good morning guys!"

I lifted my hand in greeting "Osu." "Yeah... Good morning...." Sakura greeted unenthusiastically.

"Sakura.... do I write my name here?" "Huh? Can't you read?" Naruto asked Sakura for help in filling out his application forms.

"Sakura's acting a bit weird today." Sasuke whispered to me, "Hm? Hmm.... I guess so yeah, a bit. I'll talk to her later." Wow, Sasuke noticed?

"Sakura..." I started once we began walking back to the academy, the boys ahead of us, leaving Sakura and I walking together. "What's on your mind? And don't lie, I can tell you're troubled."

Sakura attempted to dismiss my worries but after what I said, she faltered and had a sad look on her face, she spoke softly "I'm not sure I should take the Chuunin exams.... You and Sasuke both said that I needed training... I can't catch up with Naruto even... I don't think I'm ready for this."

I pursed my lips as I thought of what to say, "If you feel that way then... sorry to say but.. why are you here then? Kakashi-sensei said it's up to us right?"

She was quiet so I continued, "Since you're here you must have SOME confidence in yourself don't you? Sure, you may not be that good in some areas, but you excel in others. Nobody is perfect."

"But you and Sasuke are the best in the academy..." "Okay, let's not talk about us, point is you're smart too and you passed the graduation exam didn't you? Have some confidence in yourself, you've been doing fine in our last few missions."

Sakura was still quiet but I could tell she needed those words of encouragement from me, "I'm sure the Chuunin exams aren't starting so soon, if you want to train more to learn new jutsu, just say the word and I'll be there, okay? We'll pass this together!" I patted her on the shoulder and she smiled at me gratefully. "Thanks, Akiko."

We have already reached the academy and sure enough there were so many people gathered there. 

We were walking up the stairs and had reached the 2nd floor when we see a large crowd gathered in front of a door. "Hm? What's going on? That isn't where we're supposed to go, right?"

"It's not, let's go check it out." Sakura agreed with me.

We walked up to the crowd to see a girl with brown hair tied up in 2 buns, kneeling next to a boy with black bowl-cut hair and a green jumpsuit, standing next to them is Neji. I'm guessing they're his teammates.

"The Chuunin exams isn't easy, we failed it 3 straight times. We've seen many times people quit being a shinobi as well as being disabled for life just because they took this exam." There were 2 other ninjas standing in front of the door 301, one had brown hair that is combed down and another had black spiky hair with 3 bandages on his face.